We had read other reviews of the Pacifica and were a little apprehensive but, in all honesty, were pleasantly surprised.Our cabin was very good and we did not feel cramped. There were plenty of drawers and closet space, along with a safe. The bathroom and shower were more than adequate and larger than in some hotels we have stayed in.Our biggest kudo's are for the staff who were very customer service oriented and made you feel welcome. For example, I was trying to find some basketball scores (march madness) and could not. I asked the desk if they could suggest a solution. The following day, they sent the scores of all NCAA games up to that point to our cabin. I can not say enough for their courtesies, be it the restaurant, bars, housekeeping, etc.As it was lent, I was appreciative that Costa has a priest who is part of the crew and said mass each morning. I think others felt the same way as the chapel was always full.We signed up for two tours on the ship and were generally happy with them. The only negative is (and this is applicable to most all tours) is that you got herded along and had little time to linger at a spot that might be meaningful. However, they seem to stop longer than necessary at the souvenir stands.We felt the only downside was the small portions at mealtime. However, our waiter was good enough to get an extra desert or two if requested. We felt the meals could be upgraded. Also, there was no open seating restaurant for dinner like the Princess lines and therefore were stuck with the same dinner companions each night. The buffet was not an option and the food looked unappetizing the one night we went there when our tour got back late.Our biggest complaint with Costa was getting good information before we left. If you called to get a clarification of a previous answer, the information received did not seem related to the original answer. We never did get good information and often it was contradictory. All in all, we would sail on Costa again.
This was a five hour stop to see Mt. Olympus. We declined the opportunity.
The port was Ashdod and then an hours ride to Jerusalem. It was interesting but a lot of walking. Going from the Wailing Wall to the east gate was interesting and would liked to have taken our time going thru the markets and stopping at various points of the stations of the cross.
Lunch was at a hotel and better than expected.
Bethlehem could have been better with more time at the church but we were hustled off to a souvenier stand for 30 minutes.
Good tour of the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth and very worthwhile. Couldn't believe how crowded Nazareth was.
Took tour by local company to Epheses and the house of the Virgin Mary. Very worthwhile.
Did not take tour but got off and took local transportation and had lunch in town on our own. It was relaxing.
MUST SEE - Acropolous Museaum