COSTA CRUISE LINES - one of the Carnival Family with a more
adult leaning. Carnival has always catered to the Single, party-type, young crowd, recently convincing families through their new campaign, that there's plenty for families to do on their ships. They are definitely convincing a large market place as their lastest industry publication states that "90% of their ships are booked by travel agents" selling
their new "image" to land them as the #1 Cruise Line, this means all of their partners under the Carnival banner. Of course, to make sure they are covering all their bases, Costa is now following in the footsteps of "the family" offering adults less kids, wild party times and less glitz. Although Carnival, for the most part, has steered away from the eye glaring, light blinking entrance lobbies these days on their new ships. They haven't totally abandoned this mesmerizing marketing promo in the Costa Mediterrenea built in 2003, lets keep them up, gambling, drinking and eating philosophy.
Of course there is a European flair onboard and the decor does get carried away as some lovely frescos, trims, accessories and furnishings could do with less "whipped cream on top" of the cake. Excess can be carried too far to create the atmosphere of Renaissance splendor and in a few places, lots of quiet intimate corners, but you wonder if you or the accessories will win out for space. There was definitely a wide variety of entertainment and I found that the talent in the many lounge performers far outweighed the big stage entertainers. It was wonderful to have a choice each evening of anything from Latin, to Big Band to a singer who could sound like anyone from Neil Diamond to Frank Sinatra and play Disco to Rock & Roll, a one man band star. Also, if you can find room don't forget to pack your dancing shoes and sandals for the last night's Toga party a real fun affair and the Ship even provides the sheet and instructions incase you haven't tied any togas on lately. Although there was two semi-formal night's even on this 5 day cruise, most people who were on this trip liked the idea of dressing up and you found few who didn't don something fashionable to shine between the suits, tuxs and white dinner jackets. I won't say anyone went out and brought a new wardrobe to sail but all had planned well to look special on these occasions.
Saving the food for last, as a whole it was quite good and thought the fact that breakfast and lunch brought a variety of selections even to hot dogs and hamburgers served on the grill outdoors. After taking a survey, no one went hungry and most complained, even going to the midnight buffet each night that they had gained some weight. I can't say this is a gourmet's delight either. Although lunches and dinners in the main diningroom offered variety as well as calorie conscious dining, and there are actually people who do this, the only meal that was very good is the one where lobster tails were on the menu. They did have some yummy desserts and I found the service in the diningroom, attentive and pleasant. Diners only have two times for seatings in the main diningroom 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM and depending on the schedule you are on early seating is usually booked
to capacity long before the ship sails.
If you are looking to do a week in the Caribbean, or the 5 day holiday trip I was on,
this is definitely a good bet, and yes their casino is a full service one so they have tables
along with all the slots machines, and a ship and Costa line you'll want to sail on.
And of course the best selling features are the cabins which are quite large one of the biggest in the industry, well appointed, lots of storage space and having a balcony room makes a good investment as breakfast on the balcony definitely was a highlight of the cruise. Although they will have to rethink their bed comfort, as most of the Ships on Carnival are now going to the down, cushion topped beds this is the only draw-back of giving the cabin Package a B+ rating and enjoy spending uncramped time in. You can say that this is a good value for your dollar and the pricing on this line seems to be targeted towards the middle income patron who would like the little luxuries without spending the large dollars for all the bells and whistles.
The newest ship Costa Magica is also sailing the Caribbean route so there's still
good availability to get away in January and February or choosing one of the ships
Mediterrean sailings.
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Befitting Just Your Style
378 Northlake Blvd., #282
N. Palm Beach, FL 33408
Toll Free: 800-838-5931
Tel: 561-688-0860
Fax: 561-688-0639
dmc@bjys.com
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