Costa X1 questions

[seattlejoe]

So we have booked the X1 package for our June Costa Serena cruise. I have read a lot of mixed information. I was wondering if you can use it by pool during dinner and lunch times. and if so, then do you go to the pool bar? or do you have to ask a waiter there. Has anyone had any luck using it at any other bar on the ship? Thank you so much.

[j2ink]

You can only use the X-1 at a bar if they are serving food there during meal times. I'm not familiar with the Serena, but if it has a grill/bar or some kind of a food buffet near the pool, you should be able to use the X-1 during the lunch and/or dinner time periods. As soon as the grill or food line is closed, the X-1 is finished until the next mealtime.

 

If food is being served in the area, you should be able to get your X-1 booze from either a waiter or directly from the bartender.

[seattlejoe]

You can only use the X-1 at a bar if they are serving food there during meal times. I'm not familiar with the Serena, but if it has a grill/bar or some kind of a food buffet near the pool, you should be able to use the X-1 during the lunch and/or dinner time periods. As soon as the grill or food line is closed, the X-1 is finished until the next mealtime.

 

If food is being served in the area, you should be able to get your X-1 booze from either a waiter or directly from the bartender.

Thanks so much! So do you know if the non-alcoholic x1 counts for smoothies too like the the boys and girls card does?

[alwaysfrantic]

No, the X1 won't get smoothies.

[seattlejoe]

No, the X1 won't get smoothies.

Ok thank you! I'm glad I'm getting this sorted out. Costa doesn't make it easy.

[seattlejoe]

Another question...I have sailed on Holland America before and I would love to know what is different? What are the big changes. Thank you so much. And what time should we get to the venice cruise terminal?

[alwaysfrantic]

Ok thank you! I'm glad I'm getting this sorted out. Costa doesn't make it easy.

 

They really don't. Try to go in as informed as possible because they are not. My girls were refused bottled water during lunch. I was told one child could not have soda at dinner with the card, only with a ticket from the Boys & Girls card. Just know what is supposed to be covered so you don't get stuck with unintended bills.

[alwaysfrantic]

Another question...I have sailed on Holland America before and I would love to know what is different? What are the big changes. Thank you so much. And what time should we get to the venice cruise terminal?

I have not been on Holland America. The sailing I was scheduled on coincided with a hurricane's landfall in Florida. Yikes. Anyway, have been on three other lines and really nothing stands out as particularly different. I think the staff on Royal Caribbean was probably the best. Disney and Royal had great family fun things to do. The cabin on Costa was probably the best. Food on all was good, maybe best on Princess but I sailed on that one so long ago it is likely very different since they are so much larger now. Costa had the most upscale crowd, Disney the least. Costa was the quietist which I loved. Royal had a lot of announcements. Costa staff probably seemed the least informed (back to the confusion over what is covered with the drink package)

 

Just go in expecting a great time :)

[seattlejoe]

I have not been on Holland America. The sailing I was scheduled on coincided with a hurricane's landfall in Florida. Yikes. Anyway, have been on three other lines and really nothing stands out as particularly different. I think the staff on Royal Caribbean was probably the best. Disney and Royal had great family fun things to do. The cabin on Costa was probably the best. Food on all was good, maybe best on Princess but I sailed on that one so long ago it is likely very different since they are so much larger now. Costa had the most upscale crowd, Disney the least. Costa was the quietist which I loved. Royal had a lot of announcements. Costa staff probably seemed the least informed (back to the confusion over what is covered with the drink package)

 

Just go in expecting a great time :)

Thank you so much! yeah we never worry to much about what will happen because as they say "you don't take a trip, a trip takes you" so we pretty much live by that. So on the thing about how they said only one kid could have a soda...did all the kids have X1 cards? Does the crew even know what an X1 is? haha

[GEORGET]

Another question...I have sailed on Holland America before and I would love to know what is different? What are the big changes. Thank you so much. And what time should we get to the venice cruise terminal?

 

Remember that Costa is an italian ship so all announcements will be in multi languages and the tv will only have one english channel (news).

 

MDR 6.30. or 9.15 pm, only alternative is the pizzaeria or the specialist restaurant (20 euro cover).

The ship will be laid back and the italians love to party and game shows. Smoking is allowed every where except the theartre restaurant and Casino tables.

 

In the Med the drinks are in euros and are the same as the dollar prices when in the USA.

So slightly dearer. A Beer is 5.18 euros including tip. Two vodkas and a can of tonic 14.38 euros.

X1 allows you wine by the bottle(s) at the MDR table and you can take them away with you.

J2 Package covers ALL drinks up to 7 euro plus grats,any time.

As we are alchoholics J2 saves us a fortune. You can have two drinks per card so if you are travelling with friends you can see the saving.

 

TIPS are compulary and 7 euro per adult a day.

 

Venice allow two hours before sailing.

 

 

Hope it helps

g

[seattlejoe]

Remember that Costa is an italian ship so all announcements will be in multi languages and the tv will only have one english channel (news).

 

MDR 6.30. or 9.15 pm, only alternative is the pizzaeria or the specialist restaurant (20 euro cover).

The ship will be laid back and the italians love to party and game shows. Smoking is allowed every where except the theartre restaurant and Casino tables.

 

In the Med the drinks are in euros and are the same as the dollar prices when in the USA.

So slightly dearer. A Beer is 5.18 euros including tip. Two vodkas and a can of tonic 14.38 euros.

X1 allows you wine by the bottle(s) at the MDR table and you can take them away with you.

J2 Package covers ALL drinks up to 7 euro plus grats,any time.

As we are alchoholics J2 saves us a fortune. You can have two drinks per card so if you are travelling with friends you can see the saving.

 

TIPS are compulary and 7 euro per adult a day.

 

Venice allow two hours before sailing.

 

 

Hope it helps

g

Thank you so much! It really will help!

[alwaysfrantic]

The soda thing in the main dining room-all the kids had the X1 card, but after the drink were ordered the waitress came back and said they had to have to have a ticket for each sod. It was across the kids wrong-not just one kid!

 

One difference I forgot about and this was kind of a big thing: On other lines they have the waiter, and an assistant. On Costa I am not sure if the assistant covers way too many table, or if they don't have assistants, or if our assistant just didn't show up, but they do have dining room issues. Everyone said the long long meals are Italian style. That wasn't it. It was just slow! Two nights it was an hour into dinner service before we got any drinks. The waitress was doing everything for what seemed to be more tables than I noticed on the other lines. Occasionally during the week an assistant waiter would come around and bring more cans of drinks to the kids. But usually we had to ask the waitress who was very good and very nice and very overworked. It was just slow.

[seattlejoe]

The soda thing in the main dining room-all the kids had the X1 card, but after the drink were ordered the waitress came back and said they had to have to have a ticket for each sod. It was across the kids wrong-not just one kid!

 

One difference I forgot about and this was kind of a big thing: On other lines they have the waiter, and an assistant. On Costa I am not sure if the assistant covers way too many table, or if they don't have assistants, or if our assistant just didn't show up, but they do have dining room issues. Everyone said the long long meals are Italian style. That wasn't it. It was just slow! Two nights it was an hour into dinner service before we got any drinks. The waitress was doing everything for what seemed to be more tables than I noticed on the other lines. Occasionally during the week an assistant waiter would come around and bring more cans of drinks to the kids. But usually we had to ask the waitress who was very good and very nice and very overworked. It was just slow.

Well we have the 915 seating and now I'm kind of thinking twice about that...if it means we will be there until midnight. I don't understand why the waiters wouldn't take the X1 for the kids soda! Isn't that what's its for? Do they not train their employees? Haha

[alwaysfrantic]

We had 8:45 in teh Caribbean. Was advertised as 8:15, but 8:45 was the scheduled time. We eat much earlier than that at home, but honestly, if you can stand eating that late, it really is better, IMO. We never had to worry about getting back from a port to get ready for dinner, or come in from the pool, or anything that made us feel rushed. I wish it had been a little earlier but I think I will always opt for late seating now. We were usually out between 10:45 and 11. So, maybe 11:15-30 for you?

[seattlejoe]

We had 8:45 in the Caribbean. Was advertised as 8:15, but 8:45 was the scheduled time. We eat much earlier than that at home, but honestly, if you can stand eating that late, it really is better, IMO. We never had to worry about getting back from a port to get ready for dinner, or come in from the pool, or anything that made us feel rushed. I wish it had been a little earlier but I think I will always opt for late seating now. We were usually out between 10:45 and 11. So, maybe 11:15-30 for you?

Yeah thats what we expect, we can live the European way for a few days. We really are looking forward to trying something new. Costa will be an adventure for us! The only thing is teh smoking, since we dont smoke it will take some getting used to, but again, thats Europe. Thank you so much for your help by the way. And if you have any more advice for us feel free to leave it. :)

[alwaysfrantic]

The smoking situation will likely be really different in Europe, but on the Atlantica in the Caribbean there was really very little smoke anywhere. Less than any of the other lines I have been on. Hopefully you will find it not too bad for you & your family.

 

Oh, on the X1 thing, make sure everyone has a copy of the receipt showing you bought the package. I had no idea I would have to produce it, but until we got keys later in the day, everyone had to show the receipts. And they did want to see the actual cards at dinner at least the first 2 nights.

[seattlejoe]

The smoking situation will likely be really different in Europe, but on the Atlantica in the Caribbean there was really very little smoke anywhere. Less than any of the other lines I have been on. Hopefully you will find it not too bad for you & your family.

 

Oh, on the X1 thing, make sure everyone has a copy of the receipt showing you bought the package. I had no idea I would have to produce it, but until we got keys later in the day, everyone had to show the receipts. And they did want to see the actual cards at dinner at least the first 2 nights.

So do you not get your keys until later? On previous Holland America, Princess, and Disney crusies you get them at the desk when you check in. How does this work?

[alwaysfrantic]

we entered the ship, had lunch, looked around and waited until 1:30 I think, to go to the cabin. The cards are in the room waiting for you.

[seattlejoe]

we entered the ship, had lunch, looked around and waited until 1:30 I think, to go to the cabin. The cards are in the room waiting for you.

 

Are the cabins already open or something?

[NSWP]

Are the cabins already open or something?

I presume it is a key card also used for ID, purchases as well as opening cabin doors, as on Princess, not travelled with Costa before, so only a presumption, forgive me if I am wrong ! Most of the ships I have been on the cabin doors are open when you first get on board. But picking up the card in your cabin on arrival seems a little insecure to me, if that is the procedure.

[alwaysfrantic]

Yes, the cabins are open and the key cards are on waiting for you either on the bed or the desk (?)

[GEORGET]

When you get your seapass card make sure the X1 is on the back, and check your bill is zero when it is presented to sign when dinning...Tip if the safe is a swipe card type for safety do not us your cabin card.

Be friendly to the bar staff and they will look after you.

G

[bsudixie]

I'm new to Costa and trying to figure out how to purchase the x1 in general? (especially if I'm not working with a specific travel agent and booking things online by myself)... I'm trying to help my sister plan her honeymoon. What are the beverages covered by the x1 besides the wine in the MDR and soda (which are the two things I've gathered from this helpful board:-) ). Thanks!

[seattlejoe]

I'm new to Costa and trying to figure out how to purchase the x1 in general? (especially if I'm not working with a specific travel agent and booking things online by myself)... I'm trying to help my sister plan her honeymoon. What are the beverages covered by the x1 besides the wine in the MDR and soda (which are the two things I've gathered from this helpful board:-) ). Thanks!

My family and I just got back from sailing Costa a few weeks ago and we had the X1 so let me help you out. First, to order it you can only do it by calling Costa. For some reason they don't want to put it on the internet or even advertise it. Second, We could only use it by the pool during lunch time when the lunch buffet is open (usual until 230 or 3 o'clock). You can not use it for dinner in the buffet because they do not serve food in the buffet then. We had to talk to the head bar manager and director of services about this for about an hour because we were told we could use it during dinner in the buffet when we booked it. But in the MDR for dinner you can use it as much as you want, they offer wine, beer, soda, and bottled mineral water, even sparkling water if you prefer(same drinks are available for you at lunch with the package). If you wish to take these bottles of water or wine back to your room just walk out with them (after all they are yours). Even though we found out you could not use it in the buffet during dinner (even though it may even depend on the ship, it doesn't seem like Costa communicates well with each other so give it a try at dinner time in the buffet for the heck of it) we still thought it was a great deal and the best part is that it is so convenient! You never have to sign anything you just say x1 and they bring you what you want. Please feel free to ask anything more. I hope I didn't miss anything.

[Ozza Alf]

So we have booked the X1 package for our June Costa Serena cruise. I have read a lot of mixed information. I was wondering if you can use it by pool during dinner and lunch times. and if so, then do you go to the pool bar? or do you have to ask a waiter there. Has anyone had any luck using it at any other bar on the ship? Thank you so much.

 

We were on the Serena in Jan.

 

You can get beer and soda etc on your X1 direct from the pool bars or via the waiters in the buffet only at lunch time when the lunch menu is being served. This can be from 11am to around 3pm. We got our drinks via the waiter when at lunch and then got a couple from the pool bar before the buffet closed to last us while we were by the pool.

 

We didn't use the buffet for dinner as the choice was limited to pizza etc but I did try to get a drink from there but was told the card could only be used in the main dining room at at dinner.