Ended up on the Costa Smerelda as our MSC cruise was cancelled due to only allowing schengen passengers.

Food - bland and basic - there is no pizza on the buffet of an Italian cruise ship and if you want pizza then you have to pay more than you would pay in central Rome for a pizza. Otherwise food in restaurants is bland, meat is cheap and poor quality and selection is very poor compared to rivals. Comparing to MSC, NCL or RC Costa are light years behind.

Staff - don’t want to be here. Service is poor with no smiles or proactive staff. Cabin stewards are good but all else leave a lot to be desired. Read more