My Mediterranean Cruise

Costa Serena Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 56

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Costa Serena

7 Night Ancient Treasures (Venice Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 05, 2009

Ship: Costa Serena

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

The ship was very decorative. The staff was helpful when we had a problem. However, because it was an Italian ship, the language was geared to them and even though English was spoken, there were many misunderstandings because of language. The "before trip" information was totally lacking. Many problems would have been avoided if we had more pre-sailing info. Costa was not quick to answer questions because we did not book directly through them.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Meals were frequently cold. No comparison to Norwegian or Royal Caribbean.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
In typical Italian style - nothing was ever on time.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
We had numerous problems and the staff went above and beyond to help us solve them. However, "before-hand" info wouldn't have meant that we did not have these problems.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
Quire ornate. All the bars wee in one area. They actually ran together. There was also a lack of restrooms in public areas.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We were lucky to get a "handicap" room and it was quite spacious, comfortable and well-kept. No amenities other than body wash on the wall and one small bar of soap.

Ports of call

Bari, Italy

1 out of 5
Not much to choose from in shore excursions.
Don't Miss: St. Nicholas Church

Izmir, Turkey

5 out of 5
Awesome! This was a very impressive stop and well worth the trip.
Don't Miss: Ephesus

Istanbul, Turkey

5 out of 5
Incredible!!! Justin's Cistern will stay in my memory bank.
Don't Miss: Justin's Cistern, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

5 out of 5
Although I wasn't looking forward to this port, I did find it extremely interesting and worth the trip.
Don't Miss: Olympic site

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5
I only got the glimpse the main street (looking for a bank) due to my husband not being able to do a walking tour. We went to the beach and enjoyed it immensely.
Don't Miss: the old town

Istanbul, Turkey

5 out of 5
Incredible!!! Justin's Cistern will stay in my memory bank.
Don't Miss: Justin's Cistern, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5
I only got the glimpse the main street (looking for a bank) due to my husband not being able to do a walking tour. We went to the beach and enjoyed it immensely.
Don't Miss: the old town

Izmir, Turkey

5 out of 5
Awesome! This was a very impressive stop and well worth the trip.
Don't Miss: Ephesus

Bari, Italy

1 out of 5
Not much to choose from in shore excursions.
Don't Miss: St. Nicholas Church

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

5 out of 5
Although I wasn't looking forward to this port, I did find it extremely interesting and worth the trip.
Don't Miss: Olympic site

Pros: the itinerary

Cons: minor things, but too many to list

Recommends Costa Serena? No.

Was this review helpful? 56

1 Comment

cruisellama    5 years ago

Other reviews of this sailing