1st time Costa Cruisers

Hi all,

We're from the UK and have previously sailed twice with Princess (Emerald & Ruby). We're booked on the Pacifica in April (as of 2 hours ago), and have tried navigating the Costa website for useful information, and find it little to no help at all. I've also briefly searched these forums and can't find definitive answers to my questions. I'm used to Princess so I'll reference their offerings below, and sorry if they've been posted before, but here goes...

1. Coffee. What's it like and how much does it cost? Princess has free tea & coffee (although coffee is horrendous). Pay on an item by item basis for premium teas & coffees or buy a coffee card.

2. Restaurants.

a) We have a LATE sitting (the only one available to our travel agent). Can someone explain the dining options on the Pacifica, and whether there's a non-buffet anytime option that we'll be able to switch to?

b) Are there any formal nights? There are 2 days at sea and these would be formal on Princess. Do I need to pack the tux?

3. Entertainment. What's the evening entertainment like? Is English used by the entertainment staff and performers? They don't try hard to explain what's available on the website!! Is there anywhere to dance (ballroom and latin - my disco days are far behind me). The Emerald and Ruby had a cocktail lounge with a live 3 or 4 piece band with a small dance floor (and other larger venues but nothing else that catered for us very amateur ballroomers). Anything similar?

4. Any joy taking wine on board at embarkation recently on this ship? Princess allow 1 bottle per person. The website is actually clear on this one, but I've read contrasting experiences on here.

I'm sure that I'll think of other questions in the forthcoming weeks. But that little lot will do for now.

I'm off to investigate flights to and hotels in Barcelona now... :D

Thanks all in advance.

Cheers

Martin

Hi and welcome,

Coffee and Tea (tea bags) are available in the buffet at no charge, special coffees come at a charge.

There is no my-time dining available at Costa, it is either First or second seating or Pizza. There is a Restaurant available at a Cover charge of 25 Euro p.p.

Dancing might be your big pro for Costa. There are multiple dancefloors and live music in different venues at night.

Hi all,

 

We're from the UK and have previously sailed twice with Princess (Emerald & Ruby). We're booked on the Pacifica in April (as of 2 hours ago), and have tried navigating the Costa website for useful information, and find it little to no help at all. I've also briefly searched these forums and can't find definitive answers to my questions. I'm used to Princess so I'll reference their offerings below, and sorry if they've been posted before, but here goes...

 

1. Coffee. What's it like and how much does it cost? Princess has free tea & coffee (although coffee is horrendous). Pay on an item by item basis for premium teas & coffees or buy a coffee card.

 

2. Restaurants.

 

a) We have a LATE sitting (the only one available to our travel agent). Can someone explain the dining options on the Pacifica, and whether there's a non-buffet anytime option that we'll be able to switch to?

 

b) Are there any formal nights? There are 2 days at sea and these would be formal on Princess. Do I need to pack the tux?

 

3. Entertainment. What's the evening entertainment like? Is English used by the entertainment staff and performers? They don't try hard to explain what's available on the website!! Is there anywhere to dance (ballroom and latin - my disco days are far behind me). The Emerald and Ruby had a cocktail lounge with a live 3 or 4 piece band with a small dance floor (and other larger venues but nothing else that catered for us very amateur ballroomers). Anything similar?

 

4. Any joy taking wine on board at embarkation recently on this ship? Princess allow 1 bottle per person. The website is actually clear on this one, but I've read contrasting experiences on here.

 

I'm sure that I'll think of other questions in the forthcoming weeks. But that little lot will do for now.

 

I'm off to investigate flights to and hotels in Barcelona now... :D

 

Thanks all in advance.

 

 

Cheers

 

Martin

Kasi1979 answered some of your questions. I have sailed Costa many times and can help you with some of the other questions.

No. Don't pack the tux. Bring a suit jacket and tie if you want to.

Get the All Inclusive drinks package. It's against the rules to bring any alcohol onboard.

English is used by the staff in the main shows. But rightfully so it's after Italian, German, French, Spanish.

English is spoken by some of the ships Animators, the entertainment staff. It's also the main language for many different nationalities to converse in.

If you like Latin and ballroom dancing. Costa is the cruise line you want to be on. Lots of dancing in many different venues.

The Costa Pacifica is know as the ship of "Dance"

Check out the Costa Roll Call to see if your cruise is listed.

Thanks very much for the advice both.

A few more questions...

1. Menus - does anyone have any pics or links to room service and dinner menus? Also any pics of the meals (there were plenty on the Princess forums)?

2. Do they have Texas Hold 'em tables in the casino, and what type are they?

3. From the Costa website:

"Can you get breakfast served in your cabin?

Of course, all Costa ships provide a breakfast service (by payment) in your cabin."

"Is cabin service available?

...Snacks may be ordered 24 hours a day with a simple phone call. Note that these are provided for an extra charge..."

Ok, I was taken aback by this as you only pay on Princess if you're ordering pizza - all other room service incl burgers etc is included. Is additional payment the norm on other lines? Then found out that Breakfast and Room Service is free of charge if you're in a Premium room. We are but I'm interested how much they'd charge if you were in a Classic room. Can't find it anywhere on the website.

The website also says that Premium room occupants get the option to book dinner for a specific time in the restaurant. How flexible are they on this? Also, what time is the Late sitting; are we allocated a table for the duration of the cruise, or are we seated with the next available table when we arrive? What happens if we decide to go to a speciality restaurant or the buffet instead?

English is used by the staff in the main shows. But rightfully so it's after Italian, German, French, Spanish.

I don't see how English should 'rightly' be a language used behind German, Spanish and French. I assume that you make the statement based upon the relative number of passengers carried from these countries against English speaking ones? I'd be interested in the geographic split of passengers anyway if you have a link to that. Costa are obviously an Italian line so fair enough on that one.

Thanks again!

Martin

Thanks very much for the advice both.

 

A few more questions...

 

1. Menus - does anyone have any pics or links to room service and dinner menus? Also any pics of the meals (there were plenty on the Princess forums)?

 

2. Do they have Texas Hold 'em tables in the casino, and what type are they?

 

3. From the Costa website:

 

"Can you get breakfast served in your cabin?

 

Of course, all Costa ships provide a breakfast service (by payment) in your cabin."

 

"Is cabin service available?

 

...Snacks may be ordered 24 hours a day with a simple phone call. Note that these are provided for an extra charge..."

 

Ok, I was taken aback by this as you only pay on Princess if you're ordering pizza - all other room service incl burgers etc is included. Is additional payment the norm on other lines? Then found out that Breakfast and Room Service is free of charge if you're in a Premium room. We are but I'm interested how much they'd charge if you were in a Classic room. Can't find it anywhere on the website.

 

The website also says that Premium room occupants get the option to book dinner for a specific time in the restaurant. How flexible are they on this? Also, what time is the Late sitting; are we allocated a table for the duration of the cruise, or are we seated with the next available table when we arrive? What happens if we decide to go to a speciality restaurant or the buffet instead?

 

 

 

I don't see how English should 'rightly' be a language used behind German, Spanish and French. I assume that you make the statement based upon the relative number of passengers carried from these countries against English speaking ones? I'd be interested in the geographic split of passengers anyway if you have a link to that. Costa are obviously an Italian line so fair enough on that one.

 

Thanks again!

 

Martin

English is used after all the other languages because of the passenger mix. It all depends upon the cruise departure point for the demographics of the passengers. Native English speakers will always be in the minority on Costa.

If you don't have a Premium cabin you do not get first choice of dining times. If you don't like the time that you are assigned you might be able to get it changed once onboard with the maître d.

You always have the same table. No buffet at night. Late seating depends on the cruise. If I remember right 8:15 in the Caribbean, 9:15 in Europe.

If we go to the specialty restaurant we always let our waiter know the night before. Common courtesy.

English is used after all the other languages because of the passenger mix. It all depends upon the cruise departure point for the demographics of the passengers. Native English speakers will always be in the minority on Costa.

 

If you don't have a Premium cabin you do not get first choice of dining times. If you don't like the time that you are assigned you might be able to get it changed once onboard with the maître d.

 

You always have the same table. No buffet at night. Late seating depends on the cruise. If I remember right 8:15 in the Caribbean, 9:15 in Europe.

 

If we go to the specialty restaurant we always let our waiter know the night before. Common courtesy.

Please excuse my lack of knowledge re dining - we have only used anytime dining on Princess previously. As stated, we are in a Premium room; so my question stands regarding the option to book dinner for a specific time in the restaurant. What does this mean?

Seriously? No buffet option at dinner? I'm amazed quite frankly. What happens if you're tired out after a day in port and don't fancy having a full blown sit down dinner?

Also, any idea of answers to my other questions?

Please excuse my lack of knowledge re dining - we have only used anytime dining on Princess previously. As stated, we are in a Premium room; so my question stands regarding the option to book dinner for a specific time in the restaurant. What does this mean?

 

Seriously? No buffet option at dinner? I'm amazed quite frankly. What happens if you're tired out after a day in port and don't fancy having a full blown sit down dinner?

 

Also, any idea of answers to my other questions?

There are two dinner sittings in the MDR, about 18:30 and 20:30 (can vary according to itinerary). When you do the web check-in on your Costa site you can select which sitting you prefer and how large a table 2-4-6-8- etc. If you have been assigned say late sitting and would prefer early then have a word with the Maitre'D. Times for seeing him will be shown in the daily program called "TODAY".

Only MDR available in the evening, plus pizza and speciality restaurants.

I'll have a look to see which questions are still open.

Ron

Hi all,

 

We're from the UK and have previously sailed twice with Princess (Emerald & Ruby). We're booked on the Pacifica in April (as of 2 hours ago), and have tried navigating the Costa website for useful information, and find it little to no help at all. I've also briefly searched these forums and can't find definitive answers to my questions. I'm used to Princess so I'll reference their offerings below, and sorry if they've been posted before, but here goes...

 

1. Coffee. What's it like and how much does it cost? Princess has free tea & coffee (although coffee is horrendous). Pay on an item by item basis for premium teas & coffees or buy a coffee card.

 

2. Restaurants.

 

a) We have a LATE sitting (the only one available to our travel agent). Can someone explain the dining options on the Pacifica, and whether there's a non-buffet anytime option that we'll be able to switch to?

 

b) Are there any formal nights? There are 2 days at sea and these would be formal on Princess. Do I need to pack the tux?

 

3. Entertainment. What's the evening entertainment like? Is English used by the entertainment staff and performers? They don't try hard to explain what's available on the website!! Is there anywhere to dance (ballroom and latin - my disco days are far behind me). The Emerald and Ruby had a cocktail lounge with a live 3 or 4 piece band with a small dance floor (and other larger venues but nothing else that catered for us very amateur ballroomers). Anything similar?

 

4. Any joy taking wine on board at embarkation recently on this ship? Princess allow 1 bottle per person. The website is actually clear on this one, but I've read contrasting experiences on here.

 

I'm sure that I'll think of other questions in the forthcoming weeks. But that little lot will do for now.

 

I'm off to investigate flights to and hotels in Barcelona now... :D

 

Thanks all in advance.

 

 

Cheers

 

Martin

1. There is a coffee package available, or get the all inclusive package , have a look at this thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=42135989&posted=1#post42135989

2. See previous message.

3. There are two shows an evening (both the same one each for early and late dinner sitting). Entertainment is either visual, acrobats, dancing, magician etc or if there is a singer it will be in Italian or English. As has been said dancing is one of Costa's strong points.

4. Costa has become very strict in recent times about smuggling :mad:. But these days the all inclusive package is worth every penny.

Ron

Evening buffet is definitely a weak point, if you prefer buffets.

On the Luminosa in the Caribbean last month, there was a buffet on days there was a late sailing, plus a "teen" buffet on formal nights.

There was also a "stealth" buffet not listed on the program. I found that the normal pizza/salad had some extra choices during the early evening. I've seen that a few other times as well, I don't know how common it is.

Thanks very much for the advice both.

 

A few more questions...

 

1. Menus - does anyone have any pics or links to room service and dinner menus? Also any pics of the meals (there were plenty on the Princess forums)?

 

2. Do they have Texas Hold 'em tables in the casino, and what type are they?

 

3. From the Costa website:

 

"Can you get breakfast served in your cabin?

 

Of course, all Costa ships provide a breakfast service (by payment) in your cabin."

 

"Is cabin service available?

 

...Snacks may be ordered 24 hours a day with a simple phone call. Note that these are provided for an extra charge..."

 

Ok, I was taken aback by this as you only pay on Princess if you're ordering pizza - all other room service incl burgers etc is included. Is additional payment the norm on other lines? Then found out that Breakfast and Room Service is free of charge if you're in a Premium room. We are but I'm interested how much they'd charge if you were in a Classic room. Can't find it anywhere on the website.

 

The website also says that Premium room occupants get the option to book dinner for a specific time in the restaurant. How flexible are they on this? Also, what time is the Late sitting; are we allocated a table for the duration of the cruise, or are we seated with the next available table when we arrive? What happens if we decide to go to a speciality restaurant or the buffet instead?

 

 

 

I don't see how English should 'rightly' be a language used behind German, Spanish and French. I assume that you make the statement based upon the relative number of passengers carried from these countries against English speaking ones? I'd be interested in the geographic split of passengers anyway if you have a link to that. Costa are obviously an Italian line so fair enough on that one.

 

Thanks again!

 

Martin

1. On this site scroll down to the Costa ships, some are a bit old, but they will give you some idea:

http://www.cruiseclues.com/menus.htm

3. The breakfast in the cabin for Classic passenger sis about €5.00.

It is very difficult to say what the passenger mix will be, it depends on so many factors, itinerary, length of cruise, price, school holidays, national holidays, country promotions.

Ron

Ron, Bob,

Thanks very much guys for your answers, they are much appreciated!

I've another question that comes to mind.

A basic question having never embarked part-way through an itinerary. We are boarding at Barcelona, a day after the ships sails from Savona. I'm guessing that the muster be carried out only for those passengers that embarked at Barcelona?

Thanks again, and can anyone answer the poker question posted above? I've never had the nerve to play on previous cruises having only online and wondered how easy it is.

Cheers!!

M.

Ron, Bob,

 

 

 

Thanks very much guys for your answers, they are much appreciated!

 

 

 

I've another question that comes to mind.

 

 

 

A basic question having never embarked part-way through an itinerary. We are boarding at Barcelona, a day after the ships sails from Savona. I'm guessing that the muster be carried out only for those passengers that embarked at Barcelona?

 

 

 

Thanks again, and can anyone answer the poker question posted above? I've never had the nerve to play on previous cruises having only online and wondered how easy it is.

 

 

 

Cheers!!

 

 

 

M.

You will be going thru muster along with everyone that boards with you.

A basic question having never embarked part-way through an itinerary. We are boarding at Barcelona, a day after the ships sails from Savona. I'm guessing that the muster be carried out only for those passengers that embarked at Barcelona?

You aren't embarking part way through the cruise, the cruise you are on is like a circular bus route, with embarkation / disembarkation in Savona, Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome).

Just hope, when you try to board, that the guy at the gangway doesn't say "Sorry we're full, there be another one along in a couple of minutes". ;)

Ron

Thanks for the info.

Just hope, when you try to board, that the guy at the gangway doesn't say "Sorry we're full, there be another one along in a couple of minutes". ;)

Ron

Hahaha...I'm glad you put the winky face on - for one moment I thought you were being serious and didn't get the bus reference! :o

M.

Please excuse my lack of knowledge re dining - we have only used anytime dining on Princess previously. As stated, we are in a Premium room; so my question stands regarding the option to book dinner for a specific time in the restaurant. What does this mean?

 

Seriously? No buffet option at dinner? I'm amazed quite frankly. What happens if you're tired out after a day in port and don't fancy having a full blown sit down dinner?

 

Also, any idea of answers to my other questions?

We are just off of the Pacifica Saturday and had a great experience, however you will want to be prepared for many differences from your typical Princess experience, many of them dealing with the food. Here are a few that stand out in my mind. The room service menu is very poor, not many choices and the choices that we tried were not good. The breakfast in your room option is very good and gives you access to a large selection of breakfast items without a limit on how many you can order. The charge is 5 Euros.

Also, as you have noted the buffet is very limited and only open during certain times. You can have pizza at the buffet until 9:30 pm or table service pizza from 9:30 until 1:00 a.m. My children were very disappointed that they couldn't even get soft serve ice cream except during lunch. I would try breakfast and lunch in the dining room a few times and see how you like that. Also, we were always able to find things that we like to eat but it sometimes took some trial and error. For picky eaters you will probably be disappointed with the overall food on the ship. We had a couple of picky eaters in our group and although they didn't complain, their overall impression of the food was not good.

We went with the idea that we wanted to see the sights in Europe and we were definitely rewarded for that. It was a very rewarding and amazing experience. Have a great time!

We are just off of the Pacifica Saturday and had a great experience, however you will want to be prepared for many differences from your typical Princess experience, many of them dealing with the food. Here are a few that stand out in my mind. The room service menu is very poor, not many choices and the choices that we tried were not good. The breakfast in your room option is very good and gives you access to a large selection of breakfast items without a limit on how many you can order. The charge is 5 Euros.

 

Also, as you have noted the buffet is very limited and only open during certain times. You can have pizza at the buffet until 9:30 pm or table service pizza from 9:30 until 1:00 a.m. My children were very disappointed that they couldn't even get soft serve ice cream except during lunch. I would try breakfast and lunch in the dining room a few times and see how you like that. Also, we were always able to find things that we like to eat but it sometimes took some trial and error. For picky eaters you will probably be disappointed with the overall food on the ship. We had a couple of picky eaters in our group and although they didn't complain, their overall impression of the food was not good.

 

We went with the idea that we wanted to see the sights in Europe and we were definitely rewarded for that. It was a very rewarding and amazing experience. Have a great time!

Thanks for replying. Poor regarding the ice-cream, but you specify 'soft serve'. Is gelato available at other times? (he said hoping for a yes).

We're not too picky when it comes to food (my wife may disagree based on her experiences with me in restaurants). I'm hoping the all-inclusive drinks package will make the food seem less disappointing as the evening goes on.

We're looking forward to breakfast on our balcony (first time in a balcony cabin), and as it's a premium cabin, we shouldn't need to pay the 5 Euros. In relation to that here's another question....does the ship always berth on the same side -and if so, which?

Cheers.

M.

Seriously? No buffet option at dinner? I'm amazed quite frankly. What happens if you're tired out after a day in port and don't fancy having a full blown sit down dinner?

What is nicer if you're really tired? Having to walk to get your food?

Or having it served to you by two helpful waiters ? I've travelled with Costa and Royal Caribbean and in my Opinion the served dinner is always much more popular then a buffet (which you'll have anyway already for Lunch). If you like buffet style than you might opt next time for Aida, they have only buffet (which is very German)

You have always the choice just to order the entrée or just two startes without an entréé; if you are not up for a "full blown dinner" it's your choice how many courses you'll take.

About some of your other questions:

Dinner-Menus:

I think you always have a choice to eat 4 courses (but I seldom eat more then three). You get an starter (more then 5 choices), then you have a choice of a pasta dish (at least another 3 choices), then 5 entreés and

finally an assortement of desserts

Entertainment:

It's more with singers and dancers (not so many comedians, like on RCI).

So not really a show where you will need some foreign languages skills.

There was also a show on my last costa cruise featuring some crew members showing their talents, which was great as well. It can sometimes be tiring to listen to the same announcement in 5 different languages.

But as a native german speaker I have to live with it.

tux:

There will be at least a formal night and you don't have to bring your tux (it's not compulsory) but it's still nice to dress up (in my opinion) and most of the italians will be as well

room service:

i don't know Princess, but I can compare it with Royal Caribbean and in RCI the room service has to be payed as well with a surcharge (also if you have an all inclusive drinks package for 55 US $ a day). How is it with the price ? Is Princess about the same price as Costa, if Princess costes more then you know now why is that...

Thanks for replying. Poor regarding the ice-cream, but you specify 'soft serve'. Is gelato available at other times? (he said hoping for a yes).

 

We're not too picky when it comes to food (my wife may disagree based on her experiences with me in restaurants). I'm hoping the all-inclusive drinks package will make the food seem less disappointing as the evening goes on.

 

We're looking forward to breakfast on our balcony (first time in a balcony cabin), and as it's a premium cabin, we shouldn't need to pay the 5 Euros. In relation to that here's another question....does the ship always berth on the same side -and if so, which?

 

Cheers.

 

M.

Sorry, no gelato option.