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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Sharon Aber
Email: caber12@home.com
Age: 43
Occupation: teacher
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Victoria
SailingDate: march7
Itinerary: eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 20
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 75
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 50
CabinAmenities: 50
FoodLidoDeck: 35
DiningRoomService: 25
CabinQuietness: 25
FoodMidnightBuffets: 50
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 25
FoodVariety: 25
DeckService: 50
ShoreExcValue: 50
GoodForHoneymoon: 0
CasinoStaff: 0
PrivateIsland: 50
GoodForFamilies: 0
LoungeService: 75
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors: 0
BeautySalonStaff: 50
EntertainmentLounges: 35
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 50
EntertShowLounge: 50
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 50
CruiseActivities: 35
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 0
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 0
DiscoNightclubs: 50
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 50
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 25
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 11 Jun 1999
Time: 09:41:53
Remote Name: cc844216-b.ebnsk1.nj.home.com
Remote User:
Comments
Our first cruise on the Costa Line was a nightmare. We have sailed 7 times previously on
other cruise
lines and knew what to expect. The nightmare began with flight arrangements on Kiwi
airline which did not
leave Newark for 5 hours past departure time. Costa did hold the ship for us and other
disgruntled
passengers, but with many phone calls to them. We arrived on the ship 7 hours, missing
half a day
onboard. Costa would not change our airline for the return home. Service was a total
disappointment.
Food was not hot, service was poor and the selection very limited, esp. desserts. Dining
room staff had a
poor attitude and were obviously annoyed when I asked for a blackened cup to be replaced.
Live music in
the lunges before the late sitting were non-existent. When one was scheduled, they didn't
show up. All
other cruise lines have free washers & dryers in addition to an ironing board &
iron. Not Here!! You had to
pay to have a shirt ironed ($2.00) The list of complaints go on. But the worst is yet to
come. Our return
flight home was again delayed for 6 hours! Needless to say, Kiwi airlines went bankrupt
the following week.
At no time was there an apology or any type of consolation. We have disputed the charges
and because
of the length of time it took for Costa to respond, the time ran out for our credit card
to take any action. A
discount was offered for another cruise and would not be refunded for our disastrous one.
Costa states
they take passenger satisfaction very seriously, however they are unwilling to make any
effort to entice
one to use their cruise line again, especially since I can get a discount off published
rates over the internet
or through my travel agent. Why risk a disappointing vacation if I can get great service
and accomodations
from other cruise lines.
Name: Leslie Beauregard
Email: obesearch@home.com
Age: 40ish
Occupation: Executive Recruiter
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Victoria
SailingDate: November 26, 1999
Itinerary: transatlantic
Cabin: 80454
FoodDiningRoom: 50
CruiseDirector: 10
CabinComfort: 70
FoodRoomService: 50
CruiseStaff: 70
CabinAmenities: 70
FoodLidoDeck: 30
DiningRoomService: 70
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 70
FoodVariety: 10
DeckService: 70
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 80
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 75
EntertShowLounge: 50
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside: 10
CruiseActivities: 10
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs: 50
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 50
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 14 Dec 1999
Time: 22:28:18
Remote Name: proxy2.mtnk1.on.wave.home.com
Remote User:
Comments
We travelled on the Costa Victoria arriving Ft. Lauderdale on Dec 12th from Genoa on its
semi-annual
repositioning cruise. Of the 1800 plus passengers aboard, we were two of six hundred,
fifty English
speaking. Throughout the cruise, we found that all of the activities and the entertainment
were geared
toward the Italian, Spanish, French and German passengers with little regard or respect
for the English
speaking ones. They did not exclude us, just did not attempt to understand our needs or
expectations.
We found the food and its presentation terrible. It was repetitive, just slapped on a
plate and had little or no
taste. The exception were the pasta dishes, however even those were usually served with
only a tomato
sauce. Pastries were passable but salads, entrees and other desserts were just plain
awful. Buffets were
poorly presented and were basically the same, day after day. Our waiter was very good,
however our
busboy was learning on the job and was not very effective or efficient. There wasn't a
wine steward so
unless you were knowledgeable choices were hit or miss. The wines, mostly vin ordinaire,
were expensive.
There were few vintage wines available and what there was, expensive. The second sitting
tables were
often not set up properly.
Although the cruise director was English, along with one of the hosts, they never
approached us or asked
how we were enjoying the cruise. The entertainment was poor, it was impossible to follow
any of the acts
that were presented in five languages such as magic or comedy routines. The musicals and
dancing were
adequate but not professional. Lounge acts were limited to piano players - the lounge
outside of our
restaurant offered a violinist along with the pianist for half an hour before dinner.
We found the ship extremely clean and our stewardess was terrific. She was responsive and
assisted us
wherever she could. Room service was available for continental breakfast free of charge
but in sixteen
days only got our order correct when we ordered only coffee and juice. At other times
there was a small
charge and a limited menu of sandwiches. The cabins (we had an outside midships) were very
small but
well designed with adequate storage space. The porthole was very dirty for most of the
cruise.
The ports were good except for Casablanca and Tortola. Casablanca was dirty and we were
advised
dangerous, Tortola was just too small to stop at for the size of ship. We only took a
packaged excursion in
Barcelona. It was a good value but disorganized and limited. Except for shopping
information, little was
known by the tour desk regarding the ports.
Front desk staff were helpful but if they could not assist you, you had to make an
'appointment' with the
front desk manager who did not become available until the second last day of the cruise.
We found all line
management inaccessible and unwilling to assist where there were complaints. All of the
passengers we
spoke with concurred. Any compaints were ignored and those complaintants were told they
may contact
Costa Customer Service after the cruise.
The spa and salon personnel were friendly and knowledgeable. Products which they
recommended were
VERY expensive (not a surprise)
Activities were limited to walking, bingo (at $20 per three cards per game 25 minute game)
or musical
chairs. They did have arts & crafts sometimes such as napkin folding and making paper
flowers.
Personally, I would have preferred basket weaving!!
The casino, were I spent about two hours a day seemed honest, played Vegas 21 rules and
the dealers
and bosses were friendly. There were never more than three blackjack tables used, lots of
poker and two
roulette tables. There is a craps table but it isn't a game that the majority of Europeans
play. I was lucky
and won overall, most did not. They do not give ANY freebies - all drinks (including soft)
are chargeable.
Embarkation went very smoothly. We waited 2 1/2 hours to disembark.
For the information of passengers - The information that was left in our cabin on
disembarkation was wrong
for our nationality (Canadian). When I approached the front desk they give me the correct
information,
PRINTED ON THE BACK OF A LIST OF THE PREVIOUS SAILING'S NAMES, VISA AND MASTERCARD
NUMBERS COMPLETE WITH EXPIRY DATES. They were using the old folios as scrap photocopy
paper! I
thanked my lucky stars that I had not provided them with my credit card numbers as we
decided to pay by
cash. Passenger beware!! I will be contacting VISA and MC to advise of their poor
security.
My husband and I would definitely NOT sail with Costa again - and probably not with
Carnival who own 60%
(+/-) of the line. The food, entertainment and attitude toward their passengers (at least
English speaking)
were poor and the ship is just has too many passengers. It is beautiful and clean but that
cannot make up
for all of the other issues. My assessment is that this not a a good value.
Name: Harry Maclin
Email: 102467.2656@compuserve.com
Age: 74
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 38
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Victoria
SailingDate: 11-26-99
Itinerary: Genoa, Barcelona, Casablanca, Tenerife, Antigua,
Cabin: 80345
FoodDiningRoom: 70
CruiseDirector: 65
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 88
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 78
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 88
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff: 88
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 80
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 65
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities: 90
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 79
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Dec 1999
Time: 10:43:36
Remote Name: atl-qbu-zpb-vty85.as.wcom.net
Remote User:
Comments
After reading several critical remarks regarding the Costa Victoria in these columns, we
booked it with
some hesitation for its 2-week repositioning cruise from Genoa to Ft. Lauderdale, November
26-December
12, 1999. Having crossed the Atlantic both ways a number of times by ships of various
sizes and ages, we
found the Victoria to be an extraordinarily clean ship. It had just come out of dry dock
and refurbishing and
was getting ready for its U.S. inspection upon arrival in Florida. Unfortunately, new and
inexperienced crew
came aboard also. The first night out was chaotic in the dining room. No one seemed to
know his job and
the mix-ups in orders and drinks was comical. This situation improved, thankfully, and in
a few days the
dining room service was timely. We carefully selected a cabin amidships and between decks
with cabins
both above and below resulting in an extraordinarily quite private space. The beds were
very comfortable
although the pillow was very large and somewhat hard. Take with you, as I did, your own
small pillow and all
will be well. Our cabin steward was a fine young man from Peru who kept our cabin spotless
will plenty of
clean towels. The shower occupied a very small space but with some adjustment on my part,
it was more
than adequate with plenty of hot water.
Overall, food was barely adequate at times. The veal chops were
tough and like trying to chew rubber as were some of the beef entrees. Some of the fish
was acceptable
but more often than not either undercooked or poorly seasoned. If you like pasta and lots
of garlic - you'll
have it made, especially at lunch where fresh pasta dishes are made before you. One must
realize that
Costa Lines appeal perhaps more to Europeans than to the average America client. Every
announcement
must be in five languages: Italian, French, Spanish, German and English. Though I
understand somewhat
two or three of these languages, it nevertheless gets tiresome hearing them so often.
Also, because of the
language barrier, entertainment is limited to some degree. The shipboard singers/dancers
were
high-schoolish in their performances most of the time while a few other performers were
quite good. We
had heard that smoking was a constant problem on Costa. The first night out, we drew a
dining room table
next to one of several smokeres. Only after some insistance on the part of our table of 8
were we moved to
another area. A pleasant surprise, however, was that the piano bars, usually smoking
areas, were divided
into two areas with the piano in the no-smoking area. One of the pianists was
extraordinarily professional
whom we enjoyed immensely.
Though many Europeans on the ship smoked, we did not personally observe
any of them trying to do so in no-smoking areas, so this was not the problem we had
anticipted. We had
visited all the ports along the way on previous occasions and did not take any of the ship
arranged tours,
preferring to go our own way ashore or get a local taxi with another couple (usually
cheaper, too) and do
our tour at our own pace. The Atlantic was like a mill pond. At times it seemed the ship
wasn't moving at all.
At one point at sea, a distress call was picked up by the ship's radio officer. A 45-foot
sail boat with a
broken mast and no fuel for its small engine with six persons aboard were at the mercy of
the sea. The
captain of the Victoria ordered to ship to stop upon finding them while the small vessel
pulled along side to
receive food, water and plastic bags of diesel fuel. Overall, our experience on the Costa
Victoria was a
positive one but given other choices of ships sailing about the same time, I think we
would probably take another one.
Name: Robert Cribb
Email: rcribb1@bellsouth.net
Age: 46
Occupation: Project Manager
NumberOfCruises: 16
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Victoria
SailingDate: 12-26-99
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 40339/1
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 92
FoodLidoDeck: 60
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 96
FoodMidnightBuffets: 70
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 Jan 2000
Time: 14:34:24
Remote Name: acs00bhm.bhm.bellsouth.net
Remote User:
Comments
Physical: The Cost Victoria is one of the most physically beautifull cruise ships sailing
today. It is
built in the European style with lots of marble and polished wood. The Concord Plaza (a 4
story
lounge) is without a doubt the most fantastic lounge afloat. The ship also boasts a
completely
covered walking/jogging track that is a regulation 440. The rooms are not overly large,
but
average. However they are well appointed in soft tones and the bathrooms are slightly more
roomy
than other ships this same size (a drawer or cabinet under the sink would have been nice
however). The indoor spa and pool is stunning and the exercise equipment was only 2 weeks
old
when we went.
Staff: Very friendly and helpfull. We had fresh flowers and fruit in our cabin each day.
The cabin
stewards and dining room waiters were well trained and patient listeners.
Entertainment: Was average. Since this was the Millenium sailing I expected more. The only
night
that stood out was when Anna Maria Alberghetti performed. Other than that it was standard
cruise
fare. Entertainment in some of the lounges was slightly above average.
Food: Big disappointment. Way below average on the whole. On the positive side, the pasta
dishes were excellent, the pork dishes were slightly above average as was lamb dishes. The
fish
dishes were awful to the point of sending them back, which is something I have never done
on any
cruise ship. Also steak dishes were sub-par. The deserts were basically bland and/or just
plain not
palatable. I eventually just ordered ice cream which was homemade and very good. While the
waiters worked very hard (its not their fault) you can only eat just so much pasta before
it gets old.
The buffets on deck were not worth going to except for the pastas. If you take this ship
plan on
eating in the dinning room for all meals, even sub-par, its much better than the deck
food. There
was a good selection of Italian wines on board.
Overall: This ship has a lot going for it and could become a world class ship if more
attention was
paid to the food. If you are considering this ship, go for the itinerary and physical
beauty of the
ship, as well as the friendliness of the crew. If you do not expect gourmet food and can
be satisfied
with the standard average entertainment, you will probably have a wonderfull time. If you
go
expecting food as it is served on Celebrity, or Crystal you will be disappointed.
Name: Jandeen Esch
Email: jandeen.esch@firepond.com
Age: 26
Occupation: contracts administrator
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Costa-Victoria
SailingDate: 2/27/00
Itinerary: Eastern Carribean
Cabin: inside stateroom
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 85
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Mar 2000
Time: 16:23:08
Remote Name: ares.firepond.com
Remote User:
Comments
This is the first cruise for me and my husband and we really had a good time. I have to admit I was
apprehensive about sailing on Costa given some of the reviews on this page, but I was quite pleased with
our entire cruise.
From the minute we left the twin cities until the time we returned home I really felt we were taken care of.
We bought an air/sea package that was handled by TransGlobal and they did an excellent job of
organizing check-in and luggage. The embarkation/disembarkation processes went very smoothly and
quickly; we were very impressed.
Since this was our first cruise we really didn't know what to expect from the cabin, but our accomodations
were adequate. After we got unpacked and semi-organized our room was large enough to move around
in, but I wouldn't have wanted to spend a huge amount of time in it. I also felt the bathroom had plenty of
shelving space.
The food on the Lido deck was ok, but nothing to brag about. We ate almost all of our meals in the dining
room where we both felt the food was excellent. One big problem with the Lido deck was the lack of inside
seating; thus, by the time we found a place to sit, it was usually at a table outside and our food was cold
instantly! The food in the dining room was excellent for most meals. The portions were small though, so
we almost always ordered a baked potato with dinner. One thing I didn't like was how "scheduled" meals
were, for example, if you just wanted an afternoon snack, there really wasn't anything available. We only
went to two midnight buffets, but both of them were good. Our head waiter and assistant waiter were
excellent! They really made dining an enjoyable experience.
Finally, a word about the land excursions. We went on an excursion at every port, which was too much,
we were completely exhausted! The excursions were excellent though, and relatively cheap compared to
Hawaii. Our two favorites were the city tour and catamaran ride in St. Thomas and the Blue Lagoon in
Nassau; we highly recommend both of these! Overall we had a great time and would sail on Costa again.
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