Any experience on Costa Romantica? Trying to chose a Cruise Line.
 

We're considering a Mediterranean cruise on Costa Romantica. I'd appreciate any experience on this ship. It's so difficult chosing the right ship. Radison Diamond is also a consideration but not sure if it's worth the extra bucks (we could have a huge suite for less money on the Romantica). Great food and service are my highest priorities. Thanks for your honest input. Tom

Hi Tom <BR> <BR>We went on the Romantica in 96 to the western Carib. We liked it very much. We had previously done a Carnival cruise and thought the food and service far superior on Costa. <BR> <BR>I'd cruise with them again without hesitation.

Sailed with parents on Costa Riveria in the Mediterranean in March, 1998. . Our main gripe was with the service provided by costa when our luggage didn't arrive. <BR>We booked our air through Costa, and our luggage didn't arrive until over 24 hours after we had first boarded the ship. Requests for information were ignored, or we would get the run-around. There were about 30-45 passengers, from all parts of the world, in the same situation. Costa offered a lousy undershirt and some toiletries. And, after our luggage finally arrive, they asked for the undershirt back. Our cabin steward did a great job. If you want more details about the cruise, you can email me. All in all, it was enjoyable, but if you are expecting excellent service, don't go with Costa.

<BR>Cruised on Romantica in May Western Carib. <BR>1. Con:Announcements took forever because they were delivered in a multitude of languages (about 5or6) <BR>2. Con:Shows were ok but not Bway quality. <BR>3. Con:Later in the week, many repeat desserts. <BR>4. Pro:Rooms quite large. <BR>5. Pro:Service,friendly. <BR>6 Pro:Ship well maintained, steady in the water. <BR>Over-all, I enjoyed the cruise. <BR>P.S. Make sure you don't have to stay an extra day in Lauderdale!

Hi Tom, <BR> <BR>My husband and I took a Mediterranean cruise on the Costa Romantica about three years ago. The itinery was excellent - a different port every day. <BR>The food was good Italian fare, but it was not the "great food" you are seeking. They have lots of reasonably-price European wines, and they did not make a fuss when we brought in our own wine from Marseilles. I think we paid corkage. <BR>We had no complaints about the service, but the entertainment took some getting used to (some shows were mimed) - I guess it was aimed at an international crowd. <BR>Overall we enjoyed the cruise very much and would recommend it. <BR>Feel free to e-mail me if you have any specific questions. <BR>Greetings, Joan

WE have sailed with Costa twice - the Carla and the Romantica. We love the line - but you need to be aware that there will be lots of Europeans on board, the announcements are in 5 languages, and they smoke a lot! The line is great! The value is great! We are booked on the Victoria later this year and looking forward to it! The diversity is wonderful. This is not the ship for you if you like all things American. Have a wonderful time whichever line you choose. <BR>

We have sailed on Costa and had a wonderful experience. We thought the food (especially the pasta) and the service was outstanding. Shows were OK, pretty much like all cruise ship entertainment. You will find much more of a European flavor to the Costa line - many different languages. We met lots of wonderful, interesting people from all over the world and thoroughly enjoyed our Costa experience.

We sailed on the Costa Romantica and were not at all impressed with the ship...very stark in appearance...dining room service only fair as was the food (we expected GREAT Italian food on this one...Princess actually does it better). If it weren't for the fact that we had a balcony suite with a private butler, I would have been REALLY disappointed...but she took excellent care of us and earned every penny of her well-deserved gratuity!