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

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?

I would agree no mention of we liked this... I loved... we found ...etc so it looks a bit impersonal and therefore suspicious, but it is up to the reader to take note of the other views expressed about this ship. Maybe a senior moment but is this not the ship that hit the pier and Thomson was to be taking over shortly ?

QUOTE:

I would agree no mention of we liked this... I loved... we found ...etc so it looks a bit impersonal and therefore suspicious, but it is up to the reader to take note of the other views expressed about this ship. Maybe a senior moment but is this not the ship that hit the pier and Thomson was to be taking over shortly ?

Fair point, Bill, and yes it is the ship that hit the pier. There is another review of this trip which refers to the accident, interesting that this one doesn't.

I've learnt my lesson about suggesting reviews are bogus and have given up being Mrs Cynical.

QUOTE:

I've learnt my lesson about suggesting reviews are bogus and have given up being Mrs Cynical.

Hmm, you think I need to take cover?

I've read lots of reviews from one star to five star but only very occasionally do I read one which feels wrong. This one, I just didn't get a sense that is was real, based on a real, personal experience.

If I am wrong, I a very sorry for any offence, however there is no doubt that false reviews are posted occasionally.

QUOTE:

... there is no doubt that false reviews are posted occasionally.

I started a thread on this very subject some time ago. As I recall, most felt that they could always spot a bogus review and therefore this isn't an issue. I'm still not convinced though - the notion of an anonymous review just seems wrong to me.

QUOTE:

Fair point, Bill, and yes it is the ship that hit the pier. There is another review of this trip which refers to the accident, interesting that this one doesn't.

The accident was one of those things we never hope it will happen to us and anyone doing a review I would expect would at least touch on it as you say another reviewer did so still makes it look dodgy....Bill

I read it before I read this and felt it was a bit bland. Having read it, it did not really enthuse but nor did it put me off.

I just think that I would ignore a report like that when trying to come to a decision about whether to use Costa or not but many of us have prior knowledge, would a newbie be influenced? ....Neil

I have been following the TV series on that Costa boat, before the series I had more or less decided "NO WAY", but I am getting soft in my old age and I am warming to Costa. One of our close friends has also been on Costa and gave a thumbs up. But if you read the review above you may well think it's "internal". After all hotels do it, as do restaurants etc, and only the really trusting would believe it doesnt happen.
By the way as Mrs Bosscat has relinquished her title of Mrs Cynical, can I volunteer to be the new Mr Cynical? I will remain true to all true cynics everywhere !!! honest.

I've had the misfortune of sailing on Europa. Possibly the worst cruise ship I have ever been on. Poor food, cold food, surly staff, passengers smoking everywhere, even in supposedly non-smoking areas. Europa I believe is just a converted cargo container, and it shows. My first cruise was on Victoria which I loved and got me hooked on cruising. I then did the small Allegra, which was ok, certainly far better than Europa.
However on Europa it was obvious they were trying to attract those with lesser Lira. Never ever ever again with Costa. I'd rather go without.