Fantastic value for money

We wanted to take my Mum who is 84 to see Venice, Rome, Croatia, Montenegro and Athens for her first time.

We always choose Costa for value for money.

The crew do a great job. Can't fault bar service, restaurant service or care/cleanliness of cabin.

The buffet food was great but the physical layout is annoying. Restaurant food fantastic.

The ship is badly laid out. The bars and even the specialist restaurants are all thoroughfares making it impossible to relax as people are constantly streaming through.

There is a huge upper outdoor deck away from the pools and children but no convenient bar up there if you like a cocktail while you sunbath.

We had booked Samsara cabin giving inclusive Spa access. It was a sanctuary we used every day but facilities are co-ed which is very off-putting.

Theatre shows we're all amazing and cruise director Sabrina fabulous.

Embarkation in Venice would have been a nightmare if we hadn't had priority because of Mum's reduced mobility. Poorly organised and little space.

Disembarkation was also a nightmare. They don't explain it in advance that there may be a long time between docking and getting to your taxi.

One final point about Costa..... Wait until you are on board to book your internet package. The best value social media package is not offered on the web site and they won't let you cancel your prebooked package once on board to change it.

If you take one thing from this review remember Costa offer FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY.

We only slept and changed in it so totally adequate. Did not like not knowing the hour due to lack of daylight but we preferred to spend our money on including the spa.