Costa Classica: Jewels of the Far East - heaps of questions both general and specific

[patatie]

Hi everyone, I'm new on this forum, though not new to cruising (have cruised the South Pacific with P&O and HAL and New Zealand with Princess).

 

At the start of next year we (my family: parents, brother, grandmother and myself) are going on a Costa Cruise on the Classica, called Jewels of the Far East (goes around Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand).

 

I have several questions about the cruise/ship and was hoping I could find some clear/definite answers here (apologies if anything has been repeated - some questions I have arise becuase of conflicting information I've read on here).

 

1. Can you take hair straighteners on board and use them? I mean both "officially" and "unofficially".

 

2. If they confiscate your straightener/curling iron, do they return it when your cruise ends? If so I might consider a cheap straightener to get me through the cruise.

 

3. What are the power outlets like on the Classica? (We are Australians)

 

4. Does Costa provide converters for the power outlets and if so is there a charge?

 

5. Can a drinks card be used to purchase drinks for other people? I understand that you have to buy one for each person in the cabin...but we have two cabins. We don't really drink much (non-alcoholic drinks I mean)...I, for example, might have half a can of coke with a meal. We bought drinks cards on the Princess cruise (also 14 nights) and we found that we ended up getting drinks just for the sake of getting them. Seems like a pretty big waste (even though you've paid for it) to be buying 5 drinks cards if we won't use them that much. On this topic too - how much soft drink do you have to drink to make it worthwhile to buy the x1?

 

6. My parents usually on cruises, buy a bottle of wine, and drink a glass or two with their dinner, then get the bottle corked up and have it again the next night...given this information, would it be worthwhile for them to get the other drink card (can't remember the name)?

 

7. What happens if you miss your meal? When cruising on Holland America I missed dinner one night and by the time I woke up (around 9pm) the self-serve had closed...I had to wither wait 1hr for free room service or til midnight when the buffet re-opened.

 

8. What time does the dinner buffet area close?

 

9. Is there a midnight buffet every night?

 

10. What are the activities like onboard? We were pretty surprised that Holland America seeed to offer less than half the activities we had been offered on both Princess and P&O. We were pretty bored during sea days here...though the Costa cruise we're going on only has 2 sea days, I'd still really like to know.

 

11. Do onboard activities run on sea days? My parents, brother and myself will probably spend most of our time on shore (unless the places are really bad and there is nothing much to do) but my grandmother, who is in her 80's might not really want to leave the ship every day, and I was wondering what kind (if any) of activites would be available to her during the day? The Holland America cruise was really bad when we travelled with my grandmother, in that nothing ran during the daytime, so when she didn't want to leave the ship she had to prettymuch sit there staring out the window all day.

 

12. What time does everything "shut down"? By this I mean things like bands/performers (not the dinner shows, but the people who play in lounges)? Both P&O and Princess cruises seemed to have bands that would play until people started to leave (around2am some nights!), whereas Holland America seemed to have a strict "I'm only paid til midnight, so I'll leave at midnight on the dot" attitude from their performers (yes, the lead in one band actually said this to a group of us).

 

13. At places where you stop over overnight, can you reboard the ship at anytime during the night/early hrs of the morning?

 

14. Is there a laundry facility on the Classica?

 

15. What is the water like onboard? Water on...can't remember which one, but one of the cruises, was pretty much undrinkable and we lived off bottled water we bought onshore. Can you buy bottled water and take it aboard the Classica?

 

16. How formal are the formal nights? Some cruises had formal nights where people were in ballgowns, others were more like "smart casual". I love getting dressed up but also hate feeling overdressed...plus if the nights are very formal I'd prefer to avoid taking big ball gowns in my case.

 

17. Are there theme/dress up nights on Costa cruises? If so do people actually participate? Princess cruises had dress up nights but almost no-one participated (I felt pretty stupid wearing a cowboy hat all alone!!)...whereas on P&O everyone got really into the theme and you felt weird if you didn't arrive in costume.

 

18. Are the buffet/public eating areas really all that crowded?

 

19. What is the "legal age" on this ship? All of us, except my brother, are over 21 (he is 20)...on Holland America this meant that he could not go into casinos, the nightclub, or drink alcohol (much to his disappointment haha)...though on the other 2 cruises the legal age was 18. This was less of a problem about drinking and more of an issue when he had to hastily leave some areas on the Volendam when it got to midnight as they became "Adult only" areas. He (and several other over 18 under 21) was really disappointed with this, especially as the cruise was going from Australia to NZ where the legal age actually is 18.

 

20. Do you have to carry ID with you? I was really surprised on the Holland America that I had to show ID (ie passport or drivers license) to get into adult areas (I was 22 at the time but looked alot younger) - my cruise card was not sufficient to "prove" I was an adult as (from memory) they didn't print this on the card, unlike P&O and Princess where adults an children had different cards. It was a real pain having to carry my license around with me (usually we just use lanyards, no wallets/bags...but my license obviously didn't have (and wasn't going to get) a hole punched in it)

 

21. Are all of the public areas smoking areas?

 

22. Are all cabins smoking ones? I was a bit alarmed to read a thread on this...I'm asthmatic and get quite badly affected by constant exposure to cigarette smoke...what can be done if my cabin is a smoking one or the smell of cigarettes is strong?

 

23. Can the automatic tipping be removed for Australian passengers? I know there has been much discussion and divided opinion about this on these forums - but what one passenger decides to do with regards to tipping really shouldn't be anyone else's business, and I just want to know the answer (at the end of the day, I'm not the one paying for the cruise so please don't attack me!)

 

24. What (generally) are people (passengers) like on the Costa cruises? We found people to be very friendly on P&O, less so on Princess, and positively rude and snobby on Holland America (making things like buffet breakfast, where you have to share a table, really awkward and unpleasant).

 

25. Where is it best to change money (for spending in the countries we are going to - Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand) - in the countries themselves, before the cruise or on the cruise? Or maybe before we leave Australia?

 

Ummm...so thats alot of questions, I know, would really appreciate some feedback from those of you who have actually had a Costa cruise expereicne.

 

Thanks in advance!!

[G.M.T.]

OK, I'll try to answers some of your questions:

 

1. No (official and non-official), see Costa Useful information on their Web site. Fire hazard.

 

2. See 1 above

 

3. One American and 1 European (F Type socket), normally under the dresser.

 

4. No

 

5. There are drinks cards / packages that you can buy on board, that anyone can use, it is a book of coupons. The X1 and J2 drinks pckages have to be purchased before sailing and paid for, all passengers on the booking must buy the same drinks package including kids.

 

6.Only your parents know if it worth them getting a drinks package. On Costa you can also save the botlle of wine for the next night.

 

7. There is only an evening buffet in certain cruising locations i.e. Caribbean but not Mediterranean. But there is always pizza available to about 1:00 am.

 

8. See 7 above, all opening times are in the daily TODAY program.

 

9. There is normally one midnight buffet once a week, snacks are normally available in different bars and lounges in the evening.

 

10. Activities are ongoing both in port and sea days listed in the daily TODAY program.

 

11. Sea 10 above, everything from aerobics to T-Shirt painting to napkin folding.

 

12. Bars about 1:00 am dico til the last passenger drops.

 

13. Yes, but depends on the country will be stated in the daily TODAY

program.

 

14. Yes but not self service, chargeable.

 

15. Water is normally OK, but depends how old the pipes / ship are. Read up (from the Costa Web site) about taking things on board.

 

16. It is as formal as you want it to be - it is your cruise. You get a complete range of outfits.

 

17. There are theme nights, Italian, Arabian etc, and a minority dress up.

 

18. Depends on how full the ship is, sea day or port day, mix of passengers.

 

19. Legal age for ships leaving from US port is 21 all others are 18.

 

20. No, but you will have your Costa / cabin card as ID.

 

21. Restaurant, buffet and threatre no smoking, some bars, casino and outside are smoking areas.

 

22.Yes, asking your cabin steward if he can do (generous tip!) a general cleanup (i.e. ozone) for your cabin

 

23. No (only available for American passengers), Australian passengers have to pay up front when paying the for the cruise. Why would you want to remove the tip (service charge)?.

 

24. Difficult to save depends entirely on the mix of passengers (nationality, age, groups etc.). But hell it a cruise and everyone is on vacation.

 

25. If you are doing excursions with Costa then there is normally not any need to change money. we not take any local currency with us but get some from ATM in the ports where we require it. What we do take is US $ (small denominations $1 & $5 for tipping and small purchases.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Ron

[patatie]

Thanks so much for that detailed response Ron.

 

RE the tipping - In the past my parents have left 2 of the accounts with auto tipping on, and cancelled the others, then given cash to our specific room stewards, waiters etc.

Though if its been included in the upfront payment I don't think it will be an issue (I think that this should be the case with all cruises!!)

 

Another question which slipped my mind is what are the waters like around this region? I was fine when cruising the South Pacific (leaving from Sydney) but felt terribly nauseous going around NZ. I know that this is a fairly subjective thing...

 

Also really appreciate the info about the power outlets - will be buying converters beforehand.

 

Thanks so much - I know it was alot of questions all at once!

[kuldalai]

1. Can you take hair straighteners on board and use them? I mean both "officially" and "unofficially".

 

Officially NO . If they detect them in Security X-ray they will take them for duration of the cruise . There is an excellent salon on-board.

 

2. If they confiscate your straightener/curling iron, do they return it when your cruise ends? If so I might consider a cheap straightener to get me through the cruise.

 

See above.

 

3. What are the power outlets like on the Classica? (We are Australians)

240v . European sockets. just go to yout TA and purchase a set of 240v Plug adapters and you are in business . (Set of three - Europe, USA, England.)

 

6. My parents usually on cruises, buy a bottle of wine, and drink a glass or two with their dinner, then get the bottle corked up and have it again the next night...given this information, would it be worthwhile for them to get the other drink card (can't remember the name)?

 

We found the wine list excellent and reasonably priced. The Staff will cork any un-used wine and return it to your table next evening, no problems.

 

They have passenger friendly two for the price of one drinks in all bars virtually nightly from 1700 for 1 hour . Excellent value .

 

7. What happens if you miss your meal? When cruising on Holland America I missed dinner one night and by the time I woke up (around 9pm) the self-serve had closed...I had to wither wait 1hr for free room service or til midnight when the buffet re-opened.

 

Two sittings in MDR 1800 and 2030 . If you miss or are late for an assigned first sitting, just ask the maitre'd to re-book you for the second sitting. Guests are expected to take up seats within 15 minutes of 1800 0r 2030 to avoid unnecessary delay to service of the dinner sitting .

Buffet seemed to open for Dinner according to the phase of the moon !

 

8. What time does the dinner buffet area close?

 

2200 when it is open . Seems to be open some nights & closed others - without any logic . Remember this is an ITALIAN ship , so logic is not routinely followed .

 

9. Is there a midnight buffet every night?

There was some culinary event each night between 2300 & Midnight in differing venues .

 

 

10. What are the activities like onboard? We were pretty surprised that Holland America seemed to offer less than half the activities we had been offered on both Princess and P&O. We were pretty bored during sea days here...though the Costa cruise we're going on only has 2 sea days, I'd still really like to know.

 

Costa day time activity program on at Sea Days was not bad . Evening entertainment floorshow wise was very repetitive and based largely around a team of the same dancers who appeared night after night , just to different music and in a never ending wardrobe of costumes .

 

12. What time does everything "shut down"? By this I mean things like bands/performers (not the dinner shows, but the people who play in lounges)? Both P&O and Princess cruises seemed to have bands that would play until people started to leave (around2am some nights!), whereas Holland America seemed to have a strict "I'm only paid til midnight, so I'll leave at midnight on the dot" attitude from their performers (yes, the lead in one band actually said this to a group of us).

The night club, bars, dancing activities are reasonably good and go till the wee hours .

 

13. At places where you stop over overnight, can you re-board the ship at anytime during the night/early hrs of the morning?

Within reason, no restrictions were advised other than be back by "X" hours sailing today at "y" hours today.

 

14. Is there a laundry facility on the Classica?

Did not see one. Laundry service to cabin daily .

 

15. What is the water like onboard? Water on...can't remember which one, but one of the cruises, was pretty much undrinkable and we lived off bottled water we bought onshore. Can you buy bottled water and take it aboard the Classica?

 

The water on board in cabins is not drinkable. You will be provided daily with two small bottles of water in the cabin . Use for drinking & teeth cleaning . Buy extra ashore and just bring it on board , no problem . Bottled water in fridge if used will be charged for . In Buffet and Dining rooms drinking water is free on request from waiters from jug supply .

 

16. How formal are the formal nights? Some cruises had formal nights where people were in ballgowns, others were more like "smart casual". I love getting dressed up but also hate feeling overdressed...plus if the nights are very formal I'd prefer to avoid taking big ball gowns in my case.

 

Not very formal at all . Just dress, nicely as very smart caual . ladies dresses, guys shirt & jacket . Leave the ballgowns and monkey suits at home .

 

17. Are there theme/dress up nights on Costa cruises? If so do people actually participate? Princess cruises had dress up nights but almost no-one participated (I felt pretty stupid wearing a cowboy hat all alone!!)...whereas on P&O everyone got really into the theme and you felt weird if you didn't arrive in costume.

 

The big thing was the Italian night , theme and food/menu wise & in dining room entertainment . A really fun night . Passengers participate sure , but no need for any special Italian dress .

 

18. Are the buffet/public eating areas really all that crowded?

 

As main dining room is two sittings at Dinner (assigned) and also open for lunch and breakfast any time. No crowding issues with main dining room .

 

Buffet - can get busy but not un-reasonably so .

 

19. What is the "legal age" on this ship? All of us, except my brother, are over 21 (he is 20)...on Holland America this meant that he could not go into casinos, the nightclub, or drink alcohol (much to his disappointment haha)...though on the other 2 cruises the legal age was 18. This was less of a problem about drinking and more of an issue when he had to hastily leave some areas on the Volendam when it got to midnight as they became "Adult only" areas. He (and several other over 18 under 21) was really disappointed with this, especially as the cruise was going from Australia to NZ where the legal age actually is 18.

 

Legal grog age is 18 years .

 

20. Do you have to carry ID with you? I was really surprised on the Holland America that I had to show ID (ie passport or drivers license) to get into adult areas (I was 22 at the time but looked alot younger) - my cruise card was not sufficient to "prove" I was an adult as (from memory) they didn't print this on the card, unlike P&O and Princess where adults an children had different cards. It was a real pain having to carry my license around with me (usually we just use lanyards, no wallets/bags...but my license obviously didn't have (and wasn't going to get) a hole punched in it)

 

You are required to carry your COSTA CARD when going ashore, and at other times plus your Passport / Visa as advised for specific ports .

 

21. Are all of the public areas smoking areas?

 

Lounges and bars are divided into Smoking & Non Smoking areas. Outdoor areas generally Smoking allowed . Dining areas NO Smoking . cabins are Smoking or Non Smoking based on what you booked .

 

22. Are all cabins smoking ones? I was a bit alarmed to read a thread on this...I'm asthmatic and get quite badly affected by constant exposure to cigarette smoke...what can be done if my cabin is a smoking one or the smell of cigarettes is strong?

If you smell signs of smoke in your cabin consult the Purser for a Non-Smoking cabin .

 

23. Can the automatic tipping be removed for Australian passengers? I know there has been much discussion and divided opinion about this on these forums - but what one passenger decides to do with regards to tipping really shouldn't be anyone else's business, and I just want to know the answer (at the end of the day, I'm not the one paying for the cruise so please don't attack me!)

 

As Australian pax we were NOT charged on our account for tipping, as it had already been charged in the fare . This is because the Australian ACCC requires Operators to quote a total price inclusive of all compulsory charges . Bar charges have + 15 % added compulsory . By Australian standards the on board cabin and waiting staff are not paid high hourly rates, and as such rely on the tips to make it worth their while working on ships . The staff generally work very hard and deserve every cent they earn from any and every source . (When in Rome do as the Romans do !!!)

 

24. What (generally) are people (passengers) like on the Costa cruises? We found people to be very friendly on P&O, less so on Princess, and positively rude and snobby on Holland America (making things like buffet breakfast, where you have to share a table, really awkward and unpleasant).

A real UN mix of Pomms, Aussies, Europeans, especially Italians. All fairly casual, polite, friendly and out to have a great time in Asia . Relax and roll with the punches.

 

25. Where is it best to change money (for spending in the countries we are going to - Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand) - in the countries themselves, before the cruise or on the cruise? Or maybe before we leave Australia?

 

Just take Aussie $ and change them on-shore at Money Changers or at the Cashier on-board . Aussie $ readily accepted throughout Asia . Don't take Travellers Cheques as hard to cash in some places . Best is a Bank Travel Money card . Load it up with Aussie $, then you use the card at ATM's to withdraw the local currency . On board currency is Euro, and all on-board charges are in Euros . Final account settlement to your Credit Card in Euros .

 

Hope all this helps .

[kuldalai]

The South China Sea and Asian waters should be fairly smooth early in the year . April - September is the time it can get rough with typhoons in the Hong Kong area especially .

 

Please note the voltage on board Classica is 240v same as Australia . You need ADAPTER plug Europe to Australian NOT a Converter plug . (A Converter plug typically converts 240v ac to 110v ac voltage for American appliances.)

 

You have Australian appliances 240v ac so all you need is a set of KORJO Electrical Adapters which you can purchase at your Travel Agent . (Set of 3 :US/EU/UK to Australian socket. )

 

Now relaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and stop worrying about every last little detail, roll with the punches and enjoy your cruise and a great Costa Asian Itinerary.

[G.M.T.]

Thanks so much for that detailed response Ron.

 

RE the tipping - In the past my parents have left 2 of the accounts with auto tipping on, and cancelled the others, then given cash to our specific room stewards, waiters etc.

Though if its been included in the upfront payment I don't think it will be an issue (I think that this should be the case with all cruises!!)

 

Another question which slipped my mind is what are the waters like around this region? I was fine when cruising the South Pacific (leaving from Sydney) but felt terribly nauseous going around NZ. I know that this is a fairly subjective thing...

 

Also really appreciate the info about the power outlets - will be buying converters beforehand.

 

Thanks so much - I know it was alot of questions all at once!

Glad to be able to help - lot easier answering 1 email with 25 questions than 26 emails with 1 question.:eek:

 

The waters around Sinapore and Malaysia should be calm (I recollect reading that Borneo means island below the great wind). Four degrees either side of the equator (world wide) is normally very calm. If your cruise ventures further north (Viet Nam, Philipppines etc.) in the South China Sea it could get a bit choppy.;)

 

If you have any further questions, just ask CC members are very knowledgeable.

 

Ron

[kipper8]

Hi everyone, I'm new on this forum, though not new to cruising (have cruised the South Pacific with P&O and HAL and New Zealand with Princess).

 

At the start of next year we (my family: parents, brother, grandmother and myself) are going on a Costa Cruise on the Classica, called Jewels of the Far East (goes around Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand).

 

I have several questions about the cruise/ship and was hoping I could find some clear/definite answers here (apologies if anything has been repeated - some questions I have arise becuase of conflicting information I've read on here).

 

1. Can you take hair straighteners on board and use them? I mean both "officially" and "unofficially".

 

2. If they confiscate your straightener/curling iron, do they return it when your cruise ends? If so I might consider a cheap straightener to get me through the cruise.

 

3. What are the power outlets like on the Classica? (We are Australians)

 

4. Does Costa provide converters for the power outlets and if so is there a charge?

 

5. Can a drinks card be used to purchase drinks for other people? I understand that you have to buy one for each person in the cabin...but we have two cabins. We don't really drink much (non-alcoholic drinks I mean)...I, for example, might have half a can of coke with a meal. We bought drinks cards on the Princess cruise (also 14 nights) and we found that we ended up getting drinks just for the sake of getting them. Seems like a pretty big waste (even though you've paid for it) to be buying 5 drinks cards if we won't use them that much. On this topic too - how much soft drink do you have to drink to make it worthwhile to buy the x1?

 

6. My parents usually on cruises, buy a bottle of wine, and drink a glass or two with their dinner, then get the bottle corked up and have it again the next night...given this information, would it be worthwhile for them to get the other drink card (can't remember the name)?

 

7. What happens if you miss your meal? When cruising on Holland America I missed dinner one night and by the time I woke up (around 9pm) the self-serve had closed...I had to wither wait 1hr for free room service or til midnight when the buffet re-opened.

 

8. What time does the dinner buffet area close?

 

9. Is there a midnight buffet every night?

 

10. What are the activities like onboard? We were pretty surprised that Holland America seeed to offer less than half the activities we had been offered on both Princess and P&O. We were pretty bored during sea days here...though the Costa cruise we're going on only has 2 sea days, I'd still really like to know.

 

11. Do onboard activities run on sea days? My parents, brother and myself will probably spend most of our time on shore (unless the places are really bad and there is nothing much to do) but my grandmother, who is in her 80's might not really want to leave the ship every day, and I was wondering what kind (if any) of activites would be available to her during the day? The Holland America cruise was really bad when we travelled with my grandmother, in that nothing ran during the daytime, so when she didn't want to leave the ship she had to prettymuch sit there staring out the window all day.

 

12. What time does everything "shut down"? By this I mean things like bands/performers (not the dinner shows, but the people who play in lounges)? Both P&O and Princess cruises seemed to have bands that would play until people started to leave (around2am some nights!), whereas Holland America seemed to have a strict "I'm only paid til midnight, so I'll leave at midnight on the dot" attitude from their performers (yes, the lead in one band actually said this to a group of us).

 

13. At places where you stop over overnight, can you reboard the ship at anytime during the night/early hrs of the morning?

 

14. Is there a laundry facility on the Classica?

 

15. What is the water like onboard? Water on...can't remember which one, but one of the cruises, was pretty much undrinkable and we lived off bottled water we bought onshore. Can you buy bottled water and take it aboard the Classica?

 

16. How formal are the formal nights? Some cruises had formal nights where people were in ballgowns, others were more like "smart casual". I love getting dressed up but also hate feeling overdressed...plus if the nights are very formal I'd prefer to avoid taking big ball gowns in my case.

 

17. Are there theme/dress up nights on Costa cruises? If so do people actually participate? Princess cruises had dress up nights but almost no-one participated (I felt pretty stupid wearing a cowboy hat all alone!!)...whereas on P&O everyone got really into the theme and you felt weird if you didn't arrive in costume.

 

18. Are the buffet/public eating areas really all that crowded?

 

19. What is the "legal age" on this ship? All of us, except my brother, are over 21 (he is 20)...on Holland America this meant that he could not go into casinos, the nightclub, or drink alcohol (much to his disappointment haha)...though on the other 2 cruises the legal age was 18. This was less of a problem about drinking and more of an issue when he had to hastily leave some areas on the Volendam when it got to midnight as they became "Adult only" areas. He (and several other over 18 under 21) was really disappointed with this, especially as the cruise was going from Australia to NZ where the legal age actually is 18.

 

20. Do you have to carry ID with you? I was really surprised on the Holland America that I had to show ID (ie passport or drivers license) to get into adult areas (I was 22 at the time but looked alot younger) - my cruise card was not sufficient to "prove" I was an adult as (from memory) they didn't print this on the card, unlike P&O and Princess where adults an children had different cards. It was a real pain having to carry my license around with me (usually we just use lanyards, no wallets/bags...but my license obviously didn't have (and wasn't going to get) a hole punched in it)

 

21. Are all of the public areas smoking areas?

 

22. Are all cabins smoking ones? I was a bit alarmed to read a thread on this...I'm asthmatic and get quite badly affected by constant exposure to cigarette smoke...what can be done if my cabin is a smoking one or the smell of cigarettes is strong?

 

23. Can the automatic tipping be removed for Australian passengers? I know there has been much discussion and divided opinion about this on these forums - but what one passenger decides to do with regards to tipping really shouldn't be anyone else's business, and I just want to know the answer (at the end of the day, I'm not the one paying for the cruise so please don't attack me!)

 

24. What (generally) are people (passengers) like on the Costa cruises? We found people to be very friendly on P&O, less so on Princess, and positively rude and snobby on Holland America (making things like buffet breakfast, where you have to share a table, really awkward and unpleasant).

 

25. Where is it best to change money (for spending in the countries we are going to - Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand) - in the countries themselves, before the cruise or on the cruise? Or maybe before we leave Australia?

 

Ummm...so thats alot of questions, I know, would really appreciate some feedback from those of you who have actually had a Costa cruise expereicne.

 

Thanks in advance!!

Hi we are going on this cruise on the 9th of April if you are going before this please can you do a review when you get back ,would like to know were ports are ie if its possiable to walk to town and if its possiable to get taxis ect in port thank you:):):)

[patatie]

Thankyou all so much for your help...we have the drinks situation mostly sorted out now. Really appreciated your comments!!

 

Kipper8 - I will definitely post a review once I get back!!

[kipper8]

Thankyou all so much for your help...we have the drinks situation mostly sorted out now. Really appreciated your comments!!

 

Kipper8 - I will definitely post a review once I get back!!

Thanks have agood time:):)

[Yulara336]

Can you comment on shore tours?

 

We are sailing on November 6

 

Also how much does Costa authorise on your credit card? We were on P&O last year and they authorised the balance in full every night. For example first night was $200, second night we spent $200 so they authorised full total of $400 and so on. By the 9th day (and over $2000 thanks to our photos) we had reached our limit on our card. And we couldnt even use the authorisation to put towards the bill ONLY at the end of the cruise. So we paid cash and ended up waiting 3 days for the auth to come off!

 

How can we avoid this happening, apart from putting down a lump sum of cash

[G.M.T.]

You cannot avoid the cruise company making an authorisation against your credit card, they want to make sure that you are still liquid (not talking about the drinks package contents) at the end of the cruise.

 

Although with Costa, a sizable amount (service charge) has to be paid up front with the final cruise invoice for Australian cruisers.

 

Other possibilities:

a) Order and pay for drinks packages online before the cruise.

b) Do your own shore excursions

c) Buy your own camera (Costa's photographers are not that good)

d) Put a cash deposit down (minimum €/$ 150)

e) Increase your credit card limit

f) Don't take DH or DH as the case may be:D

 

Ron

[kuldalai]

The issue is not what the Cruise Line authorize, they will cheerfully cahrge every last cent you sign for .

 

Therefore you have two (2) options :

 

1. Spend up to , BUT within your Credit card limit .

 

2. Go to your Bank and increase the $ limit on your Credit Card before your next cruise . (Most Banks will give you an increased limit up to a pre-set $ amount simply on request at the counter, provided you have a good credit history.)

[CtheW0rld]

if you put a cash deposit down, no credit card is needed. you will have to replenish your onboard account when you reach the limit.

[Yulara336]

Thanks I think we are going with the cash option that way we wont spend more than needed and use the cc in ports and of course HK :)

[GORDMAR]

Thankyou all so much for your help...we have the drinks situation mostly sorted out now. Really appreciated your comments!!

 

Kipper8 - I will definitely post a review once I get back!!

 

My wife and I are going this cruise on 12th March. I would also be very grateful if you posted a review on your return. Same as previous respondent, I am particularly interested in travel from the actual ports to the towns. Am planning to make my own way from the ports when stopping at Bangkok and Phuket. I believe that the journeys take approx. 2 hours and 1.30 hrs respectively. Would be forever grateful if you could find out approximate taxi fares for both of these ports.

Have a lovely cruise.:cool:

[Capricruiser]

It appears that Patatie did not honor his pledge. I just checked the CC Costa Classica cruise reviews and there is nothing from Patatie. However there are several others probably from the same cruise, many of which are completely negative. You might check out forum comments by Goldryder who is a long standing CC member and expert in the far east cruises on both the Classica and the Allegra.

[dizzy1948]

My understanding is that Patatie is still on the cruise - left on 2nd January for the actual cruise and had a stopover in KL before joining the cruise. Just going off his postings on "Classica 2/1/2011" started by Grandparents 2 in the roll call forum.

I am also waiting anxiously for his return. don't know if they are doing two weeks or one - working out that something should appear around 9th or 10th for seven day cruise and around 16th 17th for fourteen day cruise.

[TRIXON]

I packed my tongs (Straightners) in my hold luggage not my carry on luggage. I placed them down the side of the case with shoes.

They were not consfiscated. They were also left out on display in my cabin and nothing was said.

 

Take most of what you read about Costa on these pages with a pinch of salt. Do your own thing.

I read lots of stuff before sailing some of it was good advice some of it put me off Costa. \we had an enjoyable holiday.

 

Just ENJOY.;)

[rraffael25]

1. Can you take hair straighteners on board and use them? I mean both "officially" and "unofficially".

2. If they confiscate your straightener/curling iron, do they return it when your cruise ends? If so I might consider a cheap straightener to get me through the cruise.

3. What are the power outlets like on the Classica? (We are Australians)

4. Does Costa provide converters for the power outlets and if so is there a charge.

What time does the dinner buffet area close?

5. Is there a midnight buffet every night?

6. What are the activities like onboard? We were pretty surprised that Holland America seeed to offer less than half the activities we had been offered on both Princess and P&O. We were pretty bored during sea days here...though the Costa cruise we're going on only has 2 sea days, I'd still really like to know.

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[dizzy1948]

Can only answer 2, 3 and 4.

2. Anything confiscated is handed back at the end of the cruise

3. Half an answer here: We bought a world wide socket pack from BCF camping - it is compact and covers every type of socket world wide. Took a 4 ganger powerboard as well. Covers camera, computer, phone charger. (Hair straightners if you take them)

4. Buffet closes around 9.00

 

Hope this helps a bit

[Capricruiser]

My understanding is that Patatie is still on the cruise quote]

 

You're right Dizzy - I missed that. Apologies to Patatie.

[dizzy1948]

We haven't long to wait now - and hopefully swags of info will come flooding in

[mkhannah]

My understanding is that Patatie is still on the cruise - left on 2nd January for the actual cruise and had a stopover in KL before joining the cruise. Just going off his postings on "Classica 2/1/2011" started by Grandparents 2 in the roll call forum.

I am also waiting anxiously for his return. don't know if they are doing two weeks or one - working out that something should appear around 9th or 10th for seven day cruise and around 16th 17th for fourteen day cruise.

 

We haven't long to wait now - and hopefully swags of info will come flooding in

 

Hi Dizzy & Co

We pick up the Classica cruise this Sunday 9th, returning to Singapore Sun 16th. We have also booked a few nights in Singapore before returning home (Perth WA).

I will definitely be posting a review! I have got so much out of the info on Cruise Critic and other member's reviews that I think it is only fair to do my bit!

I look forward to answering your questions on my return.

Regards

Mel :)

[dizzy1948]

Hi Mel

 

Have a wonderful, wonderful time. I found an elephant trekking site for Phuket through Trip Advisor and it is highly recommended by loneley Planet and has excellent reviews - so I will be booking that for us. You can book and pay on arrival. http://www.kokchangsafari.com

 

Booking a transfer from the ship to KL via Costa and that's all at the moment.

 

We are in Singapore two days before the cruise - so treating grand children to Universal Studios - Singapore Flyer - cable car ride - Sounds of the Sea. (and husband and I to a large cool drink - or two - at the end of each day)

 

You must be excited now - have lots of fun - look forward to your comments when you get back. (Don't forget to have a quick squiz at the Video arcade for me please (beg beg)

 

Liz

[mkhannah]

Hi Mel

 

Have a wonderful, wonderful time. I found an elephant trekking site for Phuket through Trip Advisor and it is highly recommended by loneley Planet and has excellent reviews - so I will be booking that for us. You can book and pay on arrival. www.kokchangsafari.com

 

Booking a transfer from the ship to KL via Costa and that's all at the moment.

 

We are in Singapore two days before the cruise - so treating grand children to Universal Studios - Singapore Flyer - cable car ride - Sounds of the Sea. (and husband and I to a large cool drink - or two - at the end of each day)

 

You must be excited now - have lots of fun - look forward to your comments when you get back. (Don't forget to have a quick squiz at the Video arcade for me please (beg beg)

 

Liz

 

Hi Liz

As I am travelling with my 2 kids 12 & 10 you can be assured I will know all about the Video arcade games (if they exist!). And the kids clubs (if my 2 decide to give it a try).

 

We have decided to pay for the Costa excursion "KL on your own". It appears that a taxi from Pt Klang to KL would not be any cheaper than the cost to take the coach for family of 4.

 

I will check out the site for the elephant trekking - thanks.

 

Kids are keen to visit Wild Wild Wet in Singapore, a water theme park. Family pass is only $44 which is very reasonable - perhaps have a look at that for your grandchildren. I also like the look of Sounds of the Sea, so hopefully we will get there too. Universal Studios we are not too sure about as have read some mixed reviews. Although friends returned recently and loved it - they have suggested we go online and book now as it sells out daily!

 

Anyway, we will be back before you know it!

 

Regards

Mel