Costa Vicotoria
 

Last June I booked a cruise with a tour group on the S/S Norway for departure on 2/16. Due to unforseen circumstances, the cruise has been changed to the Costa Victoria. Does anyone here have any experience with this ship? What I have read so far hasn't been too promising and I'm getting a bit nervous. How was the food? The size of the staterooms? The amount of smoking on board? The staff? Anything you are willing to share would be most helpful! Thanks! Ophe

The only good thing I can think of to say about the Costa Victoria is that its better than the Norway.<BR><BR>My sister sailed the Romantica and the food was spicey (Paul disagrees), there was smoke everywhere, the embarkation and disembarkation was the worst she's ever experienced and on her sailing, the Americans were in the minority.

I have sailed the CostaAtlantica but not the Victoria. My experience was great. If the Victoria is the quality of the Atlantica you will be impressed. I saw her from the outside, she has no balconies if that is important to you. The food on the Atlantica was OK. Not really good but not really bad. Just so so. but the staff was service orientated and the shows were wonderful.

To pumpkin eater...what exactly is wrong with the Norway...and what is your cruise experience...what are you comparing the Norway to and why is it worse than the others?

gabby - I have been on 13 cruises including the Med, Mex riviera and of course most all the caribbean itineraries. The Norway is an old cruise ship that was sold by NCL for service in Europe

continued (sorry): but was recalled to service by NCL in the caribbean. For those in love with cruising like &quot;it used to be&quot;, the Norway might be a good choice. But for those who are expecting the amenities we've come to expect from today's megeliners, it doesn't make the grade.

Well, Pumkineater, the only other cruise I have been on is on the Norway. That is why I booked this cruise this time, because I wanted to go on it again. I was not happy when 2 weeks before departure I was told I was not going on that ship, but now Costa Victoria, which so far I have heard mostly negative comments at the various websites I have visited. So, tell me, what can I expect on this ship that is so different from the Norway? I liked the old elegance of that ship, but mind you I did sail on it quite some time ago, and maybe it has gone downhill. But, I would really like to know if what I have heard is true..are the rooms on the Victoria quite small, are the people rude, is the service lacking, is the food not so good and most importantly, is there smoking everywhere you go, and do the state rooms smell of smoke? Thanks for any responses.

How can anyone answer your question since many of the things listed are a matter of perspective and point of view, and not fact. <BR><BR>If you like spicy food, the food will be wonderful; if not, terrible. <BR><BR>Many of Costa's guests are Europeans, who may be more agressive than you, and therefore be considered rude; but then they are just fine for a New Yorker.<BR><BR>It seems to me you are going in with an exectation there will be things you won't like, and guess what, your expectations will be met. &quot;Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.&quot;

You heard the cabins were small. It would depend on what you are comparing them to. Some of the cabins on the Norway are the smallist I have ever seen.<BR>Food is always subjective.

Thank you Lew, for putting me in my place. I guess what I'm really upset about is the fact that for 7 months I was looking forward to, and expecting one thing, and 2 weeks before departure told it was going to be something entirely different. We (there is a group of 10 of us going together) are trying to keep a positive outlook but are concerned about the negative things we have read. Sorry if I was out of line with my questions.

Not out of line.<BR><BR>You just posed issues that are too complex for this type of board to answer.<BR><BR>I have NOT been on Costa in the Caribbean, but there is one thing for sure. Many Europeans think our issue of smoking is ludicrous. <BR><BR>I can understand your disappointment, annoyance and apprehension.

Go here: http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/O...mp;f=657097554

If the question would have come BEFORE booking, or prior to a cancellation date , I would reply. But I could not express negative opinions after the fact. Just 'Bon Voyage.&quot; and enjoy it.<BR>neviboy

Here's my advice:<BR><BR>NCL and Costa = stay away from.<BR><BR>Carnival = mediocre at best and run the risk of party time animals.<BR><BR>RCCL, Princess, Celebrity = good everything with an occassional excellent.<BR><BR>HAL = excellent food and service, average passenger age is over 55. Night life non-existent.<BR><BR>Peter

Pumpkineater, Radisson is the very best<BR>neviboy

Hey Pompous Eater.<BR><BR>Please explain to me how you regard Carnival as mediocre? Is this from personal experience?<BR><BR>Please do tell.

Since when do you need experience to have an opinion?<BR><BR>Peter

Oh, and neviboy - yes Radisson is definitely high class; but I was trying to stay with the top six or seven. If you start with the Windstars and Crystals, you've got a whole nother ballgame.

If you took everthing posted about the different cruise lines at face value you would learn:<BR><BR>Carnival cruisers are so defensive that soccer fans study their style. <BR><BR>NCL cruisers don’t mind if the ship runs aground as long as they don’t have to dress for dinner<BR><BR>HAL cruisers are so old they reserve their place in the morgue right along with their balcony. <BR><BR>Cunard cruisers are such morons they go on a cruise with no island shopping opportunities.<BR><BR>Celebrity cruisers are such masochists they stay in their formal clothing all evening.<BR><BR>Costa cruisers are all heavy smokers and garlic eaters, who will toss overboard anyone who offers them a breath mint.<BR><BR>Princess cruisers designate an extra piece of luggage for smuggling alcohol on board.<BR><BR>RCL cruisers don’t mind cold food and shabby quarters as long as they can do their own thing. <BR><BR>Radisson, Silversea, and Seabourn cruisers think they are direct descendants of European royalty.<BR><BR>Renaissance cruisers want other lines they can force into bankruptcy.

So Lew, what do you think about all inclusive resorts?<BR><BR>Peter