Negative Costa reviews

[phider]

Hi

 

I have used quite some time to go through the Costa reviews on both CC and cruise.co.uk, and many of the bad reviews seems to come from Americans, or am I wrong?

 

The main reason why I am asking, is that I am going to my first Costa cruise in November with my wife and daughter, and I am uncertain about what to think from some of the reviews I have read. I have kind of concluded that it might not be accurate for Europeans such as myself. Example, being an European, it is quite normal that there are different languages over the speakers... that is a normal part of being European. Some reviews complain about this as a large factor, but that must really be an American issue, as I cant see any European having issues with this, unless you live under a rock.

 

Also, I don't understand why some reviews seem to suggest that Costa is cheaper than other cruise liners such as Celebrity, Princess and P&O.

 

I am going to be paying 2300 euros for a balcony cabin for 11 days, which would be the same on Princess, for example.

 

Anyways, would like to get some hints on whether I myself as an European can trust some of these reviews, that seems to come from Americans, which I cannot compare to my own lifestyle.

 

The food also seem to be something that is hugely complained about, but I still see a lot of other reviews where food is rated very high. Having been in the US a lot, I could imagine that these negative food reviews are specifically from Americans?

 

It could be an age thing as well, I am 35, and might not compare with a 65+ senior couple who expects a much less action packed cruise, as it seems like Costa is known for.

 

Thanks.

 

Philip

Edited September 14, 2013 by phider

[AnonymousCruiser69]

i think you answered your own question ;)

 

go and enjoy your cruise. i am american, have been on 3 longer costa cruise and i can see a point in some of the complaints, but i still disagree. i always say 'if you want it to be like home, stay home'.

[phider]

i think you answered your own question ;)

 

go and enjoy your cruise. i am american, have been on 3 longer costa cruise and i can see a point in some of the complaints, but i still disagree. i always say 'if you want it to be like home, stay home'.

 

Thanks a bunch for the quick reply. Some of the reviews are just very degrading, and I cant really think that it can be correct to the degree depicted in some reviews here.

 

If its the language barrier, then I can easily understand how Americans can put more weight to that, than Europeans, but some of the remarks are really harsh, as if you are going to be delivered with trash, such as food quality.

 

Philip

[AnonymousCruiser69]

i posted photos of almost all my meals from my last costa cruise (nov 12). they can be seen here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1748219

[phider]

i posted photos of almost all my meals from my last costa cruise (nov 12). they can be seen here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1748219

 

Thanks, I have seen those, and really appreciate your effort to both take and post these. It gives a good insight into the actual standard.

 

I showed them to my wife, and we both agreed that it looked like reasonable quality.

 

This is what I don't understand. How can this produce the reviews some have made?

 

I do understand that this is not 5 star quality - but I really don't expect that either. We expect reasonably well made quality food, which provides you with an experience fit for the occasion, but not something overly complicated or individually made (I do expect that food is prepared to be served for a large number of people).

 

Philip

[AnonymousCruiser69]

Thanks, I have seen those, and really appreciate your effort to both take and post these. It gives a good insight into the actual standard.

 

I showed them to my wife, and we both agreed that it looked like reasonable quality.

 

This is what I don't understand. How can this produce the reviews some have made?

 

I do understand that this is not 5 star quality - but I really don't expect that either. We expect reasonably well made quality food, which provides you with an experience fit for the occasion, but not something overly complicated or individually made (I do expect that food is prepared to be served for a large number of people).

 

Philip

 

some people just like to complain. i think your expectations are reasonable.

[seatdriver]

Hi

 

I have used quite some time to go through the Costa reviews on both CC and cruise.co.uk, and many of the bad reviews seems to come from Americans, or am I wrong?

 

The main reason why I am asking, is that I am going to my first Costa cruise in November with my wife and daughter, and I am uncertain about what to think from some of the reviews I have read. I have kind of concluded that it might not be accurate for Europeans such as myself. Example, being an European, it is quite normal that there are different languages over the speakers... that is a normal part of being European. Some reviews complain about this as a large factor, but that must really be an American issue, as I cant see any European having issues with this, unless you live under a rock.

 

Also, I don't understand why some reviews seem to suggest that Costa is cheaper than other cruise liners such as Celebrity, Princess and P&O.

 

I am going to be paying 2300 euros for a balcony cabin for 11 days, which would be the same on Princess, for example.

 

Anyways, would like to get some hints on whether I myself as an European can trust some of these reviews, that seems to come from Americans, which I cannot compare to my own lifestyle.

 

The food also seem to be something that is hugely complained about, but I still see a lot of other reviews where food is rated very high. Having been in the US a lot, I could imagine that these negative food reviews are specifically from Americans?

 

It could be an age thing as well, I am 35, and might not compare with a 65+ senior couple who expects a much less action packed cruise, as it seems like Costa is known for.

 

Thanks.

 

Philip

Hi, me and my partner cruised on Favalosa last October and really enjoyed our cruise. The several language announcments can be a bit wearing to listen to but I found that they were not really something important to listen too.

The food was wonderful and we ate in the MDR every evening and Costa did seat us with other English speaking passengers (american couple stationed in Italy with the military and another american lady married to a German). We didn't really see much of them during the day but always had lots to talk about during dinner.

Costa cruises are very port intensive - no sea days on our cruise - so the language shouldn't be a problem. I feel very lucky that I speak English as many mainland Europeans speak good English.

I also agree that many of the critical reviews about Costa seem to come from American residants and I'm not sure I understand why. Perhaps being surrounded by folks that are chatting away in Italian, French, Spanish etc etc is a bit off putting but I thought it was all part of the experience. The one thing I did find that annoyed me greatly was a lack of manners from some of European friends! They thought nothing of barging you out of their way if you were stood where they wanted to be! Especially at the buffet.

Other than that most were very friendly and quite a lot enjoyed practicing their English as soon as they heard us speak!

If a Costa cruise had alot of sea days then I would probably not be interested, but they have some fantastic ports of call that show off the diverse culture of Europe. It's surprising how different the countries of Europe are. Neighbours such as France and Spain have completely different food, language etc. Italy has borders with Switzerland and Slovenia - again 3 totally different languages and cultures.

The entertainment on board was probably the biggest let down - this was really due to the amount of times they had to say things in different languages - it did get tedious so we stuck to having a drink in the various bars and checking out the casino.

As for the smoking that I have heard alot of complaints about, there are certain bars that have a smoking section, but honestly, anybody who was sat in a non smoking part of the bar wouldn't have anything to complain about, you simply don't smell smoke like some people have said you can, perhaps the odd whiff but that is all.

Best thing to do is give it a try and if you don't like it stick to NCL, Carnival etc where English is the main spoken language by most passengers.

Have a great cruise!

[phider]

It's good to hear that you have had a good experience on your Costa cruise. Regarding the food, how do you think it compares to some of the other cruise liners you have been with?

 

Also, I have seen a lot of people referring Costa as a discount liner - but when I compare the prices across liners, such as Princess Cruises, its not because I find it that much cheaper to be honest. Maybe 100-200 euros...

 

Philip

Edited September 15, 2013 by phider

[seatdriver]

It's good to hear that you have had a good experience on your Costa cruise. Regarding the food, how do you think it compares to some of the other cruise liners you have been with?

 

Also, I have seen a lot of people referring Costa as a discount liner - but when I compare the prices across liners, such as Princess Cruises, its not because I find it that much cheaper to be honest. Maybe 100-200 euros...

 

Philip

 

I think Costa prices are cheaper than some other cruise lines for sure. Personally Im not into all this service stuff like towels folded into animal shapes etc etc. So long as my cabin is kept clean (like in a hotel) and you get the food you ordered thats fine by me. Our cabin steward was freindly and attentive but not intrusive, the waiters and bar staff were all very friendly. Because the cruise was so port intensive we were off the boat exploring and then back in the afternoon to chill out on a lounger with a drink. We always book an inside cabin as we spend so little time in it I don't see the point of paying huge sums of money for a balcony that wouldn't really get used. Of course it would be nice to have a balcony but to pay almost double the price just doesn't do it for me!

As for the food I don't think it was any worse or any better than other ships I have been on. It is very Mediteranian based and obviously as it's an Itallian line there's tons of pasta. I don't like pasta but never went without something to eat, there is loads of choice. For the evening meal they have a pasta course which I usually sat out.

Again if the ports of call are a priority then Costa is great!

[phider]

Well, its always something that the food isn't inedible as some reviews suggests.

 

Philip

[phider]

I think Costa prices are cheaper than some other cruise lines for sure.

 

How so? I have checked several other cruise lines. For example, the highly beloved - by Americans at least - Royal Caribbean.

 

14 days on a Balcony cabin for 2 adults and 1 infant. Price? 2080,80 euros.

 

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruise Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Nights:14

Dep. Date:10th Nov 2013

Itinerary:Barcelona, Spain : Seville (cadiz), Spain : Madeira (funchal), Portugal : Nassau, Bahamas : Galveston, Texas.

 

For our Costa Cruise, 11 days on a Balcony cabin for 2 adults and 1 infant. Price? 2146,40 euros.

 

Granted, the price of 2146,40 euros does include the Extra All Inclusive drinks package for the 2 adults - however, this is only for 11 days and not 14 days, so that should be fairly neutral.

 

Cruise Line: Costa Cruises

Cruise Ship: Costa Deliziosa

Nights:11

Dep. Date:29th Nov 2013

Itinerary:Savona, Italy : Barcelona, Spain : Seville (cadiz), Spain : Casablanca, Marocco : Tangeri, Marocco : Lisabon, Portugal : Valencia, Spain : Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

 

Philip

[seatdriver]

How so? I have checked several other cruise lines. For example, the highly beloved - by Americans at least - Royal Caribbean.

 

14 days on a Balcony cabin for 2 adults and 1 infant. Price? 2080,80 euros.

 

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruise Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Nights:14

Dep. Date:10th Nov 2013

Itinerary:Barcelona, Spain : Seville (cadiz), Spain : Madeira (funchal), Portugal : Nassau, Bahamas : Galveston, Texas.

 

For our Costa Cruise, 11 days on a Balcony cabin for 2 adults and 1 infant. Price? 2146,40 euros.

 

Granted, the price of 2146,40 euros does include the Extra All Inclusive drinks package for the 2 adults - however, this is only for 11 days and not 14 days, so that should be fairly neutral.

 

Cruise Line: Costa Cruises

Cruise Ship: Costa Deliziosa

Nights:11

Dep. Date:29th Nov 2013

Itinerary:Savona, Italy : Barcelona, Spain : Seville (cadiz), Spain : Casablanca, Marocco : Tangeri, Marocco : Lisabon, Portugal : Valencia, Spain : Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

 

Philip

The searches I have done for different cruise lines with similar ports of call always seem to put Costa or MSC as cheaper than say Princess, HAL, Royal Caribbean, NCL etc. Maybe its something to do with Euro's vs Pound Stirling!

[chrispb]

It's good to hear that you have had a good experience on your Costa cruise. Regarding the food, how do you think it compares to some of the other cruise liners you have been with?

 

Also, I have seen a lot of people referring Costa as a discount liner - but when I compare the prices across liners, such as Princess Cruises, its not because I find it that much cheaper to be honest. Maybe 100-200 euros...

 

Philip

 

You are right. They are not as cheap as some people like to make out. We've never had a really cheap cruise but perhaps some people book at the right time and get a good price.

 

I think the price you are seeing will come down before November so may be worth holding off for a few weeks before booking. It's not a popular time for the Med so are unlikely to sell out.

 

I personally rate Costa higher than Royal Caribbean for what it's worth. The only negative for us is that there's no buffet every night, only Main Dining Room.

[phider]

You are right. They are not as cheap as some people like to make out. We've never had a really cheap cruise but perhaps some people book at the right time and get a good price.

 

I think the price you are seeing will come down before November so may be worth holding off for a few weeks before booking. It's not a popular time for the Med so are unlikely to sell out.

 

I personally rate Costa higher than Royal Caribbean for what it's worth. The only negative for us is that there's no buffet every night, only Main Dining Room.

 

Exactly. Cunard seems to be something people refer to also as a top class line. So again, I pay 2146,40 euros for 2 adults and 1 infant for 11 days with Costa on an Balcony cabin.

 

With Cunard for 12 days in a Balcony cabin for 2 adults and 1 infant.

 

Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises

Cruise Ship: Queen Elizabeth

Nights: 12

Dep. Date: 4th Oct 2013

Itinerary: Piraeus (Athen), Mykonos (Greece), Kusadasi (Efesos) Turkey, Rhodos (Greece), Santorini (Greece), Heraklion / Kreta (Greece), Katakolon (Olympia) Greece, Kerkira (Korfu) Greece, Messina (Sicilien) Italy, Napoli (Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome) Italy.

Price? 2505,33 euros.

 

Philip

[OleSalt]

Fellow passenger on the C Mediterranea told me he would not sail Costa again because there were too many foreigners on board.

 

'Nuff said

[Grumpy100]

I am American and have been on one Costa cruise and would not go on another Costa cruise. But since you are European you will love it and have no problems whatsoever. Enjoy.

[Joren]

I've written 2 reviews, both on the Costa Serena.

 

With the better clarity that perhaps time passed allows, I can only say that if you go in with an open mind, you'll probably have a great time.

 

The thing that bothered me the most, and still does, is the lack of queuing that seems to prevail (not just on Costa cruises, buffets etc, but in a good part of Europe)

 

I enjoyed the food and don't recall having a bad meal. I understand that Italian food in Italy is different than what is often passed off as "Italian" food in North America.

 

Some people will complain about anything. Certainly, some complaints have merit, but I've heard people cruising on Cunard b*tching about bread. Seriously, I wonder why some people leave home if they want everything to be the same as it is at home?

 

I will advise, and I noticed this recently in Croatia on all the ferries I took, that you familiarize yourself with emergency exits, muster stations etc. I imagine Costa has gotten much better at it, but none of the ferries I took this month in Croatia had any sort of a safety briefing or any indication of what to do in an emergency. Zilch. With the numbers of people and amount of baggage crammed on those ferries, it is a disaster looking for a place to happen.

[chrispb]

There were definitely more Brits on our last cruise in July than there was last year, and they always sit people with other English speakers.

 

I think Costa have brilliant itineraries, not just boring Med & Caribbean. Who else are doing Madagascar & Phillipines - maybe one of the larger lines but only as part of a longer voyage.

 

I also like the fact that you can embark and disembark at different points, at least then you have the length of cruise that you want. For some reason this seems to bother some people but not us:)

[CraftyEC]

 

Some people will complain about anything. Certainly, some complaints have merit, but I've heard people cruising on Cunard b*tching about bread. Seriously, I wonder why some people leave home if they want everything to be the same as it is at home?

Without trying to be insulting to your entire nation, I would say that as a (UK) European the one grocery item which is generally dire (too sweet, over processed etc) in the USA is the bread, if you are limited to buying from the local supermarket. When we've stayed in Florida, for example, we've never seen an independent bakery, although I am sure they must exist. So, it always amazes me that at our local base (theoretically RAF, but actually run by the NSA and US military) the commissary sells vast amounts of factory produced bread which is frozen and shipped over to the UK. This base is in the countryside with plenty of local bakeries in villages close by, and significantly more choice of standard and artisanal breads in the supermarkets in the main town. Yes, we also have 'plastic sliced bread' but we do have a higher proportion of good stuff. So, given that there are folks who are based here for three year tours who rarely leave the base, buying all their groceries at the commissary, I think there is a proportion of US passengers who will not be happy with any food on a cruise ship which is not almost identical to that which they would find on a US run cruise ship.

 

To balance the picture, when we went to Cyprus, we came out of our hotel to walk to the harbour, and the first hostelry / restaurant we found had a large chalk-board proclaiming "Steak and kidney / Chicken / Fish Pie" and we soon discovered that many of the local places catered almost exclusively to ex-pats who wanted the sun but to eat 'just like at home'. Thankfully the Brits who cruise do seem to tend to be a little more adventurous with their food!

 

I haven't cruised Costa, or any of the other European-based lines (may try Viking, and can always dream of the Europa!) but wouldn't rule them out. We find it frustrating on some itineraries that there is not more local flavour reflected in the fare on board.

[guxu]

Our last 7-day Costa cruise cost us $1,400 for 4 (2 kids) in OV cabin. And it was in spring break. The next cheapest cruise I had was with Carnival, 7-day cruise for 4, inside cabin for $2,000+. So Costa is cheaper, at least in US market.

 

I do not mind 7 languages. I do not mind "foreigners". I like long dinner. But I want to sit there enjoying something instead of holding the menu for 40 minutes with empty glass in front of me. Yes, it took the waiter 30 to 45 minutes before he even poured water for us. But for that $1,400 price tag, I did not complain.

Edited September 17, 2013 by guxu

[phider]

Our last 7-day Costa cruise cost us $1,400 for 4 (2 kids) in OV cabin. And it was in spring break. The next cheapest cruise I had was with Carnival, 7-day cruise for 4, inside cabin for $2,000+. So Costa is cheaper, at least in US market.

 

I do not mind 7 languages. I do not mind "foreigners". I like long dinner. But I want to sit there enjoying something instead of holding the menu for 40 minutes with empty glass in front of me. Yes, it took the waiter 30 to 45 minutes before he even poured water for us. But for that $1,400 price tag, I did not complain.

 

What age was your kids?

 

Philip

[guxu]

What age was your kids?

 

Philip

They were 11 and 15. It was not kids free sale, but they were charged $99 or $49.

[chrispb]

Our last 7-day Costa cruise cost us $1,400 for 4 (2 kids) in OV cabin. And it was in spring break. The next cheapest cruise I had was with Carnival, 7-day cruise for 4, inside cabin for $2,000+. So Costa is cheaper, at least in US market.

 

I do not mind 7 languages. I do not mind "foreigners". I like long dinner. But I want to sit there enjoying something instead of holding the menu for 40 minutes with empty glass in front of me. Yes, it took the waiter 30 to 45 minutes before he even poured water for us. But for that $1,400 price tag, I did not complain.

 

We've always had brilliant service both for drinks and meals - waiters usually waiting at our table to seat us, drinks brought straight away. Guess it depends on the ship and the crew.

 

Unless they prefer Europeans:D

[Minoushka]

I have been on both Costa Atlantica and Mediterranea ...both were wonderful

The food is European ...so expect fish with all their parts including head ...Most North Americans do not like that

Yes they repeat announcements in many languages ....it helped me learna few new phrases

The shows are more visual

The ships are highly decorated ....i loved them

Food at lunch was great so were dinners

Nice party atmosphere with great daytime entertainment

 

Go enjoy do not worry about negative nellies ..have fun

 

Michele

[guxu]

Their kids program is one of the best I've seen.