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? <BR>entertaiment? What excursions are best in Cozumel? Ocho Rios? St. Thomas? Key West? <BR>Thanks for your help!

<BR>Hi Silvia, <BR> <BR>Costa just sailed her maiden voyage. <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>The food is "different" and the service takes a bit of getting used to. <BR> <BR>If you have ever traveled in Italy and enjoyed it, you will just love this ship. <BR> <BR>The entertainment is fabulous (just as described in the brochure). The toga night has been rated the best night on any ship ever. <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR>

Hi Silvia <BR> <BR>I've been on the CostaRomantica and I'm not quite sure what Paul means about the food being "different." <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>We pretty much did our own thing in ports (it was our 2nd Western cruise) <BR> <BR>The entertainment was good and Paul's right about one thing -- the toga night was a blast! <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>The ships are beautiful, the food and service excellent. Enjoy!

<BR>To all, <BR> <BR>Sorry about the remark about the food being "different." <BR> <BR>I am a travel agent and I listen to the remarks my customers relate. <BR> <BR>I have been on the Romantica and Victoria and loved the food but the beef dishes are prepared differently (such as in Italy). <BR> <BR>My customers state some dishes are the best they ever had and others .. <BR>...well....something is missing. <BR> <BR>You see everyone has their own taste when it comes to food. <BR> <BR>One good thing about any ship, you can always return the plate and choose something else. <BR> <BR>There definitely is a language problem (same as in any foreign country). This results in a new experience. <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>This is what I mean by "different." It does not negate the cruise experience. And just wait .... all women receive a rose. <BR> <BR>This is a "real" love boat! <BR> <BR>I have booked the Atlantica next April. <BR> <BR>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!