Has anyone been on a Costa cruise before?

Question

We are booking to go on the Costa Victoria and wondered if anyone else had been on this ship, with their likes and dislikes

Answer 1

You can get several reviews of the cruise line and the specific ship on www.cruisecritic.com.   this site has evaluations from professionals as well as by regular individuals, couples and families.

Costa is actually a division of Carnival corporation.  However, they cater more to European tastes with most of the passengers originating from European counties....maybe at most 20% are from Britain/US/Canadian.

Answer 2

Yes and never again!!! Have been crusing before and after on different lines and never experienced anything like the costa line!  Did not sail on the Victoria (I think this may be one of their smaller ships?, but what I have to say is fairly general info...

As mentioned previously it is geared up for europeans (not that the english / british aren't, but...).  

There were lots of children and small babies - pushchairs everywhere (europeans are "big" on kids socialising with them in the evenings).

It was very noisey in the public places and restaurants (europeans are "big" on noise!)

Every public annoucement was made in at least 5 or 6 langueages with a very hi-di-hi "bing - bong" sound - oh yes and English was not the first language used.

The restaurant food was TERRIBLE! the worst food ever.  Very limited choice if you don't like Italian.  One night a member of my party did not like what was on offer and asked for a green salad - they got a plate of lettuce!!

I could go on....

+ points - the ship was very stylish, the ice cream was good! can't think of anything else!

I must say this was a few years ago and things may have improved?  But as a previous answer states, they are geared for the European market and I for one would not take a chance however good the price might be.

It nearly put me off crusing, but after a break a couple of years later gave it another try with Princess Cruise line (part of P&O) this is geared more to the US market and they are fussy and if they like it, well it's got to be good. Have since had 3 Princess cruises and would not choose any other line.

Answer 3

The best prices that I have found overall are from  www.cruisequick.com.

HOWEVER they do not hold your hand. What I mean is that you need to know what cruise you want, what ship, date and category. You cannot call them, they do not answer a phone.

They are internet based only, completely legitimate, and offer a bonus or discount that most other agents don't offer.

They work on a flat fee profit and are completely automated.

They do answer emails promptly.

Their site explains how they work. I have used them for years, without any problems.  They offer free price quotes via email that include all port fees, taxes etc.

Happy Cruising !