- Home
- MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
- MSC Poesia MSC Poesia
- Canary Islands Cruise Canary Islands Cruise
-
Bella Experience Inside Cabin
275 Interior cabins approximately from 13 to 20 m2* Double bed that can be converted to two single beds...-
Inside Bella Cabin - Category I1
I1AUD $1,861
total per person
-
-
Fantastica Experience Inside Cabin
275 Interior cabins approximately from 13 to 20 m2* Double bed that can be converted to two single beds...-
Inside Fantastica Cabin - Category I2
I2AUD $2,005
total per person
-
-
Bella Experience Outside with Partial View Cabin
92 Outside with partial View cabins approximately from 16 to 17 m2.* Double bed that can be converted...-
Obstructed Oceanview Bella - Category O1
O1AUD $2,101
total per person
-
-
Fantastica Experience Ocean View Cabin
81 Ocean View cabins approximately from 16 to 17 m2.* Double bed that can be converted to two single beds...-
Ocean View Fantastica - Category O2
O2AUD $2,245
total per person
-
-
Bella Experience Balcony Cabin
809 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 to 39 m2.* Double bed that can be converted to two single beds...-
Balcony Bella Cabin - Category B1
B1AUD $2,485
total per person
-
-
Fantastica Experience Balcony Cabin
809 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 to 39 m2.* Double bed that can be converted to two single beds...-
Balcony Fantastica Cabin - Category B2
B2AUD $2,629
total per person
-
-
Aurea Experience Balcony Cabin
809 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 to 39 m2.* Double bed that can be converted to two single beds...-
Balcony Aurea Cabin - Category B3
B3AUD $3,253
total per person
-
-
Aurea Experience Suite
18 Suites with private balcony, approximately 31 m2. Double bed that can be converted to two single beds...-
Aurea Experience Suite - Category S3
S3AUD $3,589
total per person
-
Bella Experience Inside Cabin
- 275 Interior cabins approximately from 13 to 20 m2*
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request), except cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Bella Experience
‘Bella’ fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship.
- Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day.
- Enjoy Broadway style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel.
- Experience a dream cruise as you discover exciting new destinations. “Bella” fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship.
- Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day.
- Enjoy Broadway-style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel.
- Take advantage of the pool, cutting-edge panoramic gym and open-air sports facilities to stay in shape. Make use of the freedom to change your booking details if necessary. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points, so you can enjoy even more benefits on your next cruise!
Fantastica Experience Inside Cabin
- 275 Interior cabins approximately from 13 to 20 m2*
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request), except cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Fantastica Experience
Relax and savour all the pleasures of a cruise dedicated to comfort and flexibility. Our “Fantastica” fares offer all the benefits of “Bella” plus a variety of extra privileges.
- Choose from prestigious cabins (including SuperFamily cabins with connecting doors where available) located on the upper decks of the ship, with rapid access to lifts and lounges.
- Enjoy 24-hour-a-day room service with free delivery and priority choice of dining times in our gourmet restaurants. Have fun with dedicated educational and recreational activities for children, like foreign language games and Doremi Chef cooking sessions with our staff. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points to take advantage of discounts on your next cruise and a variety of other benefits.
Bella Experience Outside with Partial View Cabin
- 92 Outside with partial View cabins approximately from 16 to 17 m2.*
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request), except cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Bell Experience
‘Bella’ fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship.
- Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day.
- Enjoy Broadway style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel. Experience a dream cruise as you discover exciting new destinations.
- “Bella” fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship.
- Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day.
- Enjoy Broadway-style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel.
- Take advantage of the pool, cutting-edge panoramic gym and open-air sports facilities to stay in shape. Make use of the freedom to change your booking details if necessary. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points, so you can enjoy even more benefits on your next cruise!
Fantastica Experience Ocean View Cabin
- 81 Ocean View cabins approximately from 16 to 17 m2.*
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request), except cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Fantastica Experience
Relax and savour all the pleasures of a cruise dedicated to comfort and flexibility. Our “Fantastica” fares offer all the benefits of “Bella” plus a variety of extra privileges.
- Choose from prestigious cabins (including SuperFamily cabins with connecting doors where available) located on the upper decks of the ship, with rapid access to lifts and lounges.
- Enjoy 24-hour-a-day room service with free delivery and priority choice of dining times in our gourmet restaurants. Have fun with dedicated educational and recreational activities for children, like foreign language games and Doremi Chef cooking sessions with our staff. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points to take advantage of discounts on your next cruise and a variety of other benefits.
Bella Experience Balcony Cabin
- 809 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 to 39 m2.*
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request), except cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.**
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Bella Experience
In addition to all the features of “Bella” and “Fantastica”, our “Aurea” fares offer a series of relaxing benefits for body and soul.
- Embark smoothly with priority boarding then relax in an elegant cabin where you’ll find a set of free wellbeing products as well as a complimentary bathrobe and slippers. Dine at the time of your choice in a reserved area of the restaurant, enjoying all-inclusive unlimited drinks*.
- Bask in the exclusivity of a private sun deck. Best of all, take advantage of a fantastic spa package including a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and unrestricted use of the Thermal Area throughout your cruise (available only for adults). Set sail for pure relaxation.
* The drink package refers to Allegrissimo or More For Less (Starting from summer 2017 these packages will be re-named ALL-INCLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR DRINK PACKAGE and ALL-INCLUSIVE CLASSIC DRINK PACKAGE), following cruise destinations.
Fantastica Experience Balcony Cabin
- 809 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 to 39 m2.*
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request), except cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.**
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Fantastica Experience
Our “Fantastica” fares offer all the benefits of “Bella” plus a variety of extra privileges. Choose from prestigious cabins (including SuperFamily cabins with connecting doors where available) located on the upper decks of the ship, with rapid access to lifts and lounges.
- Enjoy 24-hour-a-day room service with free delivery and priority choice of dining times in our gourmet restaurants.
- Have fun with dedicated educational and recreational activities for children, like foreign language games and Doremi Chef cooking sessions with our staff.
- Earn MSC Voyagers Club points to take advantage of discounts on your next cruise and a variety of other benefits.
Aurea Experience Balcony Cabin
- 809 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 to 39 m2.*
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request), except cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.**
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Aurea Experience
In addition to all the features of “Bella” and “Fantastica”, our “Aurea” fares offer a series of relaxing benefits for body and soul.
- Embark smoothly with priority boarding then relax in an elegant cabin where you’ll find a set of free wellbeing products as well as a complimentary bathrobe and slippers. Dine at the time of your choice in a reserved area of the restaurant, enjoying all-inclusive unlimited drinks*.
- Bask in the exclusivity of a private sun deck. Best of all, take advantage of a fantastic spa package including a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and unrestricted use of the Thermal Area throughout your cruise (available only for adults). Set sail for pure relaxation.
* The drink package refers to Allegrissimo or More For Less (Starting from summer 2017 these packages will be re-named ALL-INCLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR DRINK PACKAGE and ALL-INCLUSIVE CLASSIC DRINK PACKAGE), following cruise destinations.
Aurea Experience Suite
- 18 Suites with private balcony, approximately 31 m2.
- Double bed that can be converted to two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with bathtub, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Aurea Experience
In addition to all the features of “Bella” and “Fantastica”, our “Aurea” fares offer a series of relaxing benefits for body and soul.- Embark smoothly with priority boarding then relax in an elegant cabin where you’ll find a set of free wellbeing products as well as a complimentary bathrobe and slippers. Dine at the time of your choice in a reserved area of the restaurant, enjoying all-inclusive unlimited drinks*.
- Bask in the exclusivity of a private sun deck. Best of all, take advantage of a fantastic spa package including a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and unrestricted use of the Thermal Area throughout your cruise (available only for adults). Set sail for pure relaxation.
* The drink package refers to Allegrissimo or More For Less (Starting from summer 2017 these packages will be re-named ALL-INCLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR DRINK PACKAGE and ALL-INCLUSIVE CLASSIC DRINK PACKAGE), following cruise destinations.
Multiple Decks
Inside Bella Cabin - Category I1
Multiple Decks
Inside Fantastica Cabin - Category I2
Deck 8 - Tasso
Obstructed Oceanview Bella - Category O1
Multiple Decks
Ocean View Fantastica - Category O2
Multiple Decks
Balcony Bella Cabin - Category B1
Multiple Decks
Balcony Fantastica Cabin - Category B2
Multiple Decks
Balcony Aurea Cabin - Category B3
Deck 15 - Alfieri
Aurea Experience Suite - Category S3
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
-
Day 1
Genoa Depart: Tue, Nov 3, 2020 @ 17:00 -
Day 2
MarseilleArrive: Wed, Nov 4, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Wed, Nov 4, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 3
BarcelonaArrive: Thu, Nov 5, 2020 @ 09:00
Depart: Thu, Nov 5, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 4
At SeaFri, Nov 6, 2020
-
Day 5
CasablancaArrive: Sat, Nov 7, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Sat, Nov 7, 2020 @ 23:00
-
Day 6
At SeaSun, Nov 8, 2020
-
Day 7
Santa Cruz De TenerifeArrive: Mon, Nov 9, 2020 @ 09:00
Depart: Mon, Nov 9, 2020 @ 16:00
-
Day 8
FunchalArrive: Tue, Nov 10, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Tue, Nov 10, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 9
At SeaWed, Nov 11, 2020
-
Day 10
MalagaArrive: Thu, Nov 12, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Thu, Nov 12, 2020 @ 14:00
-
Day 11
At SeaFri, Nov 13, 2020
-
Day 12
Rome (Civitavecchia)Arrive: Sat, Nov 14, 2020 @ 09:00
Depart: Sat, Nov 14, 2020 @ 19:00
-
Day 13
Genoa Arrive: Sun, Nov 15, 2020 @ 09:00
Onboard experience
- From exquisite Italian specialities, handmade ice cream and real espresso coffee to the finest international cuisine, the restaurants on each MSC Cruises ship offer a huge choice of dishes - and decors - to suit every taste. The menus onboard are varied and always delicious, catering for special diets too, while the a la carte restaurants on some ships offer an even wider selection of gastronomic delights. And there's always an expert memeber of staff on hand to recommend a special dish and the ideal wine to accompany it.
Casino
Swimming
Kids Club
Spas and Sauna
Shopping
Art Classes
Bars and Lounges
Discos/Night Clubbing
- Navigate your way to the disco, where you can dance the night away.
Stage Shows
Ship info
Poetry is like the sea, moving in harmony with its surroundings and stirring the emotions. Just as poetry brings delight, the MSC Poesia, christened in April 2008, introduces a new dimension of luxury cruising.
Onboard the elegant new ship, you will discover luxury cruising at its best - a spectacular waterfall with bridges in the foyer, a Zen garden in the sushi bar and a serene spa area waiting to pamper you. With 1275 spacious and stylish cabins (80% of them outside), MSC Poesia's interiors are reminiscent of the neoliberty and art deco eras with a modern touch to add to your cruising comfort.
MSC Poesia offers the latest eco-technology to protect the environment, without compromising comfort and luxury. With eight bars onboard (two outdoor), guests can enjoy a wine tasting at the Grappolo d'oro Wine Bar, an exotic cocktail in the plush interior of the Zebra Bar or something a bit lighter at the casual outdoor Mojito bar. Or why not sit back under the stars and enjoy the movies on a spectacular screen over the pool. With four fresh cuisine restaurants onboard, you will be guaranteed many palate pleasing experiences. And for the kids, they can check out the pool and games area, and age appropriate kids clubs for children up to 13.
Overall, the MSC Poesia offers a spectacular cruise holiday that is sure to inspire!
- Vessel: MSC Poesia
- Year: 2008
- Beam: 106
- Cruising speed: 23
- Bars/Lounges: 8
- Casino : 2
- Crew:
- Gross Tonnage:
- Onboard Currency: Euro
- Passenger Capacity: 3,013
- Restaurants:
- Shopping Areas:
- SPA Baths: 4
- Vessel: 2 for adults, 1 for children/4 SPA baths
- Weight: 93,330 tonnes
- 24 Hour Cabin Service
- All Main Meals Included
- Duty Free Shops
- Guest Entertainers
- Gym
- Internet Facilities
- Jogging Track
- Library
- Live Music
- Mini Golf
- Teen's Club
- Tennis Court
- Wine Tasting Bar
Decks
MSC Poesia - Deck Plans
Cruise reviews
- Food
- Entertainment
- Cabin
- Crew
- Price
- Value
-
"The Great Escape?"
This was our first cruise and we had a ball! The ship is magnificent, the cabins, even with restricted view because of a lifeboat outside the window, was delightful. The food was fantastic and the crew directly involved with us (cabin crew and waiters) were top class. Having said this, there were a number of negatives which we would prefer to have avoided. The first was the many hours it took for the crew to get us on board. The departure hall at Kiev was a disaster area and all the MSC staff involved were unfriendly and short tempered. We had taken the website advice of arranging our boarding passes on the net but this made not one iota of difference - it took us hours to get on board - it was a total shambles! The next was the aggressiveness of the security staff who policed the re-boarding after the excursions. We had to be x-rayed to make sure we were not carrying any alcohol on board. MSC makes such a huge profit selling beer, wine and spirits that they jealously guard their monopoly over supply. All alcohol is impounded when one boards and is only returned the night before final disembarkation. The security staff seemed to be seconded from the Mossad and one had the impression that they were forbidden to smile. Talking about the alcohol on board, notwithstanding the fact that one was expected to tip around Euro12 per day per person (more about this later) one was slugged a hefty 15% on all purchases. One was encouraged to buy alcohol packs of beer, wines and mineral water at exorbitant prices. The wine quality was below middle of the range but the prices were exceedingly high. Another gripe was that there is no indoor cinema and if one wants to watch a movie on one's cabin TV set, one is charged an unrealistic price. One would think that on a ship this size, that they could provide a cinema. I guess they make too much selling the movies to the cabins. The TV itself becomes almost non-existent when crossing the Atlantic. MSC has not yet invested in satellite TV, or if they have, it doesn't work. Having briefly raised the subject of tipping, I must mention that MSC get their passengers to pay their crew. It is quite blatant. One is required to agree to have one's ship-board account debited by an amount of around Euro12 per person per day. On a 21 day cruise this adds up to a lot of money. At the same time, one is advised that one is not allowed to give any tips. We, along with an extremely large number of other passengers, wrote to the chief purser and advised him that we declined permission to add these gratuities to our account. After a few reminders, we finally received a letter from the Accounts Department confirming that no gratuities would be debited to our account. This opened the way to us making our own minds up as to who we were going to tip and this certainly included the cabin crew and the table waiters who were outstanding. The rest of the crew were mediocre and went about their business in a very impersonal manner. Also, every time there were announcements, including commentary in the theatre, this was done in five languages and this was extremely tiresome. Our biggest gripe was the excursions. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT book any excursions with MSC. It all started with the connection between Hamburg and Kiel. MSC was charging around $90 per person for the journey whereas the public bus, virtually from door to door, cost Euro17 for the two of us. Fortunately we had booked some of our excursions ourselves over the internet and these were a great success at a fraction of the price. Unfortunately we also bought some through MSC. One of these in particular was a disaster - the trip to Rouen from Le Havre. Our bus left the ship almost three hours late and by the time we arrived at Rouen, our guide tried to fit a whole day excursion into two hours. The result was disastrous and resulted in many complaints, in writing, to MSC. After an absolute riot at the purser's counter, MSC agreed, near the end of the cruise, to refund a small amount of the excursion cost to the unhappy participants of that particular excursion. As the amount of the refund was an insult, we refused to accept it and MSC said they could do nothing more as they were only the agents of the tour company. They suggested we write to MSC when we returned home to Australia to see if we could get any where with their Australian representatives from whom we had purchased the excursion. We have, since then, tried to contact them directly and through our Travel Agent. MSC has completely ignored 'phoned messages, the Travel Agent and five letters from us. This was a disgusting dereliction of their responsibility to us and we are still extremely unhappy with our treatment. Having vented these complaints above, I must end by saying that our overall impression was nevertheless very good and we would sail with them again. We are now, however, more informed of what to avoid. We would have three tips, though: 1. Do make sure that you book your excursions from home, over the internet. Much cheaper, more flexible and much more fun. 2. Give them written advices to the effect that they may not add gratuities to your account, notwithstanding anything that you will find in the small print. They cannot enforce this. This gives you the freedom to give gratuities where you feel they have been earned. 2. Unless you really enjoy lots of alcohol and money is no object to you, try to avoid their booze packs. Rather sneak some alcohol aboard at the end of one of your excursions, in a Coke bottle! We look forward, with great anticipation, to our next cruise - even if it is with MSC!
Read moreAnonymous - Jul 2011
Was this helpful?
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Cruise code: PO20201103GOAGOA
12 Nights
Canary Islands Cruise
- Departing from Genoa
- MSC Poesia
Receive up to $600 onboard credit per cabin. May not apply to all cabin categories.
- Private ensuite
- Flat screen TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- All main meals onboard
- Musical stage shows and entertainment
- Special guest entertainers
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
Still have questions? Let us know through this quick enquiry form here.
Quick Enquiry
Fill in your details and question/s and a cruise expert will get back to you shortly.
Thank you!
Your enquiry has been received. We ll get back to you shortly.
Did you know?
Most cabins accommodate up to 4 guests. You might need several cabins.
No worries!
We can still help you.
- You will need to complete this booking first. Enquire now and proceed to the final steps.
- Once done, we will offer you a way to come back and book the next cabin.
Easier to talk? 1300646691