This was my 3rd cruise on Costa and absolutely terrible. The port times were by far the shortest of all the cruise ships. I emailed the cruise line numerous times to ensure one of the three cabins are a twin (and received confirmation in writing it will be done) which did not happen. There was a number of hidden expenses, with a total of nearly 500euros. Previously when on a cruise I was used that everything in the cruise was included. This time around you had to pay for every single thing additional, including playing table tennis. The 4D movie machine broke and we were sent back 3 times to go and watch the movie on different days and every-time you get there, it is still broken. Bad communication by especially the front desk. We were told to buy bingo tickets at X point but when you get there, they have changed the location without informing anyone.

Then again none of the activities started on time. Followed the instructions for online check in one month prior to departure and was already on the way to the airport and still haven't received everyone's boarding passes and luggage tags which we had to print beforehand. Only two very small pools on board and with a large number of kids on board, could not make use of the pool or jacuzzi as there was just no space. The public bathrooms in communal areas were not cleaned regularly. Our sea day had bad weather and the ship is not geared to accommodate everyone indoors and the activities hosted resulted in people 'hanging around' because there is no place to sit. The drinks packages are badly compiled, i.e. on our drinks package we could get a whiskey and soda, but cannot get a bottle of soda on its own. You had to buy a water package additional. We could get cocktails but no orange juice. On the soft drinks package you can get cocktails, soft-drinks etc, but cannot get a coffee. After 09:30pm you cannot get any drinking water on the cruise, unless you pay exorbitant fees for water from the minibar. Nor do they allow you to fill your water bottle from the fountain (which is also disconnected at night) Neither can you get a cup of coffee before 07:00am and some days 07:30am, unless you contact room service. When they changed ports during the cruise, due to weather concerns they provided no information about the new destination. Also some of the unfriendliest serving staff at the bars. The bars was also badly staffed so you waited most times at least 10 - 15min for a drink. The breakfast buffet served the same food every single day with no variance. Lunch was the same everyday with only one meat option changed (some days). The dinners was average. Will not recommend to anyone.