Wednesday 3rd December 2008
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PLEASANTLY SURPRISED! |
| Reviewed By: Rogers, Stockport on 17th Aug 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Costa Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Costa Concordia |
Sailed:
August,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 46-55 |
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We (husband and myself) didn't read any reviews before booking this cruise and were dismayed when we did as most were negative. Well, for those out there who have done the same, do not be down hearted! We were not disapointed. Embarkation was smooth and hassle free, with cases in our cabin minutes after we arrived. However, leaving at the end was not so good as we left 8.30am and were taken to the airport in Milan to wait for our flight 5 hours later! Added to that our main case was lost and although it turned up 2 days later it was not a good note to end on.
Anyway, that aside, the ship and our cabin was roomy (loads of storage) and spotlessly clean everywhere. Very bling-bling (especailly merchandise in the shops) but that's what cruise ships are like aren't they? The food wasn't excellent, but very good, small portions yes, but hey, that's all you need with 6 courses! We used the Parigi buffet a couple of times, but after not being able to find a table at lunch time we stuck to the Milano restaurant which is much more civilised. We found the staff polite and friendly all over the ship. The drinks were pricey but thanks to those reviews we read we knew the best deal was to buy the packages, which we did on the 1st day and saved as a result. I found the SPA treatments excellent but very expensive at 90 euros for a massage. Smoking was a bit of an issue in the bars but there is so much room we were able to keep clear. Excursions were fine, especially liked the Malta one; Theresa our guide was so enthusiastic and proud of her country it was inspiring. Watch out in Tunisia as the guide takes you into a jewellery shop which is tiny, hot and uncomfortable, don't go in unless you are genuinely interested and prepared for a long battle haggling with the staff who will not let you go, even followed me down the street! Some fellow passegers were a bit miffed that the cruise 'catered mostly for the Italians'. This mystifies me...of course it does!!! it's an Italian ship aimed mainly at the Italian market! We were aware of this from the beginning and didn't feel out of it at all as all staff speak English. We didn't use the Theatre much so cannot comment. The ship caters well for families, which although that didn't spoil it for us, next time we may cruise with a company that caters more for 'grown-ups'. Overall, for us, this was a good value for money cruise.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| up to standard | | Entertainment | n/a |
| did not use | | Shore Excursions |  |
| Malta great | | Staff | |
| Pedro, wine/dinner waiter, took time for a quick chat each evening | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
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lauderdale
marks carribean [eastern]
Tracey and Andy`s Sugar and Spice Tour, southern caribbean January 2008
Elstree-photo
