Friends found cruise at a reasonable price. A group of 8 decided it would be a fun trip.
The written instructions we received after purchase informed us that our luggage must be smaller than allowed by the airline. This was a 29 day trip. Our carry on was to meet very small criteria and was not allowed to have wheels. The reason was that there would not be room on the land tour buses. There was plenty of room on the buses. The written material explained that we would be charged a daily per person amount for gratuity that would be divided among certain staff. We learned this was not accurate and that this money would go to Costa to help defer salaries. We were asked on regular basis to tip all who served. The amount charged for “gratuity” was about $600 per couple and was in addition to regular tips. We learned that this could be removed but we were not informed of this by staff or YMT. Tours provided by the ship were more expensive than private tours. There were many, many complaints about the food. Many items free on other cruises were purchase items on this cruise. You purchase water for your room, soft drinks, ice cream and various other items. You were provided one bar of soap and no wash cloths. You could ask for extra soap. Wash cloths were harder to obtain. TV was limited. You could usually get BBC. WiFi was a charge item. Entertainment was very average and often put on by the Costa staff. We saw some really interesting places but I would not take this tour again. Many people on the ship got a upper respiratory illness near the conclusion of tour and of course you can get no help without paying to see a doctor.
The cabin was adequate, no frills. Refrig was full of purchase items and little room for anything else. No water or ice provided in the room. Water could be purchased or obtained in one of the dining areas in a glass. Our room overlooked life boats.