G.M.T.
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Posts posted by G.M.T.
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Hi all,
We're from the UK and have previously sailed twice with Princess (Emerald & Ruby). We're booked on the Pacifica in April (as of 2 hours ago), and have tried navigating the Costa website for useful information, and find it little to no help at all. I've also briefly searched these forums and can't find definitive answers to my questions. I'm used to Princess so I'll reference their offerings below, and sorry if they've been posted before, but here goes...
1. Coffee. What's it like and how much does it cost? Princess has free tea & coffee (although coffee is horrendous). Pay on an item by item basis for premium teas & coffees or buy a coffee card.
2. Restaurants.
a) We have a LATE sitting (the only one available to our travel agent). Can someone explain the dining options on the Pacifica, and whether there's a non-buffet anytime option that we'll be able to switch to?
b) Are there any formal nights? There are 2 days at sea and these would be formal on Princess. Do I need to pack the tux?
3. Entertainment. What's the evening entertainment like? Is English used by the entertainment staff and performers? They don't try hard to explain what's available on the website!! Is there anywhere to dance (ballroom and latin - my disco days are far behind me). The Emerald and Ruby had a cocktail lounge with a live 3 or 4 piece band with a small dance floor (and other larger venues but nothing else that catered for us very amateur ballroomers). Anything similar?
4. Any joy taking wine on board at embarkation recently on this ship? Princess allow 1 bottle per person. The website is actually clear on this one, but I've read contrasting experiences on here.
I'm sure that I'll think of other questions in the forthcoming weeks. But that little lot will do for now.
I'm off to investigate flights to and hotels in Barcelona now... :D
Thanks all in advance.
Cheers
Martin
1. There is a coffee package available, or get the all inclusive package , have a look at this thread:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=42135989&posted=1#post42135989
2. See previous message.
3. There are two shows an evening (both the same one each for early and late dinner sitting). Entertainment is either visual, acrobats, dancing, magician etc or if there is a singer it will be in Italian or English. As has been said dancing is one of Costa's strong points.
4. Costa has become very strict in recent times about smuggling :mad:. But these days the all inclusive package is worth every penny.
Ron
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Does anyone know if bottled eater is inculuded in the package
It was when I was on Fascinosa April 2013
But not when parents were on Delisiosa September 2013
We will be on the Serena June 2014
Thanks in advance
Bottled water used to be included in the package, not it is by the glass.
Ron
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Please excuse my lack of knowledge re dining - we have only used anytime dining on Princess previously. As stated, we are in a Premium room; so my question stands regarding the option to book dinner for a specific time in the restaurant. What does this mean?
Seriously? No buffet option at dinner? I'm amazed quite frankly. What happens if you're tired out after a day in port and don't fancy having a full blown sit down dinner?
Also, any idea of answers to my other questions?
There are two dinner sittings in the MDR, about 18:30 and 20:30 (can vary according to itinerary). When you do the web check-in on your Costa site you can select which sitting you prefer and how large a table 2-4-6-8- etc. If you have been assigned say late sitting and would prefer early then have a word with the Maitre'D. Times for seeing him will be shown in the daily program called "TODAY".
Only MDR available in the evening, plus pizza and speciality restaurants.
I'll have a look to see which questions are still open.
Ron
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Just to add a couple of points to Salve's response:
Most of the newer ships come fom Fincantieri. Public areas vary in detail, but the general ship layout and cabins are almost identical regardless of whether you're on Costa, Carnival, Holland America or Cunard.
Exactly as Salve says, in 60+ cruises, I have never found a cruise line that offers better music and dancing. The dance floors on Costa and Cunard are roughly comparable, Holland America and Carnival utterly pathetic in comparison.
I've also never gone hungry, I've always found something I liked.
The OP doesn't mention whether they're American. Luminosa is currently based in Miami, the other two seem to visit non-US ports and sold with European fly-cruise packages. They don't stay in the Caribbean year-round
Next winter (2014 / 2015) the Luminosa will be joined by Mediterranea sailing out of Miami, Magica will sail out of La Romana and Fortuna out of Guadeloupe.
Ron
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I get it. I understand they do not want to lose money. It was just a little unsettling telling us we could be split up at dinner.
As far as the tours go: We are traveling in Europe. I know English is not going to be the number one language but if I ask for a cruise with a English speaking guide then if there is not one available I should have the option to cancel the tour.
We are going and we are going to have a wonderful time. It just seems different from what I am used to but it will be an adventure.
Look for my review when we return.
Of course there is nothing stopping you researching and booking private shore excursions for your port of call.
Tripadviser.com (sister site to CC) is a great source of information and recommendation.
When you said "We are going and we are going to have a wonderful time" is absolutely he right attitude.
Have a great cruise.
Ron
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Could be wrong, but I thought Costa Victoria was based in Asia?
Correct, together with the Atlantica. Both have been refurbished for the Chinese market, and their cruises don't show up on Costa's European or American web sites.
Pity, a nice cruise from Singapore to Shanghai would be really nice.
Ron
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This is not another Costa cockup, as it clearly states on their web site and drinks leaflet:
"This package must be purchased by all passengers travelling in the same cabin or who are travelling with the same booking number and by all passengers who dine together."
I think the OP either had one booking for all or linked cabins, otherwise how would Costa know they were friends.
Costa isn't interested in tables of strangers where some have the AI Drinks and the others do not. They are trying to avoid the groups (on the same booking or where cabins have been linked for MDR sittings) from taking advantage of the AI where a one cabin buys it.
Costa was one of the first cruise lines to come out with a AI package, the X1 could be bought by just one person in the cabin, this suited us fine DW had her wine and coffee packages and I had the X1 - oh for the good old days. But then a small minority spoilt it for the majority by ordering and sharing the wine bottles at dinner.
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Hi.
We will be cruising on Costa Pacifica 11 May sailing out of Keil. Our TA says you should be aware, that if you take private tours in St. Petersburg you will need to get a Visa for Russia. Current cost £125.00 Sterling. Whereas if you take the Costa excursions you will be included in the Ship's Visa for the duration of each excursion.
Have a great cruise.
If a passenger has booked a shore excursion through a Russian Tour company , and not a Costa excursion, if the Russian Tour company is certified (i.e. Alla Tours) then a visa is not required as it is provided by the tour company.
Ron
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The stop in Ulvik (tender port) is to disembark those passengers that have booked a shore excursion, they will embark later in the day in Eidfjord, something similar occurs in Satorini. Excursions from Ulvik, could include, visiting Voss, Flam Railway, Scenery - waterfalls, Mineral Museum.
Tendering priority will be given to those who have booked a shore excursion, there is nothing really to do in Ulvik other than walk around a bit and admire the scenery.
Ron
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Tanya, could be another case of Costa confusion right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing, i.e. one department is selling the Classica while another it getting it refurbished.
Ron
PS. How is Luke doing? Isn't it his birthday next month?
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The end is nigh for the Classica, there are two gaps in her cruise list (April / May and October / November). Which one will she be neo'd.
neoClassica is due to spend winter (December / March) 2014/2015 based in the Indian Ocean, cruising out of Mauritius.
Ron
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Looks like another Costa confusion is not it's way.:(
Costa - UK
Adults £18.80 / Kids £12.00, neo £23.00 / £13.80 (neo prices valid until Oct. / Nov. 2014)
Now click on "Buy Now" and then "All Inclusive Details", what do we get
Adults €20.43 / Kids €13.04, neo €25.00 / €15.00
Costa - Germany
Adults €20.43 / Kids €13.04, neo €25.00 / €15.00
Now clap the description out and is says
2014 Adults €19.50 / Kids €10.00, 2015 €22.50 / €11.50
Costa - USA
Adults €23.50 / Kids €15.00
Costa - Italy
Adults €23.50 / Kids €15.00, neo €28.75 / €17.75
Scroll down the to see what is included in package and it states Adults €19.50 / Kids €10.00
Oh Costa you can organise World Cruises that run to perfection but when it comes to your web sites OMG! Costa why don't you get your MDR waiters to rewrite your web sites as they are very experienced at being user friendly.
Luckily Costa cannot make me pull my hair out - as there is not much left, BUT they certainly drive me to drink (if only I nkew what price I would be paying).:rolleyes:
Ron
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Ships leaving Savona so late (22:00) is something fairly new (the reason being that the next port of call is La Spezia which is just a hop down the coast from Savona). As this is new there may not be many, if any, who have actually done this route.
Serena get into Savona at 08:00 (usual time), so embarkation would start about 11:00 / 12:00, until about 21:00 (this is my guestimate).
If you are inquiring about the time for booking flights, I would suggest give Costa a ring.
Ron
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I don't think you would got a monetary refund, as by making the final payment the contract (cruise) is binding for all parties.
I would keep pestering Costa or your TA for more perks:
- higher upgrade than you already been offered
- free Wifi package
- free laundry
- free speciality restaurant visits
- OBC
- free drinks package
- free spa treatments
etc.
Whatever you get and decide to take get it in writing direct from Costa (not from a TA). Either email or letter with a name of a contact and Costa Logos on it.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Ron
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thank you so much for replying back and answering my questions
No we are not getting drinks package as it will be €660 for the 4 of us. i wouldn't want my 4 & 5 year old to drink juice late at night and we wouldn't drink that much ourselves esp not 660 worth.
The only thing i am not happy with is the buying of water, it such a rip off. We didn't have to pay for water during the day on the other two boats. I will be asking for that to be removed from my service charge money at the end. I have always paid for the service charge but i am not happy to spend around €100 on water. Do you know anything about service charge?
thank you
tania
Bottle water has always been chargeable on Costa. Water is dispensed from machines in the buffet area and van be asked for (iced water) in MDR during lunch and dinner.
With regards to the Service Charge, I was always under the impression that Americans could withdraw from it but Europeans it was mandatory. I just looked up the Useful Information section on various Costa web sites and this is what I found:
America & USA
The service charge is an integral part of the total price of the cruise and therefore the amount cannot be altered.
Germany
The Service Charge can be waived for those days where the guest is not satisfied with the service provided. Looks like the onus is on the guest to prove that the said service was not provided.
United Kingdom
Nothing in writing - best to check with Costa UK.
The Service Charge is always a bone of contention, I like the way German cruise lines (AIDA, TUI) do it in that the service charge is already calculated into the cruise price.
Ron
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The 15% service charge is already included within the €19.50 price that you paid online.
If you have any further questions - just ask, there is a vast knowledge pool about cruising just waiting to be asked.
Ron
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Always sad when a life, according to German newspapers the passenger "fell" over board at 01:00 local time a life boat and a military aircraft are also taking part in the search.
It must be awful for the next of kin not knowing what actually happened.
Here is a web site with passengers missing from cruise ships.
http://www.cruisejunkie.com/Overboard.html
Ron
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Smoking is allowed in the Casino, Costa has recently tightened up their smoking regulations. The vast majority of smokers keep to the rules.
The smoking rules from Costa UK web sire:
Smokers
Smoking is strictly forbidden in the theatres, restaurants and buffets (indoor areas), corridors, halls, lifts and stairwells. There are areas reserved for smokers in the lounges. Pipes and cigars may only be smoked in designated areas. In order to avoid creating fire hazards, please remember to extinguish cigarettes in the ashtrays provided and never throw lit cigarettes overboard.
Ron
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Have -you- ever been on a costa-cruise in europe when they have taken away anything from a carry on at the beginning of the cruise?
You know that we are talking about Barcelona?
A port where you go shopping alcohol in the shops AFTER you have checked in??
I bought a lot there in february........:rolleyes:
I was in a rush when I left the hotel, and because of that one of my suitcases was stopped by Costa.
I went down to guest service to get it back.
They said I had to open it because it was maybe beer in it.
I opned it, and inside was 6 cola, my parma-ham, spanish nutella, some cheese and some other snacks....
The guy looked at my cola and food, and said I'm so sorry. Closed the suitcase and followed me to my cabin and said at least ten times more sorry, sorry on the way up....
I asked him about the food, and he said as long it wasn't homemade food in a open box they didn't mind at all.
And remember that many people are taking their breakfast with them to poolarea where the we in february had a long discussion about if nutella or the spanish or italian looke a like was best......:D
And no, we don't take with us any food to the dinner-restaurants aboard..........:p
And no, we don't take with us any food aboard when we are in USA....:rolleyes:
I have seen it happen twice where people have been stopped from taking food on-board once in Savona and the other in St. Maarten.
Of course everyone smuggles at some time, I only posted the information for new cruisers so they know what to expected if they are caught.
I was once stopped in Guadaloupe, I had 6 bottles of a very delicious rum / coconut mix drink (bought on an excursion to a rum distillery). I was stopped by security and they asked what was in the bottles, I said "horse liniment" - well it looked like it. Luckily the security guy was Indian and I had spoke to him several times about the ship and India, he said "but there are no horses on-board", I replied "there is an old nag (nagger) on the next table in the MDR. He winked and waved me on then said "take a stiff swig out of the bottle before rubbing the horse down". Og course I followed his instructions, but the horse had to wait til we got home.
Ron
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There are always enough food for breakfast, but if there are anything spesial you like buy it yourself. (Each time I'm aboard a costaship I always stop and buy me some parma-ham and some nutella and takes it with me to breakfast, Nobody will be looking at you and your breakfast will be perfect.)
And, remember to share a table, and you will easy find som ney friends aboard....:D
Be careful about taking food or drink on-board, this is what Costa's Useful Information - In Port - Security:
We would also like to inform you that, in line with the health and safety standards adopted by Costa Cruises for its Guests, it is forbidden to bring any kind of food or drink on board, in either hand baggage or cabin baggage. The only exceptions are toiletries (e.g. shampoo, bath foam, creams, etc.), liquid medicines, products or foods specifically made for babies, products or foods for certified special diets. The ban includes any food or drinks bought during stopovers in ports. Any local produce purchased on stopovers will be held in store on board the ship and returned to Guests at the end of the cruise.
Ron
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Redeployments and missed ports (due to weather or other factors) are are things one must 'just accept' when booking cruises... after all, they're ships.
While the redeployment of the neoRomantica was a disapointment (for me), I must admit Costa's customer service rep. - Juanita Campiot of Costa Pacific Asia Operations - could not have been better! From booking (switching my embarkation port for the Fascinosa from Savona to Civitavecchia) to cancellation (refunding of both - Fascinosa & neoRomantica - cruise deposits without penalty even though the cruises were not 'linked' i.e. were booked seperately), Juanita provided 5-star service I'd classify as 'Above & Beyond'... kudos!
Now, if only they'd improve the buffets (to match the service). ;)
Oh NO! Not positives about Costa's Customer Service (must be a first).:eek:
I thought the buffet had been done away with?
Ron
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Welcome to CC and the Costa Board.
so to your questions:
1. Have you check Costa USA Internet site, there they give you information about the embarkation port:
http://www.costacruise.com/B2C/USA/Before_you_go/Ports/Default.htm
2. The city, airport and port are all very close together, taxis are plentiful and fairly cheap.
3. Bear in mind that Costa is an Italian / European cruise line, don't expect to get lobster for dinner and chocolates on your pillow at night, announcements could be in as many as 5 languages. Go with an open mind without any pre-conceived ideas, layback and enjoy your cruise.
Ron
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Why are you asking the same question as you did on this thread:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2001815
The last message asked if you could post the NCL toga link - as yet no response.
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Google Earth isn't live.
You mean it's Dead?
1st time Costa Cruisers
in Costa Cruises
Posted
1. On this site scroll down to the Costa ships, some are a bit old, but they will give you some idea:
http://www.cruiseclues.com/menus.htm
3. The breakfast in the cabin for Classic passenger sis about €5.00.
It is very difficult to say what the passenger mix will be, it depends on so many factors, itinerary, length of cruise, price, school holidays, national holidays, country promotions.
Ron