Costa Serena
Costa Serena / Costa Cruises
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Lido Sole Pool
Lido Sole Pool / Costa Cruises
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Teatro Giove
Teatro Giove / Costa Cruises
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Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite / Costa Cruises
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Vesta Restaurant
Vesta Restaurant / Costa Cruises
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Costa Serena

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Built in Italy in 2007, the decor of this 3,000-guest Concordia-class ship is inspired by the gods and goddesses of ancient Roman and Greek mythology. Although part of the Miami-based Carnival Corporation, Costa Serena rocked a distinctly European vibe for years, with announcements made not only in Italian and English but also in Spanish, French, German, and a handful of other languages — reflecting the multicultural makeup of its passengers. That all changed in April 2015 when Costa Cruises moved Costa Serena to a new home port in Shanghai to cater to the Chinese market. The ship is now in Southeast Asia, catering to the largely Asian passenger base and cruising from a variety of homeports.

What We Love

The Culinary Mix: While Costa’s bustling, two-story dining rooms are traditionally known for focusing on pasta and continental dishes, Serena’s repositioning has added a pan-Asian flair with Sushini at Costa, the line’s first sushi bistro. Guests can still enjoy plenty of pasta, pizza, and gelato at the eight onboard restaurants and snack bars.

The Thalassotherapy Pool: Located in the two-level spa, the large jetted pool is an ideal spot to relax before or after a massage.

Best Known For

Jam-Packed Itineraries: Cruise passengers who want to see a different city every day — in three or four countries — will appreciate Costa Serena’s fast-paced itineraries. That said, the ship might only be in port for five or six hours.

Kitschy Decor: Despite the ship’s name, its vibrant, playful décor is the exact opposite of serene. Designed by Miami-based Joe Farcus, the nine-story atrium features mannequin-like Greek gods and goddesses floating amid plastic clouds and elevators lit up like gaming arcades, while the nightclubs have whimsical furniture in bold color combinations.

Who It's Best For

Budget-Conscious Travelers: Costa cruises traditionally offer good value and a casual ambiance, giving the cruise line wide appeal, especially with multigenerational families.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

This Crowd Likes to Party: Passengers on Costa cruises seem to be on a mission to have fun — and this ship obliges by entertaining kids in the Pan Disco until well past midnight so parents can enjoy after-dinner nightlife.

Donna Heiderstadt
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger
Cruise Expert