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Why Go?
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 Casual, informal style with no need for tuxedos
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Samsara Spa, complete with spa cabins and exclusive spa restaurant
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Two of four pools feature retractable roofs, great for winter cruises
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Industry-first Formula One race-car driving simulator
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Editor's Picks: Best Family Cruises
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Itineraries and Ports of Call: Europe - Eastern Mediterranean • Europe - Western Mediterranean
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Costa Serena Review
When Costa Cruises launched Costa Serena in 2007, I wondered how the Europeans at whom it was aimed would react to an American designer's concept of classical mythology, with polystyrene Greek gods floating above the atrium, Pan's hairy goat legs supporting the red, glittery stools in the nightclub and green tentacles adorning the cocktail bar's ceiling. But they seem to love it.
Owned by Carnival Corporation and built in Italy with both the European market and European cruising in mind, Costa Serena is the largest in the Costa fleet, along with its sister, Costa Concordia, at 114,147 tons, with a maximum capacity of 3,780 (all berths). It's the line's 12th ship.
Although there are subtle differences, there are many Carnival hallmarks in the layout: the amazing nine-story atrium lobby, the top-deck waterslide, the busy thoroughfare of Deck 5, where almost all the bars are located, and the pair of two-deck dining rooms, Vesta and Ceres, at the centre and aft of the vessel.
I sailed when the ship was at almost 100 percent capacity, which was quite an experience. There were hordes of people everywhere -- all the time. At one point, I counted 23 people in a Jacuzzi that looked more suited to 12, some of them standing in the middle as there was nowhere to sit.
The ship does, however, absorb its 3,780 passengers well, provided you don't want to sit directly by the pool, where plenty of territory is staked out with towels.
Having said this, American passengers have to be prepared for the broad cultural mix on this ship. Southern Europeans, particularly Spaniards and Italians, are exuberant holidaymakers, dancing by the pool, dancing in all the bars and moving around in large family packs. Children are rarely put in the kids' club and swarm all over the pool areas, including the adult pool. Everybody goes to bed late, whatever their age. There's no regard for standing in line, whether waiting for an elevator or trying to assemble a salad at the buffet. In the main, it's one big, happy, multicultural family. But if you don't like crowds, kids or noise, choose another ship or travel in low season.
Read Complete Costa Serena Review
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Costa Ships: Costa Allegra • Costa Atlantica • Costa Classica • Costa Concordia • Costa Deliziosa • Costa Europa • Costa Fortuna • Costa Luminosa • Costa Magica • Costa Marina • Costa Mediterranea • Costa Pacifica • Costa Romantica • Costa Serena • Costa Victoria
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