Cinematic Mediterranean

[elbowroom]

This was a peak season, August, cruise, from Venice to Barcelona, through the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ligurian seas, then across the Gulf of Lions.  I thought I’d make a few remarks that might provoke a comment or two rather than write a survey.

 

First of all, halfway through, the crew appeared wearing masks. We were informed that evening that this was due to Covid-related incidents, so my first wish is for the good health and recovery of those affected.

 

The embarkation process involved check-in at Venice terminal and coach transfer to Fusina. It was a bit cumbersome, partly because we first received a boarding pass stating Fusina, then a week later a “warning” telling us on no account to go directly to Fusina; instead, we should proceed to the Venice terminal. This was followed almost daily reminders of the same. It is no big deal, but why not simply send out one clear notification in the first place?

 

Three really good things.

 

The itinerary of a port intensive cruise, with many interesting places to visit in many countries. The two not-so-recommendable destinations were Durres and Portofino. Albania has many wonderful places to visit, but Durres doesn’t rank among them, I’m afraid. Portofino was completely overrun by visitors, both cruisers and day-trippers, in short it was as crowded as any tabloid reporter could imagine. It’s a pity, as otherwise it is surely an attractive destination.

 

Small-ship privilege, as that it what it is! Being able to walk off Nautica and stroll into the centre of Zadar, Monte Carlo, and above all, large cities such as Marseille or Barcelona. That’s worth the price alone…well, almost! As we are planning a south-east Asia cruise, I wonder whether O-class ships dock in such places Ho Chi Minh city, or Bangkok. Having a destination representative on board adds to the experience.

 

Housekeeping: truly excellent, top marks to Lucy and Christoph.

 

Not so good things…

 

As this was a port-a-day cruise; the GDR was shut each and every day. In our previous experience, on some port days, it has remained open. Indeed, one of the pleasures in life used to be visiting an interesting port, a light lunch in the GDR, followed by a return visit. Never open at lunch seemed somewhat excessive: some passengers like to stay aboard, not everyone desires a buffet or short-order options every day. In the end, the best cuisine at sea was “invisible” at lunchtime. Is this a cost-cutting exercise?  There have been plenty of exchanges about this issue.

 

It might extend to others. For example, it seemed to me that the more expensive items in the GDR were smaller and rarer. The size of the sole and the smallest portion of foie gras ever might indicate that. Otherwise, the food was as consistent as before. Breakfast outdoors at the back of the Terrace Café is a great start to any day, though the air-conditioning inside and in other public spaces is truly gelid. Perhaps rather than introduce new restaurants on new liners, a bit of variety in the older ships might be money better spent. Toscana and Polo are immutable; do they ever change?

 

Tender service…our memory informs us that previously it was more frequent. I don’t recall ever having to wait so long for a short hop ashore. This time was different, and a strict schedule was adhered to, after a very slow beginning to the process. This might make sense, but with Covid-related incidents, I would disagree. One day in particular, in St. Tropez, the tender waited (for some time) until it was full before heading off. Full means full: sardines in a tin. “Social distancing” has long been forgotten.

 

The weak points always take longer to describe in what was overall an extremely enjoyable cruise with an itinerary that would be hard to equal. We will return.

[MEFIowa]

Wife and I have spent 20 nights total on Riviera (12/2021) and Sirena (11/2022). We haven't eaten in the GDR even once. Walked thru them both. But we eat breakfast in Waves and love the TC for lunch and under the stars for dinner. We've got 20 more nights on Riviera later this year. No plans to eat in the GDR. But I may walk thru again just to see it.

[LHT28]

yes common   that the GDR is not open on port days 

Then menus in the specialties  change  or just  remove/add differnt dishes  but  it may be several years  before that happens

 maybe the several email with port info is because  many complain they never got  the info

 

Some never  read the  Currents  so why would they read an email

[Vineyard View]

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

 

 maybe the several email with port info is because  many complain they never got  the info

 

Some never  read the  Currents  so why would they read an email

Venice is a cluster. We experienced Fusina on Seabourn in May. It’s still confusing to a lot of people, on various cruise lines. To your point, likely better to over communicate than under, as many people still believe they will be sailing out of Marittima. 
Sounds like a great cruise though. Sad that many ports are allowing so many large ships in on any given day. It greatly impacts the experience. 

[cruisemom42]

5 hours ago, elbowroom said:

As this was a port-a-day cruise; the GDR was shut each and every day. In our previous experience, on some port days, it has remained open. Indeed, one of the pleasures in life used to be visiting an interesting port, a light lunch in the GDR, followed by a return visit.

 

Interesting, on my very recent Insignia cruise the GDR was open for lunch on about 50% of port days.

 

Could it be they look at the number of people on excursions that carry on through lunch and decide whether or not it is worthwhile to open?  I know that where we were cruising (Greenland/Newfoundland/Iceland) many of the excursions were quite short and if passengers got off and walked around the port area it could easily be done in a couple of hours. From your description, that may not be the case for the ports on your itinerary.

 

[babysteps]

We were on Nautica this spring (2023) and yes we docked close in at both Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City - no hours-long transfers required.

 

HCM the O provided shuttle was frequent (ish) and short, or you could simply walk out. Tip: to get the HoHo bus, the shuttle is easier especially for day 1 than the nearby-tiny-paved-median-island stop.

 

Bangkok the R ship port is close in but not really walkable, the shuttle is longish and doesn't quite get all the way to River Phraya center of city. Still waaay closer than big-ship saltwater dock!

[elbowroom]

Thanks, that's very helpful.