Magica 4/21 Review - long

[mek]

We have been on 30+ cruises, but this was our first on Costa. A few things I really enjoyed and a few things I really disliked. Most were somewhere in the middle – a very hit and miss cruise with more misses than hits. We booked this cruise two weeks prior to sailing because we were supposed to take our grandson to Hawaii for spring break, but he came down with mono and we had to cancel at the last minute. There was very little available because of spring break and the Star Princess fire. We liked the itinerary, so thought we would give Costa a try.

 

Embarkation – We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel, which was very near the cruise ship terminal. The hotel provided transfers for $6 pp to the ship. We left the hotel at 12 noon and were on the ship and in our cabin by 1pm. The process was smooth and not noticeably different than any other cruise we’ve taken out of Ft Lauderdale, with the exception of the credit card registration, which is done once on board. Also, Costa does not take a security photo when you first arrive and you must have a photo ID in addition to your Costa card to get back on the ship. Overall rating B+

 

Our Cabin – We had a balcony on the port side. It was spacious with a queen size bed and a sleeper sofa. The bed was firm, which we prefer, so we did not request a mattress pad/topper. We like our own pillows, so we brought our’s. Closets were generous, but drawer space was on the short side. Our steward, Darwin, kept the cabin in great shape. The bath had a large, (by cruise ship standards), sink area and the shower was fine. The shower had a liquid soap dispenser and the bathroom did not have any other amenities. Towels were large, but very thin – a European thing and there were washcloths – which are not European, but I suppose they were added to appease the North American market. The balcony had two chairs and a small table that was low enough to use as a footstool. Weather was beautiful the entire week and we used the balcony frequently. Overall rating B+

 

The Ship – Overall, a beautiful ship, well maintained, and exceptionally clean. Some areas were very classy and others over the edge. The Atrium was lovely, although I personally could have done without the murals, but many people liked them. The two dining rooms were a little too bright, with carnival type lights everywhere. At the other end of the spectrum, the buffet was quite dark and very congested. It was not the easiest ship to navigate. The main theater had ample seating, but as with most of the Carnival designed ships, there is a pole issue through out the 1st floor and balcony –plan to arrive early to avoid this problem. Overall rating B+

 

Entertainment – Singers and dancers were very good with several production numbers that I thoroughly enjoyed. One had a magic theme with glitzy Las Vegas style costumes. I enjoyed it so much that I went twice. Another night they had different lounges set up featuring entertainment from a particular country, Greece, France, Spain, and Turkey. We were given passports to have stamped as we went around the ship and there were buffets set up by each lounge. That was fun and different. Passenger talent night was the last night – Roman night and about half of the passengers dressed up in their togas. The cruise director was Caesar and staff dressed up like Romans also. Movies were available on TV and occasionally in the main theater. Overall rating A

 

Service – One of the misses. Breakfast and lunch in the dining rooms was slow, (even for Europeans), unpolished – as if they were all in training, and requests for something as simple as milk for our coffee, rather than half and half, which was standard, had to be made several times before the item finally arrived – many times it didn’t. No one ever came back to ask if everything was OK or if we needed anything else. Our waiter finally caught on towards the middle of the cruise that he should check back with us and by the end of the cruise, things were better than at the beginning, but it was never really great service. The headwaiter never came by our table to introduce himself and make sure we were happy. Don’t even think about ordering something that isn’t on the menu, because they will look at you like you have seven heads! Service in the buffet was very slow and dirty dishes remained on tables too long. Some of the cruise staff were very helpful and others were not. It was definitely not a language issue – just bad attitudes with snippy answers. Overall rating C-

 

Spa – The steam room and sauna were both great with large windows overlooking the water. The workout room was large, with lots of equipment and a hot tub. I had a facial and was surprised that they were not equipped in the spa to have a tip added to the bill. Cash only! So I had to run back to my room for some money for a tip. How stupid is that? Overall rating B

 

Shore Excursions – Since we have been to Bermuda and Nassau before we didn’t use these. We did have one experience in Nassau that really ticked me off. Because of the ship’s size, we docked at the far end of the pier. The port of Nassau provided shuttles to the main terminal. It was a very hot day, the line was long and we had been waiting to board for fifteen or twenty minutes when two of the three shuttles pulled up. Suddenly one of the Costa people took a group of people who were going on a Costa tour to the front of the line and boarded them without any wait. Everyone was furious. The driver on our shuttle said that that shouldn’t have happened, since the shuttles are not provided by Costa. I complained when I returned, but was told that tours get priority. I understand the drill since I’ve taken many ship tours over the years. My beef was that they used the public transportation, which was not part of any organized group. Overall rating F, because of this incident.

 

Itinerary – Major problem with Bermuda. The itinerary said we would arrive in Hamilton at 8 PM on Sunday evening with an overnight in Hamilton. Instead, we docked at the Royal Dockyards. Many people planned on being in Hamilton and going out for the evening. This wasn’t a last minute change. Costa knew the Magica was too large to dock or tender in Hamilton. This should have been included in the itinerary. I’ve been on many cruises that mention the ship will either tender or dock in another location. This was not the case with Costa, the information in the brochure and cruise documents was misleading – overall rating C +

 

Food – Well, here I go and I’m sure I will get flamed by the Costa lovers, but Costa has to have the smallest food budget of any cruise I have ever taken. I know food is subjective and if you love Costa food, that’s fine by me, but this was overall the worst food I have ever had on a cruise and I am not a picky eater. The menus were uninspired, with really limited selections and extremely small portions. I never had anything that I thought was really exceptional, although I did have a few dishes – mostly fish that were fairly good. Pastas dishes were OK, but not fabulous. Breakfast in the buffet was always the same, with no variety. Omelets stations prepared good eggs cooked to order. Ice cream and sherbet served in the dining room was very good, but unless you love sponge cake filled with a cream filling, desserts were poor. They were always the same in the buffet and midnight buffets – absolutely no variety. The worst was the Gala Midnight Buffet. Decorative bread buildings, fruit and ice carvings were set up in one dining room, but no food. We were given a plate and directed into the galley where the very limited buffet was set up. It wasn’t worth the effort and certainly not the place to do the “Gala” buffet with everyone dressed up in their formal wear. It definitely was the strangest thing I have ever experienced on a cruise. I’ve done galley tours before, but have never been served there! We had Lobster one night and the first one I ordered was good enough to order a second. It was terrible – like mush. I have never heard as many complaints about food as I did on this cruise. Overall rating C-

 

Overall opinion of Costa – Because food and service are most important to me, I have to give this cruise a C -. If you love Costa, that’s fine with me, and I am not trying to change your mind. I definitely would not recommend Costa to first time cruisers. If you are experience and want to try something new, or the price is so great that it would be hard to pass up, then by all means give Costa a try. Perhaps your experience will be different from mine - I hope so. I have always said a bad day at sea is better than being home, but in this case, I wish I had stayed at home and spent the money on something else. I will never go on a Costa cruise again, which is unfortunate, because they have some great Mediterranean itineraries that I was hoping I could go on.

[joetrizeo]

all i will say is your review hits me as being very critical, and thats ok if you're that type of person. but the review is definitly not the norm.

 

it really strikes me that many veteran cruise go-ers who have like 10 or more cruises on RCL or NCL or carnival or whatever who are cruising costa for the first time really REALLY dont like costa... This fact intreagues me...

 

do us 'novice' cruisers not know what we are talking about? i feel our opinion matters just as much as a veteran, or is it that veteran cruisers are so use to other types of cruise lines or should i say cruise styles...

 

i had a great time, service was top knotch and the food was the best. i guess chalk it up to the freedom to be different. in any event, this inconsistacy in reviews really makes it hard for someone who is looking at a costa cruise to make up thier mind, and in the end, isnt that what these boards are for?

 

thanks for your review :)

 

-Jim

[mek]

Jim - Actually I'm not an overly critical person and I'm truly easy to please when traveling. I believe I was very fair with my observations and gave several areas very good to excellent marks. Food and service are important to me and in this area, Costa fell short, but as I mentioned, it is only my oppinion. I'm thrilled that you were satisfied with your cruise. Your oppinion counts as much as mine, however if your have never cruised another line, I'm not sure how objective you can be. I happen to love Princess and it is quite posssible that you would not. Everyone sees things differently and it is fortunate that we have so many options available. You are correct about one thing - reviews for Costa are the most mixed of any of the cruise boards, but I must protest your remark that my review is not the norm. I have read many negative Costa reviews here as well as some good, so I decided to give them a chance. They simply did not live up to my minimum expectations in the food and service area, so I will not sail on Costa again. Have no fear - Costa will continue to be there for you.

[joetrizeo]

well said mek...this is why i'm going on carnival for my next cruise, so i can see what other cruse lines (styles) are like.

[mek]

Jim - I hope you like your Carnival cruise. If you enjoy cruising, I think it is important to try different lines. Although mass cruising basically pulls from the same demographic, each line has it's own special flavor and creates a unique cruising expereince. Have a great time!

[joetrizeo]

Jim - I hope you like your Carnival cruise. If you enjoy cruising, I think it is important to try different lines. Although mass cruising basically pulls from the same demographic, each line has it's own special flavor and creates a unique cruising expereince. Have a great time!

 

ya i've noticed that, this is why i say different cruise 'style' as opposed to different cruise line, since eveyone knows costa along with many others are under carnival.

 

i do have a different question for you though since you are a veteran cruiser. On costa i noticed chair saving on the sun deck going on. but i did not mind, nor did i see or hear anyone who minded. we all just found a spot wherever. there were no signs up, but i think anyone with some common sence would know its rude to hold a chair for hours.

 

since i will be traveling carnival i've been reading up on the forum over there. it seams that there is a LOT of talk and a LOT of complaining about chair saving? is chair saving that much more of a problem on carnival or is it that carnival people are more prone to complain about it?

 

they've been talking about taking/hiding or moving other peoples stuff (towels, glasses, wallets) if they see a chair vacant for 15-30 min. is this true?

 

the reason i ask is because i like to lay out for an hour, then swim for 30-45 min or so (maybe hit the waterslide a few times) then come back and layout. i posted this and was directly called a chair hog!

is this the common sentament on carnival? people on costa never seamed to mind.

i'm trying to get a straight answer out of someone but they kept flamin' me.

 

-Jim

[mek]

Hi Jim - It's been 4 years since I was on Carnival, but I will be on the Glory in July, so I'll let you know. I can tell you that the chair hog threads run wild on all of the RCCL, Princess and Carnival boards. Actually, I'm with you on this one - I don't understand why I should have to give up my chair if I want to take a swim, go in the hot tub, or grab a quick bite to eat in the buffet. I figure if I'm back in 1/2 hour, the chair should remain mine. But you're right, you will get flamed if you say that. I've never had a problem with someone moving my things off my chair, with the exception of one cruise in the Med. I forget which Carnival ship you will be on, but several ships are the same layout as the Magica and I thought there was ample space around the pools last week, so you shouldn't have a problem.

[joetrizeo]

ya there's a lot of gray area with respect to whats chair hoggin and whats not...personally i think that putting up signs and talking about it just inflames the problem. sort of like a self fullfilling proficy, TALKING about something in short supply (gas for instance) only makes people want to go out and hoard more! making the problem worse.

[danhotmail1954]

We were on the same cruise and most of the people were unhappy and said they would not book on Costa again.

Other lines check you in take a credit card and your done. Costa makes you check in and stand in another line to take a card.

The wait staff either does not speak English or likes to be difficult. They were slow, surly and screwed up orders every day.

Ports of call were misrepresented, many places in Bermuda are closed on Monday. A two day port of call was just a little more than 24 hours.

I've seen better entertainment at the local high school, the singers were off key, the dancers out of step and the audio system must have been from a flea market.

Unless you want to fast and meditate, stay away from this line.

This was cruise # 14 for us.

[Rotterdam]

I was on the Costa Med in february & had the same experience - by the 4th nite I gave up on going to the dining room. I am not a buffet person but found the pasta & salads fresh & tasty option.

 

Last year I tried MSC opera & would sail on that line again. I would go back to Costa for an inexpensive vaca & take only casual clothing. We dressed each evening thisyear but it was horrible how a lot of passengers dressed for dinner - sleeveless shirts at dinner in teh diningroom...jeans were a mainstay for many.

 

 

We had an aft balcony stateroom......loved it! As far as teh ship - hated the Carnivore / Las Vegas decor!

[lindanick]

I went on the Costa Meditterean in March. I really have to say I enjoyed it. The price was great. Had a nice Balcony cabin. Overall I give it a B.

 

You could always find something to do. Nice people. Clean, Clean and then more clean. Wow you would be hardpressed to find any dirt.

 

Because we did a western Caribbean cruise we had to be tendered everywhere. I had expected this, so it was no surprize. I think Costa did a better job then the other cruise lines that tendered. We had a large boat tendering us in and out. Most of the other ships only had small life boats. For this I give them an A+.

 

You can always find good food. I loved the potato pasta. Never had it before, but I did love it. I was lucky to have a nice man that his family was from Northern Italy. He knew alot of the different dishes, so he helped us in our choices. The cooks in the buffet lines would always help you. Actually they went out of thier ways to help. All you had to do was ask. Whats the worst they could say, NO?

 

About the credit card thing. We waited until Wednesday before registering. It didn't matter. You could continue to charge away from the first day.

 

I would go again. I have been on 45+ cruises. I like variety. My best was a princess cruise and my worst was a princess cruise. So all is in the eyes of the beholder.

 

Linda

:)

[GOLDENBONNY]

We were on the same cruise and most of the people were unhappy and said they would not book on Costa again.

 

Other lines check you in take a credit card and your done. Costa makes you check in and stand in another line to take a card.

 

thats why you can be on board in 1 hour max.compare to other lines.You dont have to register your card same day ,you can go any day

 

 

The wait staff either does not speak English or likes to be difficult. They were slow, surly and screwed up orders every day.

 

there is same wait staff from same countries on any line.sorry but no americans or english people want to work on this jobs

 

 

the Ports of call were misrepresented, many places in Bermuda are closed on Monday. A two day port of call was just a little more than 24 hours.

 

Is this costa problem as well,is any other line would keep shops open for you?:rolleyes:

 

 

I've seen better entertainment at the local high school, the singers were off key, the dancers out of step and the audio system must have been from a flea market.

 

you mast be going for very special high school,and be a pro in professional audio systems:rolleyes:

 

 

Unless you want to fast and meditate, stay away from this line.

This was cruise # 14 for us.

 

I do understand you did not like cruise,or food or....but when someone complaine shops close its cruise line problem....or systems from fleamarket:cool: ????Please :eek:

[mek]

I would agree with the dress code, although this is something I stopped being concerned about long ago. I dress as requested and I can't let what others do or wear spoil my vacation. Shorts were permited in the dining room for dinner - one guy at our table wore them twice. I saw others with shorts and jeans also. Formal night was everywhere from dressy casual to long dresses and tux's. By now, you all know my thoughts on the Gala MIdnight Buffet - it would have been more suited to shorts and flip flops - sorry I dressed up, it was not special.

 

Concering the decor - the dining room was over the top. In fact, this is one of the main reasons I cruise Carnival infrequently, although I do have fun on the ships and I think they have fairly good food. The ships are a floating Las Vegas. After a few days, I tend to get used to it, but I really do prefer the classier ships.

[Genessa]

ya there's a lot of gray area with respect to whats chair hoggin and whats not...personally i think that putting up signs and talking about it just inflames the problem. sort of like a self fullfilling proficy, TALKING about something in short supply (gas for instance) only makes people want to go out and hoard more! making the problem worse.

 

we've cruised on Carnival and Princess and the chair hogging was about the same as what we experienced on Costa...some small groups saving a bunch of chairs early in the day, using some, some of the time.

Annoying, but, get up earlier the next day ;) .

[joetrizeo]

i had a wonderful cruise! and so did everyone else on this board who went on that one. I've been reading costa forum every day since jan and the reviews have been all over the place...packerscruise and i have often wondered if we traveled the same line/boat as eveyone else? the reviews have been polar opposites.

[mek]

joetrizeo - I really does happen on the other boards also, although not quite the 50 - 50 I see on the Costa boards. I have been on several cruises that I thought were wonderful - almost perfect, and yet there were people who posted terrible reviews. Who knows why? You will find people who aren't satisfied with Radisson and Crystal either. I only know from many years of cruising, that each expereince is differnent, price isn't always a factor in determining how good a cruise is, and most eventually find a line they like best.

[Chrisobrn]

Just read your review and couldn't agree more! With so many choices out there, I won't do Costa again either.

 

Just an FYI..if you haven't tried a new NCL ship, the free style dining is fantastic!

[Easy EB]

I love Costa Lines. We were on the Mediterranea 1/16/05, and the Magica 1/15/06. Wow MEK it doesn't seem like we were on the same ship. I do agree with you about the mid-night buffet ... that was horrible. Our service was excellent from the head waiter Gilberto and his asst Jose, and in the morning I loved Paulo and his omletts. The only thing that really bit my butt was the sliding board. I made a video review of that and emailed it to Costa. It can be seen at a web page I am building just for this trip.

http://www.vacations.classicweb.us/2006_Vacation_Cruise.htm#MondayVideos

click on "the worlds most useless slide" video.

But other than that ... brother I was loven' life!

[BENBEA]

Thanks for the review. I have never been on a Costa cruise before, leaving Friday for the transatlantic to Copenhagen. I'll give my review at a later date. I personally think its hard to beat Holland America as far as the food, but they really do cater to the elderly (that includes me, but I'm young at heart) LOL. Have to try Costa at least once to see if it worth another booking.

[joetrizeo]

Easy EB - not to hijack mek's thread but i think you need a lesson in water slide physics. i watched your video, the guy on the slide was not going down the water slide the correct way! Any grown person who goes down on a waterslide with all thier weight on their butt will NOT go at all. simple physics, statics and friction equations apply here. in order for you to gain any speed you have to LAY DOWN and evenly distribute the weight from your heels to your shoulder blades. the dude in your video was not doing this. he was putting all the weight on his butt, increasing the friction and stalling. unless you're a kid or weigh under 100lbs you simply cannot go down a waterslide on your butt.

 

how do i know? i went down that exact slide you show, with such speed, i smacked the end stopping grate, and splashed fellow cruisers swimming in the pool near by in one big fantastic whoosh!

 

oh, and some other ships with the same waterslide include

costa magica

costa fortuna

carnival destiny

carnival victory

carnival triumph

carnival valor

carnival liberty

carnival glory

carnival freedom

carnival conquest

[mek]

Benbea - Have a wonderful time and please post a review. I hope the singers and dancers do the production number that had the magic theme - can't remember the exact name, but it was one of the best and most unique programs I have ever seen on a cruise. Not the typical, "Hits of Broadway" or "Golden Oldies" - with lots of glitzy, Las Vegas type costumes and sets. Despite some of my issues with Costa, I really enjoyed the entertainment. Copenhagen is a great city - I hope you get to spend some time there.

[goldencup]

Re the water slide, if the one on Costa Fortuna is indeed identical then I agree the only way is to lie down flat on it. My family (including me) all had a great time on this slide.

[GOLDENBONNY]

Just read your review and couldn't agree more! With so many choices out there, I won't do Costa again either.

 

Just an FYI..if you haven't tried a new NCL ship, the free style dining is fantastic!

 

PLEASE....:eek: NCL(SPIRIT) IS MOST TERRIBLE LINE I EVER BEEN(((FOOD IS AWFUL,THEY MAKE SO BAD TO MAKE TO GO TO PAID REST.FIRST TIME IN OUR CRUISE WE WENT TO SLEEP IN AFT.BECAUSE WAS NOTHING TO DO .SERVICE IS MIN.ITS LIKE A FLOATING BUFFET,WITH SMELL OF FAST FOOD:eek:

[boatlover]

I started a thread about a month ago "New To Costa" and promised to follow up. I agree with mek's review, so there is no need for me to start another thread. I was on this cruise and had a very enjoyable time but the food was very bland and uninspired (I was hoping for something more unique) and service in the dining room and buffet was far below what I have experienced on other cruises. It didn't ruin my trip but it did leave me with a feeling that I may never sail Costa again.

The ship is beautiful and very clean. Our cabin steward Ariel did a fantastic job. Our cabin was very comfortable and well appointed.

The passengers were much older than any Hollland America or Celebrity cruise I have been on but I think this might be a relection of the itinerary. There were some very nice people, and also quite of few who weren't all that nice. Lot's of whining/complaining. With all of the talk on these boards about the bad behavior of children on ships, I have to say give me that anyday over grown adults who are rude and pushy, shove food in their mouth as they go through the buffet line, etc...

Sorry, back to real life so I don't have a lot of time to expand. Thanks for the accurate and fair review mek!

[mek]

Goldenbonny - I have a friend who cruises primarily on, (and loves, loves, loves) Radisson, but also likes NCL because of all of the alterenative dining venues. She probably doesn't ever go to the regular dining rooms, so I'm not sure about the food there. But as particular as she is, the food in the extra charge restaurants must be fairly good.