Some amazing cities, mediocre service

Costa Serena Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 62

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Costa Serena

7 Night Ancient Treasures (Venice Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 16, 2009

Ship: Costa Serena

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

Service wasn't necessarily bad, just failed to be excellent in some important cases. Guest services was at times unresponsive and always over-crowded, and there were fairly consistent language barriers when trying to resolve issues such as room maintenance needs and onboard accounts. Some staff --bussing service in buffets as well as onboard photographers-- were too aggressive at times. Room maintenance staff disregarded our "do not disturb" sign repeatedly and at one time walked into the room while I was not fully dressed and calling out "no". Food was not as available as we've seen on other ships-- after 10 PM there was nothing available other than a few kinds of pizza; open breakfast closed too early; ice cream machines were not run very often, etc. Time allowed at some ports of call was much too short; cruise itinerary attempted too many sites and therefore limited time at each. Excursion options were limited, and for those accustomed to active excursions, --hiking, kayaking, etc.--unfulfilling.

Ports of call

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5

Bari, Italy

1 out of 5
Had very little time at port

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

3 out of 5
Don't Miss: Ancient Olympia

Istanbul, Turkey

5 out of 5
Don't Miss: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia

Izmir, Turkey

3 out of 5
Most excursions did not visit the Temple of Artemis, which is located near the other ruins at Ephesus
Don't Miss: Ancient Ephesus

Pros: The ports

Cons: Minimal time at ports, mediocre customer service

Recommends Costa Serena? No.

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1 Comment

cruisellama    5 years ago