Topic: NOT a grumble, more an observation...

maybe they have chosen to step back from writing in first person narrative as it seems whatever people write they are opening themselves up for personal attack (in some cases, you'll see...) see ''reviews not worth the space etc thread'

if people truly DO book based solely on other peoples' reviews such as the comments on some reviews suggest, would you book based on this review?

Who cares if it's real or not, does it make you feel confident in costa or not?

maybe it does sound like an advert, but what else are reviews but good or bad adverts?

and no, I didnt write it, I dont work for Costa

Hi

We haven't been able to take a cruise for a while due to illness but hope to resume again soon.

Our last cruise was on the Costa Allegra around the South China Sea and although we did not rate the ship all that much, the staff were very friendly and helpful. We booked the cruise because of the itinerary which was fantastic. We started the holiday with two nights in an hotel in Hong Kong which was very enjoyable and included a couple of included trips. The first night on the ship from Hong Kong to Manila was very rough as we appeared to have caught the tail end of a typhoon. The ship did not seem able to cope with the extremely rough weather as the show in the evening was cancelled and many people were confined to their cabins. However, the rest of the cruise was most interesting visiting Borneo, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam and China and we only paid to go on one organised tour in Da Nang but instead got around in taxis which were much better value.

Upon returning to Hong Kong we had an overnight stop on the ship which enabled us to see more sights.

Altogether a very enjoyable cruise.

As its 'always nice to read a positive review of a Costa cruise' I'm happy to give one!
We have only been on two cruises, both Costa in the Med (Romantica & Fortuna) but enjoyed them both tremendously. Have just booked again for a Caribbean cruise with Costa Atlantica. We feel they are good value, and love the multicultural feel of Costa.

I've come to the conclusion that sailings in the Med, the US, the Baltic etc are very different.
I know lots of people who have sailed Costa (they can embark from Malta) and have been impressed with the whole experience.
What always amazes me are those reviews that state categorically that the food was a disaster. I just can't understand how thousands of people (mainly Italian) just sit and take it
The Italians are known to be hightly critical where food is concerned and complain instantly if it's not up to standard. They aren't discrete in their protests either. How do they become so subdued when on a ship ?

I've never been on a Costa cruise so can't comment on them. However MSC Splendida docked the same day as we did (on Oceania's Insignia) in Valletta. Could hardly believe the size of it and the numbers of people from the MSC ship in Valletta was amazing. Luckily that was the only day we docked in the same place as another cruise ship. It's a worry about smaller places than Valletta being totally swamped.

Crumbs I sound like a grumpy old git!

The captain's of the ships obviously knew each other and had fun making noises at each other as we left Valletta. Good fun.

QUOTE:

It's always nice to read a positive review of a Costa cruise, as the company usually gets a negative review from cruisers. However, the one I read today causes me to wonder whether it is a genuine review at all. Maybe I am being unfair, but read for yourself...

Quote from the reviews "This is a beautiful ship, very nicely furnished, excellent cabins, very stable even in lively seas, and it certainly does not show its age (24 years old). Even on sea days with a full ship, there was enough outside seating for all, spread over a number of decks. The antics of the "towels on seats" brigade were a pain, but this seems to be the case on most ships these days. Don't just blame the continentals, Brits were equally guilty. Despite this behaviour, there was always a seat to be had somewhere.
The theatre has proper tiered seating, so everybody gets a decent view.
There are a number of bars with different live musicians in the evenings. Smokers are catered for, and the efficient air conditioning means that people in the non-smoking areas are not inconvenienced.
Food was excellent throughout, with varied choices, and always served hot.
Alcohol and excursion prices are rather steep, but this is how Costa make money on cheap cruise fares.
This ship will be a real asset for Thomson when they take it on as the Dream".

I have been wondering why I feel it is not real. I think it is because it is not told in the first person (I, we etc), and it does not really tell us about the posters real, personal experience. In fact, it is a totally impersonal review.

What do others think?

Having done two Costa cruises, I agree with everything he/she has to say. Food excellent and it was so nice not to be continually pestered to buy drinks, one "no thanks" was enough to be left alone, more than can be said about a lot of ships or cruise lines.