Passionate about Carnival but always curious, we have scrutinized our latest experiences on the Carnival Glory and with Costa (Pacifica & Favolosa). From included dining and nightlife to logistical hiccups, discover our 100% factual and candid comparison for your next cruise!
Costa vs Carnival: The Duel of the Giants – Between Italian Dolce Vita & American Fun
Before diving into the heart of the matter, a small "disclaimer" is in order.
Those who follow us regularly on Cruising With US And Other Trip know it: we are, at heart, big fans of Carnival. Conversely, we have never really had a "crush" on Costa.
However, objectivity is the DNA of this blog. For this article, we have decided to set our preferences aside in order to provide you with a strictly factual comparison.
Please note: this is not a generalization about the companies, but rather a specific feedback based on our latest trips: our two mini-cruises on the Costa Pacifica and Favolosa, and our transatlantic crossing on the Carnival Glory.
Here is the truth, unfiltered, about these specific experiences.
1. Life onboard and Atmosphere: The clash of cultures
Carnival: A flat calm and illogical organization
Although we are "Fun Ship" regulars, the Carnival Glory left us with mixed feelings this time. Admittedly, the staff remains the absolute strong point. They are the engine of the company. And what a joy to find the paper Funtimes again!
However, being a fan does not prevent one from being clear-sighted: in terms of entertainment, we were left wanting. For a company that we love for its energy, the lack of lively evenings was glaring. The few "pseudo-evenings" offered were scheduled from 8:15 PM to 9:00 PM: that is right during dinner for half of the passengers! Furthermore, these activities took place in the Atrium, a space filled with armchairs where you found yourself cramped as soon as you exceeded 10 people. A real lack of comfort and common sense in the planning.
Costa: The atmosphere is there
This is where Costa pleasantly surprised us. Although the ports of call for these mini-cruises were nothing exceptional, life onboard was vibrant. You also find the paper daily program, which is an excellent point.
Every night, the atmosphere was there. Admittedly, the entertainment is very oriented toward the Italian clientele, but the energy was there. We were even entitled to a very appreciable touch: a special evening dedicated to the French. On this specific point of nightlife, Costa did much better than the Glory.
2. Gastronomy: Included diversity vs Everything paid
The unbeatable advantage of Carnival
This is undoubtedly the point where Carnival crushes the competition. The company offers a multitude of dining options totally included in the price of the cruise. Between the famous Guy's Burgers, the Deli for fresh sandwiches, the taco stands, or even the fried chicken, the choice is immense without ever having to pay an extra cent. The operating hours are also excellent, offering total flexibility.
Costa's "pay for everything" model
Conversely, at Costa, the included offer is much more restricted. As soon as you want to vary the pleasures and leave the classic buffet (often disappointing with its canteen-style trays and cold food), almost everything becomes a paid extra.
The breaking point for us was the paid pizza restaurant. We were a group of 16 people. For a service that cost extra, the organization was catastrophic: there was nearly an hour and a half of waiting between the service of the first pizza and that of the last! Receiving dishes in dribs and drabs over such a duration is simply unacceptable for a service billed as an extra.
3. Comfort and Logistics: The details that change everything
Carnival: Construction work upon waking and a chaotic finale
Imagine: a transatlantic crossing punctuated by construction noises as early as 8:15 AM in the cabin... and this throughout the entire first week! For rest, we'll have to try again.
But the worst was yet to come: disembarkation. It was a truly catastrophic experience. More than an hour of waiting in total chaos, a blatant lack of respect for passengers, and a total absence of a dedicated line for non-US citizens. A finale that leaves a very bitter note.
Costa: Ruined memories and a ghost service
At Costa, the cabin staff was invisible: we almost never saw our cabin steward. Furthermore, the lack of luggage storage is a real logistical obstacle on the last day.
Finally, amateurism struck the photo department: the souvenir frames contained incorrect information (wrong dates and an itinerary that did not match our cruise). Result: we bought nothing. Administrative rigor is cruelly lacking.
4. Summary: The verdict of honesty
It would be easy for us to say that Carnival wins by a knockout but based on these specific experiences:
Carnival wins hands down on the quality and free nature of the varied dining options (Guy's Burger, Tacos, etc.) as well as on the human element, but fails on the entertainment schedule and end-of-trip logistics.
Costa surprises with its festive atmosphere and its attention to French guests, but disappoints with its economic model where everything costs extra, its lack of rigor (photos), and completely disorganized dining management.
In conclusion:
The perfect trip does not exist. Even as "pro-Carnival," one must know how to recognize when the service is not up to par. The important thing is to set off informed!
And you, do you prefer to have everything included as with Carnival or to pay à la carte for specific services as with Costa?