Fortuna Review 1/20-2/3

[rocknrobin]

We have many cruises under our belts; sailed the gamut-from top shelf to bargain basement so we are not over-indulged snobs. That being said, we would choose to repeat any of our bargain basement cruises over this last cruise. I'll explain.

 

The good:

Beautiful cabin - spacious, plenty of closet and drawer space - CLEAN!

 

Beautiful ship - CLEAN, very ornate; rode great in the water (which was very rough throughout - as stated on our daily newspapers). We didn't feel a thing.

 

Cabin steward - overworked, but was always cheerful and kept our room in good order. Never have we seen cabin stewards in charge of so many cabins - we figure he had responsibility for approx. 10-12 cabins.

 

Waitress/waiter - again..overworked. Each waiter/waitress was responsible for 4 tables of 6-8; never saw this before on other ships. We had to change tables for the second half of our cruise and the waitress on the second leg had an assistant; however, our waiter for the first leg did not - he had someone who poured the coffee for the tables, but no other assistance. Dinner did go on for 2 hours some nights, but this was not a complaint of ours.

 

We met a great German couple - they spoke a little bit of English (very little) and we speak no German; however, we hit it off and really enjoyed our 2 weeks with them. A lot of fun. They were ready to fly home to Germany the 2nd week they were so fed up with the whole thing. This couple has many years of traveling experience, too - so it wasn't just us.

 

Hand sanitizer is located outside the entrance to the restaurants and the lido buffet.

 

The ports - great beaches and shopping.

 

The weather - a little cool; surprising since we've done this trip in January in the past and it was hot!

 

The Bad:

I start by saying that I've read on this board how rude the cruise passengers are on this particular cruise; I know why. It's not rude Americans, it's not rude Europeans, it's passengers who are fed up with lousy attitudes by deck, bar, buffet, and management staff. No crew personnel went above and beyond with even a nod of the head, a smile - no one appeared to enjoy their job, which is a shame. On other lines we've been on, the employees were at least pleasant - not here; surly, at best.

 

Management of ship - awful. As stated above - understaffed and the staff is carrying the load of 2 employees (at least).

 

Food - cheap, with the exception of a few dinners. I did enjoy the beef; requested it medium rare and it was perfect; tender and very good. If you don't request it this way, it comes out medium well and tough. The lamb chops were wonderful - tender and very good; lamb shanks on the other hand tasted like mutton - very strong, yek. The Alaskan King Crab legs were very good, too. Didn't like any of the desserts - good for my waist line at least. Ate breakfast and lunch on the lido deck - breakfast is breakfast and you could get made to order eggs; lunch was crappy - I ate cheese, fruit and salads every day. Some of the casseroles looked like they cleaned out the refrigerator (not very appetizing) and there was always pizza. The evening buffet always had pizza - a different spin on traditional pizza; let's see - pizza with hot dog slices, pizza with canned corn, pizza dough, left over caesar salad, apples (which were very good and crisp) - ugh...well...lets' just say that I lost weight after 2 weeks (not complaining).

 

Smoking area - was like playing musical chairs. The first week one side of the lido deck was dedicated to smoking; half way through the week there was a complaint by a nonsmoker and they closed half the area off for nonsmokers. Why would nonsmokers complain about smoking in the smoking area? It was not good. My husband does not smoke; I do. I am a very considerate smoker - I do not smoke in restricted areas; I do not blow smoke in the direction of nonsmokers; I am polite - I just want to know why a nonsmoker (or group) sit in the middle of the very small smoking area, taking up tables and seats, and complain of the smoke? Move on....

 

Deck chairs - deck staff should have enforced common courtesy rules: if the seat is left unattended for 30-40 minutes, remove the towels and open it up for someone else. Didn't happen. People would be up on deck early, early (like 7:00 am?) to save seats - all day. In the evening, we learned to get up on the lido deck early to get a table and/or chairs or we'd be stuck - not enough seating for all to enjoy. And no one assisted anyone either. We saw many times older passengers dragging/carrying metal chairs around deck (if they could find one) and not one of the staff every offered assistance. This is ridiculous - my husband and our friends were like the deck staff helping other passengers.

 

The Ugly:

Too funny (I know it's a cultural thing) - speedos on all European men (young, old, skinny, fat). Bikinis on all European women (young, old, skinny, fat). Nothing more blinding than an old man in a speedo slathering his topless, 250+ pound, older wife with oil...oh, brother.

 

Okay....I'm closing here. We were with our dear friends and we always enjoy our time together; and we were with our new found friends - and that was nice. We've all agreed, that this will be our last Costa cruise (we traveled on the Costa Classica about 12-15 years ago and loved it) - no redeeming qualities now.

 

I hope all of you on upcoming cruises on this ship prove me wrong - it is too much $$$ to spend for a poor quality (IMO) experience. Advice to all future cruisers: Order the beef, the crab and the lamb chops; get up on deck early and grab your chairs/mark your spot; don't be afraid to approach the Europeans - we made lovely new friends; and don't be put off by aloofness of other passengers; remember, we Americans are like puppies and the Europeans are little more reserved.

[Simply Deliciosa]

Wow, I am sorry your trip wasnt the greatest. I will be traveling on the fortuna in about 2 months I am so hoping my experience is a good one. I chose to go with Costa for the whole European Style Cruise, Being that my parents are from Portugal and all I am thinking if its not a good trip they will never want to go on another cruise....

 

I hope your next vacation will be a better one.

[njs]

Funny how on other threads on this board those who have criticized the european behaviour have been chastized for being predjudiced etc. Yet the truth remains, cruising on costa does bring a person in contact with a lot more rude passengers. Sorry that your trip wasnt up to your expectations.

I will continue to travel on costa only if I can book suites. They offer the cheapest suites of any cruiseline with so many benefits

[rocknrobin]

You know, I was happy that I didn't spend the extra $$$ on a suite; we had a midship deck 8 balcony - having a suite wouldn't have changed a thing. We've done suites on HAL and while they were glorious, our shipboard experience wouldn't have been any superior than if we'd had a regular cabin. Other than larger living space and suite perks, no one was treated any differently on deck - the same on Costa (only the treatment was equally poor, from what we observed).

 

As I stated in my review, cultural differences weren't part of the equation as far as lousy passenger attitudes - we believe the attitude of the staff was the primary factor. After the first couple of days, people were just cranky - from all that I stated above: primarily not enough seats and crummy food (did I mention that if you ordered coffee anywhere other than the dining room and/or obtaining it yourself from the lido deck, there was a charge of $1.78?). Also, I was told by another couple that they were charged $1 for an apple through room service. How come - free of charge on the Lido deck. Just stupid things like that got under passengers' skin (again - management).

 

Not that staff should have to do backstands, but the total lack of regard and the indifference to common courtesy shown by quite a few (not all) is totally unacceptable. I much prefer the old fashioned way of tipping, too. I'd rather tip each individual personally so that each staff member is compensated accordingly. I would have gone far above and beyond for the cabin steward and waitress, and omitted some others (you can revert to this system if you'd prefer - we just couldn't be bothered by the end of the trip). I had a wonderful facial and I tipped the woman well above 20%. In Cozumel, I had a terrific massage at the resort and I tipped there well above 30% - giving this info so that there is no mistake; I am not a cheapskate looking to screw people over. The old verbage "you get a lot more from honey than vinegar" is so very true; unfortunately, a lot of the staff have yet to learn that lesson, or have already figured out that it just doesn't make a difference in $$$ if a smile and a little interest in their job is shown.

 

For those of you cruising the Fortuna in the future - a cruise on the Staten Island Ferry is better than no cruise at all - you'll be at sea, in the warm weather and, hopefully like us, with loved ones and people you enjoy spending time with....this is what matters. Go with an open mind and enjoy the experience of differences in cultures. We met some very lovely people.

 

A suggestion - bring some crackers (Triscuit, Cheeze-its, pretzels) and box of cookies (just to have with your coffee). Really. I'd have paid to have a cracker with my cheese and just a plain cookie. They did have good cookies one night on our pillows (we each got one - like a merangue), but that was one night each week. Searched high and low for them during the week, but none were found. The desserts provided were all the same - a Crisco like icing that was used in everything from cake icing to mousse filling - it was all crap. Sorry...just my opinion. The ice cream was good.

 

BTW...the casino did well by me. Play Wheel of Fortune and Ms. Little Green Men - they paid off for me: $250 on the wheel and $800 on MLGM. Can't complain about that!

 

If anyone has specific questions, please feel free to ask.

[abitaturbodog]

Sorry you didn't like your cruise. The service and food on the Mediterranea in December was fantastic. I'm booked on the Fortuna in March and look forward to having the chance to compare both ships. I hope I find the Fortuna as great as the Med!

[mmceachn]

I'm sorry that you didn't like the Costa food. I was on the Mediterranea last month and found the buffet food very good

I thought that the pizza was outstanding, and enjoyed the variety of toppings.

DH had tried a white pizza with blue cheese;..I think they called it gorganzola focaccia...it was good. I must admit to skipping the hot dog pizza though.

 

On our cruise, cookies, pastries and cute little sandwiches were put out at tea time in the late afternoon. Fresh fruit salad and whole apples, oranges and bananas were available as well.

Coffee and tea were available in the buffet all day at no charge.

I think that they charged for the specialty coffees if you ordered at the bar.

 

The room service menu had two sides. One side was "free" and the other had pay items.

We ordered cappuchino and croussants for breakfast through room service and were not charged..We did, however tip the delvery person each day.

 

 

As for the dining room, some of the meals were outstanding and some I didn't like so much...just like at home..hee hee.

 

I am only mentioning this because food is subjective and what one person likes another may not, and I do not agree that it's necessary to bring your own cookies and crackers on board

[bird67]

We sailed the Fortuna 1/20-27. Overall for the price we paid we had a great cruise. Was the food the best I have ever had? No. Was it pretty good and did I leave the table hungry? Not once. I will agree with Robin about bringing some cookies/ crackers. We did and I was not sorry as it took the sweetness of those cookies in the morning to cut the black tar coffee we were served in our cabin each morning. Plus, if you wanted an sweet treat other than ice cream in the afternoon, you were pretty much out of luck.

 

Our room steward and dinner serving team were excellent. Staff always said hello to us in the hallways. I hardly ever noticed the smoking or the smell of smoke (except in the casino) I did notice a lot people (young and lots of old) in bikinis and speedos who really should consider another bathing suit option. Many times we saw people's things being moved off their deck chair so other individuals could have it. This is no different than another cruise I was on or even an all inclusive DH and I took last year. You get it everywhere.

 

Again, was this the perfect cruise? Nope. Did I get to spend a week with friends enjoying some great islands, food and see the sunshine most everyday? You bet.

[jrzebird]

Hi Robin! Welcome home! I'm sorry your cruise was not up to par. I was thinking about you guys a lot the past 2 weeks. I can't believe that it's been a month already since Kenny and I went on our journey. We had a wonderful time and, as usual, everything was perfect on the lovely n'dam! I can hardly wait to get together for dinner and hear the whole story!

[cruiser willy]

Robin,

You're hilarious. The "pizza with canned corn" has me wetting myself. Too funny. We'll be on the Fortuna in about a week. Can't wait. I was also on the Classica many years back and found it much better than the Mediterranea 2 years ago. I'm bracing myself for extreme rudeness. Any reviews on the excursions? How was Grand Turks? I've never been there. Any opinion on the ship's disco or other entertainment? We've got a large group with teenagers.

Thanks for the review!

[rocknrobin]

Robin,

You're hilarious. The "pizza with canned corn" has me wetting myself. Too funny. We'll be on the Fortuna in about a week. Can't wait. I was also on the Classica many years back and found it much better than the Mediterranea 2 years ago. I'm bracing myself for extreme rudeness. Any reviews on the excursions? How was Grand Turks? I've never been there. Any opinion on the ship's disco or other entertainment? We've got a large group with teenagers.

Thanks for the review!

 

Hi Willy - First of all, the weather wasn't terrific on this leg of our trip. Cool and rainy/overcast.

 

Islands/excursions:

We did the excursions in Cozumel and Montego Bay (all-inclusive beach resorts) - they were great. In fact, we picked of brochures at Breezes, Montego Bay to go there for a week next year (maybe). Really, really nice. The weather wasn't great (cool, spitting a little) the day we were at Grand Turk, so we didn't get off the ship. Other than the beach, I don't think there's too much there. The beach and water is beautiful and I wouldn't have missed it had the weather been better. Grand Cayman was a shopping day - we had lunch in town, too. Very, very nice. Been there before so we knew what we wanted to do, although had the weather been a little better, we would have done the beach.

 

Classica vs. Fortuna:

Both ships are beautiful. That's where all comparison ends - I wasn't being funny about the canned corn pizza - honest. Some people on this board love the pizza - (sorry) but I guess they don't know or haven't had a good pizza. I guess food is subjective; hey, I like McDonald's once in awhile and when we were young and things were tight we ate plenty of low economy fare, but...I don't want, nor do I expect, this as a regular diet when I'm paying good $$$ (no, we were not in a suite, but a mid-ship balcony -happy we didn't lay out the extra $$$ for a suite). As I stated previously, the staff is overworked and the bar people and deck stewards really didn't give a sh*t about anything.

 

Rudeness:

Don't worry about it. We did meet very nice people - but this happens wherever we are in life, right? Keep in mind that I thought alot of the attitudes came from passengers (regardless of nationality) who were disgruntled by the ship itself, to include staff, food, lack of seats. If you're with a group - you'll make your own fun and have a blast.

 

Disco/Entertainment:

Didn't use the disco - but it looked and sounded like it was hopping! Have to admit, I can't comment on the entertainment because we spent our evenings in the casino. We did hear that the entertainment was very good - don't miss the toga night on Saturday.

 

In regard to the other posts re coffee, room service/tipping: Of course room service is tipped!! Just because the menu selection is gratis, no one would expect NOT to tip for the delivery. As far as coffee - yes, coffee is available all day/night at the Lido buffet; and yes, specialty coffees are an extra fee; however, if anyone orders a cup of coffee (plain old coffee) and it is brought to you - there is a fee of $1.78. That's all.

 

Remember a service fee and the tip are already included in the tab when you order booze, soda, coffee, etc. In the past we always gave an additional tip to the server (because of their good attitude - get more flies with sugar than than vinegar), but not on this ship.

 

One more thing....on Thursday/Friday you'll get a "special" from the laundry service; it's $29.99 for 25 pieces of laundry - worth it! Very expensive otherwise - spent $40something for underwear and a few t-shirts earlier in the week. They do a fantastic job.

 

Willy, you and your brood will have a great time - you'll be out of cold, ice and snow - what's to complain about?? Have a wonderful trip - let me know your thoughts when you return. BTW...Grand Cayman for diamonds! And get the beach massage in Cozumel - wonderful!!

[rocknrobin]

sorry...double post!

[rocknrobin]

Want to hear all about your trip too! Although our trip wasn't up to last year's, MaryAnn and I near wet ourselves a few times...listen...my sister and brother-in-law will be here all next week - but after that, let's get together for dinner (Mom's Kitchen sound good to you?) - will be good to see you again! Hi to Kenny ...xo

[jrzebird]

Want to hear all about your trip too! Although our trip wasn't up to last year's, MaryAnn and I near wet ourselves a few times...listen...my sister and brother-in-law will be here all next week - but after that, let's get together for dinner (Mom's Kitchen sound good to you?) - will be good to see you again! Hi to Kenny ...xo

 

 

Sounds great to me! We are on Weight Watchers, but I'm sure I can save up enough points for some marinara with linguini. Just hold the bread! (and, the dessert :( )

[rocknrobin]

Sounds great to me! We are on Weight Watchers, but I'm sure I can save up enough points for some marinara with linguini. Just hold the bread! (and, the dessert :( )

 

No problem! We're watching too!

[cruiser willy]

Robin,

Thanks for your replies. Very helpful.

 

What were the names of the all-inclusives you visited and in what ports?

 

Could you also give me the daily fee(s) per person for each?

 

We did a great one "Occidental Pineapple?", I think it was called in St. Kitt's. Highly recommend it. Phenomenal food and drinks. Nice beach, several pools. The rooms looked only average. Not sure I'd want to stay there for a week.

 

Thanks again.

[rocknrobin]

Hey Willy - here are the excursions we did**; of course it was just 2 of us, so the $75 pp wasn't a concern - if you have a gang of teenagers with you....could be pricey. FYI...you could buy just a pass for I think $35 pp? to get into the Breezes (Montego Bay) resort - but you are on your own for transportation to/from and no amenities included, i.e. lounge chairs, food, drink. Breezes was beautiful, felt a little short on time (I guess because we had to leave for the ship by 12:30); Cozumel was lovely and we were there for quite a while; tables, chairs and umbrellas along with lounges right on the beach. Here's the excursion info as posted by Costa:

 

**COZUMEL – PLAYA MIA BEACH (5 hours); $75.00 PP

In port: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm

Should you want to spend your day sunbathing on white sandy beaches and swimming in turquoise crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean, while doing it in full comfort, then this is your tour of choice. This tour has been designed to give you a worry free day at Cozumel's finest Beach Club. Transportation to and from the Beach Club, full domestic brand Open Bar, exquisite International Buffet and over 25 attractions and services will be at your disposal. Your tour will begin as you are greeted on the Pier an escorted to your A/C equipped Bus for a comfortable ride to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. Once you get there, you will be pampered by their most friendly staff and you'll enjoy the many services that are included in your package such as Beach chairs, umbrella, the use of Non-motorized water toys like kayak, Hobie cats, pedal boats, water trampolines, the Incredible "Water Iceberg", ping pong tables or a fun game of Monster basketball. The entertainment staff will invite you to play fun beach games, for everybody to enjoy. Motorized water toys are also available at nominal fees. Children will have fun at our kids club and playground. Of course, at any time you'll be served your favorite soft drink or cocktail and when you feel a little hungry you'll enjoy a delicious Buffet served at our spacious restaurant. Outdoor massage service.

 

**JAMAICA – MONTEGO BAY (4 ½ hours); $75.00 PP

In port: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Enjoy a fun filled day at Breezes, the first and only Super-Inclusive Resort in the Jamaica Situated on the powder white sands of Jamaica, Breezes, is an all-inclusive resort that has something for everyone! At Breezes you can enjoy one of their 3 freshwater pools, including a Sip & Dip SM pool, a misting pool and a poolside Jacuzzi. If you are looking for action, Breezes includes kayaks, paddleboats, windsurfing, pool volleyball, and many other beach activities. Special activities are also offered each day. Looking to relax? Soak up some beautiful Jamaician sunshine, by relaxing on a lounge chair near the crystal clear waters while enjoying a tempting tropical drink. After a day of sun and fun you can satisfy your taste buds by visiting the beach grill, or the main dining room, which offers an excellent air-conditioned, casual buffet dining experience. If you're looking for is unlimited Sun, Fun, Food, and Drink, Breezes IS your best bet in Jamaica.

 

GRAND TURK In port: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Beach is free; however, you can get a ride to the beach at Grand Turk for $3/per person each way at the dock. The beach itself is free! We didn't go 'cause the weather was iffy/crappy.

 

GRAND CAYMAN In port: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Stingray City was highly recommended; although we didn't go. Seven Mile Beach on your own is another good choice.

 

Any other questions, please don't hesitate!

[cruiser willy]

Robin,

 

Can't BEGIN to thank you enough!

 

6 more days! Can't wait.

 

It's so gross here!

 

Thanks a million.

 

Willy

[rocknrobin]

Hi Willy - the weather here at the Jersey Shore today is cold and windy - bleck! At least you'll be in warm weather next week. I laughed when I read all the ships you've been on - I think we may have been on some of the same cruises! We were on the same ships I think the same dates - but who can remember so long ago? Here's what we've been on:

 

Costa - Fortuna 2008

Holland America - Noordam 2007

Princess - Pacific Princess 2004

Big Red Boat (Oceanic) 2000

Admiral - Stardancer 1995?

Costa - Classica 1992?

NCL - Norway 1988

Home Lines - Atlantica 1986?

Chandris - Amerikanis 1974

Greek Lines - TSS Olympia 1971

Home Lines - Oceanic 1970

 

I'm anxious to hear your review of the Fortuna (I hope you find me completely off base and find everything 100% perfect!). Have a wonderful time! Oh, and I had a good base tan going and still used SFP 30 - got dark as a berry with no burn. Other people were like cherry tomatoes - so wear sunscreen!! Have fun....

[cruiser willy]

Robin,

 

We surely must have been shipmates at one time or another...with all those common Greek ships in the 70's. It's amazing how the industry has changed. My first cruise on the Bahama Star would be more like stowing away on a freighter today. Although we (my parents and I) stayed in inside cabins for many years, our Bahama Star cabin was particularly stark. Our beds were bunk-style. The whole room was very military looking. No frills for sure. Our first outside cabin had a small porthole. It was several more years before we had a picture window. We finally became cruise snobs on the Grandeur of the Seas...we had a balcony!...not just a balcony cabin...but a mini-suite!!! We had only booked an outside cabin with a picture window, but RCL messed up our flight schedules so badly that they bumped us up several categories to make amends. The balcony thing really spoiled us. With the exception of our cabin this past summer on the Majesty to Bermuda (no balconies on the ship), we've treated ourselves to balconies ever since. My kids, of course, have no concept of life without a balcony! We'll be in a Grand Suite on the Fortuna in just a few days....by far the best accomodations we've ever had...butler...pillow menu...jacuzzi tub...bidet...I doubt we'll ever stumble upon a deal / accomodations like this again...surely not on any of the other cruise lines.

I'll try to write a post when we return.

Thanks so much for your thread. Keep us posted of upcoming cruise plans. Maybe we'll be shipmates AGAIN....I'm thinking we'll do the NCL Dream (repacing the Majesty) out of Boston again this summer. What a great cruise that is....really...the Majesty was a tiny, junky old ship (by industry standards), but we had such a great time. NO passenger rudeness AT ALL. Great service. Phenomenal port. Fun activities. Very convenient to us Bay Staters....a cruise is SO much easier without flights!

Think warm!

[rocknrobin]

I hear 'ya Willy - our kids have no concept of anything other than top shelf; a cabin without a balcony? tsk, tsk...you MUST be joking... they'd think they were in steerage...hey, wait a minute - I've been in steerage (many times!) - thanks for the memories and the chuckles about past accomodations - been there, done that, too. One of our best and most enjoyable cruises was on the Big Red Boat to Canada a few years ago - the following week the ship was confiscated (went bankrupt) mid-cruise (thank God we weren't on that week). The ship was small by today's standards (and standards then) - it was the Oceanic at one time, so you know it. Anyhow...they knew they were going under, but the time they put on was great. The food was pretty good, the service was great - everyone bent over backwards (probably knowing that they would ever see the tips that were automatically put on the ship's card) - we overcompensated for this because we had figured out that things were moving downhill quickly for the line. Anyhow...you keep me up-to-date too on your plans - maybe we'll see you onboard one of these times! And hey...enjoy that suite - been in suites before but never THE GRAND POOBAH SUITE! Envious - you rock girl!

[Pupsweet]

i

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember a service fee and the tip are already included in the tab when you order booze, soda, coffee, etc. In the past we always gave an additional tip to the server (because of their good attitude - get more flies with sugar than than vinegar), but not on this ship.

!

 

Thanks for your great review .. we're sailing in a month and we plan to take everything with agrain of salt (margaritas? HAH!)

 

Question: do you mean that even tipping "extra" (beyond the 15 %) didn't warm the cockles of their little hearts?

 

YIKES!:eek:

[cruiser willy]

I had heard about that Big Red Boat cruise, or one like it where the passengers were kicked off mid-cruise and given no assistance with travelling home. I remember thinking and talking about what I'd do in that situation. I was sure I'd hold my ground and defy the authority of the eviction. My wife (yes, I'm a guy) said she'd more likely take the kids and leave peacefully.

Looking forward to being a Grand Poobah!

You rock too. (I'll assume you're a girl)

[rocknrobin]

Sorry 'bout that Willy; and yes, I'm a girl (albeit an old one at that - LOL). You know, we talked, too, about what we would have done had we been on the cruise where everyone was kicked off - it was seized for foreclosure...yikes. I think you'd have to get off or they'd take you off. Oh Mighty Poobah...have a marvelous trip - only a couple more sleeps for you!

 

Pupsweet - we didn't tip the bar servers anything extra; however, we did tip generously in cash (the first time) we order room service (it's not your room steward who delivers) and there was no expression whatsoever, so the next time we ordered, we tipped, but 15% no more, no less. Didn't make any difference to the server. Live and learn, like I've said before....you get more flies with sugar than you do with vinegar...

[LindaRH]

Food - cheap, with the exception of a few dinners. I did enjoy the beef; requested it medium rare and it was perfect; tender and very good. If you don't request it this way, it comes out medium well and tough. The lamb chops were wonderful - tender and very good; lamb shanks on the other hand tasted like mutton - very strong, yek. The Alaskan King Crab legs were very good, too. Didn't like any of the desserts - good for my waist line at least. Ate breakfast and lunch on the lido deck - breakfast is breakfast and you could get made to order eggs; lunch was crappy - I ate cheese, fruit and salads every day. Some of the casseroles looked like they cleaned out the refrigerator (not very appetizing) and there was always pizza. The evening buffet always had pizza - a different spin on traditional pizza; let's see - pizza with hot dog slices, pizza with canned corn, pizza dough, left over caesar salad, apples (which were very good and crisp) - ugh...well...lets' just say that I lost weight after 2 weeks (not complaining).

 

Rocknrobin - You don't realize how funny this one statement was about the food. My DH and I have been on a Costa Cruise about 3 years ago. It was so bad that we don't remember which ship...however we do remember how beautiful the ship was. It had an actual ballroom. Quite impressive. Back to my point...the food...In your case it was the pizza. In our case it was sponge cake. They certainly knew how to make sponge cake. Sponge Cake with Kiwi. Sponge Cake with Orange. Sponge Cake with lemon. Everynight it had a different fruit on top. It got to the point where we just didn't eat dessert. We were starting to look like sponge cake! Generally, the food was of low quality. You want to know what's even funnier? I am going back on a Costa Cruise in March just because it is a "Cruise to Music" rock & roll cruise starring Three Dog Night. I fought it for months. I just didn't want another sponge cake! But I gave in all over one of my favorite childhood music groups :eek:

Oh well....I will certainly go with a positive attitude.