Costa Not Impressed

shipahoy · December 28, 2005

I sailed on the Costa Magica, three night freeport cruise. I was so amazed by this cruise, after taking almost 59 in my life. Gift shops empty. Food either cold, poorly cooked, or lack of choices. Buffets are bland, crew un organized. Something as simple as running out of icetea. Cruise was ran like it was the cruise lines first cruise ever. A beautiful carnival cookie cutter ship, but not the service. Show had little varierty. This market usually in Europe needs to adapt to American style and standards, or will sink there image. The cruise had mostly travel agents, most not impressed either. The ship was not surprised either, did not give out comment cards on last night, even thou they had drop boxs to drop them in. I guess they didn't want out comments or complaints. I hope Carnival's parent company is not so big to lose value because size of past mergers and growth with other lines. Alan Miller, shipahoy@bellsouth.net Miami, Florida

JoeyandDavid · December 28, 2005

wow sounds like you didnt care for them :undecided: sorry about that

DaCruzNut · December 28, 2005

Welcome to CruiseCrazies....hope you'll stick around and become part of our friendly little family!

I, aso, have been on, out of sheer coincicence, 59 cruises. Only 1 was on Costa, the Allegra I felt the same way about Costa, after that one sailing, and never sailed with them again...

Mebert · December 28, 2005

It sounds like Carnival better get Costa together. How do ships with such poor service stay in business?

JoeyandDavid · December 28, 2005

Mebert it could be that up to know they focused more on non US guests. everyone knows how demanding Americans can be :grin:

Lisa63 · December 28, 2005

I'm not so sure. I think I'd enjoy experiencing another culture without having to venture too far away from home.

That said, I agree that any line would have to have the basics down -- specifically good food and service. It sounds to me as if this might have been a shakedown cruise, especially with so many travel agents on board. Was that the case?

Still, I wouldn't find empty gift shops too appealing. The love for shopping knows no borders...

KarenUK · December 28, 2005

Welcome to Cruise Crazies Shipahoy!!

I have heard not too impressive things about Costa as well - one of the annoying things was every single announcement was given in about 3 different languages!! I dont think I will be offering them my hard earned money until I hear much better reviews about them! :sad:

TheSkipper · December 29, 2005

This is not a new thing with Costa. Years ago we were warned away from them by our TA. Her comment was "Costa is not a cruise line for you." She knew our tastes and preferences well and put the issue to rest very quickly.

I had though since my wife is of Italian decent and since I love pasta that we should give it a try. No Way said the TA!

In talking to other frequent cruisers I have always gotten the same sort of reaction that Jeff talked about -- "Once was enough."