We chose this voyage because the timing allowed us to complete an earlier Princess cruise; spend a week driving the northern lake region of Italy; pick up this cruise, and then put us in position to cruise back to the States. (We were celebrating our 60th anniversary/80th birthdays...while we both were still standing.) We've traveled Costa previously. Costa Cruise Line may not be for everyone; it has been good for/to us. For whatever reason, some travel agents will not book you on Costa. If you find this to be the case and you really like your agent, book the cruise yourself and having done that, transfer the booking to your travel agent. Failing that, book the cruise yourself and forget the agent. Costa, in Europe, caters to typically not less than 6 nationalities aboard the ship. Your announcements are therefore (typically) in 6 different languages! Italian, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English. With the increase in Asian tourists, do not be surprised if additional groups are catered to. The preceding isn't bad, it just "is". Since the groups mentioned are on board, the ship's tours are offered in the respective language. That's the good news. The bad new if not enough people of a group book the tour; the tour is cancelled. The option is to join another group's "language" tour. The tour office is well organized and joining the correct tour is typically a non-event. Regarding dining room seating, somehow you are seated with a group that speaks your language. The food is OK. Formal nights are a farce (at least on this cruise). Tennis shorts and sweater around the neck was allowed. Entertainment was generally good+. The "My Way" dining room is less crowded since the majority of guests opt for the NY one. Service was fine in the dining room. Their main floor show is excellent with good cast. The other shows are good/typical. As with all cruises, there are daily events throughout the day such as lectures/demonstrations/movies and such. Their Internet room is fine. There are also stores in which to shop and naturally a Casino. Their "front desk" will change money (U.S./Euro/Pounds) which is important since you'll need $20 in pounds if you are going on a tour in Britain and plan to snack/have coffee. If Costa is going at the time you want to go; to the place(s) you want to go...the go with Costa...if nothing else, the price will be right! Read Less