Super Star

Can only find one very negative review of this new ship. Feeling concerned about our trip very soon. Has anyone else experienced it who loved it. The food seems to have been the major problem. Appreciate some first hand comments

We have read that ballroom and Latin dancing on the Azura is limited to the atrium yet p and O advertise 3 different dance floors. As they will host a Strictly Cruise in June to the Baltic what is the truth of the matter? Are the dance facilities excellent as they should be? Anyone any experience of this ship?

Absolutely great. No smoking anywhere inside the ship except for the cigar lounge where the doors remained closed, keeping the smell contained. Some smoking allowed on defined outside deck areas and on cabin balconies. We had a balcony cabin in the spa and presumably amongst people who are heath conscious, did not suffer from smoke infiltration from neighbouring balcony owners at all.

The atmosphere inside the ship including the casino was SO Different. Every day there was a written reminder in the TODAY programme reminding guests of the new no smoking rules which were adhered to. The age range of clients on this three week trip was relatively mature so maybe that explains it. My husband had a good time too and is working hard at the gym to ensure he will enjoy the next trip.

I also hope that Costa takes this seriously. If the Costa staff adopt a laissez faire attitude and do not pay enough attention to it then the non smokers amongst us need to react and not just sit there grumbling under our breath. Its perfectly possible to be polite in asking someone to move to the smoking area if they want to light up. Most people are civilised (although there is always the exception!) Presumably there will not be any ashtrays in use in non smoking areas so that should help.

Its not a question of victimising smokers - there is the cigar lounge and apparently smoking on the cabin balcony is still OK.

As far as I can see there could be many reasons why Costa has introduced these new rules. Either it is now Italian / International law (wouldnt know as I am not a lawyer). Or in line with many big companies these days they want to project an image with having a social conscience, or for pure commercial reasons ie Costa was losing too much business because of the continuous harmful publicity they were getting. You can decide which one you go with.

hello Amo,Mondo

take a look at the Shangri la just to see how far it is from the town centre. Personally i dont know it all.

However i do know the hyatt well because I went to a huge wedding there six years ago. It is fabulous although the beach at that time was undevelopped but a pleasant walk. The hotel is superb. Great food in the restaurant bar by the sea.

If you have not been to the mosque take seriously the need for ladies to cover up completely. No bits of arms and legs showing but well worth the effort,.

Swimming with turtles may be possible.

Whatever you do have fun

Stella

Thank you AmoMondo and MMOMOM for your support. As you know, the presence of smoke causes immense physical irritation for those with breathing problems and can easily leave you gasping for breathe. Not a pleasant sight. Cigarette smoke does not restrict itself to smoking areas, its carried around in your clothes, hair and on your breathe so anything which reduces the overall unpleasantness is very welcome.

AnonymousCruiser69. We have taken many Costa cruises over the years and have another planned shortly. Pleased to hear you will not be on it. We will now be able to enjoy improved air quality due to this change. I also hope they police it properly.

What makes you assume that I am French? Why has my residence suddenly become a racist issue? The British are by far the largest group of tourists visiting France so obviously they are more open minded than you.

My husband works hard to stay physically stable and merits clean air.I leave others to judge your offensive remark about my husband.

Bravo Costa. At last those of us who do not wish to suffer air polluted by the inconsiderate others are now to be taken into consideration. My husband has a terminal lung disease and does not need to suffer cigarette smoke added to his other problems. I might add that he doesnt smoke, doesnt drink alcohol and goes to the gym daily.

I cant find the prices of the spa treatments in the Samsara on the Costa website. They used to be advertised but no longer seem to be advertised. I want to arrange something for a Christmas present

:)

Is it still possible to buy the Samsara Dream package for 400 Euros once on the ship? (Favolosa) If so does it include access to the spa, 2 treatments, access to the restaurant etc.