Bonsoir
Quelle différence entre les activités proposées à bord et celles proposés lors d'une croisière lambda Costa par exemple ?
Parce que même avec les excursions, sur un bateau lamba on finit par en avoir fait le tour au bout de 4/5 jours, alors là sans excursion, est-ce que ce n'est pas lassant ?
Bonjour
Pour avoir fait 6 transats chez QM2 et 4 chez Costa
Je dirais sur le queen mary 2. (ou qe2 ou Qv)
Les activités sont des activité pour personne plus agés. (Bridge, théâtre, lecture, concert de musique classique ) et un peu de sport.
Les spectacles sont uniquement pour les anglophones.
Les activités chez COSTA
c est un peu le principe du clubmed. (Magicien, danse, ...)
Vachement plus amusant mais moins intellectuel.
Ex concours de déguisement, Karaoké
Mister costa (Striptease, dance )
miss costa (concours d'orgasme simulé, concours de changement de couche de bébé de 50 KG)
concours de récupération de cuillère au fond de la piscine
peinture sur porcelaine..
Les spectacle sont multi langue. et tout public.
Merci beaucoup pour vos informations très intéressantes.
Les activités sont tout au long du jour sur le QM2? Y a-t-il un journal de bord, comme le today ?
Les activités sont des activité pour personne plus agés. (Bridge, théâtre, lecture, concert de musique classique ) et un peu de sport.
Les spectacles sont uniquement pour les anglophones.
Nous sommes un couple de 31 et 33 ans. Désolé mais c'est une croisière de vieux si on le veut bien. Bon c'est vrai qu'il n'y a pas Miss camping, mais de là à dire que c'est pour les vieux... Question de point de vue j'imagine.
Nous parlons plutôt bien anglais, alors c'est certain que nous avons fait plein d'activités.
Bref, chacun à son point de vue. Si nous avions trouvé que cette croisière n'était pas faite pour nous, nous ne souhaiterions pas la refaire prochainement.
Bonsoir
Quelle différence entre les activités proposées à bord et celles proposés lors d'une croisière lambda Costa par exemple ?
Parce que même avec les excursions, sur un bateau lamba on finit par en avoir fait le tour au bout de 4/5 jours, alors là sans excursion, est-ce que ce n'est pas lassant ?
Bonsoir,
Quelle expérience de croisière avez-vous ?
Qu'est-ce qu'un bateau lambda ?
Chaque bateau recèle ses propres ressources mais peut-être faut-il avoir envie de les découvrir ...
Je n'ai que 3 croisières à mon actif, alors je ne suis pas blasée. Peut-être est-ce votre cas ?
Chacune de ces 3 croisières, totalement différente l'une de l'autre, m'a enchantée pour ne pas dire plus.
La première, c'est évident, c'était LA PREMIERE !!! la seconde, sur le MSC Preziosa, ce fut la découverte d'un navire extraordinaire, magnifique, nous ne lassions pas de flâner dans les salons, les bars, le lobby, d'écouter les musiciens qui jouaient ici ou là, les arrivées dans les ports avec les manoeuvres d'accostage étaient également source d'émerveillement.
Enfin, la troisième, mon rêve devenu réalité avec la transat Southampton - NY sur le Queen Mary 2.
Lassant, une semaine en mer ????????? mais j'en aurai bien repris autant !!!
Ce bateau (probablement les autres "Queen" également) est un mythe, un autre monde. Cette transat sur le QM2 vous fait vivre une semaine hors du temps, c'est vraiment une expérience unique.
Déjà, je ne m'ennuie pas seule avec moi-même ... alors lorsque, en prime, j'ai devant les yeux un spectacle toujours changeant, selon l'heure, la lumière, le vent, ... comment voulez-vous être lassée de tant de beauté, d'immensité ???
Tout dépend de ce que l'on recherche et de ce que l'on est ...
J'ai vraiment beaucoup de mal à comprendre votre question mais peut-être cette belle aventure n'est pas faite pour vous, tout simplement. Il y a tant d'expériences à vivre. Choisissez autre chose qui risquera moins de vous décevoir, la vie est courte, alors faites les meilleurs choix possibles et laissez cette traversée mythique pour d'autres.
Bonjour Lylline,
Oui, il y a un journal quotidien pour les activités et informations diverses, c'est le Dailly Programme.
Comme tu peux l'imaginer l'ambiance à bord des Queens est complètement différente des compagnies genre Costa et MSC.
Pour commencer la population est majoritairement anglophone donc moins expressive que la population latine d'où une ambiance plus feutrée mais très conviviale.
Pour les animations, il n'y a pas de rabattage à grand coup d'annonce en 5 langues 😠.
Je vais faire cette croisière en octobre prochain, au départ de Cherbourg et franchement, je ne me pose pas de questions. C'est impossible de s'ennuyer sur ce genre de bateau.
Bonne croisière.
@Nadine,
J'adore votre message, les valeurs et les réalités qu'il transmet, la façon dont il est rédigé et dont vous exprimez votre ressenti sur les voyages en bateau, la façon de les appréhender et le plaisir ressenti à bord du QM2...
@Lylline
Tout a été dit par Nadine...
Pour le reste j'ajoute que sans être particulièrement âgé (enfin je crois, 45 ans), j'ai effectué avec ma femme deux transats sur le QM2 en 2009 et 2012 et ce furent deux moment de sublime bonheur... L'éloge de la lenteur et du temps qui passe au gré des vagues, de l'infini de l'océan et de la progression vers New York sont des expériences uniques et rassurez-vous, je n'ai pas l'impression que qui que ce soit sur le bateau, même les jeunes couples, se soit ennuyé une seule seconde. Maintenant comme l'a dit Nadine, tout dépend de ce que vous recherchez. Si vous avez besoin que l'on vous divertisse en permanence façon "Club Med" ce type de voyage n'est peut-être pas pour vous...
Lors de ma première traversée le voyage durait 7 jours / 6 nuits, lors du deuxième Cunard avait rallongé les traversées qui désormais durent 8 jours / 7 nuits. En ce qui me concerne ils peuvent encore ralentir le bateau et rajouter 2-3 nuits, ça ne me dérangera pas... je n'ai jamais eu le temps de faire tout ce que je voulais tiare à bord !!!
Bonjour
lors de ma première croisière sur le Queen mary 2 j avais 29 ans et ma femme 26 ans. C'était y a 5 ans
Depuis j'en ai fait 10. J'aime cunard mais je ne ferais pas un tour du monde sur leur bateau
Le problème je dirais si tu ne parle pas anglais couramment et que tu ne comprends pas les humoriste écossai, ca dépend de l hôtesse et des autres français.
Tu a beau êtres 20 ou 25 français sur la croisière Voir moins. Cela nous ai arrivé de ce retrouver que moi et ma femmes au quiz francophone, et au concours de sport. En gros on avait une hôtesse pour deux.
Nous partions pour enchainer 6 croisières pour un presque tour du monde. Et une semaine a deux cela va mais 3 mois c est un peu triste.
Une année il n y avais même pas de d’hôtesse francophone. Vu qu'elle était partie sans prévenir avec un passager qu'elle avait rencontré. Une hôtesse super que l’on avait rencontrée quelque année avant.
Pour l'âge des passagers. Ça doit êtres en moyenne 70 ans. Chez cunard et 60 ans chez costa
Chez cunard tu ne trouveras pas beaucoup d'amis pour faire la fête le soir où allé au bar. Sauf si tu parle anglais. Pour avoir tenté quelque fois ca ne marche pas, les passager sont plus la pour le reposer.
Les français que nous avons croisés sur ce bateau passent leur journée dans leur cabine ou à lire un livre. De toute manière tu peu oublié la piscine et le soleil chez cunard la route au nord de l’atlantique. Tu ne Véra pas le soleil du premier aux derniers jours température 16 a 17 degrés.
En 10 croisière chez cunard nous n’avons jamais était a une table de français chez cunard. Car ils ne font pas de table en fonctions des pays.
Chez Costa les français que tu trouveras serons toujours partant pour un tour au bar ou en boite sur le bateau. Sur le pont sur la route sud il fait beau tous les jours 27 à 30 degrés.
Dernière information A part le QM2 Tous les bateaux sont identiques. D’ailleurs une fois on eu le COSTA MEDITERANE garé à coté du QE2 c’était dur de voir la différence.
Dernière information A part le QM2 Tous les bateaux sont identiques. D’ailleurs une fois on eu le COSTA MEDITERANE garé à coté du QE2 c’était dur de voir la différence.
Bonjour Frédéric,
Je pense que tu veux dire le Costa Luminosa ou Délizioza qui sont tous deux sister ship du QV et QE.
Heureusement que la coque est de couleur différente ainsi que la cheminée.😉
@+
Mon message initial n'a pas été compris. Justement, je déteste les divertissements façon club med, les bars, etc. Ce qui m'intéresse dans les croisières ce sont les escales et la culture et pas des gens qui hurlent à longueur de journées pour faire des concours de plongeons.
Je me posais donc la question des divertissements à bord du QM2, étant donné qu'il n'y a pas d'escales et que les divertissements Costa n'étaient pas au top pour les jours en mer.
ps : L'anglais n'est pas un problème, au contraire.
Bonjour Lylline,
Si tu n'aimes pas les divertissements façon Costa cette transat est parfaite pour toi. Il y a une magnifique bibliothèque avec vue sur l'ocean. Nous avions eu des ventes aux enchères de tableaux, si tu comprends l'anglais c'est très amusant.
Les spectacles du soir étaient de très bonne qualité avec des chanteurs et danseurs parfaits. Dans les bars l'ambiance est feutrée et on a plaisir à y prendre un verre.
Bref, tu l'as compris, comme les autres fans de QM2, je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seconde.
Bonjour
Dans le même style que QM2 tu a toutes les croisières Hollande américa.
J ai déja fait une transat sur chez holland c est pas mal aussi. Par contre tu risque pas de croiser d'autre français. 2 français (nous) sur 2000 passagé Pour les 2 croisière que j ai fait chez eux. Une en Polynésie au départ des USA et une transat. La ton anglais va progresser c est garantie.
Les activités sont des activité pour personne plus agés. (Bridge, théâtre, lecture, concert de musique classique ) et un peu de sport.
Les spectacles sont uniquement pour les anglophones.
Pour illustrer mon avis précédent sur le fait qu'il n'y a pas que des "vieux" sur les croisières classiques genre Queen Mary 2, j'ai retrouvé cette photo de notre table au restaurant Britania.
Côté culture, le Queen Mary 2 propose des concerts et spectacles haut de gamme sans compter des conférences animées par de grands spécialistes. Au planétarium, les spécialistes du Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) y dévoilent les secrets des différentes constellations.
La bibliothèque du bord est la plus importante jamais installée sur un paquebot et comporte 8 500 ouvrages, 200 livres audio et 100 CD roms.
Le paquebot est magnifique. Son départ du Havre hier à la nuit tombée était magique. Je viens de mettre à jour mon blog personnel avec de nouvelles photos prises hier soir mais aussi avec la visite du paquebot en images et un article qui présente les différents espaces du navire. Vous trouverez un exemplaire du journal de bord remis aux passagers ce qui vous donnera une idée des activités proposées. Retrouvez ces infos et les dernières photos du paquebot ici : http://bit.ly/1fuCSP2 . Pour suivre l'actu croisière en français au quotidien, vous pouvez mettre un "j'aime" sur cette page : http://on.fb.me/10gsZx0
Bonne visite et beaux projets de croisière à vous.
Hi there,
I’m looking into a Mediterranean cruise on the Splendida in YC.
I’d love to know if it’s a ship with a lot of triple and quadruple cabins in the Yacht Club.
The thing is, I’m planning to depart from Malta, and either the cruise ends during the French school holidays in October with a departure from Marseille—which means there’s a risk of lots of kids on board—or the other option is a departure on October 30th, which might also have some French kids during the first part of the cruise.
I read that some ships in the Fantasia class have more triple or quadruple cabins than others, but I’m not sure if the Splendida is one of them.
If anyone has that info…
PS: This isn’t about starting a debate on traveling with or without kids… I’d just like a quiet week, and that’s not always easy in a small space with lots of children around.
Just back from our first cruise on the Renaissance, and I’d like to share a few thoughts about life on board. Our feelings are mixed—we wanted a change after several MSC cruises, but the value for money on this repositioning cruise left us torn.
After taking advantage of successive promotions, we finally secured a well-located balcony cabin for 2600 € (almost 50% off the brochure rate). Given the amenities and the ship’s age, this now feels like the absolute maximum we’d pay for that period.
Overall, we were happy with our vacation on board, but a few details—when added up—left us with a somewhat mixed impression.
The pros:
- Ship size
- Reasonable noise levels, except in the restaurants (aside from the covered pool area)
- Spacious balcony cabin (20 + 5 m²) with plenty of storage and a bathtub with jets
- Understated, tasteful decor
- French language spoken on board
- Friendly staff for the most part
- 100% French-speaking clientele
- Decent food with French dishes (even with an Indian chef)
- Tables for two available (though the ship was full, so no changes possible)
- Some high-quality shows, thanks to an excellent English-speaking troupe
- Interesting lectures (especially on history and cetaceans)
The cons:
- Unreliable air conditioning in common areas (you’d go from a freezing lounge to a hot one, as if the system only worked in certain spaces at certain times)
- Aging ship with a few glitches (noises, AC, toilet flushes, lights) reported at reception (luckily, our only issue was the bathroom door not closing...)
- Industrial, thawed-out bread and pastries (a letdown for a ship with a French image)
- Limited fruit selection (often just apples and watermelon/melon) and not much variety in vegetables
- Worn, sometimes stained restaurant towels
We’re not ruling out another cruise on the Renaissance—their itineraries are unique—but only at a very competitive price.
Hi, I’m about to go on a cruise on the Costa Smeralda but I’ve never been on a cruise before. Could anyone share the à-la-carte drink menu? I’d like to know if the prices are excessive, since the MyDrinks drink packages, for example, cost 266 € per adult.
Have a great day! 😉
Hi everyone,
I’m going on a Mediterranean cruise in November and I’m looking for some "tips" to visit the cities of Naples, Messina, and Valletta in Malta without booking the ship’s excursions, which are really expensive.
Thanks so much for your advice and suggestions. We’re a group of 6 people.
Looking forward to hearing from you...
Best,
M
PS: We’re also stopping in Genoa and Barcelona—even though we know these two cities, we’d still love any tips for visiting them!
Thanks
Hello everyone,
We’re a senior couple signed up for a 13-day cruise in Japan on the Princess Sapphire, departing from Yokohama on April 8, 2027.
Are there any other French speakers on this forum who’ll be on this trip?
Hoping for a reply...
Hi,
The MSC Magnifica has been refurbished and a Yacht Club class has been added. Could anyone share their impressions of cabin 14001, as the view is slightly obstructed? Is it really a "disadvantage" in terms of brightness? Thanks in advance
Hi, we're heading to Venice soon. We have a hotel in Mestre and we'd like to know which bus can take us from the Mestre hotel to Marghera Port. Thanks.
Hi everyone ...
We’re planning to do the 83-day Cunard cruise ...
departing from Southampton on January 10, 2027 aboard the Queen Anne ...
has anyone done it ... or have any info ... or tips ...
for example ... deck and cabin choices ... drink packages ... excursions ... etc.
... anything good to know about this ship???
Thanks everyone ...
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
Hi there,
I’m looking for an all-inclusive Nile cruise on a comfortable boat with as few passengers as possible.
Which tour operator can you recommend?
Thanks in advance.
I’m about to book the panoramic suite, and I’m not sure whether I should go for the one at the front of the ship or the one at the back. I’d really appreciate any feedback—anyone who’s already booked this kind of suite and can share the pros and cons?
Hi,
We’ll be visiting Barcelona for the first time on our upcoming cruise.
I was wondering if it’s better to book a taxi in advance to get from the train station to the cruise terminal, since there’ll be four of us. Are there enough taxis around that we won’t have to wait too long?
For the return trip, same question—are there enough taxis, since we have a flight to catch? Though I doubt we’ll know in advance which terminal we’ll dock at.
I came across this site below—has anyone heard of it?
https://taxibarcelona.taxi/fr/
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
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.
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!
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!
Hello!
After a lot of hesitation between different cruise lines (Explora, Oceania, YC, HAL, NCL) and several destinations like Norway, Ireland, and Iceland,
I finally chose NCL’s Star for Iceland.
I had already looked at this itinerary when I went to Scotland in April with CFC, but it was really expensive.
You should know that CFC often offers last-minute deals 45 days before departure (the point when you can no longer cancel or modify).
So, I got a great opportunity and grabbed it.
Departure is on August 23rd.
Hi 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
