Costa in the Caribbean - worth it?

[Katzenjammer]

I see some great deals on Costa in the Caribbean, but I just got a bad report about them in Europe.

Are they different when they get to the Caribbean where there are more Americans? What has been your experience?

[Paul Motter]

I have not sailed on Costa in Europe but I hear Costa is not going to come to the caribbean that much anymore - European cruising is really taking off. They will only have one ship in the caribbean next year. I believe it will be the Fortuna.

The bigger question now is should you take Costa in Europe. If you like the price and itinerary I say you should - as long as you have a companion and dont care if you meet people on the ship. Keep in mind you will be a minority, so it is an Italian experience even upon the ship. Some people might find that enticing, some might not.

As long as you like veal, lamb, octopus, etc, then you will like the food. Don't expect to see steak every night. There was no pool hamburger bar - just pizza on the Deliziosa.

[ANGSWIN]

We sailed the Atlantica in the W. Caribbean in April and LOVED it!
The passengers were mainly American and Canadian with a mix of Europeans. Our best friends from the cruise were from New Zealand!

There is also a significant price difference between a Costa Caribbean cruise a Costa European cruise. It is by far cheaper to sail in the Caribbean. Also, they convert all onboard currency to American dollars (including the casino, etc.) during the Caribbean cruises.

It was a fantastic trip and I really have nothing to complain about except the food was a little too European style for my taste - especially the seafood. It was served with all of the little parts still attached. I simply stopped ordering it, though, and the rest of my meals were fine.

[Paul Motter]

Angswin - glad you enjoyed your Costa cruise. As long as you are cruising with people you like and you like the food and your stateroom then I see not reason why Costa would not be good. The ships are virtually identical to Carnival ships.

The one thing we hear about the most about Costa is people not liking the food - but you seemed to like it, so no problem for you.

[cruised1014]

The cheap deal you are seeing. It is really true that you get what you pay for on Costa. I had found Costa 7 day carribean for $250
per person a couple of years ago. When our cruise was over I wanted my money back. All the food was under cooked pasta. Crunchy is o.k but for potatoe chips not ravioli. Look at Carnival deals starting Oct 24th Valor, Liberty, or 6 day Freedom for 249 or so last minute. At least you will have fun on these ships. Ed