Embarking on a Scandinavian adventure conjures images of stunning fjords, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences. The “Focus on Scandinavia” tour, offered by Cosmos, promised just that: a 13-day exploration of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. However, for one traveler, the focus seemed to be less on the destination and more on cutting corners, leading to a rather underwhelming and frankly, disappointing journey. If you’re researching Who Owns Cosmo Travel Vs Cozmo Travel and considering a trip with Cosmos Tours, this firsthand account might give you pause to reflect on what truly makes a memorable travel experience.
The tour, Cosmos Tour 6910, was priced at $1159 for land only and $2066 including airfare. While the cost might initially seem reasonable for such an extensive itinerary, the reality on the ground painted a different picture. Starting and ending in Copenhagen, the itinerary included 3 nights in Denmark, 5 in Norway, and 3 in Sweden. Accommodation was described as “more than adequate,” and indeed, some hotels were noted as “very nice.” However, a significant drawback emerged in the hotel selections, particularly in Stockholm and Copenhagen. Despite passing numerous potentially suitable hotels en route, the chosen accommodations were far from the city centers, requiring inconvenient subway and bus rides of approximately 20 minutes each way to reach the main attractions. In Bergen, Norway, a concerning detail arose regarding room security, with one room lacking a deadbolt – a detail that understandably caused unease.
Breakfasts in Scandinavia did receive a positive mention, praised for their variety and taste. However, the included meals, a standard component of such tours, were deemed “normal for a tour like this, none particularly memorable or forgettable.” A particularly jarring incident occurred during one included meal where food ran out before everyone was served. The last individuals in line were left with mere remnants of vegetables and potatoes, as the meat had been completely depleted with no replenishment offered. This unfortunate situation highlighted a cost-cutting measure, with Cosmos apparently opting for an outside catering company instead of utilizing hotel restaurants, leading to a rigid and insufficient food service. No alternative meal was offered to those who were left without a proper serving, further adding to the negative impression.
The tour director, Derek Stevens (or Stephens?), came under significant criticism. Described as doing the “absolute minimum amount of work,” Stevens was characterized as little more than a “glorified bell hop.” Over eight days of bus travel, his commentary was estimated to be no more than 30 minutes, possibly as little as 15. The review explicitly states, “We learned nothing from him.” When Stevens did attempt to provide educational insights, it was often in the form of belated and uninformative remarks, such as pointing out a 500-year-old church after they had already passed it. This lack of engagement and informative guidance severely detracted from the overall tour experience.
Adding to the communication barriers, the bus driver did not speak English. While he was acknowledged for safe and professional driving, the language barrier further isolated the tour participants and limited any potential for interaction or assistance beyond basic transportation. An odd and unsettling detail was noted about the driver’s apparent enjoyment of the screeching sound of worn windshield wipers during drizzle, thankfully mitigated by mostly sunny weather.
An additional point of contention was the $40 charge for airport transfers, especially considering the airport was a mere 700 meters from the hotel. A taxi would have cost less than $10, highlighting what appeared to be an opportunistic upcharge. The reviewer questioned why the extra $20 per person couldn’t have been used to secure more centrally located hotels in Copenhagen and Stockholm, directly addressing the value proposition of the tour.
The absence of name tags for the 46 travelers was also noted as a peculiar omission, with the reviewer openly questioning the rationale behind this decision and inviting explanations. This small detail contributed to a sense of anonymity and lack of personalized experience.
Ultimately, the reviewer found the trip itself to be “somewhat boring.” The initial three days of driving offered unremarkable scenery. Passengers, lacking engaging guidance, reportedly slept frequently. The overall sentiment was that they were “driven through Scandinavia—not guided.” This starkly contrasts with the expectations of a guided tour, emphasizing the lack of informative and engaging content provided by Cosmos.
In conclusion, this “Focus on Scandinavia” tour by Cosmos appears to have missed its mark significantly. From inconvenient hotel locations and subpar included meals to a disengaged tour director and hidden costs, the experience fell far short of expectations. The reviewer’s final statement is unequivocal: “Cosmos will never get another dime of my money.” For travelers considering a Scandinavian tour and wondering who owns Cosmo Travel vs Cozmo Travel in their brand research, this review serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the importance of thorough research and considering alternatives to ensure a truly enriching and memorable Scandinavian adventure, rather than a journey that feels like a missed opportunity and a waste of hard-earned travel funds.
