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Thursday 28th August 2008

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Fantastic Far East
Reviewed By: Bishop, Leeds on 16th May 2008
Cruise Line: Costa Cruises	Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Costa Allegra	Sailed: April, 2008
Destination: Far East	Age: 56-65

Having read several reviews of the Costa Allegra I was very apprehensive and while this is certainly NOT a luxury cruise liner, and what seemed to be to be cheapskate in many aspects, the itinerary made up for it. We were extremely lucky in that the sea was calm all the time and the weather hot, too hot in fact even in the middle of the South China Sea, and there was very little shade on the boat. Food in the buffet was varied, the cooked items I gave a miss, they didn't look appetising at all, the evening meal in the dining room was better. As mentioned, drinks were expensive, although we had the wine package, there wasn't the choice available. Staff were the stars, they were all friendly and helpful, and I must say that the organisation on the ship regarding visas etc. was excellent, the forms had even been filled in for you, was very impressed. Of course the itinerary was the draw, was told that the better the ship the worse the itinerary and vice versa, which makes sense, people will use the ship because of the ports of call, you certainly wouldn't choose Costa Allegra for the amenities. Our cabin was at the very rear of the ship, and on many occasions was extremely noisy and vibrated so much things ended up on the floor (couldn't change cabin, ship fully booked. Entertainment was mediocre, although the resident dancers worked very hard. The lack of toilets in the public areas meant there were often quite long queues. First ship I have been on where we didn't get a chocolate on the pillow, what I meant by cheapskate, everything seemed to be done for the least possible cost to Costa. Also what spoilt it for me, being English, was the ignorance and sheer unfriendliness of the French, Italian, Spanish etc. nationalities, you felt you were invisible! It costs nothing to smile! The countries visited speak for themselves, they were fascinating and friendly, if a bit too friendly, being harrassed isn't nice but a no thank you and a smile go a long way. All in all, a good trip and so glad to have seen that part of the world.
Quality of Food
Used the buffet for breakfast - ate cold meats, eggs etc. cold buffet for lunch, dining room for evening meal - usually good, soup dire.
Entertainment
Dancers worked very hard, singers out of tune, awful. Variety acts not good, some better than others.
Shore Excursions
All excursions expensive, but good. Plenty of bottled water provided plus hats, flowers. Very well organised. Hoi An (Da Nang) and Ho Chi Mihn City very good. Took a taxi to zoo in Singapore, very good.
Staff
All the staff were excellent, can't fault any of them.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities	n/a
Didn't participate in games.
Cabins
Cabin ok, plenty of storage space. Bathroom poor, very basic. No toiletries provided, only dispenser on shower wall for shower gel.
Overall Rating

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Bull, Nantyglo (02 Aug 08 17:43) about this REVIEW.

Sailed on the Allegra April 2008 chose this ship because of the itinerary (which was excellent). The staff on board were always helpful,curtious and always welcomed you with a smile. The ship itself being Italian was very basic with 90% of the passengers being of the same origin.It seemed the Italians on this ship did not like queing or waiting their turn for anything.I found the entertainment on board very very poor, for the 2weeks my sister, myself and our 2 friends made our own entertainment (4 ladies early 50's)after a few nights a number of Brits joined us,saying there was more fun to be had in our company. This was the 1st cruise my one friend had been on and I felt very disapointed that this cruise had not given her the insight into what cruising is all about. I do agree that the prices on board were very expensive. However I really enjoyed the cruise and the company ,but unfortunatley I for one will not be travelling on a Costa ship again

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