I have read very little here about Costa. I know I am surrounded by Carnival fanatics but you see Costa's ships in port where the other lines sail and I have always been intrigued to know what a Costa cruise is like.
Costa has an Italian theme. Food and entertainment on Costa is much like the other cruise lines with some exceptions. Costa has a toga party, and a Mr Pizza contest which is quite funny. They carry a large International clientele, expecially on the Europe cruises. Announcements are given in several different languages. Some of their ships are the same design as the Carnival Spirit class ships. You will find decor interesting. No reason you shouldn't have a good time on them.
I guess the larger questions is would you sail a Costa cruise if you had the availability of an equal itinerary and pricing on say, HAL or Celebrity and of course, Carnival?
We're going on our 3rd Costa cruise in a few weeks, I'm really excited. I hope it's as much fun as the first 2 I went on. We're sailing on the Magica. There was a post from Ranata on this site about Costa. According to Ranata, the ships are clean and the food was good. I couldn't resist the itinerary or the price for a Christmas cruise. We're going to San Juan, St. Thomas, La Romana, and Grand Turk. San Juan-no biggie, St. Thomas-probably go to Trunk Bay if the weather is nice, La Romana-I'm going to try to get a snorkel trip, but they didn't have any excursions listed, so am playing it by ear, Grand Turk-snorkeling. The last cruise on Costa was on the Carla in 1987, so it's been a long time. Right now, Princess is my favorite and we've booked the Emerald for next November. I'll let you know how it goes when we get back. Best wishes!
If you are a "chef" you will love Costa. The Line is very Italian themed and service is great. If you have been on a few Carnival ships (newer ones) you will not get lost on the Newer Costa ships they have the same deck plans just no big red smoke stack. The crews are normally great but you have to keep in mind there is a lot of the European thinking there also. When I went on her at 4 pm everyday the ship took a tea break. I had not experinced that since the Rhapsody and The Oceanic trips. But you will enjoy the ships very nice and clean.
Originally posted by Chef Ken: I guess the larger questions is would you sail a Costa cruise if you had the availability of an equal itinerary and pricing on say, HAL or Celebrity and of course, Carnival?
Well when you ask the question that way, then I would sail Celebrity, Hal, Carnival first.
Well having been on all those lines before I would without question for those you have mentioned go one them in this order, Unless of course someone is going to pay my way, Then I will go on the one you pay for.
Ist Choice- Celebrity 2nd - Costa 3rd - HAL 8th - Carnival
