Questions and worries about going on a cruise again

Hi...back on VF since 2020.. From 2020 to 2022 in hibernation due to the Covid years...and 2023-2024 only local trips...I'm getting back into international travel this year, 2025, and after a trip to Nice and Monaco in January, I signed up with some friends for a Costa Smeralda cruise...but I realize I've lost my motivation for cruising...I can't stand the idea of being on a boat anymore, with all the things I worry about...getting sick, the crowds, boarding and disembarking at ports, mass-produced food...my three friends insist on having me with them, especially since we booked two balconies for the four of us :) ... What are cruises like these days? ...I'd love to know if the atmosphere and buffets are still great?

hi there No offense, but choosing the SMERALDA if you're afraid of crowds is a bit like choosing the French Riviera in early August hoping to see no one on the beach.... COSTA has taken a LOW-COST turn with this ship—no more fridge in the cabin, no more tablecloths, no real theater, and lots of paid extras like pizzas, burgers, fries, and ice cream at the buffet! You probably weren’t given good advice when picking this ship. 😕

Thanks for your reply... it's great to get feedback from someone like you who's been on lots of cruises and knows the different ships and companies. Personally, I didn’t choose this, but an agency is organizing this group trip in May with everything included—flight, airfare, balcony cabin, etc.—at a good price, and my friends want to do it.

If you didn’t pay much for it, don’t have any regrets! 😉

🙁

Hello. I totally get why you’d have questions about the Smeralda—a soulless ship designed for activities aimed at young, even very young, travelers. No theater, and meals that are getting worse and worse. This company, with all its ships, has become a low-cost, rather downmarket operation over the past 2–3 years. I’ve done 34 cruises with Costa and decided to completely forget about this company. But maybe it’ll go well with friends. Good luck, Peyregoue Thanks for your reply... it’s great to get feedback from someone like you who’s done so many cruises and knows the different ships and companies. Personally, I didn’t choose this, but a travel agency is organizing this group trip in May—all-inclusive with flight tickets, balcony cabin, etc.—at a good price, and my friends want to do it.

Hi Ltefa,

It’s possible to avoid the crowds a bit on a "big" cruise ship by going "against the flow" compared to the other passengers. For example, disembarking at a port stop a little later or returning a bit earlier than the others. Of course, this works if you just want to visit the port city without going too far. If you want to go farther, it’s better to leave as early as possible. Another option, if you know a port city well, is to stay on board and enjoy the almost-empty ship.

For meals at the buffet, you can also adjust your timing compared to the other passengers.

For the evening aperitif, there are often bars that are less crowded than others, and by arriving a little early, you can usually find a spot.

I hope you’ll still enjoy this cruise. Best regards, Claudine

Hi there,

If you're worried about crowds, the stress of disembarking, etc., then a big ship isn’t the right choice for you! Other cruise lines are definitely better suited to what you're looking for (I’m thinking of river cruises, or lines like Azamara, Princess, or even just Celestyal). The ships are smaller, and the passenger capacity is much lower... so no jostling when disembarking, no crowds at the buffet, etc.

Just open the door to other cruise lines, and you’ll see—there are some real gems out there!