Costa Fortuna

Boarding our ship just after midday, cabin weren’t available, but a full buffet service was in operation. A nice lunch was had, before we did an exploration of the ship. Around 1:30 were told all cabins were available. We had booked an inside cabin, at the front of the ship, it was on the outside, but according to information, had a curtain blocking a blank wall. Entering the cabin, we were dazzled by the sun shining through two portholes, so officially we had an inside/outside cabin. A very nice surprise. The cabin was fairly roomy, with a double bed, a long settee, nice bathroom, and one we never had a complaint about.

One point we quickly grasped, the ship hadn’t got a panoramic lounge, neither at the front or rear. On other ships namely NCL these have proved invaluable in watching the ocean and skies changing in inclement weather. Kept returning to cabin hoping the bags had arrived, very disappointing it was taking so long. Just before five we settled down on the deck, and watched Celebrity Solstice leave, followed by Independent of the Seas, the procession continued with Westerdam, then finally Crown Princess, leaving us waiting till nine for our departure. Returning to the cabin and at last our bags had arrived. We unpacked, finding plenty of space for our cloths.

Having an 8:45 dinner sitting popped down to the buffet for a snack, noticing some rather sickly looking cream cakes, which I kept clear of. Remembering from the news the previous night in Daytona, and the coach driver in the morning Discovery was being launched from Canaveral 200 mile away at 17:43. We made our way to the highest point of the ship, not knowing whether we could observe the event. Many others had the same idea, it was crowded, 17:43 arrived, and nothing, a minute passed then a glow appeared then we watched a very spectacular event. Having never witnessed anything like this before we found it was spectacular.

Muster drill was not being held till the next day, before we left Nassau. Before lunch went into a nice lounge where some very nice music was being played. Tried my first pint, and to my surprise it was one of my favourite beers. Went to lunch, and an enjoyable meal was had, an eight seat round table, but only another couple joined us, British but living in Spain. Around 9:30 a little bit late we noticed we were leaving port, our cruise had begun.

Day 2 - Nassau

Arrived in Nassau in the Bahamas. Norwegian Majesty was already berthed, and as we embarked Disney Wonder came into port. Had intended to go to Arawak Cay, which Mary had recommended, but at the last minute we took a cab tour of Nassau. Fort Fincastle (1793), shaped like the bow of a ship, was built under governor Lord Dunmore whose other title was Viscount Fincastle. Next to the Fort is a 1928 Water Tower 126 ft / 38.4m high which offers good panoramas of Nassau. We then took a tour around Nassau, viewing some of the poverty and a contrast the wealth of people homes. Next we called at a beach, and then proceeded over the bridge into Paradise Island and stopping at Atlantis. Having visited before, still admired the fittings, walking through the casino, to the magnificent fish tanks. Proceeded back to the ship, where we had lunch, and relaxed on the deck during the afternoon. Ship was due to leave at six, but passengers had to be aboard one hour before sailing due to the muster drill at 05:30pm. Mid afternoon on the way back to our cabin we called into the buffet for afternoon tea. Looked at the cream cakes, looked to sickly for me, so had something else. Arrived back in cabin in time for muster drill. Announcement was made at 5:30 in English, Italian, German, Dutch, French, and Spanish. It was 5:45 when the emergency signal was sounded. Put lifejackets on and went to muster station. Whilst waiting for drill to start ship started moving. Drill started first in English, Italian, German, Dutch, French, and then Spanish. People were getting restless as dinnertime was approaching for people on first sitting. The most long-winded muster drill finally finished just before 6:30. Each public announcement was as long winded in six languages, as well as Cruise Director at shows. Dinner another two couples turned up an ex banker from Essex and a lovely couple from Canada. Our Essex man was boasting about his suite, and butler, and then remarked about paying four grand extra for business class on their Miami flight so they could bring more bags.

Day 3 – At Sea

A nice day we had, lazing on the decks in beautiful weather. At afternoon tea tried one of those sickly cream cakes, just to confirm how sickly they were tried another one. First Formal Night and the usual Captain Cocktail introduction. We did not go just went to dinner. Most people dressed for the occasion, with a few exceptions. Three formal nights, and the worse menus of the cruise. Found out our Canadian couple was Chairman of his own candy making company. Internet showed he has been honoured by the Canadian Government, and had achieved dizzy heights doing part time jobs on board of other companies.

The ship in some ways was disappointing, only one deck had amenities that you could walk through which was deck 5. The two main Restaurants were on deck 3 where the kitchen separated them. To reach our one, which was at the stern, you either had to walk along deck 5, and go down two floors or walk along the cabin corridor. Mentioned earlier we liked the observation lounge on other ships. Odd bars were on other decks but the emphasis was mainly on cabins. Ship was full with 3400 passengers, with many of the bars and lounges full early at night. Too many passengers for comfort.

Day 4 – Catalina Island and the Dominica Republic.

Arrived at the point where the ship berthed around 07:00 and as we were going to the mainland our tender operation was first. As it was a fairly long journey special tender boats were used from Dominica Republic, two deck boats. Lower level was filled up when we boarded so had to go to higher level. Dominica Republic is another place when we have passed usually rains. Sitting on top of boat it suddenly started to rain, as in the last sentence was prepared and out came the brolly. Pang! One of the stays collapsed on my brolly, followed by each one till they had all collapsed leaving us with a limp brolly and pouring with rain. Half way over the rain stopped, and luckily we soon dried out. First impressions of the mainland would turn a green person bright red, thick black smoke from power stations filled the sky.. Drying out we boarded our coach for a two-hour ride to Santa Dominica. We had an interesting day where Christopher Columbus son had lived. Again poverty was very much in evidence. Weather had improved into a nice sunny day. Arrived back to the ship after departure time, as soon as we were aboard the ship sailed. I think our two Spanish living friends thought the latest addition to the table was two high powered for them, as we never saw them again.

Day 5 – St Maarten

Arrived around lunchtime after spending another sun bathing morning. Sun was increasing in power getting very hot. Four other ships were in port – Bleu de France – AIDAvita – Carnival Triumph – Delphin. Took a water taxi into town and had a walk round, it was very hot; we liked what we saw and would like to come back and spend a full day. Had a drink in one of the bars on the front, and then we returned to the ship in time Afternoon tea, and those now gorgeous cream cakes.

Décor on the ship was very impressive, with most doors and walls decorated with pictures of cruising in bygone days. Models and pictures were of Old Italian ships.

Day 6 – Guadeloupe

A venue we thought we would not visit, but all the riots and trouble had cleared up before our visit. Took a cab into the rain forest, to visit some very impressive waterfalls. Waterfalls saw from a distance, to many steps to reach the bottom of the valley. Weather again was very hot.

Spent the afternoon on lounges, and of course sampled those nice cream cakes again. Two fresh faces appeared at our table, both Russian but lived in Brooklyn and the gentleman was a New York taxi driver. Banker still full of himself, candy man and his wife marvellous.

Day 7 Barbados

Another hot and sticky day, as we had toured the island previously just caught the shuttle into Bridgetown. Had only a short time as the ship was sailing at lunchtime for out Atlantic crossing.

Day 8 –12

Five blissful days on an unusually calm Atlantic Ocean, more like a river trip. Cream cakes were still being enjoyed everyday. Forgot the ship also had one of my favourite beers. Four days clocks were advance one hour.

Day 13 – Santa Cruz Tenerife

Tenerife was reached, sun still shining but a few clouds were forming. Walked into town and walked around, returned on the shuttle and had lunch, before returning to the city. Passed a nice bar with tables outside, and had a glorious pint, then we had to rush indoors as the heavens opened. Rain only lasted about half an hour, didn’t have to refill my glass.

Tenerife with its volcanic terrain, really impressed our American friends, many said they would return. Returned to the ship for lunch then as the weather improved resumed my reading on the lounges. From about half way across the Atlantic we were lying in the sun as after we passed the Tropic of Cancer the blistering heat turned to a more enduring temperature.

Ferries were coming in and out of the port all day, Fred Olson ferries served all the Canary Islands and Armas Ferries served Canaries and Madeira.

AIDAbelle and Thomson Celebration were also in port..

Day14 Funchal Madeira

Our forth visit to Madeira, all on transatlantic voyages. It’s a long walk into town, have never seen a shuttle service, with the amount of cruise visits most days this seems odd. Taxis were available if required. Please note we only took one excursion on this cruise. Had intended to return to the Botanical Gardens but opted instead to take a dolphin trip on a catamaran. A three hours trip, where we quickly found dolphins, then sailed near the shore, and the sails were rigged, engine turned off and the strong wind soon had us skimming over the ways at breakneck speed, it was amazing, had never travelled under sail before, but want to do it again.

Neil mentioned about the ferry going to the Azores, in fact the one you see in the cam is the Porto Santos ferry which goes daily to Madeira’s sister island two hours away. Armas Ferry which we also saw in Tenerife also sails between Tenerife and Funchal..

Leaving Funchal the sea became rather choppy and we had a rough night, apparently as we both had a good nights sleep.

Day 15 At Sea

Rain and high winds contributed to our worse day at sea stopping us venturing outside. Missing an observation lounge as being stuck inside views of the sea was limited.

Final Formal night, menu was atrocious for myself. Waiter came for my order, told him I was not impressed with the menu. Ordered Sirloin Steak, with onions and French Fries. Said it as a joke, but he wrote it down and the best meal on the cruise appeared. Always remember an old saying, “if you don’t ask you don’t get”

Keep forgetting to mention those gorgeous cream cakes at afternoon tea.

Day 16 Barcelona

Mainland Europe had been having lousy weather and Barcelona was no exception, it was drizzling whilst we were there. Tool the shuttle into town, a short walk up the Rambles, bought a UK paper, we then walked through allies, reached the front, visited Port Vells a place we used for meals once, it consists of shops and restaurants. Knew there was a toilet there. As in most cities there is little pleasure when it’s raining, so we returned to the ship. Many people disembarked in Barcelona. I believe this is the only reason we had a short visit.

Set sail at lunchtime on the final leg of our cruise, weather improved and we were able to sit outside.

Whilst we were in Madeira new entertainers joined the ship, which made the evening shows more enjoyable as the standard were a lot higher than the transatlantic ones.

Days 17 Savona

Arrived at our final port. Colour codes were in use for disembarking, our time was 10:00 which I thought we would have plenty of time to catch the 11:29 train to Nice. Suddenly disembarking times were 30 minutes after times given. Left the ship, and surprisingly had no trouble finding our bags.

Savona a small Italian city, and 3400 people leaving a cruise ship, chaos with long queues for a taxi service, which could not cope with the demands. Coaches for Costa booked people were in abundance.

Waited over an hour for a taxi, with still a long queue behind us. The three mile ride took about ten minutes to the rail station. Long line for tickets, usual Italian Rail Station, people asking for tickets in English and man in ticket office not understanding. We had travelled on an Italian boat, had had receptionist to write my instructions for travelling, handed to ticket man, he put his thumbs up, wrote the train time and price on my paper. Caught the 13:29 train to Nice.

Nice

Arrive in a very wet rainy Nice, to find our hotel document had only the name of the hotel on. Spotted a Tourist Office, told me to take the first right, then the second right. Followed the instructions but could not find the Hotel. Looking around us plenty of hotels but not ours, then glancing onto the floor saw a mat with our hotels name on, Bingo we were there, and three minutes walk from the station.

Settled in a nice hotel then went out for a meal, rain poring down, so had to buy a new brolly, had a meal, then stopped in the hotel having an early night. Next morning rain getting worse, we ventured out, breakfast was included at the hotel. Took a tram the three quarters of a mile into Nice. Rain beating down, we got off at a station, not knowing what to do or where to go. A walk around in the wet, getting nowhere, so decided to return to the hotel. Reached the tram stop, got tickets out of machine, waiting for tram, then suddenly the rain stopped. Off again exploring, soon reached the sea, found landmarks for bearing, and soon familiar with Nice.

Bought some ham and cheese and a French stick loaf, returned to hotel and had lunch, had borrowed some butter from breakfast. In the afternoon we returned and went on one of the nicest little train rides ever experienced around Nice in lovely sunny weather.

Next day was very sunny and we travelled by train into Monaco into Monte Carlo. Fabulous day we had, a city on a curved bay, with high mountains all around. Again we used the little train to see the city.

On entering and leaving Monaco by rail you enter a tunnel, station built inside a rock, so nothing of the Principality is seen from a passing train. Leaving the station we followed the signs to exit the station, sea and harbour were a long way below us, asked how to get down, and had to return to station, and catch a lift to go down. Still had quite a walk down a hill to reach the harbour.

Next day we walked to the Nice rail station to catch a half hour service express bus to airport. Checked in for flight and flew home.

Verdict

A few problems at the beginning of our vacation, a very nice cruise. Ship was very nice, with a few things not to our satisfaction, not the cream cakes. Exchange rates were a liability, making cost in Euros very expensive. Dublin and all European towns visited were expensive. UK used to be one of the most expensive places in Europe, now it seems the cheapest. Ally cruised on a relatively small Costa ship, and found exceptional service, 3400 passengers too many for a moderately large ship. Smoking was well controlled on the ship, with special areas inside the ship for them. Promenade deck only stretches the length of the ship. Costa Fortuna is a very nice ship with beautiful décor but 3400 passengers are too many for the size of the ship and its amenities. I shudder at the new ships being built, and passenger capacity. I would sail on Fortuna again, but as my remarks refer would look at other alternatives first.

Discovered through the Internet one of our tablemates was a multi millionaire, his wife and himself were very nice, and acted like normal people, unlike our Essex friends.

One final point, many passengers were hiring cars and touring Italy, as the news of the terrible Italian earthquake is filtering through, hoping everyone is all right.

Norman

Excellent review Norman, thank you for posting

Allegra's cream cakes were pretty scrummy too

The 3400 passengers would drive me up the wall tbh, think I will stick with Allegra and her 800 maximum. Pity that there isn't an observation type lounge though, Allegra has two side areas indoors and the restaurant in the stern bay window, outside space is down each side (but not full length) and up on the top, which is a complete circuit. I think your experience has pretty much confirmed to me that there would be too many people for my liking on Fortuna

Thanks Norman ,only done Costa once and on one of their older ships.3.400 passengers as Ally says would drive me nuts, yak yaking.
However the ship sounds lovely as does the food.

Great review Norman
Have you jumped on the weighing scales since eating all those cream cakes

Just completed our first cruise on Fortuna and we couldn't fault it. Cruised from Venice to Greek Islands, beautiful weather, terrific entertainment on board.The staff were fantastic nothing was too much trouble and the food in the resrtraunts was superb. Would definitely recommend this ship and company.