Original post
Si on achète un forfait croisière-avion, est-ce mieux d, arriver une journée avant l'embarquement, ou bien si c'est assuré que nous embarquerons sur le bateau la journée même???
Arriver la journée même du départ ou non?
by Petitcanard
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Salut petitcanard,
Tout dépend de ta résistance au stress!!! Avec ou sans forfait, un jour d'avance c'est la paix d'esprit. Une compagnie peut attendre des passagers pour l'embarquement dans une situation "X". Six mois plus tard, la même compagnie peut ne pas attendre. Il y a de ces impondérables parfois dont nous passagers, n'avons aucune idée. Ce qui fait que parfois les avis/réponses sont si partagés, et ce sur différents sujets (ex. pourboires). Rien de "coulé dans le béton". Alors, oui, un jour d'avance c'est un investissement, mais rendu à ce point, il en vaut bien le prix.
P.S. Sauf bien sûr si l'embarquement se fait dans votre ville d'origine. Mais très rare ici, au Québec.
Bonne préparation! HAL 🙂
Tout dépend de ta résistance au stress!!! Avec ou sans forfait, un jour d'avance c'est la paix d'esprit. Une compagnie peut attendre des passagers pour l'embarquement dans une situation "X". Six mois plus tard, la même compagnie peut ne pas attendre. Il y a de ces impondérables parfois dont nous passagers, n'avons aucune idée. Ce qui fait que parfois les avis/réponses sont si partagés, et ce sur différents sujets (ex. pourboires). Rien de "coulé dans le béton". Alors, oui, un jour d'avance c'est un investissement, mais rendu à ce point, il en vaut bien le prix.
P.S. Sauf bien sûr si l'embarquement se fait dans votre ville d'origine. Mais très rare ici, au Québec.
Bonne préparation! HAL 🙂
😉 Je te donnes une réponse mais sous toute réserve. Dans mon cas, je n`avais nullement besoin d`arriver un jour d`avance, en l`occurence, j`imagine qu`il y a certainement des forfaits "vol-croisière" dont c`est le cas. Il s`agit de t`informer chez ton conseillé en voyage.
Dodo😉
😉Soit dit en passant, cher "petit canard", je te trouve bien sage de poser autant de questions, tu fais preuve d`une grande sagesse en t`informant ainsi avant d`acheter ta croisière. Je te félicite.
Amicalement Dodo😉
Merci! Disons que j'ai la passion du voyage!!! J'aime planifier et organiser, mais encore plus savoir où je m'en vais avec mes choses!!!
Mieux vaut en savoir plus que pas assez!!!
Mieux vaut en savoir plus que pas assez!!!
Bonjour Manon,
Je te dirais absolument et positivement NON !!! Bien sur si je me remémore notre mésaventure lors de notre derniere croisière en 2003. Souviens toi de la méga panne d'électricité dans la région de Toronto qui avaient clouer tous les avions d'air Canada au sol pendant 2 jours. Nous étions dans ce chaos... Par chance nous avions décider de partir un jour d'avance et apres bien des maux de tetes nous avons finalement réussi a partir avec une autre cie aérienne. Avoir parti le samedi au lieu du vendredi je ne sais pas si on aurais "manquer le bateau".
Il y a tellement d'impondérables lors de voyage en avion, que ca vaut vraiment la peine d'investir quelques $$$ pour une nuit dans un hotel pres du port de depart. En plus on commence les vacances plus tot😉
Bonne journée
Stéphane
Je te dirais absolument et positivement NON !!! Bien sur si je me remémore notre mésaventure lors de notre derniere croisière en 2003. Souviens toi de la méga panne d'électricité dans la région de Toronto qui avaient clouer tous les avions d'air Canada au sol pendant 2 jours. Nous étions dans ce chaos... Par chance nous avions décider de partir un jour d'avance et apres bien des maux de tetes nous avons finalement réussi a partir avec une autre cie aérienne. Avoir parti le samedi au lieu du vendredi je ne sais pas si on aurais "manquer le bateau".
Il y a tellement d'impondérables lors de voyage en avion, que ca vaut vraiment la peine d'investir quelques $$$ pour une nuit dans un hotel pres du port de depart. En plus on commence les vacances plus tot😉
Bonne journée
Stéphane
Pouvez-vous m'éclairer? Notre agente de voyages (nous sommes en période de grosse décision) nous a dit que nous pouvions acheter un forfait vol - croisières.
Dans ce cas-là, le bateau doit attendre???? Qu'en pensez-vous???
Elle nous a également mentionné que nous pouvions acheter le vol à part et que de cette façon, elle nous ferait partir la veille. Ce qui est correct.
Merci.
Dans ce cas-là, le bateau doit attendre???? Qu'en pensez-vous???
Elle nous a également mentionné que nous pouvions acheter le vol à part et que de cette façon, elle nous ferait partir la veille. Ce qui est correct.
Merci.
Est-ce que le bateau attend? Si vous êtes un gros groupe ou pour quelques minutes peut-être mais je n'y compterais pas. Les navires doivent respecter les heures d'arrivées aux escales et il y a aussi les marées à respecter à certains endroit. Et puis il y a 1500 autres passagers qui veulent partir.
Si je faisais une croisière j'arriverais une journée d'avance. Lire le récit d'une croisière à http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20060327/CPVOYAGES/60327098/5109/CPVOYAGES
bon voyage
Danduc
Si je faisais une croisière j'arriverais une journée d'avance. Lire le récit d'une croisière à http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20060327/CPVOYAGES/60327098/5109/CPVOYAGES
bon voyage
Danduc
Ouais c'est pas très positif ce reportage là!!!!
C'est pourquoi c'est plus sage de partir la veille!!!
C'est pourquoi c'est plus sage de partir la veille!!!
ben, tout dépend de la saison et des risques de retard ou d'annulation. En général l'heure limite d'embarquement est à 17h et il faut récupérer ses bagages (donc les recevoir ! ) et arriver de l'aéroport au port.
Jusqu'à présent (2 croisières: une au départ de Hawaii, un de N-Y) j'ai pris les deux fois une nuit sur place par sécurité. Car si vous ratez le bateau ça va vous coûter très cher pour le rattrapper à l'escale suivante.
A New-York (et venant d'Europe) la prochaine fois je viendrai le jour même car les premiers vols arrivent tôt assez.
Jusqu'à présent (2 croisières: une au départ de Hawaii, un de N-Y) j'ai pris les deux fois une nuit sur place par sécurité. Car si vous ratez le bateau ça va vous coûter très cher pour le rattrapper à l'escale suivante.
A New-York (et venant d'Europe) la prochaine fois je viendrai le jour même car les premiers vols arrivent tôt assez.
Si on achète un forfait croisière-avion, est-ce mieux d, arriver une journée avant l'embarquement, ou bien si c'est assuré que nous embarquerons sur le bateau la journée même???
Comme l'a dit Hal, tout dépend de votre résistance au stress.
Dans notre cas, nous avions eu du mal à trouver un vol Montréal-San Juan à un prix correct. Nous avions finalement booké avec United Airlines, mais ce fut un gros risque: il y avait une correspondance à Philadelphie...mais seulement 40 minutes entre les deux vols! Ça m'a beaucoup stressée avant le départ car advenant un retard, même léger, entre Montréal-Philadelphie, nous faisait manquer notre vol Philadelphie-San Juan, et le bateau quittait le soir même. Mais ça c'est bien passé.
Comme l'a dit Hal, tout dépend de votre résistance au stress.
Dans notre cas, nous avions eu du mal à trouver un vol Montréal-San Juan à un prix correct. Nous avions finalement booké avec United Airlines, mais ce fut un gros risque: il y avait une correspondance à Philadelphie...mais seulement 40 minutes entre les deux vols! Ça m'a beaucoup stressée avant le départ car advenant un retard, même léger, entre Montréal-Philadelphie, nous faisait manquer notre vol Philadelphie-San Juan, et le bateau quittait le soir même. Mais ça c'est bien passé.
Merci Camphi, je crois effectivement que ça dépend du mois où l'on part en croisière!
Comme j'ai l'intention de partir en mars, et bien c'est encore bien risqué pour la neige et le verglas!!!
Comme j'ai l'intention de partir en mars, et bien c'est encore bien risqué pour la neige et le verglas!!!
Merci Nikki, mais je ne crois pas avoir les nerfs assez solide!!! En plus comme c'est le début des vacances pourquoi ne pas les commencer 1 journée plus tôt!!!
A noter qu'il n'y a pas que le mois du départ qui peut influer sur un retard. Bien sûr, ici, en Amérique du Nord, nous avons les grands froids d'hiver.
Mais même en été, il peut arriver un bris mécanique concernant l'avion que vous devez prendre. Logiquement, il restera cloué au sol, et les passagers ne le sauront que plus tard (si seulement l'info est divulguée). Vous serez alors relocalisés sur un autre appareil avec un délai fort possible.
Ou alors, des moyens de pression d'employés d'un des aéroports concernés (au point de départ ou d'arrivée - au choix) ralentissant les opérations et pouvant provoquer un délai considérable.
En été, les tempêtes tropicales/tornades aux États-Unis peuvent obliger les aéroports là-bas à fermer les pistes et détourner les vols vers un autre lieu.
Je ne crois pas qu'il faut crier au loup ou s'inquiéter pour rien, mais la prévention reste de mise lorsque notre investissement flotte sur l'eau là-bas... Un pensez-y bien ! HAL 🙂
Mais même en été, il peut arriver un bris mécanique concernant l'avion que vous devez prendre. Logiquement, il restera cloué au sol, et les passagers ne le sauront que plus tard (si seulement l'info est divulguée). Vous serez alors relocalisés sur un autre appareil avec un délai fort possible.
Ou alors, des moyens de pression d'employés d'un des aéroports concernés (au point de départ ou d'arrivée - au choix) ralentissant les opérations et pouvant provoquer un délai considérable.
En été, les tempêtes tropicales/tornades aux États-Unis peuvent obliger les aéroports là-bas à fermer les pistes et détourner les vols vers un autre lieu.
Je ne crois pas qu'il faut crier au loup ou s'inquiéter pour rien, mais la prévention reste de mise lorsque notre investissement flotte sur l'eau là-bas... Un pensez-y bien ! HAL 🙂
Nous venons d'acheter notre première croisière pour le mois de janvier.
Nous avons également acheté le pre-cruise de Princess. C'est-à-dire un forfait: transfert aéroport - hôtel, nuit à l'hôtel et transfert de l'hôtel au port le lendemain.
De cette façon, nous n'avons pas à payer les frais de déviation demandés lorsque nous partons la veille qui sont de 70 $ U.S. par personne.
Nous n'avons pas à payer les frais de transfert aéroport - port qui sont demandés avec l'achat de la croisière.
Ça revient plus cher mais au moins, nous choisirons le vol que nous voulons prendre et nous serons sur place, c'est-à-dire à San Juan.
Nous avons également acheté le pre-cruise de Princess. C'est-à-dire un forfait: transfert aéroport - hôtel, nuit à l'hôtel et transfert de l'hôtel au port le lendemain.
De cette façon, nous n'avons pas à payer les frais de déviation demandés lorsque nous partons la veille qui sont de 70 $ U.S. par personne.
Nous n'avons pas à payer les frais de transfert aéroport - port qui sont demandés avec l'achat de la croisière.
Ça revient plus cher mais au moins, nous choisirons le vol que nous voulons prendre et nous serons sur place, c'est-à-dire à San Juan.
Allo, nous partons vendredi am le 7, donc cette semaine, notre crosière part samedi, on s'est louer une petite chambre dans un hôtel sur le bord de la mer à Miami, pour relaxer avant d'embarquer sur notre navire. Car quand on se lève dans la nuit pour prendre notre vol et bien arrivée au soir on est complètement fini et tout ce que l'on veut c'est aller dormir un peu mais c'est pas le temps de dormir, on a le goût de visiter le bateau, prendre un drink, défaire les valises, donc au moins on sera reposer et en pleine forme en arrivant la veille et en plus moins stressant coté retard des vols...On a pris un vol à part de la crosière, donc on a payé moins cher, la différence de l'argent on la place pour l'hôtel à Miami et 2 repas. Ca revient à la même chose et l'esprit est tranquille. C'est de la façon que je vois ça! Isabelle😉
Merci Isaby pour tes commentaires.
Dans notre cas, nous n'avons pas encore acheté le vol.
Princess nous le fait à 799 $ (Montréal - San Juan). Par contre, sur Internet et à l'agence, il coûte un peu plus de 950 $. Donc, beaucoup plus avantageux avec Princess.
Par contre, nous voulons acheter une déviation et arriver quelques jours à l'avance pour pouvoir visiter San Juan.
Encore la, Princess offre un forfait: transfert aéroport - hôtel, une nuit à l'hôtel et le transfert le lendemain vers le port.
Nous avons demandé à l'agente de s'informer à savoir s'il y a un autre hôtel que le Marriott qui est offert.
Si nous décidons d'arriver la veille, nous accepterons l'offre de Princess. De cette façon, nous n'aurons pas à payer les frais de déviation de 70 $ U.S. ni le 34, 50 $ CDN pour le transfert.
Mais c'est certain que nous arriverons avant! Combien de jours à l'avance??? Nous ne le savons pas encore! Notre croisière est en janvier 2007!
Dans notre cas, ce qui coûte cher, c'est le vol!!!! Mais, c'est notre choix!
Bonne croisière!
Dans notre cas, nous n'avons pas encore acheté le vol.
Princess nous le fait à 799 $ (Montréal - San Juan). Par contre, sur Internet et à l'agence, il coûte un peu plus de 950 $. Donc, beaucoup plus avantageux avec Princess.
Par contre, nous voulons acheter une déviation et arriver quelques jours à l'avance pour pouvoir visiter San Juan.
Encore la, Princess offre un forfait: transfert aéroport - hôtel, une nuit à l'hôtel et le transfert le lendemain vers le port.
Nous avons demandé à l'agente de s'informer à savoir s'il y a un autre hôtel que le Marriott qui est offert.
Si nous décidons d'arriver la veille, nous accepterons l'offre de Princess. De cette façon, nous n'aurons pas à payer les frais de déviation de 70 $ U.S. ni le 34, 50 $ CDN pour le transfert.
Mais c'est certain que nous arriverons avant! Combien de jours à l'avance??? Nous ne le savons pas encore! Notre croisière est en janvier 2007!
Dans notre cas, ce qui coûte cher, c'est le vol!!!! Mais, c'est notre choix!
Bonne croisière!
Allo, nous partons vendredi am le 7, donc cette semaine, notre crosière part samedi, on s'est louer une petite chambre dans un hôtel sur le bord de la mer à Miami, pour relaxer avant d'embarquer sur notre navire. Car quand on se lève dans la nuit pour prendre notre vol et bien arrivée au soir on est complètement fini et tout ce que l'on veut c'est aller dormir un peu mais c'est pas le temps de dormir, on a le goût de visiter le bateau, prendre un drink, défaire les valises, donc au moins on sera reposer et en pleine forme en arrivant la veille et en plus moins stressant coté retard des vols...On a pris un vol à part de la crosière, donc on a payé moins cher, la différence de l'argent on la place pour l'hôtel à Miami et 2 repas. Ca revient à la même chose et l'esprit est tranquille. C'est de la façon que je vois ça! Isabelle😉 Isabelle, pourrais-tu me dire quel hôtel tu as réservé à Miami, et s'il y a un transfert offert entre l'hôtel et le bateau, et combien il t'en coute pour la nuit? Comme nous devrions partir en mars 2007, j'aimerais faire la même chose que toi!! Merci!🙂
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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!
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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 😉
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Here’s the cruise schedule for 2026.
It’s a great way to get ideas and maybe even meet up with other members.
2 essential rules:
1) never "quote" the calendar when replying—this’ll avoid any confusion 2) follow the format below DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / /
REMINDER Despite my requests, few people follow the requested format. Cruises that stray too far from it won’t be listed anymore—sorry!PLEASE respect the templates! COPY AND PASTE THE FORMAT BELOW AND REPLACE WITH YOUR DETAILS IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / / It takes time to fix mistakes, so THANKS TO EVERYONE for your help!
YOUR TURN 😉
NUMBER OF CRUISES 2026: JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1) never "quote" the calendar when replying—this’ll avoid any confusion 2) follow the format below DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / /
REMINDER Despite my requests, few people follow the requested format. Cruises that stray too far from it won’t be listed anymore—sorry!PLEASE respect the templates! COPY AND PASTE THE FORMAT BELOW AND REPLACE WITH YOUR DETAILS IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / / It takes time to fix mistakes, so THANKS TO EVERYONE for your help!
YOUR TURN 😉
NUMBER OF CRUISES 2026: JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
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We’re taking a cruise in February departing from Miami with stops in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Belize.
I’m looking for advice on which excursions to pick for this cruise. Thanks!
I’m looking for advice on which excursions to pick for this cruise. Thanks!
Hi everyone, we're going on a week-long cruise and I have a question: can we travel by train and on a cruise with small refrigerated injectable syringes?
Do we need to complete any formalities?
And how should we store them?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Hi,
Thanks for sharing the sites to discover.
Best,
Hello,
I'm considering a cruise on the Hurtigruten Coastal Express from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Bergen over 11 days in mid-March 2027. Has anyone already done this trip? I think it’s a great way to discover the Norwegian coast with the chance to see magnificent northern lights, but isn’t the trip a bit *too* long? There are about thirty stops, but most last only a few minutes, with just one daily stop of over 2 hours, which gives a quick glimpse of a few towns but doesn’t allow for a full excursion. Is the supplement for an outside cabin with a porthole (800 € for 2!) really worth it? It’s more pleasant than an inside cabin, but do you spend enough time in your cabin to make the most of it? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this journey. Best regards.
I'm considering a cruise on the Hurtigruten Coastal Express from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Bergen over 11 days in mid-March 2027. Has anyone already done this trip? I think it’s a great way to discover the Norwegian coast with the chance to see magnificent northern lights, but isn’t the trip a bit *too* long? There are about thirty stops, but most last only a few minutes, with just one daily stop of over 2 hours, which gives a quick glimpse of a few towns but doesn’t allow for a full excursion. Is the supplement for an outside cabin with a porthole (800 € for 2!) really worth it? It’s more pleasant than an inside cabin, but do you spend enough time in your cabin to make the most of it? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this journey. Best regards.
Hi everyone! I’m used to sailing on a sailboat with two or three people—it’s amazing. But I’d love to try the experience of a cruise. Just to clarify, I’ll be going alone. My first question: are there other solo travelers on these cruises, or is it mostly couples and families?
For a first cruise, I’d prefer a short one (maximum 8 days). Do those exist? And on the smallest boat possible. I live in Marseille, so a departure from Marseille would work, but I’m open to other ports too. If you have a cruise line to recommend and a destination you’ve enjoyed, or if you’ve had a great experience on a more intimate-sized ship, I’d love to hear about it!
Thanks a million for your replies! Marie
For a first cruise, I’d prefer a short one (maximum 8 days). Do those exist? And on the smallest boat possible. I live in Marseille, so a departure from Marseille would work, but I’m open to other ports too. If you have a cruise line to recommend and a destination you’ve enjoyed, or if you’ve had a great experience on a more intimate-sized ship, I’d love to hear about it!
Thanks a million for your replies! Marie
Hello,
We just returned from a cruise from 08/13/26 to 08/20/26 on the MSC ORCHESTRA with stops in Tarragona, Valencia, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Genoa, and back to Marseille. The ship was fully booked. Deck chairs were already occupied by beach towels early in the morning, and there were only 1 or 2 people in the pools... However, on the day the Italians disembarked, there were very few towels on the deck chairs. We found the Italians less talkative.
We had a balcony cabin on deck 9, starboard side. The cabin was spacious, but the sofa was facing the desk, making it a pain to watch TV (neck strain guaranteed). So, we changed the sofa’s orientation to face the TV (we put it back in place on disembarkation day). There were 325 French speakers on board, and a lot of staff from Mauritius, which made communication easier.
No annoying announcements about bingo, etc.—a nice change from COSTA.
For dinner, we were at the first sitting at 7:45 PM, at a table for 6. On the first night, we were two "gray-haired" couples at the table. The second night, two young women joined us but asked to change tables after seeing us... The show for our dinner time was at 10:15 PM and ended around 11:00 PM. We found that a bit late for us. The shows were varied and of good quality. The restaurant menus offered plenty of choices, but at the buffet at lunchtime, there were a lot of dishes with quite a few carbs. Afternoon tea from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM included some great pastries, among other things.
We had an issue with the air conditioning and bad odors in the cabin one afternoon. I reported the problem to the reception, and staff along with our cabin steward came to check the cabin. The issue was resolved that same afternoon. Two days later, we were surprised to find a bag with items inside: 2 MSC mugs and 2 MSC thermos flasks that keep drinks hot or cold for 10 hours. It was a gift from customer service following the bad odors in our cabin. We weren’t expecting this at all and thanked MSC’s customer service.
For excursions, MSC always offers port-to-city-center transfers for 14 € per adult in Valencia and Tarragona, and 12 € per child. In Livorno, it was 10 € per adult and 7 € per child. In Civitavecchia, there was a shuttle to the train station for 6 €. On the MSC for Me app, there were "promotions" on certain excursions. We really enjoyed this cruise, but we couldn’t revisit some stops (Tarragona and Valencia) on our own because it was too hot. Great evening: Mum49
We just returned from a cruise from 08/13/26 to 08/20/26 on the MSC ORCHESTRA with stops in Tarragona, Valencia, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Genoa, and back to Marseille. The ship was fully booked. Deck chairs were already occupied by beach towels early in the morning, and there were only 1 or 2 people in the pools... However, on the day the Italians disembarked, there were very few towels on the deck chairs. We found the Italians less talkative.
We had a balcony cabin on deck 9, starboard side. The cabin was spacious, but the sofa was facing the desk, making it a pain to watch TV (neck strain guaranteed). So, we changed the sofa’s orientation to face the TV (we put it back in place on disembarkation day). There were 325 French speakers on board, and a lot of staff from Mauritius, which made communication easier.
No annoying announcements about bingo, etc.—a nice change from COSTA.
For dinner, we were at the first sitting at 7:45 PM, at a table for 6. On the first night, we were two "gray-haired" couples at the table. The second night, two young women joined us but asked to change tables after seeing us... The show for our dinner time was at 10:15 PM and ended around 11:00 PM. We found that a bit late for us. The shows were varied and of good quality. The restaurant menus offered plenty of choices, but at the buffet at lunchtime, there were a lot of dishes with quite a few carbs. Afternoon tea from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM included some great pastries, among other things.
We had an issue with the air conditioning and bad odors in the cabin one afternoon. I reported the problem to the reception, and staff along with our cabin steward came to check the cabin. The issue was resolved that same afternoon. Two days later, we were surprised to find a bag with items inside: 2 MSC mugs and 2 MSC thermos flasks that keep drinks hot or cold for 10 hours. It was a gift from customer service following the bad odors in our cabin. We weren’t expecting this at all and thanked MSC’s customer service.
For excursions, MSC always offers port-to-city-center transfers for 14 € per adult in Valencia and Tarragona, and 12 € per child. In Livorno, it was 10 € per adult and 7 € per child. In Civitavecchia, there was a shuttle to the train station for 6 €. On the MSC for Me app, there were "promotions" on certain excursions. We really enjoyed this cruise, but we couldn’t revisit some stops (Tarragona and Valencia) on our own because it was too hot. Great evening: Mum49
We're leaving on August 25th for a Danube cruise from Vienna to Bucharest. The travel agency refuses to postpone this cruise despite navigation changes due to the exceptional drought, which include bus transfers that don’t interest us.
Have you had any experiences with this that you’d like to share?
Hi there!
I’m going on a cruise with MSC on the World Europa this coming October.
Stops: Genoa, Naples, Messina, Malta.
Has anyone visited Mount Etna and Pompeii?
Could you share some tips for each of these stops?
I’d like to explore on my own without booking the ship’s excursions.
Thanks for your advice!
We're considering a Danube cruise that stops in Bucharest.
Are there any travelers currently on the river, which is at its lowest level?
Hi there,
I’m taking a cruise on the Costa Pacifica in December—what should I expect in terms of rough seas?
contact me to get referred at MSC, for your first cruise or if you haven't traveled with MSC in over 5 years
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.
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 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!
Hello,
We’re back from this cruise.
Boarding in Dunkirk: The doors opened around 12 PM. Since we were a bit early, I asked if my husband, who uses a walker, could wait inside instead of outside. I left him with the two suitcases and our two backpacks in the small hall while I parked the car in the reserved CFC parking lot for 10 € per day.
The shuttle that was supposed to take people from the parking lot to the model pavilion was supposed to arrive in 5 minutes, but after 15 minutes, nothing. After waiting 15 minutes, I saw a man walking and asked if I could follow him. In 15 minutes, we arrived, and still no sign of the shuttle—it must have passed us. Arrived at the model pavilion.
My husband had already checked in the suitcases with the help of a CFC staff member. The remaining formalities were completed quickly. We were on board by 12:15 PM. Headed to the buffet on deck 11 and waited in a lounge to access our cabin.
At 2 PM, we discovered our balcony cabin on deck 9 at the rear: spacious with a large balcony compared to MSC/COSTA.
Since we were at the rear, cabin 9202, there was always an issue with elevator number 4: "priority."
Elevator number 2 stops at deck 10... and elevator number 3 was often out of order, leaving only number 1 for those with mobility issues to reach the buffet, especially for people who struggle with stairs. Note: only one child on board and lots of "gray hair."
DAY 2: At sea. Lots of activities offered.
Day 3: GOTHENBURG (Sweden). Sunny, 19°C at 11 AM.
Excursion booked with CFC: Gothenburg and Haga for all.
Interesting visit with a great guide. The HAGA district, in our opinion, is full of cobblestones and nothing special, not suitable for people using a cane or wheelchair. Elevator number 3 was out of order again.
Day 4: Copenhagen. 15°C in the morning, showers in the afternoon.
We didn’t book an excursion since we’d already stopped here with CFC in 2025, and based on advice from this forum, we took the hop-on/hop-off bus right in front of the ship. I still went to see the Little Mermaid again.
No TV, but the elevator was fixed.
DAY 5: At sea. Still no TV.
DAY 6: GDANSK (Poland). 15°C, rain all day.
There’s a shuttle to get to the city center.
We took the excursion: Panorama of Gdansk.
The guide left us at the entrance of the city center for 45 minutes, telling us what to visit. Meet-up for the rest of the tour at 3 PM. The bus left at 3:15 PM to cover 10 km to see St. Mary’s Cathedral. We arrived at 4:16 PM... The guide said there are often traffic jams in that direction. We had 10 minutes on site before heading to see the lighthouse and the Westerplatte monument, where we also had 10 minutes.
Many of us wondered why we didn’t do the tour in the opposite direction since they knew there would be traffic...
I went to reception to complain about the organization. The staff member read me the program: we were supposed to start with the lighthouse, then go to the cathedral and stay for 30 minutes before heading to the center of Gdansk for a short guided walk with some free time to buy souvenirs, etc.
The guide did the complete opposite of what was planned and didn’t even give us a guided tour—just dropped us off in the city...
DAY 7: Bornholm Island (Denmark). 14°C, a few sunny spells.
We saw in the excursions that there was a walking tour of RØNNE. So, like many others, we explored on our own. There was a small orchestra welcoming us at the port and two people with city maps. We took the shuttle to leave the port—it ran every 15 minutes. The tourist office was next to the "shuttle bus." A pleasant visit at our own pace.
DAY 8: KIEL (Germany). 18–23°C, nice weather.
We took the "Kiel for all" excursion. Great guide and interesting visits.
The port is in the city, and in 10 minutes, we were in the city center by following a blue line on the ground from the port. Elevator 3 was stuck again... and the TV was back.
DAY 9: At sea. Elevator 3 works.
DAY 10: At sea. Elevator 3 is out of order again...
DAY 11: Disembarkation in Dunkirk.
Cabins had to be vacated by 7:30 AM. Buffet open until 9 AM.
Elevator number 1 was "reserved," leaving only number 2, which doesn’t go up to deck 11... a problem for people with mobility issues who had to cross the entire deck 11 and try to use one of the four working elevators at the front, which were crowded.
My opinion: Interesting stops.
The onboard staff were always welcoming, smiling, and mostly French-speaking.
Evening shows were better than in March/April 2025—better singers, dancers, and presenters, and the costumes were improved.
I liked the "magician" shows less.
There were three onboard lectures by a very cultured person, but they went off-topic and were too historical for my taste. I didn’t attend the other two; my husband went to the second but not the third.
For this cruise, there was a bridge theme, but we’re not players or interested.
We didn’t take a drink package on board—water, coffee, tea, and herbal teas were available.
We had a water leak in our cabin the night before disembarkation. We reported it, and after the technical staff came (with a translator who didn’t speak English), we were asked to leave the cabin for a while for repairs. We went to a lounge, and after 1.5 hours, I checked in at reception. The repair took longer than expected... we had to change cabins... not ideal the night before disembarkation. No balcony cabins were available, so we got an ocean-view cabin, 6075, with a bathtub (impossible for both of us to use). We packed our suitcases, took a shower in our cabin, and moved to the new one. Noise from chairs until 12:30 AM because the cabin was under a lounge, and constant ventilation noise in the hallway... sleep was hard to come by. Disembarkation: Well organized. We were helped with transporting the two suitcases and bags to the waiting room while I took the shuttle to get the car. Guylène
We had a water leak in our cabin the night before disembarkation. We reported it, and after the technical staff came (with a translator who didn’t speak English), we were asked to leave the cabin for a while for repairs. We went to a lounge, and after 1.5 hours, I checked in at reception. The repair took longer than expected... we had to change cabins... not ideal the night before disembarkation. No balcony cabins were available, so we got an ocean-view cabin, 6075, with a bathtub (impossible for both of us to use). We packed our suitcases, took a shower in our cabin, and moved to the new one. Noise from chairs until 12:30 AM because the cabin was under a lounge, and constant ventilation noise in the hallway... sleep was hard to come by. Disembarkation: Well organized. We were helped with transporting the two suitcases and bags to the waiting room while I took the shuttle to get the car. Guylène