Complete Greek Isle curise aboard Victoria

[54sapper]

We just returned on July 18, 2005 from the 7-day Mediterranean cruise aboard the Victoria. Good news first, the ship was well maintained, staff very friendly and helpful, everyone spoke English, and smoking was not an issue (did not hang out in the bars though). This was our second cruise, the first was with the Princess cruise line in the Caribbean. We enjoyed the Mediterranean ports of call more than the Caribbean, but overall, the Costa cruise was like watching a B-Movie compared to Princess. The Victoria is very basic, the food was satisfying, and the entertainment was OK. One of the major complaints we have has to do with gender discrimination by the male staff against our friends, a Mother and daughter travelling together. As we prefer to explore on our own, we used Dr.Crovatt's advise which was very helpful. We actually went for a run through the old town part of Bari, which was like being in any big city. Locals were friendly and helpful. At Katakolon (Olympia) we hired a Taxi (80 euros), Bobis was our driver, right outside of the disembarkation area. He spoke English, was very nice and informative. For 80 euros, they will take you anywhere you want to go, all day, and wait for you. Bobis drove us to Olympia (38Km away) and to the beach which is about a 10 minute drive from the port. Katakolon was a quaint port town, buy souvenirs from here and not in the town of Olympia. Santorini was a great visit, wish we could have stayed the entire day. Do not use the donkey trail to go up unless you do not mind walking in animal waste material (very slippery and smelly). Did not deboard at Mykonos, however, heard it was a nice little town. In Rodi, we chose to walk around the walled city. Numerous great little shops and the people were very friendly. Dubrovnik was also a very nice stop. Beauiful city, but the walled old town can become quite congested when more than one cruise ship is docked. Recommend deboarding early and heading straight for the one and only entry point to walk along the top of the wall (price is 30 krons), otherwise a long line will form.

 

Overall, a no frills cruise. Hope this review is informative and helpful. We will not do another cruise with Costa.

[winewanderer]

Thanks for the review. Who is Dr. Crovatt and where can one find his advice?

 

Thanks

[joy2cruise]

How did you find the itinerary? The November sailing, does not go to Athens. Also, only is in Santorini from 7:30am to 1:30pm?