I had high expectations with Costa cruise lines and was a little disappointed. Costa is a luxury cruise lines with the Europeans, not Americans. It doesn't compare to Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. The ship was VERY warm...all temperatures are strictly controlled so it was a bit uncomfortable. Dining area, lounges, and casino were all warm and nothing could be done. Smokey in most public areas. Cruise line doesn't control children in the adult pool area as there were many children in the pool. It was not very relaxing as everything was rushed and it was like herding cattle everywhere. Long wait in the disembarkation area with no where to sit.
One day at sea was chaotic in food areas: long lines, no where to sit and eat and lido deck outside was very congested. Length of stay in ports of call were very limited. Time on the beautiful islands of Santorini and Mykonos were limited also. Mykonos was in the evening so you couldn't even take in the beauty of the island.
Staff was just OK; not real attentive. We had to remind and ask our cabin steward for several things plus we barely saw him. I didn't have these experiences on other cruise lines. Dining staff forgot things and I had to remind them every night to bring me my bottle of wine. The food was nothing impressive and I thought menu selections were limited.
Cabin rooms were OK and fairly comfortable and quiet. Formal nights on ship weren't very formal so don't waste your money purchasing nice attire! Europeans were very casual for the two formal dinners. Plan to spend a lot of money too just for bottled water! For the money, I'll stick with Celebrity or Royal Caribbean next time!
