This was out third cruise with Costa and the second on the Allegra. We too felt very disappointed after our first cruise on the Allegra. We had flown to Hong Kong and were about to set sail for Manilla, Brunei,Singapore, Vietnam and China.Yes the ship is old but you soon find your way around and the itinerary was great.However on reflection how can you go to such lovely places for less than a grand.So we booked again on the Classica around the Middle East. Again great value for money.We booked again to go on the Allegra out of Singapore going to Massaker, Komodo, Bali, Jakarta, Malacca, Phuket and Port Klang.Brilliant itinerary again for about a grand.

The way we look at it is have two weeks cruising to remote places on the Allegra or do the Caribbean for a week for the same price.

I can put up with the small cabins(They are always clean), the overpriced drinks(stops anyone going OTT.You make a bar your first stop when you land. Get your bearings and off you go),The excursions are a little overpriced but again negotiate with a local driver and do your own thing.No we had a great time.Will definitely go with Costa again. Are looking at the China,Japan itinerary.If you want 5* cruising you will pay 5* prices. The Costa Allegra is 3* and the prices of the tour reflect this. Yes the company will try to claw back revenue for drinks and shore excursions but be bold. Drink a little and explore the stops on your own or with another couple you have just met. Great fun.