While this trip provided us an opportunity to explore several countries through a unique experience, certain factors made the overall experience only average.

Costa Diadema Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 110

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Costa Diadema

7 Night Marvellous Mediterranean (Rome Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 26, 2018

Ship: Costa Diadema

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 2121

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

The overall cruise experience was very good. However, we were late returning from an excursion in Palma due to some transportation issues and missed the ship departure. This was a terrible experience which cost me over $1000 in flight, lodging, etc,(We had to take a flight from Palma to Barcelona, and stay overnight in Barcelona. Then we flew to Palermo and spent a night there). This meant that, for 2 days, we were not on the ship. I don't blame Costa for us missing the ship. However, when we returned to the ship in Palermo, Italy and cruised to Rome, I saw that Costa had originally removed the service fees from my bill for the 2 days we weren't on the ship. But then they returned those fees, although we received no service, our stateroom was locked and received no cleaning for those 2 days, we consumed no meals, nor used any of the facilities during this period. I spoke with the cruise's on board customer representative to plead my case, and asked that those charges be removed,only to be told, very rudely, "Sir...That's NOT going to happen!". I should not have been charged for services I did not receive.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
We purchased a water package from Costa. when we discovered that we were charge for a single water on the same day, they refused to credit us.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
The food and service were good in most restaurants. The server for our dining was attentive to some guests and not as attentive to others.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Great shows.

Children's Programs

We had no children.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Most staff was very professional. However, when we needed the help of customer service on two matters, they were curt and refused to help. when we asked for a higher authority, we were denied.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
The cabin was very good. The balcony provided us with privacy, great views, with privacy. Toilet did not flush properly.

Ship tip

1. Be sure to consider and understand all costs before setting you travel budget. 2.

Ports of call

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

2 out of 5
The train departure location is way too far away from the station

Marseille (Provence), France

4 out of 5
Our shore excursion toured the old arts district was not modern and was mostly closed.

Barcelona, Spain

5 out of 5

Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands

5 out of 5

Palermo, Sicily

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 110

5 Comments

Lopaka    6 years ago

Well said Travelwizard1 - candid & unvarnished!

Travelwizard1    6 years ago

Everyone who cruises and choses to go out exploring on their own ( myself included) know if they risk missing sailing time the ship will not wait. Only guarantee for the ship waiting is for cruisline sponsored excursions. Thems the rules period. I have never seen anywhere in a cruise contract fine print mention that you would be reimbursed for parts of the cruise if you were off lollygagging on your own.

Lopaka    6 years ago

ITYM "excursion" right, IkeDeb?

IkeDeb    6 years ago

Sorry to hear that. Was your cruise through the cruise line?

Lopaka    6 years ago

Hey, you blew it by not being on time...that's on you. "Sir...that's not going to happen" sounds polite to me.