Costa Pacifica Ship Visit

Harry Cotterill aboard Costa Pacifica

On April 29th 2013, we were delighted when we had the opportunity to visit Costa Pacifica at Harwich International Port.

At 114,500 tonnes Costa Pacifica is the largest cruise ship ever to visit Harwich International Port. This particular call at the Port was the second time the ship had berthed at the Cruise Terminal, following her maiden call on May 16th 2012.

We were able to secure permission to visit Costa Pacifica due to our personal correspondence with a Captain of another Costa Cruises’ vessel, which we met previously at Harwich International Port.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined on board Costa Pacifica with his father, Brian Cotterill.

Unfortunately the visit was confirmed just a few days before Costa Pacifica arrived at Harwich International Port and as a result we were unable to especially assign a brand new drawing of the vessel as originally intended.

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Harry Cotterill and his father arrived at Harwich International Port at approximately 09:20 and took the opportunity to take a number of photographs of the ship before entering the Cruise Terminal at 09:25.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, on the passenger boarding gangway at Harwich International Port before boarding Costa Pacifica on April 29th 2013

After collecting their passes, on this particularly day on the gangway, they were able to make their way on board Costa Pacifica, were they requested a member of the ship’s crew to call through to the Captain / bridge. Unfortunately the Captain was asleep and was not at that time available. As a result Harry and Brian were invited to tour the ship at their leisure and return back to the gangway where a crew member would see if the Captain was available.

Boarding on Deck 2, Harry and Brian made their way to the forward stairwell before climbing all the way up to Deck 14 via the stairs. For the majority of their time aboard there were no elevators working, due to what was stated as an ‘Emergency Black Out Drill’.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester on Deck 14 of Costa Pacifica during his visit aboard the vessel on April 29th 2013 at Harwich International Port

The tour of the vessel started with a look at the various passengers facilities on the upper decks of Costa Pacifica, including the Samsara Wellness Center and the impressive Calypso Pool and Ipanema Pool with their retractable roofs.

An impressive view from Deck 11 on board Costa Pacifica looking down to the Welcome Atrium some 9 deck below

After exploring the upper decks, the tour continued to the top of the Welcome Atrium, before making the way down to the lower public decks. Here Harry and his father explored yet more passenger facilities, including the three high deck Stardust Theatre, various bars, lounges and restaurants, including the May Way Restaurant and the New York New York Restaurant.

The spectacular three deck high Stardust Theater aboard Costa Pacifica on Deck 3, 4 & 5

Before making their way back to the gangway where they had board the Costa Pacifica, they also had a chance to take a look at the lifeboat deck on Deck 4. Following this they made their way to Deck 2, to the gangway.

A view of the lifeboat deck aboard Costa Pacifica which is situated on Deck 4, above the main passenger promenade deck below

At the gangway the Security Officer again called the Captain but was unable to get an answer. He spoke to an Officer on the bridge and in the end Harry and his father were taken to the bridge, but were not allowed to enter or take photographs.

Here, just outside the bridge, Harry handed over an old, previously assigned drawing of Costa Pacifica, which was assigned in August 2010. We had in fact already had a drawing presented aboard Costa Pacifica on May 16th 2012, during the vessels first call at Harwich International Port. We did not have the chance to visit the ship, but a member of staff from the Port took the drawing aboard on our behalf.

Brian Cotterill photographed at Harwich International Port following his visit aboard Costa Pacifica

Following the handover of the old drawing Harry and Brian were escorted back to the gangway by the Security Office, where they decided to disembark at approximately 11:45. They were welcome to stay aboard the vessel until later that afternoon, when the Captain might have been available to meet them, but due to their planned visit in Southampton the following day we were unable to stay aboard any longer.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester photographed at Harwich International Port following his visit aboard Costa Pacifica on April 29th 2013

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Design Colchester, said:

" My father and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit aboard Costa Pacifica and were very thankful to the Captain and crew for allowing us to visit. We also want to extend our appreciate to the Captain of the other Costa Cruises' vessel who helped arrange the visit.

He added:

" Despite not being able to meet with the Captain on this particular occasion we had an excellent time touring the ship ourselves. We look forward to continuing our connection and friendship with Costa Cruises."

Visit our new 'April 29th 2013' page in the 'Our History' section of our website to read and see even more!

Click here to learn more about our connection with Costa Cruises

ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk