|
|
Cruise Line: Costa Cruise Line
Cruise Region: Western Caribbean
Length of Cruise: 7 nights
Departure Port: Miami, FL
Cruise Price: $1,000 for a single balcony cabin
Ports of Call:
- Key West, FL
- Progresso/Merida, Mexico
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Georgetown, Grand Cayman
A brief introduction about my Costa Cruise: This was my second cruise. My first was 4-day Sovereign of the Seas (RCL) to Bahamas in September and I became totally addicted! I immediately booked another cruise (that I couldn't really afford) for December because it was an awesome deal for 7 days WITH A BALCONY!
The Costa cruiseline wasn't familiar to me, but then the other lines weren't that much more familiar. Costa is a bit different from the "American" cruise lines. It is registered out of Italy and basically sails out of Europe.
"Costa Crociere S.p.A. is an Italian company with headquarters in Genoa. The brands AIDA Cruises and Costa Crociere belong to Costa Crociere S.p.A., and include a total of 15 ships in active service and 8 on order. All ships fly the Italian flag and operate in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Dubai and the Far East. Costa Crociere S.p.A. is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, world leader in the cruise industry. More info
I had spent weeks on the cruisecritic.com message boards and was positive Costa Mediterranea could not possibly be as bad as I'd read. It was a new ship, I had 7 days with a balcony cabin and it was a CRUISE for goodness sake!
Let there be no doubt:"A bad day at sea is better than a good day at work!"
This was only my second cruise and I could not imagine anything being something other than terrific.
DAY 1
Flew into Ft. Lauderdale from Chicago O'Hare and took a cab to the pier with no problems (about $10 -- taxi, not air ;-) ). The room in which we waited for embarkation was a large cement-enclosed building. We were given cards with 'group boarding numbers' and as they called the number, groups of people lined up (actually we sort-of merged together) to enter. It did take some time to board (? 2 hours). But, for the most part we all took it in stride. Hey -- we were on our way to a 7-day Western Caribbean and our spirits were quite high :)!
 When I got to my room, I literally ran to the balcony (ok, it was a short run ;)! It WAS as wonderful as I imagined it would be!
Joining the other passengers topside, I enjoyed the afternoon buffet before heading back to my cabin in search of my luggage.
I had requested late seating for dinner, but planned on changing it to early (8:45 was just too late for me), so I wasn't all that concerned when it was 6:00 and I still hadn't received my luggage. In the meantime I had booked an hour at the spa for a massage later in the week. The bad part was I remained in my cabin waiting for my luggage all that time... yes, my choice, but I really don't feel settled until I unpack.
After I unpacked and we had set sail I set off in search of my 'indulgences' -- menthol light cigarettes (only brought a pack since cartons are only about $18 onboard), and Banana Rum (I was ready with my blender -- yes, I packed a blender -- and 'Sunny D'). My understanding about liquor was you could buy it onboard and pay extra so that you could take it to your room.
(non-'sinners' can skip this paragraph!)
Problem #1: alcohol was NOT available for onboard consumption -- it would be delivered to you on the 6th day. Problem #2: There were NO menthol cigarettes. (I know that B&H menthol lights are available at the duty-free shops and on RCL ships.) I was told I could purchase a pack of menthols at the bar. Yep, and Salem full-flavor was the ONLY choice for menthol. A bit discouraged over these discoveries I decided I could rectify the problem the next day in Key West.
That night I found extra bedding (under the sofa) and took the spread out onto the balcony. I curled up and scooted up-close to the see-through plastic enclosure so I could look out at the sea. I know this probably sounds lame, but OH! it was just awesome! It was so utterly relaxing and free-from-worries, and all the feelings you go on a vacation for! I thought I'd sleep out there.... I was wrong an hour or so later I trudged back to the bed, but I did keep the balcony door open with a bungee cord I brought. (Note: Costa did a really neat thing with their A/C: if the balcony door is open, the A/C automatically turns off -- I say this is 'neat' because I don't approve of wasting energy.) On the other hand, I'm always hot and brought a fan. (ok - blender, fan... was there room for clothes?!).
This was probably the best night's sleep I've gotten in years!
DAY 2 - Key West, FL
As a wake-up call, I ordered room service for 8:00 Monday morning by placing a card provided in the cabin on my door. Surprised they offered no fresh fruit or eggs or french toast, etc. I ordered tea and a croissant; almost forgot... I'm on a European cruiseship. At exactly 8am they called to tell me it was on it's way.
After thoroughly enjoying breakfast tea on my BALCONY :), I headed into town for quick hour trip (with plans to go back later) looking for: cheap cigs... Well, cigs there are $5/pack; I bought 2 packs (we were "at sea" Tuesday) and went back to the ship for (a full) breakfast.
I later went ashore again (with a jacket, cuz I froze in the morning) to find a store that sold liquor in bottles, which was extremely difficult (yes, really!). When I did find a store they didn't sell small (?pint) bottles; only the large ones. Worried about it being confiscated, I transfered the clear Rum into a large water bottle (oh, I'm so devious :)!
While there I wanted to visit the Hemingway House. I was told it was about a mile away and the only way there was to walk. After walking about 6 blocks, someone said it was '5-6 more blocks'. After the morning I'd had and the thought of walking all the way back, I gave up and headed back to catch the tram back to the ship.
I still had to talk to the Maitre'd about switching to early dining. Did you know it's not easy to find the Maitre'd! When I did find him he said "no way!" I said "for just ONE person?!?" (I was traveling solo) And he said maybe, he would call my cabin before dinner and let me know.
I never receved a call and decided to order Room Service. I really wasn't ready for another disappointment. But there it was: my choice for "dinner" was between six cold sandwiches - yes, like lunch, deli-sandwiches.
DAY 3 -- At sea
OK - time for some fun in the sun......!!!! Had my favorite breakfast of Eggs Benedict (but served in on a bagel - ? I don't know, it was good anyway), then headed to the pool area for a try at Bingo!
People wonder about what other cruisers are like... this is how COOL they are --- I was waiting to play my bingo game when another woman asked to sit at my little table to share the ash-tray. When she asked the popular question of "which seating do you have?", I gave my honest answer about my experience and my determination to make it to the late seating that night (formal night).
 GET THIS: she said "we have early seating and there's an empty seat at our table-- why don't you join us?" I spent the rest of the cruise dining with Carole and her delightful aunt Esther, along with another very pleasant family of three.
This was also the day my Cruise Critic buddies (that I met online) were set to meet. I invited Carol to join us. At about 4:00 I joined some awesome people in the Talia Bar. We had all "met" online at the cruisecritic message board. They have a place where you post when you're cruising and others do the same. This was our link: xxxx (no longer functioning) to give you an idea of how it works.
I was just looking it over -- "MortgageChick" - my buddy Sharon from Fredericton NB, Canada and her hubby (?Jeff -- who actually won a 7-day cruise at bingo last year) and their daughter and friend, who'd gotten a free upgrade from inside cabine to BALCONY! Oh, and Lisa (laf0165), her and her husband were great -- we ended up almost winning the horse race in which a friend of theirs had bought the horse (ya had to be there). I'm sorry I didn't get to know Carol and her friend (?David - who won the New Hampshire (?) lottery a few years ago) better. Can't forget 'lilrod' Lillian from Puerto Rico -- and her friend, Maria -- (they were upgraded from a balcony to a SUITE!) -- they just know how to have a good time!
Since I can't afford to cruise every day/hour/month, I've found that the message boards help ease my C.A. (Cruise Addiction). And I can't tell you how fun it is to "meet" people online and then actually meet in person! It just makes it all more fun to wave to people you know; to sit on the tender with them; to bump into them in the cafeteria/buffet. (To have Lillian spot us and take a picture of Carole and I at the Midnight Buffet and email it to us!)
I hope you're understanding that with all (or were they little?) difficulties I encountered I WAS HAVING AN AMAZING TIME!
At our little "Cruise Critic" meeting Carol (from Ohio) said 'let's all meet in the Disco at 11:00!" As you might have guessed (8:45 being too late for dinner), I have a hard time staying up very late. I know many people believe 'you can rest when you get home.' Well, I feel a vacation is whatever feels good and right for you! But that's another story :) - I really wanted to stay up and party with my new friends.
We all met in the disco, but it must not start hopping until after midnight, cuz at 11:00, it was dead! Guess who was missing? Carol :)!!!! We switched to another bar with more action (we found Carol at a slot machine in the casino on the way!).
NOTE: After so many negative comments about showers on the ships, I HAVE to comment on (one of) the best showers I've ever had. The shower space was plentiful (built into a corner rather the against a wall). The faucet was really cool - The cold was was pre-set to medium (but adjustable), so when you turned on the hot water it automatically mixed with the cold to produce a pleasant shower temperature that you could then adjust to your liking. No having to deal with 'freezing' or 'steaming' water EVER! (Wish I had that patent!)
DAY 4 - Progresso/Merida
(OH! I can finally buy my carton of cigs here. Forgive me, but if you smoke you get this!) Carole's Aunt Esther has been looking forward to the ruins excursion she was taking at this port for years.
WHOA! Never knew it could feel like airplane turbulance on a ship! Honest to god, about 4 in the morning I felt like an escapee from a bad thriller movie was ramming and shaking my bed! (Luckily I like roller-coasters!) I'm serious here folks! I was glad I hadn't convinced my mom to join me because she would not have been happy. I'm so not here to discourage anyone from cruising - quite the opposite. But this was a real surprise that I enjoyed but some might not.
Apparently a cold front had moved in and it was too dangerous for ships to dock at Progresso/Merida. (A few thoughts here: everybody loses on this -- the townspeople can't sell their wares, cruiseline can't sell their excursions, and passengers can't experience their plans {and I still can't buy cigs})
The good news was we would arrive in Cozumel that evening rather than the next day. The bad news was many people weren't dealing well with the ship's movements :(.
When I asked if we could get off-board at 8:00 (thinking AM), I was told 'No, maybe not til 9 or 10'. It wasn't until I was relaxing on my balcony at 10 (PM) that I realized people were getting off the ship. They had meant 9 or 10 PM!
I'm sharing this with you, so you can 'laugh with me' -- not so you can see what an idiot I can be. THIS IS TO try to help you learn from my mistakes. And, believe me, if I couldn't laugh at it, I wouldn't be writing this :)
DAY 5 - COZUMEL
I'm so excited! I'VE GOT A DATE WITH A SEA LION!
Everyone knows about the Dolphin Swim, but few know about the Sea Lion. (BTW it's 1/2 the price of the Dolphin Swim). I was bold and booked directly and NOT through Costa (well, they didn't make it easy, since there is no way to book before your cruise - you have to book once you get onboard - you're sorta stuck then, aren't ya?)
$10 cab ride (for one), $10 entrance to Chankanaab National Marine Park, a free locker and Lots of excitement, I met a nice couple who had done the Dolphin Swim (at another port) and afterward said they enjoyed the Sea Lion more! Wow!
Eventually there were 8 of us in this cute little pool area with a blue cement stage where we met "Karla" our brown-haired sea lion. I mention 'brown hair' because it looks almost black after it's wet. After putting on our water life vests, we sat on the stage and Karla waddled around to meet all of us. A handshake and kiss later we were instructed to enter the pool (about 5 foot depth -- judging by my 5'1" body and the water I was swallowing).
 Having the time of my life. You can't help but see the pure happiness and laughter that only comes with total abandonment of all cares and of pure enjoyment of life as Karla the sea lion gives me a big wet kiss (with really stinky fish breath!).
After the swim you're shown a video that you can purchase (for a {surprisingly low} cost of $29). Bought the video, the 2 pics, a frame and a few other things (that were over-priced) and set out to find someone to share a taxi back to port with. Found someone, but ended up she had a voucher and it would still cost me $10 -- the driver did "offer" to let me out if I didn't want to pay the $10. (so, you shake it off and move on)
At this point I will tell you there are two three things that really made my cruise special. They are: my Sea Lion swim with Karla, my luck at having met Carole and been invited to their table, and meeting 'the guys' from the Cruise Critic Message Board.
DAY 6 - Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Stingray City, here I come! ... or not?
I awoke knowing the seas were rough and wasn't sure if we'd even be able to stop there! I attempted to call Captain Marvin (who I had booked Stingray City with) to check if our excursion was a go. Unfortunately I wasn't sure if I would be charged if I didn't take the excursion (I wouldn't have, but couldn't get throught to find that out). I followed the directions by the phone, but kept getting an "error" message. The idea was if I couldn't do Stingray City I wanted to get some needed sleep.
I called Costa's customer service (although I had NOT had good results the previous days trying to reach them). After being on hold a few minutes they would PICK UP THE PHONE AND HANG UP. This happened about 4x until I gave up.
So I got up and dressed and found my way to the tenders. It was really rough, but Costa said their excursions were going forward, so I headed in.
Right there, easy to find their sign, was "Captain Marvin" - But the news wasn't good. We wouldn't be able to go out that morning, but possibly in the afternoon. They suggested I take a taxi/shuttle to town (we docked 'on the other side' of the island) and check back with them after lunch.
I joined (many) others on a van ($5-6 pp) where I must say, the business sense of the company vans really filled every inch.. leaving nary an inch of space without a warm body seated there. They even use the center aisle: after each row is filled there's a chair in the middle aisle!
After the prices on Cozumel, I found Georgetown to be expensive. Except the booze :D!! Banana Rum @ $6 a bottle! and Meyer's Rum @ $8.00 - buy one, get one free. Great deals. They take your name/ship name/cabin # and send it directly to your ship, where they 'hold' it for you until 6th day of cruise. BTW, the prices were only slightly better than on the ship.
Quick ending: I kept getting lost -- it's a little place, I don't know - I kept going in circles! Around 11 I finally found a place to take off my bathing suit (worn under my clothes for my Stingray excursion!). At about 12:30 I was hot and tired and hungry and the ship was sounding really good to me and I made my way back to the shuttle vans. I don't think the Stingrays were fed by tourists that day :( .
DAY 7 - At Sea
I love the ship activities and must share how I lost my voice! They have a "horse-race" game where people bet on their favorite "horse" which is a hobbyhorse (wooden stick horse) that is auctioned off early in the cruise (for anywhere from $50 to $300+!). After the owners bid and pay for their horse they are supposed to decorate it, and make it "part of the family" and bring it to dinner all major ship events.
On the final day at sea the horses race again, WITH THE OWNER TAKING THE WINNINGS (a few hundred bucks!)! One of my online buddies had bought a horse... you can see her (in the pix) at the front of the 'race' until the final step! Horses are advanced by the barker shaking the dice, announcing 2 numbers, and the players in those squares move 1 square ahead. Lotsa fun even if you lose :(
 Get ready for TOGA NIGHT! No need to worry about leaving out something to wear for dinner as you pack today. IT'S TOGA NIGHT!!
Don't be such a poop as to miss out on the fun! It's the last night of your cruise! You can pack all your stuff and dress in the sheets they provide you in your cabin. Give in to your silly, child-self and GO FOR IT!
Well, I said they provide everything, BUT since you now know about it beforehand you can plan ahead.
I went at Christmas. I didn't want to spend much, but was looking for 'jewelry' or a belt or something to 'dress up' my toga. We ended up finding a 6 foot string of gold balls and baubles for decorating the tree --- just $2.00 at Value City!!! We measured, cut it and put a hook on it so I could wear criss-cross it around my breast and waist
Everyone loved it! so.... GO FOR IT! It's the last night of the cruise for goodness sake!
DEBARKATION
The day we all dread is here. As someone with a flight before noon I had been instructed and had visited the Pursor's Desk to request early disembarkation tags for my luggage. They began calling colors, and after about an hour I still hadn't heard my luggage color, I realized if I didn't get off the ship soon, I would miss my flight home. Sooooo, I just joined in the crowd getting off... and nobody bothered me. Luckily my luggage was there and I (barely) made my flight home from FLL... Happy and exhausted with great memories!
|
|
|
NEW!
