ROLL CALL, COSTA MAGICA April 15

[smith6806]

Hello fellow cruisers:

My wife and I are cruising on the Costa Magica, April 15, 2005. We live in St. Petersburg, Florida, and although we have been on several cruises stateside, this will be our first cruise overseas and we would like to know how many of our countrymen and countrywomen, will be joining us. Hope to see you on board.

David Smith

[theman1]

Hello,

 

 

How was your cruise? Did you return safely? Could you share with me some comments regarding ship, atmosphere, etc. Is there enough activities for kids? What do you recommend (or do not recommend) to do during cruise. I will be on Magica in July and I am very interested in all your comments

[smith6806]

Hello:My Wife and I recently returned from our Magica cruise, April 15-25, 2005. The itinerary (Italy, Egypt, Cyprus and Greece), the reason we chose the cruise, was great!! The Magica ship, being only about 6 months old, was very nice and very comfortable but we did agree with previous cruisers, that the food was mediocre at best. Our dining room staff was polite but not very friendly. Our cabin steward was very efficient and friendly, the few times that we happen to see him. We did not bring any children with us, so I cannot really comment on the number or quality of the children activities. There did not seem to be many kids on our cruise. Since this was our first European cruise, I knew that it would be different than our Caribbean cruises, but I was surprised that of 3,200 passengers, only 300 spoke English (primarily) and of those, only 47 were American. Announcements are made in 5 languages although most of the music and entertainment is in English. Most of the ship's crew speaks English, so communicating was never a problem. An English Host, named Ricky, is available to handle possible problems for the English speaking passengers. We did feel that, overall, passengers (whatever the nationality) were ruder than what we recalled on previous cruises. Cutting in line at buffets, at excercise equipment and entering elevators before those onboard have been able to exit, was very common. I highly recommend that you purchase the Kids drink coupons and a wine/water package on the Costa website before you get onboard, as it is significantly more expensive onboard. Embarkation and disembarkation were slow. I would recommend arriving either very early or close to sailing time to avoid a long wait to board. Overall, the cruise was great and I would certainly sail on the Magica, again! I am sure that your cruise will also be great, just be ready for it to be different, if this is your first European cruise. If you have any other questions concerning the cruise or transportation to or from the ship, please let me know.

Dave Smith

[rachly]

Hello:My Wife and I recently returned from our Magica cruise, April 15-25, 2005. The itinerary (Italy, Egypt, Cyprus and Greece), the reason we chose the cruise, was great!! The Magica ship, being only about 6 months old, was very nice and very comfortable but we did agree with previous cruisers, that the food was mediocre at best. Our dining room staff was polite but not very friendly. Our cabin steward was very efficient and friendly, the few times that we happen to see him. We did not bring any children with us, so I cannot really comment on the number or quality of the children activities. There did not seem to be many kids on our cruise. Since this was our first European cruise, I knew that it would be different than our Caribbean cruises, but I was surprised that of 3,200 passengers, only 300 spoke English (primarily) and of those, only 47 were American. Announcements are made in 5 languages although most of the music and entertainment is in English. Most of the ship's crew speaks English, so communicating was never a problem. An English Host, named Ricky, is available to handle possible problems for the English speaking passengers. We did feel that, overall, passengers (whatever the nationality) were ruder than what we recalled on previous cruises. Cutting in line at buffets, at excercise equipment and entering elevators before those onboard have been able to exit, was very common. I highly recommend that you purchase the Kids drink coupons and a wine/water package on the Costa website before you get onboard, as it is significantly more expensive onboard. Embarkation and disembarkation were slow. I would recommend arriving either very early or close to sailing time to avoid a long wait to board. Overall, the cruise was great and I would certainly sail on the Magica, again! I am sure that your cruise will also be great, just be ready for it to be different, if this is your first European cruise. If you have any other questions concerning the cruise or transportation to or from the ship, please let me know.

Dave Smith

Hello Dave,

We will be cruising the MAGICA in July 2005, it embarks in Rome, Italy, for a 7-day Med cruise. This is our first time with Costa, and I've read all the mixed reviews, especially the food and smoking. Is the smoking a problem, and do they have designated areas? Also, our flight leaves at 2pm to Newark on the day of disembarkation. Should I take a taxi, or does Costa provide transportation to the Rome airport? At what time should I arrive to the port to embark the ship? Any other helpful info will be appreciated. Thanks...

[smith6806]

Hi Rachly:

Our cruise originated in Savona, Italy, so I am not familiar with cruises leaving from Rome but I would still recommend getting there early or waiting until near sailing time to embark. I would recommend that you make Costa aware of your 2pm flight so they will arrange for your disembarkation to be in one of the first groups, allowing you time to take a cab to the airport if you did not arrange for bus transportation with Costa, already. Try and get the disembarkation and transportation issue straight with Costa before the cruise so you do not have to worry about it. We were in the last group to disembark at 10:30 am, 2 hours after the first group left. We were not in a rush and had not made arrangements with Costa. As for the issue of smoking, my Wife and I are non-smokers and I can honestly say that other than the Casino and some bars, smoking was not a problem for us. Dining rooms do not allow smoking and most bars had non-smoking areas. Very seldom did we encounter people smoking in other indoor areas. I am not sure of your itinerary but if it includes Naples, be sure to visit Pompei. It was our favorite excursion.

Have a great trip.

Dave Smith

[rachly]

Hi Dave~

Thanks for your reply on the MAGICA. Our cruise begins and ends in Rome, and visits Savona, Barcleona, Tunis and Palma de Mallorca to name a few. I'm glad to know the smoking was not a problem for you, since I am sensitive to that... By the way, I grew up in St. Pete, and graduated USF, although I don't live there anymore, I still adore it! Regarding the issue of food, what did you think? I read a post from someone comparing the food on the Magica to Carraba's and truthfully, if that is the case, then I'd be thrilled...But, I've read alot of comments from people who were quite disaapointed with the food. I guess one cannot have high expectations. Did you pre-tip the cabin guy, Maitr'd, or server? How was the entertainment? Is there anything special we should know? I think I will take your advice and embark close to sail away time. That's all for now. C U later...

[smith6806]

Rachly:

The food was good but not great. The two beef entres I ordered were tough, so I avoided beef the rest of the cruise. The pasta was better and many nights we would have an appetizer, pasta and a salad and simply skip the entre. Neither my wife or I are big eaters, so the fact that the food wasn't great did not detract from the overall cruise, since we were on the ship due to it's intinerary and not simply it's food. Besides, having someone wait on you, hand and foot, seems to make any food taste better.

As for the issue of tipping, Costa automatically figures a 6.00 Euro per passenger per day tip into your final bill, which covers the cabin steward and dining room staff. You can request a modification of the "voluntary tip" but it will require you getting in line early the morning of disembarkation to change the bill. You are free to supplement the "voluntary tip" by handing an additional tip to the person.

The entertainment in the theater was not very good compared to the entertainment we have seen on Caribbean cruises. The need to communicate in five languages, seemed to limit the types of entertainers they could use, eventhough most singers performed American songs in English, only. The entertainment in the bars seemed to be better.

Assuming that you are taking the cruise for it's itinerary, I wouldn't worry about the food. By the third day you will be so full that you will be looking to avoid food.

Have a great cruise!

Dave Smith

[rachly]

Hi Dave from St. Pete, (i'll be there in 2 weeks)

You are so right about the food...We'll be so busy at the ports, that we won't have time to be bothered with the food. And like you say, there is always something good one can find to eat. Besides it's always wise to lose before you cruise! One more thing...Is the crowd typically middle age. We are mid 40's early 50's with 2 teenagers. Let me know if you think of anything else, thanks once again!

[smith6806]

Hi Rachly:

The crowd was definitely middle aged on our cruise. I would expect more kids on your cruise, since it is during summer vacation time. Let your teenagers know that they have a video game room and a discoteque, but there are only two english speaking television channels (both news) and no free movies. There is internet available at the Internet Cafe but it is charged to your room account at 50 Euro cents per minute. If your family has a bunch of electronic gadgets that require recharging, be advised that there is only one double (110v) outlet in the midlevel bedrooms. I brought along an extension cord which allowed me to plug in several gadgets to recharge and also allowed me to power my laptop to watch a movie in our room. I also found it helpful to scan our passports and put the copies in our wallets as our American passports were taken when we boarded the ship but proof of identity was requested upon reboarding at each port.

Have a great cruise and hopefully a pleasant visit to St. Pete.

Dave Smith

[Emdee]

Where do you get the wine package? On the website or on the dock?

 

I am probably going June 5th

 

Thanks

[kaytee38]

Hi,

 

I just received my travelling tickets for the Magica for May 22. The wine packages are to be purchased from your bartender at dinner. (that's what the info in the package states). It also says the packages are 20% discount.

[smith6806]

The wine packages and kids soda package is less expensive if you book it online, than purchasing it on the ship. To book it online, go to "customize your cruise" enter your booking number and browse the special services and gifts area for the wine and soda packages. The wine and soda packages are available onboard at a discount from the price you would pay if you bought each item separately, but not as great a discount as booking it online before the cruise. Approximately 5 days before the cruise you will receive an email confirmation of your online selections, prices and where you wish to receive the package on board the ship (we chose the diningroom). The first night at dinner, the waiter brought us the paperwork to sign (charging it to our room) and confirmed how we wished to use the wine package and handed us the wine and soda package coupons. The kids soda package was a great way to get non-alcoholic drinks, cappucinos and lattes. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A KID TO BUY OR USE THE KID SODA PACKAGE. Be aware that approximately 5 days before the cruise, Costa stops online booking of packages and excursions!

Enjoy your cruise.

Dave Smith

[kaytee38]

I couldn't find it anywhere on the online booking for special packages. I may be blind!!! Please help (step by step instructions, maybe)

[smith6806]

Dear Kaytee38:

Unfortunately my booking number has expired and I cannot access to that area of the Costa website to confirm the exact steps for ordering the packages. Make sure that you search the "special services" and "gifts" menu, after entering your booking number to customize your cruise. If you still cannot find it, you might contact your travel agent or Costa, for assistance. Sorry I can't be of any further assistance.

Dave Smith

[kaytee38]

Thanks Dave for the info.

 

I'm sure I'll find it soon...but thanks for the tips!!

[rachly]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for all the previous helpful info on our July cruise. I just have one question regarding the soda package. I do not drink soda's, but I do like cappucion's and lattes. On Princess ships, for example, if one goes to the dining room for breakfast, and you order a latte or cappucion it is complimentary. This has happened to me! Do you think this is the case on the Magica, or do I have to buy the soda package for my morning espresso drink? Also, are the soda's from a dispenser, or do they give you the bottle or can? Thanks in advance...

[smith6806]

Rachly:

I do not know whether the cappucinos and lattes are free in the dining rooms, we never order them in the dining rooms. We would order them at one of the bars or at the theatre and there would be a charge if you did not have a coupon. I would guess that they are not free in the dining rooms because they charged for sodas at dinner. As to your question about dispensing of the soda, there are no cans or bottles dispensed, only by the glass. After breakfast, the only free beverages dispensed are water, coffee or tea. Only during breakfast can you get orange and grapefruit juices free.

Dave Smith

[Jo42]

American coffee is free in the main dining room and in the special dining room, cappuccino was charged in both. Coffe delivered to our cabin was free, but there was a 2.5 euro service charge.

[TDOTCRUISR]

Rachly: I just returned from the Magica on May 15 with your exact same itinerary. There were actually a pretty good mix of people in age groups on our cruise, from babies to seniors. The late teen/early 20's ( I had 4 of them) at my table all had a great time, dancing up a storm. They disco was packed every night, so there were definitely no complaints from them. Dave was exactly right, the food was pretty good but not great, but we all had no problem finding something satisfying...there's always the pizzeria later. If you purchased an air/cruise pkg, transfers are usually included. You should check with your travel agent. The Costa reps are in the airport waiting for your arrival. They have a list with all the names of the expected passengers that have transfers & will take you to the Citavecchia port by bus. Be sure to catch the shows on the Gala nights, they are the only good ones. Enjoy your cruise!

[rachly]

Dear TDOTCRUISR,

Welcome back, and thanks for your perspective on the Magica. We'll be in Rome for 2 nights prior to embarking the ship, so I have to arrange for transportation from the center of Rome to the port on embarkation day (can't wait) Do you recall how much the transfers are from the port to the airport, since our Itn'l flight leaves on disembarkation day. I don't know if I should hire a driver or use the Costa transfer, (we are 4 people). I'll be asking more questions later, right now I am going to retire for the night! Thanks...

[TDOTCRUISR]

Rachly: I don't recall the exact price of the Costa transfers offered on the ship, but I do know that a lot of passengers decided to use them & said they were a lot cheaper, but that may not be the case since there are 4 of you. Sorry, couldn't help you more.

[rachly]

TDOTCRUISR,

Do you know if I can purchase the transfer while on board during the cruise? Also, what is the least interesting port, the reason I ask, is that since we are travelling with our kids (both teens) , they will probably want one rest day, and I'm wondering which one? Besides Barcelona, which is the one you would vote for the lazy day?

[TDOTCRUISR]

Rachly: Yes you can purchase the transfers while on board. I was travelling with my 19 yr old daughter. Although I found Tunis very exotic, my daughter was less thrilled. Don't miss Barcelona, it is a very interesting & vibrant place. Even if you get off the ship only for a short time, at least check it out. You could easily walk up Las Ramblas to Placa de Catalunya in about an hour (if you don't stop too much to window shop) & decide to head back with plenty of ship down time. There are some interesting street characters along the way, but remember not to get too close or lost in spectating without keeping an eye on your belongings (pick-pockets like crowds). Bring a hidden $ waist pouch/neck pouch (I hung it off my bra since most times I don't have a collar on my tops), tuck it in. I felt much more comfortable knowing everything was safe, esp my Costa cruise cards & the passport photocopies (ship keeps your passport) & a bank card in case anything did happen. Money I can replace, but getting back on the ship without documents is another story. I made my daughter keep an extra copy of our passports as well. I would have hated to have missed a visit to North Africa, but my daughter said she would have been fine with missing it. Not her cup of tea.

My choice of port to miss w/b Palermo.

[Jo42]

My choice of port to miss w/b Palermo.

 

I would agree with above. Sadly, I did miss Tunis but will be doing it on my next trip.

[rachly]

TDOTCRUISR,

We visited Barcelona on our first Med cruise back in the summer of pre 9/11. (that's where i think i may have confused you when i said "besides Barcleona, what is the least interesting port) Anyhow, it's a great city, and yes, I recall the pickpockets and gypies very vividly! Is it true that the Magica arrives there at 2 in the afternoon? I am going to take your advice and take a money belt, as I also wear plain tops...I suppose I won't be taking a purse or backback with me in Barcelona. (one has to plan carefully where to secure valuables) I'm starting to get excited about the cruise! Any other helpful advice or info will be appreciated!