Afternoon
we cruised with Costa in July & really enjoyed it.
As is said elsewhere, the experience is quite European in nature , few announcements, but those that are made are done in 5 languages (English last) with lots of daytime activities / games for Adults as well as children. What I was really struck by was the evening - on a previous US based cruise (to Alaska Princess cruises) evening entertainment was show or sitting in bars - on Costa there was always entertainment staff in the large bar arranging games/dancing ect - we did not really take part, but enjoyed the atmoshere.
On our Costa cruise(to Norway in July) there were 10 UK passport holders , with about 20 in total in the English speaking group. We had our own host who we met with some evenings & who went through events/excursions ect as well as doing a pot luck quiz - excusions were usually "shared" with either French or Dutch speaking passengers.
We did have a couple of issues with queuing - at disembarkation & trying to get on a local bus at a port, but on board had no problems as has been suggested on other boards.
Smoking wise, we were with my parents ,my dad is a smoker so he was fine. My husband is asmatic but had no problems & really didn't notice people smoking in non smoking areas.
What I did think was striking was the age mix - a fairly high number of "youngsgters" - mid 20's I would say - being in my 30's myself.
Also, things tended to start later - ie first sitting diner was 7pm, second 9.30, Nightclub/disco started after midnight I believe, we normally stayed in the bar with live music/dancing til 11.30 or so.
We really enjoyed the whole experience - felt it was fairly informal, BUT with lots to do if you wanted to, but also with lots of areas to sit & elax. In fact we have booked to gon Costa Fortuna at Easter 2006 - good price & good iteinery.
If you have any specific queries please ask.
Barbara
Barbara
Thanks you very much for your detailled reply. Much appreciated.
Well today we have booked the Costa Fortuna for March 25th 8 nights. Only 3 ports of call, Tripoli (different and interesting) Heraklion, and Katakolon (Greece) So it should be a nice relaxing trip with plenty of time to explore such a huge ship. We have seen Costa Fortuna a couple of times and she is very very impressive.
We got an excellent price for a balcony cabin so we decided to give it a go. Excited already!!
Wendy
Thanks you very much for your detailled reply. Much appreciated.
Well today we have booked the Costa Fortuna for March 25th 8 nights. Only 3 ports of call, Tripoli (different and interesting) Heraklion, and Katakolon (Greece) So it should be a nice relaxing trip with plenty of time to explore such a huge ship. We have seen Costa Fortuna a couple of times and she is very very impressive.
We got an excellent price for a balcony cabin so we decided to give it a go. Excited already!!
Wendy
I am very interested to hear comments about Costa cruises.
I am not long back from an MSC cruise, which was absolutely fantastic. Hearing my tales my parents were keen to try it for themselves and when MSC was unavailable they booked on the Costa Victoria sailing from Venice on the 31st instead. I'll let you know what they think of their first cruise experience.
I am not long back from an MSC cruise, which was absolutely fantastic. Hearing my tales my parents were keen to try it for themselves and when MSC was unavailable they booked on the Costa Victoria sailing from Venice on the 31st instead. I'll let you know what they think of their first cruise experience.
Thanks Craig, look forward to hearing what your paretns think of Costa.
We also looked at Costa Victoria too.
We also looked at Costa Victoria too.
Quite keen to hear myself! I like the look of the repositioning cruise from Savonna to Rio De Janeiro. Maybe next year???
Saw a few of these ships while on our cruise and they looked fantastic. Will keep an eye opened for your posting as we are keen to book with one of them
Maureen
Maureen
hi cruisers
we saw the costa magica (I think) and it looked huge against the melody. will have to think about one of their cruises, maybe next year. vivien
we saw the costa magica (I think) and it looked huge against the melody. will have to think about one of their cruises, maybe next year. vivien
Costa Magica is sister ship to Fortuna and yes they are HUGE. Costa have a brilliant website where you can view lots of different parts of their ships with 360 degree views. The ships look very glitzy and probably will not be to everyones taste. Cabins also look fantastic, even the standard inside. Hubby was actually watching the Fortuna berth in Barcelona this morning via the web cams!
I will post a review when we return.
I will post a review when we return.
I've been watching the webcams too! It's great for getting an idea of the weather and temperature and seeing what the passengers are wearing. I spotted the MSC Sinfonia in Marseille and the Opera in Dubrovnik, which took me back.
We've booked Costa Magica in the Caribbean, Easter 2006. Really looking forward to it! Any tips/comments gratefully received....
How can you see the webcam thing? we have only been on the Thomson Destiny but saw the Costa Fortuna docked next to us and looked like a really beautiful ship (well the outside anyway 
) xxx
) xxx
You can access it via Costa website. http://www.costacruises.co.uk
Click on the link at the top "webcam" and then you can click on whichever ship you want to view, and up pops a wee map telling you the exact location, then you can view two webcams at both the front and back of the ship.
Click on the link at the top "webcam" and then you can click on whichever ship you want to view, and up pops a wee map telling you the exact location, then you can view two webcams at both the front and back of the ship.
Thanks, website is saved to bookmarks. Shame the same isnt available for the Thomson's Ships
No probs, Have a look in daylight tomorrow morning.
We have only done 2 cruises, Airtours Carousel last year, and Thomson
Spirit this year and both times we saw the Fortuna in the Med. What a stunning ship she looks. The prices are very reasonable especially in comparison to Thomsons. I really cannot wait for this cruise in March!!
We have only done 2 cruises, Airtours Carousel last year, and Thomson
Spirit this year and both times we saw the Fortuna in the Med. What a stunning ship she looks. The prices are very reasonable especially in comparison to Thomsons. I really cannot wait for this cruise in March!!
We are going on the Thomson Spirit next summer. Only 9 months to go!! already know a few of the team which are going to be on it/are on it now!!
Anyone able to compare the Thomson and Costa ships? xxx
already know a few of the team which are going to be on it/are on it now!!Anyone able to compare the Thomson and Costa ships? xxx
Hi Pujro,
MSC converted you to (Italian cruising) then! It certainly did me and my parents were that fed up of hearing about it that they had to try it themselves - they leave for Venice tomorrow and board the Victoria on Monday.
I'll report back their experiences of Costa as there doesn't appear to be anything much on this website yet.
MSC converted you to (Italian cruising) then! It certainly did me and my parents were that fed up of hearing about it that they had to try it themselves - they leave for Venice tomorrow and board the Victoria on Monday.
I'll report back their experiences of Costa as there doesn't appear to be anything much on this website yet.
Hi Craig
Yes, well enjoyed it, but to be honest for next year it was the timing(our silver wedding), and the itinery that did it for me. Can't wait.
Hope your parents have a great time.
Cheers
Yes, well enjoyed it, but to be honest for next year it was the timing(our silver wedding), and the itinery that did it for me. Can't wait.
Hope your parents have a great time.
Cheers
Well my parents are back, and I'm afraid that they have been hit by a very infectious and pernicious bug. It's the same one that gave me a good nip while I was on the Opera and haven't been able to shake off since. Yes, they have caught the cruise bug too.
My father, who despises holidays at the best of times, has come back saying he is rested and relaxed and is already talking about which cruise to go next! I am very relieved as it was on my recommendation that they took a cruise. They travelled with my aunt and uncle, who were also celebrating their silver wedding (free cake - I phoned ahead and filled Costa in!), and it sounds like they enjoyed it as much as my parents did. They booked themselves into the premium restaurant for the anniversary, just to make it a little bit more special.
Of course my parents have nothing to compare it too, but hearing what they have to say, it sounds like Costa is broadly similar to MSC, with similar benefits and drawbacks. If you have any questions give me a shout and I'll try to get the answers for you.
My father, who despises holidays at the best of times, has come back saying he is rested and relaxed and is already talking about which cruise to go next! I am very relieved as it was on my recommendation that they took a cruise. They travelled with my aunt and uncle, who were also celebrating their silver wedding (free cake - I phoned ahead and filled Costa in!), and it sounds like they enjoyed it as much as my parents did. They booked themselves into the premium restaurant for the anniversary, just to make it a little bit more special.
Of course my parents have nothing to compare it too, but hearing what they have to say, it sounds like Costa is broadly similar to MSC, with similar benefits and drawbacks. If you have any questions give me a shout and I'll try to get the answers for you.
Craig
You had me worried when I read your first line, that is until I got to the last line of your paragraph!!!
So glad your parents enjoyed the cruise and they now have the bug. I have a current addiction to the Costa website and cannot stop looking at the 360 degree views of all areas of the ship!! Feel I have already been all around the ship.
I will let you know how we get on in March!
You had me worried when I read your first line, that is until I got to the last line of your paragraph!!!
So glad your parents enjoyed the cruise and they now have the bug. I have a current addiction to the Costa website and cannot stop looking at the 360 degree views of all areas of the ship!! Feel I have already been all around the ship.
I will let you know how we get on in March!
I too was startled by your first line. 
Glad your parents enjoyed the cruise and hope they are looking forward to many more.
luci
Glad your parents enjoyed the cruise and hope they are looking forward to many more.luci
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