Expert: Linda - 11/16/2002

Question
We have cruised on Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival and Premier. Thanksgiving we are going on the Costa Atlantica.  Would like to know your opinion and what and what not to do?
Thanks-Carole

Answer
Be sure to order breakfast in your room.  If there is something you want that is not on the menu, just write it in.  I hope you have a balcony, if so, breakfast is just that much more special.  DO go to the Bacchanal night, you can have so much fun.  You wrap up in a sheet, and off to dinner you go.  If yo're into planning, then head for the craft store and pick up some gold leaves to wrap around your head, maybe a chunky gold belt.  We also brought some big safety pins with us.  Tossing the dough for pizza is also funny....yeah, I dropped mine !    Since you've cruised before you know the little secrets, but if it's been awhile...buy one of those plastic shoe holders that you put over the door.  Hang it in the bathroom door and you can put shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, colonge etc..easier than trying to put it all on the sink.  Bring your liquor with you, will save a bit of money.  Costa has GREAT Italian food, if you find a pasta you like one night and want it another night, tell your server.  I enjoy Costa, the staff are so friendly, at least on our cruise.  Costa has a lot of entertainment that is specific to Italian style, at least go and take a look.  They've got the Tarantillo dancing, and the Italian cooking classes and wine tastings were great.  I still make the same recipe for Puttanesca (whore) sauce that I learned on Costa.  The only negative I found on Costa was the announcements in multiple languages, but after a few days you learn to hear the English and ignore the rest.  Costa does a lot of the things that Princess RCCL and Carnival do, the ice carvings, trip to the galley etc.  It's all fun, anything is better than working, kids, paying bills etc.  You'll have a great time...I'm jealous !  I really think you'll enjoy watching the ship being turned into a winter wonderland as they decorate for the holidays.  They start during the Thanksgiving cruises.

Happy Sailing !
Linda