Costa Serena Review

Italian flair with precision

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Costa Serena
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marc
First Time Cruiser • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Jun 2007

After spending 5 weeks with relatives in Sicily we certainly needed the peace and quiet of the cruise. Boarding in Venice the queue was quite long at the dock. The 3700 passengers were processed very quickly once we got the method sorted out. There was Tea and coffee and wine and water in the docking lounge with not quite adequate seating but very well organized. The photo with the staff on boarding was a surprise. The Ship was on its 3rd cruise out and very new. Everything was beautifully clean and the dining and public areas were spotless. They were continually cleaning everything. Every time we went to the cabin to shower and change the towels were replaced. The Meals were very well presented and the waiters very friendly They even had our favorite drinks on the table at the time we arrived for our dinner. The themed suppers were excellent my only complaint with that was the waiter on the door recognized me and noted the absence of my husband. I explained he was tired and had stayed in the room. She promptly sent me with a full tray of his favorite Italian deserts ( Canoli ) so that he would not miss out. She directed me to have a private party on our balcony to keep him company. This I thought was a lovely touch. The Towns of Bari (which although we have traveled in Italy extensively we had never seen) and Dubrovnik which was a major reason for the choice of cruise were amazing. We passed very close to the Island of Kithera which has family connections and was wonderful to see.At Izmir the bus broke down on the city tour but it was nothing that the operator had any control over and the replacement bus was quickly supplied. After waiting till 2am to see the ANZAC Cove Memorial which was amazing even from the boat at night. Istanbul was wonderful and wandering in the Bazzar amazing. The museum and the Blue Mosque were really worth the cost of the tour. To stand in such a place where people have worshiped for centuries is wonderful. On the whole the experience was nothing short of amazing. That is why we have decided to take the 14 day Cruise on the Costa Allegra in Asia in a few weeks time. It is distressing to read such reports of previous cruises on the Allegra. I hope our cruise experience is not as bad. I was hoping next year to go on the Classica on her 14 day cruise to Japan but it will really depend on our experience with the Allegra. I think the Serena has spoiled us for the other ships. I thought that the standard would be consistent through out the Costa Line and we enjoyed the Italian Experience. The fact that the ship is ECO friendly and disposes of all of its waste as fertilizer to the Islands of Greece was a real plus for us.Out of 10 I would give 10+ without hesitation.

Cabin Review

Rather larger than anticipated. Balcony was a very good choice. Well worth the little extra for the luxury of being outside without the crowds. Beautifully appointed and tastefully furnished.

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