Mediterrania Info Please

[nickylu818]

I read this board every day hoping and praying for the same awsomely (if that's a word) informative post about the med. like Andy writes for the Fortuna.

 

I know that the med. is only on it's first or second caribbean cruise this year, but c'mon people, post something pleaaaaasssseeee.

 

I sail Feb.2, and can hardly wait!!!

[Cruise4Andy]

Do you need some general info about the Mediterranea or do you have specific questions?

 

Let us know how we can help! ;)

[monicajay]

I believe the first cruisers for the carribean Med cruises arrive back today. We should hopefully get some info soon. Although, some might people might be too busy getting ready for Christmas to post.

[nickylu818]

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[nickylu818]

OMG! I just typed for an hour, only to have everything disappear because it said I was no longer logged in after I hit the submit button. Now I’m typing this in word and will copy & paste. (live and learn)

 

 

Now for my reply.

 

 

 

 

I have read all I can find, but do have some specific questions. However, I’m writing this as I’m thinking of them, so if I skip all over the place please bare with me.

 

 

I am going with my Husband & 2 kids (21 & 23) along with my Mom, Sister, her husband & their son (2). Because of my nephew’s age, Sis booked the early dinner seating. I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to have to rush every day to be ready by 6:00, so I booked the late seating. Now I’m having second thoughts. Are we going to miss a lot (i.e. shows & events) due to eating so late? Also, I’ve read conflicting dinner times. What time is the late seating 8, 8:30 or 9? Another concern of mine is, “how am I going to be able to partake in the fantastic midnight buffets if I just ate an hour ago”?

 

 

Hubby & I are booked in a PS mid-ship, son is in an ocean view & daughter will bunk with mom in an ocean view with veranda. I read in a few places that having a suite basically gives us our choice of seating times. The T/A said that on Costa, their early seating is preferred and booked-up. What are the chances of our butler being able to get us into the early seating, and should we switch?

 

 

This is my Husband & Son’s first cruise, and I want all of us to be able to really experience & enjoy all a cruise has to offer. I went on 1 other cruise (RC – 5 night) with my other sister, her husband & their 4 kids. They had cruised many times, so the didn’t partake of any shows, ports or anything for that matter. Subsequently, neither did I. Most nights were spent in the casino and as much as I enjoy gambling, I vow not to waste my whole trip there this time around.

 

 

We are a fun, outgoing family (no one will ever accuse us of being shy) so I’m sure we’re going to have fun regardless (life is what you make it right?) but any suggestions would be appreciated. Are there any “don’t miss” things you recommend?

 

 

Getting back to the food. I thought the food on RC was “ok”. Contrary to my Brother-in-law’s opinion, just because you can order 3 entrées at a time, doesn’t make it great, it just means that you can have a lot of “ok” food. We love good food, and being Italian this cruise sounds perfect. Therefore, anyone who wants to reply about how much they loved the food is welcome to do so lol.

 

 

Formal nights – One of my favorite things to do is get all dressed up and go out to dinner (especially since my total body make-over 9 months ago. I won’t get into details, let’s just say there’s a lot less of me in some places and a little more of me in others lol). I have both gowns and cocktail dresses that I can bring. I don’t want to look like a “show-off” in a gown if most women are in dresses, and don’t want to feel under dressed if it’s the other way around. How many women would you say are in gowns on formal nights?

 

 

Son wants to know if the games in the arcade are free? Since he and my daughter can’t gamble (under 25) he figures they might pass some time there.

 

 

Excursions – I booked 2, Catalina island and sea trekking in coral world. Any comments?

 

 

Activities on-board – do you sign up for things in advance or just show up at the designated times and locations?

 

Drinking – how expensive are the drinks & bottles of wine?

 

SUPERBOWL!!!! – we will be on the ship for superbowl weekend. (how I got Hubby & Son away during this is a miracle in itself) I’m assuming we will be able to watch the game (I hope, cause that’s what I told them!!). Do you think Costa plans anything special for the event?

 

Embarking – We are arriving by plane from NJ at approximately 10:30 am, I figure about an hour or so to get bags and get to the port. Being the optimist that I am and having “preferred boarding” (suite booking) I don’t think it will take that long to embark. How early can we board the ship?

 

That’s all I can think of for now, but I’m sure I’ll think of more as soon as I hit the “submit” button.

 

 

Both, actually. I guess I should start with when & where we’re going. Costa Med. 2/2/08 – Eastern Caribbean.

 

 

For anyone who replies, :) thanks for the help!

[Cruise4Andy]

nickylu:

At least you did not have to type it all over AGAIN... this time it worked! :)

 

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time on your cruise. Just keep in mind that it is YOUR cruise, so you choose whatever you'd like to do or elect what not to do... there are simply so many choices out there. And don't forget about the relaxing part - don't stress if you forgot something!

 

About dinner and seating times:

On Caribbean cruises, early seating is usually between 5:45 and 6:15, late seating between 8:15 and 8:45. The times vary slightly due to days in port, gala nights, etc. The exact time of each service is always announced in the TODAY (the onboard information) which you will get delivered to your room each night (for the following day). The TODAY will also give you the information of what kind of dress code you'll have the next day. Here are the days for dress code:

 

Night 1 - Casual

Night 2 - Formal (Welcoming Gala Dinner)

Night 3 - Casual

Night 4 - Casual

Night 5 - Casual

Night 6 - Formal (Farewell Gala Dinner)

Night 7 - TOGA, TOGA, TOGA!!! (which falls in the Casual category)

 

 

We always enjoy LATE seating. We're used to eat late at home anyways, so it's not a change for us. A lot of Americans (especially the elder) rather prefer the early seating. It's your preference, but we always enjoy to relax for a while, take a shower and sit on the balcony after coming back to the ship from a port of call. You don't have to hassle immediately to the dining room that way.

 

Costa is using a sytem which enables both seatings and all passengers to enjoy the shows. Usually the EARLY seating will have their show AFTER the dinner service, while the LATE seating will have their show BEFORE dinner service.

 

For example:

EARLY SEATING will EAT @ 5:45 PM and show time is at 8:30 PM, while LATE SEATING will have the show at 7:15 PM and eat at 8:30 PM.

(This is just an example!)

 

Midnight buffets are - with the exception of the Buffet Magnifico - not held in the actual dining rooms. There will be treats, snacks and food served in different areas of the ship (Atrium Deck 3, Lounge Deck 5) where you can enjoy your midnight treats. This will be open for BOTH seatings of course (some may be already in bed! LOL). Don't miss out on the Buffet Magnifico, which will take place on Night 6, after the Farewell Gala Night... you also get to see the kitchen/galley of the ship! Even if you don't want to (or can't) eat again, go and enjoy the many creative creations the Chefs and "artists". A must see!

 

During the two formal nights you will find all kind of different dress combinations. From formal, formal (tuxes and evening gowns) to dark suites and after 5 attire, to a more "relaxed" outfit (combinations, etc.). Costa is not as specific and in their own words "like you to feel comfortable"... nevertheless... it's YOUR cruise.

 

In regards of drinks, look for the special drink of the day, which is $ 6.00 + 15% service fee for a regular size and $ 6.50 + 15% service fee for a "XL" size glass. Beers vary in price ($ 3.50 to $ 5.00), depending if it is draft or bottle, domestic or import. You will find a nice, quality wine (lots of European, especially Italian of course) in the $ 20 to $ 30 range. Of course I also found some on the wine list for $ 65 to $ 95 a bottle... Whatever fits your budget...

 

Boy... did I forget anything? If yes, just let me know... :D

[mringenoldus]

We are also in a PS (aft) but are first time cruisers on Costa. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be of great help to you.

 

I typically choose early seating because there seems "something-not-right" about having so much to eat so late. However, on a port intensive trip like our RCCL Mediterranian cruise, late seating was a little better as we returned to ship late each day. On Caribbean cruises, that isn't usually an issue.

 

You will see the total gamut of formal night dress. It's your vacation - if you like to dress up - then definitely do so.

 

I have never seen free arcade games. I think I've spent less in the casino than my grandson can plug into those when he cruises with us:) I have seen "1/2 price" specials on some cruise lines.

 

I have been to Coral World - but not sea trekking. I would definitely look into what it costs to do this without going through Costa. Coral World itself was "OK" - but I much prefer the short, inexpensive ferry ride over to St John. I can't imagine a kid who wouldn't like either Magen's Bay on St. Thomas or Trunk Bay on St John.

 

I'm sure you will hear from others with even more advice. Hope you have a great time! We don't leave until March 15 so I'll look forward to seeing your review.

Maureen

[G.M.T.]

nickylu,

 

First of all, the Mediterranea is a great ship, we thoroughly enjoyed it last April spending 18 days on it.

 

I will try to answers some of your questions that may not have been covered by other CC members.

 

There is at least one hour between the end of the second dinner sitting and the midnight buffet, enough time to either use the jogging circuit or a work out in the gym or go to WW after the cruise. ;)

 

Things not to miss, the daily TODAY program which will provide invaluable info with regards to activites on board, weather and sea conditions, opening times (and closing times :mad: )of bars etc. If anyone in your party wants a relaxing time say reading a book then they should try the winter garden on Bacco Deck - either side of the threater. We always tried to attend the High Teas in the afternoon, very civilised, waiters wear white gloves serving different types of tea with small sandwiches and cakes.

 

With regards to formal nights, if you love to to wear long gowns then just do it (it's your cruise . enjoy it), but you will also see othe long gowns being worn.

 

The food we found to be mostly very good, the dinners are usually 6 or 7 courses and you can teel who is on their first cruise when they go through every course (save some place for the midnight buffets and the late pizzas). Word of advice, if you get a dish that you do not like or is cold, just tell your waiter politely the reason and he will bring you something else without any bother. Without feedback they cannot improve their service.

 

In the US when teens reach 18 they can vote and die for their country but they cannot drink or gamble until they are into their 20s! The "Med" is an Italian ship and when some one reaches 18 they can do anything they want ;). That also includes gambling in the casino or having a drink or two in each bar on board.

 

With regards to excursions, we had originally planned to do the underwater trekking but after talking to fellow passengers who had done or at least seen it being done we decided against it and just did the excursion to Coral World. The excursion was OK, but I thought that Coral World had seen better days and seeing the underwater trekking equipment just lying around on the floor and the state of it I am glad we didn't do it. If we ever do St. Thomas again then as a previous member says, I would take the ferry to St. Johns - Trunk Bay.

 

SUPERBOWL - whats that? If you mention Superbowl to your waiter you will probably get a dessert x 3 in a superbowl.:eek:

 

If you have anymore questions, just ask, there is agreat wealth of knowledge on this forum.

 

Have a great cruise, I'm sure that you and your family have the right attitude to make the most of YOUR cruise.

 

Ron

[olga77]

I read this board every day hoping and praying for the same awsomely (if that's a word) informative post about the med. like Andy writes for the Fortuna.

 

I know that the med. is only on it's first or second caribbean cruise this year, but c'mon people, post something pleaaaaasssseeee.

 

I sail Feb.2, and can hardly wait!!!

 

Where are you going? Caribbean sea? We just came back (November) from E.M. cruise on Costa Med. Here is my post:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=674875

[nickylu818]

Boy am I gonna be in trouble. :eek: :eek: :eek:

 

Additionally, my kids are 21 & 23, so, yes, they can drink, but costa informed me that you must be 25 to gamble on the ship. I asked T/A how strickly that was inforced, and she told me that she heard that they check also, god forbid they win anything substantial (remember, i'm an optimist) they would definitely have to show their license.

[abitaturbodog]

Hello! My family has officially arrived back home after a WONDERFUL cruise aboard the Mediterranea!

 

However, after staying up until 2 am last night at the Roman Bacchanal....and getting up WAY too early this morning to disembark, I am pooped!!

 

I plan on writing a full report tomorrow (Sunday) so keep posted.

[abitaturbodog]

Ok, I will try to answer some of your questions here in green.

 

I am going with my Husband & 2 kids (21 & 23) along with my Mom, Sister, her husband & their son (2). Because of my nephew’s age, Sis booked the early dinner seating. I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to have to rush every day to be ready by 6:00, so I booked the late seating. Now I’m having second thoughts. Are we going to miss a lot (i.e. shows & events) due to eating so late? Also, I’ve read conflicting dinner times. What time is the late seating 8, 8:30 or 9? Another concern of mine is, “how am I going to be able to partake in the fantastic midnight buffets if I just ate an hour ago”?

 

Dinner takes 1.5 to two hours each night. There are 6 courses and they are all delicious! Additionally, there is a midnight buffet every night! The second seating is at 9pm, so unless you like to finish dinner around 11, I'd do the early seating which begins at 6pm.

 

Hubby & I are booked in a PS mid-ship, son is in an ocean view & daughter will bunk with mom in an ocean view with veranda. I read in a few places that having a suite basically gives us our choice of seating times. The T/A said that on Costa, their early seating is preferred and booked-up. What are the chances of our butler being able to get us into the early seating, and should we switch?

 

No way is the early seating preferred! Your TA doesn't have a clue!!! There were about 75% non-Americans on the ship this past week and they are used to eating late. The dining room had lots of empty tables during the early seating and the late seating was booked full.

 

 

 

This is my Husband & Son’s first cruise, and I want all of us to be able to really experience & enjoy all a cruise has to offer. I went on 1 other cruise (RC – 5 night) with my other sister, her husband & their 4 kids. They had cruised many times, so the didn’t partake of any shows, ports or anything for that matter. Subsequently, neither did I. Most nights were spent in the casino and as much as I enjoy gambling, I vow not to waste my whole trip there this time around.

 

 

We are a fun, outgoing family (no one will ever accuse us of being shy) so I’m sure we’re going to have fun regardless (life is what you make it right?) but any suggestions would be appreciated. Are there any “don’t miss” things you recommend?

 

There are MANY opportunities to get involved in the activities. They had deck games, arts and crafts, dancing lessons, cooking displays, talent show, etc. It's up to you what you decide to do.

 

Getting back to the food. I thought the food on RC was “ok”. Contrary to my Brother-in-law’s opinion, just because you can order 3 entrées at a time, doesn’t make it great, it just means that you can have a lot of “ok” food. We love good food, and being Italian this cruise sounds perfect. Therefore, anyone who wants to reply about how much they loved the food is welcome to do so lol.

 

The food was the one of the highlights of our cruise. (The other was the wonderful service we received throughout the ship) Being Italian myself, it was like re-living some of my childhood. My husband and two sons, (10 and 11) ate like kings too. The food was distinctly European with an Italian accent. If your family likes burgers, fries and chicken you'll be bummed. But if you appreciate osso bucco, calamari, veal, salads, cheeses and olive oil, you'll be in heaven like we were!

Formal nights – One of my favorite things to do is get all dressed up and go out to dinner (especially since my total body make-over 9 months ago. I won’t get into details, let’s just say there’s a lot less of me in some places and a little more of me in others lol). I have both gowns and cocktail dresses that I can bring. I don’t want to look like a “show-off” in a gown if most women are in dresses, and don’t want to feel under dressed if it’s the other way around. How many women would you say are in gowns on formal nights?

 

Ok, I'm going to say this in a gentle manner...the Europeans on board (remember there were about 1900 of them) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to wear sparkly clothes, shoes, purses and hats! Everywhere you look, there are sequins, gold and silver. Don't feel uncomfortable wearing your best clothes. And forget about changing into comfy clothes after dinner. They wear them all night!

 

Son wants to know if the games in the arcade are free? Since he and my daughter can’t gamble (under 25) he figures they might pass some time there.

 

No, not free. Most are .50 to 1.00 per play. The arcade was OK. But your kids will be fine to gamble. You just have to be 18 years old.

 

Excursions – I booked 2, Catalina island and sea trekking in coral world. Any comments?

 

 

Activities on-board – do you sign up for things in advance or just show up at the designated times and locations?

 

Just show up. But nothing starts on time! It's very European and most activities started late and finished late.

 

Drinking – how expensive are the drinks & bottles of wine?

 

SUPERBOWL!!!! – we will be on the ship for superbowl weekend. (how I got Hubby & Son away during this is a miracle in itself) I’m assuming we will be able to watch the game (I hope, cause that’s what I told them!!). Do you think Costa plans anything special for the event?

 

There was no sports bar and no sports tv stations on the cabin tv. My Hubby had to TIVO his team's bowl game and is watching it right now! I seriously doubt that they will be able to show the Superbowl.

 

Embarking – We are arriving by plane from NJ at approximately 10:30 am, I figure about an hour or so to get bags and get to the port. Being the optimist that I am and having “preferred boarding” (suite booking) I don’t think it will take that long to embark. How early can we board the ship?

 

Embarkation and debarkation were a BREEZE. We arrived around noon and were on the ship in about 10 minutes from start to finish...no kidding! We were off the ship and on the street in about 5 minutes! Crazy!

 

That’s all I can think of for now, but I’m sure I’ll think of more as soon as I hit the “submit” button.

[monicajay]

abitaturbodog

 

Sounds like you had a great cruise. We will be waiting for your complete review. Just one question (for now). Was there only the buffet open when you boarded on the first day, or was one of the dining rooms open?

 

I don't really like buffets.

[ecpc1302]

 

First of all, the Mediterranea is a great ship, we thoroughly enjoyed it last April spending 18 days on it.

 

Ron

 

DH and I are sailing April 12, 08 on the Mediterranea 16 nights from FLL to Genoa. We love cruising, we'll be first time Costa cruisers and first time on a transatlantic crossing. I've been thinking about the time change crossing the Atlantic? How did it affect you? I'm assuming that you went from west to east in April? Did it bother you to be on the ship so many days at a time without a port stop? We love sea days, so I think we'll be fine, just wondering about your expericence. Any other comments? Thanks.

 

Elsie:cool:

[G.M.T.]

DH and I are sailing April 12, 08 on the Mediterranea 16 nights from FLL to Genoa. We love cruising, we'll be first time Costa cruisers and first time on a transatlantic crossing. I've been thinking about the time change crossing the Atlantic? How did it affect you? I'm assuming that you went from west to east in April? Did it bother you to be on the ship so many days at a time without a port stop? We love sea days, so I think we'll be fine, just wondering about your expericence. Any other comments? Thanks.

 

Elsie:cool:

Elsiie,

 

Yes we did the transatlantic cruise on the Med last April - FLL to Italy (west to east). There is a 6 hour difference, on each of the 5 sea days (Atlantic) the clocks are put forward 1 hour a day and the 6th 1 hour on the sea day between Madeira and Malaga. It didn't affect us in anyway, lot easier on the body than flying over the pond :).

 

Found the sea days very relaxing, cuaght up on a lot of stuff I had been meaning to do for a long time (i.e. reading), often spent an hour or two in the Winter Garden (hardly ever frequented by other passengers). Also was a refeshing change from the stress of duty free shopping with my DW:(. GIves you a chance to meet other passengers, as their are plenty of activities organised we used to do Trivial Pursuit thats done in 5 languages. Also took the High Teas at 4:00 pm - felt like the british during the colonial era.

 

You are getting 3 mini cruises in one, first Eastern Caribean, Transatlantic and Europe.

 

If you need any more info - just ask.

 

Ron

[abitaturbodog]

abitaturbodog

 

Sounds like you had a great cruise. We will be waiting for your complete review. Just one question (for now). Was there only the buffet open when you boarded on the first day, or was one of the dining rooms open?

 

I don't really like buffets.

 

Only the buffet was open. The dining room opened for dinner. There are pasta stations throughout the lido, so you could go to them for freshly made pasta if you don't really like eating at the buffet. And don't forget the gelato!

 

One unusual thing tho...on the day of debarkation, the dining room was open for breakfast as well as the buffet.

[ecpc1302]

Elsiie,

 

Yes we did the transatlantic cruise on the Med last April - FLL to Italy (west to east). There is a 6 hour difference, on each of the 5 sea days (Atlantic) the clocks are put forward 1 hour a day and the 6th 1 hour on the sea day between Madeira and Malaga. It didn't affect us in anyway, lot easier on the body than flying over the pond :).

 

Found the sea days very relaxing, cuaght up on a lot of stuff I had been meaning to do for a long time (i.e. reading), often spent an hour or two in the Winter Garden (hardly ever frequented by other passengers). Also was a refeshing change from the stress of duty free shopping with my DW:(. GIves you a chance to meet other passengers, as their are plenty of activities organised we used to do Trivial Pursuit thats done in 5 languages. Also took the High Teas at 4:00 pm - felt like the british during the colonial era.

 

You are getting 3 mini cruises in one, first Eastern Caribean, Transatlantic and Europe.

 

If you need any more info - just ask.

 

Ron

 

Thanks Ron. I'm in the Christmas whirlwind right now, but I'm sure I'll have more questions as sail day approaches. Actually, I do have one: I love the idea of high tea, but I do not drink tea, are other beverages available?

 

Elsie:cool:

[lkb125]

I read this board every day hoping and praying for the same awsomely (if that's a word) informative post about the med. like Andy writes for the Fortuna.

 

I know that the med. is only on it's first or second caribbean cruise this year, but c'mon people, post something pleaaaaasssseeee.

 

I sail Feb.2, and can hardly wait!!!

 

Hi we will be on this cruise also, it will be our second cruise on this ship, we just loved it. The food is great, the gym is very nice and the staff is first rate.

[SANDGROWNUN]

Hi ecpc1302,

We, party of 9, were on same cruise as abitaturbodog and just to add, coffee and water available at "High tea". I just bought a drink if I wanted something other than that as I don't like tea or coffee, and I'm English! lol.

You may want to consider buying the x1 package, available directly through Costa. I emailed them and was given a phone number to ring. It cost me £52.32, about $100, per person for the week. The x1 entitles you to beer, wine, water and pop, sorry soda's at lunch and dinner times in either restaurant or Lido buffet. At dinner after first night orders we were met by two bottles of white, a bottle of red, pop for the 2 kids and 3 bottles of water every night. More being brought if it looked like we were running out. Considering there were 9 of us and only 3 had paid for x1 this was fantastic, no extra bills from restaurant for drinks. Having said that our waiters were amazing! So for 3 people having paid around $300 altogether, we drank a total of, 25 bottles of wine, (always filled my glass full and took it from restaurant with me), 21 bottles of water, (used to take 1 back to cabin every night), 21 cans of soda and 1 beer!!! Now reckoning on wine being around $18 a bottle (a Merlot and Chenin Blanc every night), that comes in at $450, so.....;) We saved more than half what it would have cost to buy seperately on board. Dashed good buy.:D Eat, drink and be merry I say, and boy we were, lol.

Happy New Year, and happy cruising!

Jacqui.x

[ecpc1302]

Dear Jacqui,

 

Thank you. I'll look into drink packages. Happy New Year to you, too.

 

Elsie:cool: