Difference between MSC and Costa?

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Hi All

 

First time on the Costa side, just came back from our 2nd MSC cruise last week......we took a 2 weeks cruise this time, friends of ours joined us for the 1st week, then went on a Costa cruise for the 2nd,

 

Would be interested to be able to get your input on differences , similarities, and general info on the line. Family cruising with 2 children under 12.

 

Thanks in advance

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

95 views, Not one reply by COSTA cruisers, Really?

 

Are you trying to tell me something?

 

Just a quick comparison wil do...thanks

[UKBayern]

I am one of the viewers, since I am interested in the answer too, but cannot be of any help since I have not cruised them yet.

Both cruise lines are geared towards the European market and are very popular especially in Italy, France and Germany, and there are not that many posters from non-english speaking countries on this forum. The cruise ship we are considering with Costa this autumn only has 4 reviews, all in the wrong region, and 3 of them not very helpful since they only state that the airline lost their luggage (an obvious fault of Costa of course ;)), and nothing about the ship.

[CtheW0rld]

95 views, Not one reply by COSTA cruisers, Really?

 

Are you trying to tell me something?

 

Just a quick comparison wil do...thanks

 

yes we are. we don't like people who cruise on MSC :p

 

joking, of course. i haven't, nor will I, cruise on MSC because of their anti-smoking policies so I have nothing else to offer.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

yes we are. we don't like people who cruise on MSC :p

 

joking, of course. i haven't, nor will I, cruise on MSC because of their anti-smoking policies so I have nothing else to offer.

 

We were on the MSC LIRICA last year and infact the only smoking was in the CASINO

 

Not so this year, smoking allowed obviously on outside decks, casino, bar/lounge dei poeti, poker room, hitchcock cigar room and a few other places.

[Capricruiser]

MSC and Costa are fairly similar lines. The only things I would note in a general sense is that the Costa cabins tend to be larger and smoking is less of an issue with MSC. Aside from the generalities, much has to do with the specific ship. You can't say that food, for example, is better on one line or the other. If the ship happens to have a great kitchen staff, the food will be good. A mediocre chef and staff will produce mediocre food even though the menu is the same on all the ships of that line.

[peabody99]

Well having now sailed both lines in Europe, my opinion is msc does not even come close to costa. I had a great vacation on my msac cruise, but msc was not the reason (ports were) it was the worst food and service of any ship I have been on by a long shot. Costa? OUTSTANDING. Still not home yet, but will write review. Msc was much smokier. Cabin had cig burns everywhere. I think the biggest similarity was the style of dining and fun passengers

[Capricruiser]

Well having now sailed both lines in Europe, my opinion is msc does not even come close to costa. I had a great vacation on my msac cruise, but msc was not the reason (ports were) it was the worst food and service of any ship I have been on by a long shot. Costa? OUTSTANDING. Still not home yet, but will write review. Msc was much smokier. Cabin had cig burns everywhere. I think the biggest similarity was the style of dining and fun passengers

 

For me, the quality of the food is similar on both Costa and MSC but as I mentioned earlier in this thread, it depends a lot on the ship and who's in the kitchen. As regards to smoking, last year MSC tightened up and banned smoking from the cabins and balconies on its ships. It's now allowed only on the outside deck areas, the casino, and selected areas of several but not all bars aboard.

[jmaco]

Costa over MSC anyday! Food, Staff, Service, ETC!

[caribbeanboy]

Just came back last Sunday from the Costa Fortuna and was pleasantly surprised. Will absolutely go back to Costa. Liked Costa much better than Carnival!

[peabody99]

MSC has such awesome itineries and prices. There is a turkey/greece one that is killing me now. I just don't think I can endure the crappy food and customer service abuse again. I am really going to keep by eye open for a costa 2011 fall or 2012 spring.