Original post
Hi everyone,
I’d love to hear from your experience—does having just a carry-on bag actually save time during boarding and disembarking?
Thanks in advance!
Muriel
Saving time with just a carry-on bag on a cruise
by Ateliermurie
Translated into English.
Welcome to the forum!
Of course you save time without checked luggage. You just get off the plane and—boom—you're out. Waiting for baggage claim is at least half an hour (and sometimes your suitcase doesn’t even show up 😅). That said, watch out for prohibited items in your carry-on: bottles over 100ml, and so on… And you’ve gotta know how to travel light!
Of course you save time without checked luggage. You just get off the plane and—boom—you're out. Waiting for baggage claim is at least half an hour (and sometimes your suitcase doesn’t even show up 😅). That said, watch out for prohibited items in your carry-on: bottles over 100ml, and so on… And you’ve gotta know how to travel light!
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
Hello
Oh, absolutely! 😉 For the past few years, I’ve only traveled with a small carry-on suitcase. It’s a learning process! It means letting go of a lot of things and moving around without your usual habits. It’s all about surrendering—isn’t that the essence of travel? You just need to optimize space by rolling clothes and packing them side by side.
The advantages: -Time saved at departure: no checked bags, and I’d rather wander around the airport than stand in another line. -Time saved at arrival: I’ve waited over an hour at baggage carousels before. -No worries about lost luggage during a layover (been there, got nothing back). -No mix-ups with someone else’s bag (also been there—someone took mine, and I had to buy a bunch of stuff in New York). -No dragging luggage around on a multi-stop trip. -No scattered belongings in a hotel room. Easy! With so little to unpack... -No outrageous fees for extra baggage on low-cost flights.
Oh, absolutely! 😉 For the past few years, I’ve only traveled with a small carry-on suitcase. It’s a learning process! It means letting go of a lot of things and moving around without your usual habits. It’s all about surrendering—isn’t that the essence of travel? You just need to optimize space by rolling clothes and packing them side by side.
The advantages: -Time saved at departure: no checked bags, and I’d rather wander around the airport than stand in another line. -Time saved at arrival: I’ve waited over an hour at baggage carousels before. -No worries about lost luggage during a layover (been there, got nothing back). -No mix-ups with someone else’s bag (also been there—someone took mine, and I had to buy a bunch of stuff in New York). -No dragging luggage around on a multi-stop trip. -No scattered belongings in a hotel room. Easy! With so little to unpack... -No outrageous fees for extra baggage on low-cost flights.
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
Hello
Oh yes indeed! 😉 For the past few years, I’ve only traveled with a small suitcase that I take in the cabin. It’s a learning process! It means letting go of a lot of things and moving around without your usual habits. It’s all about letting go! But isn’t that the whole point of traveling? You just need to optimize space by rolling your clothes and packing them side by side.
I admire you 😊 I’d love to be able to do that, but it’s impossible for me. Even less so for my girlfriend 😅 The least we’ve managed is 12 kg for a month. And the backpack couldn’t be considered a carry-on 😢
Oh yes indeed! 😉 For the past few years, I’ve only traveled with a small suitcase that I take in the cabin. It’s a learning process! It means letting go of a lot of things and moving around without your usual habits. It’s all about letting go! But isn’t that the whole point of traveling? You just need to optimize space by rolling your clothes and packing them side by side.
I admire you 😊 I’d love to be able to do that, but it’s impossible for me. Even less so for my girlfriend 😅 The least we’ve managed is 12 kg for a month. And the backpack couldn’t be considered a carry-on 😢
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
I struggled at first, but after trying it, I’m hooked 😉
It’s so much better! That said, I’ve never gone on a long trip to a cold country—it’s easier with light clothes...
In the small extra bag (the one that fits under the seat), I manage to fit quite a bit: my camera, my toiletries, my iPad, a foldable backpack (3 € at Decathlon 😛), and my documents.
In the suitcase, my clothes and 2 pairs of shoes.
On me, I wear a bunch of things—jacket, sweater, scarf, etc.—which I’ll stash in the foldable bag once I arrive.
My travel buddies (the ones from India, for example 😉) did the same and are now total converts to the method !
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
And what about gifts on the way back—how do you bring them? 😅
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
Hi Montagnard, it’s for a cruise. But I think it should be the same, right!?
Thanks for the reply :)
Muriel
Hi Kate, and thanks for your reply.
As I mentioned to Montagnard, this is a Northern Europe cruise.
After a cruise in Norway, I realized how many clothes I didn’t wear over 15 days, so I’m scaling back my pack!
I’m thinking of boarding without waiting in line—who knows!
Muriel😇
Hi Montagnard, it's about a cruise. But I think it must be the same, right!?
Thanks for the reply :)
Muriel
Well, I'm stumped! 😕 I’ve only been on one cruise in my life, back in 2007, and I’ll admit I wouldn’t do it again (but that’s not the point). So, no idea 😅 There’s a section of the forum dedicated to cruises—ask your question there 🧑🏼✈️
Well, I'm stumped! 😕 I’ve only been on one cruise in my life, back in 2007, and I’ll admit I wouldn’t do it again (but that’s not the point). So, no idea 😅 There’s a section of the forum dedicated to cruises—ask your question there 🧑🏼✈️
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
And how do you bring back gifts on the way home? 🤔
I save money, I don’t bring back ANYTHING! :P No, that’s not true—actually, last time we cheated and bought a suitcase (a 5 € Samsonite knockoff) the day before flying back to France to carry all four of our amazing gifts.
I save money, I don’t bring back ANYTHING! :P No, that’s not true—actually, last time we cheated and bought a suitcase (a 5 € Samsonite knockoff) the day before flying back to France to carry all four of our amazing gifts.
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
as I was telling Montagnard, it's a cruise in Northern Europe.
I’ve never been on a cruise :/ But for flights, my tips stay the same.
I’ve never been on a cruise :/ But for flights, my tips stay the same.
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
And how do you bring back gifts? 🤔
I save money, I don’t bring back ANYTHING! 😛 No, that’s not true—last time we cheated and bought a suitcase (a Samsonite knockoff for 5 €) the day before heading back to France to carry all four of our amazing gifts.
This is starting to get too complicated for me... The only reason I’d consider it is the cost, since more and more, prices are "no luggage included," and you quickly hit 100 or 150 € per person. And since I like to travel stress-free, I don’t want to deprive myself—so I pay...
I save money, I don’t bring back ANYTHING! 😛 No, that’s not true—last time we cheated and bought a suitcase (a Samsonite knockoff for 5 €) the day before heading back to France to carry all four of our amazing gifts.
This is starting to get too complicated for me... The only reason I’d consider it is the cost, since more and more, prices are "no luggage included," and you quickly hit 100 or 150 € per person. And since I like to travel stress-free, I don’t want to deprive myself—so I pay...
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
On long-haul flights, I’ve never paid extra for a checked bag.
But maybe that’s changing... or will change.
I forgot one thing... Since there were four of us on our last trip, luckily our suitcases weren’t too bulky, otherwise they wouldn’t have fit in the taxi trunk.
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
Hi there,
Traveling with just a carry-on bag really saves time and makes things more convenient. It depends on the flights and airlines, of course, but most of the time, it lets passengers who’ve checked in online skip the check-in counter entirely, head straight to security, and board. Just a side note—on many scheduled flights departing from Schengen countries, you often don’t even need to show your ID card, just a quick scan at boarding. At arrival, you’re out in no time—big time-saver. All in all, you can easily save an hour or more.
What’s your destination? Which flight? Which airline? Sometimes, you still have to go to the check-in counter, depending on the airport.
Michel
Traveling with just a carry-on bag really saves time and makes things more convenient. It depends on the flights and airlines, of course, but most of the time, it lets passengers who’ve checked in online skip the check-in counter entirely, head straight to security, and board. Just a side note—on many scheduled flights departing from Schengen countries, you often don’t even need to show your ID card, just a quick scan at boarding. At arrival, you’re out in no time—big time-saver. All in all, you can easily save an hour or more.
What’s your destination? Which flight? Which airline? Sometimes, you still have to go to the check-in counter, depending on the airport.
Michel
Hi there, as I mentioned, this is a cruise, not a flight.
On my last trip, boarding was really tough, especially since I had a broken ankle!
Since then, I’ve had trouble standing for long periods, and I’m boarding in Le Havre.
Muriel
Your question made me think it was about a flight, especially since the category wasn’t very clearly about cruise preparation either.
Michel
Michel
Hi there,
Not having checked luggage usually saves time on arrival, but not always. You also need to travel very light.
Be careful—just because you don’t have checked luggage doesn’t mean you won’t pay extra fees!
Depending on the airline, some carry-on bags are now subject to charges, and they’re not always flexible (often strict, in fact) about allowed dimensions and weight.
Some carry-on bags also end up in the hold if there’s no space left in the cabin, but they’re usually returned at the aircraft door.
Checked luggage is still free with some airlines, so comparing fares is getting trickier...
Finally, at certain stopovers, checked luggage can arrive on the carousel before passengers do. This tends to happen in: - Countries with strict entry formalities - Places where labor costs are low enough to have plenty of staff for quick handling - Flights where few people check bags - Planes that land on the tarmac (requiring bus transport)
Checked luggage isn’t an issue when flying from a small regional airport to another similar one.
Not having checked luggage usually saves time on arrival, but not always. You also need to travel very light.
Be careful—just because you don’t have checked luggage doesn’t mean you won’t pay extra fees!
Depending on the airline, some carry-on bags are now subject to charges, and they’re not always flexible (often strict, in fact) about allowed dimensions and weight.
Some carry-on bags also end up in the hold if there’s no space left in the cabin, but they’re usually returned at the aircraft door.
Checked luggage is still free with some airlines, so comparing fares is getting trickier...
Finally, at certain stopovers, checked luggage can arrive on the carousel before passengers do. This tends to happen in: - Countries with strict entry formalities - Places where labor costs are low enough to have plenty of staff for quick handling - Flights where few people check bags - Planes that land on the tarmac (requiring bus transport)
Checked luggage isn’t an issue when flying from a small regional airport to another similar one.
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
I only travel with a small suitcase that I take into the cabin.
Wow, I could never do that! ! Even with summer clothes.
It’s not that our suitcases are extremely heavy (we always have a big margin), but with everything needed for 15 days to a month away, it’s impossible. Even less so for cooler/cold countries or those that require some supplies or equipment.
On the other hand, one suitcase for two people for a dozen summer days? No problem.
? Just optimize space by rolling clothes and packing them side by side.
I don’t know why, but dirty clothes always take up more space than clean ones. !
Well, yeah, we just toss them in more haphazardly...
Some travelers optimize by using vacuum bags.
Hard to do on the way back unless you only pack rags and leave them behind...
worry about loss during a layover
To avoid that, I take a minimum in my carry-on, and we split everything between our two suitcases.
If one gets lost, we’ll still have the other!
No luggage to drag around when doing a tour
Renting a car helps a lot with that.
How do you handle your toiletries bag?
Plus, I’ve never understood what’s allowed and what’s not... ! Shampoo and shower gel are fine. But toothpaste? Deodorant stick?
Wow, I could never do that! ! Even with summer clothes.
It’s not that our suitcases are extremely heavy (we always have a big margin), but with everything needed for 15 days to a month away, it’s impossible. Even less so for cooler/cold countries or those that require some supplies or equipment.
On the other hand, one suitcase for two people for a dozen summer days? No problem.
? Just optimize space by rolling clothes and packing them side by side.
I don’t know why, but dirty clothes always take up more space than clean ones. !
Well, yeah, we just toss them in more haphazardly...
Some travelers optimize by using vacuum bags.
Hard to do on the way back unless you only pack rags and leave them behind...
worry about loss during a layover
To avoid that, I take a minimum in my carry-on, and we split everything between our two suitcases.
If one gets lost, we’ll still have the other!
No luggage to drag around when doing a tour
Renting a car helps a lot with that.
How do you handle your toiletries bag?
Plus, I’ve never understood what’s allowed and what’s not... ! Shampoo and shower gel are fine. But toothpaste? Deodorant stick?
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
I don’t know why, but dirty clothes always take up more space than clean ones.
I keep them separate in a foldable bag and have them washed regularly by the hotels.
How do you handle your toiletries kit?
To hell with makeup—I put my products in 100ml max bottles. Nowadays, pharmacies have tons of mini products (including shaving foam!). Often, we buy things like shower gel, shampoo, and toothpaste on the spot. There are also hotel samples... It’s the meds that take up the most space!
Plus, I never understood what was allowed and what wasn’t... Shampoo and shower gel are fine. But toothpaste? Deodorant stick?
Everything is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed 100ml. No problem with deodorant sticks or soap bars—they’re allowed. No size limit for meds. That’s how I’ve brought body creams and lotions.
Last month, I spent 10 days in Morocco with just the small bag that fits under the seat 😉 I spent hours figuring out how to optimize it! And I didn’t miss anything—except the frustration of only being able to bring back a few spices...
I keep them separate in a foldable bag and have them washed regularly by the hotels.
How do you handle your toiletries kit?
To hell with makeup—I put my products in 100ml max bottles. Nowadays, pharmacies have tons of mini products (including shaving foam!). Often, we buy things like shower gel, shampoo, and toothpaste on the spot. There are also hotel samples... It’s the meds that take up the most space!
Plus, I never understood what was allowed and what wasn’t... Shampoo and shower gel are fine. But toothpaste? Deodorant stick?
Everything is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed 100ml. No problem with deodorant sticks or soap bars—they’re allowed. No size limit for meds. That’s how I’ve brought body creams and lotions.
Last month, I spent 10 days in Morocco with just the small bag that fits under the seat 😉 I spent hours figuring out how to optimize it! And I didn’t miss anything—except the frustration of only being able to bring back a few spices...
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
I regularly have them washed by hotels
Don’t do a circuit in Iceland—the laundry will quickly cost you more than a checked bag! 😄
Did you get your clothes back in one piece in India? Their cleaning is *energetic*...
Last month, I spent 10 days in Morocco with just the small bag that fits under the seat ;)
No way! I give up! 😲
Between contact lenses, spare glasses, my camera, smartphone, chargers, a book, some meds, documents, house and car keys, my wallet—it’s already full!
I suffered when Lufthansa lost my suitcase in Indonesia. In some countries, it’s really hard to find replacements, especially for women.
Don’t do a circuit in Iceland—the laundry will quickly cost you more than a checked bag! 😄
Did you get your clothes back in one piece in India? Their cleaning is *energetic*...
Last month, I spent 10 days in Morocco with just the small bag that fits under the seat ;)
No way! I give up! 😲
Between contact lenses, spare glasses, my camera, smartphone, chargers, a book, some meds, documents, house and car keys, my wallet—it’s already full!
I suffered when Lufthansa lost my suitcase in Indonesia. In some countries, it’s really hard to find replacements, especially for women.
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
Well, there you go, I guess I’ll learn not to linger in the “traveling as a woman” section 😅
It always ends up in clothes debates… (10th degree, ladies and gents of the debate club!)
Anyway, I’m officially Team Attila now. No vacation with restrictions—even if, let’s be real, a month in Thailand isn’t the same suitcase as 8 days in Alaska! 🧳🏼
Anyway, I’m officially Team Attila now. No vacation with restrictions—even if, let’s be real, a month in Thailand isn’t the same suitcase as 8 days in Alaska! 🧳🏼
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
Sorry Montagnard😉
Muriel
Hi Muriel,
I just read this discussion and I’ll try to answer the question you asked.
On a cruise, having only one carry-on bag won’t save you time at boarding because you drop off your luggage when you arrive at the terminal, and it’s delivered directly to your cabin. This is the first step in the process. Even without luggage, you’ll still have to queue for check-in.
At disembarkation, it’s a bit more convenient because you don’t have to wait for the assigned disembarkation time—you can leave the ship whenever you want.
Personally, I keep my "big" suitcase with me so I can also leave at a time that suits me. Normally, you’re supposed to leave your suitcases outside your cabin the night before, and the crew picks them up and delivers them to the terminal hall on the morning of arrival.
If you have any other questions, I’m happy to help.
Good evening Andy, and thank you for your reply. So, we wait on the way there, but we’re off on the way back! Sssssssssuper!! :)
Best regards,
Muriel
Hi there,
Beyond saving time at the airport (as already mentioned), when it comes to the cruise itself, it really depends on you!
Boarding: You won’t necessarily save much time because luggage is dropped off, scanned, and then delivered outside your cabin. Often, this takes a while (you might get your suitcase after 6 PM with some companies). During this time, you can obviously board the ship and start enjoying the facilities (depending on your boarding time, your cabin may or may not already be ready).
Disembarking: You can leave your suitcase outside your cabin the night before departure (by 11 PM at the latest), so the next morning, your luggage is handled for you, and you can pick it up at the port right after breakfast. This option isn’t mandatory (I never do it), which means you’ll have to handle disembarking with your suitcase yourself (and carry it if needed).
In short, carry-on luggage for a cruise isn’t necessarily a time-saver for me 😉
Beyond saving time at the airport (as already mentioned), when it comes to the cruise itself, it really depends on you!
Boarding: You won’t necessarily save much time because luggage is dropped off, scanned, and then delivered outside your cabin. Often, this takes a while (you might get your suitcase after 6 PM with some companies). During this time, you can obviously board the ship and start enjoying the facilities (depending on your boarding time, your cabin may or may not already be ready).
Disembarking: You can leave your suitcase outside your cabin the night before departure (by 11 PM at the latest), so the next morning, your luggage is handled for you, and you can pick it up at the port right after breakfast. This option isn’t mandatory (I never do it), which means you’ll have to handle disembarking with your suitcase yourself (and carry it if needed).
In short, carry-on luggage for a cruise isn’t necessarily a time-saver for me 😉
A chaque escale une nouvelle histoire - Agent de Voyage spécialisée en croisière
Fun little photo before we leave, for you and Bruno 😉
As planned, for 3 weeks, I’ve got one suitcase and a carry-on bag plus a small pouch 😛
For clothes and underwear, I can change seven times (all rolled up) 3 pairs of shoes 1 toiletries bag with max 100ml products 1 first-aid kit A camera and small accessories 1 iPad and 1 Kobo Chargers Documents, money, glasses... in the small pouch.
For clothes and underwear, I can change seven times (all rolled up) 3 pairs of shoes 1 toiletries bag with max 100ml products 1 first-aid kit A camera and small accessories 1 iPad and 1 Kobo Chargers Documents, money, glasses... in the small pouch.
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
3 pairs of shoes
Phew, there’s at least one thing I travel lighter than you for! (That still makes 4 with the ones you’re wearing...) 😉
Have a great trip to India! 🙂
Phew, there’s at least one thing I travel lighter than you for! (That still makes 4 with the ones you’re wearing...) 😉
Have a great trip to India! 🙂
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
No, I counted the ones I’m wearing 😉
For clothes, I do the layering thing.
Mes photos sur Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153304262@N05/albums
"Le Temps nous égare. Le Temps nous étreint. Le Temps nous est gare. Le Temps nous est train".
For clothes and underwear, I can change seven times (packed rolled)
3 pairs of shoes
1 toiletries bag with max 100ml products
1 first-aid kit
A camera and small accessories
1 iPad and 1 Kobo
Chargers
Documents, money, glasses... in the small pouch.
Okay then, The black-and-white dress... seen The celadon green one... seen too The black top... I think so The white shirt... I think so (You travel India like you travel Brittany? )
The Kobo... I kinda know what’s on it 😛 The glasses... THE GLASSES!!! Check THE GLASSES!!!!
... and have a fabulous trip. 🙂
Okay then, The black-and-white dress... seen The celadon green one... seen too The black top... I think so The white shirt... I think so (You travel India like you travel Brittany? )
The Kobo... I kinda know what’s on it 😛 The glasses... THE GLASSES!!! Check THE GLASSES!!!!
... and have a fabulous trip. 🙂
Okay, first of all, I hope you have a great trip—come back with lots of beautiful photos (don’t forget the cliffs ;))
For luggage, we checked in 38 kg in Geneva (plus our two small backpacks), so I can already tell you there’s no way you’ll get that photo.
That said, we’ve told ourselves at least 15 times that we need to travel lighter. But since my suitcase hasn’t left the trunk in 15 days…
Actually, our biggest problem is shoes (I wear size 44). No trip without hiking shoes, plus a pair of sneakers, flip-flops, and a pair of German-style sandals—and that fills up my suitcase! 🙁
For luggage, we checked in 38 kg in Geneva (plus our two small backpacks), so I can already tell you there’s no way you’ll get that photo.
That said, we’ve told ourselves at least 15 times that we need to travel lighter. But since my suitcase hasn’t left the trunk in 15 days…
Actually, our biggest problem is shoes (I wear size 44). No trip without hiking shoes, plus a pair of sneakers, flip-flops, and a pair of German-style sandals—and that fills up my suitcase! 🙁
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
Yeah, but you have small feet, right? 😊
Are you heading to India by ocean liner?
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
Two weeks under the Puglia sun
Return to Swedish Lapland: Trek on the Kungsleden and Crossing the Sarek
Off on a winter adventure in the American West!
3 weeks in Laos, stress-free
Draw Me Your Japan...
South Africa in safari mode: February/March 2026
Back in Tunisia (live account)
More discussions
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.
Hi there,
I'm looking at a cruise in the north.Which one do you think is more interesting? Thanks
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
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
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