Spain and Malta, 26th July 2009

My family and I (two young children) have cruised mainly with RCCI and P&O but thought we would give Costa a try. We have recently come back from Eastern Med cruise to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus (changed itinerary as we could not go to Israel and Egypt). We had an amazing experience, despite some of the negative reviews about smoking (we are fussy and do not like being around smoke), but we had no problems whatsoever. The childrens' club was outstanding, and I have never seen a team of staff work so hard with the 400+ young children from 9am through to 11pm. Such dedication too, despite the 40 different nationalities. My children thought it was amazing to be able to learn Italian, Spanish, French, German as well as hear their own language being used. They rate Costa childrens clubs higher than RCCI and P&O, and they love RCCI clubs. Food was fantastic, and the Spa was the best I have ever seen, including better than Independence of the Seas, though the gym was much smaller and always busy. Staff throughout the ship were attentive, courteous and very helpful (I am fussy about customer service) and I have no complaints. The entertainment in the theatre was second to none - first class (again, something I am fussy about). The overall appearance of the ship was spotless, and the ship theme 'music' was a real treat with musical instruments all over the ship and different music being used in different areas of the ship. We purchased a samsara dream package which allowed us to the speciality samsara restaurant, for healthy eating choices and more refined dining, and my children enjoyed that too, as well as being able to have unlimited access to the Spa facilities - outstanding! I highly recomnmend everyone trying Costa, the whole experience, including interconnecting flights from London to Rome via Milan, and then the transfers to the ship, were seamless and very high quality. Well done Costa - now looking to book again with them for the summer 2011 and beyond.