Costa Pacifica
Costa Cruises is known for celebrating its Italian roots (think lots of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine), and you'll find that North Americans are typically outnumbered by Europeans on the majority of Costa Pacifica's sailings. The budget-friendly cruises also attract a lot of families, and the vibe onboard the 3,012-passenger ship is fun, lively, and loud.
What We Love
Family-Fun Activities: Families love the Grand Prix simulator, huge poolside movie screen, water slide, video game room, and four swimming pools (two with retractable roofs that can be used no matter what the weather).
Spa Cabins and Suites: The onboard spa is gorgeous, and if you book a spa cabin or suite, you get direct access to both the spa and a dedicated restaurant — as well as two treatments included in your fare.
Best Known For
Buzzing Bars and Lounges: The ship's 13 bars and lounges each feature a different kind of music and most are high energy — perfectly pitched for having fun and people watching.
Who It's Good For
Multigenerational Families: A multitude of onboard activities, appealing entertainment venues, and port-intensive itineraries make Costa Pacifica a good choice for a family vacation.
Budget-Minded Travelers: As is the case with all of the line's ships, Costa Pacifica's wallet-friendly fares appeal to value-conscious cruisers.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
Quiet Time Is Elusive: While constantly hearing music might be fun for some, it can prove annoying to guests seeking a more subdued cruise experience. And like the line's other ships, Costa Pacifica caters primarily to Europeans with announcements made in at least five languages — Italian, German, French, Spanish, and English — so even if there's not more public announcements than on other large mainstream ships, it certainly seems that way after a while.