Flew to Nice from Liverpool to pick up pre arranged transport to Savona. No rep available and had to find our own way to find many people with Costa luggage tags all waiting for coaches. Eventually found a rep who told us we were on number 13. Had a long wait for it to turn up. Embarkation in Savona was more orderly. Queued to get photo taken but straight to cabin which had key cards in. Had booked late dinner but we're on early sitting. Cabin steward friendly, efficient and English speaker suggested late sitting would not suit us. We were in My Way restaurant on a six seated table with other English speaking people even though one couple were Welsh and the other couple Romanians living in England. Lovely people who enhanced our holiday. The menus were translated into English as too were the daily dairies delivered to our cabin. Food was different and not really to my taste but there was always something that I could choose from even if it was the same alternative choice. Food was never hot even when it was supposed to be. For a Mediterranean ship it was very lacking in salad and vegetables!

The cabin, we had a balcony, was both comfortable and spacious. Although the beds were close together we were given a single duvet each so it was like being in single bed. The bathroom was better than some other ships, it was easy to avoid a clinging curtain if the shower was positioned prior to entering. The TV was supposed to be interactive but wasn't. BBC world news and Euronews were the only English speaking channels. There was a fridge with drinks and snacks in but we're not included in the €25 a day all inclusive drinks package. Water in bottles had to be bought with an extra 15% service charge! Even if you drink little in alcoholic drinks, the drinks package is really good value. The list of drinks available is extensive with premium liquors included. We took ice and lemon water to our cabin every night.

Because the decor of the ship is themed- Music. All areas are very ornate but very dark and depressingly gloomy in daylight. At night they are overly glaringly illuminated. We spent a lot of the time in the coffee/ chocolate bar as it was bright and open. It was also the walk through to the restaurants and casino. Great for people watching. Many nationalities on the ship so lots of languages spoken. Fortunately all the crew spoke English. Many were from Brazil particularly in the bars and restaurants. Filipino staff in housekeeping but European staff in other areas. Read more