We had booked a classic without view and were amazed when 3 weeks before sailing we got our cabin assignment - upgrade to a mini suite. The cabin was comfortable and clean and was our oasis of calm helped by a very efficient stewardess. This was the best thing about the entire cruise.

I have had 11 cruises on Costa over the years but this cruise will be the last. In Europe the ship turned into a ferry with passengers who appeared to be starving pushing and shoving and trying to knock you out of the way at the buffet. After Savona it settled down but it was not helped by the number of beverage stations being out of order in the buffet. So we ate breakfast and lunch in the dining room which was acceptable. Dinners soon went downhill with what appeared to be a menu of leftovers.

Halfway through the voyage they opened the buffet in the evening for 1 1/2 hours and remarkably it was quiet so at least you could get a salad/veggies etc instead of sitting for 2+ hours in dining room for a 2" piece of salt cod and cabbage! Read more