Another Costa Mediterranea 3/15/08

[BillnLA]

“An adequate cruise experience at a super price.” Sorry to say that’s the best I can muster for my Costa Mediterranea cruise

 

This online forum has provided a great deal of helpful information now let me share my experience.

As a solo traveler I offer a different perspective of my Costa Mediterranea cruise, departing March 15 from Ft Lauderdale.

 

Day one embarkation went surprisingly smooth. Helpful, cheerful employees on hand made for a festive time. However, “Suite” passengers were escorted to the front of the waiting line of regular passengers. This Costa is poor form.

A benefit like this deservers their own line so as not to inconvience us ordinary folk. Aside from that snafu things went well.

 

Once aboard I met my cabin attendant he was professional in every way but as I discovered with most every other contact with employees, a lack of sincerity, sort of an empty smile from being in week 18 of 20 weeks away from home. I make that observation with some authority as a former entertainment hospitality executive. I am very much in tune with these client / employee relations.

Was also surprised that all my contacts were with Philippinos. With exception of the high profile staff not once did I encounter an employee who wasn’t Philippino not that there is anything wrong with that I guess I was just expecting a more diverse staff?

 

In all I was pleased by the accommodations. 4th deck with a veranda, sorry to say no bar soap or shampoo so bring some.

After reading mixed reviews of the ship my expectations were set rather low. I planed on many hours of reading and watching the sea go by and catching up on sleep.

 

Once things settled I went to the first seating for dinner. Was assigned a table with two other solo travelers. A nice relaxing time. However the “steak” described in the menu turned out to be prime rib. Fine by me, even though the meal was only satisfactory.

 

Finally the end of a long day. Went to my charming cabin only to find the “firmest” mattress ever created. What were they thinking? If you’re considering this trip be ready for a hard day’s night (thank you Beatles).

 

First day out was at sea. Thankfully I’m an early riser as prime deck space was grabbed up early. Started enjoying the sun at 8:30. The whole time watching others laying claim to deck chairs long before they’re intended use. There was no shortage of arguments as the claim jumpers moved in and removed decoy towels and books. In Disney parlance an E ticket attraction to watch! Security was on hand to mediate and extricate children from the Adult pool. I was impressed by their methods of cajoling and making light of situations that could easily get out of hand.

 

Our first port was San Juan. Since we arrived late afternoon with a quick turnaround all one can do is shop. Old San Juan is quaint and bustling with several other ships in port. I didn’t get much sense of tradition or history here. Just over priced tourist trinkets and jewelry which was the case in every port.

 

Once aboard ship I decide dining at the buffet would be more to my liking. Not interested in dressing up for dinner and wanting to stay in shorts / bathing suit which are more my style. So buffet it was for the remainder of the cruise. Sometimes good, sometimes not so much. But always, I mean always excellent pizza throughout the day.

 

The Island of St Thomas was a let down for me. Looking more like Santa Catalina Island, which I visit frequently here in Southern California, than the exotic destination I imagined. I chose to spend most of that day on board after watching the bus minders herding travelers to their destinations. Don’t dare break the rules here a bus guy will come down on you hard!

 

Back on board another buffet awaits! In bed early looking forward to our next stop the Dominican Republic.

 

We pulled into a picturesque port manufactured for tourist sensibilities. It wasn’t too hard to see the disguised barbed wire fences erected to protect us from who knows what? Wanting an urban experience I jumped a bus to La Romana ready to take in the sights, smells and food. Well the smells kept me away from the food as the sights ruined my appetite. Visiting this town was like a day trip to Tijuana. Plenty of unemployed young men just standing around. They weren’t menacing or pan handling..just standing around, lots of them.

The welcome upon arrival, at what I call town square park was contrived and yes plenty of trinkets to buy. But these salesmen weren’t taking NO for an answer. A trip to La Romana is not for the faint hearted.

 

Back on board, what’s this? Another buffet! Off to Grand Turk…

 

Greeted by turquoise waters the highlight of the trip awaits. A modern facility with easy access to the beach. Here find a number of shops with trinkets and some with unique trinkets. I like Ron Jons surf shop on the mainland and was surprised to find a location at Grand Turk with items unique to that location.

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville was a perfect tenant for the spot with its foo foo drinks and lavish resort style pool. It was time well spent; wish it could have lasted longer.

 

The next day was at sea. Weather was overcast and cool. A nice day to stay indoors and read. “Marley and me” is new to paperback. A nice read for my trip.

 

Saturday we arrive at Ft Lauderdale. Debarkation was just as smooth as getting on. Your Color coded bags are whisked away by the luggage fairies the night before and are awaiting you inside the terminal. Every one is assigned a time to jump ship.

 

So I’ve shared my diary. Thanks for the indulgence. And if I may a few observations:

 

The disco opened at 11:30pm. If I hear another “It’s a European thing” one more time I’ll scream. Some of us can’t stay up that late. I don’t know about you but I like to watch the sunrise.

 

Jacuzzi closed. After a long day there is nothing like a good soak. But somehow the ship keeps open one Jacuzzi at night for everyone. Oh it must be a “European thing”?

 

Back ground music. Call me a nit picker if you like, but music can enhance any mood. While relaxing in a lower lounge by my self reading I was hearing the music of Kenny G followed immediately by Bill Idol “Rebel Yell”. Under the right circumstances Billy Idol is fine. Not under these however. There are many instances of this kind of thing. You may not realize it but it can affect your mood, your pace, how quickly you eat or shop. Back ground music when done properly is programmed scientifically to affect the bottom line.

 

 

Based on opinions offered here I over packed not just a little, but by the garbage bag full. I brought duct tape, bungee cords, tie wraps (these came in handy) electrical brick etc. In the end consider the ship a modern hotel it has all you need.

 

X1 card. While fundamentally a fine idea, all you can drink for $98 dollars. It turned out to be a pain. First the servings are minuscule. I’m 6’3” and am being served a child’s portion of soda. I have to keep re-ordering to get the desired amount. Add to this the perception by the wait staff that there is no tip in it for them you’re made to feel like a second class citizen with all this ordering. Geez, my satisfaction was in watching their eyes light up when a tip is produced. Stay away from the X1 it’s not worth the grief.

 

Finally, the entertainment was abysmal. I never imagined I would hear a bad steel drum band; all you need to do is play loud, bam, instant party. These guys were out of tune and looked like they’d rather be someplace else. The same can be said for all the others. Lack luster, inexperienced performers that rate right up there with the worst theme park shows. With the exception of the strolling violinist and a keyboard player I have to say this was the cruise low point.

 

So there you have it. A cynical look from a jaded Hollywood type. Funny thing is I had a nice time. Me the sea and Marley and me…wait a minute that came out wrong!

 

BillnLA

[ecpc1302]

Dear Bill,

 

Thanks for the review. We sail on the Med. 16 night transatlantic on 4-12. It's our first Costa cruise. We've already pretty much decided to skip the X-1 since we don't drink beer or wine and I doubt we would drink enough soda to make it worthwhile.

 

We have some of the same ports before crossing the Atlantic and we're still deciding on activities. We do not go to Grand Turk:mad: which seems to be a favorite.

 

Glad to hear that embarkation went well and it sounds like the cruise itself was relaxing, that's what we are hoping for.

 

Elsie:cool:

[njs]

Thanks for the candid review

Our room stewards on both costa cruises were from columbia

Next cruise ~ take an ipod with your choice of music to drown out the sounds you dont like:cool:

[BillnLA]

Thanks for the candid review

Our room stewards on both costa cruises were from columbia

Next cruise ~ take an ipod with your choice of music to drown out the sounds you dont like:cool:

 

I did one better. I brought my satelite radio. Worked great on deck. Inside switched to the Ipod. While reading though I prefer silence.

 

bill

[Janice Romano]

We sailed the week before. I can't think of one complaint - everything was wonderful. Strange, but I had heard about the mattress being too firm from others. Both my husband and I thought it was amazingly comfortable.