cruzzinsolo

sometimes one is reserved seatings and the other is for "as you wish" dining.......check with cruise line

I have done this before; however, you MUST get approval in writing from the cruise line. Also make sure it is noted in your reservation and paperwork. Even though I covered all my bases; I still had to set it in stone at the front desk!!!!!!

We just booked a Costa cruise and it's true: it pays off to compare. Didn't know you could book as if you were from another country :o ! Going to try that next time!

I just looked for the best deal on comparison websites (through cruise critic) and then sent a mail to Costa stating the difference between the price on their site (Belgium) and the other site (American). They sent me a new offer, slightly better than what I had found :p.

So instead of using complicated ordering processes, just ask them...

DITTO for me that way....Canadian price was ridiculous so I paid with my US visa.....saved over $1000.00 on Premium Balcony!!!!!!!!!!

I have always found drink packages to be over priced. Of course it depends HOW MUCH you consume in a day. I tend to just pay for my drinks when I FEEL like it. Some packages for alcohol you need to consume 4 drinks a day just to break even. Get cash Euros and pay your acccount at the end instead of putting it on the credit card. They will allow this after some insistence by you. This way you save the bank's conversion rate which varies from card to card....avg 2.5%..you gotta figure out what you really need.

OMG..good luck...5 is a lot if kids are older....there are other options on that ship

The Mare hotel in Savona is right on the beach and a relaxing stay for 1 night before the cruise leaves. ( cheap and free shuttle to ship) . Fly into Genoa and take a taxi or a pre paid transfer like ZIP from Genoa to Savona. You can spend you jet lag on the beach!!!!!!

If you stay on the Mestre you will not be close to the city but still on the LAND and can take a quick land taxi to the cruise port. This way you avoid the expensive water taxi's. If you have time you can venture into the city and use the public water taxi and go up or down the Grand Canal....get off at San Marco to see the Square.....you won't have that much time with kids to do anything for 1 day . You may find a Mestre Hotel cheaper and easier to get to cruise port the next day!!!!!!