A cruise in the western Mediteranian fits perfectly into our timing for a trip scheduled for Barcelona end of November. Unfortunately, I've read several posts that were rather negative about the Costa Line. Are the criticism's fair? Someone complained about the disorganization of the embarcation, the smoking, the fact that there were few English speaking persons. Is there general agreement that this isn't a good choice for a first time cruiser? The price and timing are perfect for us. But are the criticisms valid or just sent in by people who are very hard to please? Smoking does bother me, but the other complaints seem like whining. What is the truth?

Welcome to Cruise-Chat. We've sailed on Costa 4 times and have been very pleased with them. It is different than our major cruise lines here. That does not make them bad. The smoking is only allowed in designated areas. There are definitely more children on board, but that doesn't bother me. The announcements are made in 5 languages, every time. There is a heavy Italian influence, but I enjoy that. The food is good, the ships are clean, the staff tries very hard to please. I find a smile and a please or thank you goes a long way. The cabins are very large and comfortable. We've had inside, ocean view and balcony. Of course, I like the balcony the best, but the inside and ocean view were very comfortable and roomy. We haven't been on the Serena, but have been on the Magica and the Mediterranea. Previously sailed on the Carla and the Daphne. I wouldn't hesitate to book again. If you decide to book them, be open to a different experience and you'll have a wonderful time.

I've been on Serena in 30 November 2008. The ship is greit, personal also, rooms big enaugh, food good.No problems with embarcation.Defenitly good choice for firs cruise. Costa is good, don't wory.Book now and have greit hollidays!