Costa Allegra - Far East - 7-21 June 2008

Returned from Allegra yesterday...had a WONDERFUL time, cannot praise the ship or her crew enough, they were all fantastic :D

Salvatore Donato was the nicest and most cordial captain I have ever had pleasure in sailing with :)

The itinerary is breathtaking, the ship is gorgeous (not a bit like a ferry as some have described her), food was excellent - lots of international choices, drinks were not expensive when you consider that you are paying £100 a day for a 14 night cruise in the most unspoilt areas of the world.

I am going to go again within the next 12-18 months...LOVED EVERY MOMENT!!!

Cabin was 5052, single and only downside was the stage overhead in the theater, but that was my fault as hadn't checked the deckplans properly to see what was over my head. Wasn't a real problem though as the shows ended by midnight and I rarely got to bed much before then anyway.

I have all the daily newsletters, and other bits and bobs from the cabin etc, so anyone with a question, fire away and I will do my best to answer you :)

More photos.....

And more photos......

And more photos.....

And more.....

And even more.....

Sounds great has whetted my appetite for November - to me this cruise is all about the itinerary - if the ship is good that is a bonus.

One question - settling the shipboard account - was it in dollars or euros?

The account on board is euro's :)

Glad you enjoyed it so much.

We had a wonderful time and could not understand some of the previous negative comments.

Particularly loved Vietnam!

Glad you enjoyed it so much.

 

We had a wonderful time and could not understand some of the previous negative comments.

 

Particularly loved Vietnam!

I want to go back and do a landbased trip to Vietnam, amazing place...and wonderful people too :)

I am also determined to redo the itinerary on Allegra too, totally superb experience all round and I agree, can't understand the level of negative reports about the ship, her crew or the cruise in general.

Rose & Deborah (UK & Aussie hostesses), Anna-Marie (CostaClub Manageress), Sara (main desk), Dijong (cabin steward), Chen (waitress in Murano Bar) and many others really made the whole experience terrific and they are all a credit to Costa Crociere.

Hiya Ally

Booked to go 24th Sept. 2009. Been waiting on you returning to ask you some questions. Pictures are fabulous and I am soooo excited now. I had replied from Blu*Donau to celticmad Noisy Cabins question which was very helpful saying you were due back from cruise quite soon. Any tips we would appreciate. We are in our 60's and fit. How far is it from Hong Kong airport to Victoria Harbour & do most people just get a taxi and approx cost please. Is it worth staying an extra day to see Hong Kong after cruise. Also what Hotel do you suggest if you know one and is it better a hotel at Harbour or Hotel near Airport or where for 1 extra night. Any help or info will be much appreciated. Looking forward to a roll call starting. Thank you

Joan & Dougie :)

Had a friend who stayed here - really excellent -

http://www.activehotels.com/hotel/brochure/en/55019?subid=PPCGH8-55019

Hi

We cruised in the far east in February this year and it was a fantastic experience.

The best way to travel from the airport is by the airport express. This is a fast, clean and comfortable train. it is so easy to use, get off at the nearest station to where you are staying. Then, most big hotels in Victoria harbour have complimentary shuttle buses from the station to your hotel.

When you arrive at the airport buy an Octopus card and this will save you from needing change for the transport systems. You can use it on the MTR ( the Hong Kong underground) the buses, trams and even on the famous Star Ferry . You can also use it in many shops and entrance to the famous attractions.

Hotels are a personal choice, our favourite by far was the Peninsula in Kowloon. It is expensive , but was voted the best hotel in the whole world. Service is impeccable, you won't be disappointed. There are many good hotels around the harbour, all with fantastic views.

It would be a shame not to stay in Hong Kong to see the sights. We stayed for four days, and only stratched the surface of this amazing place.

There are some things you just shouldn't miss. Try the Star Ferry over to Hong Kong Island, here really is the business centre, but you can also ride on the Peak Tram where the views are fantastic on Victoria Peak.

There are some lovely parks here and if you can, eat at Cafe Deco, book a window table to see the harbour laser show form your window at 8PM.

If you like markets you will be spoiled for choice, if you like racing Happy Valley is the place to be. Consider tea at the Peninsula, ( the best chocolate cake ever!! ).

There are even some beautiful beaches and if you love shopping you will love the extensive malls, all with dining facilities.

When you need to return to the airport, check in your luggage at the ariport express station, and they will send in on for you.

Everything is so easy, you will find loads of information when you get there.

Have a fabulous time !.

Goldryder

Totally agree. I had wanted to go to vietnam but my wife was a little apprehensive. Not now we'll go back for a 2-3 week hol in Vietnam for sure.

McMole - Its a terrible waste not to stay in HK. We had a 2 week hol there previously and still stayed 2 days either side of the cruise this time.

The peninsula as suggested is a beautiful hotel.........but not my style. I prefer cheap n cheerful as long as its clean. If you just want a base you can try the Metropark Kowloon only around £65 a night and close by Ladies Market. It is not overlooking the harbour however. If you want details check my posting on this hotel in Tripadvisor.

Slanthe

Hiya Ally

 

Booked to go 24th Sept. 2009. Been waiting on you returning to ask you some questions. Pictures are fabulous and I am soooo excited now. I had replied from Blu*Donau to celticmad Noisy Cabins question which was very helpful saying you were due back from cruise quite soon. Any tips we would appreciate. We are in our 60's and fit. How far is it from Hong Kong airport to Victoria Harbour & do most people just get a taxi and approx cost please. Is it worth staying an extra day to see Hong Kong after cruise. Also what Hotel do you suggest if you know one and is it better a hotel at Harbour or Hotel near Airport or where for 1 extra night. Any help or info will be much appreciated. Looking forward to a roll call starting. Thank you

 

Joan & Dougie :)

Hello Joan & Dougie :)

I flew with Costa arranged flights and used their transfers too, so I cannot help with taxi's etc. The trip by coach transfer was longer for me as there had been a landslide on Lantau road that joins the island with the airport to Hong Kong island. Flew into the mother of all thunderstorms that had raged for a couple days before I arrived. I went straight from airport to ship and the same on the way home too...ship to airport. Cannot help in regards to hotels either, sorry :o

We booked the Intercontinental Grand Stanford B & B through Costa for a 2 night stay at the end of the cruise, we were transferred by car at 9.30am on the Saturday to the hotel and were checked in immediately which gave us 3 whole days in HK Exceptional service etc. Car picked us up at 8.20pm on Monday to take us to airport for our flight at 11.40. I would say that if you have never been to Hong Kong before its a must to stay, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. :)

Hi to all,

Great to hear the very positive comments. We are doing this itineray on The Allegra in November / December.

Ally thanks too for posting the photos.

Any tips on tours in the ports? did you book any via costa or did you do your own?

Any suggestions on tours to do in each port would be apprieciated. Thanks

Re the tours.

Manilla - we took the shuttle bus downtown 5 euros each.

Kota Kinabalu - we shared a taxi and went top mount kinabalu then back to town for some shopping - walked back to ship

Brunei - we got the local bus to Bandar 2 dollars and got our own speedboat trip to the mangroves/monkeys/floating village.

Singapore - transport system excellent you can go anywhere on your own.

Saigon - We wlked into town, or you can take a taxi. Went to market reuniofication palace etc,

Da Nang - we shared a taxi and for $20 each went to Hoi An, Marble Mountain Japanese Bridge etc - Highlight of trip.

Sanya - Shuttle bus in for 5 Euros.

Never booked any Costa excursions.

Hi to all,

 

Great to hear the very positive comments. We are doing this itineray on The Allegra in November / December.

 

Ally thanks too for posting the photos.

 

Any tips on tours in the ports? did you book any via costa or did you do your own?

 

Any suggestions on tours to do in each port would be apprieciated. Thanks

Hi camNaud

Nice to see finally that someone else is going on the same dates as us - was beginning to think it might be a bit lonely!

Beautiful photos Goldryder!!!!:D

This cruise to my parer is very beautiful and above all interesting..

Unfortunately the ship with the last restyling has internally been made really ugly.. It was very very very beautiful..:(:(:(

Hi camNaud

 

Nice to see finally that someone else is going on the same dates as us - was beginning to think it might be a bit lonely!

We have a roll call for this cruise, please feel free to drop in and say hi there too. Its a bit quiet though... ssshhhhh !!! :D

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=15392269#post15392269

I never tire of Hong Kong having been there over 15 times since 1969 . I consider it to be the worlds most exciting city . For first timers allow minimum 4 days. Best shopping value in Asia for Jewellery, watches, electronics & tailoring. Public transport MTR tube and buses easy to use. Taxis are cheap . Must visits : Cross the harbour on the famous Star ferry for a pittance from Kowloon to HK Island.

On Hong Kong Island : Ocean Park open daily from 10am . Stanley Market daytime . Victoria Peak - take the funicular tram from base tram station .Best time to visit late afternoon and see the sun set and lights come on .

Great shopping in Central and Wanchai . Nightime - The Jumbo Floating restaurant at Aberdeen .

On Kowloon side: Great shopping for everything man ever thought of in Tsim Tsa Tsui . Afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel. Temple Street Night Market at Jordan . The Giant Buddha and Disneyland on Lantau Island.

For world class horse racing : Happy Valley (night meetings) on HK Island, or at Sha Tin on the Kowloon side . Unless you believe in Volunary Taxation give Macau a miss it is just endless gambling and casinos .

Good value hotel choices : Kowloon : Eaton Hotel , Park Hotel, Kowloon Hotel . Hong Kong Island : Express by Holiday Inn, Excelsior .

Goldryder,

As you can see, I am a newbie on this forum.

That particular Costa itinerary has caught my attention due to the unusual ports of call. I have a couple of cruises pending, so I have to put this one on the back burner, but I definitely would like to take it in the winter of 09/10 (when the schedule comes out).

Where were most of the passengers from? I always imagined this Costa cruise itinerary caters to the locals (mainland China, HK, SE Asia). If so, was the food Chinese/Asian influenced (I would love that)?

As for places to stay in HK, it would be hard to beat Salisbury YMCA for both the location (better harbour views than the Peninsula) and prices (fraction of the Peninsula). It is a hotel, not a real YMCA. I am not saying it is better than Peninsula, but if budget is a consideration, this is a very good choice. Make sure you get a harbour view room/suite.

The passenger ratio on my cruise was 400 English speaking and 400 mix German, French, Italian, Asian. The food was also a mix...British, Asian, Italian...the lunches had an average of 10 courses with 2-5 course choices and evening meal had 12 courses with 3-6 course choices.

One of my favourites was deep fried plaice in batter with chilli sauce and Chinese sticky rice...sounds odd but was GORGEOUS!

I loved the Asian food and the Italian food on the ship...Michael was the English chef and he did dishes that would appeal to the less adventurous.

Thank you Ally.

It sounds great - I can't wait to book.

Paul