Passengers sailing with Italian-based Costa Cruises can expect to be impressed by both the scenery and the food, which draws heavily on Italy’s culinary traditions. Menus across the fleet are designed to satisfy a wide range of tastes, from classic Italian dishes to inventive contemporary cuisine.
In April 2017 the line introduced a new menu by seven-time Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri, described as a “journey for the emotions.” The multi-course selection moves from antipasto to dessert and features dishes such as prawn salad with endive and a chopped Mediterranean pesto; garganelli pasta with swordfish, tomato and basil on a cream of cannellini beans and ricotta; and salmon steak with a potato crust. Each course reflects Barbieri’s modern take on Italian flavors while remaining accessible to cruise passengers.
© Costa Cruises
Recognizing growing demand for plant-based options, Costa’s culinary team rolled out dedicated vegan and vegetarian menus in 2015. These offerings are available on every ship and cover all dayparts, from breakfast through dessert. The menus showcase creative ingredient combinations and cooking techniques, highlighting Italian taste even in meat-free dishes. Examples include a bean-based hamburger made with kidney beans, cauliflower and fig tempura, and a comforting porcini mushroom and savoy cabbage soup.
To celebrate its Italian roots, Costa Cruises marked World Pasta Day on Oct. 25 with special dishes developed by two international chefs who recently took part in the Barilla Pasta World Championship. The occasion also included onboard activities centered on pasta and a communal pasta party, giving guests a chance to explore variations of Italy’s most famous staple.
Wine is an essential complement to Costa’s cuisine, and the line has expanded its onboard selection to reflect that. In May 2017 Costa partnered with La Banca del Vino to launch a new fleet-wide wine list featuring more than 100 labels from Italy’s 19 regions as well as wines from Australia, France, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the United States. The collection is organized into four categories: sustainable wines, organic wines, region-specific selections and wines paired with particular Italian regional dishes—making it easier for guests to choose a bottle that enhances their meal.
For those interested in experiencing Costa Cruises’ food and beverage offerings firsthand, opportunities to win a cruise are sometimes available through promotional contests. Such promotions can offer a chance to sample the line’s culinary programs while enjoying a voyage aboard ships like the Costa Deliziosa.