Overall, Costa is not RCCL or Princess - it is a budget European product. Unfortunately Americans (like my husband and I) presently pay more for the product than normal since the sagging dollar - as such - you would get better VALUE for your money somewhere else. IF you are considering sailing Costa Cruise Lines - and this ship - I strongly encourage you to speak to as many people as possible who have experienced their product. We found our overall experience well below expectations and are providing this input to hopefully assist those who are considering investing their money and, subsequently, hard earned vacation time. We just returned from An 11 day Costa Cruise aboard the Serena from Savona Italy to the Mediterranean (Canary Islands) and wanted to share, what we feel is important information for those considering a cruise with Costa, and aboard this ship. First allow me to preface by saying this was my seventh cruise, and first with Costa. I have sailed the Med and Baltic Sea before so not unaccustomed to 'European' cruising. One of the first things we noted with Costa onboard the Serena is the tolerance of smoking everywhere - neither myself or husband smoke, and we found this prevalence distasteful in bars, restaurants and common areas (including poolside). Also, we noted the abundance of children on-board and the lack of adequate programs to keep the children engaged. Although it is more common for Europeans to travel with their children than Americans, we found unattended children significantly detracted from our ability to fully relax and enjoy peace and quiet.

Service was another area we found disappointing. Yet, another example of the constant nickel and dimming is charging for room service, this is the first cruise we have ever been charged for room service! One of the reasons we enjoy cruising so much is the service we receive. On Costa - service is provided at a flat fee - meaning, at the end of your cruise you are charged a flat rate for the services provided while aboard. Essentially this removes the incentive for staff to provide service to guests, and often - as a result - we found completely disengaged staff - who simply shrugged when requests were made of them. This includes the customer service folks at the front desk - many of whom disengaged when we asked specific questions

FOOD: Aside from the service, and general peace and quiet - we also enjoy cruising for the excellent variety and quality of food. We found this element with Costa - incredibly disappointing. Breakfast and dinner wasn't too bad - typical eggs, bacon, fruit for breakfast and dinner 5 course meals. Lunch and the midnight 'snack' another story altogether. Lunch; hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries all buffet style - stale rolls and some off fruit. Food lines were well beyond what you would you would see on an American ship. The buffet also consisted of PIZZA constantly - Many complaints were overheard about the amount of money spent for such poor quality and choice - not impressive overall. Read more