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This article shares the initial journey of a 9-night, 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise, vividly capturing the experiences of days 1-2, which involve boarding the cruise after passing through Milan and Savona, using a Lotte Tour package. It will be useful for those who want to follow the process from using the lounge at Incheon Airport, enduring a 12-hour long flight, arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport, transferring to the hotel, having breakfast, and finally boarding at the Savona terminal, all from the perspective of a traveler who felt both excitement and nervousness on their first package tour. It will also provide good information for those who want to be prepared by learning about the experiences of European culture and different restroom customs.
Overall Review
This article details the first two days of a 9-night, 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise. The tension and excitement of being on a first package tour, along with the experiences in a foreign European setting, are honestly depicted, evoking empathy from readers. The journey from leisurely time at Incheon Airport, the hardships of a long-haul flight, the first impressions upon entering Europe in Milan, and the process of boarding the cruise are vividly conveyed with accompanying photos. However, it should be noted that days 1-2 are focused on travel, primarily covering the preparation process and initial impressions rather than extensive sightseeing.
Travel tips
- When using the Incheon Airport lounge, it is advisable to check the card’s one-person-per-visit restriction in advance to determine if companions can use it.
- For long-haul flights, refraining from excessive activity before departure can help ensure sufficient rest on the plane.
- Having prior information about European restroom customs (e.g., manual bidets, bidet towels) can be advantageous for adapting without feeling flustered.
Related Areas/Places
- Milan Malpensa International Airport
- Incheon International Airport
- Novotel Milan Malpensa Aeroporto
- Savona Cruise Terminal
- Costa Smeralda
- Milan
Read More from the Original Article
Although the first and second days of the trip were mostly spent traveling, a surprisingly large number of photos were taken. The journey, which began with a mix of nervousness and excitement as it was the first package tour, started with using the lounge at Incheon Airport. While time was spent enjoying in-flight meals and snacks during the approximately 12-hour flight, an unexpected 30-minute delay was a slight disappointment. Upon arriving in Milan Malpensa International Airport, the reality of entering Europe for the first time hit as we transferred to the hotel with visibly tired expressions. We also experienced a culture shock regarding European restroom customs, along with a visit to a nearby supermarket.
The next morning, after a simple breakfast, we headed to the Savona terminal to board the cruise. The fatigue from lack of sleep persisted during the approximately 3-hour journey, during which we listened attentively to the detailed explanations from the tour leader. After an unexpected experience at a rest stop, we arrived at the Savona terminal and boarded the Costa Smeralda. Immediately after boarding, we satisfied our hunger with delicious tomato pasta and truly felt the European trip come alive while enjoying the magnificent view from our balcony room. Before departure, we looked around the surroundings and keenly felt the need to study wine.
In the evening, we enjoyed a course meal at a window-view restaurant assigned as our regular seating. The fact that we could try different menus every day and order more if needed was appealing. Although we initially left some food untouched due to unfamiliar dishes, our satisfaction grew as our palate gradually adapted. While days 1 and 2 focused on travel and boarding without any specific sightseeing, it filled us with anticipation for the journey ahead. More photos and detailed itineraries can be found in the original article.
