If you expect to be served by jovial Italian waiters, you’ll be disappointed – although the restaurant managers might be Italian. All ships have two seatings for dinner; dining times on Europe/Mediterranean and South America cruises are usually later than those in the Caribbean because Europeans and Latin passengers eat much later than North Americans. Few tables for two are available, most being for four, six, or eight. All dining rooms are smoke-free – in theory.
The cuisine is best described as continental adequate, with many regional Italian dishes and much emphasis on pasta: 50 pasta dishes per cruise. Except for pasta dishes (made fresh on board) and cream sauces, presentation and food quality are not memorable, and are the subject of many negative comments from passengers. While the quality of meat is adequate, it is often disguised with gravies and rich sauces. Fish and seafood tend to lack taste, and are often overcooked. Green vegetables are hard to come by. Breads and bread rolls are usually good, but the desserts are of supermarket quality and lack taste.
There is a wine list but no wine waiters; table waiters are expected to serve both food and wine, which doesn’t work well. Almost all wines are young – very young.
Alternative Dining
If you opt for one of the “alternative” restaurants aboard the larger ships, note that a cover charge applies: e20 per person plus 10% service charge (Europe/Mediterranean cruises), or $20 per person plus 15% service charge (Caribbean cruises).
Casual Eateries
All ships have self-serve lido buffets. In most, you have to move along with your tray, but the latest ships have more active stations and individual islands. The items available are quite basic. All ships except Costa Europa also have a pizzeria.
The Coffee/Tea Factor
Regular Coffee: Decent and quite strong. Score: 5 out of 10.
Espresso/Cappuccino coffees (Lavazza) are among the best served by the major cruise lines: the main competition is from Celebrity Cruises’ Cova Café; Star Cruises also serves Lavazza. All Costa ships have coffee machines in most lounges/bars. Score: 8 out of 10.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010
