Anyone been on Costa Smeralda?

[GenghisQuan]

Eyeing a Western Med cruise in December, current choice is between Costa Smeralda and MSC World Europa, but I can't seem to find any reviews on either of these ships. Has anyone been on Smeralda and give their experiences with this ship?.

[the wandering two]

We were on Smeralda last December, probably the same itinerary that you are looking at. We have Sailed many lines including MSC and only once previously on Costa (Favolosa). 

if cost is an issue you’ll get Smeralda with drinks & tips vs W Europa cruise only for much the same price. 
 

Great  atmosphere onboard, always something going on, lots of entertainment, never stayed up so late on any previous cruise. The jazz bar in particular liked that when the band took their break, a saxophonist came on & riffed along to a DJ mixing backing tracks.  
Pure Italy at sea at times, ie organised chaos, food pure Italian vs MSC more broadly Mediterranean. 
Have to laugh when I read some reviews that complain that they have to pay extra for pizza & burgers, must be the only line that do yet serve beautiful food like frito misto & whole grilled fish as standard. 
 

Drink package was so worth it especially as it also covered many drinks at the specialty bars, Campari, Ferrari &  Aperol. Found the cocktails were better made than most American lines we’ve been on, as they were less sweet, not loaded with sugar syrup. 
 

Central dome on deck 17 has lots of comfy seating, great for a sea day especially in winter. 
 

Food is a very decisive subject but we loved it, I’ll let some photos do the talking. 
 

[the wandering two]

[the wandering two]