Anyone back from Atlantica??

[Clay Clayton]

Just back from the Nov 14th-21st sailing....no disagreement with any of the postings here. Ship is fine, service and food not so much. Both were very hit and miss - had AWFUL cream of mushroom soup - we think they forgot the cream..it tasted like mushroom water followed by GREAT Osobucco with risotto in the MDR one night. Similar situation with service - one night it was impeccable, the next awful..had to beg for wine or water. While the worse day on a cruise ship is better than the best day at work, I don't think we will be cruising Costa again, unless its a really cheap sailing.

 

Our toga night was not on the last night...I think it was on Wednesday...but it was the night of the passenger talent show...few wore togas, but the talent was great fun. We had two 2-4-2 happy hours a day, 11-12 and 5-6....it was the best thing about the ship.

 

Full Review to come after Thanksgiving.

[rothjer]

Just back from the Nov 14th-21st sailing....no disagreement with any of the postings here. Ship is fine, service and food not so much. Both were very hit and miss - had AWFUL cream of mushroom soup - we think they forgot the cream..it tasted like mushroom water followed by GREAT Osobucco with risotto in the MDR one night. Similar situation with service - one night it was impeccable, the next awful..had to beg for wine or water. While the worse day on a cruise ship is better than the best day at work, I don't think we will be cruising Costa again, unless its a really cheap sailing.

 

Our toga night was not on the last night...I think it was on Wednesday...but it was the night of the passenger talent show...few wore togas, but the talent was great fun. We had two 2-4-2 happy hours a day, 11-12 and 5-6....it was the best thing about the ship.

 

Full Review to come after Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

Was on the Nov 7th sailing.Our experience was similar too. Embarkation: we got to the port right from FLL at 12, there was a huge albeit moving line into the port, stuff was really slow from then on in, lots of long lines at security, and check in and we were in a Suite (lots of people kept getting the priority line confused- it was ONLY for Suite passengers I believe, whereas some lines also take frequent programs in similar line-ups)!!!

Suite was amazing (6260), big balcony but dirty (stained winddows, maintenance scheduled on each port day- one day they shaved off and re-stained all the railings, well the shavings were left behind for the remaining 5 days of the cruise, and the windows although scheduled for cleaning on second port day never got done, sitting down , you could not have a clear view as the outside glass was filthy). Otherwise room was good. Butler- incompetent and useless. Everyday would try and enter the room (without knocking) right before our time in the MDR, most (even the Cabin Steward) other employees by and large understand and recognize guest patters, and usually catch on by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6?,7? days!! Our butler failed in this respect. One morning brought us breakfast, upon requesting ketchup he apologized but said he had another 3 rooms to deliver too and never came back. OH well, MDR service for us was AMAZING,Chester was our waiter,he is a vetran Costa employee and provided us with a 5 star experience, unlike any other service we recieved. X1 package was a nightmare, the staff on the phone swore to us that we could use it anytime at specific bars (i knew this to be wrong thanks to CC) , onboard there was rampant confusion, where you could use it (not everywhere), what was included (not gingerale!), and who would serve it to you (not many, no 15%). Head maitre d was a meat-head to say the least, unlike his amazing assistant crew, he failed in terms of finesse, quality and breadth of his service. Wine in X1 was fabulous the White Suave was phenomenal, much like a good Pino Grigio. Food was by far the best we have had on all cruises. MDR was good, do not get me wrong there were bad options and ones that were overcooked, we tried our best to stick to authentic italian cuisine, and we were never disappointed. Buffet was good, we only dined there on embarkation, and one break fast, food was not as well cooked, presented, but were nonetheless similar to what the MDR was serving, and just as fresh (and yes there were meatballs - available all the time in the MDR). Specialty restaurant was amazing, served on Versace china, and was amazing, service was delayed, took over an hour of waiting for main entree, but everything else was amazing and order as many options as you would like. Pools were good, small, but good, lots of loungers and good company. Contrary to what I read, Europeans were the nicest bunch on board, as Canadians (and no were not the type who think as Canadians were anymore "European" or any of that stuff) we loved interacting with the Italians, Germans, French and English who were all a pleasure and know how to cruise well. That is the least I could say for others; although it may have been an affordable vacation to us in the West,for Europeans this vacation is a real fancy sort of trip, its is also very expensive to include a large international flight. Some on board (both Canadians, and Americans) were not just only uncultured, but simply liked the ability to behave themselves with common manners. It was embarrassing and sad to see. Ship was grand, nice layout and beautiful finishes, it was a real feast for the eyes to sail on her. Real shame about the service though, if it were more attentive we would return,but because of it, we simply will not sail Costa again.

 

Any other Q's just ask !

[misand]

If you are doing the eastern carribean sailing I highly recommend a tour of the island and some time @ Megan's Bay. We used Papa Bear and Air Force One Tours. He has a great passion for the island and we got some beautiful pictures. Megan's Bay has nice gentle rolling waves, beatiful white sand beach, shade trees, and picnic tables. The best beach day ever!!!:D

 

We also ended up really enjoying San Juan. We did our own thing, toured San Cristobal, and then wandered the streets. We stopped and got some great empanadas at a little stand. Stopped into a cute little 100-year-old bakery w/ the cutest little old man behind the counter. He invited the kids behind the counter so that they could pick out their sweets. Then later in the day we got some shaved ice. It was fun to have no timetables to stick to.

 

When you were in St.Thomas were you on ship time or St.Thomas time. We are doing a charter sailboat and not sure what time to tell her to meet us.

 

Do you have any pictures of the cabins? Daily sheets on activities. We leave soon and I can't wait. How about any Mexican dishes? I know I love Mexican food. What did you think of Grand Turk?

Thanks,

Misand

[RubySoho]

Costa actually sets their clocks to the local time zone. One night we set our clocks forward 1 hour to Atlantic time and then on the way back we set it back an hour to bring us back to Eastern time.

 

Mexican was the theme of the lunch buffet one day. It was not impressive at all.:(

[RubySoho]

If you walk to the right after getting off you will find lots of conch shells thrown among the rocks. It was really amazing to see them all. Although we didn't do it, I've been told that if you continue along that way there are a couple of really nice beaches.

 

We spent most of our day in the Margaritaville pool. It's fresh water and there weren't waves crashing around in it like the ones on the ship. The rough seas had made swimming on the ship no fun for the kids. I didn't experience any rude, crazy, drunk people but I'm sure that it does happen on occasion given the swim up bar. After all of the walking we did in San Juan a lazy pool day was much needed. The island looks very pretty and I would love to go back to explore.

 

The main beach area to the left of the dock was dissapointing. Lounge chairs everywhere which is nice, but they are really packed in. When you first step into the water be prepared for your feet to sink about 6 inches. A little ways out it turns rocky but there is a slimy layer of algae thats built up on the rocks. The soft sand wasn't very fun for the little ones who wanted to play in the shallow water.

 

DD7 and I did have fun collecting sea glass in that area. We came home with quite a collection of all different shades of green, ice blue, sapphire blue, and some browns.

[G.M.T.]

Costa ships always use the loacl times (time zones) in the various ports of call.

 

In the TODAY program it is always states at which time the clocks have to be put forward or back.

 

Ron

[Gaynors]

thank you for all your reviews... and keep them coming :D!

 

I totally understand food is very subjective and I'm sorry to hear that some of you did not enjoy it very much. We look forward to our own experience.

 

Did anybody get the name of the captain??

 

For those coming back after Thanksgiving, did they have the holiday decorations up yet?? I remember a beautiful tree in the atrium of the Fortuna that we got some great pictures in front of.

[sjn911]

I truly appreciate all feedback on Atlantica..I may choose her for next cruise...Almsost

did...then waited. I had a not so great experience on Costa Riviera in 1992...but

no reason not to try again...it was a lifetime ago...any ideas on how one could get

past passenger status..or is that too long ago...I have photos if all paperwork does not

surface from a recent move...thanks again...and this is just a joke...Can you bring

mint jelly onboard for those good lambchops? sjn911

[Gaynors]

Wow, talk about bringing back memories... the Costa Riviera... my first Costa cruise back in 1990 :eek:.

 

For the Costa Club we were able to get some credit for cruises before ??? (I can't remember the date) but they pretty much just gave a chunk of points, it wasn't based on how many sailings you had previous. We actually have our Costa Club books that we have stamped each cruise and signed by the captain. We didn't have the book on the Riviera but when on the Allegra in 94 they put in the Riviera data and sailing info. This will be our 5th Costa sailing, I would give them a chance if you haven't sailed on them since 1992 a LOT has changed in the cruise industry since then :eek:.

[treasurespast]

I am sailing the Atlantica on 11/28. What was the entertainment and how was it? I read somewhere that for one show, a guy just stood there and blew bubbles the whole show. I couldn't find anything on the Costa web site about entertainment.

 

Also, what free beverages are provided, just coffee and tea?

[sunlover58]

Rothjer- We are booked for the Atlantica in April and also have a suite. I am disappointed to here that the butler was of no use. HAd hoped to be a bit spoiled! Did you ever do the buffet for dinner? Was it open every night? If we are exhausted from a day trip may not want to rush to dinner and be very casual and head to the buffet. Also, what did most wear on formal nights? Men in suites and ties ? Were tips automatically billed and was it $10 pp per day? Some lines charge more if you are in a suite. How was the casino if you went? Did tables and slots seem to be paying off? Thanks in advance for answering. If there is anything else you can think of, please share. Oh, one last thing. What about toga night. When was it and did most participate?

[xr650rider]

I'm currently sitting on the balcony of my panorama suite on the

Atlantica in San Juan. So far I would rate the service of almost everyone

I've come in contact with as excelent. Our butler provided everything we

requsted promptly. He rounded up a few of his coworkers to suprise my

daughter on her 9th birthday yesterday and brought a cake and card signed

by the captain. Our dining room wait staff was excellent as well - making great

recommendations for what to order. So far the only snafu was some sort of kitchen malfunction at the Club Atlantica Steak House. Every course up to the main entre was fantastic and served perfectly by friendly staff. Then something happened in the kitchen and delayed our entre for over an hour. By the time we got it, we had to leave to pick up our kids at the kids program. We were invited back to the restaurant for another dinner free of charge. All said, we've had a great cruise and would do it again without hesitation. Got to go see San Juan, so I will help answer questions after we return.

[rothjer]

Rothjer- We are booked for the Atlantica in April and also have a suite. I am disappointed to here that the butler was of no use. HAd hoped to be a bit spoiled-We loved the suite, that alone was a spoil factor for us. Because we usually pay a comparable price to sail on Royal lets say with just balcony accommodations, we came in with similar expectations, anything above and beyond was great! It was great to have meals delivered from the MDR menu for any meal and enjoy it looking out on our balcony. We found the room, again, to be the biggest treat, big , beautiful and the balcony was awesome! Washroom had a nice jacuzzi tub too !

 

Did you ever do the buffet for dinner? Was it open every night? (I am not 100% sure, we never dined there. But they were open late as a cute pizza place)

 

If we are exhausted from a day trip may not want to rush to dinner and be very casual and head to the buffet. (We loved our dinning time 8:45pm or "second seating", we do not like being rushed either, but we always had sufficient time to get ready, relax even, and then go to dinner. Most all aboard times for us were at 6 or earlier, not sure exactly.Personally, and people can say whatever they want, but most nights I either wore jeans or shorts to the dinning room with a polo or dress shirt, first formal night I wore a suite and was annoyed I came overdressed and got hot, and the second formal night we did not even realize it was formal night and I showed up in Khakis and a t-shirt. We dined right in the suites area next to the captains table, I saw many dressing very casually most nights, lots of shorts, and I even saw a good amount on formal night. This was not the cruise to over-dress on.)

 

Also, what did most wear on formal nights? Men in suites and ties ?

 

Were tips automatically billed and was it $10 pp per day? Some lines charge more if you are in a suite. (No extra charge for suites, spoke to customer relations, they said it was included in the tip because your room steward does not perform a lot of the same duties they would on a regular cabin. Anyhow, we went in with the mentality the we would tip above and beyond to our own discretion. Our amazing waiter did in fact get an extra cash amount for us on the last night. We also tipped extra at Club Atlantica as the service was superb. Regretfully we just left a tip to cover the room service deliveries our butler performed over the course of the week, and nothing else.)

 

How was the casino if you went? Did tables and slots seem to be paying off? (Tight payouts, lively place, who says Europeans don't gamble! Again, they were a great bunch, but the machines from my experience did not pay out nearly as much as what we have seen at home)

 

Thanks in advance for answering. If there is anything else you can think of, please share. Oh, one last thing. What about toga night. When was it and did most participate (We do not really attend shows and communal parties on ships, it's really not our cup of tea so-to-speak. I am going to hazard a guess here and say that turn out was not spectacular, because after a while they started giving out togas at the exit of the MDR, rather than at the entrance of the venue) We found our demographic to be well represented, young mid-20's couples most engaged or married, some with little children. Although we tend to stick to ourselves, the approximately 16 people who sat on either side of our table for two were an amazing bunch, we always met for cocktails prior to dinner. Although there were two tables of two, we were sandwiched by two tables for 6, so in reality our efforts to be alone resulted in the biggest "table" we have ever sat at. Good challenge for the two different waiters who were serving the tables, who noticed our cohesiveness, moved the tables closer together and began serving us all simultaneously.

 

?

Hope this helps!

[sjn911]

Wow, talk about bringing back memories... the Costa Riviera... my first Costa cruise back in 1990 :eek:.

 

For the Costa Club we were able to get some credit for cruises before ??? (I can't remember the date) but they pretty much just gave a chunk of points, it wasn't based on how many sailings you had previous. We actually have our Costa Club books that we have stamped each cruise and signed by the captain. We didn't have the book on the Riviera but when on the Allegra in 94 they put in the Riviera data and sailing info. This will be our 5th Costa sailing, I would give them a chance if you haven't sailed on them since 1992 a LOT has changed in the cruise industry since then :eek:.

 

Thanks for feedback, the best thing I remember is the food. Subjective as they say but a guy at my table worked out 90 minutes a day to eat whatever he wanted and it was something. One night they made a souffle' dessert just for our table because we all happened to love it earlier in the week. I've never had pesto pasta to equal what I had there as well and yes they made it for me on another evening too...I really do think I'm going to try them again, there are more and more good things I'm hearing. I am glad to simply let go of past passenger stuff and have a fresh start. Thanks. sjn911

[Billygfa]

I just came back on the 20th. I won't sail Costa again. The food was horrible and I ended up eating the burger station for lunch each day. The service left a lot to be desired. It was NOT a great bargain and I left not feeling at all wowed like on previous ships. With that said..there were some good nights in the dining room but not as many as I would like. Overall, its a NO for me to cruise with them again.

[minnieiowa]

I just came back on the 20th. I won't sail Costa again. The food was horrible and I ended up eating the burger station for lunch each day. The service left a lot to be desired. It was NOT a great bargain and I left not feeling at all wowed like on previous ships. With that said..there were some good nights in the dining room but not as many as I would like. Overall, its a NO for me to cruise with them again.

 

so please explain yourself - why was it not a great bargain? what was wrong with the food and service? How did you want to be "wowed"?

I've never cruised costa before and would like to know why you feel this way. Thanks!

[MalNZ]

A shame to see so many negative comments about this cruiseline. We are booked on the 3 April Western Caribbean Cruise and it was a 'bargain', especially since the children cruise free. We are also doing a Southern Caribbean on the Noordam, so I think we are in for two different experiences.

 

xr650rider - I would love to hear what your children think of the childrens facilities - have they tried the slide, have you had rough weather, what are the ports like?

 

We did a Greek cruise on the Louis Line and that had terrible reviews, (the ship we were meant to be on actually sunk) but we found that the replacement ship - Cristal was great, had a fantastic time.

 

We like trying different cruise lines, so we are excited about this upcoming trip. We are coming a long way, so have to make the best of it :o)

Mal NZ

[MidMICruiser]

Was on-board the Atlantica for the 11/14 - 21 sailing. A bit of backround on myself...I've been on five previous cruises (one Carnival; three HAL; and one Princess) prior to the sailing on the Atlantica. Costa didn't live up to all of my expectations, but considering the cost, in some ways I can't complain too much.

 

Ship itself is beautiful. In fact, I would rank the Atlantica as one of the nicest ships I've been on. Of course, this is subjective and everybody's taste varies.

 

I had an inside cabin (5259) which I found to be pretty standard to most other cabins. The bathroom was a bit larger than normal and the shower was definitely bigger than normal. No individual bottles of lotion, shampoo, etc. were provided. Instead, there was a shower gel dispenser mounted in the shower. Guess this is a European touch instead of providing soap and shampoo. Bed was comfortable, although made up in more of a European manner. Only a bottom sheet topped off by a duvet cover/comforter combination. Considering that the room A/C never got the cabin as cold as I would have liked, I found the duvet cover/comforter combo to be overly warm. I would have preferred to have had a top sheet in addition to the comforter so that I could have used only the top sheet. Cabin steward, Joven, was wonderful and kept the cabin very clean and organized. I wish I could have brought him home with me.

 

Room safe is locked/unlocked with room key. This is a problem when there is more than one room key as only the key that locked the safe can unlock it. Any key assigned to the room should be able to lock/unlock the safe, regardless of which key locked it.

 

Staff on-board was friendly and attentive (except main dining room -- more later). Bar staff was wonderful, fun and friendly. Especially liked the two happy hours each day (11 a.m. - noon and 5 - 6 p.m.). Drink prices are pretty comparable to other cruises. However, don't expect to be able to order premium beverages. I prefer to drink either Belvedere or Grey Goose vodka -- ship doesn't stock this. Best they have is Absolut. Also, ship ran out of cranberry juice on Thursday (day 5).

 

Ship's photographers leave a lot be desired. Apparently, they are still shooting film instead of using digital camera. Vast majority of the photos that I saw looked to be over-exposed. Wonder if their film processor/printer didn't have problems. As such, bought no pictures.

 

Dining room staff struggled, especially the first few nights. Service was poor -- water glasses went empty; no cheese offered for the pasta course, etc. On the second night, several of us asked for ice tea. Waiter delivered a pitcher of ice tea to the table and left it sitting there. Didn't pour it for us - we had to pour it ourselves. Service did improve the last few nights -- especially after additional section maitre'd's showed up.

 

As far as the food goes, the majority of it was bland, over-cooked, and not appealing. Occasionally, they'd get something right and it would be wonderful. I thought that sailing on an Italian line that it would be all about the food, and it was, just not in a good way. Below are some of my impressions of the food. All was food that was delivered to my table.

 

Saturday

Lunch buffet: artichoke salad was tasty; everything else mediocre.

Dinner: pork tenderloins topped with Gorgonzola cheese - pork was overcooked and tough.

 

Sunday

Breakfast buffet: scrambled eggs cold and runny; waffles soggy; oatmeal very watery; bacon good.

Lunch buffet: seafood salad and beef/green bean salad good.

Welcome Gala Dinner: beef carpaccio (appetizer) very good; mushroom soup - tastless; salad - nothing but iceberg lettuce and Roma tomato,; surf/turf (steak w/prawns) - both were tasteless - apparently steak was to have had some sort of sauce on it (tablemate's did) although mine didn't - vegetables were three florets of broccoli (old), two small pieces of carrot, and two small pieces of potato. Dessert was creme brulee - came out warm, sugar topping uncarmelized and liquid.

 

Monday

Breakfast buffet - omelets good (made at various stations) although filling choices limited to ham, mushroom, onion, tomato, peppers, and cheese. Scrambled eggs better; pastries good.

Lunch at pool - burgers over cooked/dry/tasteless with commercial buns that were obviously just up from the refrigerator as they were cold.

Dinner - melon (appetizer) - ok, some cantelope not ripe; veal with tuna sauce (appetizer) very good; snails Bourgonaise (appetizer) good. Salad (mixed greens) good; asparagus soup (good); roasted lamb (good); striploin steak - ordered medium, came out well done; vegetable, corn on the cob was overcooked. Dessert was good. One party at our table ordered decaf coffee - waiter delivered two packets of Sanka and hot water.

 

Tuesday

Breakfast in main dining room - eggs Benedict, very good.

Dinner - pan seared scallops (appetizer) were rubbery with no sear - sent back. Waldorf salad with pork, very good; chilled pineapple/coconut soup, good; halibut, very good although served with broccoli (old and overcooked) and one piece of plain boiled potato.

 

Thursday - formal farewell dinner - lobster cocktail (appetizer) ok, although lobster was rubbery; lobster bisque, ok; Caesar salad - lettuce old, wilted, rotten pieces, water in bottom of salad bowls. Beef with Gorganzola demi-glace very good but served with (yet again) more old/overcooked broccoli; also cabbage which was overcooked. Pheasant was tasty.

 

Ended up eating lunch in port in St. Thomas, San Juan, and Nassau just to have a change from the ship's food.

 

Afternoon tea (3:45 - 4:45 p.m.) was probably the best "meal" of the day. Finger sandwiches were very tasty and well prepared. Desserts also very good.

 

I found it quite interesting that during the recognition of the restaurant staff, that the waiters/underwaiters got a nice round of applause; executive chef's applause was significantly less; restaurant manager's applause was even less than the exec. chef.

 

I would have to think long and hard before sailing on Costa again. I guess if the price and itinerary were right, I would consider it, but knowing that the food is not up to cruise industry standards.

[OneParticularHarbour 71]

I read a previous post that stated late seating was at 8:45 - does anyone know what time early seating begins?

 

Also, what was the daily service charge? Is it the same amount for adults and kids?

 

Thanks!

[MidMICruiser]

Also, what was the daily service charge? Is it the same amount for adults and kids?

 

Service charge is $11 per day per adult. Don't know if there's any difference between adults/children or if children are charged.

[MalNZ]

What nationality are the staff?

 

I only have the Asia Costa Brochure - (hard for us to get the Caribbean Brochures down here). Under Tipping, it states that children under 14 have no service charge, from 14 - 17 there is 50%. It also noted in this brochure that it was part of the cruise fare. I would be interested to see what the Caribbean tipping policy is.

 

Mal NZ

[MidMICruiser]

What nationality are the staff?

 

Ship's officers are Italian; dining room/bar staff is mostly Indian and Chinese. Our cabin steward was from the Philippines.

 

 

I only have the Asia Costa Brochure - (hard for us to get the Caribbean Brochures down here). Under Tipping, it states that children under 14 have no service charge, from 14 - 17 there is 50%. It also noted in this brochure that it was part of the cruise fare. I would be interested to see what the Caribbean tipping policy is.

 

It was $11 per day per person in the cabin added to the ship-board charges. In my case, there were two of us in the cabin and each was billed $11.

[sjn911]

Dear MidMiCruiser,

 

Thanks for such a helpful review. I had such good food memories from all be it a lifetime

ago. I hope they are in an economic slump and only temporarily cutting corners. I realize what I experienced in 1992 would have changed, but for me Costa should

match quality of Carnival in a Italian cuisine way...yours was not my experience long ago. See above...thank you..sjn.

[G.M.T.]

What a great thread this is, shows the extremes in review writing:

 

Was on-board the Atlantica for the 11/14 - 21 sailing ... I would consider it, but knowing that the food is not up to cruise industry standards.

 

MidMICruiser, what a great review, detailed postive and negative points, made enjoyable reading.

 

I just came back on the 20th. I won't sail Costa again. The food was horrible and I ended up eating the burger station for lunch each day. The service left a lot to be desired. It was NOT a great bargain and I left not feeling at all wowed like on previous ships. With that said..there were some good nights in the dining room but not as many as I would like. Overall, its a NO for me to cruise with them again.

 

Billygfa, did you have any teeth left after the burger station each day? :)

 

Ron

[sunlover58]

Rothjer- thanks for your reply. Lots of good info. We are also on the second seating for dinner so it is at 8:45? I thought I had read that it was at 8:15 in the Caribbean. Also, you said men wore shorts for dinner? My husband wors horts most nights on our last Carnival cruise with a nice shirt and it was fine. I didn't realize Costa was relaxed like carnival. For formal nights he skipped the jacket and tie and just wore nice pants and a long sleeve shirt. Will this be acceptable? Sure would help with the packing.