well, a view from a balcony seems a fair trade for terrible theatre views.  Enjoy!

New Costa ship. It’s looks really nice Ben. Fantastic upgrade to a balcony cabin, you seem delighted about that. Looks a lot different from the last one you were on. Be good to see how this cruise goes. Enjoy your cruise ❤

Congrats on the upgrade! Looks like you’ll get in many steps just going from place to place! I agree about eating alone…no problem with that and I really don’t want a side of crazy with my entree!

Ben, i agree about dining alone. If i'm not actually traveling with somebody, I like to eat in the dining room or even in the buffet at a table by myself with my thoughts.And the view ...i'm good. I was once maneuvered into eating with the group after a solo meetup, and then ended up sitting next to a girl from the solo meetup who had her baby at the table in a high chair next to me...She was at the table, making food with these different devices. The baby was cute but she was throwing stuff, and she was next to me and I kept having to pick it up... Nope... Lessons learned!!!

I'm so happy about your free upgrade Ben! Such a great location too at the front of the ship too! x

Wow I wouldn't leave the balcony- perfect spot!

Great vlog. Totally agree on the dining front, that's why I enjoy NCL. 🙂

This looks like fun! Thanks, Ben! I needed this😍

Yay!! Love a upgrade. So happy you are cruising again love watching your videos ! Merry Christmas!

I agree I like eating alone if I am not with my family

What a wonderful surprise, having a balcony 🥳.   Have a brilliant cruise.    Looking forward to watching your videos 😊

What a lovely surprise to get a balcony upgrade. Costa must have watched your videos on the Costa Diadema and this is their peace offering 😊

So much room for activities 😂

I’m so glad you got upgraded.. You deserve it though.!
Once you go balcony, you never go back!! 😂

Yeah an upgrade…cool love Balcony for an early coffee or late beer…love that you were really surprised for the upgrade..well deserved

I can't wait to see how the rest of this cruise goes.  After your last Costa cruise, you deserve all the upgrades the ship can give you.  I hope you have better luck with Costa than I did with Carnival.  After my first Carnival cruise, I said it was highly unlikely that I would go on another Carnival cruise.  In October, I decided to give it another try.  Unfortunately, the second time wasn't any better than the first.  It looks like you're going to have a better outcome than I did.  I totally agree with you about the dining thing.  That's one reason I like NCL so much.  The freestyle thing is a big benefit to me.  Thanks for another great video.

Yay! More fun cruising blogs. Hope this time will be fun. I agree on the designs of the seating, what were they thinking? I would at least try dining room once and see. Hopefully you’ll meet delightful people. Have a great time Ben, we will be watching. Merry Christmas.

I got the same Level 8 suitcases from a previous video discount you had.  Love it.  Using the carry on for my next cruise in January to the Caribbean!.  Love the first look of the Toscana and can't wait to see the rest of the ports.  Bon Voyage!

Enjoy your cruise 😃

Wow, cruising again🎉 and Upgrade, balcony🎉🎉🎉🎉 the best way to travel is cruising😅😊
The Ship.... well hate that theaters😩😱
But there are many nice places on the ship😅you will have a lot of fun🎉take care ❤

I would have tried sitting with others, but I am outgoing and engaging.  If there was one or two people I did not like, I would not be rude but I would share my perspective in conversations.  Heck, they might be the ones to switch to the buffet.  Just me.
Great tour of a very different Costa ship.  Keep it coming, Ben. ❤