This was our first Mediterranean cruise as we are not very good sailors; it was also our first time on a Costa ship. We flew from Heathrow to Milan (had a couple of hours wait at Milan airport as coach had to wait for other flights) boarded our coach to Savona. Checking in on board was ok but other cruise lines seem to have better systems as we had to give info that they already had which caused some delays after a long journey.

First impressions of ship were great, everything shone sparkled, staff very helpful amazed that they spoke so many languages. Cabin was as expected a good size clean in exactly the right position for us (on a low deck in the middle of the ship-less roll movement). No tea/coffee making facilities which I think is a shame as cabin service is chargeable.

Once unpacked it was off to the bar for a coffee beer as it had been a very long day, prior to the cruise we had checked other reviews taken out the all inclusive drinks package (€19.60 pppd) I have to say that this is a must if cruising with Costa as no drinks are included at all including water, e.g. a bottle of water €2.95, beer €4.90 coffee €2.50 this soon adds up during the day. When I booked the cruise I failed to indicate how many persons we would like to sit with in the dining room so we had a table to ourselves throughout the cruise, the setting was perfect as our table was at the rear of the ship in the centre looking out each night at wonderful sunsets. Dining was excellent consisting of 7 courses per evening with each course being just enough to ensure at the end of the meal you had enough room for a coffee and cocktail, one minor point, we felt the pasta was a tiny bit too thick which was strange considering the ship is Italian, but this was a very minor point did not spoil an excellent dining experience each evening. Read more