Has anyone sailed with *both* Royal Caribbean and Costa?

Question

I am still looking for people that have personal experience with *both* Royal Caribbean and Costa...

I know that I can go to other websites, such as cruisecritic.com, to find other kinds of info...but I am looking for people with experience on both cruise lines here on Answers.

**I would love to hear personal experiences and comparisons.**

Also, I was wondering which cruise line I would have to pack less for....I know that along with the expected formal nights and more casual nights at dinner, RC has "smart casual" where men are still expected to wear jackets to dinner. My question is: Is this the same for Costa...or are there just, simply, formal and casual nights?

I was also wondering (for Costa), if dealing with Euros is any kind of a problem while onboard?

I would appreciate info from anyone who has experienced both RC and Costa...

Answer 1

You didn't say where the trip was going. That would probably make more difference as far as packing goes.

You're going to get two formal nights on both lines on a 7-day trip. Not that many tuxes on either line. I'd suggest a jacket and tie on both lines on formal nights, although you might be able to push it and get away with just a dress shirt and no tie. No smart casual nights on Costa and, IMO, you don't need a jacket and tie for those smart casual nights on RCCL. Last night on Costa is "toga night". They leave sheets in your cabins to use for dinner attire and, as they say, "no sheet, no eat". A real blast, especially the guest talent show that occurs in the theater after dinner and has the feeling of a Roman coliseum. "Thumbs down", the contestant goes to the lions and "thumbs up" to the midnight buffet.

Couple of other comparisons.

Costa is proud of their Italian heritage.  Elevators announce the floors in Italian. There is an extra "pasta course" at dinner. They still have a midnight buffet.  Many more Europeans on board in Caribbean itineraries. Muster drill is in five languages. They have many fewer on-board announcements. Entertainment is lower-key than most US lines with more emphasis on the clubs around the ship. Fewer staff hawking of drinks but you can get one when you want it. Beds are thin mattresses like you would find in Europe. Smokers are more numerous and more obvious. They run "kids sail free" promos from time to time; if you are on the ship one of those weeks, there will be a LOT of kids on board. Food is OK. They have some unusual stuff, for example octopus appetizers in the dining room. Some very good italian dishes.Condiments are mostly European; for example you'll find HP Sauce instead of A-1 and Harry's tea instead of Lipton. The bread sticks in the dining room are like rocks. The desserts suck except on the sweet extravaganza. Cashless on board and the bill is settled in dollars for Caribbean trips.

RCCL tends to "spoon feed" you more. Lots more announcements. You can't sit down without having someone try to sell you a drink. More gimmicky stuff at extra charge for things that should be included in the fare, for example, Johnny Rockets. Somewhat smaller staterooms, even on newer ships. Draconian alcohol policies. Somewhat better food overall than Costa, even considering only the "free" venues. Much better desserts. The nightly shows are different, and I think most Americans would consider it better. Cashless on board and the bill is settled in dollars for Caribbean trips.

If the price was equal or if it was a first cruise, I would probably suggest RCCL. But, we enjoyed the experience (and price) on Costa.

Answer 2

Costa wasnt my favorite cruise line. The food is more authentic, and the money used is mostly American. However, there are alot more foreigners on the cruise ship, just because its a European cruise line. Also, they make announcements in like 7 different languages which can get pretty annoying. I wasnt crazy about the cruise line but it was still a great cruise. I got to go to my favorite port, St. Thomas, and go snorkeling so it was awesome. I havent sailed with Royal Caribbean yet, sorry. Not alot of people have sailed with Costa though, so I thought I'd add my opinion.