My husband and I purchased the 10-day Caribbean Christmas cruise, embarking from the Miami Port on Dec 17th, returning on Dec 27th. Was the ship beautiful? Of course! Did we like our suite, butler & cleaning service? Absolutely! (Great job Dave & Jeyson!) What we didn't care for was the cuisine and the company we were in. I am not speaking of the staff.....all of Costa's crew was well-trained (to the best of their language ability). Oh speaking of language....you better check your "ability to be patient" at the door, because all PA announcements (as well as Theater greetings and salutations) were given in at least 6 languages......Whoa!! Way too much information and PA noise!!

So, if you are an American cruising on an Italian ship-line, (even when it's sailing in what we consider to be primarily an American market....the Caribbean) ......be prepared.....this cruise line caters 100% to the Italians and it's neighboring countries in all amenities and aspects of the ship. This is what you can expect when cruising with a European cruise-line (or at least with Costa).

Oh....did I mention smoking is permitted "inside" the ship in public spaces? It was like we were in a time warp.....For a smoker (regardless of culture) I know this would be music to your ears....(I know, I used to be one).....but, we are both non-smokers and didn't enjoy slicing through the billowing clouds of cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke as we walked from one venue to the next. Read more