I had read all the reviews and boards to know what to expect on Costa. It had a good itinerary and fit our schedule perfectly so we booked it anyway. Here is my list of positives and negatives of our cruise the week before Easter.

Embarkation: We took the train from Rome which is easy until you get off in Civitivecchia where there are two staircases to negotiate (no elevator) so be ready to haul luggage down and then up some stairs. Once at the castle by the port, hopped on the shuttle to the ship. We arrived with no luggage tags (never arrived) so we had them printed when we arrived. Staff was very helpful with this and sent us to the boarding area. Folks were sitting around but we just jumped in the boarding line. When asked where our boarding number was, we answered we didn't have one (apparently you were supposed to get one when you turned your luggage in) so they just let us through. Easy. They don't give you your cards or do the credit card thing until you board. The sea pass cards were waiting on the bed and we immediately found a kiosk to connect our credit card to the sea pass cards for purchases on board. By the way, passengers embarked and disembarked at almost every port.

Cabin: Positives: Lots of storage and tame decor. The cabin was kept clean and fresh towels always provided even if you hang them up to use again. Lots of shelves in the bathroom. Negatives: There is no bed sheet, just a light comforter (which was too warm for me). There is only one outlet (one european and one western). There are no toiletries except for a bar of soap and the dispenser in the shower so bring your own. The doors to the corridor and balcony slam themselves shut, so guess what you hear from your neighbors, yes, slamming doors. The TV system is fair, not many channels (only one in English) and no free movies. No music channels unless you are watching the ship cam or the location channel. Read more