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August 8, 2023

Cruise number 61
Costa Cruises – Costa Diadema
10th June to 17th June 2023
Cabin number: 11008 – Forward ship , Deck -11 : Samsara Grand Suite
Total pax : 3810 , Crew : 1230 : Decks : 20
Cruise for 7 nights.
Ports of Call : Marseille , Savona , Civitavecchia (Rome) , At Sea , Ibiza, Palma (Majorca) , Valencia , Marseille.

A lazy morning in Marseille started as the Costa Diadema only arrived at 13h00, so a relaxed transfer to the new improved Marseille Province Cruise Terminal was hassle free. On arrival it was clear that no pre boarding status for frequent cruisers or suites existed as advertised. This was a free for all and very disjointed. However miraculously all 680 embarking passengers in Marseille made it on time.

The Samsara Grand suite was spotless and perfect our butler Rosh and suite steward Dan where always at hand and never missed a beat. Our minibar always stocked, and our suite spotless everyday after breakfast. The jacuzzi was set to our liking whenever we required and spotless within the hour of usage. Both highly recommended, being in the front of the ship we had panoramic windows in which the private enclosed balcony and jacuzzi where in. Alongside a separate long external balcony, the bathroom had whirlpool tub (pictures as attached) However after being in mini suites and suites on Costa Cruises new builds it could be time to update these premium cabin products on the older ships.

A lot of people always question the purchasing up from standard balcony to suite to grand suite, its not always about the massive extra sq meters you get and the awesome service you receive from Butlers and International onboard consultants. But take into consideration the unlimited spa accesses the extra gifts the special exclusive events you invited to and the forward discounting levels for future cruises it all makes for a very relaxed hassle-free cruise. Not forgetting if you are a gold member with costa cruises your luggage (1 suitcase each) is flown out to the ship 7 days before and wating in your cabin for you.

Our first dinner in the Elite club restaurant as expected was first class in service and what was presented to us from the chefs This was a level kept up through all meals we had in the restaurant. Excellent service by our table waiter Stanley and his assistant Abijhit and the restaurant manager Vera who was always at hand to assist, a pleasant surprise was to see Christell from our previous cruise on Pacifica last June.

With regards to the excursions, Costa seem to have the same struggle within the Mediterranean routes where they are very seldom in English. Again, we had an excursion cancelled due to a Spanish tour guide not speaking English. Good customer service does mean that you then send one of your Costa tour desk staff to translate and not lose the revenue and goodwill of 42 passengers as happened before. All other excursions where well organised and on time, the stand out excursions on this trip where the day trip from Civitavecchia to Civita di Bagnoregio the village that is fading away and Exploring Ibiza by Jeep awesome driver Gregorio from Oscar Jeep a great day off the beaten track on Ibiza.

Once again, the productions on board the ship where first class and stand out above those on Both Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda. The traditional staging of productions and themed correctly are always full house and enjoyed especially the production called “Kings and Queens“ and “Feel the Beat”, The Voice at Sea is a great production and always a crowd pleaser . Sadly the cruise director on board never met the standard we used to on ships like Firenze, Deliziosa and Pacifica.

In conclusion, a wonderful cruise with exceptional service and always good to see a ship near capacity and operating well. Just wish Costa would be more exciting with there ports of call and not so repetitive. See you at sea.

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Craig Stembridge

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