First Class Cruise

Item: Costa Serena
Rating: 5
Author: HalW

Costa Serena Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

HalW

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 255

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Ancient Treasures (Venice Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 09, 2007

Ship: Costa Serena

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

We were the 16th cruise on the new Costa Serena. The ship is superb, and the crew gives real meaning to the words "customer service." They were terrific. This is a big ship, holdiing over 3500 passengers, but the design makes it seem more intimate. The decor is something you either like or dislke depending on your personal taste, so I won't comment on that. With that many people on board you would think that it would seem crowded, but once again the design allows everyone the space they need without feeling cramped. We found the food excellent both in quality, quantity and availability. You won't be hungry on the Serena. If it is available we suggest you purchase the X-1 beverage package which was well worth it for us. Ask about it when you're making your reservations. Make sure you're outside on the highest deck for the sail-away from Venice. It's something you'll never forget. And its fun to watch the captain dock the ship in Bari. There are people who can't park their cars that well. Enjoy this great experience.

Ports of call

Izmir, Turkey

5 out of 5

Go to Ephesus. We booked a tour ourselves on the internet with a private car, driver and tour guide who was a fountain of information.

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Don't Miss: Epheses

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5

I wish we'd had another day to explore this great attraction. Visit Buzze's outside the wall for a great view. Many outdoor restaurants to choose from. Lots of shops if you like shopping.

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Izmir, Turkey

5 out of 5

Go to Ephesus. We booked a tour ourselves on the internet with a private car, driver and tour guide who was a fountain of information.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Epheses

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

5 out of 5

You can walk off the ship, find a cab and visit the Olympic site on your own without booking a tour. Go early and avoid the crowds

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Don't Miss: Site of original Olympics

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5

I wish we'd had another day to explore this great attraction. Visit Buzze's outside the wall for a great view. Many outdoor restaurants to choose from. Lots of shops if you like shopping.

Thumbs Up 0

Bari, Italy

1 out of 5

Not worth stopping. Would like to see them eliminate this stop and add time at other destinations.

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Istanbul, Turkey

5 out of 5

You can take a cab to the Blue Mosque, which is a must see, and then walk to other major attractions that are within a few blocks. Don't miss the Grand Bazaar.

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Don't Miss: Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Istanbul, Turkey

5 out of 5

You can take a cab to the Blue Mosque, which is a must see, and then walk to other major attractions that are within a few blocks. Don't miss the Grand Bazaar.

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Don't Miss: Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

5 out of 5

You can walk off the ship, find a cab and visit the Olympic site on your own without booking a tour. Go early and avoid the crowds

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Site of original Olympics

Bari, Italy

1 out of 5

Not worth stopping. Would like to see them eliminate this stop and add time at other destinations.

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Pros: The Ship, The Crew, The Service.

Cons: Embarkation methodology was well thought out, but not well executed. Port of Bari was probably good for the cruise line as they added a lot of people to the cruise there, but the short stay and no interesting things to see made it a waste of time for us.

Recommends Costa Serena? Yes!

1 Comment

cruisellama 5 years ago

Thanks

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