Middle East Cruise: 7 Nights Sailing Across UAE, Oman & Qatar

COSTA SMERALDA FULL SHIP OVERVIEW & ONBOARD EXPERIENCE GUIDE

About Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is a large Italian-themed megaship that channels the spirit of the Mediterranean through design, experiences, food, and entertainment. It’s known for lively public spaces, diverse facilities, and a social cruising vibe.

Ship Statistics

Name:Costa Smeralda

Operator:Costa Cruises

Entered Service: 2019

Tonnage:182,700 GT

Cabins:2,612

Passenger Capacity:6,500+

Crew: 1,600+

Decks: 20 total (16 accessible to guests)

CABINS:

Costa Smeralda offers a wide range of cabins designed for comfort and style:

-Interior Cabins

-Ocean View Cabins

-Balcony Cabins

-Suites with premium services

In-Cabin Features

-Comfortable beds with Italian design touches

-Interactive TV

-Safe & mini-bar

-Hairdryer

-Private bathroom with shower

-24-hour room service (selected categories)

DINING EXPERIENCE

Costa Smeralda offers an expansive culinary scene with many options for all tastes

Restaurants & Food Experiences

• Archipelago Restaurant – Main dining room with Mediterranean and Italian menus.
• Pummid’Oro Pizzeria – Classic pizzas fresh from the oven.
• Teppanyaki Restaurant – Asian cuisine with live cooking theatrics.
• Food LAB / Culinary Experiences – Interactive cooking fun and chef-led workshops.
• Buffet & Casual Dining – Multiple stations for varied lunch and dinner options.

BAR & LOUNGES

Costa Smeralda has 19+ bars and lounges, featuring:

• Aperol Spritz Bar – Iconic Italian favorite
• Ferrari Spumante Bar – Sparkling wine with views
• Campari Bar – Stylish cocktails
• Nutella Café – Sweet treats lovers’ dream
• Piano & Jazz Bars – Live music and relaxed vibes

The emphasis is on Italian-style hospitality, especially in food and beverage offerings, blending regional flavors with Mediterranean classic

ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES

Costa Smeralda’s entertainment is lively, diverse, and often high-energy:

Theatres & Performance Spaces

• Colosseo Lounge – A spectacular three-deck central venue for shows, acrobatics, live concerts, and TikTok-style virtual bands.
• Sanremo Theatre – Additional performance venue for music, shows, and evenings.

Live Music & Social Spots

• DJs, pianists, jazz combos, and dance evenings
• Silent Disco, poolside parties, and themed nights
• Game shows and trivia throughout the day

Street-Style Venues

• Piazza Trastevere – Venetian-style piazza with cafés, live music, shops, and social gatherings.
• Piazza di Spagna – A relaxed open space perfect for day-time mingle and light activity.

Costa’s entertainment is engaging and often informal, encouraging guests to join in or simply relax and enjoy the vibe.

POOLS, SPA & WELLNESS

Costa Smeralda excels with both fun and wellness offerings:

• Pools & Water Park

4 Outdoor Pools – Perfect for sunbathing and splashing around.

Water Park with Slides – Exciting twists and turns for kids and adults alike.

Indoor Pool – Covered, climate-friendly option for cooler days.

Jacuzzis and Sun Decks – Chill spaces for relaxation.

• Sport & Fitness

Multisport Court – Basketball/volleyball and more.

Outdoor Jogging Track – Great views with your run.

Fully Equipped Gym – Latest fitness gear and optional classes.

• Solemio Spa

Costa’s large wellness center includes:

Hammam (Turkish bath), salt room, snow room

Thalassotherapy pool (sea-water therapy)

16 treatment rooms (massages, facials, therapies)

Relaxation and beauty areas - perfect for pampering and renewal

FAMILY & KIDS FACILITIES

Costa Smeralda is family-friendly with dedicated kids’ programming:

• Kids & Teen Clubs

Squok Club – Age-specific fun for children aged 3+

Teen Zones – Games, social activities, and parties

Crafts, games, challenges, and supervised sessions

Facilities like cribs, high chairs, and kids’ menus make it easier for families.

Activities run throughout the day so parents can enjoy spa time, poolside lounging, or adult nightlife.

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Onboard Costa Smeralda you’ll find:

Duty-free boutiques – Fashion, fragrances, gifts

Photo Studio & My Moments – Capture professional memories

Excursion Desk (My Tours) – Book port experiences easily

Costa Club Lounge – Loyalty perks and exclusive areas for frequent guests

**IMPORTANT NOTES**

Passengers must have valid travel documents for the entire cruise, valid for at least six months after return. Please check with local authorities or embassies to confirm the necessary documentation for your chosen destination.

TIPS FOR PASSENGERS

1.Travel Documents & Check-In:

-Ensure your passport is valid (usually 6 months beyond travel dates)

-Have printed or digital copies of your boarding pass, cruise tickets, and travel insurance

-For Abu Dhabi/Dubai, visa requirements may apply for non-GCC passengers; check before departure

-Arrive at the port early to avoid long queues

-Take photos of luggage tags in case of lost baggage

-Attend the mandatory muster drill promptly

2.Luggage Preparation:

-Label all luggage inside and out with provided cruise tags

-Pack a small carry-on bag with: Travel documents/Medications & prescriptions/Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses/eusable water bottle

-Check baggage weight limits and prohibited items

3.Health & Safety:

-Pack hand sanitizer, masks if preferred, and seasickness remedies

-Stay hydrated before boarding; long embarkation lines can be dehydrating

4.Currency & Payments:

-UAE Dirham (AED) is the local currency. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted onshore and onboard.

-Keep some cash in small denominations for port purchases or tips

5.Clothing & Essentials:

-Light, breathable clothing for daytime in hot climates

-Comfortable walking shoes for ports and excursions

-Evening wear for formal nights or specialty dining

-Swimsuits, hats, and sunglasses for pool and beach days

6.Planning Your Time:

-Decide in advance whether you’ll take organized shore excursions or explore independently.

-Familiarize yourself with ship layout online and deck maps.