Negative Costa reviews

[Seven Palms]

Oh, my friends. Oh, my friends...

That is what I expected.

 

If we assess food we have to assess it.

It's a myth that food is subjective. There are a lot of objective criteria to indicate what is what food-wise before we reach the subjective part.

If we cannot assess it - a better way is to say "I like it".

 

Yes, food on NeoRomantica is definitely an improvement in comparison with current Costa "standards", but to say it's equal to cruise industry leaders is a big exaggeration.

However, NeoRomantica has an excuse: too small to house what resort ships have to offer.

 

Another note of incomparable things: open decks on HAL Eurodam & Nieuw Amsterdam cannot be compared to anything else. It's like entertainment options on the RCI Oasis class - just the best. Why? Because the ships have been designed this way. Other ships are designed different way.

 

 

I am glad you enjoyed your cruise on the NeoRomantica.

I have seen that ship as I can see your post right now.

It's not my cup of tea.

This small 20-years old ship with endless portholes is not ispiring.

I cannot imagine myself cofined to the space like this on a cruise.

This is not a resort ship.

I would rather cruise on the Luminosa than on the NeoRomantica.

I will have to manipulate with miserable dining options to get somethig accaptable.

Important: I will be able to manipulate with food on Luminosa.

But I won't be able to manipulate with ship design on NeoRomantica.

For me it's suffocating.

 

Once I cancelled a cruise on one of so-called "premium cruise lines" and took a cruise on... the Favolosa.:D

Do I regret?

No!

Why?

Because, apart of the miserable dining concept, the Favolosa is a modern resort ship. The "so-called" (despite premium food service) is a floating sink in comparison.

 

Enjoy your cruises.

 

I gather you are pulling everyone's legs with your contentious posts!

Tastes (design) and palate (cuisine) are very individual. No need to debate either. One Favolosa Cruise and you know the entire Costa line? You clearly like the "resort" style ships, so the Neo Romantica would not be your speed. I have to say that it sure seems up our alley. And a massive thank you to the Scots lass who posted. Glad you had a wonderful time on this ship. So, Cruisetrail, if you do not have a further Costa cruise, move onto the NCL board for Epic discussions, I think they are calling for you!

[Blondie008]

And a massive thank you to the Scots lass who posted. Glad you had a wonderful time on this ship. So, Cruisetrail, if you do not have a further Costa cruise, move onto the NCL board for Epic discussions, I think they are calling for you!

 

You're welcome ;)

I am laughing now as MY next cruise is on Epic (well booked anyway)

I love trying totally different cruise experiences -

Epic for me will be all about the ship - want BIG (as opposed to wee ;) )ship - loadsa "stuff" - and hoping family will join us - I'm off to read the NCL board

No suite booked this time - with the price of flying across the pond - have to settle for a mini suite - but - "its all about the ship" and am sure with open freestyle dining - we will enjoy our cruise.

I've wanted to cruise Epic for ages - Thats the beauty I guess of being open minded and not stuck on any one cruiseline - love to experience the chalk AND the cheese :)

[cruisetrail]

I gather you are pulling everyone's legs with your contentious posts!

Tastes (design) and palate (cuisine) are very individual. No need to debate either. One Favolosa Cruise and you know the entire Costa line? You clearly like the "resort" style ships, so the Neo Romantica would not be your speed. I have to say that it sure seems up our alley. And a massive thank you to the Scots lass who posted. Glad you had a wonderful time on this ship. So, Cruisetrail, if you do not have a further Costa cruise, move onto the NCL board for Epic discussions, I think they are calling for you!

 

No-one is going to dabate individual tastes.

Ships design/amenities and sevice concept are very certain, measurable and comparable.

 

You don't know my cruising experience and I don't bring my future cruising plans for discussion. Please focus on your own business.

[cruisetrail]

You're welcome ;)

I am laughing now as MY next cruise is on Epic (well booked anyway)

I love trying totally different cruise experiences -

Epic for me will be all about the ship - want BIG (as opposed to wee ;) )ship - loadsa "stuff" - and hoping family will join us - I'm off to read the NCL board

No suite booked this time - with the price of flying across the pond - have to settle for a mini suite - but - "its all about the ship" and am sure with open freestyle dining - we will enjoy our cruise.

I've wanted to cruise Epic for ages - Thats the beauty I guess of being open minded and not stuck on any one cruiseline - love to experience the chalk AND the cheese :)

 

Not to stuck on any cruise line - I cannot agree more.

BTW the Epic is not a "big ship" and has no mini suites. They sell something they call mini suites. Freestyle dining is actually extra charge dining.

NCL have worked hard on epic mistakes, so the Breakaway/Getaway could be a better option.

But if you want it - go for it.

It's fun to see that design.

The only thing I would never do for this ship - flying across the pond.

Set your expectations properly and enjoy your cruise!

[Blondie008]

Not to stuck on any cruise line - I cannot agree more.

BTW the Epic is not a "big ship" and has no mini suites. They sell something they call mini suites. Freestyle dining is actually extra charge dining.

NCL have worked hard on epic mistakes, so the Breakaway/Getaway could be a better option.

But if you want it - go for it.

It's fun to see that design.

The only thing I would never do for this ship - flying across the pond.

Set your expectations properly and enjoy your cruise!

 

 

I dont mind paying extra for dining -

We wont be taking formal gowns and Highland dress (as we would normally) so in fact, only booked a "mini suite" for extra cupboard space. I cannot and will not justify a suite on Epic.

Sorry - our transatlantic flight is coming home from Miami - we sail out. We have cruised many TA cruises - on various ships - (actually one of our favourites was an OLD P&O ship - Arcadia's final voyage when P&O were a decent line).

I am happy to be "nickle and dimed" for the extras - on TA - the weather is going to be a hit and a miss - 14 nights cruising - many at sea - would rather "waste" our money on dining, spa treatments etc - than on a Haven suite which I feel on Epic - is a waste of money.

I do like a nice flight home - dont mind day flights going out in coach, but coming home - night flights - need a business flight which prob costs more than the cruise itself (well...depends on my avios;))

For this trip - I want buzzers and bells - bars, lounges, clubs - fun at sea (although I give the sheep herding a miss)

Barcelona is an easy pop for us - willl maybe spend a couple of nights there pre cruise - Madeira I love, - and well - I LIKE TA cruises -

Epic - with family (hopefully) - Its just a ship I want to try out

The Mini suite I am under no false pretences - its "a room" - as long as it has a mirror, light - and dont need or want a tub (chose a shower only configuration) - then its a wardrobe...

I will let you know how I get on;)

Rgrds B

[Blondie008]

PS - the only change I MIGHT make is to change it to a spa mini suite for spa access. On TA cruises we will prob use the spa more than usual. Emailing ncl uk to find out about spa passes. If its worth the extra $$ (espcially right now when the dollar is so weak against the £) - then might change it to a spa mini - thats as far as I go on this one :)

[cruisetrail]

I dont mind paying extra for dining -

We wont be taking formal gowns and Highland dress (as we would normally) so in fact, only booked a "mini suite" for extra cupboard space. I cannot and will not justify a suite on Epic.

Sorry - our transatlantic flight is coming home from Miami - we sail out. We have cruised many TA cruises - on various ships - (actually one of our favourites was an OLD P&O ship - Arcadia's final voyage when P&O were a decent line).

I am happy to be "nickle and dimed" for the extras - on TA - the weather is going to be a hit and a miss - 14 nights cruising - many at sea - would rather "waste" our money on dining, spa treatments etc - than on a Haven suite which I feel on Epic - is a waste of money.

I do like a nice flight home - dont mind day flights going out in coach, but coming home - night flights - need a business flight which prob costs more than the cruise itself (well...depends on my avios;))

For this trip - I want buzzers and bells - bars, lounges, clubs - fun at sea (although I give the sheep herding a miss)

Barcelona is an easy pop for us - willl maybe spend a couple of nights there pre cruise - Madeira I love, - and well - I LIKE TA cruises -

Epic - with family (hopefully) - Its just a ship I want to try out

The Mini suite I am under no false pretences - its "a room" - as long as it has a mirror, light - and dont need or want a tub (chose a shower only configuration) - then its a wardrobe...

I will let you know how I get on;)

Rgrds B

 

14 days on NCL Epic!

You are a hero. We were done after 5 days.

It's essentially closed in floating casino & bars. By design - the worst mega ship ever built.

Costa new ships are literally floating palaces in comparison.:)

"Mirror and light" - you'll see that "mirror" and that "light"...:)

You are right about spa - it's vital for a long cruise on a ship like this.

Have a good company with you and enjoy the best of what you have chosen.

:)

 

P.S.

Agree about suites - wasted money.

IMO I would say that about all ships.

Edited September 30, 2013 by cruisetrail

[Blondie008]

14 days on NCL Epic!

You are a hero. We were done after 5 days.

It's essentially closed in floating casino & bars. By design - the worst mega ship ever built.

Costa new ships are literally floating palaces in comparison.:)

"Mirror and light" - you'll see that "mirror" and that "light"...:)

You are right about spa - it's vital for a long cruise on a ship like this.

Have a good company with you and enjoy the best of what you have chosen.

:)

 

P.S.

Agree about suites - wasted money.

IMO I would say that about all ships.

 

One man's meat is another man's poison -

Epic's choice of bars, restaurants, clubs, pubs and dining options are pretty awesome.

I LOATHE Royal Caribbean's "promenade" style ships - but do not push my opinion of them down others' throat. To me - Explorer of the Seas was one of MY worst nightmares. Clearly though millions love her...Just my opinion which is worth nothing.... other than to me. I found Royal's service abysmal, the food bland and totally lacking in good live music. BUT that was MY opinion. I totally respect that Royal is a much loved line.

Design? I couldnt care less what a ship looks like.(well no, I dont like old and tatty) Its by far more important to me to have joyous time off work (I am not retired so 14 days spent at sea is paradise!) I DO like clubs, lounges, casino - live music - dancing late - and choices of dining options. Epic has ALL of those - I think we will love her - but that is US - not you. Clearly design is paramount to you - I dont even think aabout a ship's layout or design until I am boarded - my priority is always date, route, number of nights, value for money, pubs, clubs, live music and Spa. If its traditional dining I will take a suite, if its anytime - am happy enough in a regular balcony cabin.

 

I only have specific times of year when I can take a vacation. I do not have the luxury of choice - there are lots out there I hope to see and do, but not until I retire which is quite some years off yet. I'd love to cruise to Hawaii - or Alaska - and Celebrity Expeditions - wow - on my bucket list. (If I am spared).

Until then - a five day cruise? Waste of time in my opinion. In fact, even a weeks cruise is a waste of time. I like loooooooooooong cruises, either one over at least 12 days, or two x back2backs - For a five day break., we grab a short flight to any one of many islands or countries in the Med - cheap and easy. Long weekend in Italy - or a short flight to family in Spain - easy stuff for us. 5 day cruise - now you are MY hero:p Id rather spend five days on a Greek Island or in a city like Paris or Milan than on a cruise ship.

Different horses for different courses - 14 days at sea - ahhhhh bliss :D Rest my overworked head and tired bones - and yes - think I will change our cabin though to a Spa cabin - that DOES make sense.

When is YOUR next trip? Am interested to hear what floats your boat? (Thats a genuine question - seeing as you dismiss just about everything I am curious to know which ships you DO like?)

[cruisetrail]

Design is all about the ship and amenities (some people confuse it with decor :D).

I agree with you - retirement cruising is not vacation cruising.

I love Paris too but that is for a different forum.

Some ships by design can offer only a part of cruise life.

If it's the part that you are looking for - go for it.

Enjoy your cruise.

 

 

Am interested to hear what floats your boat? (Thats a genuine question - seeing as you dismiss just about everything I am curious to know which ships you DO like?)

Classy cruise ships that offer things unique for sea travel.

Edited October 1, 2013 by cruisetrail

[Tatka]

Again. Different people look for different things on their cruises, so only they can decide if particular ship provides everything they want from a cruise. Different designs are not better or worse, they are for different needs.

 

How difficult is this to understand?

Edited October 1, 2013 by Tatka

[AnonymousCruiser69]

Again. Different people look for different things on their cruises, so only they can decide if particular ship provides everything they want from a cruise. Different designs are not better or worse, they are for different needs.

 

How difficult is this to understand?

 

apparently, VERY difficult :rolleyes:

[phider]

Design is all about the ship and amenities (some people confuse it with decor :D).

I agree with you - retirement cruising is not vacation cruising.

I love Paris too but that is for a different forum.

Some ships by design can offer only a part of cruise life.

If it's the part that you are looking for - go for it.

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Classy cruise ships that offer things unique for sea travel.

 

I really have to ask this. How come you come across, as if your personal oppinion regarding a specific topic, is truth and fact, and not in fact your view, taste and personal bias which suits your attributes?

 

Your way of writing is really turning me off, but I can see past that, but your statements in terms of perception is really annoying me - basically because you may scare someone off from a good cruise, because they dont observe that fact, and I think that would be a real shame - for them.

 

Even if you where technically correct, and had a Ph.D. in Crusing, maybe those technically correct facts isnt important to cruisers of all types.

 

Your arrogance is really getting annoying, and I really think it would be a real life shame if your oppinion, which you have the tendency to portray as the only truth there is, happens to make someone miss a cruise that they would truely enjoy.

 

It would be appreciative, if you could turn down a little bit, and be more objective and state when you are subjective, and what your subjective direction is based on - not just vague oppinions as if they where fact.

 

Hope I make sense to you.

 

Philip

[cruisetrail]

Personal remarks never make sense.

Moreover, they are forbidden by CC rules.

 

I post ships facts.

If you have specific questions (not insulting comments and generalizations) please ask.

If you disagree with something please clarify.

If you need more facts - please ask. I will give you more facts.

If you want to know how ships comparisons work - please ask.

Or just pay attention to what was posted.

Food concept comparison was a good example of how to dispel "food is subjective" myth.

 

Your original question has been answered.

You are not pleased with the answers?

Sorry.

If you deny facts - that's not my problem.

I don't remember when last time I saw $299 for 7 day cruise... Good price!

Had I seen this price in April I would have taken this cruise on Costa instead of Royal Princess.

 

I cannot say that your insults annoy me. You are simply wasting time posting them and readers are wasting time reading them. :)

 

Talk about the ships, not posters, and you will never be wrong.

 

Enjoy your cruises.:)

Edited October 1, 2013 by cruisetrail

[cruisetrail]

you may scare someone off from a good cruise

 

I don't think so.

I always encourage readers to do their own home work.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=39499623&postcount=1

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=39500746&postcount=4

 

IMO cruise lines "cheerleaders" (an euphemism) are cruise lines' worst friends.

Their typical "method" is to deny disadvantages that prompts others to point them out.

I strongly believe that my video (views from a beautiful observation deck -see link in my signature) is more positive to Costa than 10 attacks done by Costa "cheerleaders" on message boards. :)

[Tatka]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We know some cheerleaders of some class of some company. They like "their" facts, and always try to downgrade other people complaints, while degrading other cruisers experience.

 

 

Bad and slow service - "You don't understand what service is. Service is a design of the ship with observation decks, promenade and hydropool".

 

Poorly designed atrium, boring entertainment - "Cruises are for spending time outside - on the beautiful observation deck or wonderful wrap-around promenade".

 

Nothing personal people, but you don't have a clue how your cruiseship is supposed to look or feel. Get the real "facts" from me. :D

[cruisetrail]

LOL

Links provided.

 

What I say: "Do your own research".

This is how you pervert: "Get the real "facts" from me."

 

People can read.:)

[Tatka]

Link to what?

 

It was an example of your arguments when you are cheer-leading for the ships of "some class of some company". :)

 

You fail to see that people have different preferences. There is no point in trying to teach people what they need to look for and enjoy. They are adults capable to decide what is a right cruise ship and cruise vacation for them.

 

You have nice and informative reviews which many enjoy. However many people are getting really upset to read derogatory comments about ships/lines they've come to enjoy.

[cruisetrail]

Tatka,

If you want to quote my posts please quote, not pervert.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited October 2, 2013 by cruisetrail

[Tatka]

This is a nice game I know. Reminds me of my early childhood.

 

You missed my point, just like all hints from other of posters.

 

Enjoy your cruises and let other people enjoy theirs. It is a fun place, not a war zone.

[cruisetrail]

Tatka,

What exactly do you disagree with in my comments on topic (Costa negative reviews)?

Quotes, links?

Edited October 2, 2013 by cruisetrail

[Seven Palms]

Good grief, what a horrid thread. Courtesy of one disagreeable poster! Philip, I responded earnestly to something you posted, hope you caught my reply! Blondie, I laughed when I read your post that your next cruise was the Epic! I was pulling whatshisnames leg when I suggested he chug over to NCL and the Epic.

 

We have cruised NCL and loved it. It was not a knock at all. I wish you so much a fabulous cruise. As I wish all here wonderful cruises, wherever they may take you, regardless of the cruise line you purchase.

[AnonymousCruiser69]

Good grief, what a horrid thread. Courtesy of one disagreeable poster! Philip, I responded earnestly to something you posted, hope you caught my reply! Blondie, I laughed when I read your post that your next cruise was the Epic! I was pulling whatshisnames leg when I suggested he chug over to NCL and the Epic.

 

We have cruised NCL and loved it. It was not a knock at all. I wish you so much a fabulous cruise. As I wish all here wonderful cruises, wherever they may take you, regardless of the cruise line you purchase.

 

proves the point of the OP's original post.

 

btw, i think 99.9% of people with even a basic grasp if english know the difference between fact and opinion. that's just my opinion, though.

[chrispb]

Good grief, what a horrid thread. Courtesy of one disagreeable poster! Philip, I responded earnestly to something you posted, hope you caught my reply! Blondie, I laughed when I read your post that your next cruise was the Epic! I was pulling whatshisnames leg when I suggested he chug over to NCL and the Epic.

 

We have cruised NCL and loved it. It was not a knock at all. I wish you so much a fabulous cruise. As I wish all here wonderful cruises, wherever they may take you, regardless of the cruise line you purchase.

 

I'm fond of NCL too but not tried the epic - loved the Jade and the Star, though.

[AnonymousCruiser69]

I'm fond of NCL too but not tried the epic - loved the Jade and the Star, though.

 

it is my opinion that the epic is the ugliest ship afloat on the outside, anyway. what were they thinking?

[AnonymousCruiser69]

fail: