Costa has decided to reduce Marketing in the US. They are reducing their N. American staff and refocusing on Marketing the Caribbean to Europeans, which they will get. Americans are not interested in Costa and many on other cruise forums have echoed your brother's sentiments, they will not cruise Costa again.

I've cruised with them once in March, 2007 on the Costa Magica and enjoyed our Eastern Caribbean cruise. While the food was not 5 Star quality, I found it very good everywhere. Meats were not tough and grisly, we had lobster and there was the crab leg dinner night. Our entertainment I really could not complain about especially the Toga Party on the last night, which was fantastic. We had a Balcony cabin on deck 8, which was exactly like that we had on the Carnival Destiny. The Atlantica is a Spirit Class ship exactly like that of the Carnival Miracle and Legend. My impression was, it's  quite similar to Carnival in terms of the format and onboard activities.

I have spoken with a few people here who like me enjoyed cruising with Costa. They say the same thing I've said, they are just different. I'm wondering if they cut back on the quality of food and services as their cruisefares this Caribbean Season(2009 - 2010) have been down right cheap, obviously to attract more of the US market.

Costa will homeport the Atlantica year round in Miami instead of Ft Lauderdale from January, 2011 and operate just that one ship in the Caribbean then, and not the two ships, Costa Fortuna and Costa Atlantica as they do currently.

I think the key is what you said, they are offering down right cheap rates to attract the US market.  I think my brother and wife got the 7 days for an outside stateroom for about $50 a day per person.  It will be interesting to read reviews of others who do the Miami run in coming days.