Enjoyed Costa Europa

I’m writing in response to the subscriber’s letter titled “Cruising ‘Italian Style’ on Costa Europa” (July ’09, pg. 31), which listed multiple complaints. My friend and I, both Americans, were also on the Jan. 17-31, 2009, sailing of that ship, in the Indian Ocean, for which the base price was $3,340 plus a fuel supplement of $252. (I purchased my own air.)

We and four other Americans dining with us daily did not share the above-mentioned subscriber’s opinion. We did not spend time dissecting the ship or the dinner service. In fact, one of the women developed a friendly relationship with the maître d’ and would have strongly disputed the writer’s account regarding the quality of service. We thought our waiter, a young man from Indonesia, was terrific.

We were not charged for coffee, tea or any extra services. In fact, extras were provided with courtesy and ease.

Regarding the swimming pool being crowded, I am a lap swimmer and enjoyed early-morning swims when very few passengers were “up and about.” I find that our California beaches can be crowded, too, and that people are in multiple types of attire (some without). I also know when not to go to the beach in order to avoid crowds.

A real plus for the ship was the renovated sauna and shower room. It was always mine exclusively!

In regard to the itinerary, we were notified of the change of port calls. My big disappointment was the cancellation of a stop in Madagascar, as that was my reason for taking the cruise, but I understood the safety reason for our not stopping there (political unrest over the election, bordering on civil war).

Smoking is always a problem when traveling abroad or even in the States. I found locations in some lounges on the ship to be smoke free.

The 4 a.m. wakeup call would have been annoying, yes, but I was told that extra time was needed for the change of crew, some of whom were planning trips home after several weeks of ship time. Our flight was in the evening, and we were allowed to remain on board, eat meals and use facilities until our departure for the airport.

My opinion of Costa Cruises? I seldom take cruises, but I have visited nearly 100 countries by air, land, train, bus and sea and have experienced many types of accommodations. I give Costa a plus rating. I do know that Costa provides some destinations that no other cruise line does.

MARTHA MANGAN
Santa Cruz, CA