Here are some answers to questions that you may have when going on one of the Costa Cruises.
What time of year do Costa Cruises run?
The Caribbean cruises run December through April to places in the eastern or western Caribbean on the ship called CostaAtlantica. The European cruises run May through November on the ships called CostaAllegra, CostaAtlantica, CostaClassica, CostaRomantica, CostaTropicale, CostaVictoria, Costa Europa, and Costa Mediterranea to the Eastern or Western Mediterranean, Fjords/North Cape, Baltic, Russian, and Transatlantic.
What will the price of my ticket include?
The ticket price includes just about everything. It includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, standard meals, onboard entertainment, and other fees in force at the time of booking. The costs that the ticket does not include are gratuities, shore excursions, airfare, telephone calls, faxes, spa treatments, salon services, photographs, laundry and valet services, and wine, liquor and other beverages. Tax fees are imposed by the government ranging from three to sixty-five dollars depending on the sailing time.
What is there for my children to do?
Costa Cruises have onboard entertainment programs for three different age groups during the Caribbean season and the Mediterranean peak season. The extent of the program on each ship depends on the number of children in each age group. There is the Kid’s Club for ages 3-6. (The child must be out of diapers) There is the Junior’s Club for ages 7-12 and the Teen’s club for ages 13-17. The CostaAtlantica and CostaMediterranea Caribbean sailings present a group baby-sitting service for children in the Kid’s Club group. However an extra charge is applied and the service must be pre-arranged. There is no personal in-room baby-sitting available.
What clothes should I pack for the cruise?
In most cases, you will feel comfortable in casual resort wear including light-weight cotton clothing, swimwear, and a beach robe for over your swimwear when indoors. Sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and hats may be helpful for the Northern Europe cruises. Tennis shoes and low-heeled walking shoes are recommended for when you go exploring on land. While most excursions do not have a dress code, note that some do prohibit shorts and sleeveless shirts, or require ladies to wear knee-length skirts. There is usually one formal event where the ladies wear long gowns or cocktail length dresses and the men may wear either tuxedos or dark suits. The number of formal nights may vary depending on what cruise you are on.
Do I need to bring my passport?
All United States and Canadian citizens aboard the Mediterranean and North Europe Cruises must have a valid passport.
What is the dining schedule?
You should state your ideal dining times when you are booking your trip with your travel agent. Costa Cruises can not guarantee all of you specific time of seating, but they will do their best to accommodate you. Also, you should notify the cruise line if you wish to be seated with your friends. On the European and Caribbean cruises breakfast is served from 7:00 am to 8:30 am. Lunch is served from noon to 1:30 pm and dinner is served from 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm.
By Jessica Maughan