phider

excursions are usually posted 3 - 6 months before sailing. as another poster said, you can purchase the AI package onboard, but i'm surprised you can't buy it now.

Regarding the AI - it's my experience as well. It won't be available through the Costa site before a couple of months prior to departure.

However, you can always call Costa and have it added immediately - there are no cost related savings for during so though, as you can purchase it on-board on embarkation day.

Philip

A couple of months before.

Philip

No, you won't. Even though you have been physically upgraded to a 'Premium' cabin, you won't get the non-physical premium perks... because you booked a 'Classic' cabin.

This is correct. From the official Costa website:

The allocation of a higher category Cabin will not however entitle you to the benefits that are normally included in the price of that accommodation.

Philip

What is Costa Favolosa?

Cruise ships are so different - from classy resort ships to overcrowded floating casinos.

Where is the Favolosa on this map?

 

The answer will take for a while to come.

 

Where to start?

I think we all know what the conclusion will be. Do we have to get pulled through the pain?

You did the same stunt in the MSC-forum.

Philip

Which ships is Samsara on? We're going to be on Mediterranea and I don't see anything on the website thats offers this.

I know its on their 4 flag ships.. Deliziosa which I am on right now offers it. If you look up Samsara on the Costa website without choosing ship first, it states which 4 it is. As I said, you need to be into body and self healing to think its worth the price. If you just want a good eating experience which is above the one you get at the MDR, you can purchase individual access to it for 25 euro pp, which is the same as for the Club restaurant, which I found to be great value and used it every second night. 25 euro pp for the extra service and quality is a real bargain.

Philip

thanks for the information. seven courses for dinner??? thats a lot

Its not really 7 courses. Its starter, main and dessert. The menu does however make it possible to get to 7 courses. For example, there is a soup and pasta option, so you could go starter, soup, pasta dish, main, cheese plate, desert.

We have always just stuck to starter, main and dessert, and never went from the table hungry, but exactly how you are supposed to feal after dinner.

Personally, I dont see why people think the dishes are small... but if you really do believe so, youll have all the opportunities to stuff your head until it explodes.

Philip

Can anyone elaborate on this? We are booked on the Luminosa for a Christmas cruise leaving Dec 17th and I have not found anything explaining a Samsara package that can be purchased separately. What does this include and at what price? And how do we purchase it?

 

Thanks for any info.

The Samsara experience on Costa, is really only a treat if you are into health and body treatments and stuff like that. I am just saying, as not everyone think that is equal relaxing and being on a holiday. Anyways, you can purchase it directly when you book your cruise, by booking a Samsara Cabin. As a Samsara passenger, you get body treatments, a cabin with upgraded interior, priority access to the Samsara restaurant. Look it up on the Costa website it states both prices and what you get.

Philip

Sorry, but it would probably be relevant to state how old your kids are. Maybe its just me.

Philip

I like the buffet fine. Lines doesnt take more than 5 minutes to get through when they are peaking.

Heres a picture of my plate, taken 2 days ago on Deliziosa.

Philip

Everyone on Costa, probably as the rest of the commercial liners such as HAL, Royal C. etc., are middle class people - and everyone dresses accordingly.

You wount find anyone in Gucci expensive dresses or styles. Tell your wife that she can safly relax on the notion that her finest dress will be completely suiteble.

Its deffinately not the Oscar Awards levels, of that is what some immagines.

Philip

Being towed in by Fiats....?

:confused:

....or what about Chryslers? You know, the once American company that went bankrupt and was bought and saved by European Fiat... oh wait?!?

Philip

If I worried about germs in restaurants I would never go out to eat. I don't really worry about it. I do some things like never let my silverware touch the table but the reality is you come into contact with germs on everything you touch. Do you touch the chair to pull it out when you sit down? I'm sure it has germs on it as when do restaurants wipe these down. You can't live in a bubble worrying about every little germ you might come into contact with. IMO that's why people are always sick. People are obsessed with hand sanitizer. Some germs are good for you and help build up your immune system. Washing your hands regularly is all you need to do.

I completely agree with this! However, there are some other good practices which can prevent direct exposure - you mention an example yourself.

What I personally have never understood, is public toilets and the design of how to both enter and exit this area. After having done your thing and washing your hands, they expect you to open the door out of the public room, by touching the handle.. never made sense to me.

Philip

What I can't stand is when the server brings a cup or glass to the table with their fingers holding the upper rim where they expected me to put my lips.

While many of the posts in this thread, in my opinion, is a little over the top, to the extend where some people shouldn't leave their home at all, in fear of contaminants from other biological humans (there is a reason why we are equipped with a immune system), I can agree whole heartedly with this! Service staff should know better!

I think many would be surprised at what some people, in terms of their own and others hygienic practices, sees as normal behavior. Disgusting thought actually.

Philip

We have talked about the Yacht Club and it appeals massively to us from the perspective of not having fixed meal times, having more quiet facilities (sailing during summer holiday break) and just the general top quality of it all (my husband travels a lot for his job and is used to all the top tier treatment as part of his elite status on airlines and hotels and I am very willing to get used to a bit of luxury).

 

However, I have to admit to feeling a little intimidated by it. We watched the promo video with its polished and glittering couples swanning through in designer wear. Then we watched another which had actual travellers in the yacht club and there was a plethora of suits and jewellery and very very dressy dresses.

 

We are just an ordinary couple with a taste for fine things. I am a full time mother of three young boys and have two other boys who live with us for schooling. Whilst I make a point of always dressing nicely, most of my wardrobe is reflective of this fact and heavily features shorts, slacks, skirts and t-shirts and blouses. I've only got a handful of dresses and only two of those could be classed as particularly 'smart'. I don't want to spend the extra on the Yacht Club and then feel like I need to go out and spend more so I don't look like the poor cousin who snuck in the back door.

I can understand your intimidation, but I don't think you should put too much into the promo videos or pictures made by the cruise lines.

People in that social status/category with wealth to spend on a large closets of designer cloth and accessories don't even cruise the mainstream cruise lines, let alone MSC, lol.

Go for the YC - I think you will be surprised with the normalness of the peoples clothing choice, or their means of availability.

Philip

The J2 is ~40 euros pppd and includes free access to the minibar in cabin. Considering it is double up, I don't think its as attractive as the Extra AI, although the AI is limited.

 

The Extra AI does not give access to supplemental cost on items that is not included in the package - you have to pay the full price. E.g. you cant pay 1.5 euro for a premium 7.5 euro long drink.

 

That would have been very nice.

 

Costa's choice in the premium selection and the point where they make the distinction is very strange in my opinion. For example, they rate Absolut Vodka as the premium and Smirnoff as the Extra AI brand. I don't want to get into a discussion about which vodka is better, but the fact is that a 700ml retail bottle, Absolut is only 1.5 euro more expensive.

 

Also, the general rule is that everything at 6.5 euros is included in the Extra AI and everything above is excluded. Premium Longdrinks are 7.3 euro as far as I recall.

Correction. The general rule for an item to be included in the Extra AI is 6.75 euros (not including coffee, and other exceptions), but its not more general then Premium spirits are 6.25 euros and is not included - maybe its not that general after all :-). Premium Longdrinks are 7.70 euro.

Costa's standard Bar List is here:

http://www.kreuzfahrthobby.de/wp-content/uploads/Menu+Cocktail+Card2012.pdf

Philip

Is there any detailed info on either the supplemental cost of premium drinks for those with the standard AI package or the cost/composition of the J2?

The J2 is ~40 euros pppd and includes free access to the minibar in cabin. Considering it is double up, I don't think its as attractive as the Extra AI, although the AI is limited.

The Extra AI does not give access to supplemental cost on items that is not included in the package - you have to pay the full price. E.g. you cant pay 1.5 euro for a premium 7.5 euro long drink.

That would have been very nice.

Costa's choice in the premium selection and the point where they make the distinction is very strange in my opinion. For example, they rate Absolut Vodka as the premium and Smirnoff as the Extra AI brand. I don't want to get into a discussion about which vodka is better, but the fact is that a 700ml retail bottle, Absolut is only 1.5 euro more expensive.

Also, the general rule is that everything at 6.5 euros is included in the Extra AI and everything above is excluded. Premium Longdrinks are 7.3 euro as far as I recall.

Philip

Mentioned in the welcome meeting.

Flyers at the dinner table.

Flyers at numerous bars.

Mentioned on the tv channel.

A whole small side bar put over for the first 24 h or so as a dedicated place to go and buy the package.

Large promotional display on one of the main through routes.

Thanks for the clarification. I don't find that pushy really.

Anyone else find that pushy except just making aware it is there?

Philip

For 20 euros ($28) per day one can't expect too much and, frankly, one doesn't get too much. The liqueurs are ok, but not much else maintains their level of quality. I'm not a wine or spirits snub, but I like a 12 year old scotch at minimum and there are none available in the package. Also, when the available wines are described simply by grape and not by bodega much less vintage (see below) I would probably pass. Do they offer a premium package?

If you wont top premium 12 year old wiskeys day and night - well.. then go for the AI.. The AI is for normal folks like myself that aint too fussy and don't drink 12 or 18 year old wiskey all day and night.

It is possible - even if you are on the Extra AI to purchase premium brands at a fee - so you are not limited.

Yes, they do offer a J2, and it is double the price, and also includes free mini bar in the cabin.

Philip

You can book Costa transfer without having to book a flight through Costa. We have booked flights on our own for our next TA from Rio to Savona but have added/booked the transfer from Savona to Genua airport through our travelagent. They (travel agenccies) can do and you can do on your own when logging in on the Costa webpage - last is a guessing - I didn't check this. But you can book excursions on Costa webpage, can book AI package so I guess you can book this transfer, too.

Yes, you can book the transfers directly through My Costa on the website.

Philip

Thanks for all the tips on options to everyone that responded. Really helpful. I think I will book a taxi transfer there and possibly the Costa one at the end of the cruise (as have a late flight and so lots of time to pass....). Do you have a usual supplier you book the taxi with? I found a few online

The Costa transfers seems very reasonable.

Philip

we need these born complainers to keep trashing MSC so that the prices remain low for the rest of us. Lets face it, no matter what nationality you may be some people are just negative. they expect everything in life to go their way and when it doesn't they just wallow in the negative. and boy are they ever vocal! so let's let them continue to book msc for the low attractive prices and then rant on when there isn't ketchup and ice water on the table when they arrive at dinner. The rest of us enjoy the best kept secret on the seas!

Agreed - we need them!

Philip

You should use a couple of minutes to browse both the Costa and MSC parts of these forums regarding your question. There are many interesting discussions which tries to answer your exact question.

The answer really depends more on you then anything else. Do you know the cultural differences between most European countries and North America, and do you know that Europe consists of ~50 countries and ~50 cultures?

Philip

Hello

Thank you for this information regarding the all inclusive package. We will be crusing on Costa Mediterranea in december ( transatlantic) and have booked all inclusive as we have many sea days.

You won't regret it, I am sure. On the contrary - it is great value.

http://www.costacrociere.it/contents/lp_all-inclusive/All-inclusive_premium.pdf

Philip

Just returned a few weeks ago from sailing on the Costa Classica from Trieste. I've sailed with Costa a few times before and have used the all inclusive drink package before.

 

I noticed it was mostly the same on this last sailing with the exception of water. Bottled water is available by the glass (small) only! We used to be able to get bottles and carry them away but not this time. I was disappointed with this change, as you can imagine. We had to buy bottles of water for use later which just added to the expense. Our dinner service, in the past, would leave the water bottles on the table and we could refill ourselves as needed. This cruise we had to ask for every refill and as the dinner service got busy, we were forgotten on our refills. I would drink extra water at dinner to replenish from the day but also to help eat less. Also, there is a distinct difference in the bottled water and the ship's potable water in flavor.

 

Perhaps the cost of bottled water got out of hand with the all inclusive drink package. I am doing another sailing with Costa in December and will be buying the same drink package in addition to a bottled water package. I am disappointed with the change but it still remains a good value overall. Also I will have to be more persistant with refills at dinner.

I have ordered the Extra All-Inclusive for our whole group, and definitely think the package is great value no matter what. But, I do feel that these restrictions or changes does make it feel a lot more discount.

That's whats bothering me the most - that it has come down to such a smallish package, that they are calculating in such detail on whether the bottle is left on the table or not.

Oh well, I guess it all adds up for the cruise liner. When I go on a cruise, I don't want to feel like I am on a discount package, so this could potentially let be de-select it in the future. It already annoys me that long-drinks have the star (not included), where I would much more tolerate that it was only very expensive drinks that was not on, I find that they are cutting it just a tad.

Philip

Thanks for your help, everyone. I appreciate all of the help. I have contacted Costa directly and they did answer a number of my questions.

 

I was reading a lot about tipping on board cruises and something I found odd was that nobody ever mentions tipping the "check-in" agent. Have there ever been any circumstances where guests tip the check-in agent in the hopes of getting placed into a nice room? Or does it work different to hotels on cruises?

 

If you don't purchase the drinks package on Costa, what drinks are available at no charge?

 

We are headed to Indonesia: Semarang, Bali, and Lombok. Has anybody been to these ports? Seems to be little information out there.

Costa does not encourage tipping. There is a service charge automatically added to your bill between 6-7 euro pppd, depending on the length of your cruise.

There are no check-in agent. Your room has been determined and selected prior to the trip, tipping will not provide you with any such benefits.

There are a very limited amount of beverages available free of charge. I would recommend the Extra All Inclusive at 19.50 euro pppd any day - its a deal, you won't regret it!

Philip