costa-atlantica1

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: George J. Karnes
Email: geejkay@aol.com
Age: 73
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 13
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Atlantica
SailingDate: 12/10/00 - 12/17/00
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: 8189/Cat 8
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 89
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 75
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 79
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram: 75
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 22 Dec 2000
Time: 17:37:31
Remote Name: spider-tp074.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

Embarkation: Flight arrangements were to and from West Palm Beach, Florida on Northwest Airlines. Since there
were only 4 passangers on our flight, trans poration to Port Everglades was by private car. By the time we
arrived at the pier it was raining quite heavily. A large quantity of luggage was getting quite wet from the
downpour. By the time we got all of our luggage in our cabin; a number of clothing items were very wet. The
personnel at the Guest Relations desk were very helpful in getting the wet clothing back into wearable shape.

Ship: This was the first season for the Costa Atlantica in the Caribbean. It entered service in mid summer 2000.
Our cabin was on 81/2 (Deck 8. It was an outside stateroom with verandah (210 sq. ft.). It was quite comfortable.
The main difficulty was in maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature. We finally got it working right. This ship
was decorated in a combination of American and Italian style and comfort. All forms of art were situated
throughout the ship. The only problem was in trying to identify who created it, what was the title, and what type of
art it was. Other than that, it was very pleasant to look at. The promenade area (Deck 3) covered about 95% of
the ship. It was quite acceptable for walking or jogging. However there were no deck chairs available for
relaxation.

The main dining room was on two decks. It was laid out very nice. For the most part the dining room personnel
were competent. Our waiter and the assistant waiter did their job. But the personal touch one expects on a cruise
was lacking. The food was better than average. But the menu selections were not to imaginative. Most or our
meals were taken in the dining room. We made use of buffet/lido for daily tea & snacks and an occaisional late
night pizza snack.

What can I say about the casino? Our luck has never been that good. We managed to break even.

The shipboard shops had a limited selection of clothing, which was priced a bit on the highside. The duty-free
merchandise was comparable, if not better, to prices charged on land. There were special sales on different
items every day. Prices were fair.

The entertainment in the main show lounge was excellent. All of the performers put out 110% at every
performance. The productions showed a great deal of professionalism in all aspects.

Itnerary: The itinerary was standard Eastern Caribbian. San Juan, Puerto Rica; St. Thomas, USVI; Nassau,
Bahamas; and Catalina Island, Dominican Republic. There was 2 days at sea.

Debarkation: This was handled in a very competent manner. All passengers were disembarked within two hours.
We had better transportation for the return trip to West Palm Beach. The flight home to Detroit was good; but
when we saw all the snow on the ground, we were almost ready to turn around and go right back.

All in all this was a very enjoyable cruise. If Costa could come up with a different Caribbean itinerary, we would
possible sail with them again. This was our 13th cruise.

Name: Peter Perrin
Email: perrin.howard@sympatico.ca
Age: 54
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Atlantica
SailingDate: January 7, 2001
Itinerary: Eastern and Western Caribbean
Cabin: 5216/Category 7,4219/Category 6
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 80
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 Feb 2001
Time: 14:39:36
Remote Name: toronto-ppp272663.sympatico.ca
Remote User:

Comments

We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale on January 6, having gone down the night before to avoid possible
snowstorm complications. The hotel had us scheduled to go to the ship at 10:30 a.m. which proved to
be a good thing. We were in the first group to board the ship - they give out numbers a bit erratically,
so be sure to proceed into the waiting area as soon as you arrive and find the man with the numbers.
Since we did not have a transfer with Costa, we had to contend with our bags. We dragged our bags
into the waiting room, and then asked how to get rid of them. We eventually were directed back to a
longshoreman, who said for a $ tip, we would get our bags in good time. As it turned out, our bags did
arrive promptly, but not sure we had to do the extra tipping. We learned later that we could have just
left our bags on the sidewalk; it seems a bit haphazard to us. We did get to the desk for check-in fairly
promptly, since we were in the first group. Check- in went fairly quickly. Note to non-Americans: you
have to surrender your passport for the duration of the trip. We had booked 2 weeks back to back,
and had been advised by our TA that we were on a priority list to have the same cabin for the second
week. No one had heard of that in Client Services at check-in or on the ship. This was one of our first
clues that communication and administration are not Costa's strong suit.

Once on the ship, because we were on early, we were directed to the Coral Lounge where coffee, juice
and croissants were served; it was basically a holding pen, awaiting the rooms to be ready. We had
been advised things would be ready at noon, so shortly after 12 (we were there for about an hour)
people started to get up and leave (there was no further announcement). We joined them, and found
our cabin on our own. Again, a bit haphazard, as the stewards were not ready for us, and looked a bit
distressed that people were starting to arrive, before they were ready. We left some of our things in
the room after speaking to the steward and taking our room key, and went exploring the ship. We were
meeting friends who had the air/sea package; their experience was not as smooth on many levels,
including not being met at the airport on arrival and having to transfer their own bags to the hotel.
Also, they were transferred to the ship later than we were and so they got caught in the largest crowds.
While we were waiting for them to arrive, we went to the Card Room to check out our table assignment.
Although we had asked for a large table, second sitting, with our friends (duly noted on our cruise
vouchers), we had been assigned a table for two, second sitting, and our friends were at another
table, for 4, with 2 strangers! In the line-up to speak to the Maitre d', there was someone ahead of us
who was trying to make arrangements for 70+ people to sit together, so that took quite a while. We
ended up having an excellent table, at a window at the back of the ship, with our friends, and a mother
and daughter from New York. We were very happy with the table, and wait staff. For the second week
were not able to keep the same table because of a large group coming aboard, but we were assigned
an other very nice table on the port side by a window. It was a table for six, but we were only 4 for the
entire week.

On the issue of dining room, there is a small smoking section on the starboard side; fortunately it did
not interfere with us, but may have been a problem if you are sitting right beside that section. Late
dining was (for week 1) 8:45 p.m.. Early sitting was 6:15. By contrast, in week 2, late sitting was
advertised as either 9:00 or 9:15 and early sitting was 7:00 p.m.. But at least twice, late sitting was
delayed. In one case, the dining room was not opened for second sitting until 9:45 p.m. We were told
that a very large group from Italy was booked on the ship in that week, and the sitting had been
pushed back to accommodate their wishes. We found that late sitting a bit late; we ended up going
dancing before dinner, and usually not going to any shows after dinner, as we didn't leave the dining
room until after 11:00 p.m. We had been forewarned about this on Costa, but it still caught us by
surprise, with the delayed starting time. Otherwise, we were very happy with the dining room wait staff
service, the food (we did get one tough steak, but otherwise very good), the table setting and the food
presentation. The first week, first night or so, we felt that the service was a bit rushed, but we spoke to
the waiter, who immediately accommodated us. They also were very good at remembering our specific
wishes on condiments. We ended up at the dining room for breakfast and lunch as we found the buffet
food choices a bit limited although the food was fine. Interesting enough, we usually headed for our
own table for breakfast and lunch, and usually got it. We were happy with this, since we got to look out
the large window during daylight hours, as well as enjoy our ‘own' waiter. Regarding the buffet, we
have sailed mostly on Princess, and think their buffet is better. We did eat at the outdoor grill and it
was fine. We ordered room service for breakfast on two or three occasions first week, however we
found the choices were limited ( on one occasion we asked for muffins instead of croissants and we
received a very early ‘wake-up call' to advise us that they didn't have muffins although they were
certainly available elsewhere on the ship).

We enjoy dancing and were particularly pleased with the quality of music and dance floors. We were
less impressed with the dance instructors who were on for the first week, but at least it was available;
the second week there were no instructors. The Piazza Madama Butterfly dance floor is much larger
than any dance floor we have experienced on a ship, and there was dancing available in one lounge
or another, almost continuously. A great trio played classical music in the Caffe Florian. We have
mostly sailed on large ships, so the size did not put us off; however, we did find the decor a bit garish -
high quality, but LOUD colours. We called it ‘gaudy but elegant'. The marble and granite were
exquisite. An experience to be missed if you do not like heights: there is a crystal staircase leading up
to the Club Atlantica from deck 9 to 10 - you can see under your feet down to deck 2. You can also get
there by glass elevators with flashing green and orange lights. There is just about nothing understated
or subtle on this ship, but you do get used to it after a while!

On the topic of ports of call, we arrived in San Juan in week 1 at around 2:30 p.m. The advertised
arrival time was 4:30 (and it was almost that time before we were allowed to disembark). Although
people had been advised to stay clear of the central hall, people did gather and even when they
started disembarking there was a mass of humanity. We have been on larger ships but have not seen
this kind of problem with crowding; don't know what the problem was, but a good idea to avoid trying to
disembark first. However, at one of our ports, we had to disembark promptly to catch a shore
excursion, and could not avoid the crowd. There seems to be a problem managing large crowds of
people, partly because things didn't happen when or where advertised - actual times were delayed,
and gangways were not always as announced. (More communications problems?) We were very
fortunate with docking facilities - In San Juan we were downtown, so it was easy walking to town. There
is another dock which is a cab ride, so our dock was more convenient, and more scenic. In St.
Thomas, we were at Havensight between the Grand Princess, and the Voyager of the Seas. On week
2, we were less fortunate in Ocho Rios and Cozumel, being docked at the James Bond pier in Ocho
Rios, and the International Pier in Cozumel, but in Key West, we were docked in the scenic ‘downtown'.
There was an RCI shipped anchored way out, with what looked like a very long tender ride. In Ocho
Rios, we did not disembark, and had the ship to ourselves. Even on sea days, deck space was pretty
good - except for the usual busy areas near pools and hot tubs and bars - we could almost always find
a quiet area. Tender service was fine; the private island was also fine, although it rained heavily that
day around noon, so there was a crush of people getting back. We did some snorkelling there - it was
poor and you had to go out as far as possible up to the buoy marker, to see anything. BBQ on the
island was typical stuff, fine, quickly served, line-ups not as bad as they might have been.

Our rooms (we did have to change rooms for the second week) were very good. Large, with a good
size sofa (which could be converted to a bed) in addition to our queen-size bed and the usual
amenities of safe, refrigerator, (actually a mini-bar, which we emptied, putting the bottles etc. in one of
the cupboards, and put our own things in), hair dryer, lots of storage, cupboards, closet space.
Shampoo is thin and in a dispenser in the shower stall, so we ended up buying our own bottle in ‘The
Little Blue Drugstore' in San Juan. The balcony, although small, was reasonably comfortable, with
glass front under railing, and wicker like chairs. Many decks were teak, including our balcony.

As mentioned earlier, Client Services (Purser Staff) were pleasant, but the right hand didn't seem to
know what the left hand was doing. We had many conversations about our 2nd week arrangements,
and got different stories every time. As non-Americans, even though we were doing back to back, we
had to line up for Immigration in Ft. Lauderdale after the first week. We had to retrieve our passports,
which were available at a desk near the Caruso Theatre where the Immigration Officers were. We
found out that our passports were available from a very short queue, whereas some other nationalities
had another queue which was very long. No one advised how the queues were organized, you had to
go to the front to see what was happening. To add to that, there was no indication that we had to
return our passports after Immigration Clearance although that was the case. We received a phone
call from Client Services a couple of days later, asking us to return our passports. A very strange and
confused process, but we were getting used to confusion in Client Services and it came as no surprise,
when they were unable to process our credit card, even though we had done all the pre-registering
required - twice, once for each week. Another example of poor organization/service: each assistant
purser had his/her own cash box with various denominations of American currency. So when you
asked for change, you would get different stories and denominations, depending on which assistant
purser was serving you. They didn't seem to talk to each other, or help each other out. ‘Sorry, no small
denominations, next customer please.' It might have been a communication problem, due to the
language difficulty, but the staff did have little flags on their lapels, saying which languages they spoke,
and we were dealing with the staff who supposedly spoke English. They were pleasant at least!

We found that the crew/officers, except for the wait staff and cabin stewards, were not generally very
friendly even after we were there for 2 weeks. The captain was gracious (on stage or when having his
photo taken with passengers), but did not acknowledge passengers, even though he was very much in
evidence walking frequently though the ship (at least once walking on the top decks with a bathing suit
and shirtless). In a similar fashion, the Captain's Gala reception, and repeaters party were very formal,
held in the Caruso theatre. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres were served, but everyone was seated in
theatre style, no opportunity to mingle or dance. The reception consisted of the Captain introducing all
of his officers in the 5 different languages, while the repeaters party was a 1-minute announcement,
saying thanks for repeating! A missed opportunity for better public relations we thought (although we
did receive a free copy of our photo taken with the Captain). For those of us doing the back-to-back,
they did have a nice touch - a reception in the Club Atlantica on the first day of the second week, but
again, another missed P.R. opportunity for them. There were no Cruise Staff or Officers present, just
drinks and peanuts.

We didn't go to enough shows to make a real evaluation; they seemed okay, no major headliners. The
Caruso theatre is wonderful, with 3 levels, good sight lines. The last night Toga Party/passenger talent
show is a good concept, if you like amateur shows. They do a fun job of it. Not everyone wears togas,
we did not the second week, but lots of people do get into the spirit, and even bring or buy their own
accessories. You can make do with the special sheet and crown they supply you with in the cabin. You
can also see the talent show on the closed circuit TV in your cabin, live and then repeated afterwards
into the next morning.

We were not impressed with the shops - 2 only, and limited choice. They don't do the usual port
T-shirts but there are lots of bright yellow or orange Costa jackets, shirts etc. They ran out of scotch
and vodka after the first week (affordable brands), and it was not replenished. The higher end
boutique also had a somewhat limited selection - big on Versace. Jewellery was very limited, except
some very high end designer pieces.

We did not buy any of the photos from the ship. They did not seem very professional, and there were
so many taken, it was hard to remember what even to look for. They did not advertise generally that
they do formal photos, although we witnessed some very tortured and unusual poses for some formal
sittings, just beside the Piazza Madama Butterfly. The display area was very small, so the photos were
taken down quickly. You had to really want to find a certain shot, if you remembered it being taken, or
it was gone, and in a plastic bin within 24 hours.

We had not made arrangements for transfer to Miami Airport through the ship; we had an informal
arrangement with the concierge from the hotel where we stayed the night before we boarded. Although
it worked out eventually, it was a bit confusing trying to find him. We did not have a cell phone with us,
so had to line up at one of the limited public telephone booths with other passengers, as well as crew
doing their weekly call home, to try to locate him. There were huge crowds waiting for taxis, no obvious
order in the line-ups; our driver was not permitted to pick us up in the legal loading zone (no obvious
reason why - very strange), so we had to chase him down the road for a 100 feet to load the vehicle.
Next time, we would probably just go with the shuttle busses for the same cost. The colour coded
baggage handling and disembarkation was as smooth as any we have seen except for the following
aspect: we were supposed to wait in the Caruso Theatre for our colour to be called. But, because it
was still being used by Immigration, we could not enter at the appointed time, so once again there were
huge crowds milling in the halls and stairway - another example of poor communication or scheduling.
We went to the Terrazzo Giardini, which is a very secluded comfortable area at the front of the ship on
Deck 3. You have to look for this area, probably why it's not frequented by many people.

Our overall assessment is positive. The most important things according to our priorities were excellent
- the best-sized cabin we have had, exceptional cleanliness, good food, excellent table settings and
location (after significant discussion). We had wanted to try another cruise line, to see what the
differences are. We might try Costa again, but probably would try other lines before going back. We
prefer the more understated decor of Princess, the food variety, the better organization and the
friendliness of the crew, plus some of their more hospitable touches such as the Captain's Gala and
Captain's Circle parties, not to mention the Champagne Waterfall!.

Name: Susan Underwood
Email: scu@uwoodtravel.com
Age: 55
Occupation: Travel Agent
NumberOfCruises: 17
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: Costa-Atlantica
SailingDate: 2/4/01 - 2/18-01 Back to Back
Itinerary: Eastern & Western Caribbean
Cabin: 8160/10
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Feb 2001
Time: 17:07:24
Remote Name: sgigate.sgi.com
Remote User:

Comments

We went on the Back to Back cruise. We had a group on both cruises. Plus's: Beautiful Ship Great
Cabin w/verandah, Very quiet cabins & clean Itinerary Embarkation/disembarkation Ship is very
smooth in rough waters Very good price

Non Plus's Need a better variety for food on deck. More variety of salad dressings. Need healthier
foods. Cigar smoking was allowed in the lounges even though it was supposed to be prohibited Cruise
staff catered to the Italians even though it was 70% English on the second cruise Same shows for both
weeks. Need to have different shows for each week since so many do back to back Smoking was
allowed in the lounges even in the non smoking section People were allowed to cut ahead of the lines
for the shore excursions, even though something was said by other passengers.

All and all this was a good cruise. I would definetely do it again. If Costa could do something about the
few negatives, it would be great. I don't mind that everything is done in 5 languages (everyone has the
right to know what is going on), it just seems that the Italians are the ones that the cruise staff talks to
mostly, not very often did I see them talking to the Americans. I look at this because I want my clients to
have a positive reaction to their vacation. It is me that they call when they get back.

Name: Paul Duggan
Email: pduggan@jps.net
Age: 59
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Atlantica
SailingDate: Febriaru 4-11 and 11-18, 2001
Itinerary: Eastern and Western Caribbean
Cabin: Deck 1 Outside / Category 5
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 70
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Feb 2001
Time: 14:24:16
Remote Name: 216-119-16-80.o1.jps.net
Remote User:

Comments

SHIP - CostaAtlantica CRUISE DATES - February 4-11, 2001 Eastern Caribbean; February 11-18,
2001 Western Caribbean ITINERARY - From Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. Eastern Caribbean:
San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas; Catalina Is., Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas; Western
Caribbean: Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman. EMBARKATION
- Embarkation from the Port Everglades Terminal in Fort Lauderdale proceeded smoothly. Rental car
buses conveniently drop off and pick up just like at the airport. You drop and tag your luggage then
proceed to wait to be called by number that you are given when you arrive. The wait was less than 1/2
hour. The back-to-back transition was equally smooth given that we had to leave the ship to pick up
our stand-by tickets. SHIP - Beautiful. See other reviews for more complete description. It is brand new,
launched in June 2000, clean and easy to get around in. The public areas are beautifully designed, if
a bit garish and overdone for our taste. CABIN - If our outside Deck 1 cabin lacked a veranda, it had all
of the other amenities. Plenty of storage space, typical bath room and shower, comfortable bed. The
television system receives the four major networks from local stations but no CNN. In addition, the
television carries the usual shipboard productions and films in several languages. Steward service was
good.

DINING / Dining Room - Although we had the same menus both weeks of our back-to-back
cruise, the service, food quality and temperature improved substantially the second week as we sat in
a different location on the first level of the Tiziano Restaurant. Menu selection was good and overall
quality ranged from good (first week) to very good (second week). A very wide selection of all courses
was on offer. The regular pasta entree and regular pasta course were easily interchanged. There is
also grilled sirloin steak, grilled filet of salmon and grilled chicken breast available every night in
addition to the five to six entree offerings. The wine list is remarkable for its selection and low prices
with many Italian (naturally) wines on offer. Corkage for your own wines is provided at no charge with
grace and elan. Every night is a theme night with appropriate menu offerings. We made a special
menu request in advance which was graciously and tastefully complied with: spaghetti alla carbonara.
Our tablemates also requested in advance and were served chocolate eclairs. Overall, Celebrity
Cruises, our only other cruise experience, is significantly better in food service and quality. Celebrity's
wines are more expensive.

DINING / Buffets - Buffet breakfasts and lunches in the Botticelli Restaurant
were good. Three salads, one soup, one pasta, one fish, one meat dish, one carving item, several
desserts. The grill outside on the Aurora Poll and Bar deck offered for breakfast cold cuts, fruit,
yogurts, milk and juices, a variety of breads and rolls and an omelet bar. At lunch cold cuts, cheeses,
hamburgers, hot dogs and a specialty menu from various countries (Mexico, Italy, Greece, Germany,
Asia and Spain). Ice cream, pizza and salads are available from 11 AM to 2 AM. Snacks and pastries
are offered from 4 PM to 5 PM. Twice each week dinner is available at the buffet. Generally the food is
not hot enough and their is no variation of the breakfast menu. BARS - There are twelve bars on the
ship with various opening hours from 8 AM to 3:30 AM! Drink prices are reasonable (most are $ 3.95
plus the mandatory 15% gratuity) with a daily special at $ 3.25. There are so many bars, it was
explained to us, because the Italians, when in Italy, like to bar-hop after dinner and they enjoy the
variety on board. The beautiful Caffe Florian is an exact reproduction of its namesake in Venice and,
with its string trio, a special place for that pre-dinner cocktail. The best value is the Martini Bar serving
great double Bombay Sapphire martinis/Gibsons accompanied by canapes at $ 5. Costa does not
discourage the bringing of liquor, beer or wine aboard the ship. Indeed, well priced duty-free liquor is
available in the Via Della Spigo Shops, immediately delivered. So we mixed a few in the cabin before a
stroll about the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT - Uniformly excellent. Singer-comedian Richard Ianni is
especially notable. The 'Talent' Show during the last evening's Toga Party is the funniest event that I
have witnessed. I won't give it away but you must attend. ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS - More
on-deck activities than average and fun too, e.g., a belly flop contest at the Ginger and Fred Pools.
Most activities seem targeted to a younger clientele. There is an excellent arts and crafts program but
no organized bridge play even though there is a dedicated card room, the Sala Carte. TOURS - A wide
selection but cannot judge prices since we toured at ports on our own. PERSONNEL - Uniformly
excellent, especially the Tiziano Restaurant staff. The Cruise Director, Ray Rouse, is outstanding. All
officers are Italian and remainder of 900 member crew are from Asia, South Asia and Philippines.
DEBARKATION - Via color coded luggage tags. Total process ran smoothly from 8:30 AM to 10 AM.
OTHER - With a large European clientele, smoking and smokers are unavoidable. Thankfully, smoking
is prohibited in the Tiziano Restaurant although we had to change tables occasionally to avoid
smokers at non-smoking tables in the buffet. Over two thousand passengers leads ineluctably to a
crowded feeling. Buffet lines can be avoided with clever scheduling.

RECOMMENDATIONS - 1. Provide
a stronger smoking / no-smoking line of demarcation in public areas, such as absolutely prohibiting
smoking on the starboard side. 2. Provide deck chairs on the La Strada lifeboat deck (Deck 3). 3.
Instead of shopping only, have information flyers address the history, geography and demographics of
the ports. 4. Reduce the number of photographers and the events that they interfere with. The ship
even sent a photographer to Dunn's River Falls at Ocho Rios, Jamaica! 5. Eliminate loud, obnoxious,
rock and roll music in Botticelli Restaurant buffet during mealtimes. 6. Offer dinner in the buffet every
night.

Name: Victoria Bloxom
Email: tbloxom@iwon.com
Age: 40
Occupation: Computer Analyst
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Atlantica
SailingDate: Feb.19, 2001
Itinerary: Western Carribean
Cabin: 8239
FoodDiningRoom: 70
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 70
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland: 80
GoodForFamilies: 70
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 70
ExerciseFacilities: 99
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 70
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 70
MedicalFacilities: 80
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 69
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Feb 2001
Time: 16:08:43
Remote Name: 169.134.169.11
Remote User:

Comments

My husband and I cruised on our honeymoon Chandris Fantasy 10 years ago. It was so wonderful, we
vowed wee would cruise again for our tenth. This cruise line was reccommended to us by an Italian
friend who swore it was the best. Now we know why he thought so. The potential cruiser must realize,
this is an Italian line and the primary language and culture is Italian. The language was not as much a
barrier as one might think, however I believe the culture was more a barrier than I expected. The
CostaAtlantica must be the most spectacularly beautiful ship on the sea. It took my breath away
entering the main lobby with the Atrium rising above to the tenth floor. The stateroom with balcony was
gorgeous with rich cherry wardrobe and marble bathroom.

The room was spacious and very
comfortable. The balcony was spacious with teak lounges and table. I read and napped out there
often. There was not a room or area on the ship that was dirty or cramped. If our trip had only entailed
looking at beauty, it would have rated an easy 100, however, one must eat and be served and therein
lies the rub on CostaAtlantica. Boarding the ship was slightly painful with some degree of
disorganization, but being in high spirits, we patiently waited and cheerfully boarded. Our initial awe
was soon over when we began to recieve our dinner courses.

The food quality was poor and
preparation appeared hurried. Every dinner in the dining room was flawed in some way. Mostly, it was
a missing couse that we had ordered. Twice it was a sustituted meat instead of the meat on the menu.
Yes, this is true. My husband and one of our table mates ordered a duck breast entree and received
sliced ham instead. On another night, I ordered a main course of duck ( I was careful to ask if it was
boned or a half thinking I could avoid another ham incident). What I recieved was Chicken L'Orange.
Stay away from the duck! I will say that every pasta dish we tried was exquisite. When in Rome...! Our
waiter was competent yet we were never in any danger of feeling papmered. Our table mates were
celebrating their 25th anniversary and we wanted to do something special for them on our last night
together. I approached the Maitre 'D and he assured me they would be happy to accomodate my
request. I even watched him write it down in his notes. The next evening, dinner courses came and
went until the last cup of coffee was drained but no mention from the Maitre 'D or our waitstaff of the
anniversary. I was deeply disappointed but fortunately, our friends had no idea and therefore no
expectations.

The shows were ameturish but entertaining. The cruise director's staff seemed aloof. My
husband and I went to the initial meeting introducing us to the staff and giving us some tips on what
was going on and how to better enjoy the cruise. On one tender trip I was sitting next to a staff member
yet he never spoke to anyone on that tender. We all knew who he was yet he avoided eye contact and
kept his distance. I found the bartenders friendlier than any other Costa employees save the cabin
steward. The language barrier probably contributed to the sense of distance. Most employees spoke
at least a little english but I wonder if it is the whole ship's culture to have a hands-off approach to
service. I may be over-analyzing but I am trying to understand the vast difference in our first cruise
experience and this one. Most of the other passengers we spoke to felt the same way although some
passengers were much more irate. I was disappointed that no ship tours were offered. I would have
been fascinated to see how they expedite dinners in a ship that size feeding that many people. It was
offered on our first cruise along with a tour of the bridge and staff quarters. I ask the Maitre 'D but he
said it was not an option, something about security. Oh well! We tried to make a reservation in the
Club Atlantica for dinner and had quite a bit of difficulty there. First we were on a waiting list then we
had confirmed reservations that could not be found when we checked in at our dinner time. The
Maitre'D of the Club Atlantica accomodated us anyway and we had the finest meal of our cruise
experience. I reccomend Club Atlantica to anyone but be sure to make your reservation upon boarding
the ship. Make it with Guest services but then follow up in the restaurant the day you are to dine to
make sure your reservation is on the books. We would have gladly paid the extra fee to dine there
every night. the food and service were excellent. I had a massage in the Spa and it was wonderful. My
husband visited the gym everyday and it was also a grand experience. We both would suggest the
gym open at 6:00am rather than 8:00am. Honestly, the negatives about the cruise I have mentioned so
far I could have lived with and did. Those things did not taint my experience as much as the rudeness
of the european passengers. I was jostled, bumped, cussed and stepped on by some of the rudest
people I have ever encountered. Roman Baccanal night with togas was a blast and the talent show
was fun to watch. Disembarkation was absolutely awful. Waiting hours trapped on the ship. It was
madness. Very disorganized. They were calling for a certain color code to leave but not announcing it
over the PA. There was confusion and tempers flaring. I can tell you if we ever cruise again we will
read the cruise reviews first and make our decision based on alot of research which we did not do. If I
had researched the reviews and cruise line first, I would have known this was not hte line for us. I have
seen countless reviews of this line that mirrors our own experience so I know its not just us. For
Chrissake we are just middle class people happy to have our tea refilled. We're not picky people! Don't
take my word for it, though. Read some other reviews of Costa.

Name: Sherri DiPasquale
Email: dipwoman@aol.com
Age: 38
Occupation: administrator
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Atlantica
SailingDate: 2/18/01
Itinerary: eastern carribean
Cabin: 5187
FoodDiningRoom: 82
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 70
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 75
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 85
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 88
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 75
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Mar 2001
Time: 19:03:15
Remote Name: spider-mtc-ta064.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

Overall, I was very disappointed with this cruise. We did a pre-cruise stay at the Fort Lauderdale
Airport Hilton, and we were told that someone from Costa Cruises would be in the hotel lobby at 10:30
the day we were to embark to check us in, but they never showed up. When we called, they told us
that we were mistaken, they never intended to come, but we had a letter on their letterhead with
instructions regarding where to be the morning of the cruise and what was supposed to happen.
Regardless, they never came and we found our own way to the dock. There were several mornings
when our food trays were not removed by deck staff, if we wanted it moved, we had to move it
ourselves. The dining room is not layed out very well, the service would have been better if the waiter
and busboy didn't have to run so far to get to the wait-station every time someone needed something.
At one point, when we requested drinks from two waitresses talking among each other, they acted as if
we were bothering them.

We were travelling with a party on nine, and when one of us asked a bartender on the Aurora Deck for
tabisco sauce for her eggs, she was told no, that someone else had not returned the bottle to him
earlier so he wasn't going to give it to her. We were able to get the tabisco from one of the kitchen staff
that was preparing omelettes, but the refusal from the bartender seemed to be out of line.

Our cabin steward was very good. We asked for additional ice the first day or two, and from that day
on, we had extra ice in our cabin everyday.

Our hats off to Edgar, the bartender at the Casino bar. He was very helpful and always eager to
please.

The staff in the spa was excellant as well. The Olympia Gym was impressive with state of the art
equipment. My husband enjoyed his workouts with an ocean view.

I'm not sure that I would go on this ship again. I'm told by other family members that the Costa Victoria
was an excellant cruise. For now, I'll take their word for it.

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