Cruises my problem

Jura2
Forgot to say I totally agree with you and the residents of Venice that huge cruise ships should not be cruising into Venice.

GillT you have misunderstood we were orinally disembarking in Savona, Costa have changed it to Venice, not the other way round.
I do realise there are problems with disembarking in Venice which makes it so unbelievable.

We are not just cruising I have built a longer trip around the cruise timetable. We are in Egypt first and then staying on an island in the Maldives before sailing from Male to Italy.

I will just change the route, my anoyance is that Costa is not willing as a good will gesture to cover the £70 in fees to change the route.

This will no way spoil this very important trip for us.
We will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. I wanted to put something together covering snorkeling which we love and the areas of the world which hold very special memories for us.
Changing ports of call happens but we have never had the port changed on disembarkation, just something to consider when booking a cruise.

How very frustrating - I feel for you, as I am also one who does own booking as far as poss. I've only had one bad experience, flying back from Malta when I was scammed by Malta airlines and treated shockingly. I just dropped it and made the best of the situation- making a mental note never ever to use them again.

Got very cheap flights to Venice (from Malta) and then took the train home to Switzerland - and it was a great trip- we were almost glad we had been treated so badly by Malta airlines.

Although I must say- if it means that Cruise ships will no longer be able to sail ( daft term as they certainly do NOT) - into Venice- I am very very glad.

I imagine the OP wanted to see other places before and after the cruise, so flights two and from the UK not appropriate. You have my sympathies, but it is sensible to arrange at least one overnight stop pre and post cruise to help with any messing about by cruise companies.

I think GillT has hit the nail on the head, Venice doesn't want cruise ships docking there any more, it is more likely that they have told Costa to go elsewhere.

I hope you can change your flights without losing too much, and have a fabulous time!

It is probably because it is Venice as there is soon to be serious limits on how many/what size of cruise ships are able to enter. I think you will find that Costa have to dock elsewhere and bus into central Venice. It should be fairly easy to change your flights though, hopefully all will be well. Out of interest, why did you do the trip as cruise only and booking your own flights? We have always found that cruise lines can negotiate far better flight costs than we can.

No, it was before compensation. However we did not let it spoil our holiday and we had a very enjoyable time.

I feel sure that you will a lovely holday as well, just remember that tour operators plans are writ in sand!!

Oh M0nica how terrible, my issue is nothing compared to that.
Were you given compensation?

Never believe that any detail of any holiday cannot be changed ever, by tour/boat/plane operator.

I learned that very young. We booked a holiday in Majorca, quiet hotel, no night life, near the beach with flights that were ideal for two small children and an elderly man with Parkinsons.

By the time we got there, the operator had changed, the hotel (further back from the sea), it had a big function room room with events every night and our day time flights became early hours of the morning flights.

I will of course pay the fees to change our flight home from Venice.
However I did believe naively that a disembarkation city of your contracted itinerary was something which couldn't be changed.
Just wanted to warn others of the terms and conditions of cruise ships.
Thanks for your comments.

The benefit of hindsight! However, even your original schedule is over optimistic. I would never go straight from plane to ship. Always worth booking into a hotel a day early leaving room for general travelling calamities.

My only suggestion would be to pay to change your flights and get a reputable agent to help you. Good luck

I have no experience of Costa Cruises I'm afraid. That's why it is so important that the Cruise Company make all the arrangements, then it's on their shoulders to sort everything out. I wouldn't be happy with the change in arrangements. I do cruise on my own, have to pay more for the peace if mind od easily accessibility from my hone town. I use P and O and Cunard. Unfortunately you have to monitor in now change of flight to perhaps day before plus accommodation, or cancelling and losing deposit and flights. I hope some one comes up with a solution for you.