Costa Deliziosa Review (2024): An Unforgettable Mediterranean Cruise Through Greece & Italy

Some cruises are memorable because of the ship.
Others are memorable because of the itinerary.

And then there are cruises like this one—my 2024 sailing aboard Costa Deliziosa—where the entire experience somehow comes together into something you never forget.

This cruise was absolutely incredible.

It was also something new for me.

This was my first cruise outside of Alaska and the Caribbean, while my mom had already sailed Europe before. And honestly, that made this trip feel even more special—seeing these destinations on a cruise for the first time, together.

From sailing out of Venice, to exploring Bari, wandering through the white streets of Mykonos, standing on the cliffs of Santorini, and eventually ending our journey in Istanbul, this became one of the most memorable vacations we have ever shared.

And honestly?

That’s what makes reviewing this cruise somewhat difficult.

Because objectively, Costa Deliziosa is not a perfect ship. It’s older, somewhat dated, the entertainment is average, the service is very European in style, and the technology onboard definitely feels behind modern cruise standards.

But none of that really mattered.

Because this cruise was about the Mediterranean experience itself.

The destinations, the cultures, the languages, the scenery, the history, the food, and the atmosphere completely carried this sailing into something unforgettable.

Quick Verdict

Overall Score: 74/100

Best for:

• Mediterranean itineraries
• Budget-conscious European cruises
• Greece itineraries
• Travelers focused on destinations over ship attractions
• International travelers
• Adults and couples

Not ideal for:

• Travelers expecting American-style cruise service
• Guests wanting Broadway-style entertainment
• Cruisers looking for modern mega ships
• Travelers sensitive to older ship décor and cabins

Food Review – 9/10

The food aboard Costa Deliziosa was one of the biggest surprises of the entire cruise.

It was excellent.

And considering the price point, even more impressive.

The Main Dining Room consistently delivered meals that felt far above expectations for a budget-focused European cruise line. Presentation was beautiful, portions were satisfying, and the overall quality often reminded me more of lines like Celebrity Cruises or Disney Cruise Line than what you might expect here.

The dining style also felt distinctly European.

There was a stronger focus on pacing, sauces, seafood, pasta dishes, and presentation. Meals felt slower, more intentional, and less rushed compared to typical American cruise dining.

And honestly?

I loved that.

The buffet was also solid, and crowd flow remained manageable throughout most of the sailing.

For the price paid, the dining experience onboard Costa Deliziosa was outstanding.

Cabin Review – 7/10

Our balcony cabin was comfortable overall, though clearly dated.

The design reflected older Carnival-family styling—colorful patterns, older furnishings, and a décor style that felt like a mix of classic Carnival and vintage Art Deco.

It was quirky.

But honestly… kind of charming.

The biggest issue was a recurring flooding problem near the bathroom entrance. Water would collect outside the bathroom area, leading to wet floors during the night.

Thankfully, it never smelled or felt like a serious plumbing issue—more like a drainage problem.

And oddly enough?

We barely cared.

We were so focused on the experience itself that it never became a dealbreaker—which says a lot about how much we enjoyed this cruise overall.

Internet & Technology – 6/10

The internet was acceptable but nothing special.

It worked for basic use, but speeds were limited. The TV system also felt outdated.

But this wasn’t the type of cruise where technology mattered.

We weren’t there for screens—we were there for Europe.

Pools & Outdoor Areas – 9/10

The outdoor spaces worked extremely well for this itinerary.

The aft pool became one of our favorite spots onboard, offering incredible ocean views along with jacuzzis and seating areas.

There was also a covered midship pool, which provided additional space and flexibility depending on weather.

One thing that stood out was how well crowds spread throughout the ship.

Finding loungers was rarely an issue—even on sea days.

There were even moments where entire pool areas felt empty because so many passengers were out exploring the ports.

One of my favorite moments?

Jumping into the pool completely alone while the ship was docked.

Also worth mentioning:

The Mediterranean water is freezing.

Much colder than most people expect.

Activities & Entertainment – 8/10

Entertainment onboard was fairly average.

Shows were decent, activities existed, and there was always something happening—but nothing truly stood out.

But that was completely fine.

Because this cruise wasn’t about onboard entertainment.

It was about Greece.
It was about Italy.
It was about the destinations.

And in that role, the ship did exactly what it needed to do.

Bars & Lounges – 7/10

There were plenty of bars and lounges throughout the ship, and finding a drink or a place to sit was never difficult.

The atmosphere felt noticeably different from American cruise lines.

Less party-focused.
More relaxed.
More international.

And honestly, one of my favorite parts of the entire cruise was hearing so many languages around me.

English often felt secondary.

Italian, French, Spanish, German—you constantly heard a mix of cultures and languages, which made the experience feel far more immersive.

I absolutely loved that.

Ship Design & Atmosphere – 6/10

Costa Deliziosa is clearly an older ship.

And visually, it embraces that identity.

The décor is colorful, quirky, sometimes strange—but always interesting.

Murals, themed spaces, decorative elements, unexpected design choices—it felt like the ship had personality.

It wasn’t modern luxury.

But it was memorable.

Most importantly, the ship was clean and well maintained throughout the voyage.

Service – 7/10

Service onboard was solid—but very European in style.

And that distinction matters.

If you’re expecting highly attentive, overly friendly American-style service, you may feel underwhelmed at first.

European service is more relaxed, less performative, and less constant.

Personally?

I understood that going in—and I actually appreciated it.

The crew was professional, efficient, and everything ran smoothly.

The Real Highlight: The Itinerary – 10/10

This is why we booked this cruise.

And this is why it became unforgettable.

Venice was incredible, even with the added complexity of transfers outside the historic center.

Mykonos was stunning.
Santorini was breathtaking—and chaotic.
The cable car lines alone can become a serious issue if you don’t plan ahead.

And then there was Istanbul.

Absolutely unforgettable.

One of those destinations that stays with you long after the trip ends.

The cultures, the food, the architecture, the languages, the energy—it all came together into something far bigger than just a cruise.

This wasn’t just a vacation.

It was a true Mediterranean experience.

Final Verdict: Is Costa Deliziosa Worth It?

Absolutely—if you understand what you’re booking.

Costa Deliziosa is not a modern luxury ship.
It’s older, quirky, imperfect—and very European.

But for the right itinerary and the right price?

It delivers incredible value.

The food was excellent, the outdoor spaces worked well, crowds were manageable, and the itinerary elevated the entire experience into something unforgettable.

This cruise ranks among my favorite vacations—not because the ship itself was perfect, but because the overall experience became something special.

And honestly?

That’s what great travel is really about.