Where has all the Costa cruisers gone?

we booked on Victoria inovember round india ocean cant wait, somewhere different , been on costa few years back was great fun very lively

TBF I think the boards in general are a lot quiter than they used to be - It seemed to happen about the time they upgraded the whole forum look.

When you do the maths its inevitable the lighter used boards Such as Costa - MSC etc would show this to the extreme. Remember English guest on these ships are in the minority which tends to skew everything wether it be board use or review stats.

TBF I think the boards in general are a lot quiter than they used to be - It seemed to happen about the time they upgraded the whole forum look.

 

 

When you do the maths its inevitable the lighter used boards Such as Costa - MSC etc would show this to the extreme. Remember English guest on these ships are in the minority which tends to skew everything wether it be board use or review stats.

It is very lonely on the Costa boards at the moment. I have been sneaking a peek at some old threads and there used to be so many Costa cruisers.

 

Has just about everybody jumped ship?

 

Alicat

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We're signed up for the Costa world cruise in January 2020. I'm worried about the many bad reviews of Costa cruises, but the cruise is a very good price and some of the comments seem to be things that gripe American cruisers who have only sailed on " American" style cruises. I know we'll be in the minority, announcements will be in other languages, won't be Broadway shows only in English, meals may be more European (no pancakes, not 10 flavors of omelettes) .

I think that the main reason that there are few comments is simply that most Costa cruisers are from Europe. They aren't "on" Cruise Critic.

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We're signed up for the Costa world cruise in January 2020. I'm worried about the many bad reviews of Costa cruises, but the cruise is a very good price and some of the comments seem to be things that gripe American cruisers who have only sailed on " American" style cruises. I know we'll be in the minority, announcements will be in other languages, won't be Broadway shows only in English, meals may be more European (no pancakes, not 10 flavors of omelettes) .

I think that the main reason that there are few comments is simply that most Costa cruisers are from Europe. They aren't "on" Cruise Critic.

The cost per person of the 5th Jan 2020 Costa Deliziosa world cruise (112 nights, Venice to Venice) is $14719 + $440 taxes + $1400 mandatory service charges, for an inside cabin, with $1675 OBC

How would you compare the two, w.r.t. pricing and value?

The Viking world cruise is over 5 times more expensive than Costa.

How would you compare the two, w.r.t. pricing and value?

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I posted about my trip on the "world" destination board and someone extolled Viking. And I have friends who love Viking. Yes, with Viking you get better wine with meals. You can do your own laundry and it's free. There are nice excursions at every port. (The world Costa will give us 15 however).

But we can both do this tour, with an obstructed view cabin for $34,000. Viking inside cabin is $ 45,000 for one person. Sorry, we don't have $100,000 to spend on a cruise. We'll be scraping by to do this one, but we're in our early 70's and too many people we know waited too long and never did it.

Hi Lynn

You'll be able to have pancakes on Costa, with extra pancake syrup and crispy bacon. There won't be 10 different omelettes but in the MDR you'll have a choice of about 4. I think most of the ships now have them at the grill station on the pool deck as well. Maybe only a few options though.

Riana

We've just completed our first Costa cruise.

Pacifica to Norwegian Fjords out of Hamburg.

We expected English to be in minority but were surprised there was about 3000 German speakers.

Were told that there was 100 English speakers aboard but these turned out to be English as a second language.

Met our first native English speakers the second of last day.

We found Costa to be fun and enjoyed the food although in the early days it arrived at the table cold.

Staff was great.

It is very lonely on the Costa boards at the moment. I have been sneaking a peek at some old threads and there used to be so many Costa cruisers.

 

Has just about everybody jumped ship?

 

Alicat

Hi Lookimg to speak to someone who has been on the Costa Luminosa. This is our first cruise with Costa and would love to know what to do on ship.

Hi there I am still aboard heading on Baltic cruise on Magica in July ! You are right though it's very quiet on here at the moment ;):confused:

I agree it's lonely. Would love to speak to a Costa cruiser. We're going on our first and would love some advise.

Hi ada,

Have answered your dining question, but if you need any more info please ask there are plenty of long term Costa cruises on here, we have just completed our 250 days with them.

Hi Ada

We've not been on the Luminosa recently but we cruise with Costa on a regular basis.

Most of the ports are very easy to DIY. In Katakolon we rented a car and drove to Olympia. Not for the faint hearted but not far and we were there before the buses.

What to do on the ship:

The animation team does stuff most of the day. We don't partake. It will be deck games(silly stuff), trivia etc. There are lots of dance classes and exercise classes if that is your thing. You could always just lounge around the pool if you don't go ashore.

Evenings will have lots of dancing opportunities. Costa has improved the amount of evening entertainment venues. A couple of years ago it was hit and miss and sometimes only taped music early. There will also be two shows at night. One for early and one for late dining. These will be singing/dancing type shows, illusionists, ventriloquists etc. They seem to have a tenor on every ship now.

We like the Luminosa. Hope this helps but ask if you want to know more. I am back at work the next two days and going away on Sunday.

Riana

Hi Ada

 

We've not been on the Luminosa recently but we cruise with Costa on a regular basis.

 

Most of the ports are very easy to DIY. In Katakolon we rented a car and drove to Olympia. Not for the faint hearted but not far and we were there before the buses.

 

What to do on the ship:

The animation team does stuff most of the day. We don't partake. It will be deck games(silly stuff), trivia etc. There are lots of dance classes and exercise classes if that is your thing. You could always just lounge around the pool if you don't go ashore.

 

Evenings will have lots of dancing opportunities. Costa has improved the amount of evening entertainment venues. A couple of years ago it was hit and miss and sometimes only taped music early. There will also be two shows at night. One for early and one for late dining. These will be singing/dancing type shows, illusionists, ventriloquists etc. They seem to have a tenor on every ship now.

 

We like the Luminosa. Hope this helps but ask if you want to know more. I am back at work the next two days and going away on Sunday.

 

Riana

Nice to see that there are plenty of activities, 2 shows every night and lots of dancing opportunities in multiple venues.

I read that OBC cannot be used to pay the mandatory DSC in Costa. Is this true?

If so, can we encash unused OBC through the slot machines in the casino, like folks do in MSC?

You have to check the terms and conditions for the specific credit. Carnival Corp OBC, service charge, cash advance and casino definitely excluded, most promotional credit the same.

I typically find a couple of hundred English-speakers, including a number of Canadians, up to several hundred in the Caribbean.

Deliziosa and Luminosa are sister ships, they're my two favourite ships. On-board activities will vary if it's a port-intensive itinerary.

We are booked on a World Cruise Segment on Luminosa 42 days starting in San Antonio Chile Feb 11 2019. Just found out today that what was advertised at Best Price Cruises as our drink package in our OV Comfort premium room( “Brindiamo”, which will include wine, beer, call brand liquors, cocktails, juices, specialty coffees & bottled water bar service available in buffet, bar, main and specialty restaurants.) Is actually not what they apparently offer on on World Cruises ...even though you pay a higher cost...they offer only the beer and wine and only at lunch and dinner, No one can actually explain why they are advertising it as part of the World cruise and World Segments , but they still have not removed it. I am going to request we be down graded to an OV guarantee ( 1600 USD less) since it seems no matter if you book an inside or an owners suite no one gets anything different in the drink package. I am not sure what the reasoning behind this is.... but I can buy a lot of drinks at $9 each for $1600 and since more than half the cruise is a view of the ocean ....Mheeeh who cares if it is obstructed. This is totally frustrating...and I am beyond pissed that they would try to take advantage of people this way...

We are booked on a World Cruise Segment on Luminosa 42 days starting in San Antonio Chile Feb 11 2019. Just found out today that what was advertised at Best Price Cruises as our drink package in our OV Comfort premium room( “Brindiamo”, which will include wine, beer, call brand liquors, cocktails, juices, specialty coffees & bottled water bar service available in buffet, bar, main and specialty restaurants.) Is actually not what they apparently offer on on World Cruises ...even though you pay a higher cost...they offer only the beer and wine and only at lunch and dinner, No one can actually explain why they are advertising it as part of the World cruise and World Segments , but they still have not removed it. I am going to request we be down graded to an OV guarantee ( 1600 USD less) since it seems no matter if you book an inside or an owners suite no one gets anything different in the drink package. I am not sure what the reasoning behind this is.... but I can buy a lot of drinks at $9 each for $1600 and since more than half the cruise is a view of the ocean ....Mheeeh who cares if it is obstructed. This is totally frustrating...and I am beyond pissed that they would try to take advantage of people this way...

What did it say on your booking form when you booked?

Under Special services Beverage Package.

Hi Ada

 

We've not been on the Luminosa recently but we cruise with Costa on a regular basis.

 

Most of the ports are very easy to DIY. In Katakolon we rented a car and drove to Olympia. Not for the faint hearted but not far and we were there before the buses.

 

What to do on the ship:

The animation team does stuff most of the day. We don't partake. It will be deck games(silly stuff), trivia etc. There are lots of dance classes and exercise classes if that is your thing. You could always just lounge around the pool if you don't go ashore.

 

Evenings will have lots of dancing opportunities. Costa has improved the amount of evening entertainment venues. A couple of years ago it was hit and miss and sometimes only taped music early. There will also be two shows at night. One for early and one for late dining. These will be singing/dancing type shows, illusionists, ventriloquists etc. They seem to have a tenor on every ship now.

 

We like the Luminosa. Hope this helps but ask if you want to know more. I am back at work the next two days and going away on Sunday.

 

Riana

Hi Riana, Thanks for responding and the great information. It is very helpful. Which deck should we request to be seated on, the lower or upper? I read from others that the excursion on the ship are not worth while. We are going to be in Bari at our first stop and probably just want to go into the city and tour. Have you been to Bari? Do you know how far it is from the ship to Bari ? Also, for Santorini, there is an excursion which has a boat that takes you to the city and back. I was wondering if that would be a better option than going up and down the tramp. You mentioned that you had rented a car in Olympia, was that worth it? Please advise with your experience on excursion for the Greek Island tours. Thans

Hi Ada

Not sure whether you mean decks for the restaurant. I don't know the answer either way. Much of a muchness I would think. Maybe someone could help you there.

Tours:

Bari: Easy to walk into the central town area. Not a huge amount to do but if you just has an afternoon it will be fine. There are a few churches. The one has a beautifully preserved mummy-my sort of thing. Hubby thinks I am crazy always wanting to see dead bodies. There is also a nice square with restaurants. Our last call to Bari was not great, we were delayed and most of the places were closed by the time we got into town. Don't get the Costa shuttle. It's expensive and really not needed.Down load G**gle maps on your phone and tell it where you want to go.

Santorini:This will be a tender port. I cannot remember how we got to the furnicular but it was not that busy when we went up and down. I won't walk on the ramp with the donkeys. 1)I don't like farm yard smells and 2) It sounds dangerous. People are bumped and can fall and break limbs. Once you are at the top you can just wander around, shop, have a beer etc. The tours usually go to the other part of the island I think it is called Oia.

Katakolon: If you want to see Olympia I would definitely hire a car. There is not much to see or do in Katakolon. There is a little train that goes to a vineyard but when we went on it the place was closed and it was a lovely warm spring day. The car hire is very close to the harbour and we were at Olympia before the buses came. It was lovely to walk around the ruins and do your own thing. You can down load a map and read about the places. The museum is also worth visiting and was also quiet when we were there.

I see you have a whole day in Mykonos. We only had a late afternoon and evening. We wandered about a bit and had a lovely meal. I am thinking it will be packed when you go. If you look on the "ports" section of the boards of Whatsinport website you could get some ideas.

We have never been to Argostoli.

Venice is Venice. Amazing place.

Well, I am busy packing for a city break to Prague. I won't be on cruise critic for a bit but shout is you need moer info and if I can, I will help.

Riana

Hi Ada,

It is a little quieter on the upper deck of the restaurant (deck 4) than on the lower deck, we liked this as looking down was like our own side show.

The lower deck (3) gives you a far better view if they still have the Italian night crew dancing, and goings on.

Hi Ada

 

Not sure whether you mean decks for the restaurant. I don't know the answer either way. Much of a muchness I would think. Maybe someone could help you there.

 

Tours:

Bari: Easy to walk into the central town area. Not a huge amount to do but if you just has an afternoon it will be fine. There are a few churches. The one has a beautifully preserved mummy-my sort of thing. Hubby thinks I am crazy always wanting to see dead bodies. There is also a nice square with restaurants. Our last call to Bari was not great, we were delayed and most of the places were closed by the time we got into town. Don't get the Costa shuttle. It's expensive and really not needed.Down load G**gle maps on your phone and tell it where you want to go.

 

 

 

Santorini:This will be a tender port. I cannot remember how we got to the furnicular but it was not that busy when we went up and down. I won't walk on the ramp with the donkeys. 1)I don't like farm yard smells and 2) It sounds dangerous. People are bumped and can fall and break limbs. Once you are at the top you can just wander around, shop, have a beer etc. The tours usually go to the other part of the island I think it is called Oia.

 

Katakolon: If you want to see Olympia I would definitely hire a car. There is not much to see or do in Katakolon. There is a little train that goes to a vineyard but when we went on it the place was closed and it was a lovely warm spring day. The car hire is very close to the harbour and we were at Olympia before the buses came. It was lovely to walk around the ruins and do your own thing. You can down load a map and read about the places. The museum is also worth visiting and was also quiet when we were there.

 

I see you have a whole day in Mykonos. We only had a late afternoon and evening. We wandered about a bit and had a lovely meal. I am thinking it will be packed when you go. If you look on the "ports" section of the boards of Whatsinport website you could get some ideas.

 

We have never been to Argostoli.

 

Venice is Venice. Amazing place.

 

Well, I am busy packing for a city break to Prague. I won't be on cruise critic for a bit but shout is you need moer info and if I can, I will help.

 

Riana

Hi Riana, Thank so much for the great information on each port. It sounds like were going to do most things on our own given that there doesn't seem to be a lot of time for excursions which is just fine with us. Have a great time on your vacation.

Hi Ada,

It is a little quieter on the upper deck of the restaurant (deck 4) than on the lower deck, we liked this as looking down was like our own side show.

The lower deck (3) gives you a far better view if they still have the Italian night crew dancing, and goings on.

Hi Tenpin

thank you for the info about the dining decks. Sounds like either one is ok.

You mention in your post that there is dancing on the lower deck. sCan you elaborate on the dancing aspect of the evening.

When does the dancing happen, is it during dinner at both sittings or after.

Do you recommend the earlier sitting 7;30 or the 9;30 .

Ada

Hi Tenpin

thank you for the info about the dining decks. Sounds like either one is ok.

You mention in your post that there is dancing on the lower deck. sCan you elaborate on the dancing aspect of the evening.

When does the dancing happen, is it during dinner at both sittings or after.

 

Do you recommend the earlier sitting 7;30 or the 9;30 .

 

Ada

The dancing involves just a few of the crew at top of stairwell, usually on Italian nights (Green, White & Red) but it is awesome. This happens both sittings & does include a Conga line round dining rooms.

As I replied in your earlier post about dining, early sitting is better for English speaking guests between 6.30 and sometimes 7pm, but they have started a split starting time from 6.00pm.

You only get a choice of times for premium cabins although seeing Maître 'd early could get onto first sitting.

I agree it seems there are fewer English speakers on CC. There seems to be even fewer reviews of Costa in South America.

Has anyone traveled with Costa to South America? How many English speaking passengers would you guess were on board? Just curious of the number of other NA Families would be on-board.

What were your thoughts about the trip? 10-Day trip on Fascinosa. We would stop in Rio, Brazil Beaches, Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

Not many Costa reviews of South American itineraries on CC. I would love to hear from any past cruisers to SA.

WE are booked on a repo cruise from Italy to Buenos Aires next year but have not been on a Costa cruise before. We have done a Norwegian from Buenos Aires to Santiago and from Buenos Aires to Rio for Carnival on Celebrity.

On both of these there were a good percentage of English speakers but many were from the UK, Australia, NZ, with fewer it seemed from Canada and the US. The majority were Spanish speakers from Argentina and Mexico, Italians, Brazilians, a few French and German, really a great mix of countries. There were very few children on both these cruises. I do not recall seeing more than twenty or so to Rio and even fewer around the Horn. Most of the children were Spanish speakers .

The crew were all exceptional with most having good or some English, there were quite a few Eastern European crew as well as the usual multicultural mix.

We have always enjoyed visits to BA, and Buzios, and were only in Rio for Carnival when all galleries, museums and most shops are locked and shuttered for two weeks. We did get to the standard Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer and the famous beaches. Of course, I think Montevideo is a nice stop - Punta del Este is more upscale but smaller.

If you check out other cruise lines that come down here - Celebrity, Norwegian MSC etc you can get an idea of the ports.