Just returned from a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise on the CostaMagica. After reading other reviews, it seemed the general consensus is that everything is good with Costa except the food. And so it was with us.

Embarkation was swift, smooth and easy. The best of the nine cruises I've been on. We had a mix-up on the room in that we were supposed to have a mini-suite which included a butler, whirlpool tub and other "luxury" amenities. Alas, no butler or whirlpool. But after telling Jerome our steward what happened, he did his best to be our butler. And he was fantastic. We rarely saw him, but evidence of his work was obvious. He was excellent. Our cabin, 7425 was otherwise fantastic. Extra large room (though not a suite in size) with a HUGE balcony on the back of the ship. The balcony wrapped around from the side to the aft. All in all, it was probably 40 feet in length. If you can request, get 7425 or 7422 (friends had this one on the opposite corner).

Now the dining...Try not to get the Smeralda Dining Room. Loud, bright lights and garish in design. We were told the Porofino Dining Room was much quieter and subdued. We asked to be moved after the first night away from the busboy station which is situated on either side of the room and next to the diners. The food was pretty ordinary. The breakfast buffet never varied from the same prepared eggs, potatoes and fruit. Dinners varied from okay to very good. The major exception was the lobster on Saturday night. It was absolutely AWFUL!!! Overcooked, mushy, yuck. Our servers, Allan and Michael were fantastic. A word of advice...once on board, book and reserve dinner in the Club Vincenza. It cost $20 more per person for the dinner. But it was fantastic. The filet mignon was the best I've ever had. The spaghetti in olive oil and garlic was superb. Wine selections were adequate and priced well. We booked the Club twice. Entertainment was okay. The usual bingo and casino, not quite off Broadway shows. Quite frankly, after so many cruises, we rarely take part in the shows. But in talking with other people we're told the shows were good. Personal preference, I guess. Read more