Croisière MSC sur le Meraviglia (Grande-Bretagne - Irlande)
by Heckets
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
départ de Hambourg le 29 04 2018 avec MSC ;sur le Meraviglia; j'aimerais lors de mes escales ;le faire de mes propres moyens si possible ; nous sommes 2 couples ; si je pourrais avoir des infos comment faire sans passer par les excursions proposées par msc ;escales à Invergordon; puis Kirkwall; Greenock; Dublin; Cork; Southampton;merci de votre aide
Hello Pierre,
Nous aussi nous partons pour le royaume uni et l’irlande Nous sommes un groupe de 9 personnes de 54 et plus.
Nous avons organisés nos escales par nous mêmes et pour Invergordon si cela vous intéresserait nous avons un mini bus local qui vient nous chercher au bateau et nous ramène au port.
L’excursion est très complète et dure 8 heures environ. Le mini bus contient 16 places et il en reste 7 si cela vous convient les places sont encore disponibles.
Si vous voulez plus de renseignements , je peux vous envoyer par MP.
Meilleures salutations Régine et Compagnie
Meilleures salutations Régine et Compagnie
rd
Hello Regine
je vous remercie pour votre message ; on serais d'accord de pouvoir participer avec vous pour cette sortie sur Invergordon ; on est 2 couples d'alsaciens du Haut-Rhin; si vous pouviez me faire part du tarif et du programme de cette sortie ; pour que je puisse en fairt part à mes amis; si on peut se rallier pour d'autres sorties durant cette croisière ça peut se faire avec grand plaisir; merci dans l'attente de votre réponse.
Pierre
cordialement
je vous remercie pour votre message ; on serais d'accord de pouvoir participer avec vous pour cette sortie sur Invergordon ; on est 2 couples d'alsaciens du Haut-Rhin; si vous pouviez me faire part du tarif et du programme de cette sortie ; pour que je puisse en fairt part à mes amis; si on peut se rallier pour d'autres sorties durant cette croisière ça peut se faire avec grand plaisir; merci dans l'attente de votre réponse.
Pierre
cordialement
Bonjour régine,
nous allons avec mon mari faire aussi cette croisière. le départ approche et je n'ai pas encore organisée les excursions. Nous n'aimons pas trop celle proposées par le bateau, nous préférons les visites en petit groupe. nous serions très interressés pour connaitre les excursions que vous avez organisées pour nous en inspirer, nous ne parlons pas l'anglais et souvent les organismes qui propose des excursions au niveau du port ne le font pas en francais. s'il vous reste deux places nous serions interessés pour partager avec vous cette journée
dans l'attente de vous lire, je vous souhaite une bonne soirée
nous allons avec mon mari faire aussi cette croisière. le départ approche et je n'ai pas encore organisée les excursions. Nous n'aimons pas trop celle proposées par le bateau, nous préférons les visites en petit groupe. nous serions très interressés pour connaitre les excursions que vous avez organisées pour nous en inspirer, nous ne parlons pas l'anglais et souvent les organismes qui propose des excursions au niveau du port ne le font pas en francais. s'il vous reste deux places nous serions interessés pour partager avec vous cette journée
dans l'attente de vous lire, je vous souhaite une bonne soirée
Hello vous,
Oui nous avons encore 3 places disponibles, mais je voudrai vous envoyer l’itinéraire de la journée. Peut-être pouvez-vous me remettre votre e-mail.
Voici juste quelques explications, le tour se fait en anglais, même sur le bateau il n’est pas certain d’avoir un commentaire en français.
Nous avons cependant des amis qui nous traduirons les explications.
Et je crois que c’est surtout les paysages qui seront importants et magnifiques
Pour l’explication je l’ai traduite en français.
Avec nos meilleures salutations et au plaisir de vous voir à bord.
Régine
rd
Bonjour je suis en route pour invergordon, en croisière. Qu'avez vous fait et vu dans cette ville où région. Merci pour votre réponse
Bonjour je suis en route pour invergordon, en croisière. Qu'avez vous fait et vu dans cette ville où région. Merci pour votre réponse
The Scottish Highland Discovery Tour The adventure begins as soon as you arrive at the end of the gangway where your guide will be waiting to welcome you to the Scottish Highlands. The tour begins with a drive through the town of Invergordon and along the coastal road to Alness, passed the world famous Dalmore Distillery before climbing in to the hills through Ardross to one of the best views in Scotland. (in our opinion) Millionaire's Viewpoint (as it's known to the locals) is the first stop and there will be plenty time to take pictures before the tour descends in to the Glen through Bonar Bridge on your way to The Falls of Shin and the Salmon Leap. Atlantic Salmon can often be seen leaping the falls, making the final push toward their birthplace for the cycle to start all over again. (optional) Then it's a short drive to Dunrobin Castle & Gardens which is very popular with locals and it always goes down well with our guests. The falconry display is amazing - Andy (The Falconer) has been working with local birds for over 25 years and his knowledge and passion shine through. He's a very interesting character and many people say it's the best they've seen in the world. The castle looks like it is straight out of a fairy-tale and set in the Scottish Highlands it looks magnificent. Dunrobin also has a wonderfully unique museum and taxidermy collection. Carn Liath is only a 2 minute drive north of Dunrobin Castle and is a fine example of a broch – a type of fortification found only in Scotland. It also offers great views of Dunorbin Castle. (optional) The adventure then heads south through Golspie to the Royal Burgh of Dornoch, one of Scotland's most picturesque villages. It is home to a stunning golden sandy beach and a world class golf course but even without these things it just takes you to another time altogether. Highly, highly recommend!! The old Jail has been turned into a shop selling locally made, hand crafted gifts, jewellery and works of art, if you're looking for souvenirs. The Cathedral also draws lots of visitors with a collection of beautiful stained glass windows. Dornoch is also a great place to stop for lunch with lots of options including a local bakery, a patisserie, a gallery, the Eagle hotel (great fish and chips) and The Carnegie Courthouse so there's something to suit all tastes. Last stop on the itinerary is often a tour and tasting at the world famous Glenmorangie Distillery but this is just an option, many people have no interest in distilleries. The day then winds down with a drive through Tain, Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh on the way back to board your ship and sail in to the sunset.
Loch Ness Highland Tour
You will be met from the ship at the end of the pier at a pre-arranged time which suits your group. Usually as early as possible so that you can make the most of your day and hit the attractions before the cruise crowds descend. The drive to Loch Ness is very picturesque taking you through rolling hills and farmland. Along the way you will have an opportunity hear about the history of the area and find out a little more about your guide and their experiences of living in the Scottish Highlands. Every tour is different - we get to know you and you get to now us and our aim is to make sure you have a truly unforgettable day in the Scottish Highlands.
You will take the north shore route through the fantastically named Drumnadrochit and stop at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. If this is of interest to you it's possible to take a tour of the ruins, there is a fantastic visitor centre and audio tour. Alternatively you can take a cruise on the Loch with Jacobite and get dropped off at Urquhart Castle where you're guide will meet you. Or there's Loch Ness Cruises which leaves from Drumnadrochit - max 12 guests so it's a really personal experience and offers great views of Urquhart Castle along with an insight in to the Loch and of course the monster.
I find that most groups prefer to wander around outside the castle between the two viewpoints and take pictures. Your guide will of course fill you in on some of the history of the castle. On cruise days this tends to be very busy as a lot of the bus tours go here.
On the way back to Inverness from Urquhart Castle there is the option to drop in by Divach Falls. The falls can be found down a little woodland path so it's a bit of an adventure (and one I only recommend to people who are good on their feet) but it's a great option for those who like to get off the beaten track.
Following this there's the option to stop in Inverness for shopping or maybe a wander around Inverness Cathedral otherwise the route takes you through the heart of Inverness past Inverness Castle, home to the Inverness Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court.
Another popular stop on the tour is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil. There's a really good visitor centre here but it's also possible to just walk on to the battlefield and take in this very historic site. There's also a great example of a Thatch House.
From the battlefield it's only a short drive to the Culloden Viaduct and Clava Cairns which features a selection of standing stones and is an interesting example of a well preserved Bronze Age cemetery.
Alternatively, if military history is of interest to you then Fort George was Britain’s strongest ever fortification - designed to halt any future Jacobite attempt on the throne. Completed in 1769, it used the very latest military architecture, and was intended to be the base for 2,000 men with large amounts of artillery. Its might was never put to the test and it stands today as one of the best-preserved artillery fortresses of its period in the world. Run by Historic Scotland, it is also one of the biggest visitor attractions in the Highlands.
Cawdor Castle is also in this area and if it's a must see you'll need at least an hour there to fully appreciate it although others do spend longer wandering the castle and grounds.
If you would like to go somewhere for lunch, please let me know and this can of course be arranged otherwise there will be opportunities to pick up snacks on your tour.
If whisky is of interest to you the Glen Ord Distillery is only a short drive from Inverness, it's one of Scotland's most picturesque distilleries and a really good tour if you'd like to hear more about the ancient fire water.
The Black Isle Brewery also offers a short free tour and the Black Isle is another place I can highly recommend. Not a lot of the tours end up on the Black Isle which is a real shame as it is absolutely beautiful and has some great walks and an interesting history. The Fairy Glen is particularly stunning so if you like feel like stretching your legs this is the place to go!! It's a gentle walk through the woodland with some beautiful sights including waterfalls.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what's on offer. It's possible to include some or all of these sights and attractions depending on how long you would like the tour to be. If you feel there are other sights and attractions I have not included let me know and I can make suggestions as to what may interest you in the area.
Tours in a sedan (up to 4 guests but most suitable for couples or small families) cost £335, £370 or £405 (6, 7 and 8hrs) or an MPV (up to 8 guests) which is £395, £440 or £485 (6, 7 and 8hrs). The length of tour really depends on how long you would like to spend at each place and how many stops you would like to fit in.
You can either book a sedan and MPV for your group or I may possibly be able to get you a 16 seater for the tour I am just waiting to hear back from my driver-guide to check if the vehicle is available. Let me know what you think.
To book we send you an invoice for the deposit via PayPal which can be paid with a debit/credit card or a PayPal account if you have one. The balance is then paid in cash pounds sterling at the end of the tour.
If you have any other questions or requests please let me know.
Slàinte mhor, Voici notre excursion, nous l’avons réservées des mois à l’avance. C’eta Une journée magnifique et très complète. Bien à vous et profitez de ce magnifique voyage.
The Scottish Highland Discovery Tour The adventure begins as soon as you arrive at the end of the gangway where your guide will be waiting to welcome you to the Scottish Highlands. The tour begins with a drive through the town of Invergordon and along the coastal road to Alness, passed the world famous Dalmore Distillery before climbing in to the hills through Ardross to one of the best views in Scotland. (in our opinion) Millionaire's Viewpoint (as it's known to the locals) is the first stop and there will be plenty time to take pictures before the tour descends in to the Glen through Bonar Bridge on your way to The Falls of Shin and the Salmon Leap. Atlantic Salmon can often be seen leaping the falls, making the final push toward their birthplace for the cycle to start all over again. (optional) Then it's a short drive to Dunrobin Castle & Gardens which is very popular with locals and it always goes down well with our guests. The falconry display is amazing - Andy (The Falconer) has been working with local birds for over 25 years and his knowledge and passion shine through. He's a very interesting character and many people say it's the best they've seen in the world. The castle looks like it is straight out of a fairy-tale and set in the Scottish Highlands it looks magnificent. Dunrobin also has a wonderfully unique museum and taxidermy collection. Carn Liath is only a 2 minute drive north of Dunrobin Castle and is a fine example of a broch – a type of fortification found only in Scotland. It also offers great views of Dunorbin Castle. (optional) The adventure then heads south through Golspie to the Royal Burgh of Dornoch, one of Scotland's most picturesque villages. It is home to a stunning golden sandy beach and a world class golf course but even without these things it just takes you to another time altogether. Highly, highly recommend!! The old Jail has been turned into a shop selling locally made, hand crafted gifts, jewellery and works of art, if you're looking for souvenirs. The Cathedral also draws lots of visitors with a collection of beautiful stained glass windows. Dornoch is also a great place to stop for lunch with lots of options including a local bakery, a patisserie, a gallery, the Eagle hotel (great fish and chips) and The Carnegie Courthouse so there's something to suit all tastes. Last stop on the itinerary is often a tour and tasting at the world famous Glenmorangie Distillery but this is just an option, many people have no interest in distilleries. The day then winds down with a drive through Tain, Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh on the way back to board your ship and sail in to the sunset.
Loch Ness Highland Tour
You will be met from the ship at the end of the pier at a pre-arranged time which suits your group. Usually as early as possible so that you can make the most of your day and hit the attractions before the cruise crowds descend. The drive to Loch Ness is very picturesque taking you through rolling hills and farmland. Along the way you will have an opportunity hear about the history of the area and find out a little more about your guide and their experiences of living in the Scottish Highlands. Every tour is different - we get to know you and you get to now us and our aim is to make sure you have a truly unforgettable day in the Scottish Highlands.
You will take the north shore route through the fantastically named Drumnadrochit and stop at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. If this is of interest to you it's possible to take a tour of the ruins, there is a fantastic visitor centre and audio tour. Alternatively you can take a cruise on the Loch with Jacobite and get dropped off at Urquhart Castle where you're guide will meet you. Or there's Loch Ness Cruises which leaves from Drumnadrochit - max 12 guests so it's a really personal experience and offers great views of Urquhart Castle along with an insight in to the Loch and of course the monster.
I find that most groups prefer to wander around outside the castle between the two viewpoints and take pictures. Your guide will of course fill you in on some of the history of the castle. On cruise days this tends to be very busy as a lot of the bus tours go here.
On the way back to Inverness from Urquhart Castle there is the option to drop in by Divach Falls. The falls can be found down a little woodland path so it's a bit of an adventure (and one I only recommend to people who are good on their feet) but it's a great option for those who like to get off the beaten track.
Following this there's the option to stop in Inverness for shopping or maybe a wander around Inverness Cathedral otherwise the route takes you through the heart of Inverness past Inverness Castle, home to the Inverness Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court.
Another popular stop on the tour is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil. There's a really good visitor centre here but it's also possible to just walk on to the battlefield and take in this very historic site. There's also a great example of a Thatch House.
From the battlefield it's only a short drive to the Culloden Viaduct and Clava Cairns which features a selection of standing stones and is an interesting example of a well preserved Bronze Age cemetery.
Alternatively, if military history is of interest to you then Fort George was Britain’s strongest ever fortification - designed to halt any future Jacobite attempt on the throne. Completed in 1769, it used the very latest military architecture, and was intended to be the base for 2,000 men with large amounts of artillery. Its might was never put to the test and it stands today as one of the best-preserved artillery fortresses of its period in the world. Run by Historic Scotland, it is also one of the biggest visitor attractions in the Highlands.
Cawdor Castle is also in this area and if it's a must see you'll need at least an hour there to fully appreciate it although others do spend longer wandering the castle and grounds.
If you would like to go somewhere for lunch, please let me know and this can of course be arranged otherwise there will be opportunities to pick up snacks on your tour.
If whisky is of interest to you the Glen Ord Distillery is only a short drive from Inverness, it's one of Scotland's most picturesque distilleries and a really good tour if you'd like to hear more about the ancient fire water.
The Black Isle Brewery also offers a short free tour and the Black Isle is another place I can highly recommend. Not a lot of the tours end up on the Black Isle which is a real shame as it is absolutely beautiful and has some great walks and an interesting history. The Fairy Glen is particularly stunning so if you like feel like stretching your legs this is the place to go!! It's a gentle walk through the woodland with some beautiful sights including waterfalls.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what's on offer. It's possible to include some or all of these sights and attractions depending on how long you would like the tour to be. If you feel there are other sights and attractions I have not included let me know and I can make suggestions as to what may interest you in the area.
Tours in a sedan (up to 4 guests but most suitable for couples or small families) cost £335, £370 or £405 (6, 7 and 8hrs) or an MPV (up to 8 guests) which is £395, £440 or £485 (6, 7 and 8hrs). The length of tour really depends on how long you would like to spend at each place and how many stops you would like to fit in.
You can either book a sedan and MPV for your group or I may possibly be able to get you a 16 seater for the tour I am just waiting to hear back from my driver-guide to check if the vehicle is available. Let me know what you think.
To book we send you an invoice for the deposit via PayPal which can be paid with a debit/credit card or a PayPal account if you have one. The balance is then paid in cash pounds sterling at the end of the tour.
If you have any other questions or requests please let me know.
Slàinte mhor, Voici notre excursion, nous l’avons réservées des mois à l’avance. C’eta Une journée magnifique et très complète. Bien à vous et profitez de ce magnifique voyage.
rd
Merci beaucoup pour votre réponse un peu tardive.
La croisière était super, mer calme et de belles visites.
Log in first, then come back to this page.
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More discussions
hi there
Here’s the cruise schedule for 2026.
It’s a great way to get ideas and maybe even meet up with other members.
2 essential rules:
1) never "quote" the calendar when replying—this’ll avoid any confusion 2) follow the format below DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / /
REMINDER Despite my requests, few people follow the requested format. Cruises that stray too far from it won’t be listed anymore—sorry!PLEASE respect the templates! COPY AND PASTE THE FORMAT BELOW AND REPLACE WITH YOUR DETAILS IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / / It takes time to fix mistakes, so THANKS TO EVERYONE for your help!
YOUR TURN 😉
NUMBER OF CRUISES 2026: JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1) never "quote" the calendar when replying—this’ll avoid any confusion 2) follow the format below DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / /
REMINDER Despite my requests, few people follow the requested format. Cruises that stray too far from it won’t be listed anymore—sorry!PLEASE respect the templates! COPY AND PASTE THE FORMAT BELOW AND REPLACE WITH YOUR DETAILS IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / / It takes time to fix mistakes, so THANKS TO EVERYONE for your help!
YOUR TURN 😉
NUMBER OF CRUISES 2026: JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Hi there,
I'm looking at a cruise in the north.Which one do you think is more interesting? Thanks
Hello
We’re taking an MSC cruise in May, and after the Cinque Terre, we’ll be stopping in Naples. We’d like to know if it’s possible to walk out of the port quickly and reach a nice area of Naples on foot (we’re two older people). While we’re at it, I’ll ask the same question for Palermo, since we’ll be there the next day. Thanks for your replies.
We’re taking an MSC cruise in May, and after the Cinque Terre, we’ll be stopping in Naples. We’d like to know if it’s possible to walk out of the port quickly and reach a nice area of Naples on foot (we’re two older people). While we’re at it, I’ll ask the same question for Palermo, since we’ll be there the next day. Thanks for your replies.
Hello,
We’re back from this cruise.
Boarding in Dunkirk: The doors opened around 12 PM. Since we were a bit early, I asked if my husband, who uses a walker, could wait inside instead of outside. I left him with the two suitcases and our two backpacks in the small hall while I parked the car in the reserved CFC parking lot for 10 € per day.
The shuttle that was supposed to take people from the parking lot to the model pavilion was supposed to arrive in 5 minutes, but after 15 minutes, nothing. After waiting 15 minutes, I saw a man walking and asked if I could follow him. In 15 minutes, we arrived, and still no sign of the shuttle—it must have passed us. Arrived at the model pavilion.
My husband had already checked in the suitcases with the help of a CFC staff member. The remaining formalities were completed quickly. We were on board by 12:15 PM. Headed to the buffet on deck 11 and waited in a lounge to access our cabin.
At 2 PM, we discovered our balcony cabin on deck 9 at the rear: spacious with a large balcony compared to MSC/COSTA.
Since we were at the rear, cabin 9202, there was always an issue with elevator number 4: "priority."
Elevator number 2 stops at deck 10... and elevator number 3 was often out of order, leaving only number 1 for those with mobility issues to reach the buffet, especially for people who struggle with stairs. Note: only one child on board and lots of "gray hair."
DAY 2: At sea. Lots of activities offered.
Day 3: GOTHENBURG (Sweden). Sunny, 19°C at 11 AM.
Excursion booked with CFC: Gothenburg and Haga for all.
Interesting visit with a great guide. The HAGA district, in our opinion, is full of cobblestones and nothing special, not suitable for people using a cane or wheelchair. Elevator number 3 was out of order again.
Day 4: Copenhagen. 15°C in the morning, showers in the afternoon.
We didn’t book an excursion since we’d already stopped here with CFC in 2025, and based on advice from this forum, we took the hop-on/hop-off bus right in front of the ship. I still went to see the Little Mermaid again.
No TV, but the elevator was fixed.
DAY 5: At sea. Still no TV.
DAY 6: GDANSK (Poland). 15°C, rain all day.
There’s a shuttle to get to the city center.
We took the excursion: Panorama of Gdansk.
The guide left us at the entrance of the city center for 45 minutes, telling us what to visit. Meet-up for the rest of the tour at 3 PM. The bus left at 3:15 PM to cover 10 km to see St. Mary’s Cathedral. We arrived at 4:16 PM... The guide said there are often traffic jams in that direction. We had 10 minutes on site before heading to see the lighthouse and the Westerplatte monument, where we also had 10 minutes.
Many of us wondered why we didn’t do the tour in the opposite direction since they knew there would be traffic...
I went to reception to complain about the organization. The staff member read me the program: we were supposed to start with the lighthouse, then go to the cathedral and stay for 30 minutes before heading to the center of Gdansk for a short guided walk with some free time to buy souvenirs, etc.
The guide did the complete opposite of what was planned and didn’t even give us a guided tour—just dropped us off in the city...
DAY 7: Bornholm Island (Denmark). 14°C, a few sunny spells.
We saw in the excursions that there was a walking tour of RØNNE. So, like many others, we explored on our own. There was a small orchestra welcoming us at the port and two people with city maps. We took the shuttle to leave the port—it ran every 15 minutes. The tourist office was next to the "shuttle bus." A pleasant visit at our own pace.
DAY 8: KIEL (Germany). 18–23°C, nice weather.
We took the "Kiel for all" excursion. Great guide and interesting visits.
The port is in the city, and in 10 minutes, we were in the city center by following a blue line on the ground from the port. Elevator 3 was stuck again... and the TV was back.
DAY 9: At sea. Elevator 3 works.
DAY 10: At sea. Elevator 3 is out of order again...
DAY 11: Disembarkation in Dunkirk.
Cabins had to be vacated by 7:30 AM. Buffet open until 9 AM.
Elevator number 1 was "reserved," leaving only number 2, which doesn’t go up to deck 11... a problem for people with mobility issues who had to cross the entire deck 11 and try to use one of the four working elevators at the front, which were crowded.
My opinion: Interesting stops.
The onboard staff were always welcoming, smiling, and mostly French-speaking.
Evening shows were better than in March/April 2025—better singers, dancers, and presenters, and the costumes were improved.
I liked the "magician" shows less.
There were three onboard lectures by a very cultured person, but they went off-topic and were too historical for my taste. I didn’t attend the other two; my husband went to the second but not the third.
For this cruise, there was a bridge theme, but we’re not players or interested.
We didn’t take a drink package on board—water, coffee, tea, and herbal teas were available.
We had a water leak in our cabin the night before disembarkation. We reported it, and after the technical staff came (with a translator who didn’t speak English), we were asked to leave the cabin for a while for repairs. We went to a lounge, and after 1.5 hours, I checked in at reception. The repair took longer than expected... we had to change cabins... not ideal the night before disembarkation. No balcony cabins were available, so we got an ocean-view cabin, 6075, with a bathtub (impossible for both of us to use). We packed our suitcases, took a shower in our cabin, and moved to the new one. Noise from chairs until 12:30 AM because the cabin was under a lounge, and constant ventilation noise in the hallway... sleep was hard to come by. Disembarkation: Well organized. We were helped with transporting the two suitcases and bags to the waiting room while I took the shuttle to get the car. Guylène
We had a water leak in our cabin the night before disembarkation. We reported it, and after the technical staff came (with a translator who didn’t speak English), we were asked to leave the cabin for a while for repairs. We went to a lounge, and after 1.5 hours, I checked in at reception. The repair took longer than expected... we had to change cabins... not ideal the night before disembarkation. No balcony cabins were available, so we got an ocean-view cabin, 6075, with a bathtub (impossible for both of us to use). We packed our suitcases, took a shower in our cabin, and moved to the new one. Noise from chairs until 12:30 AM because the cabin was under a lounge, and constant ventilation noise in the hallway... sleep was hard to come by. Disembarkation: Well organized. We were helped with transporting the two suitcases and bags to the waiting room while I took the shuttle to get the car. Guylène
Hi everyone,
I’m staying in a suite on the Pacifica in October and I can’t find any details about the suite benefits beyond the elite restaurant, the butler, and the espresso machine.
What about breakfast and meals served free in the cabin, and the spa?
Costa’s been cutting back on perks for Gold members, and it seems like suites are next.
Thanks for your replies!
hi,
I’m leaving Hamburg for Iceland at the end of July. The boat arrives in Reykjavik on Tuesday, August 4th at 8 AM, and I’d like to book a day trip like the Golden Circle or Secret Lagoon… The sites like GetYourGuide and others list departures at 8 AM. If you’ve used these sites with the MSC Preziosa, could you let me know how to go about it?
Thanks! 😉
allyMB007
Hi
Has anyone taken the CFC recently?
Thoughts?
Thanks
Thoughts?
Thanks
Hello everyone,
It’s with immense sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of our friend Nathalie (nadu). Many of us knew her through this forum, which she loved so much. She enjoyed reading your travel stories, joining discussions, sharing her cruise reviews, and offering valuable advice—always with kindness, gentleness, and discretion.
For me, Nathalie was so much more than just a cruise enthusiast. She was a friend, a deeply kind person who was always there to listen, despite the many health challenges she faced with tremendous courage. We corresponded regularly, and sometimes we had the chance to visit each other’s homes or attend the cruise show together with our respective husbands.
We shared a common dream: when we both retired, we had planned to finally go on a cruise together. Life had other plans, and that trip will forever remain a journey we never had the chance to take. That thought weighs heavily on my heart today.
I’ll remember her as a gentle, generous woman who was always ready to help others. Her presence on this forum will leave a huge void, just as her friendship has in my life.
I send my sincerest thoughts to her husband, her family, and all those who had the chance to know her.
Fair winds, Nathalie. I like to think you’re now sailing on an infinitely calm sea, under an eternally blue sky. You’ll remain in our thoughts and hearts every time we talk about cruises or set off on a new journey.
Rest in peace, Nathalie.
For those who’d like to send a message of comfort and sympathy to her husband, you can send me a PM, and I’ll pass it along. THANK YOU
For me, Nathalie was so much more than just a cruise enthusiast. She was a friend, a deeply kind person who was always there to listen, despite the many health challenges she faced with tremendous courage. We corresponded regularly, and sometimes we had the chance to visit each other’s homes or attend the cruise show together with our respective husbands.
We shared a common dream: when we both retired, we had planned to finally go on a cruise together. Life had other plans, and that trip will forever remain a journey we never had the chance to take. That thought weighs heavily on my heart today.
I’ll remember her as a gentle, generous woman who was always ready to help others. Her presence on this forum will leave a huge void, just as her friendship has in my life.
I send my sincerest thoughts to her husband, her family, and all those who had the chance to know her.
Fair winds, Nathalie. I like to think you’re now sailing on an infinitely calm sea, under an eternally blue sky. You’ll remain in our thoughts and hearts every time we talk about cruises or set off on a new journey.
Rest in peace, Nathalie.
For those who’d like to send a message of comfort and sympathy to her husband, you can send me a PM, and I’ll pass it along. THANK YOU
Hello everyone,
So happy to be back on this Forum!
We’re heading off on another cruise—our 7th—after a 5-year break...
We’ll be leaving from Venice on April 26th with stops in Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, and Ancona.
Could you help me plan the stops by sharing tips, tricks, and advice?
For those who already know me, you know we prefer not to take the cruise line’s excursions but instead organize everything ourselves.
Thanks in advance to everyone, and looking forward to chatting with you all!
Hello,
We’re taking a cruise to Northern Europe with a stop in SOUTHAMPTON.
We’d like to visit the Stonehenge site.
Is it possible to get there on our own (my husband is a wheelchair user), since the MSC excursion to Salisbury is priced at 127 € per person?
There’s also a stop in Rotterdam, and it seems there’s a "miniature village to visit" nearby. Has anyone here been there, and if so, how did you get there?
Thanks so much for your tips. Mum49
If you're traveling on the Costa Diadema from October 17th to 28th, 2026 to Lisbon, we can meet up for a drink. Share our cruising experiences, an excursion, a table...
hi there, a group of friends and I are going on a cruise at the end of June with CFC in Norway. I’d love to get some info on the different stops we’ll be making. Most of them are one-day stops (from around 10 AM to 8 PM on average). Here are the stops: Andalsnes, Trondheim, Honningsvåg, Alta, Hellesylt, Sandane, Austefjorden.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can share what there is to see or do in these places.
When I get back, I’ll post what we did—it might help others who come after us.
Also, does anyone know if the boat sticks to the arrival time in Dunkirk for catching tickets to head back south? We’ll plan a buffer just in case.
Thanks everyone!
Thanks in advance to anyone who can share what there is to see or do in these places.
When I get back, I’ll post what we did—it might help others who come after us.
Also, does anyone know if the boat sticks to the arrival time in Dunkirk for catching tickets to head back south? We’ll plan a buffer just in case.
Thanks everyone!
Hi there, The day before boarding the Costa Favolosa for the Norwegian Fjords cruise departing from Hamburg, I'd like to book a hotel. Which one would be the most convenient location-wise relative to the port?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi everyone on the cruising forum,
I’m looking to get in touch with someone who’s been on an Arctic Cruise aboard the ship POLARFRONT, operated by the French company "LATITUDE BLANCHE", for some info.
https://www.latitudeblanche.com/voyages-grandnord-polarfront/
I already posted a similar message here 2-3 months ago, and it mysteriously disappeared... ??
Hoping for a response this time.
Best to all,
Puma2A
...
I’m looking to get in touch with someone who’s been on an Arctic Cruise aboard the ship POLARFRONT, operated by the French company "LATITUDE BLANCHE", for some info.
https://www.latitudeblanche.com/voyages-grandnord-polarfront/
I already posted a similar message here 2-3 months ago, and it mysteriously disappeared... ??
Hoping for a response this time.
Best to all,
Puma2A
...
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone has ever taken a cruise with this PO Cruise company.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
They’ve got some great itineraries for Norway.Hello,
We’ll be sailing on the Renaissance with CFC to southern Norway from July 4 to 11, 2026, departing from Dunkirk (the cruise was booked through "Planète Croisière").
When entering some personal details or pre-selecting options on the CFC website, I’m wondering about the "optional" categories for drinks and WiFi.
I’m actually a bit surprised by these extra charges, as we weren’t used to them on other cruises (Australis in Patagonia; Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express in Norway and Alaska; Rivages du Monde in the Arctic or on the Douro River; a Nile river cruise in Egypt), where we sometimes had access to basic drinks at meals and free WiFi when near land.
Anyway, for those who’ve already taken a CFC cruise on the Renaissance, could you share some advice? Specifically about the most basic drink package, called "Fraîcheur" (238 € for two), which doesn’t seem to be described anywhere. The "Premium" package seems excessive (490 € for two for the week) for light drinkers.
As for WiFi, it’s 10 € per day per person. While I find that price acceptable for parking our car in Dunkirk, it feels overpriced here (especially since it was free on the Nordlys "Coastal Express" just 3 or 4 years ago).
So, I’d love to hear from experienced cruisers who’ve been on this ship!
Looking forward to seeing the excursion prices, which should be available soon! 😐
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve done this cruise with Rivages du Monde or CroisiEurope.
Thanks!
Elettra69
Hi there,
I’m considering a cruise on this ship in the recently introduced Yacht Club category.
Have any forum members tried it?
What are your thoughts? Positive or negative? Which cabins should we go for—or avoid?
We’re already familiar with the Yacht Clubs on the Splendida, Fantasia, Preziosa, and Divina series.
We weren’t as keen on the one on the Seashore—we found it too big.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Best,
Claudine
We're considering a new cruise soon and would like to try the Renaissance.
The uniqueness of the promenade cabins appeals to us, but could anyone give us some insights on the following points:
- Is the glass door sufficiently tinted to prevent outsiders from seeing into the cabin?
- Is the soundproofing good enough to block out conversations on the promenade deck?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!
Hi there,
Do you have a hotel near the cruise port (or easy to reach by metro with luggage) to recommend? I’m planning to spend two days there before boarding.
Thanks in advance! Claudine
Do you have a hotel near the cruise port (or easy to reach by metro with luggage) to recommend? I’m planning to spend two days there before boarding.
Thanks in advance! Claudine
Hello,
My husband, our two teens, and I are going on a cruise on the COSTA Esmeralda at the beginning of July. We’re thinking of exploring the ports on our own. Do any of you have recent experiences or tips to share? Are there shuttles between the port and the city center? Are they free? Looking forward to hearing from you.
My husband, our two teens, and I are going on a cruise on the COSTA Esmeralda at the beginning of July. We’re thinking of exploring the ports on our own. Do any of you have recent experiences or tips to share? Are there shuttles between the port and the city center? Are they free? Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi, can you eat in the evening at the Costa Smeralda’s cafeteria, or do you have to dine at the restaurant? Thanks for your reply.
contact me to get referred at MSC, for your first cruise or if you haven't traveled with MSC in over 5 years
Hi everyone,
As promised, here’s my review of the cruise I took from the 5th to the 19th on the MSC Virtuosa.
As you know, I had initially booked a cruise with Mein Schiff departing from Dubai (from Dubai to Cape Town). It was a 22-day cruise. Due to the issues in the Persian Gulf, my cruise was canceled by Mein Schiff.
So, we started looking for a Plan B because we really wanted to go. Especially my wife, who had just had a minor procedure and needed some rest. Since she had already taken time off, she was determined to travel. However, we were looking for an affordable Plan B since we weren’t sure when Mein Schiff or the airline would reimburse us.
While browsing online, I found a 15-day cruise departing from Pointe-à-Pitre (including flights, transfers, the cruise, and drinks) for a price of 1,200 € in a Fantastica balcony cabin. We thought, *Why not?*
I should mention that I’m not usually a big fan of MSC. My last experience with them was post-Covid (I took two cruises, one in 2021 and another in 2022), and it was honestly a disaster. We didn’t want to repeat that, but after talking to Catherine, who told me she was very happy with a short Christmas cruise, we decided to give it a try.
I have to say, I was left speechless. Honestly, the cruise was absolutely perfect. There’s nothing to complain about (or just a few minor details). In terms of service and food, I felt like I was on a premium cruise line. I’d even say MSC has nothing to envy from some of those companies. While premium lines like Holland, Celebrity, and Royal are cutting back on services, I think MSC has made huge improvements. Seriously, I wasn’t expecting this at all. You’ll see what I mean as we chat more.
I won’t do a full review like I usually do because there weren’t many stops: 1. We boarded in Pointe-à-Pitre 2. We stopped in Saint-Martin 3. Then it was a direct crossing to the Azores...
This cruise was really about relaxing, even if it’s not the kind of trip we usually take.
First off, I’m not a big fan of "flight and cruise" packages. I asked if we could leave two days early, but they said it wasn’t possible. We had to take the flight, then the bus, and board the ship directly.
It’s not really my thing, but given the price we paid and since we really wanted to relax, we thought, *Why not?*
Here’s the itinerary:
Boarding in Pointe-à-Pitre Saint-Martin Five days at sea The Azores Four days at sea Hamburg One day at sea Le Havre

But as I mentioned, it wasn’t about the itinerary. It was really about taking a break and unwinding. Honestly, I came back thrilled.
Departure and boarding details to come
As promised, here’s my review of the cruise I took from the 5th to the 19th on the MSC Virtuosa.
As you know, I had initially booked a cruise with Mein Schiff departing from Dubai (from Dubai to Cape Town). It was a 22-day cruise. Due to the issues in the Persian Gulf, my cruise was canceled by Mein Schiff.
So, we started looking for a Plan B because we really wanted to go. Especially my wife, who had just had a minor procedure and needed some rest. Since she had already taken time off, she was determined to travel. However, we were looking for an affordable Plan B since we weren’t sure when Mein Schiff or the airline would reimburse us.
While browsing online, I found a 15-day cruise departing from Pointe-à-Pitre (including flights, transfers, the cruise, and drinks) for a price of 1,200 € in a Fantastica balcony cabin. We thought, *Why not?*
I should mention that I’m not usually a big fan of MSC. My last experience with them was post-Covid (I took two cruises, one in 2021 and another in 2022), and it was honestly a disaster. We didn’t want to repeat that, but after talking to Catherine, who told me she was very happy with a short Christmas cruise, we decided to give it a try.
I have to say, I was left speechless. Honestly, the cruise was absolutely perfect. There’s nothing to complain about (or just a few minor details). In terms of service and food, I felt like I was on a premium cruise line. I’d even say MSC has nothing to envy from some of those companies. While premium lines like Holland, Celebrity, and Royal are cutting back on services, I think MSC has made huge improvements. Seriously, I wasn’t expecting this at all. You’ll see what I mean as we chat more.
I won’t do a full review like I usually do because there weren’t many stops: 1. We boarded in Pointe-à-Pitre 2. We stopped in Saint-Martin 3. Then it was a direct crossing to the Azores...
This cruise was really about relaxing, even if it’s not the kind of trip we usually take.
First off, I’m not a big fan of "flight and cruise" packages. I asked if we could leave two days early, but they said it wasn’t possible. We had to take the flight, then the bus, and board the ship directly.
It’s not really my thing, but given the price we paid and since we really wanted to relax, we thought, *Why not?*
Here’s the itinerary:
Boarding in Pointe-à-Pitre Saint-Martin Five days at sea The Azores Four days at sea Hamburg One day at sea Le Havre

But as I mentioned, it wasn’t about the itinerary. It was really about taking a break and unwinding. Honestly, I came back thrilled.
Departure and boarding details to come
Hi there
Is the water from the cabin sinks drinkable?
Is the water from the cabin sinks drinkable?
We’re stopping over in Rovinj this coming May, and since we’ve already visited the main sights (port, church, etc.), is there a walk we can do on our own—no boat needed—that would fill a morning?
Thanks to anyone who knows the area…
My wife and I are going on a cruise on the MS Vesteralen on August 4th. The ship stays close to the coast to deliver mail and packages. My wife is a musician and is sensitive to the movement of the boat. Which deck and cabin should we choose?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Hi there,
So, I booked this cruise...
I know CFC gets a lot of criticism—
- And that it’s not really like the ships I usually take.
But the destination really interested me...
So, I’m giving it a try...
I’m going in with an open mind, thinking I got a good deal, so I’m not expecting the same experience as when I travel with Yacht Club or The Haven.
We’ll see... soon!hi, we’re going on a cruise with MSC Virtuosa in the Caribbean. Has anyone done this cruise before and could give us some tips for excursions on the different islands? Thanks for your help
😉Hi there,
A few months ago, CFC put the EN VOGUE experience on sale, departing from Dunkirk.
I booked this package to test the boat and onboard services for myself.
I’d read a lot of reviews mentioning numerous issues on board, so I wanted to see for myself what it was really like…
Okay, I’ll stop rambling… The package included boarding at 6 PM on Friday, dinner, a show, an overnight stay, and breakfast. We chose an interior cabin for this experience—since the boat wasn’t leaving the dock, we didn’t see the point in paying more… All in all, it cost 130 € per person. My mom joined us; she got the same cabin for 130 € with no single occupancy supplement.
We’d checked in online to board faster. We took the train to DUNKIRK, then a taxi to the shuttle pavilion—7 € for the ride. When we arrived at the pavilion, we were told to wait because there was a connection issue with check-in. Great start… After about ten minutes, we were finally allowed to proceed. At the counter, they said they didn’t have our cabin cards and no record of our check-in… Very odd. With no solution, they put us on the bus and said we’d sort it out at reception. Perfect. We went through security, and they confiscated our water bottles—never seen that before! Then they said my mom had a corkscrew in her bag, so they searched it… but there was no corkscrew. Total amateur hour… They eventually dropped it.
We got on the bus for a ten-minute ride… We boarded the ship with a crew member and headed to reception. Turns out, we weren’t the only ones in this situation. The nightmare began… Only two staff members were handling all the issues, and everything seemed complicated. They told my mom her cabin had been given to someone else 😲. That was the last straw…
It took forever—they had to redo the entire check-in. Finally, they told my mom her cabin was good to go; they’d mixed her up with someone else… After a solid half-hour, we could finally head to our cabin.
I’m determined to test everything: the pool, jacuzzi, show, restaurant, spa, etc… TO BE CONTINUED
Okay, I’ll stop rambling… The package included boarding at 6 PM on Friday, dinner, a show, an overnight stay, and breakfast. We chose an interior cabin for this experience—since the boat wasn’t leaving the dock, we didn’t see the point in paying more… All in all, it cost 130 € per person. My mom joined us; she got the same cabin for 130 € with no single occupancy supplement.
We’d checked in online to board faster. We took the train to DUNKIRK, then a taxi to the shuttle pavilion—7 € for the ride. When we arrived at the pavilion, we were told to wait because there was a connection issue with check-in. Great start… After about ten minutes, we were finally allowed to proceed. At the counter, they said they didn’t have our cabin cards and no record of our check-in… Very odd. With no solution, they put us on the bus and said we’d sort it out at reception. Perfect. We went through security, and they confiscated our water bottles—never seen that before! Then they said my mom had a corkscrew in her bag, so they searched it… but there was no corkscrew. Total amateur hour… They eventually dropped it.
We got on the bus for a ten-minute ride… We boarded the ship with a crew member and headed to reception. Turns out, we weren’t the only ones in this situation. The nightmare began… Only two staff members were handling all the issues, and everything seemed complicated. They told my mom her cabin had been given to someone else 😲. That was the last straw…
It took forever—they had to redo the entire check-in. Finally, they told my mom her cabin was good to go; they’d mixed her up with someone else… After a solid half-hour, we could finally head to our cabin.
I’m determined to test everything: the pool, jacuzzi, show, restaurant, spa, etc… TO BE CONTINUED