Costa Favolosa review: A first-hand look at cruising South America in Italian style

If you’re thinking about cruising to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, this Costa Favolosa review isn’t coming from a brochure or a marketing video, it’s based on exactly what I experienced, for better and worse. From delayed embarkation in Rio to truffle risotto in the buffet, my time on the Costa Favolosa offered a South American sailing experience with a distinct Italian twist.

The cruise mixed in a lot of surprises I hadn’t expected, both on board and in port, and gave me a completely different perspective on what Costa offers compared to other lines I’ve sailed. So should you cruise South America on the Costa Favolosa? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, and I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.

On this page:

• Costa Favolosa itinerary: Where Costa Favolosa sails
• Embarkation experience: What to expect boarding in South America
• First impressions of the Costa Favolosa: Ship style & décor
• Costa Favolosa cabins & suites: From balcony staterooms to the Costa Club experience
• Costa Favolosa dining & food: From truffle risotto in the buffet to sea urchin at Archipelago

Related: How Costa Cruises is rediscovering wonder with unique cruises

Explore sailings on the Costa Favolosa:

Costa Favolosa itinerary: Where Costa Favolosa sails

The Costa Favolosa itinerary included Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Balneário Camboriú, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires, each with its own unique energy. Our arrival into Rio de Janeiro was delayed, but the historic warehouse pier and proximity to landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf made up for the rocky start.

Ilha Grande felt like a hidden lagoon paradise. I swam in clear, fish-filled waters after a schooner ride through the islands. Camboriú lived up to its “Little Dubai” nickname with skyscrapers, a modern beach cable car, and a gorgeous coastal overlook. In Montevideo, I toured government sites and visited a serene family-run winery. Our time in Costa Favolosa Buenos Aires closed the trip with tango shows, historic neighborhoods, and an unforgettable steakhouse dinner.

Embarkation experience: What to expect boarding in South America

Boarding in Rio was easily the most chaotic part of the cruise. The ship didn’t arrive until late, so we spent hours in a terminal with no real meal options, just snacks and duty-free items. The Costa Favolosa embarkation Rio process included a security screening followed by our bags being sniffed by a dog in the middle of the terminal, which felt bizarre and a bit intense. Announcements weren’t in English, so we had to rely on fellow travelers to understand what was going on. While this may not happen on every Costa sailing, these are the kinds of Costa Favolosa South America tips I wish I’d known ahead of time.

First impressions of the Costa Favolosa: Ship style & décor

Even though the ship launched in 2009, the costa favolosa interiors felt fresh. Walking into the grand lobby, I was genuinely impressed by the marble floors, shiny glasswork, and elegant chandeliers. It looked bright and pristine to me, and the costa favolosa refurbishment clearly brought new life to the public spaces.

The overall atmosphere felt upscale without being stuffy. Subtle Italian design elements showed up everywhere, from the polished wood finishes to artistic lighting and detailed tile work. As I explored more of the ship, I noticed how well the different lounges, bars, and dining areas flowed together, making even the larger spaces feel inviting and easy to navigate. The design struck a good balance between modern updates and retaining Costa’s European character, which made the ship feel distinctly different from many Americanized cruise ships I’ve sailed.

Costa Favolosa cabins & suites: From balcony staterooms to the Costa Club experience

I stayed in one of the costa favolosa cabins, which had a practical layout with plenty of closet space, soft-close shower doors, and a clean, functional design that worked well for longer itineraries. It wasn’t flashy, but it was comfortable and well-maintained.

When I upgraded to the costa favolosa suite, that’s where the experience shifted. The double sink setup quickly became more useful than I expected, especially after using one to soak oyster shells for my wife’s artwork project. The suite also came with a much larger veranda where we could sit and relax with a view, and the extra space made a noticeable difference in how relaxed the trip felt.

Another standout was having access to the Costa Club lounge and dining area. While it didn’t match the ultra-premium vibe of MSC’s Yacht Club, it offered a much more peaceful atmosphere for meals, drinks, and downtime. If you’re debating cabin categories and wondering about costa favolosa cabine da evitare, I’d strongly recommend booking balcony or higher if you value space, privacy, and some upgraded perks that elevate the trip.

Related: Best cabin on a cruise ship – How to choose the perfect stateroom for your cruise style

Costa Favolosa dining & food: From truffle risotto in the buffet to sea urchin at Archipelago

The raving Costa Favolosa food reviews are absolutely warranted. Costa Favolosa restaurants were impressive, with the buffet offering truffle risotto, Parmigiano Reggiano in giant hunks, and wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Prima that rivaled any I’ve had on land. The sheer variety at the buffet stood out. One day it was Italian antipasti, another it was seafood options that felt much fresher than typical cruise buffets.

The main dining room was elegant and service-oriented, though the food didn’t blow me away compared to the specialty options. Where Costa really pushed boundaries was at Archipelago Costa Favolosa. I didn’t try the sea urchin soup or plankton risotto, but it made for some entertaining table discussions. The chef-curated tasting menus offered a blend of inventive presentation and unique flavors that you rarely find on mainstream lines. It was a culinary experiment, and even when the dishes weren’t to my taste, the overall experience still felt special.

The Costa Favolosa buffet easily ranked above average, while specialty Costa Favolosa restaurants like the teppanyaki venue delivered both solid food and a fun show. Teppanyaki was a true “dining meets entertainment” experience, where the chefs put on a show while preparing your meal right in front of you. It added a playful, high-energy contrast to the more traditional dining options on board.

The Costa Club elevated things further with better wine options, handcrafted cocktails, and attentive service that made meals feel more intimate compared to the main dining venues.

Costa Favolosa entertainment & activities

Entertainment was one of the best parts of the Costa Favolosa onboard activities. I took a cooking class where we made pesto fettuccine and mixed Aperol spritz, which turned out to be one of the more memorable hands-on experiences of the trip. It wasn’t just about the food but about learning something authentically Italian while sailing in South America.

The white party was packed, full of energy, and definitely something you want to plan for when packing. It brought together families and friend groups, and even if you don’t normally join cruise parties, this one had a contagious vibe that made it easy to enjoy.

The piano and wine bar became our nightly routine. It offered a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere that was a nice contrast to the busier public spaces. Across the ship, Let’s Make a Deal style game shows brought crowds together even if I couldn’t follow every word in Portuguese. The laughter and audience participation were easy to appreciate regardless of the language barrier.

The Nutella bar became my guilty pleasure. Between that, the kids’ castle play zone, the video arcade, and the lively teppanyaki restaurant, there was always something happening no matter the time of day. If you’re wondering about Costa Favolosa entertainment or the nightlife scene, I found the ship to be lively without crossing into overwhelming. That balance made it feel accessible for both families and groups of adults. Costa Favolosa nightlife felt festive but never chaotic, which was part of what made the ship feel comfortable throughout the entire sailing.

Cultural flair: How Costa brings Italy to South America

The Costa Favolosa Italian cruise vibe was strong from the moment I stepped onboard. Throughout the ship, Italian design details were impossible to miss. Polished marble, warm wood tones, rich fabrics, and artistic lighting all contributed to an atmosphere that felt unmistakably European without being overdone.

The staff uniforms leaned into the Italian flair, adding to the sense of place. On Italian Night in the main dining room, servers wore tricolore sashes in the colors of the Italian flag, making the evening feel festive and rooted in the ship’s heritage. Small touches like that elevated the experience beyond just a themed dinner.

The food and drinks amplified it even more. Espresso, gelato, and Aperol spritz were readily available across the ship at nearly any hour. Neapolitan-style pizzas from Pizzeria Prima carried Costa’s Naples roots into the casual dining scene onboard. Even the champagne toasts felt unique. Instead of the usual glass of bubbly, mimosas often arrived with a splash of blue curaçao, giving them a bright turquoise hue and a playful nod to the cruise’s colorful vibe.

What stood out most was how Costa Favolosa South America sailings didn’t compromise the brand’s identity despite catering to an international passenger mix. The Italian character wasn’t something added on as decoration. It was embedded into the ship’s daily rhythm, from the menus to the music to the design choices. It made the sailing feel purposeful and distinct in a way that many larger cruise lines sometimes lose.

Port highlights: Costa Favolosa excursions and insider tips

Our day in Costa Favolosa Rio de Janeiro started with a private guide who made navigating the city simple despite the crowds. We visited Christ the Redeemer, one of the most iconic landmarks in South America, and had perfect vantage points to see the sprawling coastline below. Sugarloaf was equally impressive, with its cable cars offering panoramic views of the city’s beaches, bays, and mountains. Between stops, we explored small historic neighborhoods and fit in some shopping near the pier, which sits conveniently close to Rio’s revitalized warehouse district.

Ilha Grande was an entirely different experience. We boarded a schooner that sailed through peaceful waterways lined with tree-covered islets. Eventually, we anchored near a rocky cove where the water was crystal clear and filled with colorful fish. Swimming in the calm lagoon felt like stepping into a private nature preserve. It was one of the most peaceful and scenic parts of the cruise.

Balneário Camboriú was the biggest surprise. Often called the “Brazilian Dubai,” the skyline is filled with modern skyscrapers lining a wide beachfront. We took a scenic cable car ride that carried us over lush hills and delivered us to a more secluded beach on the other side. After swimming, we enjoyed a buffet lunch with fresh oysters while watching both locals and tourists take full advantage of the vibrant beach scene.

In Costa Favolosa Montevideo, I joined a short but well-organized city tour that covered several government buildings and civic landmarks. From there, we drove out to a small family-owned winery located about an hour outside the city. The setting was peaceful, the wine was excellent, and it ended up being one of my favorite excursions for its relaxed pace and intimate feel. The wide river crossing to reach Montevideo was surprisingly beautiful, more like crossing a bay than a river.

And finally, Costa Favolosa excursions in Buenos Aires closed the trip perfectly. We toured the Recoleta Cemetery, which is almost like an open-air museum filled with elaborate mausoleums, including Eva Perón’s resting place. That night, we took in a tango show and had an unforgettable steakhouse dinner that easily ranks among the best steaks I’ve ever had. Buenos Aires offered the most cultural depth of any port on the itinerary and felt like a proper grand finale to the entire South American sailing.

Costa Favolosa language, vibe & passenger mix

The majority of passengers on this sailing were South American, primarily from Argentina and Brazil. English wasn’t widely spoken among guests, and while the crew did speak English when needed, nearly all announcements were made in Portuguese and Spanish. It’s something future Costa Favolosa for Americans passengers should be aware of, especially if you’re used to more English-dominant cruise environments.

During my Costa Favolosa English experience, I found myself relying heavily on one incredibly helpful Brazilian travel agent I met early in the trip. She essentially became our group’s unofficial translator, answering questions, helping us navigate onboard logistics, and even offering tips for the ports. That personal connection made a huge difference, but it also underscored how much smoother the experience can be if you’re prepared for the language barrier.

That said, the Costa Favolosa South America vibe was incredibly warm and friendly throughout the sailing. The atmosphere was upbeat and energetic without feeling overwhelming. Passengers were quick to strike up casual conversations or share tables, even if we didn’t always share a common language. In many ways, the social vibe added to the authenticity of the South American itinerary, making the experience feel even more regional and less like a generic cruise that could be happening anywhere.

Costa Favolosa reviews

Looking at Costa Favolosa reviews across forums and Costa Favolosa Tripadvisor, the highlights echoed exactly what I experienced firsthand. The food consistently receives high praise, especially if you enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. From truffle risotto at the buffet to the fresh wood-fired pizzas and creative tasting menus at Archipelago, many guests note that Costa’s culinary focus sets it apart from other mainstream lines. The decor also earns frequent compliments, with travelers often surprised by how elegant and well-maintained the public spaces feel, even after years in service.

Several reviewers, like myself, appreciated the added perks of the Costa Club for suite guests, which delivered upgraded wines, attentive service, and quieter spaces that made meals feel a bit more special. And across the board, people tend to agree that Costa Favolosa delivers strong value for money, especially compared to more expensive European or U.S.-based cruise lines sailing similar itineraries.

Of course, there were a few recurring drawbacks mentioned in Costa Favolosa guest feedback. The embarkation process, particularly in South American ports like Rio, was frequently called out as chaotic or disorganized, which mirrored my own long, delayed boarding experience. Language barriers also frustrated some guests, with limited English signage and multilingual announcements often requiring extra patience for non-Spanish and non-Portuguese speakers. Specialty dining popularity seemed to vary too; while some specialty venues were excellent, others struggled to attract passengers depending on the region and demographics of the sailing.

As one guest put it, and I’d have to agree, “Truffle risotto in the buffet and a suite with two sinks, not what I expected from Costa.” That pretty much sums up how pleasantly surprising this cruise turned out to be.

Who this cruise is for and who might want to skip it

The Costa Favolosa experience is best suited for travelers who want something a little different from the typical North American cruise. Families looking for international flair, adventurous travelers eager to explore new destinations, and food lovers who appreciate authentic Italian cuisine will likely find a lot to enjoy. The regional authenticity of the South American itinerary, paired with Costa’s strong Italian identity, makes it a unique option for those who want more cultural immersion than you might get on a Caribbean or Mediterranean sailing.

For Costa Favolosa for families, the ship strikes a nice balance. Suites give parents extra space while kids have plenty of options for entertainment, from the kids' castle play zone to family-friendly dining. The overall vibe stays lively without feeling overwhelming, making it a practical choice for multigenerational trips or parents with kids of varying ages.

That said, this isn’t the right fit for every traveler. Luxury seekers expecting seamless service, English-speaking environments, or highly tailored onboard experiences may find Costa Favolosa review American sailings require more flexibility than they’re used to. Communication gaps, occasional disorganization (especially during embarkation), and fewer onboard amenities geared specifically to U.S. tastes may frustrate cruisers who prefer a more polished, English-first experience.

For me, being prepared with patience, flexibility, and Google Translate went a long way. If you approach the trip with an open mindset and an appetite for cultural differences, this sailing offers something genuinely distinct from most mainstream options.

Costa Favolosa FAQs

1. Is Costa Favolosa good for Americans?

Costa Favolosa can be good for Americans if you're open to cultural differences. While the crew speaks English, announcements and signage are mostly in Portuguese and Spanish.

2. What’s the food like on Costa Favolosa?

The food on Costa Favolosa focuses on Italian cuisine. Expect truffle risotto, fresh pizza, seafood, antipasti, and bold tasting menus, especially in the specialty restaurants.

3. What are Costa Club and Archipelago on Costa Favolosa?

Costa Club is the exclusive lounge and dining room for suite guests. Archipelago is a specialty tasting menu restaurant offering curated multi-course meals with wine pairings.

4. Are Costa Favolosa cruises safe in South America?

Yes, Costa Favolosa cruises in South America felt safe. Like any travel, you should watch your belongings in busy areas, but I never felt unsafe on the trip.

5. Does Costa Favolosa have activities for kids and families?

Yes, Costa Favolosa offers plenty for families, including a kids’ castle play zone, arcade, pools, cooking classes, and family-friendly dining.

6. Is English spoken on Costa Favolosa?

Yes, but limited. Crew members speak English, but most announcements and daily programming are in Portuguese and Spanish.

7. What should you pack for Costa Favolosa?

For Costa Favolosa, bring a white outfit for the White Party, casual resort wear, and comfortable clothes for excursions.

Costa Favolosa booking tips & final thoughts

A few final thoughts: pack white clothing for the theme night, don’t expect announcements in English, and book specialty dining early, some restaurants didn’t fill up because they weren’t promoted. I’d definitely recommend checking Cruisebound for the latest Costa Favolosa 2025 sailings and Costa Favolosa packages. If you’re ready to book Costa Favolosa, go in knowing you’re signing up for a regional cruise with a rich Italian identity and a route full of surprises.