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Fantastic value for money
Reviewed By: Renshaw, Sheffield on 10th Jun 2009
Cruise Line: Costa Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Costa Classica	Sailed: May, 2009
Destination: Far East	Age: 56-65

Superb cruise and maybe the best that my wife and myself have been on (been on 18 previous cruises ). OK not the most glitzy or newest ship but very welcoming and relaxed . " ALL" the staff were so helpful and friendly nothing was ever too much trouble. We were in outside cabin 5086 which was spacious and comfortable and our steward was Ernesto, not possible to meet a nicer more helpful guy. Our dinner waiter was Roberto and again he was really first class . The food that a lot of people moaned about we found to be better than average cruise ship fare and really plentiful. One night I had two lobsters ,on another about three dozen oysters for starters and king prawns till they came out of my ears. Steak was always avaliable and so was a endless supply of fresh fruits ( Apples Oranges Pears Plums Melon Grapes Mango and so on ) . Didnt go on any of the ships trips because we always do our own thing, however the ship gave us lots of information including maps for all the ports we visited. As to the itinery , wonderful, would cost a fortune to visit all the places visited under your own steam and the people were so friendly and polite. Dont know what the captain was like because we never met him but he must have been ok as we never hit anything. Only got one moan, Costa when you serve roast lamb or grilled lamb chops will you please train one of your crew to make some decent mint sauce. Looking forward to our next Costa cruise to somewhere Regards Ray Renshaw
Quality of Food
Everywhere and just about everything
Entertainment
All good variety acts. The juggler did drop his balls several times
Shore Excursions	n/a
Didnt go on any. Travelled by taxi and train
Staff
All of them
Children's Facilities	n/a
Too good for kids
Onboard Activities
Yes like eating and reading talking to passengers and crew
Cabins

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Question by Palmer, Cornwall (08 Aug 09 08:20) about this REVIEW

Am considering a Far East cruise starting in Hong Kong then Phillipines, Vietnam. China etc on Classica. Just wondering if this was the one you did and where you went by taxi and train as I would prefer to go it alone if possible. Did you need visas? any advice would be appreciated as having read the reviews of Costa am wondering if another cruise line would be advisable although you seemed to have positive things to say?

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Question by stringer, wakefield (07 Aug 09 12:06) about this REVIEW

hi could you tell me if you needed visas because of doing your own thing.i would like to do my own thing but if it means getting in touch with lots of embassys for visas it might not be worth the trouble

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Question by Hurley, Leeds (17 Jun 09 13:01) about this REVIEW

Hi - We are doing the same tour this Friday - I know it's a bit late but can you tell me if the formal night is tux or lounge suits. I don't want to be the only one in a tux but ther again don't want to be the only one in just a shirt and tie. Your help would be much appreciated. Many thanks in advance of your reply

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Gillert, London (12 Jun 09 12:34) about this REVIEW

Apart from no mention of the lengthy queuing at Hong Kong to get onto the ship I think that the comments are fair. Is the captain not generally available because his languages are limited (and there are a number of languages spoken on board)? I ask because when he appeared on stage for the welcome/farewell evenings he seemed to be reading his words. I'd put our steward Andrew against Ernesto anytime. The boy was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO helpful and efficient. Apart from Nagasaki I did excursions from every port. OK they were expensive but I thought they were value for money - except in Taipai where the restaurant meal was below what I expected and certainly not up to the standard of meals of the Mt Fuji and Kyoto trips. (Incidentally I can recommend the Beijing Garden restaurant in Star Centre Hong Kong. Four of us ate there and all thought it the best Chinese ever! Even with wine the cost pp was about £25 - in beautiful surroundings overlooking the harbour - ask for window seat when reserving. Advisable.

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Question by Hurley, Leeds (16 Jun 09 19:39) about a COMMENT by Gillert (12 Jun 09 12:34)

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Answer by Gillert, London (17 Jun 09 15:46) to a QUESTION by Hurley (16 Jun 09 19:39)

It seemed to me that the policy on formal nights was "Anything goes". One night a girl came in wearing jeans! But a tux will not be out of place. Lots wore evening dress - particularly we Brits. The French and Italian were the scruffiest. My advice. Be comfortable with what you are wearing. I don't get much chance to wear my evening suit so 3 gala nights was a good excuse. Hope this helps. Enjoy the cruise. We certainly did.

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Comment by Hurley, Leeds (17 Jun 09 16:16) about an ANSWER by Gillert (17 Jun 09 15:46)

Hi - Thanks for your quick response - the last thing I wanted to be either over or under dressed. So it looks as if the Tux will be coming out of mothballs after all. I'm sure we will enjoy the cruise depite a few adverse comments but it's generall what you make of it. Again many thanks for your help.

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Chapman, Torquay (12 Jun 09 11:28) about this REVIEW

We cruised on Classica in March/April on the Far East cruise and had a fabulous cruise. Agree with most of your comments - don't remember being able to have 2 lobsters but the food was good. Captain is a lovely guy - met him on Allegra 2 years ago. Only complaint is the price of the drinks onboard which are very expensive. Would certainly cruise with Costa again.

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Question by Parker, Colchester (07 Mar 10 18:15) about a COMMENT by Chapman (12 Jun 09 11:28)

Is there anyway round the drink packages only being able to be used at mealtimes we would rather like to have reasonably priced drinks in the evening. We are going on our first costa cruise on wednesday trying not to let negative comments spoil our cruise we will reserve our own judgement.

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Answer by Chapman, Torbay (08 Mar 10 22:48) to a QUESTION by Parker (07 Mar 10 18:15)

Can't really help you on info re drink package. I did the wine package in the restaurant - think 6 bottles at a reasonable price but cannot remember howmuch. Also did soft drink package (used during the day). Think they may have changed the 'deals' since we were onboard last March/ april. We thoroughly enjoyed Costa - some fabulous ports. Don't expect 'English food' but there certainly is a good choice and the restaurant meals in the evenings is very good. Hope you enjoy - sure you will

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