Costa Cruises
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#9
in Travel & Vacation
NPS Score
0
Recommended: Unlikely
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Our Costa Toscana Cruise from 30 Dec 2022 to 06 Jan 2023 for x7 adults and x3 kids refers as attached. While attempting to embark at Terminal A on 30 Dec 2022, my family and I were denied entry due to our UAE visas being “single entry” only. Single port of entry and exit was attained as per standard practice. We entered via Dubai international, and our flight out was also Dubai International Nonetheless needless to mention the panic mode we went into. Stranded in a foreign country with 7 adults and 3 children aged 1,2- and 4-year-old was the least to say overwhelming. We pleaded to chat with the immigration officer inside costa cruises , who issues , day visas BUT we were provided with NO , ZERO assistance from Costa Cruises in this regard. We waited for a few hours to chat someone but apart from the consultant responsible for checking our luggage at Terminal A, who was very clear on the point that she did not work for Costa and we eventually left the port with not having met with any Costa representative/supervisor to discuss the situation, despite our desperate request. We made numerous telephonic attempts to contact Costa Cruises directly but were provided no alternate response other than to liaise with our cruise travel agent. Upon doing so, the cruise agent indicated that this is a matter which may only be resolved by UAE Immigration and no other party. We proceeded to Dubai International Airport on the same evening to liaise directly with UAE Immigration, as repeated telephonic attempts to contact the same were unsuccessful. UAE Immigration subsequently advised that they are unable to modify the existing visas to “multiple entry” while my family and I were still in the UAE. The only option would be to exit the UAE via Oman and re-apply for a “multiple entry” visa. This unfortunately would be impossible, as there would insufficient time available to exit the UAE for the issuing of the “multiple entry” visa. In addition, we were advised of a recent immigration law change, which prevents exiting the UAE via Oman to cancel and reapply for a UAE visa. My concern is As per the norm with the multiple cruises I have travelled on, the cruise liner itself arranges the respective visas on board as required, as the cruise is departing and arriving at the same port on the same day . We further requested to board the ship in Dubai ,because from the date of boarding which was 30/12/22 the ship only left the port of Dubai on the 2/01/23 to Abu Dhabi, where we confirmed we would get off the cruise ! In that way we would have at least had accommodation and meals for 4 days and would have greatly benefited rather than finding hotels and making provision for food, drinks etc . In this way we have at least gained something as everything was fully paid for and in this way, we would have at least gained something. BUT according to the agent from Vacations .Com whom we booked through indicated it was a blank NO, as Costa indicated they cannot change the cruise IT leaves from Dubai and that is it . Contradictory to that they indicated if our multiple visas was sorted out , we could get on the cruise in Abu Dhabi. Now How was this going to be possible , as their initial argument was the cruise leaves from Dubai, and they cannot change the Cruise? Costa’s don’t care a damn attitude was shocking , how can you choose to ignore 10 people boarding a cruise with 4 executive cabins booked at premium price . Was any consideration given to the clients themselves and potential return or referral and most importantly the huge financial burden it placed on us as a family ! It is shameful that a reputable Cruise Liner could behave in such a despicable and rather small manner l.To date nobody has had the courteously to even call us in this regard !!IS the only thing costa interested in is making Money. Please forward this to Costa Cruises itself as I would like an explanation from Costa Cruises itself for the utter disrespect that was meted out to us. Below are attempts made by us to resolve same , but off course we were just being shown from pillar to post in order to get rid of us
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Our Costa Toscana Cruise from 30 Dec 2022 to 06 Jan 2023 for x7 adults and x3 kids refers as attached. While attempting to embark at Terminal A on 30 Dec 2022, my family and I were denied entry due to our UAE visas being “single entry” only. Single port of entry and exit was attained as per standard practice. We entered via Dubai international, and our flight out was also Dubai International Nonetheless needless to mention the panic mode we went into. Stranded in a foreign country with 7 adults and 3 children aged 1,2- and 4-year-old was the least to say overwhelming. We pleaded to chat with the immigration officer inside costa cruises , who issues , day visas BUT we were provided with NO , ZERO assistance from Costa Cruises in this regard. We waited for a few hours to chat someone but apart from the consultant responsible for checking our luggage at Terminal A, who was very clear on the point that she did not work for Costa and we eventually left the port with not having met with any Costa representative/supervisor to discuss the situation, despite our desperate request. We made numerous telephonic attempts to contact Costa Cruises directly but were provided no alternate response other than to liaise with our cruise travel agent. Upon doing so, the cruise agent indicated that this is a matter which may only be resolved by UAE Immigration and no other party. We proceeded to Dubai International Airport on the same evening to liaise directly with UAE Immigration, as repeated telephonic attempts to contact the same were unsuccessful. UAE Immigration subsequently advised that they are unable to modify the existing visas to “multiple entry” while my family and I were still in the UAE. The only option would be to exit the UAE via Oman and re-apply for a “multiple entry” visa. This unfortunately would be impossible, as there would insufficient time available to exit the UAE for the issuing of the “multiple entry” visa. In addition, we were advised of a recent immigration law change, which prevents exiting the UAE via Oman to cancel and reapply for a UAE visa. My concern is As per the norm with the multiple cruises I have travelled on, the cruise liner itself arranges the respective visas on board as required, as the cruise is departing and arriving at the same port on the same day . We further requested to board the ship in Dubai ,because from the date of boarding which was 30/12/22 the ship only left the port of Dubai on the 2/01/23 to Abu Dhabi, where we confirmed we would get off the cruise ! In that way we would have at least had accommodation and meals for 4 days and would have greatly benefited rather than finding hotels and making provision for food, drinks etc . In this way we have at least gained something as everything was fully paid for and in this way, we would have at least gained something. BUT according to the agent from Vacations .Com whom we booked through indicated it was a blank NO, as Costa indicated they cannot change the cruise IT leaves from Dubai and that is it . Contradictory to that they indicated if our multiple visas was sorted out , we could get on the cruise in Abu Dhabi. Now How was this going to be possible , as their initial argument was the cruise leaves from Dubai, and they cannot change the Cruise? Costa’s don’t care a damn attitude was shocking , how can you choose to ignore 10 people boarding a cruise with 4 executive cabins booked at premium price . Was any consideration given to the clients themselves and potential return or referral and most importantly the huge financial burden it placed on us as a family ! It is shameful that a reputable Cruise Liner could behave in such a despicable and rather small manner l.To date nobody has had the courteously to even call us in this regard !!IS the only thing costa interested in is making Money. Please forward this to Costa Cruises itself as I would like an explanation from Costa Cruises itself for the utter disrespect that was meted out to us. Below are attempts made by us to resolve same , but off course we were just being shown from pillar to post in order to get rid of us
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
A lot has changed with this cruise line. They are very disorganized and unprofessional with fake personalities especially the Cruise Director and his assistant that is on the Costa Diadema now. They must be new. The vibe was very negative and unwelcoming to be honest.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
A lot has changed with this cruise line. They are very disorganized and unprofessional with fake personalities especially the Cruise Director and his assistant that is on the Costa Diadema now. They must be new. The vibe was very negative and unwelcoming to be honest.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I booked a 14 day cruise for May 2021 and was later told it was canceled. I then booked another cruise for 15 October 2021 which they also canceled. When I asked for my deposit back, they stopped replying to emails. I am so disappointed in the customer service and will never cruise with them again. My deposit was never returned.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I booked a 14 day cruise for May 2021 and was later told it was canceled. I then booked another cruise for 15 October 2021 which they also canceled. When I asked for my deposit back, they stopped replying to emails. I am so disappointed in the customer service and will never cruise with them again. My deposit was never returned.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
It is now more than a year since my cruise was cancelled due to Covid. After much correspondence with Imagine Cruising, the agent, Imagine Cruising, and Costa Cruising which is the cruise ship we would have sailed from Dubai to Italy, excuses after excuses about a refund continues. Imagine Cruising claims that Costa Cruising would not provide a refund as per their terms and agreement and Costa Cruising claims that the refund was paid out as per their legal partners. Costa's terms and agreement includes: "14. MODIFICATION OF ITINERARY OR CANCELLATION OF VOYAGE a) The Carrier may for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation adverse weather, perils of the sea, strikes as**** or onboard the Vessel, war, hostilities or the perceived threat thereof, at any time, with or without prior notice, cancel, delay, or advance any sailing or add, delete or alter any or all ports of call during the voyage itinerary, including ports of embarkation and disembarkation, or substitute another vessel, and the Carrier shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever arising from or relating to such cancellation, deviation, delay, substitution or modifications. In the event the voyage is canceled prior to commencement, the Carrier shall refund to the Guest the actual amount paid by the Guest to the Carrier for the voyage and in no event shall the Carrier be liable for any consequential damages, costs or expenses of any kind". So as the client, I received a 30% of my total payment for a 23 day cruise which never happened and they claim that it is within their right to refund as per their legal advice. Customers should note that Costa Cruising do not fulfil their obligation as per T&C and should be warned accordingly. Because this would be an international legal battle, they feel that they are quite safe in defrauding their customers knowing it would cost the customer an arm and a leg to challenge them. Not sure if their terms and conditions hold any water, so be careful who you holiday with.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
It is now more than a year since my cruise was cancelled due to Covid. After much correspondence with Imagine Cruising, the agent, Imagine Cruising, and Costa Cruising which is the cruise ship we would have sailed from Dubai to Italy, excuses after excuses about a refund continues. Imagine Cruising claims that Costa Cruising would not provide a refund as per their terms and agreement and Costa Cruising claims that the refund was paid out as per their legal partners. Costa's terms and agreement includes: "14. MODIFICATION OF ITINERARY OR CANCELLATION OF VOYAGE a) The Carrier may for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation adverse weather, perils of the sea, strikes as**** or onboard the Vessel, war, hostilities or the perceived threat thereof, at any time, with or without prior notice, cancel, delay, or advance any sailing or add, delete or alter any or all ports of call during the voyage itinerary, including ports of embarkation and disembarkation, or substitute another vessel, and the Carrier shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever arising from or relating to such cancellation, deviation, delay, substitution or modifications. In the event the voyage is canceled prior to commencement, the Carrier shall refund to the Guest the actual amount paid by the Guest to the Carrier for the voyage and in no event shall the Carrier be liable for any consequential damages, costs or expenses of any kind". So as the client, I received a 30% of my total payment for a 23 day cruise which never happened and they claim that it is within their right to refund as per their legal advice. Customers should note that Costa Cruising do not fulfil their obligation as per T&C and should be warned accordingly. Because this would be an international legal battle, they feel that they are quite safe in defrauding their customers knowing it would cost the customer an arm and a leg to challenge them. Not sure if their terms and conditions hold any water, so be careful who you holiday with.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My experience with Costa Cruises. On the 21st of December 2019 we flew out as a family from South Africa to Mauritius to embark on the 4 Star Costa Mediteranea. During the morning I checked myself and my family members online for the ship. Upon arrival to embark the ship, my father was not allowed to board. We were told by the immigration officer from the boat named “Awa” that he needed his passport to have six months validity for Madagascar and unfortunately his only had 3 months so she claimed that she was the superior on the boat and simply would not allow him to board or provide any assistance. She proceeded to say that we could go to the Madagascan Embassy and we could more than likely get authorisation from them and we could catch the boat in Seychelles on the 23/24th of December 2019. Being a Saturday (21/12) I decided that for communication and logistic issues I would stay behind with my father while my girlfriend and my mother would board the ship and we would wait until Monday (23/12) to go get the authorisation to get on the ship. We were further confirmed on 22/12 and 23/12 by Awa that there were passengers on the ship that had the same issue but managed to the authorisation from the embassy. Monday the 23rd came and we made our way to the Madagascan Embassy to get the authorisation. Upon arrival we ran into another South African that had the same problem by whose passport was 10 days short of the 6-month validity. We were then told immediately that he was not allowed and we should go to the Portuguese Consulate (Father has a Portuguese passport) to give authorisation to extend the current passport in order for the Madagascan Embassy to give authorisation. The Consulate could not help as she was honorary and we were told to go to the French Embassy as they could possibly help as they were part of the EU. In conclusion no one could help. We ended up flying to Seychelles to fetch my mother and girlfriend to then come back to Mauritius. All in the meanwhile I was spending insane amounts of unbudgeted money for taxis, accommodation and catering. Issue 1: Awa is a blatant liar. First saying she was the highest superior when in fact she did have a superior on ship. Secondly, she could have been straight up honest with us and said my father needed a new passport and not made it seem like it was a super common thing that had a simple “go to the embassy” solution. Issue 2: The ship was completely overdone, overpriced and abysmal in service. We paid for 2 balcony rooms; one had a complete ocean view whilst the other had half as the life boat was in the way. I find this completely unacceptable. I understand the need for the lifeboats but they definitely should not be the same price. Costa you have clearly showed us how extortionist you guys are as a company, my mother and girlfriend had to pay for the cleaning of the 2 cabins for the 2 days they did embark up to Seychelles even though the one cabin was vacant as my father and I were not aboard. Issue 3: We have just entered 2020. How can Costa an international EU flag wielding company not have validation checks for passport expiry upon check in? Thus, I would have seen this issue and avoided this entire chaotic holiday. My father will seek EU advice to take this further. My advice is avoid at all costs no matter how attractive the offer may be.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My experience with Costa Cruises. On the 21st of December 2019 we flew out as a family from South Africa to Mauritius to embark on the 4 Star Costa Mediteranea. During the morning I checked myself and my family members online for the ship. Upon arrival to embark the ship, my father was not allowed to board. We were told by the immigration officer from the boat named “Awa” that he needed his passport to have six months validity for Madagascar and unfortunately his only had 3 months so she claimed that she was the superior on the boat and simply would not allow him to board or provide any assistance. She proceeded to say that we could go to the Madagascan Embassy and we could more than likely get authorisation from them and we could catch the boat in Seychelles on the 23/24th of December 2019. Being a Saturday (21/12) I decided that for communication and logistic issues I would stay behind with my father while my girlfriend and my mother would board the ship and we would wait until Monday (23/12) to go get the authorisation to get on the ship. We were further confirmed on 22/12 and 23/12 by Awa that there were passengers on the ship that had the same issue but managed to the authorisation from the embassy. Monday the 23rd came and we made our way to the Madagascan Embassy to get the authorisation. Upon arrival we ran into another South African that had the same problem by whose passport was 10 days short of the 6-month validity. We were then told immediately that he was not allowed and we should go to the Portuguese Consulate (Father has a Portuguese passport) to give authorisation to extend the current passport in order for the Madagascan Embassy to give authorisation. The Consulate could not help as she was honorary and we were told to go to the French Embassy as they could possibly help as they were part of the EU. In conclusion no one could help. We ended up flying to Seychelles to fetch my mother and girlfriend to then come back to Mauritius. All in the meanwhile I was spending insane amounts of unbudgeted money for taxis, accommodation and catering. Issue 1: Awa is a blatant liar. First saying she was the highest superior when in fact she did have a superior on ship. Secondly, she could have been straight up honest with us and said my father needed a new passport and not made it seem like it was a super common thing that had a simple “go to the embassy” solution. Issue 2: The ship was completely overdone, overpriced and abysmal in service. We paid for 2 balcony rooms; one had a complete ocean view whilst the other had half as the life boat was in the way. I find this completely unacceptable. I understand the need for the lifeboats but they definitely should not be the same price. Costa you have clearly showed us how extortionist you guys are as a company, my mother and girlfriend had to pay for the cleaning of the 2 cabins for the 2 days they did embark up to Seychelles even though the one cabin was vacant as my father and I were not aboard. Issue 3: We have just entered 2020. How can Costa an international EU flag wielding company not have validation checks for passport expiry upon check in? Thus, I would have seen this issue and avoided this entire chaotic holiday. My father will seek EU advice to take this further. My advice is avoid at all costs no matter how attractive the offer may be.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Very bad experience - cruised with several other cruises Norwegian, Carnival, etc - all 4-5 star. Costa Magica will not even get a 3-star on all departments. Italian cruise directed at local passengers with largely Italian crew, announcements, entertainment etc directed at locals. Definitely not international standard where all feel welcome. Bad organization overall and find to cut costs where possible. Pity that Imagine Cruises SA recommended them. Makes them also appear untrustworthy as many aspect did not turn out as promised or sold to us. Avoid at all costs. We often got better delas and better help form our local travel agent
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Very bad experience - cruised with several other cruises Norwegian, Carnival, etc - all 4-5 star. Costa Magica will not even get a 3-star on all departments. Italian cruise directed at local passengers with largely Italian crew, announcements, entertainment etc directed at locals. Definitely not international standard where all feel welcome. Bad organization overall and find to cut costs where possible. Pity that Imagine Cruises SA recommended them. Makes them also appear untrustworthy as many aspect did not turn out as promised or sold to us. Avoid at all costs. We often got better delas and better help form our local travel agent
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
<p>We were to go on a boat cruise from Venice to Dubai from the 26 Nov to 17 Dec.</p> <p>When we arrived in Venice on the Monday the boat (Costa neoRiviera) was not in port, Costa gave an explanation that the boat was still in the dry dock in Malta, with a technical issue. We were assured the boat will meet us in Catania on the Wednesday morning.</p> <p>On Tuesday night, the Costa people told us we need to be up at 05:00 AM the next morning to leave for the airport to fly to Catania.</p> <p>Yet at 05:00 AM we were informed the cruise was cancelled, and they will give us feedback at 12:00 regarding the steps going forward.</p> <p>By 12:00 we had no resolution and ask amongst the passengers what they would like to do. We came up with 3 options:</p> <p>1. Go back home</p> <p>2. Link up with an MSC cruise ship in Athene</p> <p>3. Go to Dubai</p> <p>This options was presented by us to the Costa people, they did not know what to do.</p> <p>We asked Imagine Cruises to intervene and send us a representative to sort out the mess, as we got no feedback from the Costa people on site.</p> <p>After the intervention from Imagine Cruises rep we had a resolution: Fly home or go to Dubai for 5 days.</p> <p>Never the less, my wife and I decided to fly home. What was supposed to be a wonderful vacation was a big disappointment. Now to get out money back……</p>
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
<p>We were to go on a boat cruise from Venice to Dubai from the 26 Nov to 17 Dec.</p> <p>When we arrived in Venice on the Monday the boat (Costa neoRiviera) was not in port, Costa gave an explanation that the boat was still in the dry dock in Malta, with a technical issue. We were assured the boat will meet us in Catania on the Wednesday morning.</p> <p>On Tuesday night, the Costa people told us we need to be up at 05:00 AM the next morning to leave for the airport to fly to Catania.</p> <p>Yet at 05:00 AM we were informed the cruise was cancelled, and they will give us feedback at 12:00 regarding the steps going forward.</p> <p>By 12:00 we had no resolution and ask amongst the passengers what they would like to do. We came up with 3 options:</p> <p>1. Go back home</p> <p>2. Link up with an MSC cruise ship in Athene</p> <p>3. Go to Dubai</p> <p>This options was presented by us to the Costa people, they did not know what to do.</p> <p>We asked Imagine Cruises to intervene and send us a representative to sort out the mess, as we got no feedback from the Costa people on site.</p> <p>After the intervention from Imagine Cruises rep we had a resolution: Fly home or go to Dubai for 5 days.</p> <p>Never the less, my wife and I decided to fly home. What was supposed to be a wonderful vacation was a big disappointment. Now to get out money back……</p>
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I got approched by these people who offered me a job. But i have to pay R14 000.00 for the visa,passport and other certificates needed. The SA branch cant tell me if the agancy they useing is legit or not as every cou try has their own. I just want clarification on weather or not i should go ahead with this. R14 000.00 is alot of mo ey for a person who earns R3500.00, i will have to borrow the money...
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I got approched by these people who offered me a job. But i have to pay R14 000.00 for the visa,passport and other certificates needed. The SA branch cant tell me if the agancy they useing is legit or not as every cou try has their own. I just want clarification on weather or not i should go ahead with this. R14 000.00 is alot of mo ey for a person who earns R3500.00, i will have to borrow the money...
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