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Finally I have got a reply from Costa, there was no comments from them just a cheque for £200.00.

My husband & I were on the same cruise departing Dubai 6th Jan 2010. The ship looked fabulous so we thought we were in for a realy good week, what a disapointment! The most anouncments were made in Italion and when there were spoken in english it was so bad we found it difficult to understand. The entertainment was at best amature, but the worst thing was the thefts from our cabins. We had an ipod taken and a couple at our dining table both had jackets stolen from their cabin. Our complaints fell on deaf ears. I sent full details to Costas head office but no reply. We have been on 12 cruises and loved every one, this was our first Costa and will be our last. The first week in March we cruised on the Oasis of the seas Fabulous. Cant wait for our next, but not with Costa.

Hi I am the person that wrote the original comments. Just like to update you on whats happened so far. I have written to both Costa uk and to the tour operator. I have had no responce at all from Costa, but the tour operator has been in touch but they are also waiting for a responce from Costa. I have been informed by the tour operator that Costa have 28 days to reply to them, this date has past by without comment. Does anyone out there know of an address of Costa that has actually responded to their complaints. Thanks

Hi Just to rub salt into your wounds,we went with Fred Olsen last Xmas,we paid to upgrade to a balcony which was great,whilst talking to another couple we found they had upgraded to a cheaper balcony with an obstructed view, the add cost was £300, but the next day they had a note to say they some maintenance was to happen and there would be a refund of £200, the work took about 2 hours to complete? Also during our trip another couple couldn't make a trip they had booked, good old Fred gave a full refund,unlike our trip to Dubai with Costa where a couple couldn't make a trip, they were offerred an alternative,which they didn't want,so Costa said you will just have to lose your money!!!!Great We booked a trip by train with a commentry, the chap got in another compartment so our intercom didn't work,after complaining he said he would do it on the way back,we made sure we were in his compartment this time,but before we got to anywhere interesting the train stopped briefly & he got in another compartment, only to give the same people the same bl**dy commentry, after complaining to him again he gave us a commentry on the way back from the train station on the coach,that was really good as there was now nothing to see!!!!We complained when we got back to the ship, but to no avail,just passed back and forth from the reception to the tour desk,in the end we just gave up. As regards the drinks, yes very expensive 5 euro 15% for cheap plonk. My wife adds that because the crew know you have to pay a mandatory tip, they aren't really that bothered. It would appear that you really need to go to with a good old fashioned company like Fred Olsen All the best Ade & Jayne

This sums up my experiences with Costa as well. Basically they are down market, cheap and nasty, never ever again will I be tempted to go Costa, I'd prefer a rowing dinghy on the Thames in winter.

I would not normally advise anyone to seek compensation but in your case I'm sure you would have a good case. If you choose a cabin with a balcony then that is what you are entitled to. I would certainly take it further than the customer service staff.

Don't give up. Make as much fuss as you can. Letters to Customer service with copies to CEO and every TA you can think of. Badger your TA to protest on your behalf, if they want your custom again! At the very least you should get the difference between an ocean view and a balcony cabin.