It is different from American cruising but, I got use to the environment being a bit on the cold side, I don't mean temperature wise but the coldness of the staff. Only the room attendants would automatically speak to you. Officer's would walk right past and not look at or acknowledge you. It seemed that they were scared you might ask them something and they really didn't want to be bothered. Service was functionary with no showing of spontaneous friendliness shown. My partner did not like the Costa style at all.

The ship definitely could use a good updating. Poor, small TV one has not seen in years that mostly played in black and white. Pink and maroon bathroom that has seen much better days. I had booked a guaranteed balcony and was given a cabin with a slightly larger balcony next to area where the back of the ship jets out. The ship did not appear to be full so, I am sure that's why we got that cabin. I had no complaint with their choice..

The buffet was confusing at first but, we got use to the routine and time scheduling. After a couple of days, though,the food did become monotonous. Main dining room was again functionary. The staff worked quick and fast delivering the food and grabbing away the finished plates. We, Americans, were given water with our dinner. There were six courses but the portions are so tiny you barely had a taste of what you had ordered. We were seated in the 3rd floor dining room so, we could not see any of the entertainment the dining staff put on. I joked with the other couple we were seated with, that we were the leftovers and that was why we were at the catch-all table set for 10 in the back of the room. Read more