Cruise & excursion recommend- do not pre pay

Costa Smeralda Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 24

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Costa Smeralda

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Rome Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 04, 2022

Ship: Costa Smeralda

Cabin number: 15160

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

The ship, room & food was better than expected. Gluten free products available in Lacolumbina restaurant. Less available in buffet as no dedicated server. It was recommended to pre-pay for excursions- Do not do, wait to pay on board. Still trying to get my refund! On board receptionist did not acknowledge my Precruise payment with Shore Excursion Group Inc.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
The best restaurant was the Lacolumbina. I was able to get Gluten free menu!! The buffet next but very chaotic flow & hard to get GF foods.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
The gym & adults only pool were a great exp.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Talented performers can be seen on TV in am. Live performances too late for elderly who arose early to go on cruise.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Waiters, servers very polite. Room steward freshened room everyday while we out of room.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Large ship was very clean . Hand sanitizer available everywhere. Staff constantly cleaning common areas. Maintained clean elevators

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
The bed, pillows & linens were very nice. The shower & bathroom were large & very functional layout.

Ship tip

Reserve your. Excursions. However Do not pre-pay Reserved excursions. Pay only on board. I’m still trying to get my refund from pre-payment

Ports of call

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Did not visit port

Sadly, Too little time between flight & excursion.

Savona (Genoa), Italy

4 out of 5
Bus tour was great for excursions in Genoa. Excellent guide spoke English.

Marseille (Provence), France

5 out of 5
Beautiful port & promanade. Loved the open food market. English speaking guide explained area in Italian language , then very short descriptions in English. Difficult to find public toilet. Must purchase an item from shop if you wish to use bathroom.

Barcelona, Spain Did not visit port

Beautiful churches, port & shops. Guide knew where to buy souvenirs & use toilet. Public toilets not readily available in Europe compared to USA.

Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands Did not visit port

Tour was cancelled due to not enough people speaking English.

Palermo, Sicily

5 out of 5
Another great port, tour, historical buildings. Good tour guide with full explanation in English.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Suitcase out of cabin the night before. Smooth disembark process. Be sure to pack carry on with your meds, a change of clothes in event flights are rescheduled.

Traveler Photos

Sports bar has excellent staff. Resturaunt
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