So now I know the OTHER side of Costa

[Blondie008]

Having only experienced a cruise on Costa NeoRomantica, I was often puzzled by such bad reviews and appalling comments on buffet, food, guests etc.

Just back from Magica

The penny has well and truly dropped!

Chalk and cheese..

For sure will never again cruise on any Costa ship other than NeoR which does NOT offer free places for kids and teens as I now know, all the others do...

Two entirely different experiences.

On NeoR - our experience was up there (if not better!) with Celebrity etc

On Magica - there are no words sufficient for description,.

Feel so sorry for the staff on board - packs of wild animals on a scavenger hunt is about the nearest description I can find for the dining....

Fortunately we did not pay a lot of money for the cruise, enjoyed the ports and some much needed sunshine. The ship itself is not the problem - its the hoards of the "great unwashed" and their offspring.

At free "kids and teens places" -(a factor I have only discovered) it is no wonder the food is so limited. This was absolutely nothing remotely like the food and service offered on NeoRomantica which is geared up for adults and does not offer child friendly free places. It is very boutique style with food and service reflective of the price and cruise style. Chic, elegant and as good if not better than our last experiences on Celebrity.

We do have a further cruise booked with Costa but for sure changing it to go back on NeoR. NO WAY would we do the big ship for the masses again.

The MDR is no better - late dining - babies whailing - pushchair races, no pleases, thank you - just a mass of absolute mayhem....every bit as bad as others say-

Staff - who could blame them for not being up to scratch - God help them - for the masses of appalling - rude - unhygienic on board - they must just give up trying.

So now I know and understand -

We did manage to escape the masses at times - found fun in the piano bar - great musicians on board - and some lovely staff - For the price we paid - could not complain - still had some great memories and of course there were some people on board who were "in the same boat" as us so to speak.

Gluten free on NeoR was amazing - on Magica - OMG :eek: dont even want to go there....

They really are worlds apart -

So for those of you reading this - who - have only experienced the dark side, do consider NeoRomantica - yes, you will pay a lot more - but - as we all know, we get what we pay for.

As I say, had some fun times, some great port stops - and a lovely holiday - but no, wouldnt do it again - all in, the price we paid, plus the all inclusive (although I reckon we spent more on tips that on all inclusive buying ourselves some service) then for sure - it was "fine"..

Been there, dont that, wont do it again :D

[CtheW0rld]

WOW. you've had only complimentary things to say about costa in the past. so sad to hear the experience is totally different on the magica. was this a holiday cruise? kids cruise free? how long and what was the itinerary? i just want to know how to avoid the hoard of kids. yikes! :eek:

 

quick story about my last costa cruise: first night in the dining room i was seated with 3 strangers (i was traveling solo). i enjoy meeting new people and these were 3 flight attendants who were well-travelled. we clicked and had a great time.

 

anyway, almost immediatly a ruckous started occuring at the table next to me. it was a larger family with 3 kids. the kids were banging on the china and crystal with the silverware. after a moment of the parents ignoring my VERY obvious stink-eye i loudly said to the brats in italian "you are old enough to be young ladies and gentlemen. be quiet!". well, of course, the remainder of the cruise I got the stink-eye, but at least it was quiet. LOL

[Blondie008]

WOW. you've had only complimentary things to say about costa in the past. so sad to hear the experience is totally different on the magica. was this a holiday cruise? kids cruise free? how long and what was the itinerary? i just want to know how to avoid the hoard of kids. yikes! :eek:

 

quick story about my last costa cruise: first night in the dining room i was seated with 3 strangers (i was traveling solo). i enjoy meeting new people and these were 3 flight attendants who were well-travelled. we clicked and had a great time.

 

anyway, almost immediatly a ruckous started occuring at the table next to me. it was a larger family with 3 kids. the kids were banging on the china and crystal with the silverware. after a moment of the parents ignoring my VERY obvious stink-eye i loudly said to the brats in italian "you are old enough to be young ladies and gentlemen. be quiet!". well, of course, the remainder of the cruise I got the stink-eye, but at least it was quiet. LOL

 

 

Hi CTW

yup - well - not really a holiday cruise - was last week so kids back at school but with I think four embarkation points - only 7 day cruise - just mayhem.

The rep told us many of the guests had only paid 300 euro AND their kids were free. (kids and teens in euro go free on just about ALL of the cruises!)

So yes, TOTALLY different experience than on NeoR...

Smoking - I have to add - even as a smoker - my God, if you were a non smoker you would freak. I was so glad our daughter and husband were not on board. The ventilation was almost non existent and I would say at least and I mean at least 60% smokers....

We smoke but found NeoR was so well venilated that all of our family were fine with it all.

As I say, we didnt pay much (flights were expensive of course) but cruise cost was I think around £650 each - so - get what we paid for I guess...

Longer cruises may be fine..just giving my thoughts on two totally different experiences for what its worth :)

I was REALLY happy we had not paid for a suite - then I would have freaked!

But no, for us, back to wise choices and a suite on NeoR is what I am trying to change our booking to. :)

[CtheW0rld]

Hi CTW

yup - well - not really a holiday cruise - was last week so kids back at school but with I think four embarkation points - only 7 day cruise - just mayhem.

The rep told us many of the guests had only paid 300 euro AND their kids were free. (kids and teens in euro go free on just about ALL of the cruises!)

So yes, TOTALLY different experience than on NeoR...

Smoking - I have to add - even as a smoker - my God, if you were a non smoker you would freak. I was so glad our daughter and husband were not on board. The ventilation was almost non existent and I would say at least and I mean at least 60% smokers....

We smoke but found NeoR was so well venilated that all of our family were fine with it all.

As I say, we didnt pay much (flights were expensive of course) but cruise cost was I think around £650 each - so - get what we paid for I guess...

Longer cruises may be fine..just giving my thoughts on two totally different experiences for what its worth :)

I was REALLY happy we had not paid for a suite - then I would have freaked!

But no, for us, back to wise choices and a suite on NeoR is what I am trying to change our booking to. :)

 

the main reason i booked a suite this cruise is so i could avoid the mayhem in the dining room. i just want a 'quiet' vacation. been to a few of the ports already, so i am just going to hole-up and be waited on. LOL i do want to try the neoR sometime.

[Blondie008]

the main reason i booked a suite this cruise is so i could avoid the mayhem in the dining room. i just want a 'quiet' vacation. been to a few of the ports already, so i am just going to hole-up and be waited on. LOL i do want to try the neoR sometime.

 

If I remember rightly you are on a longer cruise huh - not a "7 day loop" - I'd imagine a lot of our issues were down to short cruises, four embarkation points with big familes are VERY VERY cheap prices -

All I know is I can now see why some reviews are so bad. If that had been my first Costa cruise I wouldnt go back again but fortunately I do know another side to Costa. Just comparing my two experiences.

NeoR was lovely but I said I wouldnt go on her again in bad weather as its a pretty rocky ship - so looking to go on her in a nice calm sea :) - she is lovely - very chic and very happy crew.

Cant be long till your cruise!!! :)

[CtheW0rld]

If I remember rightly you are on a longer cruise huh - not a "7 day loop" - I'd imagine a lot of our issues were down to short cruises, four embarkation points with big familes are VERY VERY cheap prices -

All I know is I can now see why some reviews are so bad. If that had been my first Costa cruise I wouldnt go back again but fortunately I do know another side to Costa. Just comparing my two experiences.

NeoR was lovely but I said I wouldnt go on her again in bad weather as its a pretty rocky ship - so looking to go on her in a nice calm sea :) - she is lovely - very chic and very happy crew.

Cant be long till your cruise!!! :)

 

my next costa cruise is a 10 day caribbean. short for me, but perhaps long enough to avoid some of the issues you experienced. i'm in an aft grand suite - no need to leave it, really. apparently the butler will bring everything to me.

[Blondie008]

my next costa cruise is a 10 day caribbean. short for me, but perhaps long enough to avoid some of the issues you experienced. i'm in an aft grand suite - no need to leave it, really. apparently the butler will bring everything to me.

 

Oh he will indeed! For "holing out" that really is perfect!:)

Have to say, when I was sick - it really was a mega bonus (last cruise talking about) having a Butler - they really do a lovely job of in suite dining..enjoy!!

[Blondie008]

PS SOrry - I am being sexist - your Butler may well be a "she" :)

[CtheW0rld]

Oh he will indeed! For "holing out" that really is perfect!:)

Have to say, when I was sick - it really was a mega bonus (last cruise talking about) having a Butler - they really do a lovely job of in suite dining..enjoy!!

 

PS SOrry - I am being sexist - your Butler may well be a "she" :)

 

LOL. yes, i remember you posting about the in-suite dining. that is one of the things that made me want one.

[gill556]

we too found out the hard way after sticking with Costa after our cruise on the Concordia was changed to the Costa Serena. We were charged full price, were given the worst cabin possible, changed ports and every one else appeared to have paid £199 or had gone free as part of the package. Never again, they lost 9 of us in total. Off to Asia next month for 19 days with Princess where I know we will get what we paid for as well as respect.

[Blondie008]

we too found out the hard way after sticking with Costa after our cruise on the Concordia was changed to the Costa Serena. We were charged full price, were given the worst cabin possible, changed ports and every one else appeared to have paid £199 or had gone free as part of the package. Never again, they lost 9 of us in total. Off to Asia next month for 19 days with Princess where I know we will get what we paid for as well as respect.

 

Cant say I blame you - hope you have a wonderful cruise!!!:)

[Dancer Bob]

I've had same experience on Mediterranea. Been on 4 times- 3 times were great value, as another poster said, Costa sets the standard for dancing on cruises. The fourth was New Year's- never again. Complete waste of money.

[Blondie008]

I've had same experience on Mediterranea. Been on 4 times- 3 times were great value, as another poster said, Costa sets the standard for dancing on cruises. The fourth was New Year's- never again. Complete waste of money.

 

Bob, check out NeoRomantica - some lovely routes in Spring and summer -

For dancing - there was the huge grand bar, but also two other dance lounges. The disco - very geared up to adults as opposed to teenagers. Early evening, it is a spectacular martini bar - later at night - shall we say "older generation" disco as opposed to nightclub (as they are on the bigger ships)

NeoR does not offer free kids and teens places - and has a tiny squok club - therefore - very very adult friendly.

The music on board was wonderful. The food and service amazing.

We just cancelled our cruise on Pacifica - transferred it to a longer cruise on NeoR - cannot wait to return to her.

Last time, it was a cold cruise so we did not get to use the decks. Our cruise in 2013 will be in warm sunny waters so cannot wait now to fully utilise this very chic and elegant ship.

The suites are spectacular, (hey CTW got my Butler again ;) )but when the ship was re modelled ALL of the cabins were re furnished to a very high standard. Even the lowest category comes with bathrobes, slippers, and espresso coffee machine.

Dont give up on Costa completely without checking out NeoR - I promise you, its worlds apart!

[cruisetrail]

Bob, check out NeoRomantica - some lovely routes in Spring and summer -

For dancing - there was the huge grand bar, but also two other dance lounges. The disco - very geared up to adults as opposed to teenagers. Early evening, it is a spectacular martini bar - later at night - shall we say "older generation" disco as opposed to nightclub (as they are on the bigger ships)

NeoR does not offer free kids and teens places - and has a tiny squok club - therefore - very very adult friendly.

The music on board was wonderful. The food and service amazing.

We just cancelled our cruise on Pacifica - transferred it to a longer cruise on NeoR - cannot wait to return to her.

Last time, it was a cold cruise so we did not get to use the decks. Our cruise in 2013 will be in warm sunny waters so cannot wait now to fully utilise this very chic and elegant ship.

The suites are spectacular, (hey CTW got my Butler again ;) )but when the ship was re modelled ALL of the cabins were re furnished to a very high standard. Even the lowest category comes with bathrobes, slippers, and espresso coffee machine.

Dont give up on Costa completely without checking out NeoR - I promise you, its worlds apart!

 

I tried to consider NeoRomantica as a backup plan for our Med. cruise earlier this year but it did not work.

The ship is too small, has old design that renovation can't change and does not provide amenities standard for a resort ship.

NeoR may be clean and cosy but I am very far from spending my cruise time in bars and casinos.

Sorry to say, by design itself Costa NeoRomantica is not my cup of tea.

 

Costa Luminosa/Deliziosa could have been the ships to look at but Costa's poor dining concept kills any desire to deal with this cruise line.

 

A closer look at NeoRomantica did not change my initial impression.

[Blondie008]

I tried to consider NeoRomantica as a backup plan for our Med. cruise earlier this year but it did not work.

The ship is too small, has old design that renovation can't change and does not provide amenities standard for a resort ship.

NeoR may be clean and cosy but I am very far from spending my cruise time in bars and casinos.

Sorry to say, by design itself Costa NeoRomantica is not my cup of tea.

 

Costa Luminosa/Deliziosa could have been the ships to look at but Costa's poor dining concept kills any desire to deal with this cruise line.

 

A closer look at NeoRomantica did not change my initial impression.

 

Fair enough

With all the freebies going on these bigger ships - I wouldnt risk it either...

Latest info this morning says Costa Favolosa doing all inclusive deals (in the price) for cruise from Malta - with added bonuses such as "family plan" this can only mean bigger pax - poorer quality dining etc

If buzzers and bells are important to you, then no, you are correct, NeoR with no theatre - ice rink, waterslides etc - is not for you

Its a beautiful ship - very chic - and gorgeous bars and decks

Small casino indeed however.

Beautiful Spa though - and dining without a doubt superb.

Enjoy your cruising on which ever line you find that ticks all those boxes for you!

[CtheW0rld]

I tried to consider NeoRomantica as a backup plan for our Med. cruise earlier this year but it did not work.

The ship is too small, has old design that renovation can't change and does not provide amenities standard for a resort ship.

NeoR may be clean and cosy but I am very far from spending my cruise time in bars and casinos.

Sorry to say, by design itself Costa NeoRomantica is not my cup of tea.

 

Costa Luminosa/Deliziosa could have been the ships to look at but Costa's poor dining concept kills any desire to deal with this cruise line.

 

A closer look at NeoRomantica did not change my initial impression.

 

i hope you find a line that suits you (and has unlimited salmon and sweets).

[cruisetrail]

Fair enough

With all the freebies going on these bigger ships - I wouldnt risk it either...

Latest info this morning says Costa Favolosa doing all inclusive deals (in the price) for cruise from Malta - with added bonuses such as "family plan" this can only mean bigger pax - poorer quality dining etc

If buzzers and bells are important to you, then no, you are correct, NeoR with no theatre - ice rink, waterslides etc - is not for you

Its a beautiful ship - very chic - and gorgeous bars and decks

Small casino indeed however.

Beautiful Spa though - and dining without a doubt superb.

Enjoy your cruising on which ever line you find that ticks all those boxes for you!

 

I don't look for "buzzers and bells"...

OK. I can be more specific.

Design.

Aesthetically - unproportional block of newly added cabins.

What I have noticed is the lack of open space, no promenade deck, fragmented, stiffy feeling.

1/3 of the precious upper deck space is unusable (on top of the new superstructure - please correct me if I am wrong).

A huge number of porthole cabins gives the ship very old look.

 

The new Costa ships based on Vista class are way way more advanced.

 

Dining.

"Dining" is not limited to what is offered in the MDR. It's the whole concept that begins from variety of choices that Costa lacks dramatically.

You did not provide more details about "better dining" on the NeoRomantica.

I believe you mean the quality of food in the MDR (?)

 

Well-being at Sea.

There are a few critical components here.

- Living space, open promenade for physical activity (not good on NeoR).

- Variety, quality and accessibility of food (cannot blame NeoR for limited options as she is a relatively small mass market ship).

How was the evening buffet?

- Spa. Here is the only area where the newest larger Costa ships shine. However, Samsara services seem to be overpriced.

- Entertainment. Whether we want it or not, a theatre is a core of cultural life on modern cruise ships. If you don't have it - you miss a lot.

[Blondie008]

Okay,

Being that I was in a Baltics cruise in cold weather - I got to see very little of the outer decks - what we did see was very elegant - well furnished, and yes - there was a jogging track - around deck 12 if I remember right.

Buffet - IN the evening the Gardino restaurant (buffet by day) offered an open dining with the same menu as The Boticelli Restaurant (mdr) - I dont do Buffet but my brother and sister in law (fussy fussy fussy!) do - and she raved about it. We did go through it once or twice and it was all very nice (nothing remotely like magica!).

There was the Club a la carte restaurant - to be honest - sadly - thats the ships one dowfall - beautiful - but big let down for me as gluten free - we left mid meal and headed back to our table in the main dining room.

Breakfast - we had in our suite - always - so cannot comment on dining room breakfast.

Lunch in MDR - we did most days and it was always very good.

I am a leading food producer so know my food -

I had Foie Gras at dinner (by request and somehow it appeared - not pate - full liver)

Lobster, Escargot (albeit ship style) and every night - I got "excited" about our food...NOT usual for me - I am usually "well...I could have done this/that better)- For gluten free it was just awesome.

The spa is surprising - its a small gym area - but really quite vast spa area - with various rooms and steam areas - rather like the persian gardens on a celebrity ship (but nicer actually)...with a tea room (mint/green japanese style) - nice thallosotherapy pool and solarium beds (which were useful for a tan in the baltics!)

Entertainment - the grand lounge held shows each night - not my thing really - there was a chocolate cafe with classical musicians, I guess our two favourites were the Vienna lounge as it always had great live music - and the martini bar/disco - gorgeous ambience.

It is indeed an odd shape - but hey, I dont care - I am inside it not outside it:)

Best thing to do is youtube it - lots of videos kicking around

Oh theres a wine and cheese bar which was a bit pointless as it opened between 6pm and 9pm (dinner times) so we never got to try out the cheeses..did think that a bit odd.

NeoR's cruises are pricier per night - and no kids free places - hence - better quality of dining and service.

They have theatre style shows which move around the lounges - hard to describe - but no big productions as such (not my thing so for me it worked)

And yes - smoked salmon

Chalk and cheese to our experience on Magica. I am not knocking Magica, we paid very little - was a bonus cruise - and had some fun times - just wouldnt do it again.

We travel a lot - not always cruising - we smoke - so costa works for us on that score although on Magica I was so glad non smoking members of my family were not there as OMG it was bad - NeoR had vast ventilation - and it worked!

Dont know what else I can say really -

The deck thing - I think there is more space than you imagine - I remember fighting the winds trying to get around the decks and it seemed like a lot of space - check deck plans and youtube on that one.

Samsara Spa - gorgeous - we did spend time in there as it was so damn cold outside!! :(

Yup - ticked the boxes for us - dont know if it would for you - but - if you like experimenting - then worth a go!:)

[cruisetrail]

Very interesting description of the MDR food.

Could it be something special for Baltic cruise?

Regarding experimenting with Costa.

I have looked up Med. cruises on may 2013.

The NeoR is cheaper than the new Favolosa and the old Fortuna...

[Blondie008]

Very interesting description of the MDR food.

Could it be something special for Baltic cruise?

Regarding experimenting with Costa.

I have looked up Med. cruises on may 2013.

The NeoR is cheaper than the new Favolosa and the old Fortuna...

 

The only month she is on special is May - dont know why- I saw it too the other day. But again, remember - every single passenger is paying - NO free teens and kids places (see german and euro sites kids and teens go free) therefore - pax price per head is higher even with this one month of offers.

[Blondie008]

Also, it is only the lead in inside cabin price which is cheaper - outside balconies and suites are more expensive on NeoR. But pretty good deals in May for NeoR for sure (waaaaah I cant do it lol!)

I still reckon though a lot has to do with this "free kids and teens" price offer on euro sites.

[Blondie008]

There isnt much availability showing.

I tried to compare a family two adults and two children on UK site

14 nights in premium balcony - Luminosa - child price £180

12 nights no balcony childprice - neoR = £330

EU sites show free kids and teens on all ships except NeoR

 

My theory is - well on Magica anyway- all that damn pizza pizza pizza was down to feeding all those free kids places .

Perhaps I am wrong - but I follow NeoR reviews on many sites (in various languages) and it continues to seem consistent with what I experienced..

If you have a ship 100% full of paying guests - it will provide a better net price per head for food/service budget than a ship which is a 100% full of mixture of paying and free (or cheaper) child places.

 

Maybe I am wrong - I can only go by my own experiences with Costa (which are now only two). I am just thinking from a business point of view (as an accountant) which would provide a higher allowance for budget.;)

[Blondie008]

Oh and sorry- forgot to mention on NeoR there is a wood burning oven for freshly baked pizza - I didnt use it as I am gluten free but I believe it was "the real mccoy" pizza. They had musicians and acts by there in the evening too. The pizzeria - was another place for dining.

For me - to let you understand the difference in my gluten free menu

On NeoR - I had a two page menu - with a wide variety of choices and everything freshly made. It was just wonderful! The pasta was fresh and I was offered a wide variety of options.

On Magica - I had a one page menu - was served on a number of occasions FROZEN food (ie it was a microwaved ready meal!) and was told I could not dine anywhere other than the main dining room - not even at my own risk would they allow me to dine in their speciality restaurant. Magica gave me a highlighter pen - I had to mark each item I wanted - it was all very hmmmm "macdonalds" - naff!

I sent back meals twice with ICE in the centre of the food :(

[Blondie008]

Very interesting description of the MDR food.

Could it be something special for Baltic cruise?

Regarding experimenting with Costa.

I have looked up Med. cruises on may 2013.

The NeoR is cheaper than the new Favolosa and the old Fortuna...

 

Actually - just checked as I thought I was imagining things.

No - the Favolosa is WAY cheaper than NeoR

Favolosa is doing 7 day loops - none like that on NeoR

Family of four can cruise on Favolosa for under £1000 during May

Cheapest price for family of four on neoR is £1898

 

I was comparing the 11 night cruise NeoR is doing that month to Luminosa, which still is more expensive for a family of four

 

Also note - from Malta - Costa are offering Favolosa in May to families on an all inclusive basis (in cruise price) with free kids and teens and also family plan - get two cabins for cheaper price..

 

So no, NeoR as not reduced itself to those levels...

[Dancer Bob]

Thanks to Blondie008 for the information about neoRomantica. It sounds like a good choice for me but I won't be able to check it out until later next year.