Wednesday 3rd December 2008
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| Reviewed By: Smith, London on 6th Aug 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Costa Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: Costa Serena |
Sailed:
July,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 36-45 |
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The East mediterranean-cruises/">Mediterranean cruise started from Venice port terminal. We arranged our own flight and took the free bus shuttle from Piazza de Roma. There is no sign as to where the shuttle is except when the bus arrives, there is a Costa representative waving a flag. The bus actually waits next to the D area/garden side in Piazza de Roma. At the port bus terminal, we need to go to the left of Terminal 103 to check in the luggage - we had to ask 3 persons before getting the right information. From there, we proceed to the first floor of Terminal 107 by walking back through the port bus terminal and go straight on. In the lounge, go straight to the information desk to get a number and then go to either of the Customer Service desks (left and right along the building) to fill in the embarkation forms (no other form is required).
When this is done, just have a drink and relax while waiting for the number to be called. The whole exercise took about 1hr 30mins.
When the number is called, we need to go through the security and then onwards to having your boarding picture taken, passport checked and onto the ship. You will be welcomed by a line of staff through to the lift from where you will need to find your cabin on your own. You are welcomed to have a buffet lunch on arrival.
Apart from the embarkation process which was not very clear for us, the cruise was more or less what we expected except for the activities and entertainment which were disappointing. We were told that we can get rackets and ball to play tennis, table tennis etc but those who took them at the beginning of the cruise kept them and no-one else get to play. There was no control or ways that the staff will help to get them back. The arts and crafts programme looked interesting but was changed and the same things were repeated over in the last 3 days. Being the biggest cruise line in Europe, Costa evening shows were of very low standard except for the Magic show. There must be more talent in Europe than what was given on board!
The food was good. Midnight buffets are on 2 nights. There is only a Captain cocktail party and he does not present himself in the diner restaurant - may be only if you pay extra in the reserved restaurant. Pizza is available throughout the night. There is no special attention if you are celebrating an event except if you pay extta and organize it yourself (which was free on Carnival in the Carribean).
All in all, brochure prices is much too expensive for what you get but at a bargain price, it is OK.
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lauderdale
marks carribean [eastern]
Tracey and Andy`s Sugar and Spice Tour, southern caribbean January 2008
Elstree-photo
