Well I would not have used them b4 the latest incidents. No way for them now or MSC for that matter. BTW Sass we booked the Equinox next fall and will back in IST and some of the other places we went to and some others as well.

Same. Not before and not now. There are other lines I would not consider, but mostly that is a matter of style. However, when the style is problem, safety is also often an issue. I notice that often when incidents occur, they are on ships I would not have considered.

Ditto, Aristotle, ditto.

Have not and would not - judging by Cruise Critic reviews.

I agree with all of you. I am always open though to a change of heart if I learn something different or things change, so was kind of hoping for some more positive opinions. Not to be.

Jacketwatch, Someplace I think I noticed you were doing the Equinox in the Fall. We absolutely loved Istanbul, know you enjoyed it also. I do wish you could make it to Cappadocia. Knowing how much you enjoy history, I think you would find it very interesting. Does your cruise begin or end in Istanbul? If so, perhaps you could add a couple of days and fly out to Cappadocia.

We should have taken a cruise this Spring because other plans fell apart. Oh, well, this Fall maybe.

Have you seen anything from the Dogster lately? Totally delightful and charming character - hope he doesn't mind being called a character because it is a term of endearment to me and he qualifies. I hope he is doing OK.

Well actually Sass it is IST in the middle as it ports there for two days. It embarks from and ends in Rome. Sorry but no chance for Cappdocia this time but perhaps there will be another time as we like you really liked Turkey. I'm not sure if Sue would like so much walking ala in Ephesus however.

I am sorry to hear that your plans did not come together but hopefully they will in the fall. If you cruise any thoughts as to where this time?

The dogster is recovering at home in Oz as I hear he had a fall and broke a few ribs. I feel on the ice one winter and broke one so I know how sore a "few" must feel like. I think he was away for 5 mos. BTW and yes he is a cool character. Sue calls him the "hot dog" and as with you this term is meant in a most kind way.

I do hope that sometime we can meet again. That dinner at Tuscany that night was pure fun. We most enjoyed the dogster and your company. I think of that from time to time actually as it was so nice. Do say hello to your hubby for us. Pretty cool cat!!

Cheers, Larry and Sue

Well in 2010 we cruised on Costa Allegra out of Singapore. Just like any other cruise line, gratuities, expensive drinks, expensive shore excursions what else can I say. It's the 'nature of the beast' you have to expect all this, but in Costa's defence, we fully enjoyed our trip. Excellant food, a very interesting itinerary, comfortable & clean throughout the ship, a rare mix of passengers from Russians, Italians, Ausies, Japanese, French and of course us Brits. So would I sail on a Costa cruise again, of course I would in fact we sail on Costa Mediterranea in two weeks.

Nope and nope. Nothing to do with the sinking or the fire, by the way. From everyone I've talked to, the quality of the experience is just not up to that of the US-based lines.

No and No! Wouldn't before, and certainly would not now!
Been on 15 cruises, and planning another soon. No way to Costa!

We did a Costa Serena from Venice in 2008, with stops in Bari, katakolon, Istanbul, Dubrovnik. I had no issues with them at all, but of course I understand current hesitations given the recent events.