Life from Diadema 09/17

[MarkusToe]

I know, very very early start, but planning start early this time.

2 reason: 4 Pax new to cruising, hotel booking one day before and one day after the cruise.

Other: road trip using BEV this time...

We plan to drive to  Brunello first day, overnight at Stay Hotel.

Early morning to Savona, car park in front of the ship booked.

One the way home booked a hotel at Como and an excursion by costa....

 

Booked 2 balcony and 1 js Aft, deck6.

Excursion package from Costa booked

Plus drink package booked.

 

Has the Diadema soot issues?

Havn't seen so much complains about.

..

 

More to come...

[MarkusToe]

Got an reminder today....only a few days until CI.

Additional I got boarding time 1:30pm.

As we have an mini suite, I don't know if our friends with the balcony has the same time...I got no Info for them so far....

Edited August 31, 2023 by MarkusToe

[MarkusToe]

Started to do all they paperwork an realized...If the Manifest is filled properly, just one click to complete the CI...

Never had it as smooth as this time.

Great Job, Costa...

[SunnyDe]

Hope you enjoy your cruise. We are on the same one, also embarking at Savona. It’s our fourth or fifth time with Costa. Don’t forget to pack appropriate clothes for “white night” and Italian night. 

[MarkusToe]

Just realized, booked rooms in the back above sunset bar....how loud is it, any experience?

[SunnyDe]

I have not had a cabin above a bar but find the cabins have good sound insulation anyway. Never had an issue with noise. I always take earplugs just in case! I have a suite in the spa this time

[MarkusToe]

As said, first time to italy by BEV.

First ionity charger do not work properly and blocked the charging cable.

About 45 min on the phone to fix that.

Arrival at Savona, follow the sign cruise port, but after a roundabout, you nee to got through a tunnel to get to the parking.

Parking procedere  is quite chaotic, as you ste not allowd to park by yourself. Waiting time about 1 hour.

They take your luggage and car key  pay the parking fee (91€ for 7day) and you are fine to git to ship. 

Boarding was very fast, rooms are ready at 3pm.

Dinner at MDR was ok, but to be honest not the quality we are ised to have from X oder NCL.

 

Breakfeast not good, Café  machine only 2 for total restaurant. And one was brocken.

No self service at buffet....looooong lines for everything.....

 

More to come

 

 

[Petersonfcu]

Hello  Markus

 

We will be cruising on the Diadema next spring.  I am very interested in your blog!

 

I have two casino questions.  Does the Diadema have "Ultimate Fun21" blackjack tables?  I know some Costa ships have them.  If so, could you post a picture of one of the tables and also the rules (which would be on an electric screen or somewhere on the table).  If you can't post a picture, can you see how much a blackjack would pay at the Fun21 table?  This should be either 3 to 2 (3:2) or 6 to 5 (6:5).  

 

Vielen Dank!

[MarkusToe]

I'm so soory i've no idea what you mean as I do not visit the Casino.

 

Overall I,ll quit this Review, because i' ve never had such a bad cruise like this time..

We have a few MS and  balcony in a row, Deck 6 Aft.

If you are used to sleep  on daytime you are fine on this ship. Otherwise Avoid ....

They start  live music in the bars below stateroom at 1145 pm, playing until 1AM and then DJ Party on sunset bar starts until 3AM.

My mistiake this time: I traveled by car to the port this time, therefore i've to come back to Savona....otherwise i would have quit this cruise and flew home.

 

My conclusion: never again Costa, not even for free....

 

 

[MarkusToe]

And the biggest joke is the answer from Costa re my complain......

 

We do not have party within bars after midnight and never use an outside bar for that. 

Nighttime party is within the discotheque......

 

They are lying direct into my face......

It's written in the daily.....

[At7Seas]

A very funny review. Just two notes: long term parking in Italy always requires leaving the keys. A legal requirement for being able to move the car in case of a fire. This fact is not connected to your cruise at all.
 
And after having done many cruises with Costa I can confirm that I never saw a party at night in any outside venue. They simply play music in the bars. Parties on Costa ships are quite different from the relaxed atmosphere at the pool bar at the stern, just try one to experience the difference! Costa is Italy at sea, one should not be surprised that it is a place to enjoy life, to have a great time. It is definitely not a ship with a strategy to bore you to bed early for saving money on entertainment. In fact Costa suits everybody. There are many cabins very suitable for those going to bed when I go to dinner, but who wants that should simply avoid cabins next to public places. BTW, I was not even aware that the Diadema would have cabins above the Lido Stella del Sud.

[SunnyDe]

26 minutes ago, At7Seas said:

A very funny review. Just two notes: long term parking in Italy always requires leaving the keys. A legal requirement for being able to move the car in case of a fire. This fact is not connected to your cruise at all.
 
And after having done many cruises with Costa I can confirm that I never saw a party at night in any outside venue. They simply play music in the bars. Parties on Costa ships are quite different from the relaxed atmosphere at the pool bar at the stern, just try one to experience the difference! Costa is Italy at sea, one should not be surprised that it is a place to enjoy life, to have a great time. It is definitely not a ship with a strategy to bore you to bed early for saving money on entertainment. In fact Costa suits everybody. There are many cabins very suitable for those going to bed when I go to dinner, but who wants that should simply avoid cabins next to public places. BTW, I was not even aware that the Diadema would have cabins above the Lido Stella del Sud.

I was on the same cruise and enjoyed it. But then I frequently cruise with Costa and know what to expect. I just wish I had the energy to stay awake for all the late night entertainment! I’ve never had an issue with my cabin but it makes sense to study the ship layout and choose carefully. In fact I had no choice this time as I booked last minute; got upgraded from a balcony cabin to a jacuzzi suite which I thought just meant a jacuzzi bath (which I did have). But I actually had an extra room, off the lounge area, which was a full private jacuzzi and relaxation area. It was only noisy in our bathroom and that was because the spa’s large jacuzzi was directly overhead. Once I knew what it was, no problem. Still a big Costa fan.

[crpurv59]

On 9/21/2023 at 1:27 AM, MarkusToe said:

I'm so soory i've no idea what you mean as I do not visit the Casino.

 

Overall I,ll quit this Review, because i' ve never had such a bad cruise like this time..

We have a few MS and  balcony in a row, Deck 6 Aft.

If you are used to sleep  on daytime you are fine on this ship. Otherwise Avoid ....

They start  live music in the bars below stateroom at 1145 pm, playing until 1AM and then DJ Party on sunset bar starts until 3AM.

My mistiake this time: I traveled by car to the port this time, therefore i've to come back to Savona....otherwise i would have quit this cruise and flew home.

 

My conclusion: never again Costa, not even for free....

 

 

 

On 9/21/2023 at 1:27 AM, MarkusToe said:

I'm so soory i've no idea what you mean as I do not visit the Casino.

 

Overall I,ll quit this Review, because i' ve never had such a bad cruise like this time..

We have a few MS and  balcony in a row, Deck 6 Aft.

If you are used to sleep  on daytime you are fine on this ship. Otherwise Avoid ....

They start  live music in the bars below stateroom at 1145 pm, playing until 1AM and then DJ Party on sunset bar starts until 3AM.

My mistiake this time: I traveled by car to the port this time, therefore i've to come back to Savona....otherwise i would have quit this cruise and flew home.

 

My conclusion: never again Costa, not even for free....

 

 

Dang!😬   I’m doing my first on the 26th on the Smeralda.  Hope I have better luck at the buffets and with the noise.  I have an interior cabin so I’ll keep my fingers crossed!