Location: Valencia to Los Alcazares, Spain
Summary: My final morning aboard the Costa Toscana began early, 06:30, to be exact. I met up with fellow travellers at the designated disembarkation point by 07:30. A cappuccino and pastries at a nearby coffee bar offered a brief moment of calm before the chaos began.
Luggage Confusion & Coach Shuffle
The disembarkation process was anything but smooth. After being told to collect my luggage, I was redirected to multiple coaches and terminals. Miscommunication between Costa reps and the tour company led to a frustrating loop of transfers. Eventually, I reunited with my suitcase in a tent outside the ship, alongside many equally confused passengers.
From Valencia to Quesada to Los Alcázares
Once back on the coach, I phoned the rep coordinating our return to ensure she was ready for our arrival. She met me at the terminal, swiftly loaded my case, and I boarded to cheers from the waiting passengers. The coach dropped us off in Quesada, where my friends Sue, Brian, and I transferred to a taxi for the final leg to Los Alcázares.
Final Thoughts: Cruise Highlights & Lessons Learned
Despite the logistical hiccups, I thoroughly enjoyed my first cruise. The Costa Toscana crew was mainly excellent, and the destinations, especially Rome and Pompeii, were unforgettable. However, the ground-side organisation left much to be desired. For future cruises, I’ll opt for a smaller, adults-only ship to avoid the onboard chaos caused by large groups and noisy children.
Add comment