gerryuk

Just out of interest regarding the studios on NCL, i have seen many videos of them on Youtube and they look right up my street.

One thing though, i have not seen on any of these videos, anywhere to sit other than the bed. Are there any chairs in these cabins so one can sit and read a book, or is it the bed only? For me this would be a dealbreaker, regards.

Again it all depends how long you are there and what you want to do. Remember that Las Palmas city is on a strip surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean. When you arrive at the port you can walk through the city (shops en all) and end up at one of the world's best city beaches, Las Canteras beach. There are plenty of bars and restaurants there. It can be very busy but very Spanish, a great day out, but be warned it can get very hot depending on the time of year.

You can get a bus (30)from near the cruise terminal down to the south of the island, there you will find the main tourist beach spots, the resort of Maspalomas is just stunning, its surrounded by sand dunes and further on is the beautiful resort of Puerto de Mogan. Buses are cheap and frequent on the island, as are taxies.

Hi guys

Have taken the plunge and will be cruising for the first time, and solo on the Costa Fascinosa from Barcelona to Buenos Aires in November, cant wait.

Have any you guys / girls travelled solo on this ship or any of the other Costa ships? What was your experience (good or bad) as a solo traveller with Costa. If you have travelled solo with them, were they good enough for you to want to rebook or would you steer clear and go with another line?

My only worry is meals in the MDR, whats the situation with solo travellers there, is the experience awkward and is it best just to stick to the buffet?

On another note i will pay 170 euros gratuities for the 17 day cruise which i don't mind, but what is the situation with tipping? Am i expected to tip the room steward and cleaner ever day or just once on the last day? I have a drinks package, am i expected to tip the bar person every day and what about the waiters?

I was thinking of tipping the steward and cleaner on the last day (if thats ok) but how much, is there a going rate?

I don't want to appear stingy, but i don't want to be bankrupt at the end of the cruise.

Many regards, Gerry.