Review of a disappointing cruise with Rivages du Monde in Iceland and Greenland
FR

Review of a disappointing cruise with Rivages du Monde in Iceland and Greenland

by 4yne

in Topics › Cruises

Translated into English.

4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Thanks Seneth,

You won’t be disappointed at Cape Horn—it’s a wonderful destination and, in my opinion, even more beautiful!
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Alain,

For this crossing of the Christian Sund, we were really lucky to have such beautiful weather in a region where it’s not common. It was nice to have a bit of luck for that, at least.
Catherine
PO Poupou10 Globetrotter ·
Oh, blue skies make all the difference right away! The landscape is even more beautiful!! Thanks for these gorgeous photos 😎
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
VS Vsylvie Globetrotter ·
ugh, glaciers dumping their ice chunks into the sea... nostalgia, you really get me... 😏😄😉
CR Croisifan Veteran ·
Hi Catherine,

Your photos are gorgeous—they’re giving me (and Sylvie too!) nostalgia for Alaska, even if it’s not quite the same. At least the scenery was stunning, even if the onboard services weren’t exactly enchanting...
CARNIVAL-CELEBRITY-CLUB MED 2-COSTA-CROISIERES DE FRANCE-CUNARD-HOLLAND AMERICA LINE-MSC-NCL-OCEANIA-P&O-PONANT-PRINCESS-ROYAL CARIBBEAN-SEABOURN
HY Hyerois83 Globetrotter ·
We just got back from a two-week cruise in the Greek Islands on the Seabourn Odyssey, and we loved it!

At 5/6,000 € per week, it’d be a shame to be unhappy🙂
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hello,

Thanks Isa, Sylvie, and Valérie for your messages—it’s true that these landscapes remind us of Alaska, and the blue sky is a gift!

Qaqortoq Sunday, August 12

This stop replaced Narsaq, and the cruise director hyped it up as “Qaqortoq the White,” playing with words. The town’s nickname comes from the many daisies that bloom here, not the ice at this time of year.

This charming village is Greenland’s fourth-largest city, known as the country’s most beautiful. It clings to and sprawls across the hills around the harbor.





It’s really pretty with its brightly colored little houses and wildflowers overflowing the ditches.





Lots of familiar flowers—daisies, buttercups, Icelandic poppies, lupins—but also *Niviarsiaq*, Greenland’s national flower, which means “young woman.”





The open-air market, where hunters and fishermen sell their catches, is closed since it’s Sunday. Both churches are also inaccessible due to services. The oldest one was built in Norway, then shipped in pieces and reassembled here in 1832.



Two young women in traditional costumes are at the church entrance for a ceremony.



Greenland’s oldest fountain—and for a long time, the only one in the country.



A few steps farther, the marina.



Wooden stairs make it easy to climb to the village heights for a lovely view of Lake Tasersuaq.



As we wander the streets, we pass an open-air sculpture exhibition created in 1993.







The locals live off fishing, the shipyard, and the only active tannery. The tannery opened its shop for us—the items made there are beautiful but very expensive, and they’re made from baby seal skins, at least that’s the image that comes to mind when I see them.



No icebergs in sight, and the weather’s so mild—it’s hard to believe Narsaq, just 20 km away, is icebound, as the cruise director told us.



Two hours after leaving, we finally spot a small, lone iceberg.



Back in France, we confirmed our stop was canceled for administrative—or rather, economic—reasons. Another ship took our place by outbidding us for the port fees.
Catherine
TA Tatida Veteran ·
Hello Catherine,

Very pretty town, whatever it’s called, but my favorite photo is the last one!

If I understand correctly, you’ll have to complain again! You should maybe make a reusable version… 😁😁😁😭!!!!!!
HY Hyerois83 Globetrotter ·
More beautiful photos of stunning places. Luckily, the cruise wasn’t just about the boat :)
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Danielle,

I really hope this isn’t becoming a habit! 😕
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Thanks Alain, Yes, fortunately, but in this case, the organization isn’t going to be much better than the boat! 😠 😠 😠 🙁 What they’re about to put us through is unimaginable!
Catherine
VS Vsylvie Globetrotter ·
oh wow! that iceberg is absolutely stunning!! Now that you’ve "left" Iceland, did you like the country? I often look at cruises for this destination, and I find them really expensive... so I’m thinking a road trip must be really great... And why not do a cruise from there to Greenland afterward, which also appeals to me, I must admit... though I might be getting a bit ahead of myself—I don’t even know if it’s possible!
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Sylvie,

Iceland was really beautiful, with stunning green landscapes similar to what you’d see in Ireland or Scotland. But it’s actually Ireland or Scotland I’d rather return to... For the geological side, it’s great if you haven’t seen Yellowstone before... because after that, it’s like visiting a zoo after an African safari. Aside from the massive tectonic plate rift, which is truly impressive. I hope I don’t offend anyone, but I found that Iceland’s reputation is a bit overhyped compared to reality.

There’s no denying that Iceland is very expensive, even on a road trip. The huge increase in tourism over the past few years has sent accommodation prices skyrocketing.

It’s okay to dream big—the main thing is to have plenty of adventures in mind! 😉 😎
Catherine
LO Louxor71 Veteran ·
Hello,

Your travel journal reads like a novel, and like many others, I’m waiting for the next part—I get the feeling this isn’t over yet. Thankfully, there are some stunning photos! I hope you won’t be put off cruises altogether. Given the price of such a cruise, it’s worth asking questions about an organization like this. What did the other passengers think?
louxor71
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hello Louxor71,

Thank you for reading and for your kind words. As you said, I’m glad I at least got to take some photos.

No, I’m not upset with cruises in general—it’s actually my favorite way to travel. I love boats and the sea too much! What I didn’t find on this one, I hope to find and make up for on the next. And from this one, I’ll try to keep the best images—that’s what photos are for.

What really bothers me is the completely unjustified price. And you haven’t even seen the worst of it yet. For such a price, everything is managed on the cheap—bare minimum, the lowest cost, everything is stingy and miserly, whether it’s the food, accommodations, or the organization of stops and excursions.

Many passengers were very unhappy, especially by the end of the cruise, and all you could hear in the hallways were complaints and reproaches.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Nuuk Monday, August 13

Nuuk, located at the mouth of the fjord, is surrounded by the sea and mountains.





We booked a boat excursion in the fjord without being able to find out its duration or time despite our requests. No one knows or wants to say. You have to wait until 9 p.m. the night before to find out by checking lists posted at the reception.

The boat will be docked from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and our fjord trip is scheduled for 6 p.m. with a return at 8 p.m. That’s about an hour of cruising in the fjord, not counting transfers, for 120 € per person—and at a time when you’d rather be doing something else.

We wanted an excursion to fill the afternoon because there isn’t much to do in Nuuk. We didn’t want to rush through a tour at the last minute in the evening. We’re so disappointed we don’t even feel like going anymore.

Once again, they didn’t have enough excursions for all the passengers, so we easily resold ours to people who were thrilled.

At 2 p.m., we set off on foot toward the so-called “historic” center without waiting for the shuttle. About a 20-minute walk.

240 km south of the Arctic Circle, Greenland’s capital, which we’re passing through, feels soulless and very Americanized—but not in a good way. These regions must be grim to live in during winter with only a few hours of sunlight per day. It’s already so bleak in summer.







The harbor district is the historic center. The small colorful houses brighten up the bay.





From the top of the promontory, there’s a lovely panoramic view. The tiny cathedral, dating back to 1832, is closed.



Behind the historic village, rows of identical apartment blocks where Inuit families were housed stretch along the shoreline.



Two kayaks are out on the water, and when you see them practicing and rolling in the cold water, you think, “Maybe we were lucky our excursion got canceled.”









Actually, these aren’t the same kayaks—they’re very slim, very narrow, made for one person. They’re made of a simple wax-coated canvas stretched over a wooden frame.





The Greenland National Museum is on the harbor. The tour group from the boat catches up with us, and we can discreetly enjoy the explanations. The guide explains that to buy a traditional costume, you have to order it 2 years in advance, and it costs around 7000 €. That seems outrageous to me.



I really liked this chart explaining the use of each type of fur. Each one has a specific purpose.



These mummies (three adults and a baby), dating from the 15th century, were found at the bottom of a cave in the 1970s and are perfectly preserved thanks to the cold, dry air.



Soft, lovely lights illuminate the landscape to end the day.





At sea Tuesday, August 14

Our lecturer’s storytelling talent brings Ernest Shackleton’s incredible Antarctic epic to life with emotion. We already knew the story, but hearing it told so well is pure joy.

We cross the Arctic Circle at 11 a.m. The sun is shining, and the sea is like glass. We’ve been really lucky with the weather.

Tomorrow is the highlight of the cruise—Ilulissat and its UNESCO-listed ice fjord—but also the biggest disappointment Rivages du Monde has in store for us.
Catherine
VS Vsylvie Globetrotter ·
lol, you really know how to keep your audience on the edge of their seats... finally, Greenland... I was a little worried you’d say that about Iceland... since I’ve done Yellowstone... anyway, I can’t wait to hear the end of this thriller ;)
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
lol you could say you’ve got us on the edge of our seats...

Plus, I’m mainly doing this for you, because I know you love it...

I was a little worried you’d say that about Iceland... since I’ve done Yellowstone...

Yeah, it’s way smaller than just one of the stops in Yellowstone, and I’m not even talking about the most beautiful ones.
Catherine
VS Vsylvie Globetrotter ·
lol you could say you’ve got your audience on the edge of their seats...

Plus, I’m mainly doing this for you because I know you love it...

No, really, don’t go to all that trouble… I beg you in advance… 😉

I was a little worried you’d say that about Iceland… because I’ve done Yellowstone…

Yeah, it’s way smaller than just one of the stops in Yellowstone, and I’m not even talking about the most beautiful ones.

Ouch… and here I am wanting to go back…
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
So, don’t hesitate! It’s unique! And so much better than Greenland even if they’re not comparable.
Catherine
AT Atzalca Regular ·
I don’t think a cruise is the best way to discover Iceland.

Having done it once before as a road trip (around the island) four years ago, and this year on a cruise, I much preferred the first option.

What makes Iceland so charming is the contrast. Being able to go from a lunar volcanic landscape to a lush fjord in very little time, from a sunny black sand beach to a glacier with blue hues, etc. The geological formations and geysers aren’t the most impressive out there, but such a diversity of landscapes and environments is hard to find elsewhere in such a condensed way.

For me, the road trip formula allows you to explore at your own pace, enjoy the variety of stunning landscapes passing by, and linger in unlikely spots with no one around for miles.

A cruise is generally a way to "skim" a place to get an idea of it and return if you liked it. For some destinations, it’s perfect, but for Iceland, I don’t think it’s the best way.

I’m planning to go back, but as a road trip again.
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Ilulissat Wednesday, August 15

It was during dinner last night that the news leaked out: « Excursions will leave from and return to the ship. No transfers will be organized for disembarking. »

Not believing our ears, we head down to reception to get more details. The revolution is already brewing.

Faced with general discontent and disappointment, the "red jackets" are dismissive and insolent. They openly sneer and roll their eyes. They’re annoyed by our complaints and show outright contempt for us. There’s nothing we can do—they’re just mocking us.

At sunrise, the sky is clear, and the day promises to be beautiful.



We’re at sea, 10 miles from the coast. The ship doesn’t drop anchor—it just stays in position. Supposedly, it’s impossible to get closer to the port because of the ice and icebergs. (And if you don’t believe that one, I’ve got another story for you…)

We have no way to reach land. The cruise director tells us they can’t use the lifeboats because they’re not equipped to navigate through ice. (Where’s the ice, then?)

Our excursion to the Ilulissat Icefjord by sea starts at 10 AM and lasts only 2 hours—just one hour of actual navigation, another unpleasant surprise. We’re lucky with our timing; some people had their turn at 7 AM!!!

We board a small, charming fishing boat, but the pleasure is ruined by the frustration. There are 11 of us on board, and we’re counted repeatedly like cattle.

The tourist ride is certainly a good alternative—or a nice supplement—for all these small fishermen. And for us, it’s a pleasure to board these real fishing boats, which have been thoroughly cleaned. No fishy smells tickle our nostrils.





We approach the icefjord—there’s nothing to say… just look. And don’t forget, this tour barely lasted an hour on-site.















Our guide is a baritone. The poor guy is shivering and worried about his throat. He translates the few explanations given by a crew member about how the ice forms.



A few whales come by to say hello.







Finally, a seal colony—the first since we left!



A few last beautiful icebergs before turning back.











The icebergs in this icefjord make for a stunning landscape, but it’s nothing compared to the magic of Antarctica.

To be continued...
Catherine
NA Nataly03 Globetrotter ·
hi there

So the ship's excursions are mandatory for this stop? How much were they charged?

Anyway, your photos are just WOW, what wonders!! Facing such a landscape, you can only forget the annoyances.
nathalie
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Ilulissat Wednesday, August 15 (Part 2/3)

After this outing (or before, since we didn’t know the schedule), we had planned to walk to Disko Bay. A path in the national park along the heights of the shore overlooks the fjord and offers a fantastic view of the sea of icebergs. It’s a different vantage point to discover this site.

Unfortunately, we were forbidden from doing so—we were confined on board. Those who didn’t have excursions weren’t allowed to disembark at all.

Rivages du Monde calls this a "port of call"! We were going to be stuck on the ship all day, even though this was the most beautiful "stop" of the cruise and the weather was perfect. We were prisoners, locked up—this was the first time I’d ever seen anything like it. A server confirmed that this happens every time they stop here. It’s a real scam to sell this "stop at sea" as a "port of call" when you’re not even allowed to set foot on land.

A few days earlier, I had gone to the excursions desk to ask about the walking path in the national park. They gave me the information but conveniently failed to mention our upcoming captivity.

If we had been warned in advance about this forced confinement, we would have booked a second excursion for the afternoon. But, as usual, we weren’t told about the ban on disembarking until the last minute—the night before, after 9 PM.

Back on the ship, it was still hard to accept being held on board for the day. The cruise director tried to make us believe the lifeboats weren’t suited for navigating through the ice.

We asked for private transport—several of us wanted this solution. It was impossible to arrange; they refused.

We tried to get spots on an afternoon shore excursion, but everything was fully booked.

At the last minute, we managed to take advantage of a cancellation, but there was only one spot. My husband, very generously and chivalrously, let me have it. But it was heartbreaking and guilt-inducing to go alone when there should have been four of us.

The Astoria was alone in the middle of nowhere, with only a few small ice floes—far fewer than in any fjord when you approach a glacier.





The sky clouded over in the early afternoon, creating a beautiful light—completely different from this morning.













Arrival in Ilulissat: Where is the ice that supposedly prevents the Astoria from approaching or launching its lifeboats?







At the entrance to the port, the Seabourn Quest was anchored and disembarking its passengers by lifeboat.



Two water taxis were docked and waiting for potential clients. So it was entirely possible to disembark with private transport.

Minibuses took the excursion group to the starting point of the hike above Disko Bay at the old heliport. Below is the map of the national park that I couldn’t find before leaving—just in case it’s useful.





To be continued...
Catherine
NA Nataly03 Globetrotter ·
This whole thing is a mess, honestly!
nathalie
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Yes, totally absurd. I forgot to reply about the price—the boat excursion was 110 €.
Catherine
NA Nataly03 Globetrotter ·
Yeah, not cheap for such a short time.
nathalie
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Ilulissat Wednesday, August 15 (Part 3/3)

This excursion is just a small part of the hiking trip I had planned to do with three others. The trail is marked and secured on very damp, even marshy peat ground.







And around a bend, the landscape appears over Disko Bay.



The icebergs in Disko Bay break off from the Jakobshavn Glacier, which comes directly from the ice cap. It’s located 70 km further up the fjord and moves about 40 (to 46) meters per day. It’s the fastest glacier in Greenland, with speeds three times higher than in the 1990s.





The fjord is between 3 and 6 km wide here. Its production is enormous—it calves about 10% of Greenland’s glaciers on its own. This is likely where the iceberg that sank the Titanic originated.

Some icebergs are so tall—over 1000 meters—that they can get stuck in the fjord for several years before reaching the ocean.









Access to the shores is forbidden due to tsunami risks. The banks can be flooded at any moment by a tidal wave if a glacier breaks or flips. It’s a stunning sight if you’re safe.





A few whales are frolicking peacefully.









Returning with all these beautiful images in mind—images we should have enjoyed as a group of four and in freedom.



Tonight, most passengers are angry, frustrated, and disappointed when this was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. Being locked up, imprisoned, and held on board against our will—when we paid for a cruise with a stop in Ilulissat—what do you call that? I can only think of one answer: a scam. We were deceived.
Catherine
SA Sarnia Veteran ·
Well... Now we see why it’s cheaper.

Out of curiosity, I checked: for 2019, the same equivalent cruise on the Astoria is currently 4,550 € for an outside cabin over 14 days. With Hurtigruten, a cruise on a similar route over 12 days on their brand-new MS Roald Amundsen (same size as the Astoria) is 5,620 € for an outside cabin. On the MS Fram, for 17 days and a ship with half as many passengers, it’s 8,100 €. I didn’t check Ponant, but I imagine their prices are comparable to the Fram, with guaranteed landings (weather permitting) every day.

I’d much rather pay a little (or even a lot) more and be on a ship where they don’t treat me like dirt. Sorry you had such a bad experience—at least you had good weather. I hope you still have great memories of those stunning landscapes, but traveling all that way just to spend the day going in circles is truly pathetic.
Mon blog de voyage : http://voyageterremer.blogspot.com Avec Hurtigruten en Antarctique, en Norvège, au Spitzberg...
NA Nataly03 Globetrotter ·
Hi there,

"Just out of curiosity, I checked—the equivalent cruise on the Astoria in 2019 is currently 4550 € for an outside cabin over 14 days."

Per person, I assume?
nathalie
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Sophie,

You're absolutely right, and you can't imagine how much I regret it. But what's done is done. Reporting these actions and filing a complaint are the only things I have left to do.
Catherine
TO Toilapol Veteran ·
Hi Sophie,

Sure, why stay offshore? When you look at the satellite image from 15/08 at apps.sentinel-hub.com/...UkdCZW5jKTsK:



You can see the Seabourn in front of Illulissat at the top right of the frame, and another ship, the Astoria? on the left, more toward the bottom. Not really much ice aside from the big icebergs...
https://en-photo.fr Hurtigruten Norvège Groenland Lofoten & Bretagne Finistère spécial #mobile #tablette #responsive http://toilapol.net croisières HURTIGRUTEN (7x Norvège / Antarctique & Patagonie / Groenland W) & par ailleurs, Spitzberg / Groenland NE / Lofoten + aurores boréales
NA Nataly03 Globetrotter ·
hi too dangerous, you mean?
nathalie
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Paul,

The second ship is the Soleal—I didn’t mention it because it lands wherever it wants with its Zodiacs, but I did see it. The Astoria was much farther away; I think it was here:

Catherine
VS Vsylvie Globetrotter ·
😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CR Cristianh Globetrotter ·
Hello,

Luckily, .... for us, that you’re kind enough to share all this with us!

It’s not out of the question that your experience, as shared here, could cost Rivages du Monde "dearly." I suspect quite a few of us ... won’t make the big mistake of traveling with them.

Well, .... that doesn’t change much for you .... I didn’t get the sense you were eager to set sail with them again.

Best regards,
Christian
SA Sarnia Veteran ·
Hello, Too dangerous, you mean?

On the contrary, it confirms 4yne’s photos showing that it wasn’t the ice that hindered the disembarkation.
Mon blog de voyage : http://voyageterremer.blogspot.com Avec Hurtigruten en Antarctique, en Norvège, au Spitzberg...
NA Nataly03 Globetrotter ·
yeah, this story is wild
nathalie
AL Alexandre867 Globetrotter ·
Hello,

A big thank you for the feedback as well as your amazing photos, and we’ll know what to do about it.

Speaking of which, I’m sure many here know our cruise director, Frédéric Mathieu. He’s really changed—he’s nothing like the enthusiastic, dynamic young man devoted to passengers that he used to be.

Oh yes, he’s a well-known figure I used to see popping up in various cruise groups but who’s disappeared... The guy who knows everything about everything, including Costa—no comment. I hope I never have to see him as a cruise director; I wonder how he even holds that title...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fandepaquebots/ BouelMogdad, Navarino, Ausonia, Royal Viking Sky, Costa Riviera, Azur Victoria, Mediterranea, MSC Musica-Fantasia-Divina-Splendida-Preziosa, Fortuna, Serena, Magica, Concordia, Pacifica, Luminosa, Costa Neoromantica
MI Migui08 Veteran ·
Hello

Yes, Christian, absolutely. We’re ruling out RDM for any future options.

THANK YOU to the author of this review—it’s really helpful for everyone.

Best regards,
MSC: Splendida-Divina-Melody-Musica-Poésia-Orchestra-Fantasia-Magnifica. Préziosa-COSTA: Classica-Luminosa-Romantica-Diadéma-Grand Holiday-DELIZIOSA-Mediterranée/Atlantique/Mer du Nord/Océan Indien.- TRANSAT: DUBAÏ- CARAÎBES-BRESIL- -Croisi Europe: Andalousie- Venise -TRANSAT: Miami-Miami-Marseille-
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Fortunately, .... for us, you’re kind enough to share all this with us!

Thanks, Christian,

Because it’s not always easy to talk about a bad experience where you feel so foolish for making such a choice.

Trying to spare others the same mistake is really what this forum is all about.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Thanks Alexandre,

I hope I never see that guy as a cruise director—I wonder how he even got such a title...

Because at Rivages du Monde, ANYTHING is possible!!! 😉 Especially the worst!!!
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Thanks, Michel.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Sisimiut Thursday, August 16

The stop in this small village holds little interest and leaves a bitter taste after yesterday’s disappointment—we’re just not feeling it.

A small village of 5,500 people and the country’s second-largest city, it looks very calm and peaceful. The scent of dried fish and a veil of pretty low clouds greet us at the port.





Along the path to the center, colorful houses reflect in the water.





The must-see little church—closed.



The dominant view, the museum, a few sleds, and the center.









Life in red to brighten up the surroundings—it must be stunning against the white blanket of snow.



Hunting trophies.



The outskirts of town and the walk around Lake Spejdes.







In this little shop, we found real local crafts—rare enough to mention. It’s the first one we’ve come across.



Mosquitoes are flying everywhere and annoying, but they’re much less aggressive than back home—they don’t devour us.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq Friday, August 17

One last unpleasant surprise for the disembarkation...

After a third change of airline and schedule for our return flight, which ultimately didn’t arrive on time, another appalling innovation from Rivages du Monde...

We won’t collect our luggage at Kangerlussuaq Airport to check it in ourselves. Instead, we have to put our own "flight" tags on our bags before leaving them in the hallway. We won’t see them again until Roissy CDG. This makes it impossible to transfer our toiletries from our carry-on to our checked luggage in the morning after disembarking.

To work around this, I asked for an extra luggage tag to check my carry-on (with toiletries) at the airport when we left.

The cruise director asked his buddy, the evening entertainment host, to find me one... There weren’t any. This host then explained to me that he knows the airport well—he’s even boarded a plane in Kangerlussuaq before.

With conviction and all his clownish charm, he told me the place is completely remote. So small and in the middle of nowhere that there’s just a tiny shack by the runway for planes. He said there’s no security, the bus stops right at the plane, and you board directly without any checks.

Since we’d never had any luggage checks when boarding the Astoria—neither on arrival nor at any stop—I trusted him.

But he was laughing at me the whole time! At the airport, the terminal was perfectly normal, with the same security checks as any other airport. Of course, my toiletries were confiscated. Thanks for that deliberate, malicious lie.

This is just the latest concrete example of the practices that went on every day during the cruise on this ship. Giving any old answer to get rid of a passenger and their question.

A foggy early morning for disembarkation—I don’t envy the new passengers arriving...



Conclusion

It’s clear that the two canceled stops at the start of the itinerary under false pretenses and the awful surprise in Ilulissat ruined the cruise and spoiled the route.

The organization, based on deception and lies (hiding the duration of excursions, refusing to provide excursion schedules, etc.), is a well-honed scheme to take advantage of passengers. Who would’ve bought a 2-hour boat excursion at 7 AM or 6 PM? Who would’ve bought a cruise with a "stop in Ilulissat" where you’re not allowed to go ashore?

We saw beautiful landscapes in the best conditions, but we’re still disappointed, beyond Rivages du Monde’s shortcomings. Maybe the dream faded with each disappointment? Or maybe we just didn’t see enough? Or maybe there wasn’t much to see?

Apart from the Christian Sund Passage and a quick glimpse of Disko Bay, the "very little" we saw wasn’t all that interesting. No alternative visits outside the ship’s excursions, no taxis, and few discoveries to make on foot within the time limits of the stops. The towns and villages we saw all looked the same—practically deserted, lifeless, like ghost towns. We barely crossed paths with anyone, and it was quite sad.

In the Christian Sund Passage, near the village, there was an expedition ship docked, and passengers were taking Zodiacs to visit the village. Aside from the fun of the Zodiac ride, I wonder what else they saw.

We were very disappointed by the lack of wildlife. The naturalist explained that around inhabited areas, there are no animals left. Even though the Inuit are now settled, they continue to hunt without limits—"shooting at anything that moves," he told us.

That doesn’t stop the marketing materials from generously "selling" invisible, nonexistent wildlife.

The very high prices for this itinerary aren’t justified by the destination’s appeal. Without a doubt, for the same type of cruise, I prefer Patagonia or Alaska.

Practical side, this was the first time we bought a cruise with the flight included. I thought it would be an advantage not to have to deal with anything. In the end, it was much more painful and complicated than booking a flight myself.

The company’s stingy management led to multiple last-minute flight changes. We ended up flying back with a Polish airline I’d never heard of. The numerous changes to airlines and schedules imposed on us for both the outbound and return flights were exhausting.

Our excursions, paid for months in advance, were canceled at the last minute on the ship, and we still haven’t been reimbursed. Yet the bill for onboard expenses was debited the day after disembarkation.
Catherine
PE Peluche26 Regular ·
Hi there, what a disappointment for a cruise that was supposed to be a dream. I hope the parent company receives a strongly worded letter. Keep us posted if anything comes of it. And enjoy your next cruise, hoping to forget this one a little. Have a good evening.
PO Poupou10 Globetrotter ·
Hi there, Thanks for your really interesting review. This company is absolutely terrible! It’s outrageous, especially given the price we paid! It’s enough to put you off cruises if you haven’t had any other experiences to compare. Are you going to send a complaint letter? After all, it’s just to get a credit for a future cruise… might not be worth it 😉
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
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi,

Yeah, I hope the next one will be better—two failed cruises in less than a year is a lot! I did send a complaint letter, but I haven’t gotten a response yet. I promise if my claim goes through, I’ll come back here to share the outcome.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hello, In my letter, I requested compensation, a refund because I really don’t want a credit note!!! We’re on the same page, right?
Catherine
VS Vsylvie Globetrotter ·
thanks catherine for this eye-opening review... you still came back with some great photos, but as you said, it’s pretty disappointing compared to what you expected... your review has me thinking, especially about your comparisons... it’s true that after Alaska and Yellowstone like you mentioned, it’s tough to find something better or even comparable... 😕 guess I’ll learn my lesson about doing the "must-see" first...😏
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MU
Mum49 23 hours ago · Poupou10
Review of the CFC "Pearls of the Baltic" cruise June 2026
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
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Poupou10 3 days ago · Alfre99410
VoyageForum Members' 2027 Cruise Departure Schedule
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
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Nataly03 5 days ago
NCL Cruise to Iceland
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.



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PO
Poupou10 7 days ago
VF Members' Cruise Departure Calendar for 2026
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
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Pétanquette last week · Puce77
Access to Naples and Palermo on foot during stopovers
Hello

We’re taking an MSC cruise in May, and after the Cinque Terre, we’ll be stopping in Naples. We’d like to know if it’s possible to walk out of the port quickly and reach a nice area of Naples on foot (we’re two older people). While we’re at it, I’ll ask the same question for Palermo, since we’ll be there the next day. Thanks for your replies.
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Mini123 last week
What are the benefits of a suite on the Pacifica?
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!
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AL
AllyMB007 2 weeks ago · 4yne
Day trips from Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon
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
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Poupou10 2 weeks ago
Farewell Nathalie (NADU)
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
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SÉ
Séraphine66 2 weeks ago · Sables67
MSC Lirica Cruise in April 2025 with stops in Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, and Ancona
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!
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MU
Mum49 3 weeks ago
MSC Preziosa Cruise: Independent excursion to Stonehenge
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
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Cachou83400 last month · Cacemma
Norwegian Fjords Cruise: What to see during the stops?
hi there, a group of friends and I are going on a cruise at the end of June with CFC in Norway. I’d love to get some info on the different stops we’ll be making. Most of them are one-day stops (from around 10 AM to 8 PM on average). Here are the stops: Andalsnes, Trondheim, Honningsvåg, Alta, Hellesylt, Sandane, Austefjorden.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can share what there is to see or do in these places.

When I get back, I’ll post what we did—it might help others who come after us.

Also, does anyone know if the boat sticks to the arrival time in Dunkirk for catching tickets to head back south? We’ll plan a buffer just in case.

Thanks everyone!
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JeanMichel54 last month
Choosing Packages on the "Renaissance" (CFC) - "Jewels of Vestlandet" Circuit
Hello, We’ll be sailing on the Renaissance with CFC to southern Norway from July 4 to 11, 2026, departing from Dunkirk (the cruise was booked through "Planète Croisière"). When entering some personal details or pre-selecting options on the CFC website, I’m wondering about the "optional" categories for drinks and WiFi. I’m actually a bit surprised by these extra charges, as we weren’t used to them on other cruises (Australis in Patagonia; Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express in Norway and Alaska; Rivages du Monde in the Arctic or on the Douro River; a Nile river cruise in Egypt), where we sometimes had access to basic drinks at meals and free WiFi when near land. Anyway, for those who’ve already taken a CFC cruise on the Renaissance, could you share some advice? Specifically about the most basic drink package, called "Fraîcheur" (238 € for two), which doesn’t seem to be described anywhere. The "Premium" package seems excessive (490 € for two for the week) for light drinkers. As for WiFi, it’s 10 € per day per person. While I find that price acceptable for parking our car in Dunkirk, it feels overpriced here (especially since it was free on the Nordlys "Coastal Express" just 3 or 4 years ago). So, I’d love to hear from experienced cruisers who’ve been on this ship! Looking forward to seeing the excursion prices, which should be available soon! 😐

Thanks in advance!
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Clau05 last month · 4yne
Have you heard of the Yacht Club on the MSC Magnifica?
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
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AF
Afpjle 2 months ago
Renaissance Promenade Cabin
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!
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Gilsyl 2 months ago · Noumea140675
Dinner on the Costa Smeralda
Hi, can you eat in the evening at the Costa Smeralda’s cafeteria, or do you have to dine at the restaurant? Thanks for your reply.
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Olivercapnor 2 months ago · Evajules
MSC Referral
contact me to get referred at MSC, for your first cruise or if you haven't traveled with MSC in over 5 years
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Alfre99410 2 months ago · Poupou10
Delighted review of my MSC Virtuosa cruise from April 5 to 19, 2026
Hi everyone,

As promised, here’s my review of the cruise I took from the 5th to the 19th on the MSC Virtuosa.

As you know, I had initially booked a cruise with Mein Schiff departing from Dubai (from Dubai to Cape Town). It was a 22-day cruise. Due to the issues in the Persian Gulf, my cruise was canceled by Mein Schiff.

So, we started looking for a Plan B because we really wanted to go. Especially my wife, who had just had a minor procedure and needed some rest. Since she had already taken time off, she was determined to travel. However, we were looking for an affordable Plan B since we weren’t sure when Mein Schiff or the airline would reimburse us.

While browsing online, I found a 15-day cruise departing from Pointe-à-Pitre (including flights, transfers, the cruise, and drinks) for a price of 1,200 € in a Fantastica balcony cabin. We thought, *Why not?*

I should mention that I’m not usually a big fan of MSC. My last experience with them was post-Covid (I took two cruises, one in 2021 and another in 2022), and it was honestly a disaster. We didn’t want to repeat that, but after talking to Catherine, who told me she was very happy with a short Christmas cruise, we decided to give it a try.

I have to say, I was left speechless. Honestly, the cruise was absolutely perfect. There’s nothing to complain about (or just a few minor details). In terms of service and food, I felt like I was on a premium cruise line. I’d even say MSC has nothing to envy from some of those companies. While premium lines like Holland, Celebrity, and Royal are cutting back on services, I think MSC has made huge improvements. Seriously, I wasn’t expecting this at all. You’ll see what I mean as we chat more.

I won’t do a full review like I usually do because there weren’t many stops: 1. We boarded in Pointe-à-Pitre 2. We stopped in Saint-Martin 3. Then it was a direct crossing to the Azores...

This cruise was really about relaxing, even if it’s not the kind of trip we usually take.

First off, I’m not a big fan of "flight and cruise" packages. I asked if we could leave two days early, but they said it wasn’t possible. We had to take the flight, then the bus, and board the ship directly.

It’s not really my thing, but given the price we paid and since we really wanted to relax, we thought, *Why not?*

Here’s the itinerary:

Boarding in Pointe-à-Pitre Saint-Martin Five days at sea The Azores Four days at sea Hamburg One day at sea Le Havre



But as I mentioned, it wasn’t about the itinerary. It was really about taking a break and unwinding. Honestly, I came back thrilled.

Departure and boarding details to come
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Mejid 3 months ago · 4yne
Which cabin should we choose on the MS Vesteralen?
My wife and I are going on a cruise on the MS Vesteralen on August 4th. The ship stays close to the coast to deliver mail and packages. My wife is a musician and is sensitive to the movement of the boat. Which deck and cabin should we choose?

Thanks in advance
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Nataly03 3 months ago · Noug29
CFC Highland and Scotland on April 16th
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!
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Schehrlauren 3 months ago · Pepere60
MSC Virtuosa Caribbean Cruise Excursions
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
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Poupou10 3 months ago · Mum49
Review of the CFC RENAISSANCE's 'EN VOGUE' experience
😉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
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