Who We Are
Our Company
Our community brings together individuals from different parts of the world, fostering connections and collaboration across cultures, enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences.
We are here to bring happiness and provide unforgettable memories and experiences to our guests.
We Are Costa
Costa belongs to the Carnival Corporation Group, the largest cruise company in the world. We are the only Italian cruise company flying the Italian flag, sailing the world’s seas for more than 75 years, offering our guests a unique experiences on board and on land.
We thrive on constant evolution, new ideas, and sustainable innovation. Our passion and creativity unite over 17,000 people worldwide, empowering us daily to make dreams come true for our guests, communities, and ourselves. This unites and fulfils us, making us feel like we truly belong.
Our Culture & Traits
Who We Look For
Costa employees are united by a shared passion: to drive success and live their ambition. Whether on board or shoreside, they bring energy, creativity, and a spirit of adventure to everything they do.
At Costa, we seek individuals who are ready to embark on a journey of passion, excellence, and innovation. Our ideal candidates are not just looking for a job, they’re looking to be part of a global community. We welcome people who are:
Our Culture & Traits
Our Culture & Traits
Our Corporate Navigation System
To best reflect our identity and future direction, in alignment with Carnival Corporation, we have evolved our purpose and mission into six Core Values which define who we are, what we stand for, and how we operate.
They represent the common thread between us and the organization, shaping the actions and behaviors that characterize our inclusive and welcoming work environment. These elements are an integral part of our corporate strategy and ensure collaboration toward shared goals:
Our Culture & Traits
Our Core Values
Powered by Purpose & Mission
Our Traits
Our distinctive traits complement the Core Values by defining the soul and horizon of our identity and corporate culture. In doing so, we create a positive environment and broaden the perspectives of both ourselves and the people we interact with daily:
Warm hospitality:
we are welcoming, attentive, empathetic, and proactive;
Innovation:
we are curious, open-minded, dynamic;
Diversity:
we are authentic, respectful, inclusive, and collaborative;
Enrichment:
we are proactive, skilled, passionate, and committed;
Responsibility:
we are safe, transparent, and reliable.
Our Culture & Traits
Purpose & Mission
PURPOSE | Deliver unforgettable happiness to our guests
MISSION | Provide extraordinary cruise vacations, while honoring the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit and life we touch
Reasons To Believe
Reasons To Believe
Awards
- The Advocate | Adobe Experience Maker Awards 2026
- Most Attractive Companies 2026 | Joinrs
- #1 in Italy for Employer Branding | Potential Park 2026
- QPrize 2025 | Q Magazine
- Effie Awards Italy | Effy Awards Italy event
- Best Company 2024 | ADCI Awards
- Best Improvement of D&I on the workplace | European Union
- Gold Grand Prix - Sanremo 2024 | NC Digital Awards
- Grand Effie Award 2024 | Effy Awards Italy event
- Top Legal Corporate Counsel Awards Finalist | Top Legal Corporate Counsel
Reasons To Believe
Potential Park
The Potential Park Ranking reflects the performance of employers across all topics included in the Potentialpark Study: Career Website, Applying Online, Social Media, and Professional Platforms.
The Career Website Ranking assesses the proficiency of employers in effectively engaging, informing, and converting candidates through strategically curated content.
In March 2026 Costa was ranked #1 in Italy for Employer Branding, achieving top scores across all key areas of talent communication: Overall, Career Website, Applying Online, Social Media, Professional Platforms, Engagement, and Culture.
Reasons To Believe
Most Attractive Companies 2026
Chosen by a community of over 500,000 young talents, Costa Crociere is proud to be recognized by Joinrs as one of the Most Attractive Companies in Italy 2026. This independent award, driven by real user engagement and AI, highlights our vibrant company culture, continuous training, and commitment to sustainability.
Above all, it proves that our international, “life-changing” career opportunities, both on board and ashore, truly resonate with the next generation.
Reasons To Believe
Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global Awards 2026 | Recognition
Crew Ocean’s Health, one of our dedicated crew wellbeing programmes, has been named a finalist for the Health and Wellbeing at Sea Award at the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global Awards 2026 in Manila.
Developed in collaboration with the Carnival Maritime Medical Team, Ocean’s Health was created with a clear mission: to help crew members living with chronic health conditions maintain their wellbeing throughout their time at sea. Through prevention initiatives, health education, medical support, and personalised care, the programme empowers our people to look after their health wherever their journey takes them.
This recognition reflects the commitment of the many professionals who bring the programme to life every day, from our onboard medical teams to colleagues across our ships and shores. Their passion, expertise, and care make a meaningful difference in the lives of our crew members.
Our History
Our History
1948 – 1968 | Where everything starts
On March 31st, 1948, the shores of Genoa saw the “Anna C.”, the Costa family’s first transatlantic liner, set sail with its iconic blue “C” on a yellow funnel. This maiden voyage to Buenos Aires marked the beginning of cruising Italian style. Costa reimagined the first-class transatlantic experience, shifting to cruises designed purely for leisure and adventure.
1950s | Linea C. started using ships for pleasure cruises showcasing our innovative spirit. One of the earliest cruises in the Mediterranean was on the “Anna C.” in 1953.
1957 | The “Federico C.” is launched at Genoa Sestri Ponente shipyards. She is the first new ship built specifically for the Costa fleet.
1959 | The Franca C. became the world’s first ship solely for cruises, navigating in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.
Our History
1968 – 1988 | Plying the open seas
In the 1960s and ’70s, the demand for regular liner services declined due to the end of mass migration and the rise of air travel. Costa responded by focusing on cruise vacations and building a fleet designed for tourism. The first addition was the Eugenio C in 1964, hailed as “the ship of the future” and designed to break down class divisions. In 1968, the Franca C introduced the “fly+cruise” package for the Caribbean, revolutionizing the concept of vacation. To cater to loyal clients, Costa launched the wintertime World Cruise, becoming a tradition and offering transformative voyages.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the idea of the ship as a holiday destination was firmly established, with class divisions disappearing, cabins standardized, and entertainment options multiplying.
In 1986, Costa Cruises was established, marking a major shift with the introduction of mass communication, modern marketing, and affordable prices, making cruises accessible to a wider, international audience, including families and children.
Our History
1988 – 2008 | All onboard for fun!
In 1993, Costa became the first Italian tour operator to launch a TV campaign with the slogan “Navighiamo per divertirvi!” (We sail to amuse you) and targeted younger clients through ads in Europe and the US.
In 1997, after being acquired by Carnival Corporation, Costa saw increased investment, while maintaining its focus on innovation and creating unique holidays for guests.
Over the next 12 years, Costa introduced ten new ships with spectacular designs.
At the start of the new millennium, Costa launched the first European cruise ship with balconies. In 2003, the Palacrociere terminal in Savona opened, followed by the Palacruceros in Barcelona. In 2006 Costa introduced new itineraries in China and the United Arab Emirates, while in 2007 the company achieved a historic milestone, welcoming one million guests in a single year.
Our History
2008 – nowadays | A course towards innovative future
In 2009, Costa entered the Guinness Book of Records for launching two ships on the same day in Genoa, a first for any shipowner.
As the fleet grew, Costa focused on training and personal development for staff, believing people are the company’s greatest asset.
Costa confirms its pioneering role also in sustainability, implementing new practices and launching significant projects to improve environmental performance of its fleet.
In 2014, the Costa Crociere Foundation was created to support non-profits and make a lasting impact in Italy and abroad.
In 2019, Costa introduced the first LNG-powered cruise ships, Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, as part of our long-term sustainability vision.
In recent years, we have embarked on a significant journey of renewal and innovation. One of the key milestones is the “Sea & Land Destinations” concept, launched in March 2024: a real innovation in the global vacation market, amplifying the sense of wonder of travel through unique experiences both onboard and ashore.
Since 2021, Costa’s fleet has seen major improvements, with all ships upgraded to offer high-quality fittings and amenities with the latest product innovations. The plan is completed in November 2025 when Costa Serena finishes extensive dry dock renovations to become a completely evolved vessel.