We’re just back from a “Costa” ship cruise. Some observations ~
1. No ATM on board. If you require cash for use ashore, your cabin charge card has to be inserted in a slot machine in the casino. Your required amount is then charged to your ship board account and you present the card to the casino’s cashier for the cash advance. There’s a 3% fee.
2. There’s no evening upstairs buffet. Breakfast & lunch of course, but at night, dining rooms only, 6:15 & 8:45 pm on our ship. You can change allotted first or second sitting.
3. The 8 Euro (A$12) per person on-board daily service charge is compulsory. Other cruise lines permit an exemption from this option if requested. For a 20 day cruise with Costa, this charge amounts to A$500 per couple. This charge is not advised with advertised fares.
4. All drinks have a 15% tip added, and the days of duty free on-board drinks are long gone. An average beer/spirit drink will be A$9. The cruise was wonderful, ports visited were exotic and ship furnishings were superb.
John M
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