Steve Wertheimer

Age: 69
Occupation: Consultant
Number of Cruises: 15+
Cruise Line: Costa
Ship: Atlantica
Sailing Date: November 28th, 2004
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

Well, let me count the ways. First, the ship's lifeboat drill didn't happen until the afternoon of the first day at sea, 24 hours after sailing, interrupting the afternoon fun and games. The ship is smoker-friendly, making all lounges and even outdoor bars unsuitable for many people to linger. The deserts at lunch and dinner where by and large inedible. The best part of the cuisine was the daily pasta specials. The entrees were touch and go. A veal scallopini was almost as tough as a saddle. The shows were over the top; no comedian (a first!), and a very boisterous but un-charming cruise director MC. The ship itself is a baroque treasure, decorated within an inch of its life, but elegant to be sure. The ship's gym is first-class, the pools are spacious and three of them mean there is room to swim and lounge on the decks. The jogging track does not record how many laps to a mile. Some may be put off by the multi-lingual nature of the ship's public announcements and even the passenger roll, but it is a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. The western Caribbean ports of call are dull, by and large, and Grand Cayman offers no bargains (Why should they? It is a money drop for super wealthy people who can pay full price. This stop should be purged from every cruise line's itinerary).

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