Iglu Cruise’s Cruise Travel Expert explored France, Italy, and Spain aboard Costa Toscana
Cruising is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding ways to travel the world right now, with cruises inviting you to explore some of the most exciting destinations around the world, from the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to Alaska, Asia, and beyond. When cruising, you’ll have the chance to travel in complete comfort, wanting for nothing, while you enjoy fantastic food and engaging entertainment, and make lasting memories.
If you’re browsing Iglu Cruise’s latest cruise deals and wondering what it’s like to embark on a cruise through southern Europe, you should check out this cruise review from Laura, Iglu Cruise’s Cruise Travel Expert. Recently, she visited France, Spain, and Italy with Costa Cruises, spending several nights aboard Costa Toscana. Below, she’s shared her expert opinion on this sensational experience and insider tips worth keeping in mind when you embark on an adventure like this yourself.
What was your first impression of Costa Toscana?
The Costa Toscana trip was my first cruise experience and gave me valuable insight into the onboard product and guest experience, so I can confidently recommend the brand and cruise experience to my clients.
My first impression of the ship’s atmosphere and design was that it felt vibrant, modern and full of energy. The Italian-inspired design gives the ship a unique character, and the public areas feel spacious and visually impressive. As this was my first cruise experience, I was particularly impressed by how lively and welcoming the environment felt, with plenty of beautifully designed spaces to relax and explore.
Who would you recommend this ship to?
I would recommend this ship to couples, families, and groups of friends looking for a lively and social cruise experience. The ship offers a wide range of dining venues, entertainment and activities, making it ideal for guests who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and plenty to do throughout the day and evening. I would particularly recommend it to travellers who enjoy a more European-style cruise experience, as many of the guests on board were Spanish and Italian, which created a very authentic and energetic atmosphere. It would best suit travellers who are comfortable in an international environment and enjoy experiencing different cultures while cruising.
Did you have a chance to see multiple cabin types? What were they like, and what’s one insider tip you’d like to share?
I stayed in a balcony cabin during the trip and found it to be a very comfortable, well-designed space. I think balcony cabins offer great value for guests who enjoy having their own private outdoor area to relax and take in the sea views. My tip would be to recommend a balcony cabin to guests who enjoy spending quiet time outside while cruising to unwind, and also for younger guests who enjoy good photo opportunities.
Did your accommodation have enough storage space for a full 7-night cruise?
Yes, I found there was sufficient storage space in the balcony cabin for a full 7-day cruise. The cabin was well designed with a good amount of wardrobe and dressing space, along with drawers and shelving to keep clothing and personal items organised. The bathroom also had designated holders for toiletries and self-care products, which was very practical. In addition, a compact hair dryer was stored within the dressing table area, helping keep the space tidy while remaining convenient to use.
How was the noise inside your accommodation? Are there any areas you advise avoiding?
The ship had a lively atmosphere, and on some evenings, there was corridor noise from guests returning to their cabins late at night. I would recommend that light sleepers choose cabins away from high-traffic areas. Cabins located on Deck 5 near the dining areas may experience more activity, so selecting a cabin on a higher deck could offer a quieter experience.
If you could only eat in one complimentary restaurant for the whole trip, which one would you choose, and what’s one must-try dish you recommend?
One of my favourite dining experiences onboard was the Teppanyaki restaurant. The chefs cook the food directly in front of you, which creates a really fun and interactive atmosphere while dining. I would highly recommend the teriyaki salmon, the rack of lamb and the rice, which were all cooked beautifully and full of flavour. The chefs also helped create a lively dining experience with their cooking style and presentation. It was one of the best meals I had during the trip, and paired with a glass of wine, it made for a fantastic evening.
What about the speciality dining on Costa Toscana?
I made the most of the speciality dining options during the cruise and chose to try several of them, as I feel it really adds to the overall experience and makes the trip feel more special. I visited the Sushino restaurant, which was fantastic as I love sushi, and the sashimi in particular was excellent and very fresh.
The Teppanyaki restaurant was my favourite dining experience overall. The chefs cook everything directly in front of you, which creates a fun and interactive atmosphere. The teriyaki salmon, rack of lamb and rice were all cooked beautifully, and it was one of the best meals I had during the trip.
I also really enjoyed the Heineken Star Club & Bistro, which offered a relaxed and lively environment where you could enjoy food late into the evening. The chicken fajitas were very generous in portion size, and it was great being able to watch and listen to a live guitarist and singer while dining.
Another memorable experience was Archipelago, where myself and another colleague tried two different tasting menus created by different chefs. The service here felt very luxurious, with the waiter explaining each of the five courses and wine pairings. The atmosphere felt calm and elegant, almost like dining in a high-end restaurant or spa setting. I did notice that the portion sizes on the menu I selected were smaller than my colleague’s, so the value for the upcharge could vary depending on the menu choice, but the quality of the food and service was still excellent.
Finally, the Pummid’Oro Pizzeria was also a great option onboard. The pizzas were very good value for money with generous portion sizes and a wide range of choices. Overall, I found the speciality dining across the ship to be a highlight of the cruise and well worth trying for guests who enjoy different dining experiences.
If you had a drinks package, would you recommend it?
Yes, and yes.
What was the most surprising or under-the-radar activity that a first-time cruiser would miss?
The Aperol Spritz Bar was one of the most vibrant and social spots onboard. It had a great atmosphere and was the perfect place to enjoy a drink before dinner or while watching the sunset. The lively Italian feel really added to the experience and made it a great place to meet other guests and enjoy the cruise atmosphere and get in the holiday feel it is hard to find and outside so easy to miss but one of my favourite features the decor is also amazing and further up the sunset swings as the cruise sails away is totally unique, special area!
For guests who enjoy nightlife, the nightclub located in Poltrona Frau Arena (Deck 6): A theatre that transforms in the late evening into a dance floor, was a fun place to end the evening. The music, energy and late-night atmosphere made it popular with younger guests and groups looking to continue the evening after the shows and bars. Being located right at the front of the ship also gave it a unique setting for a night out on board.
The salon located next to the spa was also a nice surprise on board, offering hairdressing and nail services in a modern and relaxing environment. It’s a lovely option for guests who want to treat themselves to some extra pampering during their cruise, and being located beside the spa creates a calm and luxurious atmosphere.
What was the vibe of the pool deck onboard?
It had a lively party atmosphere.
Did you check out the kids’ facilities available onboard? What were the highlights?
I briefly saw the kids' and teen areas during the ship tour, and they looked well-designed with activities for different age groups. The arcade area stood out as it offered a range of games that would be very appealing for older children and teenagers, creating a fun space for them to socialise and be entertained during the cruise.
Which destination was the biggest surprise, and why?
Cagliari was the biggest surprise port of the cruise for me. The historic buildings and streets felt incredibly authentic, almost like walking into a movie set. I also learned that Poetto Beach is highly recommended and only a short taxi ride from the port, although the weather during our visit wasn’t quite warm enough to go. It would be a great option for guests wanting to enjoy a beach day while visiting the city
For those who prefer to explore independently, what’s the best thing to do within walking distance of the dock at your favourite destination?
My favourite port was Barcelona, where I visited Barceloneta Beach. It had a really lively yet relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of the Mediterranean. After some time on the beach, I walked along the promenade towards the port area and stopped at El Tribut restaurant.
I chose to sit outside overlooking the sea and enjoyed a solo meal, which felt like a lovely way to experience the destination at my own pace. I had a glass of sangria with a steak meal while listening to singers performing nearby, which created a really enjoyable and vibrant atmosphere. It was a memorable experience and a great example of how guests can easily enjoy both the beach and local dining when visiting Barcelona on a cruise stop.
What was disembarking like?
Disembarkation at the ports was easy and well organised. Clear announcements and signs made it easy to follow the process, and the crew were helpful in guiding guests. Overall, it was quick and efficient, which made it easy to get off the ship and start exploring the destinations.
Compared to other cruise experiences, what makes this one stand out? Where could it improve?
Compared to other cruise lines we sell, the ship really excels in its vibrant and lively atmosphere. The strong Italian influence across the dining, entertainment and social spaces gives it a unique personality and creates a very sociable onboard environment. It has a younger, more European atmosphere, with many guests from countries such as Italy and Spain, which gives the ship a fun and international feel.
I particularly loved the spa, which felt very relaxing and luxurious and offered a great space for guests to unwind during the cruise. I treated myself to a massage as well as a hot stone massage during the trip, and both experiences were excellent. The treatments felt very professional and relaxing, and it was one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences for me on board.
The speciality dining was also excellent onboard with a great range of venues and memorable experiences such as the Teppanyaki restaurant. I also found the entertainment staff to be extremely friendly and welcoming.
In terms of improvements, I personally didn’t enjoy the food in the main dining restaurant as much as some of the other dining options onboard, although the speciality restaurants more than made up for this with their quality and variety. It would also be great to see a wider range of excursions available in each destination, as many seemed to focus mainly on historical sightseeing and ruins, whereas I like more scenic and fun activities.
One area that could also be improved was the clarity of the disembarkation process on the final day. There was some confusion around luggage tags, instructions, and times, which made the process feel a little unclear. Additionally, when asking for assistance at reception, the support provided was not as helpful as expected. With clearer communication and support in this area, the overall experience could be even smoother for guests on the final day.
What’s one bit of advice you would give someone booking this exact cruise that they won’t find in a brochure?
One piece of advice I would give to someone booking this ship and itinerary is to take advantage of the speciality dining options during the cruise. While the ship offers a variety of complimentary dining venues, the speciality restaurants really elevate the experience and were some of the best meals I had onboard. I would also recommend embracing the ship’s lively European atmosphere, as many of the guests are international, which creates a fun, sociable and energetic environment.
Another tip would be to explore beyond the main tourist areas when visiting ports of call. For example, taking a short taxi ride to Poetto Beach in Cagliari or spending time at Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona are great ways to experience a more relaxed and local side of these destinations.
What's your one-sentence summary of your experience?
A lively cruise with a strong European atmosphere, perfect for travellers looking for a fun and sociable holiday at sea.
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