Costa Vicotoria
Feb 6th, 2003, 01:06 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Feb 6th, 2003, 05:02 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Feb 6th, 2003, 05:24 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Feb 10th, 2003, 07:09 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
continued (sorry): but was recalled to service by NCL in the caribbean. For those in love with cruising like "it used to be", 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.
Feb 10th, 2003, 07:21 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Feb 11th, 2003, 12:35 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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. "Be careful what you wish for, you may get it."
Feb 11th, 2003, 07:48 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Feb 11th, 2003, 08:57 AM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Feb 11th, 2003, 09:20 AM
#12
Feb 15th, 2003, 07:32 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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." and enjoy it.<BR>neviboy
Feb 15th, 2003, 12:18 PM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Feb 16th, 2003, 07:30 AM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
