I’m on Costa Victoria!

We boarded yesterday in Savona. There were 3 Costa ships in and boarding only started at 1 pm. No scrum to get on ship - it was quite painless and once on our first impressions were - “oh it’s not too bad!”Then we saw more......Oh dear what a tired old ship . The new carpeting and furniture makes it a bit better but it’s all shabby shabby old

We were completely underwhelmed with our balcony cabin - it’s so small compared to the other Costa ships. Perfectly adequate with plenty drawers and storage space but shabby /old. Wooden floor in ensuite and very little space - lighting terrible - my husband couldn’t see properly to shave!!

We can have all our meals in the club restaurant- dinner last night was fantastic. Great waiters and a warm friendly atmosphere . We were pleased to find out there is no 1st and 2nd sitting so we can eat when we want

The bars all seem a bit small but the Concorde lounge is nice and we managed to enjoy our first night on board and only got to bed after midnight.

It’s a really friendly ship - the staff seem happy and people talk to you. They’re all doing their best to keep this old ship alive! It seems to be working :cool:

In La Spezia - going into town now

Caryl

Hi Caryl,

What a shame we thought this was going in for a full re-furb & fit, been waiting so long for the Victoria or Atlantica as we so enjoyed them both in the early 00'.

We tried to book her once we heard she was coming back but was told itineraries where not yet released due to re-fitting whole ship. and changing back the Casino to more European tastes. We had mini-suites on her in them days and they wear very nice & quite large.

Regardless we hope you enjoy your cruise and look forward to your review.

Hi Caryl

I hope you had a lovely day in La Spezia.

It does not sound as if they did anything at the refit! They were recarpeting whilst we were on the Victoria in Singapore in January. We were in an ocean view and that was really small too. Not much storage either. The bathroom also very small.

I wonder how many of the staff members from that cruise are still on her now. They were a great bunch.

Continue to let us know how the cruise is going.

Have fun.

Riana

Great review Caryl! Who is eligible to eat in the club restaurant, will be first time on Costa. I was told there is 2 seating for dinner - 7 & 9:30, is it open time only in club dining room? Thanks

Great review Caryl! Who is eligible to eat in the club restaurant, will be first time on Costa. I was told there is 2 seating for dinner - 7 & 9:30, is it open time only in club dining room? Thanks

The Club restaurant is for suites & perla Diamante members of the Costa club, although anyone may purchase a meal there or even for whole week.

The MDR does indeed have two sittings Costa has one ship that has limited anytime dining (Diadema) in the buffet area plus the Neo ships.

It is hard to say what Costa will do next but think anytime dining will soon be normal..

Well boo hoo sob sob!

That’s us back in Savona and waiting for our Costa transfer to Milan airport.

It’s been one fantastic cruise - mainly due to the lovely crew on this ship. The food has been outstanding- never been on a Costa ship with such perfect meals until now

We started having breakfast in the self service restaurant as they served until 10.30 - and it was a hot breakfast with a great choice. Tasty gammon, minute steaks, chicken..!! Omelettes etc. We had to try to eat just a little as we wanted to enjoy lunch in the club restaurant.

The bars have been the biggest problem for us. The nicest bar - the only decent bar worth going to is the Concorde and it sits at the front of the ship. Unfortunately 4days out of 7 when we went for pre dinner drinks it was closed for either honeymooners party or captains party (which we avoid) or private function. We found this so annoying . The Grand Bar is not a good place for a drink - worse than sitting in an airport lounge!

Will have to stop there as it’s nearly time to leave this old ship which we have grown very fond of over 7 days.

Caryl

Caryl

Have a safe trip home. We would love a full report on your cruise please.

I agree with you about the bars. The Concorde only opened at 9 or 10pm during our cruise. The Grand bar and the "atrium" were the only two where you could get a pre-dinner drink. The wine bar outside the casino had no drinks included in the drinks package and was hue and impersonal.

Hope to read all about it once you conquered the washing!

Riana