We just came back from Costa Diadema. This was our 4th cruise and first time Costa. We enjoyed it very much. Since it is a new ship, I would like to provide some reviews for people who want to know how it went or plan to go in the future.
Airport to port: Our flight delayed to Nice. When we booked the cruise, we called Travel agent to add the airport transfer. It was easier and cheaper comparing to bus or train. We have paid Costa airport transfer round trip ($27 USD per person) between Nice and Savona. Since we didn't arrive Nice in time, we had to find a way to the next port, Marseille. We stayed in the hotel cross street from the airport, 10 minutes walk. There was no train due to the national strike. The next morning, we took bus #20 (8:15am) from Nice airport Terminal 1 to Marseille train station (11:45am). At Nice airport Terminal 1 bus station, we bought the tickets at ticket office with credit card €32.2 per person. Then we took taxi (€25 euro, cash only, tips and 2 luggages included) to the port (12:30pm)
Embarkation: We explained our situation at check-in desk. There was no line for us. The lady checked all our paper work (web checked in weeks ago), and the other lady checked on board to make sure our room is ready. About 20 minutes waiting, we went through special entrance to get on the boat. The new thing to us is they took our passports and returned to us when disembark. It is required for all none European passports.
Our room is premium ocean view cabin which was upgraded from standard room promotion. It is very spacious. There are shower and bath tub separately, (only ocean view cabin on deck 1 comes with bath tub), queen size bed, and sofa couch which is longer than my high (5'7"). I can lay down comfortably. There are also a lot of storage space for clothes, shoes and luggage. The window is big that I can sit there, enjoy the view and didn't get cold. It is more comfortable than the balcony cabin we had before in Princess cruise. In the bathroom, the shower/shampoo is fixed on the wall. A soap, hair dryer and towels are provided. Diadema has "samsara suites" on deck 12 come with balcony, jacuzzi and sun roof, organic cotton sheets and bath robes. Overall new is better. Everything is nice and clean.