We were offered a visit to the Renaissance by the new CFC cruise line through Croisiland. After reading all the reviews—some very harsh, others glowing—I wanted to form my own opinion without having to book a full cruise to test it out.
This visit to the ship at the port of Le Havre for 49 € per person came at the perfect time, even if I’m a bit put off by having to pay for a ship tour. That’s not how it usually works with other cruise lines, as far as I know.
The Renaissance is a former Holland America Line ship, built in 1993 and renovated in 2023. We’re familiar with this style of ship since we took a long cruise in Polynesia in 2014 on one of its sister ships, the MS Statendam. We remember it as a charming small ship with a lovely pool terrace at the very back.
Off we went this morning for a relaxing day on a ship—always a nice change!
The Pont de Normandie is the last elegant structure you see before entering the vast and rather smelly port area of Le Havre.
The area around the port where the Renaissance is docked is total chaos—cars everywhere and only a handful of taxis. We were supposed to have a reserved parking spot in front of the terminal (we’d even given them our car model and license plate), but we were denied entry. There’s no paved public parking, so we left the car on a vacant lot.
CFC was officially acquired by the British cruise line Ambassador Cruise Line in January 2025. Ambassador Cruise Line, launched in 2010, already owns two ships of the same type and age. They wasted no time repainting the funnel in their new colors.
The line of passengers disembarking and waiting for taxis is endless... and taxis are trickling in. Is this the aftermath of yesterday’s strike, or is this the norm in this port? Either way, I feel bad for the poor travelers waiting—it’s going to be a long haul. Many are leaving on foot, dragging their suitcases.
Compared to the port of Marseille, this is pretty dismal.
Forty spots were available for this visit organized by Croisiland, but we ran into a good hundred people at the meet-up. A group from the AVF (Accueil des Villes Françaises) of Le Havre will be joining us. Our Croisiland group consists of twelve people, if I counted right.
Security clearance is done alphabetically, and we quickly board the ship. Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter.
I also know this class of ship from a cruise I took in the South Pacific in 2015. It’s cozy, sure, but I’m not a huge fan.
Let us know how you feel about it after the renovation.
That said, 49 € to visit a ship is ridiculous.
The line outside isn’t great either. What do you do if the weather’s bad?
Good evening Alfred,
In case of bad weather, it’s really simple—we get all the rain right on our heads and trudge through the mud. 😏
I think what made this class of boats so interesting were the itineraries, far-flung and off the beaten path.
We experienced the very long queue when disembarking the boat on 11/04/25. Fortunately, the weather was nice. There was no other option but to take a taxi to retrieve our vehicle, which we had parked in a nearby parking lot close to the station with a "long-stay" rate by booking in advance.
I hope your visit on the boat went well—I’ll find out more when I read the rest.
Mum49
I’ve never seen a cruise port with such poor welcome or disembarkation conditions as this one. I hope the port of Dunkirk, where the Renaissance will soon be making stops, is better equipped.
If the port of Dunkirk has made improvements since our last boarding in 2014—because that year, we were welcomed in prefab buildings with portable toilets like a construction site—we were still surprised during our boarding on 31/03/24. The taxi driver told us that work was going to be done. Too bad CFC is changing ports.
Have a great day! mum49
I just did a quick search to see what the Dunkirk cruise terminal looks like... I didn’t find anything reassuring. It might still be like you described.
Boarding the Ship Let’s be honest, it doesn’t smell great—the sewer odors are overpowering. The ceilings are low, and the colors—yellow and red—are overwhelming. It’s heavy and kind of ugly. First impressions? Not exactly clean... As a welcome for passengers, they could’ve done better.
We’re directed to a video room for a short presentation, covering the ship, the company, and upcoming cruise programs for the next few months. Here, the speaker doesn’t use the word “bought out” when talking about the company’s recent changes but says it “merged.” 😉
The host leading the tour emphasizes that this ship isn’t a floating resort club. It’s quiet, with no unnecessary microphone announcements. The focus is on culturally oriented cruises, with long, carefully chosen stops where the mega-ships don’t go.
During the cruises, French-language lectures are offered, along with plenty of activities throughout the day and evening shows. Three à-la-carte restaurants are available.
A limited number of single cabins without a supplement are available on each cruise, and they sell out fast—so if you want one, you’ll need to book well in advance.
Current promotions are presented, starting at 999 € for a 14-day Northern Europe cruise, for example. On top of that, there’s the perk of getting today’s visit fee refunded. The amount will be given as an onboard credit if you book the cruise before the end of the month. What they don’t mention? These rates require paying the full cruise cost upfront, and there’s a 100% cancellation fee if you back out. 😏
Then comes the actual cabin tour. They’re well laid out and pleasant, spacious enough with light colors, partially renovated bathrooms, and—what I love about these ships—tons of storage space, more than I’ve ever seen on any other ship at this cabin level.
Inside cabins have showers, while outside cabins, balconies, and suites come with bathtubs.
The veranda cabins on this deck don’t have a private balcony but open onto the promenade deck, which lets you walk around the ship.
The lumps on the bed don’t bode well for comfort—or how new it is, in my opinion… 🙁
Each cabin has two deck chairs. The windows are mirrored so nothing is visible from the outside.
The cabins we see are at least on deck 4, then 5 or 6, and higher decks. No tour of decks 1 or 2, where the cheapest cabins are.
You have to admit, the carpets don’t exactly scream freshness, and the ventilation doesn’t do much to mask the “lived-in” smells in the hallways this morning—total chaos as disembarking passengers cross paths with those boarding, and every cabin is being deep-cleaned.
The theater is gorgeous, and its design makes it way more enjoyable than a traditional theater.
We check out the teen club—simple and nice, with a gaming console and board games.
The lounges with soft, warm tones are very pleasant and welcoming—some have kept the decor they had in HAL’s time, bringing back sweet memories.
The shops now feature French brands.
The meat restaurant Le Louchébem.
A lovely library is available.
Here’s a private reception room.
The suites are spacious and make visitors dream. This ship is old, so don’t compare it to the latest models—its design and materials aren’t comparable. Instead, look for the charm of a bygone era.
Good evening Catherine,
we’ve done 2 cruises in December, departing from Marseille, with no boarding issues.
I agree with your feelings, except for the welcome at departure.
We benefited from very interesting lecturers.
As you so aptly put it: long, carefully chosen stops and the charm of a bygone era—exactly that!
After 56 Costa cruises, 14 MSC, and 5 world tours, the big ships, the crowds, the noise—none of that suited us anymore. It’s true, we’re now older.
You didn’t mention if you had a meal; for us, the food was truly top-notch, along with some beautiful shows.
On the other hand, I don’t think families with young children would enjoy this type of ship, nor those who absolutely need a casino to entertain themselves.
As long as my health allows for a little getaway, I’ll be off again (Croisiland, of course).
Looking forward to the rest of your review, thanks!
Boarding in Marseille with its large, spacious parking lot and lovely terminal is a real luxury compared to Le Havre’s port, where everything still needs to be built.
The meal will be served at the end of the tour.
There’s no passenger cabin below deck 4. The bedding is good. I boarded on the same day in Le Havre. With the promotions, they filled the ship. Consequences: overworked staff and limited capacity at the buffet. Yesterday at noon, a sea day, I even saw people eating while standing. And people go to the theater 45 minutes early to get a good seat. Otherwise, the food is good, and there are plenty of lounges and space. The shows are really great.
Hi Laurence,
Thanks for your participation and your live feedback. :) You're right, I made a mistake—I confused it with other larger HAL ships where we were on Deck 2. There are actually no cabins on Decks 1 and 2 on the Renaissance 😊.
This morning, part of the panoramic lounge was reserved for us for a welcome drink (no, sorry—one we paid for in the program).
A few chips were set out on the tables to go with the glass of Champagne (mediocre) or fruit juice.
The restrooms (a place always worth checking out, as they often say a lot) were sad and bare here—completely undecorated and unwelcoming. The little terry-cloth towels for drying your hands were gone, and the marble shelves were empty. Instead, there was a hand dryer (but not a Dyson), and it wasn’t working. A dispenser with very thin paper towels was the only option for drying your hands.
The tour continued through the indoor pool, whose roof opens or closes depending on the destination and weather conditions.
The large poolside bar and a small buffet on the other side of the pool.
We walked through the café, which was getting busier with the arrival of new passengers who had just boarded.
The food served was classic and simple French cuisine. The selection seemed pretty limited to me.
Before the meal, the tour continues on the beautiful, large rear terrace. It’s raining—too bad, because it’s not being shown at its best.
A huge number of sun loungers have been set up there, far more than originally, which really takes away from its charm and definitely its comfort. 🙁
We finish the tour by arriving at the main restaurant.
Today, we’re having a somewhat special meal since the menu features dishes borrowed from the ship’s various (paid) restaurants. In my opinion, it doesn’t reflect the cuisine served here every day.
Service is slow even though there are only about a hundred diners in the entire restaurant. The staff’s style is a notch below what we’re used to with the different cruise lines we know.
The pastrami salmon is excellent, but the Louchebem fillet, ordered rare, is served overcooked. The roasted pineapple with “maple” syrup (yes, *maple* spelled with an H) is way too sweet—it’s impossible to say it’s good. The presentation of the plates seemed sad and ungenerous. As for the wine, we were served a glass at the start of the meal, but then it stayed empty. We had to ask for a second one. For a 49 € menu, this isn’t a great sign, and it reinforces my opinion of this cruise line.
For a ship that claims to uphold “French tradition” and with such a simple menu, I think knowing how to cook meat as ordered is essential. The translation errors and spelling mistakes in the menu are amusing, though, and do make you smile.
Our table is really nice, and we have a pleasant time.
I think after experiencing the ear-splitting cruises with Costa, it must be nice to find this offer of calm and quiet cruises. The ship is old but has its charm—what bothers me are the smells and the questionable carpets.
When I asked our guide about the odors and whether anything was planned to fix this issue, which I believe has been recurring for some time, he was very surprised: "Odors? What odors? No, there are no bad smells."
And the ventilation? "No, it’s not noisy." Yet, it was already noisy during our cruises with HAL—we have some funny memories of that.
I noticed multiple times during this visit that every detail was managed on a very tight budget. Generosity and abundance aren’t part of CFC’s strategy.
I wanted to see for myself, and I did. I’m glad I did this visit instead of a cruise, even though the visit was paid and I find that a bit excessive.
After this visit, I’m definitely convinced that this ship is aimed at passengers disappointed and tired of Costa and MSC, tired of crowds and noise. But once you’ve experienced other companies, CFC doesn’t have enough potential to be appealing.
As they say, this is just my opinion. 😉 Because look what someone who posts a lot on Facebook wrote about this visit: "We had the pleasure of visiting the Renaissance ship from Compagnie Française de Croisières, and we can tell you that the charm works from the moment you step on the gangway. Warm atmosphere, refined gastronomy, carefully chosen stops... a real invitation to relaxation and discovery!" 😏 😏 😏
I hope you enjoyed this little share of my visit, and thank you for reading!
Thanks Catherine for your review!
I completely agree with the first two lines of your conclusion. However, in December, maybe our noses were stuffy, but we didn’t notice any bad smells.
As for the paid visits, it’s worth asking: Larguez les amarres and Planète Croisière often offer free visits, yet some "freeloaders"—after a great tour—wouldn’t sign up with Croisiland, for example, but went to destockages or So Croisière... just to save supposedly 50 €.
Speaking of great cruises, there’s currently Rivages du Monde, where you’ll find our friend Frédéric Mathieu (for those who knew him). He’s still as impressive, but it’s true the budget isn’t the same.
Personally, as soon as I get the green light from the oncologist, we’ll be back on the Renaissance!
Great review of this very detailed visit.
After that, you’ve got to consider the value for money of a cruise on this ship. I think I got your conclusion between the lines.... 😉
As for paid excursions, one might ask: Larguez les amarres and Planète Croisière often offer free visits, yet some "freeloaders"—after a great tour—wouldn’t book with Croisiland, for example, but went to destockages or so-called cruise deals... to supposedly save 50 €
Hi Agnès,
It’s great that you didn’t have any odor issues on the Renaissance. It can also depend on the cabin’s location. Some passengers have complained about fuel smells, or so I’ve heard.
I agree with you about the freeloaders.
As for Rivages du Monde, I tried them once and was terribly disappointed. It’s very expensive for the quality and services promised but not delivered. You can read my review of this experience HERE.
Between RDM and the Renaissance, I’d still prefer the Renaissance. I hope you get to go very soon.
Nice detailed review of this visit.
After that, you’ve got to weigh the quality-price ratio of a cruise on this ship. I think I caught your conclusion between the lines...😉
Thanks, Michel,
You really can only compare what’s comparable. CFC’s offers are now very appealing, but the cancellation fees equal to 100% of the cruise price from day one of booking are a bit of a turn-off. I wonder if insurance can cover that risk...
Thank you so much for this review, and what a fantastic conclusion!
Personally, I’m not at all drawn to this ship (even renovated).
I also saw that comment on FB. To each their own, as they say.
Thanks again for sharing!
Thanks Alfred,
It’s a good thing the cruise offerings are broad and diverse so everyone can find THE cruise that suits them. The main thing is being able to board a ship and live out your dreams.
CFC's offers are now very attractive, but the cancellation fees equal to 100% of the cruise price from the first day of booking are a bit off-putting. I wonder if insurance can cover this risk...
Hello,
I’ve taken CFC twice, and the cancellation terms are "normal."
60 days or more before departure: 50 € per person,
from 59 to 30 days: 25% of the total amount,
from 29 to 15 days: 50%,
and from 14 days to the day of departure: 100%.
It’s only 100% of the total amount, regardless of the cancellation date, if it’s a promotional cruise or a Special Offer.
Best regards
Here’s what I originally wrote: "The current promotions are presented to us, starting at 999 € for a 14-day cruise in Northern Europe, for example. On top of that, there’s the advantage of getting back the cost of today’s visit. The amount will be refunded as an onboard credit if the cruise is booked before the end of the month. What they don’t tell us is that these rates require paying the full cruise price at booking, and there’s a 100% cancellation fee if you back out."
When I write "CFC’s deals are now very attractive, but...", "are now" is an expression, an observation.
We both agree that these aren’t their usual sales conditions—this arrangement only applies to the promotions.
Good evening Catherine, I read your review of the Renaissance very carefully. We’ve been traveling on cruises for 25 years and, I think, know the cruise market well. We’ve taken over 20 cruises with MSC and just as many with COSTA. In 2023, we did 3 cruises on the Renaissance, and we really enjoyed the ports of call, the hospitality, and the buffet—with ice cream, coffee, and cakes at 4 PM included at no extra cost. We also loved the quiet (no kids shouting), the friendly staff, the evening shows, and the cabins. Since then, we’ve stayed loyal to CFC despite the switch to an English company!
We’re heading out from Marseille from September 10 to 20 for the Adriatic. If we find too many changes, I’ll be sure to mention it on the forum. Thanks for your story and your thoughts.
Looking forward to reading more from you
Thanks for your feedback and the details you’ve shared. You’ve confirmed what I was thinking—CFC really adds something extra after Costa or MSC.
I hope you have a wonderful Adriatic cruise. The smaller ships make this destination even more beautiful.
Hi Catherine,
I just discovered your trip report, which I read with great pleasure, as usual.
We really wish you’d spent more than just a day on that boat!
I wasn’t too keen on trying this company, and your report didn’t change my mind.
Of course, the price matters—you’ve got to decide your budget and weigh the value for money, which is key. I think some cruisers might appreciate this offer, especially if peace and quiet are a priority.
As for me, the menu doesn’t appeal to me at all, and I’m not a fan of old boats.
Thanks again, Catherine, for sharing your experience.
I’m not surprised you’re hesitant about this ship—it’s really old, and I’ll admit that when I saw the state of the carpets... I had a little thought for you. 😉
Value for money is key, as you said, and with the discounted prices currently offered, it’s a great way to travel on a reasonable budget. But at full price, like it was just a few months ago, it’s way over what it’s worth compared to other companies.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons the company has had so many struggles since it started?
Hi Catherine,
I just read your review—your level of expertise makes it so engaging! Unfortunately, it confirms a lot of the feedback you can find on FB and other sites.
Air conditioning, evacuation system, and elevator breakdowns are pretty common.
I agree with you that it might be a good fit at first for those who want to escape the shouting Italians and kids on Costa and MSC, and probably for first-time cruisers too.
You didn’t mention the language spoken on board—do they *really* all speak French?
Have a great Sunday! 😊
Isabelle, amoureuse des croisières:
COSTA, MSC, ROYAL CARIBBEAN, CELEBRITY, PRINCESS, NCL, HAL, PONANT, OCEANIA, AZAMARA
A VENIR
CELEBRITY EQUINOX 09/11/2026 Grèce Italie Malte
Hi Poupou 10, I’m not Catherine, but we’ve taken several cruises on the Renaissance, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. One of the big perks for us is that the entire staff speaks French—great for those of us who struggle with English!
That said, there *are* some downsides Catherine mentioned: the AC in certain cabins, rain leaking in during heavy storms (like in Volos in 2023), the spas by the pool breaking down often, the casino closing after just the first year, and all those management changes that leave the staff unsettled. Plus, their cruise pricing policy keeps shifting every few months!
But overall, we still find the value for money (restaurants, buffet, shows, shore excursions) pretty reasonable.
It’s hard to tell in just one day whether the staff is truly Francophone. We only interacted with one person—our guide.
However, at the restaurant, I got the impression (though it’s just an impression) that the staff understood French, similar to what we experienced (a long time ago) with Costa. Basically, they receive training that teaches them around 70 or 80 words in our language so they can understand what guests ask for.
I also noticed that some announcements over the PA were in English, but it was English spoken (I assume 😉) by a French person because it was very easy to understand. 😏
What’s certain is that the Francophone aspect of the Renaissance might take a hit with the Caribbean cruises, since those sailings will be shared with a large proportion of English and Dutch passengers (I’ve forgotten the exact number).
Hi Catherine,
I can only confirm my previous opinion.
Of course, it’s based on just one experience, which isn’t necessarily representative, especially since it benefited from particularly favorable conditions (including the weather).
Regarding embarkation and disembarkation, which took place in Zeebrugge, there were very few passengers, so it was particularly quick. We did notice, however, that it was much more complicated in Le Havre.
Still, I remember those procedures and the long queues with other cruise lines—just as problematic—from which we only escaped because, due to our seniority, we were "priority."
As for any potential odors, I personally didn’t notice anything.
As I mentioned, since the ship wasn’t full, the staff may have been more available. It’s worth noting that everyone I interacted with spoke French (many were of Mauritian origin or from the French overseas territories).
At the second seating in the restaurant (which wasn’t full), the dishes—though modest in quantity—were of very good quality, served quickly, and hot, which isn’t always the case. Our servers also respected our cooking preferences.
It’s true that the carpet in our cabin was a bit worn, but otherwise, there was nothing to complain about. The ship, with its slightly old-fashioned charm, was pleasant and comfortable. We enjoyed its many lounges and the theater.
I don’t know if I’ll have the chance to repeat this experience, as departures from Dunkirk don’t suit me, and the proposed stops are places I’ve already visited many times.
Maybe someday, a short Mediterranean cruise from Marseille—just a stone’s throw from home—just to get away without the hassle.
It’s clear that this cruise line caters to a certain clientele who appreciate calm, French-speaking staff (at least for now), and a smaller-sized ship. Based on their feedback, with a few exceptions, the vast majority are delighted with their cruises.
Best regards,
Jean-Marie
On our side, we’ve already done 4 cruises with them, including 1 themed one on the Renaissance, and we have 2 more booked for next year.
It’s a company that’s still finding its footing. And like any company, there are ups and downs.
It’s an older ship that’s been renovated, but it’s still an older ship with its charm and quirks.
For us, its biggest strength is offering ports of call that are different from what MSC or Costa offer. However, the flip side is that it’s dependent on the weather, the sea’s mood, and the lack of infrastructure to handle mass tourism. But the captain does what he can to adapt. For example, on New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, the plan was for the ship to stay docked until 1 a.m. without further details. The company’s gamble was to surprise passengers with Barcelona’s fireworks. However, the port decided to close and evacuate ships by 8 p.m. The captain informed the passengers and suggested staying offshore. Result: fireworks, a table with champagne and treats on the outdoor deck, and the symphony of surrounding boats at midnight.
The themed humor cruise was also excellent (aside from Boujenah’s behavior and his off-stage remarks). Gérald Dahan was exceptional. Worth doing again.
The shows were good, but they’ve been the same for 2 years. That said, things will change starting in October with the end of the artists’ contracts as Ambassador takes over. We’ll see how that goes.
The food at Vatel is good. The paid restaurants don’t seem to draw crowds. If the ship is full, the staff can get overwhelmed quickly.
Deck 6 and the terrace cabins are very nice.
As for the atmosphere, it’s pretty calm. There’s only 1 musician/group during the evenings. Board games attract way more people. Otherwise, you have to wait until late night at the panoramic bar/disco for a real party vibe.
The movie theater concept is cool.
One issue that still needs improvement is customs control for trips to England. It’s gotten better, but it’s still not great.
This is a ship to book when you find a good deal. Less risk of being disappointed if something goes wrong.
Thanks for your firsthand account—I’m glad to see you back on this forum. 😉
As you said, they’re still finding their balance after all the startup hiccups, and I don’t dispute that this line has something real to offer after Costa or MSC. But for cruise regulars who know (or are used to) other lines (and there are so many of them), at a comparable budget, it’s not great.
The promotional deals are super tempting (if you ignore the cancellation terms attached), and let’s hope they help them find enough customers to stay afloat.
Hi Alexandre,
Thanks, I’ll be following your experience feedback with interest and pleasure. There’s nothing better than testing things out for yourself to form your own opinion.
I wasn’t aware of the internet rates during the visit, but on the CFC website, you can find all the prices for the different packages. They’re actually more affordable if you buy them before the cruise.
Let's say that for the price, I can get a suite...
And the itinerary is great.
.
Plus, a few French speakers for once.
I'm hesitating...
I already know the ship, though—it worked well for us even if I suspect it’s a bit aging. It’s probably been refurbished since it was taken over by the English...
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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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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! 😐
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!
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.
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.
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?
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
Hi,
We received a promotion from our CFC agency offering cruises at up to 40-100% off, and among other details: CFC organizes parking for departures from Dunkirk.
"Unattended parking located about 12 minutes away, fenced off with barriers, at a rate of 10 € per day. Drop off passengers and luggage at the Model Pavilion, and a CFC shuttle will take you from the parking lot to the Model Pavilion every 15-20 minutes. Same for disembarkation. You can book through your agency or on their website. No refunds if the booking is canceled; payment is due at reservation."
Have a great day,
Guylène
PS: Personally, we’d rather keep our vehicle in a free, supervised parking lot and take a taxi to the Model Pavilion.
Hi there,
In June we’re taking a cruise called "Pearls of the Baltic" on board Renaissance CFC Cruises—with stops in Kiel (Germany), Gdańsk (Poland), Rønne (Bornholm), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Gothenburg (Sweden).
This layover in Gothenburg doesn’t really inspire me—could you tell me what’s worth seeing? Are there locals offering excursions around the area by van right when you leave the port, like you often see on Caribbean cruises?
I saw there’s a hop-on hop-off bus, but I’m not sure if there’s a stop near the terminal.
What are your suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
Hi there,
I'm looking at a cruise in the north.
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!