Postive Costa Posts Anyone?

[cajuncrewmate]

Hi Everyone -

 

Will all of the negative posts as of late for Costa, I was curious what good things people could divulge about cruises they've taken the past few months on Costa. Perhaps things like...

 

o An entree or appetizer at dinner in the restaurant that was good.

 

o A unique activity onboard that was worth doing - albeit free or paid.

 

o An great excursion that was well worth the money.

 

o Staff or embarkation/debarkation story where things just seemed to really click.

 

Granted each cruise is going to have its ups and downs. My wife and I are taking our first Med. cruise on Costa in March so I am just hoping we are wowed by the ports of call (one of which includes Egypt).

 

Everything I have read suggests the food on Costa is horrible (which I also see pasta is great... just not alof of great desserts or entrees), that the ship reeks of smoke, etc. etc. There have to be some positives out there.

 

=-CCM

[NKL]

Anyone or everyone who has been or is thinking about taking a cruise on Costa. I must send you this message to tell you about our experience on the Costa Magica. We were on this ship Jan. 7 - 14, 2007. A cruise is what you make of it. We love to cruise, but we probably won't cruise with Costa again. This cruise was a comp to us from Costa because we sailed with them last year at this time. Last year on the 2nd day out, we decided to enjoy the spa behind the Positano Pool aft. My husband fell on the steps going down to the deck - they were wet and as slick as ice. There were no non-slip treads on the steps. You can bet there are rubber non-slip treads on them now! That is the first thing we checked out when we got on the ship this time. Anyway, when he slipped, he fractured a couple of ribs, split open his head and his elbow which required stitches. The medical on the ship gave him pain shots every day for the rest of the cruise just so he could navigate a little bit. It really took the enjoyment out of the cruise for both of us. They told us to file a claim when we got home. Okay - we did that, but, boy was it a hassle. We tried to remain calm and collected, but soon got very frustrated trying to negotiate anything. At first, all they wanted to do was pay the doctor fee's, but we have insurance, so the Dr. fee's were practically nothing. It took 6 months for the ribs to heal - we sent a release form to Costa with the entire Dr's report - then they told my husband they would comp only him a cruise on the ship to only the Caribbean. Well, he certainly didn't want to travel alone and besides I (his wife) didn't enjoy the cruise and could not do anything because I was busy taking care of him - also very worried about his condition. They had no x-ray equipment on the ship and did not get x-rays until we arrived home to determine the extent of the fractures. Anyway, they finally agreed to comp the cruise only for both of us. We booked this cruise in October and were very excited to finally get to enjoy a cruise on this ship. We live on the West coast, so we had to buy our own airfare, pay the port charges and taxes, and of course the gratuities, etc. and this was okay. And we accepted that offer. They gave us a balcony cabin on deck 8 - Aft. Very, very, nice. We were very happy with our cabin and our housekeeping staff. Now, I must tell you the rest of the story.....and why we had such an unpleasant cruise experience this time.... When we got to the Ft. Lauderdale airport, our luggage wasn't there. To start off, and try to make a long story as short as possible...., we are home now, and we still do not have our luggage. We spent the entire cruise on the ship without our luggage!!!! Our luggage is currently in Miami, FL with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Okay, we certainly realize that it is ultimately the airlines fault for losing our luggage. When we filled out the lost luggage report at the airport before we went to the terminal, AA told us if they found it before our ship left the dock, they would bring it to the terminal and see that it got on the ship - if not, it would be delivered to our first port of call. When we checked in at the terminal, we were told to go to the front desk the minute we got on the ship and report the situation. We spent an hour there filling out all of the necessary forms, etc. with the supervisor in charge and she assured us, they would work with the airlines to retrieve our luggage and get it to us and they would keep us informed as happenings transpired. Well, we were in contact with them constantly, but not because they contacted us - WE HAD TO CONTACT THEM.... Well, the airlines called at 2 p.m. and said they found our luggage - front desk said they would get the luggage to us... We left the port - still no luggage. Later, we went to the front desk and said our luggage is still not to our cabin - they said, we'll check and get back to you - they didn't - we went and asked again - they said they couldn't find our luggage and gave us a little ditty bag with only a tiny tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a few essentials we didn't really need. Was told we could purchase what we needed at the stores on board, but they would do our laundry - no charge (that was good). We did have one change of clothes and our bathing suits in our carry on, but no sundries - hairspray, etc. Could not find any sundries at the stores on the ship - front desk assured us "Yes" they were there, probably tucked back into a corner somewhere. Okay, we found it - ALL THEY HAD WAS BIG BOTTLES OF SUNSCREEN - 2 SPF (that's not enough - we need at least 15 SPF), a large tube of toothpaste, a large men's deodorant - THAT'S IT!!!!! Oh, I'm sorry, I lied - they did have some condoms! We didn't need those...LOL.... I went to the beauty shop - they had no hairspray, shampoo or anything they could sell me, except an $18 bottle of hair thickening spray. I bought it thinking that was better than nothing! I really needed some cosmetics, foundation, eyeliner, etc. but they had none I could buy. Okay, after bugging the front desk constantly, they finally told us that our luggage was being delivered in San Juan, and they would pick it up and get it to us when we docked there. We docked early - before 5 - right? At 6 p.m., still no luggage - I went to the front desk - they said "We have someone on the dock right now to retrieve your luggage - we'll have it to you in 10 to 30 minutes. We waited in our cabin at least an hour - no luggage - decided that we would go to the buffet and eat and assumed the luggage would be there when we got back to the cabin - WRONG! Still no luggage...At 9 p.m. we went to the front desk and insisted on some answers - they let US call the airlines and AA told us our luggage was delivered in San Juan at 10:30 a.m. that morning.. Front desk supervisor said she would check with the port agents and get back to us. She called us after 10 p.m. (the one and only time they ever contacted us) and said the port delivered our luggage to the R.C. Explorer of the Seas. GOOD GRIEF! If they were on the dock to retrieve our luggage at 6 p.m. like they said they were - why didn't they know that then and notify us???? And if they were in contact with the airlines like they said they were - why weren't they keeping us informed????? We immediatlly went down to the front desk and asked them if the Captain or one of the officers could board the Explorer and retrieve our luggage. Answer - that's not possible, the Explorer has left the port and are on their way to St. Maartin. We are livid by now.....Next day, we went to K-Mart in St. Thomas and purchased a few things we absolutely needed, but didn't have time to do anything else. But now I had my hair spray and suntan lotion...HA! On Thursday, late, the front desk told us they confirmed that our luggage was on the Explorer, and it would be docking in Miami on Sunday at 7 a.m. They said they would work with the Explorer when we got in to Ft. Lauderdale to make sure we got our luggage before we had to leave on the plane at 2 p.m. The Manager of the Front Desk walked us off the ship and stayed with us until their Costa people at the port assured us that our luggage would be picked up from Royal Caribbean in Miami and delivered to the AA Baggage Claim in Ft. Lauderdale in time for us to board our plane at 2 p.m. We got to the airport baggage claim and told them we were expecting our luggage - we waited - they watched for it - no luggage came - and we had to board the plane without our luggage. My husband was on the phone ALL DAY yesterday, back and forth with Costa, AA, and Royal Caribbean to try to determine why,what happened and where was our luggage. Finally, R.C. confirmed that they still had our luggage - Costa never picked it up.....The airlines contacted R.C. and said they would retrieve our luggage and send it to our home airport where we could pick it up. First thing this morning, my husband called R.C. and they said they still had our luggage. John called the airlines and told them again the situation (we get a different person everytime we call). Now they are suppose to retrieve our luggage and get it to us. John will call R.C. again tomorrow and ask if our luggage has been picked up by the airlines. With all this bad weather around the country, do you think we'll ever get our luggage.????????? Well, I must say that any cruise is better than no cruise, but we know for sure that we will not cruise with Costa again, because we feel the front desk personnel were not totally honest with us - just kept telling us what they thought we wanted to hear. Bottom line - they did nothing they told us they would do. We only ate a couple of meals in the dining room. Can't complain about the food - it was okay, but we've had better on our other cruises. We totally enjoyed the entertainment, and we met some very nice people who we will continue to keep in contact with. The ship was very clean, nice cabin size, and we even contributed $80 to the Casino....Ha! If you enjoy the ship I would encourage you to sail Costa again - just don't get into any situation where you might have to deal with the front desk......LOL......

 

Naomi & John

[cruzdreamin]

HMMM, I thought this was a request for positive comments. It is unfortunate that you didn't have a pleasant cruise NKL.

[ORV]

See my post in Magica Roll Call 1/07

[graemerigg]

Firstly NKL, sorry to hear about your experience re:accident and luggage. Realise that this would take some of the fun out of your trip but wondered what you thought of the cruise?

 

CCM - sorry my experience of Costa goes back two years on Victoria so I'm sure you'd prefer something more recent. However can say that it was 11 nights and went to Alexandria. We took the Pyramids/Cairo museum tour. Overall a great experience and great value for money. Where I think Costa excelled was in-

 

'Animation team' entertainment - I was not at all convinced to start with but was really won over after a few days. The animation team greet/entertain you as you come back on board some days, they had magic tricks/fun fair shows etc at the atrium and contests in the theatre. All sounds quite low-brow I know however they were so talented and likeable, they really made the cruise a lot of fun...despite us being people who generally like peace and quiet!

 

Fruit soups in the restaurant such as strawberry and banana etc- sounds a bit strange but really delicious.

 

Staff in general. Must admit I felt those in the main restaurant seemed a bit more rushed than say those on another cruise ship we were on 'Norwegian Crown' but they were so lovely and friendly. The cabin stewart was great and the staff in one of the bars (one from Philipines, the other from Peru were just wonderful). We thought they were better than on Sea Princess.

 

Midnight buffet - sometimes with an off-shot set up in the atrium. Really great food and excellent cakes and chocolates here.

 

Pizza - cooked fresh and really high quality. Very tempting at 11pm despite the large dinner.

 

Pasta, breads and coffee- very good.

 

Duty free shop - good and given purchases to bring back to cabin

 

Excursion to Pyramids - wonderful. A long trip but made easy by a greet guide called 'Hany' who was amusing, interesting and informed.

 

Beautiful ship kept in immaculate condition. There were staff polishing and cleaning at all times.

[cajuncrewmate]

Its always good to hear postive things (especially when your next cruise on Costa is already purchased!). I had heard that before about the "Animation Team". We'll have to see what that is like on Concordia. We also are quiet people - who when we are on the ship would just as much hang out by the pool or find a secluded spot and read our books rather than be entertained or pulled into public shows/etc :)

 

Out of curiousity, did you feel overpowered by smoke/etc while on the cruise? I think that is my wife's biggest concern is that our cabin will smell horrible or that we'll have someone next to us on our balcony that will be a frequent smoker.

 

Great to hear too about the food being good. For us the excursions and places we are visiting is our biggest attraction to the Concordia. Not having great desserts (though I have read those on the midnight buffet are much better) won't be that bad - maybe we will lose a few pounds! Will have to keep open the idea of a late night pizza. If we are displeased with dinner - just not eat that much and save room for some - pizza is always a great meal in any country!

 

Any other suggestions on excursions you did that you enjoyed? We did select the Museum/Pryamids tour like you did - cannot wait for that - it certainly will be the highlight of the trip.

 

Thanks again for the POSITIVE feedback - always great to hear.

 

=-CCM

[NancyJewel92]

In no particular order:

 

PIZZA! Mangnifeco (sp)

 

Cleaniness!

 

Seemingly excellent maintenance of the ship!

 

Temperature of the ship! The interior climate was always just right. In my book, this is not to be underrated. Typically, I find that dining rooms on ships are very cold. What I noticed on the Magica last year was that everywhere I went, it was just simply comfortable.

 

I hope to find the same on the Med. this year!

[rikki racer]

I know exactly how you feel! We went on Costa Magica last year over spring break (Carribean) and I so nothing but negative posts prior to going. I felt just the opposite No Smoking where was the smoke I couldn't find it except in Casino Have those people ever been to Vegas The staff was the most attentive I have ever had and I have cruised Carnival, Rccl, Disney. The activties were non stop and food was same as all the other cruises. We were so happy we are going again on the same ship April 29 I can't wait!!!!!!

[joetrizeo]

I first came on these boards 2 months before my first costa cruise. like many others, i read the typical complaints. 'cheap cruising, terrible food, horrible shows, no english speaking staff, etc etc' and i got scared. Food? oh my god thats my biggest nit picking point and what i look forward too.

 

well i promptly read posts by 'cruise4andy'. he told me don't worry, ignore the critics and judge for yourself. costa is great!

 

well i did, and guess what, COSTA proved the critics WRONG!

 

the food was by far the best. and i have come to the conclusion that if you are not used to this type of food, you might not like it and rate it bad! but people who know good italian food know its good. there's nothing wrong with having different tastes, god no, but don't knock the food just because you're not used to it.

 

the service was excellent, ship beautiful, activities plentiful, nightlife happenin', shows...well i only saw one so i can't say :).

 

negative critics abound on every board. you just have to make up your own mind. so what is this site for then you ask? well information to become more knowledgeable and decide for yourself what is it that YOU look for in a cruise. side with common reviewers and go from there :)

[marc334]

Well I can certainly feel for the 1st post. Working in customer service for many years I know how frustrating not getting any answers can be. I also have been injured (fractured and dislocated elbow), on vacation and know that is also no picnic. Although it was not on a cruise.

I will be sailing on Costa 1st time next month, but have also sailed Carnival and Princess.

Prior to my Carnival cruise I read on the boards what a horrible ship Fascination was.

However when I was on board I find the ship wonderful.

Not quite as luxurious as the princess cruise bell well worth the money,so it just goes to show you have to experience everything yourself.

[Javacruiser]

I just posted re: my recent Costa Mediterranea cruise 1-7-07. Feel free to read and ask me questions. The food was not "horrible" by any stretch. I thought the Pizza & Pasta (both of which are criticized frequently here) were excellent. I am a restaurant owner who has been in the food business for 15 years so I do have some knowledge.

 

Smoke was not a problem at all and I am an ex smoker that doesn't like smoke.

 

Animation team was TOP-NOTCH!

[Javacruiser]

I just posted re: my recent Costa Mediterranea cruise 1-7-07. Feel free to read and ask me questions. The food was not "horrible" by any stretch. I thought the Pizza & Pasta (both of which are criticized frequently here) were excellent. I am a restaurant owner who has been in the food business for 15 years so I do have some knowledge.

 

Smoke was not a problem at all and I am an ex smoker that doesn't like smoke.

 

Animation team was TOP-NOTCH!

[joetrizeo]

Naomi & John - WOW what a story! my advice to you is not to cruise! HAHA just kidding, but it does seam like you have the WORST LUCK!

 

but i'm a little confused as to "Anyone or everyone who has been or is thinking about taking a cruise on Costa. I must send you this message to tell you about our experience on the Costa Magica."

 

......since approx. only .001% of cruisers will ever encounter that type of scenario.

[MonaCK]

Overall, I had a great time on the mediterranea in December - the food was probably some of the best that I've ever had, and the service people (in general - as long as I wasn't dealing with the customer service desk), were absolutely -wondeful-.

 

Remember - there really is no such thing as a bad cruise. A cruise is what you make of it. And another thing to remember. Even a "bad" day on a cruise is better than a good day at work. ;)

[daffodil]

I regret the fact that my recent posts re costa have been negative ones so I'm glad that i can share some good ones on this thread. We've cruises costa five times and had nothing but excellent reports of the first 4. Costa Classica twice, then Victoria and Fortuna. Nothing but praise for every aspect of these cruises, everything was first class. i recommended costa wholeheartedly to many people. The personal treatment we recieved and special assistance with transfers when my husband had walking difficulties were second to none. We found Fortuna to lack some of the things we liked about smaller ships but still had a great cruise. However---- as the ships get bigger standards have done the opposite. Our last cruise on Concordia was such a sad disappointment. Maybe it wasn't helped by the fact it was a 'kids go free' cruise! beware! Even this was not enough to blame for all the other differences. I'm sorry to sound negative to the people who are looking forward to a Concordia cruise but maybe if you expect the worst You'll get the best, I hope so. Someone has said that if I dislike Costa so much why am I still reading these threads. I have loved CC and had lots of good info from knowledgable people. I'll be sorry not to be able to read and contribute so I'll apologise for anyone that I've upset by my posts but we can't always say our cruises are great, have to speak the truth but remember " what's one mans meat is another man's poison" so what i hated you may like!! happy cruising. Daff

[cajuncrewmate]

Daff -

 

How long ago did you cruise on Concordia? What specifically was really horrible? Did the food seem to be about the same? Did you try the specialty restaurant? Were the excursions really horrible? I'm sure you've answered these questions before in prior posts. Just curious any additional details.

 

Also - out of curiousity - do you think some of it could be the fact that Concordia is so new? I'm sure with a ship that large there have to be some adjustments the cruise lines go through. Everything from stocking that much more food to training staff to just day to day activities/etc. I cannot imagine the logistics that go into ensuring cruises go smoothly when you are dealing with that many passengers and staff.

 

=-CCM

[Italian cruise man]

Daff -

 

How long ago did you cruise on Concordia? What specifically was really horrible? Did the food seem to be about the same? Did you try the specialty restaurant? Were the excursions really horrible? I'm sure you've answered these questions before in prior posts. Just curious any additional details.

 

Also - out of curiousity - do you think some of it could be the fact that Concordia is so new? I'm sure with a ship that large there have to be some adjustments the cruise lines go through. Everything from stocking that much more food to training staff to just day to day activities/etc. I cannot imagine the logistics that go into ensuring cruises go smoothly when you are dealing with that many passengers and staff.

 

=-CCM

 

Hi,

 

I was on the same cruise of Daff...but my vote on food is excellent, all was very good....on Concordia is real Italian food, i cannot understand why Daff say it was horrible...i'm italian and i love Costa's cuisine:) :)

 

My only bad experience was at the Club Concordia...but i think because there the food is too complicated...too elaborate...i don't know how i can described it!! Sorry...

 

Ciao!

[Cruisin Costa]

Remember - there really is no such thing as a bad cruise. A cruise is what you make of it. And another thing to remember. Even a "bad" day on a cruise is better than a good day at work. ;)

 

Cheers to that!!!!

[ORV]

First we need to dispel the myth that Costa has "horrible" desserts.

 

Absolutely not true. Some are heavenly while some are average. None of them were horrible. I had dessert with every meal and sampled quite a few different ones.

 

As has been pointed out, a vacation is what you make of it. Many people go around with their glass half empty, they project for it and that's what they get. Hell, if I had that attitude I'd just stay at home and save the money. You can be miserable at home for free. There were a couple of women that went on a tour we were on and started complaining the minute they got on the bus, about nothing other than it was an open air vehicle, DUH! that's what the description said it'd be.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that for some odd reason 1 negative review will carry more weight than 10 positive ones. And it's also very important to read between the lines on the negative ones. It doesn't take long to determine if there is a real problem or if it's attitude.

 

Having just returned from a Costa cruise I absolutely can not find anything I was unhappy with. I would sail with them again in a heartbeat.

[mtl kid]

Read your post and am sorry that things did not work out for you and your husband. I have been on 4 Costa Cruises and am preparing for my 5th March 4 2007, always the best food, service and maintenance of the ships. As for your husband slipping and falling I hope he gets better. Unfortunatley bad things happen and we have to pick ourselves up and go on. Spas, swimming areas and whirpools as well as shower areas are known to be slippery and everyone should be alert. However the majority of your post is about the lost luggage with your airline. I travel on many trips a year and let me tell you lost or delayed luggage happens in over 15% of cases. I think that you should complain to the airline company or on an airline forum, Costa or any other cruise line has no control over lost or delayed luggage on an AIRLINE. Hope you have better luck next time. There are so many Land vacations or Cruise Lines to choose from.

Better Luck next time:) !

[cajuncrewmate]

Italian Cruise Man or ORV -

 

Since you have positive things to say about the food, any dishes or things to try that you thought were excellent? Have heard general things about the pasta and pizza being GREAT - just curious what other meals. Certain fish or other dish that really stood out in your memory?

 

=-CCM

[ORV]

On the buffet there is a pasta-gnocchi cheese meat dish that is to die for. Lot's of excellent pastas each night on the menu. Try different ones. For the most part I'd keep away from the steaks.

[ORV]

double post

[mtl kid]

For the people that go on Costa and starve because the food is not that good....eat your hearts out.

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[mtl kid]

Sorry for the above mess but scroll down to where you see VIEW AS SLIDE SHOW and all the dishes will appear