Costa internet site

[drsel]

2 hours ago, ChC said:

. Not to mention its employee satisfaction is constantly lowest in the industry.

I agree with most of your points and that Costa is geared towards the lower, price sensitive end of the market.

 

But its crew should be satisfied, because Costa is the only cruise line with mandatory service charges.

I know a Costa bartender who averaged 4000 dollars a month.(before Covid)

This is after including service charges on drinks served alacarte, commission on sale of drink packages, plus cash tips on top of that.

 

Of course the room stewards earn only 800 to 900 per month, while waiters earn 1800 to 1900 per month, after including mandatory service charges.

But this is the same as other Cruise lines

Edited February 16, 2021 by drsel

[BVILady]

drsel, I think you might be mistaken about service-charge, other cruise companies do have mandatory service charge as well, but maybe that has changed recently. I have been on quite a few smaller companies as well as Princess, P & O and HAL and have not really seen a significant difference to rectify the higher fare-prices. Can not imagine what more they might offer on the High-end Ships, to make it worth it for "me". I actually do like Costa's food but maybe that is just my taste based on my European Background. I do always appreciate the hard work of cabin stewards and make sure to tip them in addition for any little extra they might do (plug in my Water-pick, get me extra hangers) or just to show them my appreciation. But I have worked in the service-industry for 35 years with mandatory service-charge and know it is hard to swallow for Europeans who are not accustomed to the customary service-charge charged in for example the US.

Edited February 16, 2021 by BVILady
correction

[drsel]

Costa is a 3* Cruise line. Its okay, but I only book it if I get a good deal.

All the other Cruise lines I have been on are better, hence they justify proportionately higher prices.

[drsel]

Do you really think that Costa and Princess/Celebrity are worth the same price per person per night (for the same cabin category)?

[BVILady]

1 hour ago, drsel said:

Do you really think that Costa and Princess/Celebrity are worth the same price per person per night (for the same cabin category)?

Hi drsel, I just booked a premium cabin  with Costa,  compared to a regular cabin same category on a similar cruise of HAL which cost me working it out on a daily rate 69 % of what the HAL cruise would have cost me. It is difficult to compare with Princess since you need to go through a travel agent to get the price for single-occupancy. Maybe my outlook on a cruise is different then yours. For me the cruise is mostly a mode of transportation with meals included. I get up early, usually have dinner late sitting to make the most of my day and am not really a night-owl, so entertainment is not important to me. This 31 % saving go to what is important to me - excursions. I do watch cruise passengers here in the BVI getting off the ship and walking around Road Town where there is nothing to see but I want to explore the places I visit and that is where I spend my money on. The other expenses will probably be similar for both cruise companies: wifi, laundry, service-charge, not sure.

[BVILady]

Just out of curiosity I checked the cabin-size. On HAL my cabin would be smaller. And basically if you have been on one of these cruise ships you have been on all. Large stair case in the center. 2 restaurants on the lower decks. Theatre going over 2 decks also on the lower decks. One higher deck with SPA, Pool and buffet. To much space for photo-studio. Several bars, coffee-shop, shops, casino, library and wifi-center  and art gallery, smaller rooms for lectures etc. Front desk and Excursion desk on a lower deck.  Approximately on deck 3 life boats, what did I forget? Some might be a little more flashy decorated but that probably also depends on when they were built.

[drsel]

1 hour ago, BVILady said:

Just out of curiosity I checked the cabin-size. On HAL my cabin would be smaller. And basically if you have been on one of these cruise ships you have been on all. Large stair case in the center. 2 restaurants on the lower decks. Theatre going over 2 decks also on the lower decks. One higher deck with SPA, Pool and buffet. To much space for photo-studio. Several bars, coffee-shop, shops, casino, library and wifi-center  and art gallery, smaller rooms for lectures etc. Front desk and Excursion desk on a lower deck.  Approximately on deck 3 life boats, what did I forget? Some might be a little more flashy decorated but that probably also depends on when they were built.

the entertainment shows and activities differ on each and every Cruise ship, although there are similar activities on the same cruise line.

The food options and varieties also differ.

 

I love variety and this is the main reason why we do not repeat the same Cruise ship, unless it's going to a lot of new ports we have never seen before.

[BVILady]

35 minutes ago, drsel said:

the entertainment shows and activities differ on each and every Cruise ship, although there are similar activities on the same cruise line.

The food options and varieties also differ.

 

I love variety and this is the main reason why we do not repeat the same Cruise ship, unless it's going to a lot of new ports we have never seen before.

The reason I have not been loyal to any cruise company is because of dates and itinerary. Only now I have booked 2 cruises with Costa back to back, because of the itinerary again, a lot of the ports I have been to already with whatever cruise line, but I did like the ports I had not been to yet and the price for 2022 World tour. Comparing all the World tours, their itinerary are just very similar besides the 2023 Costa Africa and South America. The HAL was only Africa but for the price I decided to do Costa which is Africa and around South America. Nice to do South America again, what do you actually see on the short visits with only a small price difference from Africa only. When it comes to food-variety I am so set on my breakfasts: fresh fruit, yogurt, chocolate croissant and maybe once in a while eggs or smoked salmon. When it comes to Entertainment my daughter is successfully  providing entertainment here in the BVI, singing with a band, hosting bingo and karaoke and other shows like "Name the tune" or "Couples Therapy (which is like the Newlywed game), so for me it is a better choice to enjoy long days and go to sleep. So that is just working for me, naturally will not work for everybody.

[dritan]

Just curious if those in other European countries are able to see these Costa Smeralda cruise in April when they search.  The first Smeralda cruises coming up for me in the UK are starting in May and refer to the old itinerary - there is no reference at all to the Italian only ports itineraries.   Anything to do with the fact UK passengers can't sail with them, I wonder.

 

I'm currently booked on an April Smeralda cruise which isn't showing up on My Costa.

[gerryuk]

1 hour ago, dritan said:

Just curious if those in other European countries are able to see these Costa Smeralda cruise in April when they search.  The first Smeralda cruises coming up for me in the UK are starting in May and refer to the old itinerary - there is no reference at all to the Italian only ports itineraries.   Anything to do with the fact UK passengers can't sail with them, I wonder.

 

I'm currently booked on an April Smeralda cruise which isn't showing up on My Costa.

I was booked on Diadema, from Rome to Istanbul and return to Rome in April, this is now not showing up on My Costa. I am presuming it has been cancelled or at least cancelled for Brits. When Costa started up the first time around it was for Italian citizens only, i am presuming its the same this time. I have just checked on both the UK site and the Italian site and the cruise has gone from both. The UK site allows you to book from May onwards, the Italian site allows you to book from March. For your cruise on Smeralda check the Italian site here....https://www.costacrociere.it/

[dritan]

2 hours ago, gerryuk said:

I was booked on Diadema, from Rome to Istanbul and return to Rome in April, this is now not showing up on My Costa. I am presuming it has been cancelled or at least cancelled for Brits. When Costa started up the first time around it was for Italian citizens only, i am presuming its the same this time. I have just checked on both the UK site and the Italian site and the cruise has gone from both. The UK site allows you to book from May onwards, the Italian site allows you to book from March. For your cruise on Smeralda check the Italian site here....https://www.costacrociere.it/

 

Nice sleuthing - I'd only checked on the Rep of Ireland site and Germany and they had the same options as UK, but "my cruise" is on the Italian site albeit with a different start date from Rome (11th rather than 9th April) and different itinerary.

 

As I've received no email from Costa - I suspect I shall have to ask about what happens to my deposit and get have to be patient!

[latin princess]

Received an email yesterday cancelling my cruise end of March. Knew it wasn't going to happen but nice to get official email. Offers of refund or OBC if rebook to another cruise

[gerryuk]

Yes, just received this email confirming my cruise is cancelled.

I have noticed a change, as well as the on board credit you can now book a cruise with the same length as your cancelled cruise and pay the same rate for your cabin. That option was not available before. I think that will entice more people to rebook than go for a refund. 

 

 

Costa Cruises - Booking Dept (clients@costa.it)To:you Details

IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION

Costa Diadema – Cruise of 07/04/2021     Booking: 27126160                               Mr/Mrs:    Genoa, 17th February 2021 Dear Guest, We at Costa Cruises are convinced that a cruise vacation should be the most relaxing, enjoyable experience and deserves all the best conditions to be memorable both on board and ashore, in a safe and comfortable environment. The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is always our priority. Following the still uncertain situation regarding the evolution of the epidemiological situation in Europe with travel restrictions and the current scenario that could lead to situations that would not allow us to offer the cruise experience we normally offer, we have decided to update our fleet programs for 2021 Because of this change, we regretfully inform you that the cruise you booked has been cancelled. We understand your disappointment and we are particularly sorry for this. Costa Cruises will refund the amount paid as provided by the applicable law and compatibly with the technical time necessary to process the request. In case of payment by bank transfer, we invite you to send us your bank details to clients@costa.it (Iban code, bank name, beneficiary of the Current Account and BIC code), otherwise the refund may be made on the credit card used.  On the other hand, should you wish to change your booking to other available departures instead of the refund, we will grant you the same rate of the cancelled cruise choosing a departure of the same length from the 27th of March till the 15th of June 2021 and from the 15th of September till 15th of December (Christmas and New Year cruises excluded). As an alternative you can choose another cruise of our catalogue at the best available price. In both rebooking options, you will be entitled to an additional credit on board of £ 200,00 per cabin for cruises lasting 7 or more nights or £ 150,00 per cabin for cruises lasting less than 7 nights. In case you are not ready to book now and you would prefer to receive a future cruise credit equal to the amount already collected by Costa, we kindly ask you to send the request at the address clients@costa.it within the 23/02/2021. The credit will be usable within 18 months from its creation and gives also right to the above-mentioned on-board credit of £ 200,00 per cabin for cruises lasting 7 or more nights or £ 150,00 per cabin for cruises lasting less than 7 nights.   Our Cruise Consultants are at your disposal to find together the best alternative solution to welcome you on board our ships as soon as conditions allow, and to advise you on programs and offers you can take advantage of. We thank you for your understanding and we hope to welcome you on board our ships where we have enhanced our health safety protocols that have received great appreciation from our customers and proven to be effective in the four months of resumption of our cruises. Best regards. Costa Cruises

[drsel]

2 hours ago, gerryuk said:

 

It's important to book another Cruise right now at the same price and also receive your 200 pound OBC gift, instead of sitting on a FCC.

Because future Cruise prices are not going to go down, (with the exception of a few last minute price drops).

Edited February 18, 2021 by drsel

[dritan]

I've gone for the FCC.  The ability to rebook is only for very set timeframes within 2021, excluding summer.  So no school holiday option for me and I have an MSC booked for the October school break.  I'm not too concerned though as it was just a £300 deposit rather than the full cost and still get the 200 euro OBC with this option.

 

[gerryuk]

1 hour ago, dritan said:

I've gone for the FCC.  The ability to rebook is only for very set timeframes within 2021, excluding summer.  So no school holiday option for me and I have an MSC booked for the October school break.  I'm not too concerned though as it was just a £300 deposit rather than the full cost and still get the 200 euro OBC with this option.

 

I am going for the same cruise that has just been cancelled, 15 day round trip from Savona via Istanbul.

This one goes in October and is more expensive than the one originally booked in April. I think the cost has more to do with the time of year than anything else. If i have read the email correctly i will pay the same as i did with the original booking. There are still some bargains to be had on their site which is good to see. I have paid deposit but wont pay the rest until until final curtain comes around. I will call them on Tuesday to confirm.

[drsel]

11 hours ago, gerryuk said:

I am going for the same cruise that has just been cancelled, 15 day round trip from Savona via Istanbul.

This one goes in October and is more expensive than the one originally booked in April. I think the cost has more to do with the time of year than anything else. If i have read the email correctly i will pay the same as i did with the original booking. There are still some bargains to be had on their site which is good to see. I have paid deposit but wont pay the rest until until final curtain comes around. I will call them on Tuesday to confirm.

Which are the bargains after April 2022 and which is your Cruise?

[drsel]

Does Costa have Cruises from Singapore Japan or the middle East

[gerryuk]

3 hours ago, drsel said:

Which are the bargains after April 2022 and which is your Cruise?

I have not looked that far in advance but for single occupancy you wont be able to beat these prices on any other cruise line.

 

Costa Favolosa

Barcelona (Departure), Malaga, Casablanca, St. Cruz de Tenerife, Recife, Salvador da Bahia, Ilheus... Santos (Arrival)

View itinerary

Up to 40% discount

Average price

Internal cabin

£664

per person

Departure: 4 Nov 2021

Arrival: 20 Nov 2021

 

Best total price per cabin

1 Adults

£664

 

Mandatory service charges excluded from price: Adults 10€/night - Children 5€/night, gratis until 4 years old.

What is included in the price?

DISCOVER THE CRUISE

BOOK NOW

Costa Fascinosa

Savona (Departure), Marseilles, Tangier, St. Cruz de Tenerife, St. Kitts, Martinique, Guadeloupe (Arrival)

View itinerary

Average price

Internal cabin

£493

per person

Departure: 2 Dec 2021

Arrival: 16 Dec 2021

 

Best total price per cabin

1 Adults

£493

Adults 1

£493

Mandatory service charges excluded from price: Adults 10€/night - Children 5€/night, gratis until 4 years old.

What is included in the price?

DISCOVER THE CRUISE

BOOK NOW

Transoceanic

from Savona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

 

[gerryuk]

3 hours ago, drsel said:

Does Costa have Cruises from Singapore Japan or the middle East

Not seen any from Japan, there are defiantly cruises to Singapore and there are cruises to and from Dubai, i am booked on one, i believe next March.

I think as the situation starts to ease more cruise destinations will be added. 

There are no world cruises showing on the UK site but i believe BVILady has said that she has booked a world cruise with Costa in 2023?

Give it some time drsel and keep checking. 

[gerryuk]

Not available on the UK site, but i have just found the prices for the World cruise next year on their Italian site.

This is the price for single ocuapancy...

 

Trova la tua camera ideale!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

CAMERA

Interna

Essenziale

Accogliente

Più pratica non si può!

 

€20.249

Totale per 1 ospite, a camera

 

Quote di servizio obbligatorie non incluse nel prezzo: Adulti 10€/notte .

Dimmi di più

Scopri le tariffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

CAMERA

Esterna

Elegante

Luminosa

Un buongiorno vista mare

 

€22.949

Totale per 1 ospite, a camera

 

Quote di servizio obbligatorie non incluse nel prezzo: Adulti 10€/notte .

Dimmi di più

Scopri le tariffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

CAMERA

Balcone

Puro relax!

Terrazza privata

Goditi la brezza del mare!

 

€29.249

Totale per 1 ospite, a camera

 

Quote di servizio obbligatorie non incluse nel prezzo: Adulti 10€/notte .

Dimmi di più

Scopri le tariffe

 

CAMERA

Suite

Posizione esclusiva

Una terrazza XXL

Comfort e un pizzico di lusso

 

Sold out

 

And here are the prices for double ocuapancy, prices in Euros. For a world cruise lasting aproximatly 5 months, these prices are good. Would love to book but the thought of handing over 20k plus for a cruise is frighting, i am not rich, unfortuanatly. 

 

Trova la tua camera ideale!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

CAMERA

Interna

Essenziale

Accogliente

Più pratica non si può!

 

€26.998

Totale per 2 ospiti, a camera

 

Quote di servizio obbligatorie non incluse nel prezzo: Adulti 10€/notte .

Dimmi di più

Scopri le tariffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

CAMERA

Esterna

Elegante

Luminosa

Un buongiorno vista mare

 

€30.598

Totale per 2 ospiti, a camera

 

Quote di servizio obbligatorie non incluse nel prezzo: Adulti 10€/notte .

Dimmi di più

Scopri le tariffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

CAMERA

Balcone

Puro relax!

Terrazza privata

Goditi la brezza del mare!

 

€38.998

Totale per 2 ospiti, a camera

 

Quote di servizio obbligatorie non incluse nel prezzo: Adulti 10€/notte .

Dimmi di più

Scopri le tariffe

 

CAMERA

Suite

Posizione esclusiva

Una terrazza XXL

Comfort e un pizzico di lusso

 

Sold out

[dritan]

Costa's world cruises for singles are very tempting - still got some years before I'll be doing a world cruise but both costa and MSC do some of the best world cruise itineraries out there ( Almost 50% port days which I prefer, compared with P&O and Cunard who have a greater percentage of sea days).

 

I got my deposit voucher yesterday and was really tempted by a similar cruise to GerryUK - it's the Costa Diadema itinerary which goes to Israel and Egypt.  But when I looked closer, the Port Said stop was from 7am - 9am and the Alexandria stop was 9pm - 11.59pm on the same day - so basically they are selling it as two ports in Egypt when neither stop is viable as a port stop!  Really bad!  So decided not to go for it!  

[drsel]

Thanks Gerry for all the details. you are really a Costa expert whom I can count on!

[drsel]

50 minutes ago, dritan said:

Costa's world cruises for singles are very tempting - still got some years before I'll be doing a world cruise but both costa and MSC do some of the best world cruise itineraries out there ( Almost 50% port days which I prefer, compared with P&O and Cunard who have a greater percentage of sea days).

 

I got my deposit voucher yesterday and was really tempted by a similar cruise to GerryUK - it's the Costa Diadema itinerary which goes to Israel and Egypt.  But when I looked closer, the Port Said stop was from 7am - 9am and the Alexandria stop was 9pm - 11.59pm on the same day - so basically they are selling it as two ports in Egypt when neither stop is viable as a port stop!  Really bad!  So decided not to go for it!  

Costa diadema is supposed to be the best ship of Costa even better than the new Smeralda.

 

we are sailing on Costa diadema as a Barcelona round trip, but I believe the ship also goes from Barcelona to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in November.

[gerryuk]

1 hour ago, dritan said:

I got my deposit voucher yesterday and was really tempted by a similar cruise to GerryUK - it's the Costa Diadema itinerary which goes to Israel and Egypt.  But when I looked closer, the Port Said stop was from 7am - 9am and the Alexandria stop was 9pm - 11.59pm on the same day - so basically they are selling it as two ports in Egypt when neither stop is viable as a port stop!  Really bad!  So decided not to go for it!  

This is the Costa Diadema cruise that i will be rebooking, in October.