We actually waited from 1.15pm until finally boarding at 5.30pm all because we had e-tickets and only one girl dealing with a queue that was extremely long snaking around the hall. The food and cabins were excellent and the manual staff but as for customer service at reception and tour desks forget it it did not exist.The shows were geared to the italians on board which numbered 3 to one to the english speaking guests which can get a bit boring. I think that costa will always get english people on board as the deals are so good but they will get very little repeat business shame I have emailed costa but have to answer the reply as it seems that the main points of my email were ignored well what a surprise.

Cruised for the 1st time to Baltic Cities Costa Mediterannea 20 July 7 nights and just can't wait to get onto the ship again. Enjoyed every minute of it. Shore excursions were expensive so only booked for St. Petersburg & did our own thing in other ports. Everything well organised, no undue waiting for anything, transfers, flights, etc. all OK. No embarkation nightmares at all. Entertainment was fine but The 'Blues' guitarist in one of the small bars Iopposite the Art Gallery was particularly talented. All food and 'Service'onboard excellent and staff were efficient whilst polite and friendly. Only thing I would agree with is the tannoy comment, but at least it was 'thorough'. All otherInformation services, which we used a lot being our 1st cruise, were very good and 'onboard activities' seemed to me to cater for everyone. Can't comment on the alcoholic drinks but prices for non-alcoholic compared favourably with bars & restaurants in the UK. I think the embarkation nightmare you had must have got you off to a bad start and maybe clouded your judgement a little for the remainder of the cruise ?