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?
Croisière sur le Costa Classica du 16 mars 2013, Canal de Suez
by Henri21
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Bonjour,
un peu de retard dans la réaction, mais le boulot est là pour nous rappeler à l'ordre.
Concernant le forfait, je vais réserver le all in via internet : en effet ainsi dès l'entrée sur le bateau, la carte est déjà programmée pour le all in.
les autres forfaits, je les prenais dans mes précédentes croisières, mais quand on fait le total, même avec les réductions membres costa cub, le all in devient plus avantageux.
exemple : un forfait vin, eau revient à +/- 70 euros au lie de 99 , mais on a 4 bouteilles de vins et 6 ou 7 bouteilles d'eau. Il en faut au moins deux si pas trois pour 21 jours, + les boissons bar et on arrive vite au forfait all in.
Pour le départ, c'est génial de pouvoir partir 3 jours à l'avance et ainsi visiter. Nous on arrivera normalement avec le vol air france tard le soir du jour 1, ce qui nous permettra de visiter Dubai le jour 2.
Allez, cela diminue, plus que quelques petits mois et on sera en vacances !
au plaisir de se voir et en attendant sur le forum
Bonjour,
Je vois que vous venez de Belgique. Etant également en Belgique pour le boulot et, envisageant de faire cette croisière j'aimerais vous demander quelques informations. Etes-vous passé par une agence de voyage traditionnelle ou par internet ? Avez-vous eu confirmation des vols car, Costa Belgique ne peut me confirmer les vols. Je vois que vous débarquez à Marseille, votre vol retour sur la Belgique a-t'il aussi été pris en charge par Costa ? Je lis également que vous étiez sur le Costa Luminosa, retour des Antilles au printemps dernier, un ami belge, présent sur ce bateau m'a parlé d'une folle ambiance et d'une histoire de dentier.............. Merci pour toutes les informations que vous aurez la gentillesse de me communiquer.
Je vois que vous venez de Belgique. Etant également en Belgique pour le boulot et, envisageant de faire cette croisière j'aimerais vous demander quelques informations. Etes-vous passé par une agence de voyage traditionnelle ou par internet ? Avez-vous eu confirmation des vols car, Costa Belgique ne peut me confirmer les vols. Je vois que vous débarquez à Marseille, votre vol retour sur la Belgique a-t'il aussi été pris en charge par Costa ? Je lis également que vous étiez sur le Costa Luminosa, retour des Antilles au printemps dernier, un ami belge, présent sur ce bateau m'a parlé d'une folle ambiance et d'une histoire de dentier.............. Merci pour toutes les informations que vous aurez la gentillesse de me communiquer.
Bien le bonjour,
C'est vrai que cette croisière fut dantesque. Une excellente ambiance, un petit groupe avec lequel on a bien rigolé.
Le dentier!!!! Qu'est-ce qu'on a pu se marrer avec cette histoire. si votre ami est bien que je pense et qui était présent et partie prenante lors de cet incident, vous pouvez lui dire " don't flush", il comprendra !
Pour la croisière, j'ai consulté internet car l'agence n'avait pas encore de catalogue. j'ai pu ainsi trouver cette croisière à un prix assez concurrentiel. Ensuite mon agence a fait le nécessaire( réduction membre costa et réduction agence ). Je préfère passer par mon agence car elle est près de chez moi et si problème, c'est plus facile .J'ai eu confirmation des vols récemment et j'ai même pu changer l'horaire du tgv Bxl Paris car je trouvais que j'arrivais trop juste à Charles de Gaule. Sur le site costa, avec votre n° de membre et le n° de réservation, vous avez accès aux horaires de vol ainsi qu'à la personnalisation de votre croisière ( boissons, excursions).
Le vol de retour a été assuré par mon agence, mais ce n'est pas un vol Costa comme à l'aller où là on ne doit s'occuper de rien, même pas ses bagages à l'arrivée: ils sont directement amenés en cabine.
A bientôt sur le forum ou si besoin d'autres infos
Bonjour,
Je sors du Lirica/mer noire : c'était bien et intéressant, surtout Istanbul et le Bosphore.
Nous avions des gens sympa. à la table et qui fond beaucoup de croisières.
Pour la Costa du 16/03/2013.
Je viens de regarder ma réservation vol, et l'on doit partir ensemble sur Air France à 13h35 pour 23h à Dubai : vol N° 3830.
à plus
Bonjour,
effectivement, Istambul est très belle à voir: j'avais particulièrement apprécié le passage du Bosphore, ainsi que les deux mosquées.
Qu'avez-vous pensé de Yalta et Odessa?
Chouette que l'on prenne le même vol, on fera connaissance avant de monter sur le bateau
A bientôt
A bientôt
Bonjour,
Nous sommes tentés par cette croisière également en mars 2013, nous avons déjà fait la transatlantique vers les Antilles avec le méditerranéa et c'était le rêve. J'ai vu aussi que le costa classica était un peu vieillot mais je ne m'en fais pas quant aux services de costa. Si on décide de réserver nous vous tiendrons au courant pour peut-être nous rencontrer sur le bateau qui sait.
Nous sommes tentés par cette croisière également en mars 2013, nous avons déjà fait la transatlantique vers les Antilles avec le méditerranéa et c'était le rêve. J'ai vu aussi que le costa classica était un peu vieillot mais je ne m'en fais pas quant aux services de costa. Si on décide de réserver nous vous tiendrons au courant pour peut-être nous rencontrer sur le bateau qui sait.
Bonjour, j'ai vu par hasard que vous hésitiez à prendre le all in boissons, perso je trouve çà intéressant car le forfait boissons qu'ils nous proposaient avant n'était que pour les repas à table, là c'est durant tout le temps, et le vin (blanc pour ma part) je l'ai trouvé très bon lors de la croisière transatlantique antilles, donc je suppose qu'il sera bon également sur d'autres croisières, ils ont leurs fournisseurs attitrés.
Nous allons également réserver la croisière du 16 mars 2013 Dubaï Emirats de 22 jours avec une arrivée à Marseille. Nous partons de Bruxelles vol direct vers Dubaï et retour en tgv de Marseille vers Lille.
nous avons également réservé la croisiére dubaï du 16 mars 2013 mais on prend l'avion à bruxelles. on aura sans doute l'occasion de s'y rencontrer.
Bonjour,
Votre vol part de Bruxelles ou de Paris ?
Nous prenons le tgv Bxl-Paris et vol costa de paris vers Dubaï
De toute façon, je pense que nous serons un petit groupe du forum à nous retrouver soit à Paris, soit à dubaï
Petite info, les excursions pour Petra sont actuellement complètes sur le site Costa.
Je surveille pour voir si Costa va rajouter des cars car cette excursion est quand même la plus belle du lot.
A bientôt
Bonsoir, nous partirons de Bruxelles vers Dubaï. Nous serons sur le pont 6 cabine 6103.
C'est vrai que nous aurions bien besoin de conseils pour les excursions car ce sera notre 2ième croisière. Espérons qu''on puisse se rrencontrer une fois arrivés à Dubaï.
À très bientôt
Bonsoir,
Dommage que vous ne preniez pas le vol Costa à partir de Paris, c'est plus marrant.
Et en plus, lorsqu'on arrive à destination, on ne doit plus s'occuper de ses bagages, ceux-ci sont directement portés en cabine.
Nous serons sur le pont 7, cabine n° 7084. Pas de problème pour les conseils, nous en sommes à notre 6è croisière.
Pour les excursions, mon épouse et moi-même tenons absolument à faire Petra, mais comme ej vous l'ai expliqué, c'est déjà complet. Je vais sur le site costa assez souvent et je vérifie si on remet des places. Pour les autres excursions, on va faire ça au feeling sur le bateau, sauf Pompéi que je vais réserver via internet sur le site costa.
De toute façon, on essaiera d'organiser une réunion Forum sur le bateau. L'an passé, on avait même eu un bar de disponible pour se rencontrer ( on était quand même une vingtaine de membres forum sur le Luminosa).
Bonne soirée et à bientôt
Patrick
Patrick
Oui apparemment nous aurons également nos bagages pris en charge.
Pour les excursions, c'est vrai qu''il y en a quelques-unes incontournables comme Petra ou Pompeï. Mais pour le reste on voudrait pouvoir les faire sans Costa pour les prix. Heureux de voir que nous serons bien entourés par des connaisseurs en croisières. Nous vous souhaitons également une bonne soirée. À très bientôt
De toute façon, on essaiera d'organiser une réunion Forum sur le bateau. L'an passé, on avait même eu un bar de disponible pour se rencontrer ( on était quand même une vingtaine de membres forum sur le Luminosa).
Ah, le Luminosa, que de souvenirs !!!!!!!!!!!!! Ceux qui auront la chance de rencontrer les Patjojo, sachez que ce sont des compagnons de croisière fabuleux. Perso, je me substituerais bien à okcoral (connaissance commune)😛
Ah, le Luminosa, que de souvenirs !!!!!!!!!!!!! Ceux qui auront la chance de rencontrer les Patjojo, sachez que ce sont des compagnons de croisière fabuleux. Perso, je me substituerais bien à okcoral (connaissance commune)😛
De toute façon, on essaiera d'organiser une réunion Forum sur le bateau. L'an passé, on avait même eu un bar de disponible pour se rencontrer ( on était quand même une vingtaine de membres forum sur le Luminosa).
Ah, le Luminosa, que de souvenirs !!!!!!!!!!!!! Ceux qui auront la chance de rencontrer les Patjojo, sachez que ce sont des compagnons de croisière fabuleux. Perso, je me substituerais bien à okcoral (connaissance commune)😛
N'en jette plus, ô Grand Balzanes. Tu n'es pas mal non plus dans ton genre, surtout quand tu flushes pas !!!!
Ah, le Luminosa, que de souvenirs !!!!!!!!!!!!! Ceux qui auront la chance de rencontrer les Patjojo, sachez que ce sont des compagnons de croisière fabuleux. Perso, je me substituerais bien à okcoral (connaissance commune)😛
N'en jette plus, ô Grand Balzanes. Tu n'es pas mal non plus dans ton genre, surtout quand tu flushes pas !!!!
Hello,
J'ai modifié mon image de profil afin de se donner un peu de peps pou l'hiver et se préparer : un bon coktail au bar ou au soleil vaut mieux qu'une tasse de café au coin du feu avec -1 dehors
Courage, le mois de mars approche.
C'est clair que le soleil sera attendu avec impatience, et les cocktails alors!!!!!
Ici on a eu un peu de neige fondante ce matin.
On va commencer à décompter les jours!
À bientôt
Salut, les Belges!
Ici, l'auvergnat.........*
Il ne fait pas meilleurs en Auvergne....!
Je regrette de ne pas être le Lirica, qui repartait le 01/12/12 pour Fort de France, puis un tour des Caraïbes, avec retour sur paris le 23/12/2012 à un prix défiant toutes concurrences (à partir de 835€ - sur le net, seulement 48h). (bon, mais j'étais obligé de partir seul, .... et je n'ai pas osé!!!!!!!!!!!! - Danielle, de notre table a osé, et vogue, vers la chaleur de la Martinique )
Ma dernière transat sur le Sérena, j'ai connu des Belges, comme d'hab. des gens sympathiques.
Nous les Auvergnats, c'est bois, charbon et pinard........ et on est près de nos "choux"! alors, le "forfait "all inclusif" me fait réfléchir!!!
On aime bien les coktells, .....surtout ma femme, abonnée au caïpirinha.. (sur le Lirica, = très bien - NCL/jewels = bien - Costa = à refaire)
mais, cela varie selon les compagnies, et sur un même bateau, selon les bars.
Déçu, du service Costa sur le Sérena, je reste très réservé!
Bon , je remets ma photo avec la margarita mexicaine à Huatulco, c'était du sérieux et, ça réchauffe!
Comme tu as bonne presse, Patjojo, et que je sais où tu habites, je passe te réveiller de bonne "humeur" -(shut, J'habite pas loin!)
Bon, à plus - je vais bientôt fouiner pour les excursions!
Bien à Vous les Belges du Classica
Bonsoir les auvergnats, ici aussi on est près du feu, vivement le soleil et les cocktails. Je (Christelle) vais bien m'entendre avec votre femme on a les mêmes goûts pour les cocktails. On a d'ailleurs pris le aller in sans hésiter quand on voit le prix des cocktails on arrive vite au forfait comme le disait patjojo, 2 cocktail, 1 ou 2 café et on est déjà au forfait journalier! J'ai déjà hâte d'y être. Mon compagnon aussi car en mars ça fera un an qu''on n'est plus partis en vacances!
Très bientôt alors
Hello l'Auvergnat,
Margarita mexicaine, cocktails : tout ça sent bon le farniente ! je commence à décompter les jours ...
Pour le all inclusive, l'an passé je ne l'avais pas et des potes rencontrés sur la bateau l'avaient. Je peux te dire que le forfait est largement amorti . L'an passé, je crois que pour certains, Costa a fait une mauvaise affaire avec leur all inclusive!!!!. On a passé des soirées avec des gens du forums et les all inclusive ont chauffé les bars !
donc cette année, mon épouse et moi on le prend sans hésitation: un petit café et jus orange frais le matin, cocktail à 10h, bière à 11h, vin le midi, petit verre vers 16h, apéro à 18h, 18h30 ..., cocktails à partir de 21h: tu vois le topo ! De plus j'ai fait le Concordia ( depuis que j'y suis passé il a coulé!), le mediterranea ( 2x)et le luminosa et je n'ai jamais été déçu du service.
Je ne sais plus qui m'a donné l'info, mais pour les points costa, ce qui est acheté via internet est partagé ( lorsqu'on est deux évidemment!) sur les deux cartes:ils sont futés chez Costa!. donc, je pense que je vais réserver le plus possible sur le bateau car je suis très près du Gold avec ma carte !
Ahhhh les Caraïbes, j'ai fait le tour cette année et je peux dire que c'est le top , surtout Catilina où on descend du bateau en chaloupe avec toute l'intendance qui suit sur la plage : barbecue, bars, etc etc...
Si tu fouines pour les excursions et que tu remarques qu'ils ont remis des places pour Petra, envoie un message svp, je regarde régulièrement aussi.
allez, je laisse l'Auvergne pour le plat pays et je me remets au boulot!
Si un jur tu me reveilles de bonne humeur, prends les croissant et un petit canon, ça peut être utile
en tout cas, je pense que sur la bateau, on va former une fameuse équipe
A+
Bonjour,
je voulais justement demander à quoi nous servent les points qu'on engrange sur notre carte costa club? Y a t-il un système d'échange ou cela nous donne des faveurs sur le bateau????Je ne sais pas très bien. On en a déjà grâce à la première croisière mais je ne sais pas à quoi çà sert. Pouvez-vous m'éclairer? Merci beaucoup
Et oui moi aussi je commence à décompter!!!
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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
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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Thanks! !
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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 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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I’m looking for advice on which excursions to pick for this cruise. Thanks!
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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
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