It was our (2 adults and 13 year old) first time on cruise; it was pretty much what I expected; good service on ship and somewhat inadequate time on shore. The cruise was for 7 days visiting Ancona (another passenger pick up port), Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Corfu & Dubrovnik. This cruise was leaving from Trieste not Venice but I believe in 2009 the same itinerary will operate from Venice on Costa Victoria.

Anyway we arrived in Venice in the morning; took airport bus to Venezia Mestre rail station (3 Euros) and then train (2 hr ride to Trieste, 8 Euros) where our cruise was suppose to start. Train got stuck near Trieste (for almost 1 hr) and I was worried that we wouldn't make it on time. But everything worked out ok and we arrived in Trieste rail station around 3 pm & boarded the cruse ship Costa Classica in time. Cruise terminal is about 15-20 min walk from train station or 2 min cab ride.

Embarkation procedure was very efficient as long as long everyone had Costa document booklet that contained luggage tags, cruise ticket, etc. Luggage was checked in, then passport control & security check and finally we boarded the ship. This is a midsize ship (1600 pax); about 15 years old (but refurbished several years ago) with very large cabins (which was a big plus for 3 people). Interior is pretty with sculptures & art work. Read more