How good is the fitness and sports offering on the Costa Smeralda? We tested and rated the running track, gym, courses, swimming and more. The categories were weighted differently when calculating the Sport-Ahoi Score.
⭐ Sport-Ahoi-Score: 3,0 / 5 🙂
🏃♂️ Running & Cardio – 3/5
🏋️♂️ Gym & Strength Training – 3/5
🧘 Sports Courses – 3/5
🏊 Swimming – 2/5
🏀 Ball Sports – 3/5
🚴 Active Shore Excursions – 2/5
🧖 Recovery & Relaxation – 3/5
Note: The values are estimates based on our subjective assessment.
🏃♂️ Running & Cardio – 3/5
The running track is located on Deck 18 at the rear of the ship — those who wish can extend their lap to the front section of the deck. However, the track is realistically only usable in the early morning or evening when foot traffic dies down. During the day it is simply too busy for a smooth run.
The cardio area in the gym is considerably better equipped: several modern treadmills and cross trainers are available. Bikes are limited though — just two upright bikes and two recumbent bikes. During busy periods, waiting times are to be expected.
👉 Suitable for easy sessions — best used early in the morning or late in the evening.
🏋️♂️ Gym & Strength Training – 3/5
The fitness area on the Costa Smeralda makes a modern overall impression. The equipment is solid:
Various strength machines available
Two multi-function cable stations
Free weight area with three short barbell benches
During busy periods, waiting times at the benches and cable stations are possible. There is no outdoor fitness area.
👉 Well suited for general training — expect limitations when the gym is busy.
🧘 Sports Courses – 3/5
The course offering is varied and diverse. The downside: many courses are paid, which is a clear disadvantage compared to other cruise lines such as AIDA.
👉 Good selection, but free alternatives are rare.
🏊 Swimming – 2/5
There is no dedicated sports pool on the Costa Smeralda. As an alternative, the La Spiaggia Beach Club features a pool that can be used for short lengths — no comparison to a real sports pool, but an option nonetheless.
👉 Limited suitability for serious swimming.
🏀 Ball Sports – 3/5
Deck 18 features a modern multi-purpose sports court. Volleyball and basketball are regularly played there. The facility is in good condition and relatively new.
👉 Solid offering for recreational sport.
🚴 Active Shore Excursions – 2/5
Compared to AIDA, Costa's active excursion programme is considerably weaker. Cycling tours and hiking options are rarely available. Those looking for active shore excursions will need to organise independently — for example via GetYourGuide or Viator.
👉 Disappointing for active travellers — independent planning recommended.
🧖 Recovery & Relaxation – 3/5
The spa area is subject to a charge. However, four whirlpools in the La Spiaggia Beach Club are freely accessible — a genuine highlight of this exclusive area on board.
👉 Good relaxation options if you make use of the Beach Club.
🧠 Overall Conclusion
The Costa Smeralda offers a solid sports programme. Strengths lie in the modern gym and the multi-purpose sports court. The La Spiaggia Beach Club is a real highlight — both for short swimming sessions and relaxation. During busy periods however, limitations have to be accepted.
Weaknesses include:
❌ Running track on deck only usable at quiet times
❌ Many sports courses are paid
❌ Generally weak active excursion programme
👉 Sport-Ahoi Score: 3.0 / 5 🙂
The Costa Smeralda is not a dedicated sports ship — but offers enough options to stay active on board.