Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Costa Atlantica

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I am sailing the Costa Atlantica Western Caribbean in March of 2001 - was wondering if anyone has sailed the Atlantica? - or any other Costa ship? How was the food? service? entertaiment? What excursions are best in Cozumel? Ocho Rios? St. Thomas? Key West? Thanks for your help!

Hi Silvia, Costa just sailed her maiden voyage. Costa is a 5 star cruise line, not well known in the USA. It is definitely Italian. Similiar to being in Italy. I hav been on 2 of the Costa ships. The food is "different" and the service takes a bit of getting used to. If you have ever traveled in Italy and enjoyed it, you will just love this ship. The entertainment is fabulous (just as described in the brochure). The toga night has been rated the best night on any ship ever. I will let someone else tackle the port info. I believe it is up to each person's preference (what you like to do). Study the shore excursions. Paul

Hi Silvia I've been on the CostaRomantica and I'm not quite sure what Paul means about the food being "different." We LOVED our Western Carib cruise -- the food was great, the service was outstanding -- didn't take any "getting used" to. I'd definitely cruise with Costa again. We pretty much did our own thing in ports (it was our 2nd Western cruise) The entertainment was good and Paul's right about one thing -- the toga night was a blast! Enjoy!!

I agree with "Love". I've been on two Costa ships. The last one was the Romantica in 1996 and it was fabulous. I second the bit about the food being different. It was great. Lots of variety plus fabulous pasta every night. My only negative comment were the number of smokers on board. This isn't Costa's fault. It is the makeup of their clients. On my sailing, mostly Europeans and South Americans - who obviously smoke more than North Americans. The ships are beautiful, the food and service excellent. Enjoy!

To all, Sorry about the remark about the food being "different." I am a travel agent and I listen to the remarks my customers relate. I have been on the Romantica and Victoria and loved the food but the beef dishes are prepared differently (such as in Italy). My customers state some dishes are the best they ever had and others .. ...well....something is missing. You see everyone has their own taste when it comes to food. One good thing about any ship, you can always return the plate and choose something else. There definitely is a language problem (same as in any foreign country). This results in a new experience. As an example: A passenger at our table asked for tomato catsup. After attempting to describe his wish to the waiter. He receives a basket of tomatoes with a potato masher. This is what I mean by "different." It does not negate the cruise experience. And just wait .... all women receive a rose. This is a "real" love boat! I have booked the Atlantica next April. Paul

Hi Silvia, I´ve been in Costa Romantica this year, Western Caribbean. Wonderful ship and service, the staff is very nice and helpful. I can not remember now all the excursions, but you can swim with the dolphins in Cozumel, see the stingrays (right spelling?) in Grand Cayman, Key West is a lovely town. Many activities for all ages the whole day - from dance to wine classes. Excelent dinner, and the Toga night is something to remember forever. Try www.mytravelco.com and look for Costa´s website. Have a great cruise and enjoy!