Route
Very fine goals, put together great, nice recovery time in the form of really some days at sea, where some still could be seen (whales, icebergs, etc.), and also a welcome break for the processing of the truly great many impressions of individual targets.
difficulty was probably in Nuuk, the situation between the waiting Whale-Watching guests on their boats and unloading boats at the same bar tender (only designed for 2 small boats) - and for about 2,000 people. In Ilulissat's had been solved happier. How it seems they have learned from the situation in Nuuk. There, the boats were in the ice on the Costa Luminosa (other than the initial tender boats in the place) to accommodate the guests, or to deliver again.
law's close was the Prins Christian Sund - not because of the oncoming mona lisa, but because of the route itself, but simply wonderful!
We could very much new Explore and port where we were before that time to visit new and different things for the last time we had no time. Finally: for us: simply perfect!
ship
The many advanced technology is impressive and much easier, because not everything in person at a single queued at specific times must be here:
credit card terminals & "Totem" terminals (see also detailed information on the first or second day of travel).
The public toilets are everywhere (do not touch, but over it "wave") with sliding doors and sensor operated.
Very good idea, but is in the toilet system (not for disabled but "male / female" at the rear exit to the pool deck 9 (Delphinus), this concept has not been sent somehow implemented, since the entrance is closed to both through a door with handle, which touched only once must be to get the desired sensor. Furthermore, when you open the door each time immediately triggered the sensor for the ladies' room door. No matter, from the inside or outside - well, the door edge that enabled it. Here, the sensor on the left side of the door frame in the ladies room would have been less prone to accidental operation.
The everywhere are at the entrances to food segments are included hand-sanitizer stations that are triggered by a sensor, are indeed a great facility and demand actually also each guest to use the (unfortunately do not really many) , but the sensor is "taken" is not always or is it often so that the draining of the used plastic bag with the disinfecting fluid progressed so far that the upper pressed focus already on the drain valve, and is sucked. This allows the rest (like a ring filled yet) of the bag when emptying.
Water and ice stations in the self-service restaurant Andromeda on Deck 9 are also equipped with sensors, but unfortunately these are also set to bring highly sensitive and often wet hands and sleeves, as the glasses are filled. Or is injected a short time and that's it again for the next experiments. There has really exactly the cup with your finger about 1 cm from the sensor (red stripe under the water or ice-outlet) are kept away, then that works too. Has some training needed to get that right now and have always been "eye-openers" for the passengers. But later on we went.
everywhere on the ship are distributed "to our security" cameras.
And some quite clever and inconspicuous. On closer inspection, these are mounted on the ceiling, half-dark balls but really distributed to many places. In each elevator's has one, in the buffet restaurant every few meters which are distributed at the reception and the tour office on Deck 2, at the Galeria stores and other some other more. We do not know the other ships. If it really is for security, then it should be our right. First of all, possibly would have the / the "offender" who had scratched the elevators can be then transferred to the Costa Classica with such a device. There are signs everywhere appropriate that the public areas are monitored by video (see bottom plate).
us fall addition to the many security people who officially "Scecurity" reported are mainly in the middle pool deck, from time to time in rear-pool (both Deck 9) and especially if the captain is on the way, are present (such as during the receptions, or if it is noon in the grand buffet at the Lido Dorado-pool "at people's" mixes). They are always as (almost) invisible shadow "with him. We do not know also that of other vessels. Maybe the safety regulations have been tightened considerably.
Atrium Supernova super comfortable sofas and armchairs are situated.
The chairs are unfortunately omitted designed to sink into the Safe- (Or even plop into it-can-) not really a clear and quiet "Pfurzkissen" sound is produced.
On the first day, people are after the series with a red face and embarrassed touched sat in their seats. The rest of the s had previously been caught hurling, and said only - not a problem, we had also grad seen from above, the leather seats have already moved significantly, so that just may develop that sound. Too bad, but the chairs are really very comfortable, as well as the large silver sofas, which are set up in all the Super Nova-bar corners. We sit there and very happy for my big dress-dimensions (at the galas), these sofas absolutely brilliant.
Cab / Service
In our cabin, in spite of "cheap" price level (trip price was the cheapest car price + Early Bird Discount + Costa Club percent) of storage space in cupboards
and bathroom very impressive. Well, the height of the beds, so that even the largest case can be stowed underneath.
The bathroom boasts the larger shower-floor plan (as used to in earlier ships),
well as the modern (temperature-adjustable, so working) mixer and a massage shower head for the shower. Furthermore, also the water pressure level is great (on Deck 5), so the shower can actually be used.
Our cabin steward Changfeng had initial difficulties on the first day in which we believe that it is not really his fault, was there to be drawn together at the big cleaning action in ex-or travel on the ships are all cleaners from the entire ship for help and then have someone other than the competent Cabin Steward beds from, or newly could refer as well as the major cleaning operations carried out, etc. Anyway, we had everything we had noticed, written on a slip of paper which he then calmly work through during our first dinner. We made sure that this list is not the housekeeper, but he personally came to hand. We came back and everything was ok - since then we have ever had any cause for complaint or dispute. He is always very polite, and fast and works very clean. Now and then we could change a few words more, so he beamed as soon as he saw us. Well, the first "complaints Pad not necessarily translated completely to the mood. Since we are very happy drum, because his work was done with us really well.
The Laundry Service / "Laundryservice" is very fast, and very neat.
every time we have been thrilled. Colourful clothes, and printed shirts, which otherwise never see a clothes dryer, but usually only on a leash "air dry" show clear signs of mechanical Treatment. Before that, however, is in the terms of use of this service also warned. But we are certainly very satisfied with it and it has confirmed to us that it makes sense does not necessarily bring too much clothing, because it can be washed here at very reasonable price (net of Costa Club percent) and ironed. May not a piece of clothing in the dryer, and not too hot, which was in the "Comments" are noted necessarily in English.
Contrary to the information of Costa Germany (requested through our online travel agency), there is no possibility, evening dresses or dress shirts, etc. to iron itself. We were confirmed many times on concrete demand, that there would be an ironing room, which would not, however, located in the cabin layout. That no "self-service Launderette" (such as on the Queen Victoria of Cunard, or even in small version on the albatross of Phoenix) is present, have we seen. Therefore, our demand was that I bring several evening dresses, and make sure that I will this also crease resistant to wear. To the temple service, I wanted to make this not because it very bulky and the material are quite sensitive to heat her. At the reception I was confirmed that although there were a bar room, guest here but had no access - it did with be clarified by the Costa Germany Cheffin the employee, because ultimately the guests rely on the information given there.
Restaurant / Service
We notice that in the daily diet (we used it only at night) in the Taurus Restaurant in addition to the daily changing selection always "always available" - free range to order was that pasta (Bolognese or tomato sauce only), pork, poultry, fish. We know so not by other ships and find a really good system.
Our waiter at the restaurant on the table 37 Taurus, Christian Serrano (from the Philippines) is very friendly, efficient, and professional. His Beikellnerin Nora Elaba is as friendly and fast. Both realized in a short time, what kind of water we drink (despite that they have to use two table hours at night and not just a table of 4 persons), Christian reminded us every night (if necessary) with a radiant smile about it: "one hour more sleep tonight, ma'am / sir "or even on the way back to the East" one hour less sleep tonight, ma'am / sir ". We got our food
always correct (which we ordered) and always with a cheery "enjoy your meal "served. We gave him only the highest grade awarded.
addition has given us very happy that he - if he noon in Andromeda at the hamburger stand was on duty, and we somehow saw when it was only from behind - did not greet us from the beginning, happy, sometimes when we it had not at first seen, because we were looking for some way to seat. Is it very carefully.
Club Luminosa Restaurant / Service
When Costa Pearl Club member, we had a voucher for the club-restaurant Luminosa (pay-restaurant).
on the second day we had made the reservation directly, it would place on a day at sea, everything was full, so let's have placed on the evening of 08/17/2010. Bottom line:
Who the peace and solidity like, unusual recipes (frankly we like it "simple" dear, but we are not yet starved to death), exquisite butler-like service's estimate and also have the cook look into the pots might want (a large window in the wall where the chefs can be watched when pottering added), which is absolutely right and to lay well the 20.-/Person EUR extra. The two ordered coffee at the end of extra cost (EUR 4.60 including service), the water was "free" (the pre-purchased water package was approved), the sparkling wine really free at the end of the dinner.
Buffet / Service
Since grad was lunch time again, we can see how clever a buffet can be arranged without the "half-starved passenger" that will notice and every bite already will tear out of his hand before the buffet site has ever achieved. As the planners have considered really great! Super . Immobilizer and in the sidewall stowable Walls or
wall segments in the design (in laminate) with the gemosaikten Tesserae other walls. Actually, to not at all. Astray. We were really stunned! And so fields can be separated without people notice that something is missing - or the orientation is crumbling containing something - was with us at least on the first day like this, but at least now we know why.
The multiple split into several small changes in ever mandated "feed" - and beverages, and desserts / soft ice stations is a good logistical solution, but if you want to use so many guests at one time the back-and starboard arranged buffet restaurant. A long lines and large bumping is really hard to determine yet, such as in restaurants, where 2 or 3 main stations to self service open.
The only drawback to these divisions is that special offers are distributed well targeted to miss a few more steps (or half the ship along and on the other side, back) must be run to find out what you / woman wants or seeks. What is always easy to find: Pizza 12:00 to 21:30, 21:30 to 01:00 with table service. The station is amidships with a view of the atrium supernova.
Bars / Service
We were in the Andromeda restaurant always kindly greeted by Leticia Costa,
a Barkellnerin, and she cleared away again and again dirty food dishes, although not really in the realm of "Bar Service" people fall, but the work of food-waiter. We have noticed even at other bartender (holding) n, that this work now and will be done by them when the dishes due to overcrowding of the "Andromeda" threatens to pile up. But nevertheless, commendable!
We were in the bar Super Nova (in the couch / chair area)
always very friendly and cordial staff. A particularly good relationship we have built to Leila Roberto (pictured right).
were transferred after 11 days of the layers of people in other bars. We did not do that, because usually been with the ship probably carried out otherwise traveling at 11 days and there was not on the exchange. We learned this practice on demand, as we suddenly "our" Waitress was the evening came "lost". They had us at "Honeymoon Cocktail" (see picture before) seen again, and thought only that it was a "special job" was, but it was actually put in the piano bar Antares for the next 11 days.
We were already on the second night (that night 13) from the "new" waiter (holding) n in the Super Nova Bar warmly welcomed - even by the waiter (first) Name (Mr. Thomas & Ms. Camilla!) And we had said Alexander Ramos on the eve of the first demand on our behalf, that he is that - without seeing the Costa Card and, above all, a sea-sick-headache had yet noticed: every 8-ung! We were really impressed. It is a very nice feeling to be already at the second "meeting" and addressed the 24 right after the name. Wow, can we say.
addition, Ira is also (unfortunately did not last name), pictured left, the 2nd bar manager, a very warm person. Time and again we were greeted by name (Mr. or Ms + first name), asked how are we if we have a nice day / had and got a nice day / evening, or good appetite (if it was in Andromeda) is desired .
shore excursions
this time we got very good adhesion, stronger (thicker material) bus numbers sticker (with the "C" and the number in it). The parts are really fast falling away from any more ground.
Our tour guide in Akureyri who has the same confession that he was not a trained guide, but only "skeleton crew" because he spoke German, was a very good choice. We were lucky. He has many refreshing things in a "funny" German said, has shown the characteristics of his country, such as "crow berries", which we do not know that, and also really great photo stop points with great weather bestowed. He has always left us enough time for all sites, so that film and photo-chips could be filled. It was really worth the money.
Tour Guide Ilulissat (or iceberg tour boats)
Since we were given a "converted fishing boat with three local boat captains, we had a German guide on board, which told us everything important. There was nothing objectionable. They also answered all questions very happy that we had.
Tour Guide Reykjavik
We got a very good German-speaking guide (for the bus No. 16) he had studied in Tuebingen and cast lived there for seven years (as he mentioned at the end of the tour, "the beautiful Swabia) - was easy to see, every third word" gel ". The screamer. In the winter he taught at the university (he is already "old date" was), and in the summer he leads tourists through his home, and really good. be rushed due to the quite extensive tour had more often - even fast walking should be one, or take the bus to re-Einladepunkt, but it worked like that with the 16 bus somehow always the first at the next and just a place were Bißle projection the other, in droves descendants and guests had the opportunity to use photographs, films and even the toilets at any place without crowding. He had no time to elapse, in which he told us something interesting about what we saw, or see to get, or just what you need to know information about Iceland and the inhabitants, and the history of the country. It was his money worth and had luck with the "busload of" people, we have always gathered to complete the minute, so that could be run directly on. So both of them what they had.
Tour Guide Tórshavn
He was - apart from some initial getting used to his accent in German, because the Faroese is probably a kind of old-Norwegian dialect with some Icelandic (also shown in Scripture) - very informative and friendly. Not as crazy as the other in Iceland, but that is not mandatory. It is important for giving us the history of his country and the necessary information about the sites brings you closer and he has done. He has safely delivered us back to the ship and for the strong rain he could really nothing. Our verdict: well done!
Tour Guide Grand Dunrobin Castle (Invergordon)
The lady was with Success every effort to speak a clear, beautiful and easy to understand English, as the trip was divided because of small individual contribution to 3 language groups and thus held no translation. The only time that you heard that you really had was a Scot, on behalf of the Earls and duces, as well as those of the castles and manors. She gave us lots of useful information and makes the trip - along with the goal of course - really worthwhile. Also in: well done!
O /
This time we had booked the arrival & departure by CityNightLine from Basel SBB, namely the best variant: the easy chair.
On the way there I was lucky to get a seat that was right under the air conditioner in the ceiling (aisle seat, Thomas was selected window). It was cumbersome with sleep, as always, the cold air on my head just "fell". After I dug out my scarf from the bag and wrapped around my neck and head, to some extent we went. I also asked the train conductor to reduce the setting a bit cold. I also wore a trophy like this - a bruise on his right thigh from the handle of the recliner (for adjustment, if "lie" "sit" or).
On the way back it was better (maybe we were just over the rocking of the ship her already used to, and "disturbed" then on the train even more) and we knew from even better where we luggage at the cleverest stand / leave without balancing it across through the entire carriage, etc. In fact, if no joy with the armchairs, the walk is narrow and a large suitcase with wheels will only fit the "narrow way" by not "normal" (if only 2 wheels are tuned), and thus must be worn. We were a bit better and find more sleep. I ran against the chair by the window and had no more trouble with air conditioning (I was then on the bag rack, which redirects the air flow) and the chair lever. I've taken on the trip not, so it's not really may have been lying.
any case is it was actually ok for this price (2 people, Round-trip EUR 159.50 Basel SBB - Amsterdam Centraal - Basel SBB). In a sleeping compartment (with max. 2 beds including linens and breakfast the next morning)'s has less noise (talking other people who snore, "rum kruschteln" etc.), but rushes on from the Deluxe cabin top you need the toilet flush head of the bed by ... but really good deep sleep, we could then, as we already tried are not.
Overall conclusions
the fact that there was a "first time" route has, for all our concepts really works very well.
We were very many wonderful impressions to take home (probably a few more pounds on the ribs, as we brought).
The master shall ensure that - where necessary - was stayed longer, the guests also to satisfy us on all this was also super nice weather with the best views had brought, and the very important thing: he brought us safe and sound and in one piece to where we wanted to go (to the icebergs in Disko Bay) and, above all, back in one piece back.
Hats off to Captain Michele De Gregorio, together with the crew of the Costa Luminosa! That was really a neat piece of work - when I think of the fast-changing, sometimes really heavy fog, along with the chunks of ice everywhere (South to North-West Greenland), but also a few places really narrow Prins Christian Sund, including the unpredictable chunks of ice - really good job.
What we noticed : despite the many clues - (expressed was extremely polite) that this trip for people with mobility difficulties is not suited very, very many people with walking aids (crutches, to - in particular in the shore excursion descriptions walker, easy chair, slightly electrified wheelchair, heavy wheelchair with joystick control) on this trip the road was, and despite the signs, everything was done (whatever that could be partially achieved), that these guests in the tender boats, and on the other hand, were shipped back to shore - sometimes very narrow, relatively steep and rickety Bars - I am thinking only of Nuuk ... Weird. A huge congratulations to all the helping hands of many hard-working crew for that.
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