The temperature is still a bit chilly this morning, only 10°C, but with bright sunshine.
Kusadasi has naturally changed a lot since we’ve been coming here (a little over 30 years), and it’s become a charming seaside resort that’s grown tremendously.
I’d forgotten how much I loved Turkey, and I’m so happy to rediscover its simple, good-natured atmosphere.
We’ve already visited Ephesus three times, so today we’ll just take a stroll around town.
I noted down the address of a supermarket where I want to buy some rose jam and a few spices—no need to haggle like in tourist shops, and at a better price. Plus, it’ll give us a nice walk goal.
The tourist district is still asleep as we pass through.
Tucked at the foot of a highway, we come across a huge market hall.
It spans two floors and offers colorful, generous stalls with the lively vibe of a neighborhood market.
On the way back, along the road, we push open the half-open gate of a shaded and sober cemetery. It’s entirely white, from the tombs to the tree trunks that have been painted.
The cats, always numerous in Turkey, haven’t been forgotten—a kind soul makes sure they’re fed.
Back in the tourist center of Kusadasi, we stroll among carpet, leather, and jewelry merchants, as well as vendors selling knockoffs of all the big brands. Four ships—Regent, Silversea, Ponant, and MSC—are docked this morning, yet the shopkeepers seem rather idle, with few passersby… who aren’t biting.
In the city center of Kuşadası, stands a caravanserai built in the 17th century. Its high crenellated walls once housed a customs house and an inn, before recently becoming a hotel—itself now closed.
In the inner courtyard, two levels of galleries with pointed arches form this beautiful structure.
The seaside promenade is peaceful and not very crowded until the Peace Hand, a monumental sculpture.
The stop is short, and the ship sets sail again in the early afternoon. We find this port call just right—perfect. We enjoy the good weather on the terrace of the One Pool, reading in the sun. The wind blows hard and noisily, as it often does in the Aegean Sea, but we’re well sheltered behind the ship’s tall windows.
The ship only arrives around 9 AM near Istanbul, which lets us fully enjoy the arrival in the city and the view of Topkapi Palace and the mosques overlooking the Bosphorus.
As usual, the ship is docked at the Port of Galata, well before Dolmabahçe Palace. What’s changed is the huge cruise terminal built to welcome passengers. It’s stunning but invisible—entirely built underground, so it doesn’t spoil the landscape.
Disembarkation formalities are very well organized. We were given a document with a barcode that made the process smooth and quick.
The very discreet entrance to the cruise terminal.
Security gates filter visitors’ access to the quay along the Bosphorus. A whole new district has been built here, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops.
As you approach the city, everything is set up so you won’t run out of cash.
It’s only near the bridge, after filling your pockets with change, that you’ll find taverns with a more local vibe.
The Galata Bridge has kept its soul with its many restaurants at unreasonable prices, European-style on one side...
...and oriental-style on the other.
The many fishermen on the bridge cast their lines between the boats crisscrossing the river.
At the end of the bridge, a tunnel turned into a shopping arcade lets you cross the traffic lanes safely.
We arrive at the large square with great pleasure, where the first stalls of the market are set up. Fruits, vegetables, fish, and cheeses compete in colors and scents.
Under the stunning vaulted and decorated ceilings of the covered market, the stalls overflow with spices, herbs, and all sorts of Turkish delights.
The Egyptian Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s oldest markets, dating back to the Ottoman era when Istanbul was the trade hub of all Europe beyond Venice. During the 15th century, spices traveled from India and Southeast Asia to Egypt, then were shipped to Istanbul across the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s because this market was built with funds from the Ottoman district of Egypt in 1660 that it’s called the Egyptian Bazaar.
A small restaurant we love, but today, it’s still too early to sit down there.
Old courtyards have been opened and restored to offer travelers passing through pleasant spaces for relaxation and dining.
The countless shops in this market offer everything essential for daily life in a household or business.
The shops stretch endlessly, street after street, from the shores of the Bosphorus to Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, renowned for centuries. The buzz of activity fills every street and every shop.
You’ll find all kinds of shops here, even the most unexpected ones.
At the top of a long street, a side door leads to the back of the legendary market.
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. It was built by Sultan Mehmet II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and was significantly expanded in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent.
It has no fewer than 65 indoor streets and nearly 4,000 shops, each street specializing in something different—rugs, jewelry, tableware, all kinds of clothing, perfumes, leather goods, souvenirs, and more. The selection is vast, and there’s something for everyone. It’s a paradise for wandering and lingering.
We head back out through the main gate, but unfortunately, its façade is hidden by a large flag. The square we emerge onto is packed with a dense, compact crowd—we have to weave our way through.
The wide esplanades between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are swarming with people, and the lines for mosque visits are painfully long. The crowd moves slowly, and it’s stifling. We just want to escape.
Against our plans, we decide to head back to the ship for a quiet meal instead of eating in the middle of the crowd.
We hop into a taxi that pulls up in front of us to save time. "How much to the cruise terminal?" "40 €," the driver replies. For less than 3 km! We get out just as fast as we got in and walk back briskly—it’s an easy distance. With all the traffic, we might not have taken much longer than by car. 😏
We have the pool terrace all to ourselves for this meal, and it’s a relief after the crowds. We’re pampered and savor the moment while enjoying some grilled octopus. We even treat ourselves to a little downtime before heading out again.
This time, we stay on the north side of the city. We come across a lovely Turkish confectionery shop across from the Peninsula Hotel, hoping the quality will be better than in the bazaar stalls. The service is excellent, and we promise to stop by on our way back so we don’t have to carry the sweets around in our backpack all afternoon.
The cobbled streets leading to Galata Tower are quite steep and packed with shops.
The neighborhood has developed a lot—it’s also overrun with tourists, all competing to take the best selfie in front of the tower.
The crowd is large, but we continue our way toward Taksim Square. We’re not in the middle of tourists but among Istanbul locals. There are lots of young people enjoying their Saturday.
Street vendors are everywhere, offering chestnuts, fruit, mussels to taste, or brightly colored lollipops made on the spot to order.
Charming little alleys branch off from the main street.
And there are always beautiful pastries to enjoy in the shop windows.
Walking through all these crowds isn’t very pleasant. Big chain stores dominate, and they’re the same as everywhere else.
Once again, the crowd wears us out. We’ve had enough and turn back before reaching Taksim Square.
We head back calmly, stopping at a beautiful, large shop selling Turkish delights. It was an excellent choice—they’re delicious.
Along the Bosphorus promenade, we enjoy one last time the lively scene created by the little boats crisscrossing in every direction.
We had so much fun revisiting these Istanbul neighborhoods we loved strolling through, but we were really disappointed by the crowds everywhere, which take away the charm these places used to have. Just like in many other big cities or overly famous sites...
I stopped over in Istanbul (with HAL) a few years ago, and it looks like the crowds haven’t budged an inch. From what I remember, it took us over 2 hours to get back to the Blue Mosque...
On the other hand, we got a tram pass for the day, and it was super handy for getting around. There was a stop right in front of the cruise terminal.
It’s really shocking how expensive taxis are (40 €) for barely 3 km. They totally rip off tourists.
Love this review, Catherine! 😎
I totally get what you mean—getting older, we start to appreciate the peace and quiet, and big cities lose their charm.
Looking forward to the next part!
It had been quite a while since we last went to Istanbul, and we were really glad we visited the mosques and other must-see sites in the city at that time. We never would’ve waited two hours for a tour.
When we told the taxi driver we didn’t accept his price and wanted to get out, he outright asked how much we *did* want to pay. But when someone messes with you like that, you can’t trust them afterward.
I have a memory from the Istanbul tram that stuck with me—I wasn’t even 40 yet... and a young guy stood up to offer me his seat. It was really kind, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen that in France, but I thought, *Do I look that old?* 🙁 😉
It’s a stroke of luck, a day at sea on a Sunday. I don’t like port Sundays when everything’s closed and the cities feel dead.
The sea is like glass, the sun’s shining but doesn’t burn at this time of year, and the wind’s forgotten how to blow.
It’s a very peaceful day, perfect for doing nothing but diving into a good book.
The morning was spent at sea with weather as pleasant as yesterday—we’re really lucky.
At 1 p.m., we were able to disembark without any issues.
MSC sells bus tickets for 10 € to be driven to the port exit, which is a few hundred meters from the ship but still quite far from the city—it’s a bit overpriced.
You have to walk along the seaside for a little over 2 km to reach Corfu’s old town.
The goal of our walk was the Mon Repos residence.
It’s one of the palaces of the Greek royal family, dating back to 1831, located by Garitsa Bay. This is where Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of England, was born.
It’s said that this palace resembles Empress Sissi’s Achilleion Palace, but smaller. Since Sissi’s palace has been closed for a long time with no reopening date, I wanted to see this one instead.
It’s described as “a bubble of tranquility and freshness, far from the hustle and bustle of the streets.”
So, we set off on this lovely walk that took us along the bay under a pleasant sun.
Before entering the town of Kerkyra, you’ll find the old fishing port with its small, colorful boats moored along the quay.
And the path continues above the sea.
The Old Fort is a citadel surrounded by ramparts, located on a rocky peninsula that juts out over the Ionian Sea and overlooks the bay. This promontory is where the old town of Corfu was situated during the Byzantine era.
The construction of the citadel is said to date back to the Byzantine Empire (6th century), but it was completed much later during the Venetian era. The Venetians also dug a moat, which is a maritime canal, to separate the promontory from the rest of Corfu.
After the long esplanade separating the fort from the city, the walk continues along the water, offering magnificent views of the bay and the citadel.
At the end of the small port, at the foot of the windmill, many swimmers are enjoying these beautiful autumn days. The water is clear and inviting for a dip.
Nothing indicates the Mon Repos palace except for a nearby hotel that took its name and a bus stop... A gate, locked with a padlock, and behind the bars, a seaside garden in a very sad state, completely abandoned. Then a long, high wall that seems endless, surrounding the property. We won’t see anything more of it... Fortunately, the walk was beautiful.
We head back along the seaside toward the city, and the scenery is still just as beautiful.
Kerkyra is the old town of Corfu. Throughout its history, it has seen many great civilizations come and go—Greeks, Venetians, Byzantines, French, and even the English—each leaving their mark on the city. The beautiful arcades of the Liston are said to have been inspired by those on Rue de Rivoli in Paris. Only the nobility were allowed to stroll along this prestigious avenue. They were on a list of privileged people, which is where the name "Liston" comes from.
Kerkyra is a maze of typical alleys and narrow streets with warm, pastel hues that open onto small squares.
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for the beautiful photos and explanations.
We visited Istanbul back in 1973... and there were already crowds, but not too much of a queue to visit Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. The Grand Bazaar doesn’t seem to have changed much.
We visited Corfu in 2010. So many changes.
Thanks so much for sharing: Mum49
Hi Catherine,
We were in Corfu 5 days before you on Oceania’s Vista. But there was a free shuttle that dropped us right before the fortress. For the return trip, no waiting—one shuttle was leaving as another arrived. I practically have the same photos as you! 😉
It’s normal—Oceania contractually guarantees transfers to the city center, just like the so-called "luxury" cruise lines do. With MSC, even in YC, you can’t count on those perks, and charging 10 € just to leave the port is a total rip-off.
Generally, these cruise lines also get the best spots in ports, except during my last Oceania cruise in Alaska (Sept. 2023), where we ended up with the farthest berths several times.
To come back and wrap up about Oceania, I know you’re disappointed about your South Africa and Alaska cruises, but I think we should set aside the three small ships—they’re not actually considered "Luxury" but only "Premium" (Monaco port’s classification).
It’s too bad because their itineraries are often unique...
Promise, Catherine, I’ll stop digressing
My disappointment about Alaska has nothing to do with the one I felt in South Africa. This time, by comparison, it was really minor. 😉 We had a great cruise.
Today is the first stop of this cruise we’ve never done before. A bit of discovery and novelty will be more than welcome!
The ship only docks from 7 AM to 2 PM. At 7:20 AM, we’re on the quay and set off in search of a taxi. But... no luck—this time, there isn’t a single taxi in sight. We head toward the port exit... nothing.
When a woman gets dropped off with luggage, I ask the driver where the taxis are. He starts dialing a number on his phone to call one, but when we tell him it’s for a tour, he offers to take us himself. We’re saved! The deal is settled for 160 €, with a one-hour stop in Alberobello and another in Polignano a Mare.
After following the coast, we turn toward Alberobello and drive through vast olive groves. The road starts climbing, overlooking the plain and the sea. The landscape is distinctly Mediterranean—fields bordered by low stone walls, where olive trees, fig trees, and lemon trees grow. A few trulli are scattered along this mountain road. These temporary, easily dismantled structures were used as storage or shelters for farmers.
The trullo (singular of trulli in Italian) is a dry-stone dwelling with a conical roof covered in limestone slabs. This rural construction appeared in the 16th century, but its origins are much older, as the technique of building these mortar-free homes dates back to prehistoric times.
Alberobello is one of the most iconic places in the Puglia region. This town is famous for its trulli.
We’re almost alone in the village when we arrive in Alberobello.
Via Monte San Michele, with its long staircases, we climb to the top of the hill where the Church of Sant’Antonio di Padova stands.
The shops aren’t open yet, and it’s lovely to have the place to ourselves.
We then descend through a maze of small side streets that crisscross each other.
Countless trulli, tastefully—and sometimes creatively—renovated, stretch on endlessly.
At the bottom of the village on the other side of the main square, the opposite neighborhood offers a completely different vibe.
This is the area where the locals live. The Trulli are occupied homes, and each Trullo showcases its own personality and charm in a more authentic atmosphere.
Narrow passages weave between the little houses, allowing you to descend back toward the center of the village, sometimes offering lovely views of the forest of pointed roofs.
As we leave Alberobello, we cross paths with arriving buses—we visited at the perfect time.
Our second stop is Polignano a Mare, which the taxi describes as "a little gem."
This town, perched atop high cliffs overlooking the sea, was founded by the Greeks. It has been ruled by various civilizations—from the Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines to Normans, and finally the Venetians. This tumultuous history has left an indelible mark on the town’s character.
The taxi drops us off at one end of the village and suggests we meet at the opposite exit, straight ahead—it’s easy. The walk we’re supposed to take is under construction and off-limits, but the taxi has already left.
We wandered through the historic center’s narrow alleys, crossing the old village.
While one side of the village rises above the sea, the alleys behind it are shielded from its waves, with access to the shore only at a few spots turned into viewpoints.
These terraces offer a stunning view of Polignano’s coastline, and the restaurant’s terrace has an exceptional location.
Seeing the cliffs plunging into the sea, with buildings perched on top, is breathtaking. The sea’s relentless waves have carved caves into the base of this stone wall.
Thanks for that little trip to Bari.
I haven’t had the chance to stop there yet, but I think it’s gorgeous (from your amazing photos). You were lucky to find someone (taxis) not far from the port for the visit.
It’s true that there are places where you’d think you’d easily find transport (taxis or otherwise) right outside the port. Unfortunately, that’s not the case everywhere.
Alberobello is truly stunning, and it has a bit of a Mykonos vibe.
To wrap up the morning, the car drops us off in the center of Bari, where we can take one last stroll before heading back to the ship. The square isn’t really showcased with all the construction and commercial tents.
But its lovely sun-drenched terraces, inviting passersby to linger and soak up the moment and the atmosphere, give it a certain charm.
The little streets, sometimes winding or dim, are gorgeous.
We head back to the ship by following a lovely elevated promenade with a view of the port.
And now, the series of "lasts" begins… The last meal in the sun on the pool terrace, the last afternoon of sunbathing… Since we disembark tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 30 – Disembarkation and a night in Venice
Once again, the weather is lovely this morning. The ship arrives at 9 AM, and our disembarkation is scheduled for 10 AM. We calmly make our way to the train station on foot to catch the FlixBus back to Venice.
On the bus, while looking into our transfer between the airport (our starting point) and our hotel (Mercure Venezia-Marghera)—a 17-minute drive by car—we see that a taxi costs between 60 and 75 €. We look for a cheaper option. It turns out to be a bus to Mestre train station for 10 € per person. And something I didn’t know, but won’t forget next time, is that the FlixBus stops at Mestre station after its stop at the airport.
Between the station and the hotel, there’s just a little over 2 km. The weather is nice, we have time, and we decide to walk.
After checking into the hotel, we head to bus #6 (Trieste Eraclea stop), less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It’s a direct bus to Piazzale Roma, running every 20 minutes.
We arrive in Venice around 5 PM as the sun starts to set, casting beautiful lighting over the city. The temperature is mild—it’s a lovely evening.
View of the lagoon from the bus
We hope that at this time of day, the city will be less crowded, so we head to the most popular areas we usually avoid because of the crowds. Our GPS guides us through Venice’s labyrinthine streets.
The city lights up, illuminated by countless shops and restaurants.
At this hour, even though there are still people out, it’s not the daytime crowd near the Rialto Bridge. We cross it easily and without any hassle.
The closer we get to St. Mark’s Square, the more the commercial activity picks up. The shops become larger, more beautiful, and more brightly lit, eventually turning into luxury brand stores near the prestigious square.
Under the arcades lining the square is the legendary Café Florian. Its terrace stretches out beneath an orchestra, whose gentle melodies enchant the diners enjoying this beautiful evening.
We stop for a bit at a restaurant with “reasonable” prices (as reasonable as they get in Venice)—Al Vaporetto Trattoria—both to rest and because we’re hungry. Great pizza, great pasta, and great fish—no complaints. It was a good spot.
We continue our walk through the tiny, charming alleys, which reveal a completely different side of the city at night, invisible in daylight.
The red-brick facades darken and take on an eerie quality as they reflect in the black water of the canals. The night also hints at how these dark, narrow passages with their hidden doors were once real danger zones.
After this timeless moment, we make our way back through the magical lights of our century.
Thanks, Catherine, for your review—it let me relive some of the stops!
I love being in Venice in the evening... it’s the best time to wander around.
I just booked two nights for next year.
We’re supposed to embark in October. The ship leaves from Fusina... I looked into that area but only found a campsite renting mobile homes.
I checked Mestre too... but in the end, I booked a hotel right in Venice.
I’ll figure out how to get to Fusina later.
Thanks Catherine, even though this stay in Venice was the shortest we’ve ever had there, it was also really enjoyable and my favorite because of the nighttime stroll.
Hi Claudine,
Thanks for reading my post. Departing from Fusina doesn’t seem straightforward. I only saw very expensive taxis or buses that aren’t easy with luggage. It’d be ideal if the company arranged a transfer.
You're right to wait for the conclusion—I still have a morning in Venice to post, plus the wrap-up. It’s not over yet. 😉
I just didn’t have time to do it today; my days are way busier since I moved to Normandy. 🙂
This morning, the plan was all set to explore the neighborhoods east of Castello. But chance had other ideas for us.
This change of plans actually started the day we arrived, without us even realizing it, in the hotel elevator. We were talking about buying bus tickets when a woman next to us offered to give us hers, which she wouldn’t be using anymore. They were still valid for 24 hours and covered all the city’s transportation. She was so kind! 🙂
So we were walking along the quay, at the very north of the city, when a Vaporetto was about to leave, and there were only about ten people on board. The opportunity presented itself—why not? Since our ticket was valid until 1 p.m., we hopped on. We’d never have boarded an overcrowded boat. It would quickly fill up, we suspected, but we had good spots.
At this hour, the city was waking up to its usual rhythm: deliveries, garbage collection, artisans heading to their worksites… But here, everything happens by water. Maybe this is the only city where tourists photograph garbage collectors.
I have to say, this ride—something we’d never done before—was really pleasant and beautiful.
We’d planned to get off at Rialto Mercato, but in the end, we kept going because it was just so gorgeous.
We disembark just before St. Mark’s Square and head back toward the Rialto Mercato through the streets and small alleyways. There are more people than last night, but it’s not yet overwhelming.
The market is colorful, and the prices are reasonable—slightly higher than back home but not as exorbitant as the tourist-targeted products.
The fish market is stunning, with many vendors displaying beautiful specimens.
Our morning visit ends here—it’s time to head back before our pass expires.
We have lunch at a simple neighborhood restaurant near our hotel. Two pasta dishes and sparkling water—a meal for 16 € for two. A far cry from Venice’s usual prices, and it was great—very friendly.
The airport transfer we booked arrives right on time at 1:30 PM. The agreed price was 50 €, and we reach our destination in less than fifteen minutes. When it’s time to pay, the driver tells me it’s 50 € in cash but 55 € if I pay by card. 😏 Seriously? I refuse—an agreed price is an agreed price. He pretends to make a call and comes back with his SumUp machine for 50 €. It’s unbelievable—until the very end, they try to overcharge us, even though their prices are already sky-high. Just another anecdote to add to the collection. 😉
Thank you all so much for following along. A big thank you for your messages—they really encouraged me and made my day.
This cruise was very pleasant and successful. The weather was on our side from the first to the last day, with beautiful sunshine and pleasant temperatures.
The mistake I made was traveling during the school holidays. Since I don’t have kids around me, I wasn’t aware of the dates when I booked, and I never imagined they started as early as mid-October. I’ll definitely be more careful in the future.
It wasn’t just the kids running around everywhere and monopolizing the jacuzzis all day that was annoying—the general atmosphere was completely different from my usual cruises. People were less approachable, passengers kept to themselves, and politeness was often ignored. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before. Even during the Christmas period, we’ve never felt this way.
Our cabin was aging: a chipped sink, a leaky faucet, and a leak in the toilet bowl that filled the receptacle every night. The dressing room door wouldn’t close—it was fixed on the first day at our request, but the leaks, despite the butler’s reports, still persisted.
At the beginning of the cruise, we tried going to the shows, but honestly, we didn’t enjoy them much. We never stayed until the end. They’ve become bland, very similar to what you’d find on American ships, like a Broadway-style production. It’s just a series of scenes one after the other, with the ship’s troupe being the only performers. There’s something missing. We never saw any guest performers related to the countries we visited. Twice, we saw a magician—nothing special, just basic tricks. MSC, which used to have such beautiful shows, has really gone downhill.
The pool bar service was perfect—attentive, warm, and cheerful. At the Top Sail Lounge, it was a different story. The waitress was as friendly as a prison door. She served us well, exactly as requested, but never with a smile. She always seemed stiff and closed off, like she was miserable and forced to be there.
We had an excellent chef and fantastic meals, both at the Olivo restaurant and the small poolside buffet. The ingredients were high-quality, well-cooked, and perfectly prepared. Oddly, at the Olivo restaurant, we had several dishes identical to those served at Oceania restaurants, like the starter at Polo Grill made with red beets and goat cheese.
When I booked, I regretted that the stops were almost always quite short, but in the end, thanks to the great weather, I really enjoyed those half-days at sea in addition to the stops. It was a perfect combination.
Yacht Club priority boarding and disembarkation were always well managed and respected at every stop. We never had to wait, whether for disembarking or boarding.
Of course, not everything was perfect—but is it ever? We’re very happy with this cruise. We found a good rhythm between stops and days or half-days at sea. We had a great time, enjoyed beautiful weather, and had a chef who delighted us every day. That’s already a lot, so yes, we’re ready to go again—and soon! 😉
Thanks again for this review, which you wrap up beautifully with the Grand Canal.
Every time I go to Venice, I board the vaporetto at the start of the line—our hotel isn’t far, there’s always space, and it’s an amazing ride. On the way back, I walk back to the hotel.
Too bad about the tired cabin and the kids...
Looking forward to the next cruise, which is really just around the corner. 😎 Have a great weekend.
Croisières › République Dominicaine / Italie · 18 replies
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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 there,
Here’s the 2027 cruise schedule.
It’s a great way to get ideas and maybe even meet up with other members!
2 essential rules:
1) Never "quote" the schedule when replying—this avoids any confusion.
2) Follow this format:
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 about that. IMPORTANT Please respect the templates!
PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THE FORMAT BELOW AND REPLACE WITH YOUR DETAILS IF YOU’RE HAVING TROUBLE
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 2027 CRUISES: 1
JANUARY
14/01 - poupou10 / AZAMARA JOURNEY / 74 days / South America Tour / Miami
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Hello!
After a lot of hesitation between different cruise lines (Explora, Oceania, YC, HAL, NCL) and several destinations like Norway, Ireland, and Iceland,
I finally chose NCL’s Star for Iceland.
I had already looked at this itinerary when I went to Scotland in April with CFC, but it was really expensive.
You should know that CFC often offers last-minute deals 45 days before departure (the point when you can no longer cancel or modify).
So, I got a great opportunity and grabbed it.
Departure is on August 23rd.
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.
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 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!