Hello, We’ve just returned from our cruise on the Smeralda. There were four of us in balcony cabin 17001—a nice cabin with a large balcony and a very practical bathroom, though storage was a bit tight for four (small wardrobe and small shelf). Our assigned restaurant, El Meneghino, served good and hearty meals. The buffet was fine—since it’s a large ship, we always found free tables at different times, whether for breakfast or lunch. The food was good but not very varied. Be sure to check the daily program for meal times, as they change every day with different options: either buffet, fixed-menu restaurant, or both. The pools and jacuzzis were very small and crowded, and despite the nice weather that week, we never saw the aquapark open. There are plenty of bars where you can easily find a spot to enjoy a drink in peace or with music. The theater was very small and had unusual hours. Over the week, we only managed to see two shows live—the rest were on TV in the cabin. We did two Costa excursions: one in Rome with the express train, which was very pleasant, and the other in Pisa, which was well-organized for independent exploration. Overall, we were quite satisfied with our trip, but we still prefer MSC. Have a nice Sunday.