msclover

So, yesterday in Santos during the Preziosa cerimony the 2014-2015 SA season has been announced:

- MSC Preziosa (from Santos)

- MSC Poesia (from Santos)

- MSC Lirica (from Rio de Janeiro)

- MSC Magnifica (probably from Buenos Aires)

Finally! :)

Would I need to have booked the more expensive flight to be able to change flights? I would normally accept and follow such advice from the Cruise line but it just seems like a huge amount of time. I have two reasons for not wanting to have to hang around the airport for ages unnecessarily: I have health issues that could make this very difficult and if I am feeling well, we could be using this time at the other end in Rio.

Which company are you flying? There is a " flexible fare that allows you to do that! Even you have already booked I think you can upgrade it

Arriving back into Santos on Splendour of the Seas at 8:30am Sunday March 9, 2014. Royal Caribbean are saying not to book a flight out of Sao Paulo to Rio before 4:30pm. Has anyone the experience please to be able to say if this is good advice or a waste of a day as we would rather be in Rio then waiting around at an airport. We are happy to organise our own transport to CGH airport if it means that we will be more time efficient. Thank you.:)

This is just my personal opinion: I would follow Royal Caribbean advice just to be relaxed with time issues. Also, if you arrive in the airport before, there is a possibility to change the flight directly with the flight company (I've done this a lot of times). There are lots of CGH - Rio flights and they are not always full so sometimes they offer you to take and earlier flight when they see you checkin in for a late flight or you can go there and ask too :)

I will try to answer you but remember I've never cruise in Asia, only in South America with Costa and never cruised on Costa Victoria. But, I still think my info will be right for any Costa ship :)

 

 

1. I booked a Guaranteed Inside Classic room directly through Costa. It seems that the Inside Classic rooms have sold out. Is there a chance I could be upgraded? Also, how can I ensure that we get one double bed as opposed to two singles? Yes there is a chance for upgrade. Last February we got an upgrade from an Inside to a Samsara Inside on the Favolosa. All the beds are convertible into double bed or two singles so no worries about that.

 

2. Once guaranteed rooms are assigned, can you request a change within the same cabin category if you are not satisfied? (For example, a cabin with two singles instead of one double bed?) I've done this for my next Fascinosa cruise and as there were other cabins in the same category available, I changed it. In my case it wasn't guaranteed, I only changed my mind about the location of the cabin and they changed it for me even after payment.

 

3. Has anyone been on one of the Asian cruises from Singapore and which nationality is the most dominant on the cruise? Chinese? Singaporeans? Are there many Europeans or North Americans? Can't help you with this one, sorry!

 

4. Has anyone been on a Christmas Costa Cruise before? Is there anything special that Costa does for Christmas? Will they serve a traditional Christmas dinner and offer Church Service?Yes, on the Favolosa last year they decorated the doors with red bows (first time I ever saw it on a cruise ship) and they had a special Christmas Dinner and party with special activities (mainly for the kids but still) and yes they did offer Church Service during all the cruise.

 

 

 

 

5. Does Costa include toiletries in the bathroom or must we bring our own? Also, do they fold the towels in interesting and fun ways like other cruise lines? The towel thing happens: in the Christmas day my Cabin Steward made a candle for us and decorated our bed (but we were on the Suite, I don't know if its the same for all categories). They offer shampoo, body lotion, soap and I don't know if I forgot something! I always bring my own shampoo but never soap and body lotion since I'm ok using the ships.

 

6. Are port charges charged when you book the cruise or is that an additional charge on board? I don't know about Asia, but in South America you only pay it when you book the cruise. No charge on board

 

7. I am a Canadian travelling with my wife. But my mother in law is interested in joining us. However, she is a resident of the Philippines. It seems that the rate for residents of the Philippines is four times what we paid. Does anybody know if I would be allowed to book another room for my mother in law at our Canadian rate? Or if she could be added to our room for the Canadian rate? Alternatively, I know there are a lot of US websites that will accept international bookings and offer the US rates. But will Costa accept the booking? I have heard that sometimes tickets will not be issued or passengers will be denied boarding. I don't know how to answer that, why don't you contact Costa and see what they say? :)

 

Sorry for all of the questions and thank you for your help!

Ah, you don't need to learn anything from me, I just ramble on each day! I used to write detailed reviews when I got home but am always too busy at work to do that, so now just share my experience onboard when I actually do have spare time! That an internet connections have gotten better.

 

I'd rather sail to Rio or Buenos Sires next Autumn than santos as it is just easier to fly home from without a long journey up to São Paolo. Either way more than happy to return to Brazil.

You're absolutely right...Rio and Buenos Aires are much easier for flights... I don't know if you remember when the ships used to sail from Santos AND Rio de Janeiro...I wish they could bring this back!

Hello friend,

 

check in the MSC Cruises USA website and it will be avaiable that MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia already have cruises for december 2014 in the Mediterranean. MSC Divina is confirmed in the Caribbean, so the last MSC "Fantasia" Class is the MSC Preziosa.

 

I am almost 100 per cent sure that she will be back next season. Not so bad, after all she is brand new :P

 

Just waiting to check the Transatlantic itineraries!

 

Victor Joseph

 

PS: There is a slightly chance that they could not send a "Fantasia Class" next season since this current season is the worst in many years. We have seen the cruise market over here getting cold, only 11 ships this year. Well, we have to consider that if they would keep the MSC Preziosa in the Mediterranean they would already put their cruises for sale. Since they did not annouced yet, the chances are for South America :)

Hi Victor,

Thanks for the info!

I don't mind if they send the Preziosa again! :) The market is getting cold here but they are still sending 4 ships this season and the Preziosa cruises are selling really well!

The Orchestra is not selling that well so I think that if they are going to have less ships here, it will probably be one of the Musica-class ships that will be leaving (that's what I hope! ;) )

Let's wait for official news from MSC! :)

Are you sailing in SA this season?

I'd be more than happy to do a repo from Europe to South America on the Preziosa. Wonder where she will home port - santos! too or BA?

Hi Amo!

Almost 100% sure it will be Santos again because the main market in SA for MSC is still in Brazil and in Santos, not Rio! ;)

See you in brazilian waters!

I'm thinking about doing a 'live' or 'almost live' blog from my next Preziosa cruise like you always do, but I think I still have to learn from you! :)

Hello friend!

 

Well, maybe this will happen :( That's really bad, they could open the bookings for people who like to plan ahead. I think that MSC Splendida will come since she will be the only one who have not been here yet. But who knows, maybe they could send 2 Fantasia Class, maybe none since the market here is so cold now...

 

Hey MSC, give us a hint!

 

Victor

Hi Victor!

I think it's time to send the Splendida...I read somewhere that the Magnifica probably will change itineraries with the Poesia next season. Not sure about the ship based in Rio de Janeiro... let's wait! :)

Hello friends and specially MSC Cruises (since i know you have an eye over here :))

 

Well, we are reaching november and the 2014-2015 South America season have not been launched yet! I am worried because i am almost closing a nice deal with Costa, since i like to do transatlantic cruises.

 

Since they have few Samsara cabins i am worried of loosing then, but in the reality i prefer the MSC Yacht Club Suites. I am booking with Costa just because MSC have not yet launched his season.

 

I would like to know if a little bird knows wich MSC ship will come to Brazil in November 2014 and specially the dates! I know that it's a lot of "guessing" but the majority of cruise lines have already plans for 2015. Why MSC is "sleeping in the bus stop"?? You gonna loose your brazilian customers! ;)

 

Thank you all my friends

 

Victor

Hello Victor!

I'm waiting too... but I think they are waiting because they first need to make a big party for the Preziosa and then the Divina will come for the World Cup... maybe in the middle/end of the 2013-2014 season they will give us some news!

Until then, I'm looking forward for the ships to arrive in 2 weeks! ;)

iirc the bus company Litoranea (telefone: 13-3219-3649; http://www.litoranea.com.br/) does the route from Sao Sebastiao to Santos (leaving from/arriving at the rodoviaria/bus station in those towns). I believe there are about 5 departures daily.

I agree, taking a bus is the best option!

*Elvis*, enjoy your stay in Santos! ;)

We'll be going straight to the ship from GIG. How do I ask the driver to be taken there? TIA

Boulders!

The port of Rio is called PIER MAUA! Just ask the driver to take you to Pier Maua and he will know where to take you!

Pier Mauá S/A

Avenida Rodrigues Alves, 10

Praça Mauá - Rio de Janeiro - RJ

CEP 20081-250

+ 55 21 3195-8000 / 2516-2618

+ 55 21 7871-8782

contato@piermaua.com.br

Enjoy your trip!

VidaNaPraia, respect is good ;)

I answered based on what I read on Rio official website (STMR)

http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/web/smtr/exibeconteudo?article-id=119756

"Os táxis especiais são organizados em cooperativas e devem ser veículos de porte médio, com potência mínima de 80hp. Só há padronização de pintura entre os táxis de uma mesma cooperativa."

http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/web/smtr/exibeconteudo?article-id=1776544

As you can see (sorry about the info in portuguese but if you live in Salvador you will be able to read it) all the info is on their website, all I did was translate it.

I've been to Rio a thousand times (I live in São Paulo, 40 min from there by plane) and as a brazilian I don't care on taking a regular yellow one... you have to agree with me that the coop ones (or those with telephone, gps service)are safer.

The prices are also correct.

There's nothing incorrect about the free apps you can use to order taxis (this service is only available in SP and RJ). It's very easy and safe (always use it!)

I know about two types of taxis in Rio de Janeiro:

- Regular ones: those with the default color (yellow with blue stripes on the sides). They operate by taximeter (R$ 4,70 + 1,70 per km (1) or + 2,04 (2 by night and sunday))

- Special ones (cooperatives): Special taxis are organized into cooperatives and vehicles should be of medium size, with minimum output of 80 hp. The painting is regular only between the taxis froom the same coop. These rates are, on average, 80% higher than the regular ones,due to the fact of taxis operating in this category can not pick up passengers along the way, but only through radio call. After the race the taxi to return to the empty spot.

You should also check the free apps for Iphone and Android (99taxis is very good) where you can call a taxi by your smartphone and they give you the name of the driver, the car model and the plate.

I prefer the coop ones cause they have gps, you order by phone and you know who is picking you is from a company... the app is also really good.

Hmmm...not much! Ilhabela is all about the beach and nice views!

The city is lovely... there's a beautiful church very close to where the tender docks:

There's a nice place called Sea Club that offers a nice restaurant, sushi bar, swimming pools and a very nice view, they offer a day-use ticket. I've been there, and it's totally worth the price:http://www.seaclub.com.br/

Anoher option is the DPNY hotel that offers a day-use (swimming pools, bar, restaurant)...pretty much the same from the Sea Club but it also has a Spa:http://www.dpny.com.br/en/the-dpny/beach-club

Definitely bring repellent!

VidaNaPraia,

I went to Salvador with TAM and came back with Gol for almost the same price. We got a Sandwich on TAM and had to pay for chips on Gol...

Like I said before, if the flight is short, both are great...but if it's long, go with TAM if prices are similar (thanks for the reminder ;) ) for a better service (Gol is also very good, but if you can choose for the same price, got with Tam)

Fot short flights (around 40 min from rio to sao paulo) any of then are good. For flights with more than 1 hour go with the Tam, that offers best service and food (on some Gol flights you have to pay for it).

Never tried Azul but it has limited flights to sao paulo (it goes to campinas instead, a 1,5h from sp city) and i never trier Avianca but heard good comments about (check which airplane model they are using first).

Hope it helps ;)

Are there stores near the Ibis where I can pick up some bottles of wine? (Royal Caribbean allows you to carry on 2 bottles per cabin.) Is it easy to get a taxi to the port?

Hi Linda!

Ibis is in the "Canal 3", and if you go on the opposite direction of the beach (up) and cross the street, you will find "Casa Santa Marta", a very nice grocery store that has lots of fine foods and for sure you will find wine there! You can ask the reception for more directions, but the address is: "Avenida Washington Luiz, 500".

The Ibis/Mercure building is in the corner of the beach avenue (Vicente de Carvalho) and Canal 3 (Avenida Washington Luiz).

A picture from my view on Ibis - 6th floor (I don't remember the room #, but ask for a beach view). The pool is from a club that is on the same building and we don't have access to. The balconies are from the Mercure hotel.

There is a taxi station (always saw lots of taxis there) in front of the Hotel (av Washington Luiz). We ordered taxi from the reception the day before but we ended up cancelling it once we found that there were lots of taxis already there. It's a 10 minutes taxi ride to the port (depends on the traffic, of course, but it is very close!)

Try to arrive in the port early (9:30, 10 am) because it tends to get very busy as most of the ships are there in the same day and there is only one big embarkation place. Priority/Loyalty Program Lines are confusing and don't always work in Santos.

The best hotels in Santos (price/location/new rooms/quality of service) are ibis and mercure both from accor hotels. They are on the same place but different buildings. The ibis is way more simple and cheaper than the mercure but i always stay there pre cruise. The mercure is much nicer, they have a private pool with the best view fro. Santos a very nice restaurant close to the pool (emmes). The mercure is nice if you are staying more than 1 night. If not, go with the ibis :) you also get a bigger room on thr mercure (bedroom, living room, mini kitchen area, bathroom and balcony with a nice beach view) than on the ibis (bathroom, bed, desk and a tiny storage space which is ok if u are not unpacking and only waiting for your cruise. Ask for a beach view on higher floors).

The parque balneário ia overpriced. The location is nice but the room is not that clean and the hotel is old. Too much money. Definitely not worth it.

I stayed in those 3 hotels and the best option based on price/quality is ibis, then mercure

amazing live review! :)

Can you tell me if the Armonia Lounge is closed? I love that place and when I had a Med cruise on the Armonia in 2010 it was always closed...in Brazil it was one of the main lounges, after the Bar del Duomo, of course :)

We are cruising from Valparaiso:) on 16th March.We are planning to spend 14th at a hotel in Santiago and then take a tour/transfer on 15th to Valparaiso and spend the night there pre-cruise. As we are going to take a tour around Santiago, I am thinking that the hotel does not need to be in a central location but I would like it in a safe position. I am considering Hotel Santiago Park Plaza or Novotel Santiago Vitacura. Does anyone have helpful advice on these hotels please?

 

I was also thinking of the Ibis near the port in Valparaiso so would also appreciate any thoughts on that. It seems like a simple, clean and inexpensive choice for a brief stay.

Mercure Santiago Centro (former Caesar Business) is very well located and the service is very good! I've been there last month and loved it...

excited for the next post!

re-posting the picture, I hope it's working now!

well, I've been on the Norwegian Gem (same itinerary you are saying) and on the Costa Fortuna, sisters of these ships you've mentioned.

The main difference is the style: on the Costa you get an italian style with more traditional things like you have scheduled dinner sittings (1st and 2nd) and the shows are better (in my opinion), while on the NCL is open sitting.

The variety of restaurants is bigger on the NCL (for some you have to pay extra fees but you have a lot of more options).

The style of the ship itself is also different: on the NCL you have more cabin options, the ship has different features (freestyle cruising) and even in Europe you'll find for sure lots of Americans on board. On the Costa Magica you'll find more italians and less english-speakers.

I find the pool area better on the NCL also!

I hope it helps...if you have other specific questions, please feel free to ask!

A pic from the balcony of an Aurea Suite (MSC Fantasia)! Hope it helps!

Based on my past experiences (I've visited Buenos Aires 4 times always by ship):

- Señor Tango is more like a SHOW where Tango is part of the entertainment options (they also have horses!) with lots of lights, colors, people and a lot going on (http://www.senortango.com.ar/en/intro.asp)

and

- Esquina Carlos Gardel is more about Tango itself, where the show is all about the dance (it was kind of boring to me, but for someone really intersted in Tango it is really nice). The place is really beautiful! (http://esquinacarlosgardel.com.ar/)

Both options offer dinner and sometimes wine but I really don't think it's worth the price paid to eat there, so if you can eat before in Puerto Madero and go for with the show-only ticket after ;)

The ships always offer excursions to these places so check on the website if they are charging it properly...if not just book the tickets online, take a taxi and enjoy your night in Buenos Aires!

Again, this is based on my experience and preferences :)