Costa Luminosa Tips

If you're an English speaker, just go in with an expectation that there might be a slight language barrier and a different type of service in some situations. It'll help if you've sailed a US flagged boat before.

if internet access is important be careful!! The wifi charges were extremely expensive but the internet service was VERY slow! Not worth the price at all! And the support when I had problems was non-existent! Try an internet cafe at port!

Beautiful ship and very international. Met people from all over, but many spoke English.

Use another cruise line.

Read information sheets delivered to your room mailbox.

Make sure you fully understand all of the extras you will have to pay for on board.

Do not book shore excursions directly with the Luminosa. We found that in each port, we were able to book the exact same tour for a third of the price charged on board the ship. If you are visiting Bari, Italy, Costa will charge you 7 euro 95/ person for a transfer from the ship to the city. Avoid this unnecessary cost. The walk from the ship to the city takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace. We learned this after we had been gypped. Don't make a similar mistake. In general, Costa charged for simple amenities which were included free of charge on every other line we sailed with. The tendency to nickle and dime guests gets old very quickly. The cruise line's aim is obviously to make money, and while I'm no economist, I would say it is going about it in the wrong way. Savvy consumers simply make the choice to cruise with another line in future, or, like my husband and I did, refuse to patronize any of the services on board the ship and wait until the port stop to spend their money. Either way, ultimately, the cruise line loses.

The itinerary is amazing but keep the expectations low when it comes to food and entertainment, at least for everyone younger than 50.

Get a cabin with a balcony.

Bring your own bottled water. Its hard to come by on the ship. Also, don't expect the dining experience you find on other cruise lines. Costa encourages you to spend more money in their exclusive dining areas to receive the best food. Save your money for the ports of call where the food is amazing.

It is worth going on the planned excursions.

Bring lots of extra cash for food. Drinks are limited to piss warm water. Food service hours very limited. No free food after 9pm. Over priced drink packages. Br prepared for incredibly short port times.

ship is ok building wise.

Ask them prior to the cruise what the evening themes will be so you can bring appropriate dress to join in the fun.

Book excursions thru United Cruises or an outside tour company, you will get smaller groups and more personalized tours.

Make golf simulator cheaper to use as it's not very best in class and quite expensive to play.

Wait for free on-shore Wi-Fi. On board cost is 27 euros per hour AFTER a 3 euro "registration" fee. Common areas are kept VERY clean. Staff constantly polishing.

Basically you have to pay for everthing even like a bag of chip. If you plan to have a diet during the cruise, you probably pick the right cruise with Costa.

WILL NOT CRUISE ON COSTA AGAIN

Don't go on a Costa Cruise line experience.