I am trying Costa

[barante]

For me, cruising is all about itineraries and price. That's why we recently completed a 28-day Veendam voyage from Rio to Fort Lauderdale, including sailing up and down the Amazon. That's why we are taking the Nieuw Amsterdam in October, first from Venice to Turkey and then from Venice to FLL. And that's why we'll do a 37-day NZ, Oz, South Pacific on the Volendam in another year.
I had booked an NCL Panama canal transit as well but canceled it this week. Instead, in November 2012 we'll do a 30-day B2B on Costa Victoria. One leg starts in Shanghai (overnight) and visits Taiwan, Okinawa, Vietnam (overnight), Hong Kong (overnight) and
Singapore (overnight). The other leg is all about Malaysia and Thailand, with overnights in Bangkok and Phuket.
I'm not even wealthy. But my thinking is that at these prices cruising is about the best and most cost-effective way of vacationing as exists. I know that Costa gets lots of scorn from Americans but with itineraries like those and a good price -- about $87 pp. in an inside plus flights -- I did not need much convincing. When I see an excellent deal, I grab it.
This pretty much completes my bucket list. Until the next opportunity presents itself.

[Krazy Kruizers]

your cruises sound wonderful

enjoy

[KirkNC]

Sounds like a great cruise at a great price. Hope you enjoy it, either way report back to the rest of us.

Kirk

[mountainmare]

We cruised Costa a few years ago because of at the time they were the only line offering the itinerary we wanted at the time we wanted.
Had a wonderful time and appreciated the mix of passengers instead of the usual American bubble.
Have a great cruise

[CtheW0rld]

i did a similar cruise in asia on costa in late 2009. i greatly enjoyed the trip, and would do it again in a heartbeat. costa was a ground-breaker in asia.

really, costa is more similar to hal than not. food was good and so was the service. i think you'll have a great time.

the only small issue i see is that victoria is too big to get under the bridge in shanghai. you'll be docking at a different port about 45 minutes from the bund instead of right on the bund.

[kayjo]

I loved my Costa cruise, despite concerns because of the negative reviews on this board. We loved the food and the ship, staff also excellent. I am trying HAL later this month and anxious to compare the two.

[kazu]

My sister sailed Costa before she tried HAL. While she likes HAL better (room size and other things) and was very impressed, Costa was good value for the money. she liked the Italian flavour on things and I suspect you will have a wonderful time :D enjoy and please do share with us when you get back ;)

[fatcat04]

We enjoyed Costa a great deal. Food was fantastic (the nightly pasta course was excellent), the mdr service was exceptional, and the wine selection was varied and well priced. The value for $$ is very good. The atmosphere was very laid back and relaxed. We had a great many English folks on board with us on both cruises so the breakfast was a treat every morning. I still remember those yummy grilled tomato slices with my sausages and eggs. :D

[Cruizer Bill]

PLEASE come back here and give us a complete honest review of your cruises. It means a lot to us! We want to learn from your experiences and your cruise on Costa would be a welcome addition here.
Bill :)

[tcook052]

PLEASE come back here and give us a complete honest review of your cruises. It means a lot to us! We want to learn from your experiences and your cruise on Costa would be a welcome addition here.
Bill :)

The Costa reviews already shared haven't been honest?

[Cruizer Bill]

Yes, I'm sure they are honest. I'm just encouraging more good reviews here.

How did yo like the Solstice? I'm thinking of cruising on her!

[soldham]

We have taken Costa because they really do have some interesting intineraries.
We went with the attitude that you get what you pay for and were not dissapointed. Sure - the rooms and the ship were not appointed like HAL and some of the experiences on boards rang of Carnival (hairy chest contests, etc.) but we would do it again if the stops interested us.

One piece of advice - avoid the steaks - Costa has great pasta and other items but this one is not their strength.....at least not in North American style anyway...

[eastexascruiser]

My brother recently tried Costa, while wasn't terribly impressed, he stated it was a great value.

I have looked into several Costa cruises in the med. My main concern was that Costa and some of the other european lines tend to have very short times in port. I prefer to be in port most of the day so that we have time to do a little exploring.

I have been impressed though with the diverse itineraries. I just wish they would lengthen the times they stay docked.

A day on any ship, anywhere, beats a day at work ;) Happy Cruising!

[Goldryder]

My brother recently tried Costa, while wasn't terribly impressed, he stated it was a great value.

I have looked into several Costa cruises in the med. My main concern was that Costa and some of the other european lines tend to have very short times in port. I prefer to be in port most of the day so that we have time to do a little exploring.

I have been impressed though with the diverse itineraries. I just wish they would lengthen the times they stay docked.

A day on any ship, anywhere, beats a day at work ;) Happy Cruising!

Not all Costa cruises are touch & go types....the one I am taking next year (37 day B2B) has a few overnight stays...including Maldives, which I am especially looking forward to :)

And for three grand including flights, as a solo in a single cabin...I cannot go wrong, excellent value for money. The itinerary is in my signature below..can't wait to get going :)

Last year I did a Costa 33 day B2B with flights & 4 days pre-stay in Singapore for three grand too.

[martini cruiser]

Having sailed on Costa, here are a few of my observations:

1- Steaks are sub par when compared to Princess/HAL etc.

2- Announcements in multiple languages on my last Costa , English, Italian, Spanish, and German, so it takes awhile to announce bingo!

3-Seemed to be a problem with people line jumping.

4-Officers seemed aloof, but that could have been the individuals rather than a Costa trait.

5- Toga night was a HOOT! I was with a group that really participated!

Overall I thought it was more like a Carnival Cruise ( the Atlantica that I was on is a sister ship to the Carnival Spirit I believe) than a HAL, more glitz (think Las Vegas Italianate) than brass and glass but still enjoyable if your expectations aren't unrealistic. Would I cruise on Costa again, yes for the right price and itinerary, but given similar intineraries I would opt for HAL and pay a few $$ more.

The worst cruise I was ever on was great!

Martini Cruiser

[Goldryder]

Having sailed on Costa, here are a few of my observations:

1- Steaks are sub par when compared to Princess/HAL etc.

2- Announcements in multiple languages on my last Costa , English, Italian, Spanish, and German, so it takes awhile to announce bingo!

3-Seemed to be a problem with people line jumping.

4-Officers seemed aloof, but that could have been the individuals rather than a Costa trait.

5- Toga night was a HOOT! I was with a group that really participated!

Overall I thought it was more like a Carnival Cruise ( the Atlantica that I was on is a sister ship to the Carnival Spirit I believe) than a HAL, more glitz (think Las Vegas Italianate) than brass and glass but still enjoyable if your expectations aren't unrealistic. Would I cruise on Costa again, yes for the right price and itinerary, but given similar intineraries I would opt for HAL and pay a few $$ more.

The worst cruise I was ever on was great!

Martini Cruiser

Just a reminder to those who have not tried Costa yet...

Toga night is only on Caribbean sailings, its not a feature on any other region's sailings.

The rest of the world has romantic night - where ladies are handed red roses at evening meal, Italian night - where there is song & dance in the MDR with an Italian flavour, Captains Gala Night - cocktails in the theater followed by evening meal....

Also elsewhere in the world you will find that formality rules the day. On all of my cruises thusfar a good 90% dress up for evening meal even on non Gala nights.

On my last cruise, Costa Victoria, one individual was turned away every night for wearing jeans at the MDR...at the other end of the equation, a young German couple were the talk of the MDR, especially the wife, she had a posh frock for each of the 21 nights and she looked stunning :)

The languages used in announcements are not as bad as people think. It depends on how many nationalities are on board and the multiple language announcements are only done for ship specific things such as muster drill. Otherwise there are very few announcements and they are nationality specific, ie if a German passenger is required at the desk it will be an announcement in German only and so forth, so after a while you can train your ears to ignore 90% of the announcements as they will not apply.

As for the steak....again I would suggest that it is due to the Caribbean itinerary only as I have had some absolutely amazing steaks on Costa in the Far East, Middle East, South America & Europe...hot knife through butter type steak :)

[monakayk]

OP (barante)...please come back on this thread and give a review of your cruise with Costa. We have consider doing this cruise line because of price & itinerary for a Med. Cruise in our future.

Hope you have a great cruise!

[barante]

Be assured that we will have a great cruise. We have taken 14 and among them is not a single bad cruise. Yes, there have been up and downs. The best cruise ever we had in Noordam years ago in a balcony cabin. Everything was right. But when we repeated the same cruise next year, it did not live up to our memories.
Since I have never had an occasion to consider a P&O cruise or any other British brands, I don't know whether similar badmouthing goes on as there seems to be about Costa. Since I am European by birth and have lived in Finland, South Africa and Soviet Union and traveled from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, I am sure that nothing on Costa is going to make me lose any sleep. Announcements in different languages don't grate me (as long as they are not piped into the cabins to disturb my nap). Since I am multi-lingual, I compare announcements made in different languages for their content. Things of that sort. Really, the only thing I worry about Costa (and this has not been discussed recently) is the possibility that in true Continental style there might/might not be nude bathing, or at least topless.
It is understandable that many Americans want an "American" experience even though these cruise lines are global conglomerates. This is economically advantageous for cruise lines because Americans tend to worry about safety so greatly that they willingly pay usurious prices that cruise lines charge for land excursions. Europeans are far more likely to touring on their own. Wasn't it interesting that earlier this year in Salvador do Bahia, all passengers, except for 28, were back to the Veendam by 7 p.m., even though the departure was at 11 p.m. and that Brazilian city is famous for its nightlife.
Since we go by destinations and price, I am glad to have found Costa because its itineraries are interesting. Also, overnights in at least two ports during a 14-day cruise. As to the cruise, no worries. I promise to write when the time comes.

[GeriatricNurse]

Be assured that we will have a great cruise. We have taken 14 and among them is not a single bad cruise. Yes, there have been up and downs. The best cruise ever we had in Noordam years ago in a balcony cabin. Everything was right. But when we repeated the same cruise next year, it did not live up to our memories.
Since I have never had an occasion to consider a P&O cruise or any other British brands, I don't know whether similar badmouthing goes on as there seems to be about Costa. Since I am European by birth and have lived in Finland, South Africa and Soviet Union and traveled from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, I am sure that nothing on Costa is going to make me lose any sleep. Announcements in different languages don't grate me (as long as they are not piped into the cabins to disturb my nap). Since I am multi-lingual, I compare announcements made in different languages for their content. Things of that sort. Really, the only thing I worry about Costa (and this has not been discussed recently) is the possibility that in true Continental style there might/might not be nude bathing, or at least topless.
It is understandable that many Americans want an "American" experience even though these cruise lines are global conglomerates. This is economically advantageous for cruise lines because Americans tend to worry about safety so greatly that they willingly pay usurious prices that cruise lines charge for land excursions. Europeans are far more likely to touring on their own. Wasn't it interesting that earlier this year in Salvador do Bahia, all passengers, except for 28, were back to the Veendam by 7 p.m., even though the departure was at 11 p.m. and that Brazilian city is famous for its nightlife.
Since we go by destinations and price, I am glad to have found Costa because its itineraries are interesting. Also, overnights in at least two ports during a 14-day cruise. As to the cruise, no worries. I promise to write when the time comes.

I have heard that there is a lot of smoking everywhere onboard Costa ships! :mad:

[kazu]

I have heard that there is a lot of smoking everywhere onboard Costa ships! :mad:

My ds never complained about it (of course she never complained of any problem on HAL either) and both she and her dh are fervent non smokers.

[CtheW0rld]

I have heard that there is a lot of smoking everywhere onboard Costa ships! :mad:

there you go spreading rumors again. if you had taken the time to look it up, rather than just spreading gossip, you would have found the smoking policy is nearly identical to hal. please try to get your facts correct, oldnurse.

[kayjo]

I am a non-smoker, and was not bothered at all by the smoking on Costa. I noticed it in the casino and bars, but nowhere else. I think it was much worse on Carnival.

[GOLDENBONNY]

I have heard that there is a lot of smoking everywhere onboard Costa ships! :mad:

Not at all ,no more than other ships .

[fatcat04]

I am a non-smoker, and was not bothered at all by the smoking on Costa. I noticed it in the casino and bars, but nowhere else. I think it was much worse on Carnival.

We have only cruised with Costa in the Carib but this was our observation as well. Smoking outside of SOME bars and the casino was a non-issue.

[Dancer Bob]

I spent 24 days on the Costa Serena last November. Smoking was almost non-existent outside the casino. Even travelling in Northern Italy, "Vietato Fumare" was the norm- I see as many people smoking on the sidewalk in America as I did in Europe recently.

I think everybody is pretty much right, except- I refuse to go back on HAL because they are so afraid of the old geezers falling down, they put sticky gunk on the dance floors- not that many were still awake after 10 PM. Totally different from Serena, where some theme nights started at midnight, with over 100 people on the dance floor- not to mention 6 other music venues.

I do agree that food is much more to American taste on HAL, but I'm still quite satisfied with Costa.

I really don't understand why people argue whether port stops are 6 or 8 hours for a city like Istanbul- you can't possibly see anything much in a single day.

[Hawaiidan]

in many places, most places I have been, world wide, 6 to 8 hours gives a visitor a pretty good idea and flavor to the place visited. Some places even less.!
You can be idealistic and say you need to feel the beat and connect with the people and culture. In reality that is not needed....

It sounds good... but you can absorb all that is important to you pretty quickly. 6 to 8 hours in Istanbuh / London or Paris to be very rewarding and satisifying. to the person.. Maybe not you, however.

Staying and partying at some shore night spot is not my ideal of a good time....
I would be back on the ship by 5 to relax. But thats why I like Holland America, its low key and non-party atmosphere... I don't go to get it on in some shore hot spot.... So you like it cool ;recognize a lot of others dont.

Ships take their tome from the nationality that runs them. And I find huge cultural differences. The last thing I want on a cruse is pasta every night.... or a steak for that matter. Having spent some time in Italy, I would not care to have an Italian experience at sea. If you like it fine....

For me , and I suspect many, it is the process of travel rather than the ports I enjoy most. Many times I dont even get off the ship if I have no interest in a port...or a driving need to explore.... no need to say "been there donr that"
Thus the atmosphere of the travel is way more important to me, and to travel based on price and destination has some real pitfalls. Quanity for me is not quality.

[CtheW0rld]

Ships take their tome from the nationality that runs them. And I find huge cultural differences. The last thing I want on a cruse is pasta every night.... or a steak for that matter. Having spent some time in Italy, I would not care to have an Italian experience at sea. If you like it fine....



if you had spent more than 6 hours in italy, you would know there is much more to italian food than pasta. that is one of the more ignorant things i've ever read on these boards. wow. i notice you've never sailed on costa, but here you are slamming it. why the hatred?

as for pasta on costa, there is a pasta (or risotto) course. you don't have to order it.

i'm not a big steak eater, but i have had prime rib, beef wellington and filets on costa. exactly the same as anywhere else.

[Goldryder]

This is one (of many) menu's that I have from my last 55 days aboard Costa ships....its not a Gala menu, just a bog standard menu, and yes they do change nightly & no I am not typing out all 55 of them :p

Appetizers...

Fish fritters & shrimps with lime mayonaise
Chicken terrine with apple compote, raisins & bread
Fried sage bigne served on a carrot soup

Soups

Spinach cream soup
Chilled avocado cream soup

Pasta

Creamy parmesan risotto with padano cheese
Macaroni pasta tossed with artichoke ragout & pecorino cheese

Main Courses

Salted dry cod with mashed potato & fennel au gratin
Baked lamb legs with mixed veg & roast potatoes
Chicken hunters style with roasted potatoes & veg
Candied tomato chowder with fried wedge of brie Milanese, oil & oregano

Salad

Tossed assorted salad, romana, radicio, tomatoes, olives, anchovies with choice of dressings

Cheese

Selection of cheeses...pecorino, gouda, minas served with crackers, raisins & mustard

Desserts

Frangipan flan with Chilean resin & liquid pistacho
Coffee & chocolate rendezvous with strawberry coulis
No sugar added creamed mango & coconut milk
Gelato...Vanilla, stacciatela & coffee
Sorbet...pineapple & melon
Fresh seasonal fruit...honeydew, cantaloupe, papaya

Main courses always available on request

Spaghetti with tomoato & basil sauce or with bolognaise sauce
Grilled or poached salmon fillet
Milanese style chicken breast

All served with veg and a choice of mashed, boiled, baked or chipped potatoes.

[Floridiana]

7 courses and so delicious: chicken cacciatore: my mouth is watering

[kazu]

I love the deserts - flan, gelato, sorbet - very, very nice.

thanks for sharing with us. The entrees don't grab me (but food is subjective), but absolutely everything else on the menu does - so who needs an entree - I'd be stuffed :D

Nice to see - thanks so much for sharing. Now I know why my ds liked the ship.;)

[Goldryder]

I had found one of the Gala night menu's...this is the Captain's Night....

Appetizers..

Swordfish carpaccio
Sliced prosciutto with melon
Salty pie & veg

Soups..

Shellfish stock
Chilled cream of Sicilian citrus fruits

Pasta...

Black & white fish ravioli with fish ragout
Risotto Milanese style

Main courses...

Shrimps skewer with crispy veg & tomato and caper sauce
Glazed leg of lamb with veg camponata & mashed potatoes
Slowly cooked pork with white beans, basil flavoured peppers & roast potatoes
Celery & zucchini pie

Salad...

Garden crisp salad with cucumber, tomato & radish

Cheeses...

Emmental, Gouda, sweet Provalone served with crackers, raisins & mustard

Desserts...

Grande Marnier Souffle
Pistacchio Creme Brulee
No sugar added strawberry mouse cake
Gelato...pistacchio, strawberry & vanilla
Sorbet...melon & mango
Fresh fruit....honeydew, mango, papaya

Main courses always available on request

Spaghetti with tomoato & basil sauce or with bolognaise sauce
Grilled or poached salmon fillet
Milanese style chicken breast

All served with veg and a choice of mashed, boiled, baked or chipped potatoes.

[Goldryder]

Another often misplaced complaint against Costa is the time it takes to have an evening meal.

On Costa Victoria last month I had a table for two to myself and ate three or occasionally four courses each night. I enetered the MDR at 7pm and left by 7.45pm.

On Costa Allegra in 2008 & 2010 I was on a big table...8-10 people...and on average the same number of courses took me around an hour to ninety minutes (depending on how much chatting was going on).

I always had a jug of iced tap water on the table ready for me on my arrival..having asked for it the first night, it was done every night.

On Costa Victoria, the maitre d' visited each and every table every night to make sure that all was well, deal with any problems or to have a chat...he was a lovely man from Ancona called Pian. He had recently moved from Princess to Costa and he much preferred Costa as, in his words, the passengers are far less demanding, behave more respectfully and enjoy the formality more that Princess.

I chatted to him and the restaurant manager many evenings, lovely people...and that goes for all the crew. Even with 1900 passengers, they all made time to stand and talk to you...even Captain Massimo Pennisi, who was VERY visible and approachable throughout the Victoria cruise, as was Captain Salvatore Donato aboard Allegra on both my previous cruises aboard her.

There is definitely no 'them & us' syndrome on Costa ships...and they are very candid too, not saying what they feel the firm wants them to say...if something is wrong with a ship or how they see the direction of the firm, then they will say so......most agreed that Costa should break away from Carnival and just keep the 7 older ships, many wished that Carnival was not in the equation.

The smoking issue is only an issue if you make it one....yes certain areas are smokey but not to the extent that it would ruin a cruise as the crews are strict about where you can or cannot smoke. Casino's are always smokey, but you can easily avoid it if you want to by going outside or a deck above or below.