We have not taken a cruise holiday for several years, with a few weeks notice, we booked a cruise with Costa. This was our first time with this line, however we have used Celebrity, Carnival and Princess Cruises in the past.

We arrived by car to Barcelona port, upon arrival, was all a bit confusing on where to go, park, etc. One of Costa officials said, you can park in WTC, show your paperwork to team at the Costa Shuttle bus. So dropped kids off, parked as directed, went to bus and showed paperwork. They said you have to check in first, from whence i just had been sent. After several minutes of pleading, staff said no access to bus....had to walk several miles to terminal in afternoon sun, with some bags.

Raised issue at terminal staff, they said tell staff on boat, mentioning they walk sometime...seemed pretty uninterested. Went to reception, who also did not care. Terrible first impression. Read more