Costa

[cruizinonup]

Anyone sail on Costa recenly? What did you think? We are considering Costa Atlantica for an anniversary trip in late 09. Princess (Emerald) is another consideration.

[elika326]

Why are you asking this on the Carnival boards?

[golfadj]

Costa/Carnival kind of close dont you think?

[UCSD]

IMHO,

Carnival has better food.

Costa has more activities onboard.

Hardware wise, they are close.

[LynneL]

Why are you asking this on the Carnival boards?

 

Only a guess but I'm thinking they want a comparsion from people who usually sail/like Carnival & wondering how does it compare to Costa. Maybe those same travelers have also sailed on Princess....as I say, just a guess but....

 

To the OP: I'm sorry I can't provide you with any Costa info but I've sailed once on the Crown Princess & it was one of my favorite cruises. I've gone on about 13 Carnival & have 2 more booked so certainly do like them - can't beat the prices, especially we get Interline rates. Princess was a bit less of the hairy chest contest type stuff & at least on the Crown sailing, more entertainment in those hours before dinner (50s-60s theme with trivia & dance music, then 70s another night - trivia contest & Hustle lessons, etc.). The night life music was mellower on Princess, though they did have the Movies Under the Stars. Depends on how much of a party couple you are to say what would appeal to you. I think my kids (19-24) would probably book Carnival over Princess, though the oldest one did book another Princess cruise right after our 1st one, went with his girlfriend & they loved. it. They met in one of the bars a few people in their twenties & all hung out together.

 

Anyone out there that can provide the OP with Carnival to Costa comparisons. Even if that's not what they were looking for...I'm sort of interested myself.

[millineumwoman]

costa is a true italian ship, the food is more italian than american, do not expect anything americanized it is all italianized. costa are very fun I enjoyed when i went on the costa fortuna (review is posted on review site here). the best thing is to not expect anything and just go to have a great vacation and you will.

[cruizinonup]

Only a guess but I'm thinking they want a comparsion from people who usually sail/like Carnival & wondering how does it compare to Costa. Maybe those same travelers have also sailed on Princess....as I say, just a guess but....

 

To the OP: I'm sorry I can't provide you with any Costa info but I've sailed once on the Crown Princess & it was one of my favorite cruises. I've gone on about 13 Carnival & have 2 more booked so certainly do like them - can't beat the prices, especially we get Interline rates. Princess was a bit less of the hairy chest contest type stuff & at least on the Crown sailing, more entertainment in those hours before dinner (50s-60s theme with trivia & dance music, then 70s another night - trivia contest & Hustle lessons, etc.). The night life music was mellower on Princess, though they did have the Movies Under the Stars. Depends on how much of a party couple you are to say what would appeal to you. I think my kids (19-24) would probably book Carnival over Princess, though the oldest one did book another Princess cruise right after our 1st one, went with his girlfriend & they loved. it. They met in one of the bars a few people in their twenties & all hung out together.

 

Anyone out there that can provide the OP with Carnival to Costa comparisons. Even if that's not what they were looking for...I'm sort of interested myself.

Yes, since I have only sailed Carnival and spend all of my time on Carnival boards, I was asking my Carnival "friends" who have cruised other lines for their advice. I'm sorry if some don't think this was the right place. We usually book Carnival b/c of the prices and the past experiences we have had. We have always had a great time. It will be our 15th anniversary next year and we would planning a more elaborate trip per say. We wanted to try another line and another itenerary. We are looking at Eastern Carribean with a balcony suite. We are not party people. We love to just spend time together doing whatever. The movies under the Stars sound great. I was worried that Costa might be a little "stuffy". Just wanted some advie on past experiences.

Thanks!

[cruizinonup]

Also, since I am trying to choose between Holland America Westerdam, Emerald Princess, Costa Atlantica, and Norwegian Pearl, Where do You suggest I post it???:confused:

[rlj1010]

I usually stick with Carnival, but I have sailed twice on the Costa Mediterranea in the last few years. Price was too good to pass up. Costa sometimes has amazing deals on their caribbean sailings.

 

Had a lot of fun. The overall experience was not THAT much different than Carnival, by the way.

[LynneL]

Yes, since I have only sailed Carnival and spend all of my time on Carnival boards, I was asking my Carnival "friends" who have cruised other lines for their advice. I'm sorry if some don't think this was the right place. We usually book Carnival b/c of the prices and the past experiences we have had. We have always had a great time. It will be our 15th anniversary next year and we would planning a more elaborate trip per say. We wanted to try another line and another itenerary. We are looking at Eastern Carribean with a balcony suite. We are not party people. We love to just spend time together doing whatever. The movies under the Stars sound great. I was worried that Costa might be a little "stuffy". Just wanted some advie on past experiences.

Thanks!

 

 

You were in the right place...didn't take a rocket scientist to figure what you were asking. I think I'd try the Princess if you want something a little different. As I say, it was more expensive for us but we were also celebrating an anniversary - 25 yrs. & congrats to you on your upcoming 15th. Don't know if the Emerald is same set-up as the Crown but it had a very classy feel to it. Nice central area with a small cafe area where you could get fresh baked cookies & donuts in a.m. (all free), panini or great chicken salad at lunch, etc. Crown had a beautiful sweeping marble staircase. Champagne waterfall set-up in that area on formal night. MUTS was very nice at night - they put a slipcover on the lounge chairs that has a padded pillow, provide blankets, come around with little snack items (also free). So comfy I feel asleep during movie though. Again, can't compare Costa but someone at work has gone on them & the impression they gave me was more specialized to Italian dining, she enjoyed conversing in Italian with waiters, etc. (though this person felt it was even more so prior to Carnival Corp. taking over & was disappointed it got a bit more Americanized). That was just hearing from that one person though. Don't know anyone else that went on that line.

[cruizinonup]

Thanks. We are very simple people. Like I said we can have fun doing anything as long as we are together. We just wanted to try something a little different. As you can see from my signature we have only been on the smaller(cheaper!) Carnival ships. I'm not sure about the Italian part of Costa. I think right now we are leaning more toward Princess, but worried about the large # of passengers, and have also read that it tends to be an older crowd?

[rlj1010]

Costa cabins are usually on the large size, comparable to Carnival's.

 

Costa has some fun events like the big toga party.

 

I happened to enjoy the food on Costa, as I love Italian. (Costa makes great bruschetta.)

 

Costa often has the cheapest fares, and you do get a lot of bang for your buck. (Costa also has a lot of 'kids sail free' specials. And are good about free upgrades.)

 

 

On the other hand...

 

You do get a large amount of foreigners when you sail on Costa, if that's a negative... doesn't bother me.

 

Whenever announcements on the PA are read, they usually recite them in about 3 or 4 languages, which gets annoying.

 

 

 

 

Personally, I'd rather sail on Princess or Holland America, if money was not an issue. But at double the price, and sometimes more, I have no problem sailing on Costa and Carnival.

[cruizinonup]

Costa cabins are usually on the large size, comparable to Carnival's.

 

Costa has some fun events like the big toga party.

 

I happened to enjoy the food on Costa, as I love Italian. (Costa makes great bruschetta.)

 

Costa often has the cheapest fares, and you do get a lot of bang for your buck. (Costa also has a lot of 'kids sail free' specials. And are good about free upgrades.)

 

 

On the other hand...

 

You do get a large amount of foreigners when you sail on Costa, if that's a negative... doesn't bother me.

 

Whenever announcements on the PA are read, they usually recite them in about 3 or 4 languages, which gets annoying.

 

 

 

 

Personally, I'd rather sail on Princess or Holland America, if money was not an issue. But at double the price, and sometimes more, I have no problem sailing on Costa and Carnival.

Prices at the time we are going are pretty close. We are looking at a balcony cabin and the starting prices are Costa being the cheapest at$749, Norwegian $799, Princess $867 and Holland America $899. So not a huge difference. Definitely more that I would pay for a normal cruise as I would rather go on 2 or 3 smaller ones in 18 mos. instead, but since it is the BIG 1 5 we are splurging!:pLOL

[rlj1010]

Prices at the time we are going are pretty close. We are looking at a balcony cabin and the starting prices are Costa being the cheapest at$749, Norwegian $799, Princess $867 and Holland America $899. So not a huge difference. Definitely more that I would pay for a normal cruise as I would rather go on 2 or 3 smaller ones in 18 mos. instead, but since it is the BIG 1 5 we are splurging!:pLOL

 

 

Yeah, if the rates are comparible, then you may as well splurge and do a different line. I would do the same.

 

 

But there are times, when im looking to book a cruise during a certain time period, and I'll see the lowest rate of $350 on Costa.... $599 on Carnival... $699 Celebrity... etc. In a case like that, I gotta pick Costa.

[cruizinonup]

yeah, if the rates are comparible, then you may as well splurge and do a different line. I would do the same.

 

 

But there are times, when im looking to book a cruise during a certain time period, and i'll see the lowest rate of $350 on costa.... $599 on carnival... $699 celebrity... Etc. In a case like that, i gotta pick costa.

definitely!

[UCSD]

I could not recall if Costa offers senior/military rates as Carnival does. Anyone knows?

[alinehu]

I had travel in Carnival, Costa and Princess. Like them all but my favorites are Carnival and Costa. Yes they are veryyyyyyy similar. Costa Atlantica is one of the most beautiful ships I been on.

I think you might like to read this:

http://nanetteali.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/why-not-costa/

[pkrchkr]

I could not recall if Costa offers senior/military rates as Carnival does. Anyone knows?

 

Costa recognizes the Canadian military and gives us a discounted rate.Carnival does not:mad:, Carnival needs to get with it they are losing out on a huge potential for sales!!

[BEACHBARB]

We did the Mediterrana last year which is just like the Spirit/Pride/Legend/Miracle. We were some of the few Americans and it was a great disembarkation for US citizens. If you like wine and/or beer with lunch/dinner - make sure you get the X-1 drink package. It was under $100 last year and covered all beer, wine and mineral water during meals and around the pool if the buffet is open. Could have just bought 1 for the whole dining table but we bought 4. It's only fair. We totally got our moneys worth. Didn't think the food was all that Italian. Had pasta stations in the buffet and seemed to be a bit more of a language barrier with servers but other than that - a great price on a great cruise.

[LynneL]

Thanks. I think right now we are leaning more toward Princess, but worried about the large # of passengers, and have also read that it tends to be an older crowd?

 

 

I guess the # of passengers would depend on the size ship you choose, not necessarily the line. The Crown was a large ship but designed well & didn't seem crowded, even at the pool. They had a good arrangement on the deck chairs, on a well designed upper deck plan, that allowed for a good # of chairs to be put out. I haven't looked to see how that compares to the ship your are considering (was it the Emerald). As far as the age factor for Princess passengers, we went in the summer on a 9 night Caribbean cruise out of NYC. Age frame was generally same as when we took 8 night Caribbean cruise out of NYC with Carnival the year or two before the Princess one. I would say the Princess cruise had most of its passengers in the mid 30s - mid 50s range, with sprinkling of younger, older & then quite a few young kids because school was out.

 

It's a hard call on those things. My husband & I took a Carnival cruise out of New Orleans on the Pres. week break (Fantasy) - 5 nights I believe it was & the crowd was much older than any we have been on. Would have thought shorter cruise, older ship (cheaper price), would have attracted a younger crowd. I was feeling young at 52! - lol. Nice bunch of people though. Lots from mid-US. I had also noticed that you were tossing in Holland America to the mix. That one I believe does get an older crowd...guessing my age & up.

 

If you are looking at a number of ports/lines/prices it can get confusing. Decide what is your priority (for me it's a mix of price & where to go). Narrow down your list from there. Look over reviews for common thread of info. Go to those boards. Then just compare 1 ship to a similar one & say to yourself, which one of these 2 sounds best...then one is knocked out...and continue that way. Easier than looking at 4 or 5 & trying to compare all at once. Good luck with it. I'm sure whatever your choice it will be a fun, new experience.

[Kurbanfan]

Prices at the time we are going are pretty close. We are looking at a balcony cabin and the starting prices are Costa being the cheapest at$749, Norwegian $799, Princess $867 and Holland America $899. So not a huge difference. Definitely more that I would pay for a normal cruise as I would rather go on 2 or 3 smaller ones in 18 mos. instead, but since it is the BIG 1 5 we are splurging!:pLOL

 

For that price I would choose Princess........and being that the Emerald is a new ship makes it even better......

I certainly would not rule out the Pearl either........

Good luck!!!

[Kaboochi]

OP,

 

We cruised on Costa Mediterania and I liked it. Pros for our group of 12: Great waitstaff and cabin stewards, very good food, nobody in your face to buy drinks, take pictures, great adult only pool area, a casino with paying slots. Cons: Rather quiet after 10pm - hard to find a lively bar after that hour. Matresses were a little thn making them uncomfortable for me. I hope this helps, Kaboochi

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

In the past I had looked at booking a Costa cruise.

 

Other than the funnels Carnival ships and Costa ships look so much a like. No coincidence there I am sure since they are under the same umbrella.

 

Now what turned me off of Costa was that during my research of Costa I had read many times that Americans are not well received on Costa ships by passengers and crew. I CANNOT CONFIRM NOR DENY THE TRUTH IN THIS. I am only telling of my experience in research.

 

Perhaps if you haven't already you could ask about this topic on the Costa boards.

 

Maybe I will check again in the future to see for myself.

 

Just thought I might throw that in there so you go into this armed with full knowledge.

 

I find it perfectly ok to ask this on the Carnival board. It is nice to get views of other lines from your fellow passengers.

[BooBooMonkey]

We sailed on Costa Fortuna on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary last year during spring break. The ship was exactly the same as the larger Carnival ships (Triumph or Conquest class...can't remember). The decor was not as loud as that on the Carnival ships we've been on. The food is definitely very Italian. We LOVED the food. Dinner is a big production number...more courses and it takes a good 2 hours.

 

The staff were very friendly to us. Wait staff were excellent, including the Matre D who stopped at our table every night and interacted with my kids very well. The room stewardess was great too. The casino is a bit on the small side as Europeans do not gamble as much as North Americans. There were a lot of European passengers...way more than you will ever see on a Carnival cruise. Not sure why that bothers some people, but it does (read the Costa boards). They do announcements (including the muster drill) in 5 languages, but that didn't really bother me either.

 

Night life was dominated by the disco and a couple of bars, as well as lots of dancing in one of the main lounges. There were lots of teens and 20-somethings in the disco at all hours. The toga party/talent show is an absolute hoot! The rest of the shows were not very good. Again, it is geared more toward European tastes. Maybe it was more like not what we're used to in ship entertainment than necessarily "bad".

 

My review is here: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=40353

 

I would not hesitate to book with Costa again. They do have great kids sail free promotions often. We would sail with them more if they would offer more choices in the Caribbean.

 

Boo

[Vanessa L]

Thanks. We are very simple people. Like I said we can have fun doing anything as long as we are together. We just wanted to try something a little different. As you can see from my signature we have only been on the smaller(cheaper!) Carnival ships. I'm not sure about the Italian part of Costa. I think right now we are leaning more toward Princess, but worried about the large # of passengers, and have also read that it tends to be an older crowd?

 

We are looking at the Westerdam for next year too and I asked here for Carnival folks to compare the two. I have no desire to hear what HAL folks think of the ship since, given that I haven't sailed HAL I would not be able to picture anything they were talking about. If they said, "The rooms are small." Smaller than what??? But, a comment of, "The rooms are smaller than those on all Carnival ships," I'm getting a visual of the comparison. So, I think you're spot on coming here. :)