Costa Deliziosa

Costa Deliziosa is the flagship of Costa Cruises. She entered service in January 2010, after being constructed by Fincantieri and launched in March 2009. The ship carries around 2,800 guests across 1,130 cabins, making her a mid-sized vessel. Her sister ship is Costa Luminosa, and both share a design blending elements of larger cruise ship classes to create something more intimate while still offering substantial onboard choice.

What sets Deliziosa apart is her genuine cultural significance. She was christened at Port Rashid in Dubai on 23 February during her inaugural voyage, becoming the first cruise ship in the world to be christened in an Arabian city. In deference to Muslim tradition, a bottle of special date juice was used instead of champagne, a respectful nod to her first home waters.

The ship offers an excellent lineup of dining and drinking spaces. The main dining room, Ristorante Albatros, is a two-deck-high venue with panoramic views on the aft decks, divided into smaller sections with distinct atmospheres. There is also Club Deliziosa, a specialty restaurant by celebrity chef Ettore Bocchia, alongside other venues ranging from casual buffet meals to a la carte fare.

For entertainment, the Teatro Duse is an 800-seat, three-deck show lounge hosting productions, musicals, concerts, ballet and laser light shows, alongside a 4D cinema called Cinema Etoiles with moving seats and 3D films. The ship also has a casino, library, fitness center, four swimming pools, five hot tubs and a spa. Throughout the ship, 340 original artworks and 4,756 prints lend a curated feel found on few modern ships.

Cabins span 14 categories totaling 1,130 staterooms, most around 185 square feet, with 68 percent offering a private step-out balcony. Panorama Suites feature wraparound balconies, large bathrooms with two sinks and a bathtub, and perks like priority embarkation and concierge service, while Samsara Spa cabins come with unlimited spa access, two complimentary treatments, and premium bath amenities.

A modern touch comes from Pepper, humanoid robots that greet and guide guests during embarkation and assist throughout the voyage, communicating in English, German, and Italian.

Deliziosa suits guests seeking interesting itineraries while still enjoying large-ship amenities such as a full-service spa and extensive kids' programs.

Sailed aboard this culturally significant flagship? Log your Costa Deliziosa voyage on The Cruise Globe to trace the precise route your ship actually sailed!