We are both retired. I was a Regonal Manager for a multi-natioal company and my wife worked for a Insurance company.We have been on 3 cruises 1 on the Costa Classica. We flew from Manchester with Air France. We Departed at 19.45 to Paris CdG arrived 22.15. Departed at 23.30 for Singapore. Arrived at 18.05. (we booked with Virgin Cruises)the service was very poor and the plane was dirty and shaby. The food was the worced I have ever had on any flight.Because of the flight times we lost most of that day in Singapore as we just had time to get our bags on board and have a shower before it was time for our meal.Adivise cheak flight times and have them changed (might cost a little more) The cabin and en suite was good. The only problem was that the bed was under the window so we had to stand on the bed to look out. The food in the self service areas was very good with lots of choose from. The restaurant menu was very well written but the meal didn't live up to the hype. The gym was OK but the pools were very small. The large pool was full with 12 people in. The Staff were very good and helpful. This is because they would not receive any bonus if they did not receive good comments from the passengers. (form to fill in at end of cruise}We were told to give them all 5. The Officer on the other hand only spoke to the Italian passengers and ignored everyone else. The Entertainment was poor, with only 1 good singer Barry Ruth he was held the whole show together. Some of the singers in the bars were also very good along with the piano player. Shore Excursions are very expensive. You can do them for much less if you do your homework. We booked our own taxi with 2 or 4 other people and found it much cheaper. For Rome we got the train from Civitavecchia, station 5 minutes from the port gate. It cost 19 Euros return and run ever 30 mins. the time taken to St Peters square was 45 mins and the train was 10 times better than any coach very smooth and quite. Wine, beer, water and spirits very expensive. The say that you cannot take on board your own for heath and safety. This is rubbish it is for their profit. I took on board tins of beer without any problem. Yes the cruise was good value for money if you did not drink or go on any trips other wise could be very expensive.Also we had to pay 6 Euros each per day Hotel Service Charge and also,plus 15% on any bar purchases. Note Please add this to the review sent to you about the Tender