Quest... Not what she used to be???

[33478]

I am getting emails from folks just finishing the asia voyage on the quest.. What a difference a couple of months and a new captain makes.

Apparently this cruise was not from heaven. The itinerary has been compromised a number of times. yes this is a boat and things happen. but 90 minutes to viisit Sole Korea?

Yes some folks have been sick on board but to be threatened with disembarkation at a port along the way (with it stated that you would get no assistance from the ship to get home) if you do not report you have the "cold/flu"?

perhaps the crossing from europe was hard on the staff
perhaps the changeover of staff in asia has caused some setteling in problems
perhaps the "replacement captain that got on in Greece has a different style.

Or perhaps the two ship entry into an upper level cruising is beyond celebrity and Royal Caribbean..

We were on the Quest on the voyage before the trans canal trip to asia. We had a good experience. We then went on a RC to south america and we will not make that mistake again. RC food was worse then college dormatory food. the main dinning room staff was so agressive (perhaps to assure tips) that after two days we reverted to the buffet. In the buffet area the staff from the kitchen would come out and "stand around with " plates of food from the service lines.

Nothing wrong with the staff eating lunch or dinner.. but when we approached the chef(s) one am.. having to interupt his "standing" breakfast to indicate that some of the food being served was ICE COLD.. and gave him a pancake from the line infront of where he was standing... He insisted this piece of food "that would not have melted soft butter" was not cold.... we asked for the pancake back and appogized for interupting his breakfast.
He was about as arrogant as could be.

RC is not a step above Norweegan when it comes to food service.
Azamara was a good experience but now I suspect that has deteriorated significantly from what I am seeing from folks just finishing this voyage

I cannot imagine what carnival is like...

ROYAL c start paying attention to the way the vessle serivce is being delivered. !!!!

Cruise service delivery is difficult.. but when done well it is great. when done not so well it ruins over a thousand customers experience.

I suspect we will hear more about this Quest cruise once folks get back from ASIA. Apparently mos twill hav emissed their flights as the ship has run into problems at the port and cannot disembark as scheduled. The staff is trying to help folks rebook.. but it sounds like the port representatives for AZAMARA are just not understanding the importance of arrival on the last day for folks to catch flights....

It would be interesting to hear the Lines explinations for this less then steller experience...

HAPPY PEOPLE TELL 2..UNHAPPY PEOPLE TELL THE WORLD.. General MOTORS IS JUST STARTING TO LEARN THIS..

YMMV

[nevernever]

I suggest that people reserve judgement on the recent performance of the Quest and its staff until we hear direct reports from people who have been on one of the north asian cruises, rather than offer second hand information that may or may not be representative of views held by the majority of passengers. Things can change, sometimes for reasons beyond the control of staff on a ship, although comments offered by people who travelled on several of the south asian Quest cruises, suggest that they had enjoyable experiences. The captain, who is presumably still on board the Quest, was highly regarded by passengers and revered by other members of the crew. I cannot imagine that his performance, or that of his senior officers, has altered significantly.

Nevernever

[fPetrarca]

Still another "first post" knocking Azamara.

[Project_gal]

I suggest that people reserve judgement on the recent performance of the Quest and its staff until we hear direct reports from people who have been on one of the north asian cruises, rather than offer second hand information that may or may not be representative of views held by the majority of passengers. Things can change, sometimes for reasons beyond the control of staff on a ship, although comments offered by people who travelled on several of the south asian Quest cruises, suggest that they had enjoyable experiences. The captain, who is presumably still on board the Quest, was highly regarded by passengers and revered by other members of the crew. I cannot imagine that his performance, or that of his senior officers, has altered significantly.

Nevernever

Yes, I agree with you. Captain Smith is so popular that we are really hoping that he will STILL be onboard for our cruise in April. I also cannot see that secondhand comments are helpful.

[33478]

a long time reader
a quest customer in november
a parent company customer in december
and even if a first time poster.. you imply that facts even second hand are not friendly.

I could give you lots of facts from november.. and the captain was great then.. but he got off in Greece and had a replacement.

Azamara clearly better IN MY FIRST HAND VIEW then NCL and clearly better then RAdiance of the sea.. but then again perhaps the radiance problem is the wife of the captain was a most senior food officer..

First time posters sometimes (not in my case) have a clearer cleaner perspective then some folks who have learned to compromise to be satisfied. Alternatives exist in the market. Alternatives for most client expectations...
you just have to find the brand and class that fits your needs. Some folks are not willing to spend Five star money for a 3.5 star experience.

And as we are learning just because the company wants it to be five stars and promotes it that way ...does not make it so..

Cadys were never equal to the high end german nor the high end Japaneese cars. Azamara was a great two ship small vessel company.. I am hearing that since my november experience at least one voyage was not up to 4 star let alone five star standards.

I have a better idea.. just pass by my posts in the future.

YMMV

[world~citizen]

a long time reader
a quest customer in november
a parent company customer in december
and even if a first time poster.. you imply that facts even second hand are not friendly.

I could give you lots of facts from november.. and the captain was great then.. but he got off in Greece and had a replacement.

Azamara clearly better IN MY FIRST HAND VIEW then NCL and clearly better then RAdiance of the sea.. but then again perhaps the radiance problem is the wife of the captain was a most senior food officer..

First time posters sometimes (not in my case) have a clearer cleaner perspective then some folks who have learned to compromise to be satisfied. Alternatives exist in the market. Alternatives for most client expectations...
you just have to find the brand and class that fits your needs. Some folks are not willing to spend Five star money for a 3.5 star experience.

And as we are learning just because the company wants it to be five stars and promotes it that way ...does not make it so..

Cadys were never equal to the high end german nor the high end Japaneese cars. Azamara was a great two ship small vessel company.. I am hearing that since my november experience at least one voyage was not up to 4 star let alone five star standards.

I have a better idea.. just pass by my posts in the future.

YMMV

I take your post seriously. I believe it is a fair representation of your experience.

There is a regular progression when unfavorable reviews are posted. Normally, there is initial sympathy, then the facts of the review are challenged, then the veracity of the op is challenged, followed by debate, followed by chaos.:eek:

I too would like to see other reviews of your cruise. I hope your experience was the exception. Certainly other recent reviews have been more encouraging.

I am truly sorry for your experience. I hope your next cruise truly exceeds expectations.

Smooth sailing to you...

[susiesan]

a long time reader
..


you just have to find the brand and class that fits your needs. Some folks are not willing to spend Five star money for a 3.5 star experience.

YMMV

With the pricing AZ has out now, no one is paying 5 star money except people who do not read Cruise Critic. All of the regulars know that prices on AZ have plunged. Most of us have taken advantage and re booked to save thousands of dollars and get substantial upgrades. In my case I went from a cat 12 inside to a 1A veranda for $1000 less pp for 2 weeks of cruising, saving me $2000 from what I was originally willing to pay for an inside.

[world~citizen]

With the pricing AZ has out now, no one is paying 5 star money except people who do not read Cruise Critic. All of the regulars know that prices on AZ have plunged. Most of us have taken advantage and re booked to save thousands of dollars and get substantial upgrades. In my case I went from a cat 12 inside to a 1A veranda for $1000 less pp for 2 weeks of cruising, saving me $2000 from what I was originally willing to pay for an inside.

Thats the truth, in fact just yesterday we received another adjustment for almost $700.

I never thought i would hear myself say this, but I am beginning to feel sorry for the cruise lines.

Well, with all the reductions, I can see a few more vodka martinis in our vacation I tell you.

Smooth sailing...

[DaveFr]

I take your post seriously. I believe it is a fair representation of your experience.

There is a regular progression when unfavorable reviews are posted. Normally, there is initial sympathy, then the facts of the review are challenged, then the veracity of the op is challenged, followed by debate, followed by chaos.:eek:

I too would like to see other reviews of your cruise. I hope your experience was the exception. Certainly other recent reviews have been more encouraging.

I am truly sorry for your experience. I hope your next cruise truly exceeds expectations.

Smooth sailing to you...
Please read the OP's post again. He/She is not on the cruise but is relaying second hand information based on emails received from others. He/She did not experience the cruise.

Dave

[world~citizen]

Please read the OP's post again. He/She is not on the cruise but is relaying second hand information based on emails received from others. He/She did not experience the cruise.

Dave

Well cut my legs off and call me shorty!

All the more reason to look for the reviews of this cruise.

People will grind their axes.:eek:

[Host Andy]

Hi Everyone !

I agree that I would much rather hear the news from passengers who have actually been on the sailing, as opposed to someone who is not on the sailing. With that said, I always take reviews for what they are.... someone's opinion. I'd rather go on the sailing, and make my own judgements.

What I do know, is that the bulk of the reviews over the past several months, have been wonderful. That's good enough for me. I hope to sail Azamara again in the future.

[uktog]

Capt Smith is certainly still the captain on board at this moment in time. I know there were some "bugs" on our cruise (finished 2 weeks ago) that caused them to move to tight procedures. Some of the problems were caused by passengers being selfish and not reporting situations so maybe that "drove" some of the messages given out.
Certainly there were issues on our trip relating to currents which caused them to have to run flat out from Singapore to Bangkok - maybe there were current issues again that impacted on timings. One thing we have to remember, this is Azamara's first season in Asia and I believe when we went the lower pricing recoginsed that.
I know there were issues with passengers who had not done their homework, some were completely unaware that the weather was not going to be subtropical all the way to Beijing which is a shame for them and for those who have to help them find warmer clothes!!
Will be very interested to hear from those on board, particularly those who were b2b with us as they will have had the experience of 4 weeks on board

[susiesan]

the crew in my opinion delivers 5 star service, they are friendly ,courteous,& professional,however the product they delivered to my table in the restaurants was definitely not 5 star.i understood that entertainment would be low key ,but in my opinion the performers on board were not very good.we all want to remember our cruise experience as a great time ,but we should also let azamara know in which areas they need to improve before they claim to be a 5 star line.

I have never seen anywhere that AZ claims to be a 5 star line, whatever that is. I'd like to know what camano's definition of 5 star. What organization rates cruise lines by stars and where is the list of ratings? Star ratings on any travel product, be it hotels, airlines, or resorts iss highly subjective anyway.

[superradiationboy]

I am getting emails from folks just finishing the asia voyage on the quest.. What a difference a couple of months and a new captain makes.

Apparently this cruise was not from heaven. The itinerary has been compromised a number of times. yes this is a boat and things happen. but 90 minutes to viisit Sole Korea?

Yes some folks have been sick on board but to be threatened with disembarkation at a port along the way (with it stated that you would get no assistance from the ship to get home) if you do not report you have the "cold/flu"?


I have been following this board for a while, but mostly just stayed in the background reading the posts. I think this time I would throw in my 2 cents...

Almost every cruise lines' boards on this site, there are people talking about itinerary changes once in a while. It is understandably disappointing. Especially when the passengers have been traveled from afar, possibly taking weeks off from their work, spending significant amount of money... and ended up did not get to go where they wanted to.

I have personally experienced an itinerary change, and my change was not just skipping one port or 2, but rather a completely different itinerary with new ports. Reason? Expected bad weather.

I personally trust the Captain and the cruise line to make any decision that would be the safest for me and my fellow passengers. Over the years, I have heard people complaining about a missing port due to bad weather while they observed sunny skies, calm seas... in my opinion, I believe there are more factors in weather than just the sky and the swells.

In my experience, I have seen some rather challenging tender operations, while it was sunny and the sea was calm when observed from the ship. One time we had some really strong current. Even though the Captain approved us to tender ashore, getting on and off it proves to be quite challenging for even a perfectly mobile person (when that cute little boat moves away and out by more than 2 feet then slams back on the platform in a matter of a second). Honestly, I think it was nice that the Captain avoided our disappointment by letting us going ashore, but at the same time I could see how easily that someone falls or gets hurt then blames on the Captain as well.

I also remember that one time our port time was cut short, in seemingly perfect weather, due to high winds - the ship was being blown away from the dock and they had to temporarily use the bow and stern thrusters to keep the ship docked.

Not sure why Quest was only able to visit Korea for 90mins. Maybe it was weather? Maybe it was mechanical difficulties of the ship (If that's the case, I believe the cruise line should compensate much like the airlines do)? Maybe there was some problem with the port itself?

I think many here would love to know the real cause. I do agree that the whole cruise experience is somewhat affected when there's a port change... But it might not be the cruise line's fault.


As for Flu. I think it's imperative for the cruise line to contain those affected before the disease spreads like wild fire. Much like the Norwalk, it is important that the Dr. on the ship knows who and how many are affected. Reporting of the disease is just a simple measure to ensure the welfare of everyone onboard and, as always, there should be a penalty for failure to do so. (Remember China used to cover up their Avian Flu cases and not reporting those to the UN?)


Every trip provides different experiences, be they good or bad, that's what traveling is all about and what a seasoned traveler is accustomed to and enjoy...

[douganswerphone]

Not sure why Quest was only able to visit Korea for 90mins. Maybe it was weather? Maybe it was mechanical difficulties of the ship (If that's the case, I believe the cruise line should compensate much like the airlines do)? Maybe there was some problem with the port itself?

I think many here would love to know the real cause. I do agree that the whole cruise experience is somewhat affected when there's a port change... But it might not be the cruise line's fault.


The visit to Incheon on these itineraries has been shortened to 5 1/2 hours. With travel time, that leave about 90 minutes in Seoul if you wish to visit there. The people on the Jan 31 cruise may not have been notified of this before they sailed.

We'll be on Quest in 2 weeks, and frankly will spend every minute aboard comparing it to Oceania, which Azamara has obviously attempted to copy. By comparison, is A as good, better or worse than O? We'll certainly have a first-hand opinion on that in a month, but meanwhile we're paying 1/3 of what O charges for a comparable itinerary. I can live with some disappointment for that kind of difference.

I agree that posting a review with STRONG opinions based on second-hand info is jumping the gun. And I've seen plenty of cruises where 3 or 4 complainers made it sound like some kind of a Death Cruise. We were once on a cruise described in those terms, and had to wonder if the posters were really on board the same cruise.

I also think it's unfair to rant about A, based on an experience aboard RCCL. RCCL is a BUDGET cruise line! Yes they have the same parent company, but that's like saying Seabourne must stink because you had a cruise you didn't like on Carnival [2 brands also owned by the same parent company].

I gather there was a problem at disembarkation, but that was likely the port authority's fault. Maybe they'll get it straightened out in 4 weeks. All the same, I'm glad we're not planning on tight flight connections at Beijing.

[cabo de hornos]

We've sailed with Cap'n Carl on Journey.

If there is an issue with weather or currents, etc. we found that he is most informative about why changes were necessary. We had an issue with currents or tides while moored off Isla Neuvo Providencia in the Caribbean, and Cap'n Carl explained why it was necessary for the longer than expected tender ride, and the need to run the thrusters to hold position for tender recovery, just in case there would be a situation that required an expedited offloading.

Now that's what I call looking out for the pax best interests, even though it was more costly to run the thrusters once in a while.

Cabo

[nevernever]

I'm reluctant to make a second entry to this thread, but feel that I must support cabo in his praise for Captain Carl. My experience on an earlier cruise was that, for those who bothered to listen, Carl used his mid-day and other announcements to clearly explain what had and was likely to happen regarding movement of the ship. Anything not addressed by Captain Carl was covered by the Cruise Director (at that time Tony Markey). I find it impossible to accept that people such as these would not have given passengers a full explanation for any departures from the advertised itinerary, or indicated why it was necessary to implement stringent health regulations. As so many people have suggested, let's just wait until we get first-hand information from passengers who were actually on the cruise in question.

Nevernever

[sinova]

The recent postings about Quest service concerns me. I'm going onboard in one month for two weeks Northern Asia cruise. I do hope Quest understands the importance of customer service is priority #1. However, I've requested port information for two months now and Azamara doesn't even bother to acknowledge my question. I only know where I board the ship but have no ideas where we get out?????????

[daljewels]

I was on this cruise. I'm in the airport Lounge waiting for my flight home. The cruise was better than what my husband and I expected. We knew it was going to be cold we had read about the ports we were going to visit. I talked to other passengers that didn't know it was going to be cold or had read anything about the ports. The food overall was excellent (one night it was bad) and the staff really tried to make the passengers happy. The captain kept us informed better than other cruises that we have been on. When we boarded the captain told us that some passengers had been sick on the previous segment and we needed to wash our hands often and not shake hands. Has the cruise progressed more passengers got sick. They had the staff cleaning everything. They even cleaned the casino chips. In Incheon Korea we has a lot of fog and they kept closing the port and reopening it. We also had to go thru a lock to get into the port because of the currents the captain wasn't sure if we would even make that port. What the captain told us was that we had a 30 min time frame they would allow us in. In Beijing they kept asking for more information before letting us off the ship. Azamara could not control this. The cruise director told me that he had never seen that much paper work before. We had a driver and tour guide that took us into Beijing she told us the last couple she picked they didn't let anyone leave the ship till 2:30pm.

[Project_gal]

daljewels

Many thanks for making the effort to answer the questions people have on this thread from the airport.

Sue

[uktog]

Thans daljewels.
I gather Capt Smiths wife and little Joe missed their flight home because of the delays but there is nothing you can do when the authorities dig their heels in. John Howell is a very experienced cruise director not known for over exaggeration so it must have been bad for him to say that.
Yes the 3rd and 17th Jan had people sick on it, it was thought in both cases problems picked up before people boarded or from eating ashore. They did no handshaking on our trip and were cleaning all the time. I have read reports on other Asia trips and sickness does seem to be much more prevalent on cruises in these areas so this does not seem to be an Azamara Quest issue - we had friends on a Princess trip in November and there were huge delays getting into Beijing on that ship as for a while despite all the paperwork being in order the authorities would not allow the ship to disembark because of the level of sickness which although not high seemed to give the authorities issues
Look forward to hearing all your reports - sounds like the food hit the same level of standard as on our cruise
A

[chris1950]

just returned from the trip today.will let put down more later in the week. but things were not not right on the trip and hope things do improve. one thing even thou the chinese officails took there time leting us disembark due to the virus issue .never have i seen such a disorganised mess at any cruise ive been on at the point of picking your luggae up.now of to bed for a rest after 20 hours of traveling

[Host Andy]

Host Andy,
Am I allowed to mention an online site that might be of benefit to us in booking a cruise?
I prefer to stay within the guidelines.

Hi Njccpa !

As you are already aware, discussion about TA's is against our guidelines. I took a look at the post you mentioned, and the posts have been deleted.

[douganswerphone]

I was on this cruise. I'm in the airport Lounge waiting for my flight home. The cruise was better than what my husband and I expected. We knew it was going to be cold we had read about the ports we were going to visit. I talked to other passengers that didn't know it was going to be cold or had read anything about the ports. The food overall was excellent (one night it was bad) and the staff really tried to make the passengers happy. The captain kept us informed better than other cruises that we have been on. When we boarded the captain told us that some passengers had been sick on the previous segment and we needed to wash our hands often and not shake hands. Has the cruise progressed more passengers got sick. They had the staff cleaning everything. They even cleaned the casino chips. In Incheon Korea we has a lot of fog and they kept closing the port and reopening it. We also had to go thru a lock to get into the port because of the currents the captain wasn't sure if we would even make that port. What the captain told us was that we had a 30 min time frame they would allow us in. In Beijing they kept asking for more information before letting us off the ship. Azamara could not control this. The cruise director told me that he had never seen that much paper work before. We had a driver and tour guide that took us into Beijing she told us the last couple she picked they didn't let anyone leave the ship till 2:30pm.

Can you tell us what time the ship actually docked? When did the authorities let you off? We'll doing the same thing on March 14, and I'm trying to make realistic plans for that day.

[superradiationboy]

It is indeed very nice to know that the cruise exceeded expectations. :)

For me, I got sick every time when I traveled in Asia, no exceptions. :( Though symptoms were rather minor, mostly just sore throat. My Dr. told me that they have a different spectrum of bugs there, while my immune system is used to the types in N. America. I guess that also applies to others...

In my experience, China's airport/ports were some of the most disorganized places in the world (With the exception of Hongkong and Macau). Though they already have improved by a lot recently.

I went to Nanjing 17 or so years ago, when their airport was merely a small house with a landing stripe. After getting off the plane, you have to walk a distance to get to the so-called terminal, then there are 2 desks set up for immigration. Everything is manual, no computer. After that, there is no sign pointing you to the luggage claim, and nobody there for you to ask. Soon, I saw a group of people walking towards the other side of the building. There I found a little barn like area with all the luggage of the plane stacked up on 2 muddy dirty carriages and 2 cows were still attached to them! :eek: All in a sudden, there were 100 people fighting to get their bags off the carriages... total chaos.

Well, it's a very interesting experience.

[Aussie Gal]

Thanks for those who have posted straight after their cruise. We too will be on the same itinerary in less than 2 weeks now. Azamara changed the itinerary on this cruise just after Christmas so we all had time to readjust to the new times in each port.

We were very disappointed at the time as the itinerary is not what we originally booked back in May and perhaps we would not have chosen to do this cruise if we had been shown the new itinerary.

Saying that, we have had so many fare decreases that we are now on a very cheap cruise paying a very small amount for a verandah cabin. I am sure we will have a great cruise but if not, then we will not complain as we could not spend 14 days anywhere visiting wonderful ports, eating 3 meals a day and being entertained for what we are paying.

Of course, one has to do their homework and realize that we will be having freezing cold weather. We are coming from the hottest summer on record to a cold winter, but we are bringing our warmest clothes and hopefully we will keep well. We are also having the latest flu injections this week just in case of a new strain that usually comes out of Asia each year.

Jennie

[tgg]

Saying that, we have had so many fare decreases that we are now on a very cheap cruise paying a very small amount for a verandah cabin. I am sure we will have a great cruise but if not, then we will not complain as we could not spend 14 days anywhere visiting wonderful ports, eating 3 meals a day and being entertained for what we are paying. Jennie

Jennie, I like your attitude. Have a great time.

[uktog]

I am sure you will have a wonderful trip Jennie
You are approaching it exactly the right way and of course every day on a cruise is a better than a day at the office!!

[Aussie Gal]

tgg and uktog,

Thanks for your good wishes. We are even thinking that if we don't get into a port such as Incheon due to bad weather, we will still be happy because as you say, it is better than being at home. It is a lovely ship, it will be our 6th time on an ex "R" ship having cruised on Oceania and Princess before. We are bringing books to read, there is trivia, lectures etc. and so we are just looking forward to getting away, meeting new friends and finding out how different Azamara is to our other favourite cruise lines.

Jennie

[livyordrem]

I am on the Quest now. There have been some glitches. It was the ship's first time leaving Tianjin. The embarkation was somewhat disorganized. The people checking us in were basically getting on-the-job training. There was also the problem of the previous cruise's sickness breakout. We were told while waiting to board that 66 out of 680 people were sick on the last cruise (this info from John Howell) and warned of the no handshaking, etc policy, wash, wash, wash, and you could be kicked off if you were not truthful about your health. Emabarkation was delayed by about 3 hours and departure was delayed by a couple hours.

Day 2 in Dalian we arrived only about 1/2 hour late but it took another hour to be allowed to leave, so we finally got off aobut 10:30. I took the shuttle bus for $8 but it was a waste of money, at least for me. It dropped us off at a shopping amll near a city square but I found nothing of interest there. The map they provided was useless. I did not hear any port info. I am unsure if there were any talks given or not but I don't think so. Supposedly on the TV was something but I didn't know that at the time. I had done some research so I knew rather where I wanted to go. I like natural areas so I went to the botanical garden. Not much to see but I look fo birds, so it was the best option for me. Taxis are cheap and the $8 I spent on the shuttle bus would have gotten me much farther in a taxi. And to places I wanted to go. There are some university students that may approach and ask to be your guide but I didn't take advantage of one. I don't know if they are scams but I don't think so. I heard one couple on the ship say that they hired one girl and she was wonderful and they got to see a great deal. The girl who approached me wanted $30 for 2 hours, and you pay the taxi. The biggest problem with taxis is communication with the driver. I communicated by my phrasebook, not by saying anything but by showing the driver the Chinese writing in the book which not all phrasebooks has. In the port for Beijing (Tianjin in Tanggu) we showed a picture of the ship. I had met a couple in the train station but we ended up in different taxis. My driver got it right, theirs took a bit longer to figure it out but they got there. By the way, the high speed train from the Brijing South Station is an excellent way to go to Tanggu and the port. It costs only about $10 for a first class ticket, there are places for your luggage, comfortable, clean and quick. Oh and did I mention cheap. A taxi from my hotel to the station, the train, and a taxi to the ship was a total cost of 140 yuan or about $20. Again the biggest problem is communication.

Back on the ship in Dalian, we were supposed to leave at 3 pm. There were osme instructions about passports that I never did figure out. The ship does take passports at embarkataion and I have not seen mine since. Leaving Dalian, Chinese immigration wanted each person to present their own passport to be stamped because we were leaving China. At first the plan was to have anyone coming back to the ship after 1 pm to go through the passenger terminal where a ship's rep would have all the passports. I don't know if that happened since I came back b efore 1 pm. Then all passengers were supposed to go to the Looking Glass Lounge to do it with Chinese officers on board. By 2:45 pm they were not even on board. Finally Chinese immigration decided it was not necessary after all to have everyone do their own. I assume they got it all figured out but by then we were 4 hours late leaving port.

Our next port today is Incheon (Seoul), Korea. We were supposed to arrive at 11 am but since we left so late we will not make it. The captain told us last night that we will get to the locks about noon but they may not have passage available at that time. There was more about the river being high and not many ships go through when the river is high so maybe we will be able to get a slot. Something like that. So our arrival is delayed at least until 2 pm in Incheon. With our scheduled departure at 8 pm, time is short.

I have the feeling that the crew, while they have been trying to resolve the problems that have arisen, are just as frustrated as everyone else, probably more so, including the cruise director, activities director and the captain.

The biggest problems so far, for me at least, are the problem with communication with taxi drivers. I think that the ship should provide some sort of card with written directions in the local language to give to people in order to get back to the ship. I don't know where the ship is or how to give an address to a driver. I have taken a postcard from the cabin with a picture of the ship and I show it to the driver. Sometimes it works and sometimes more effort is required but it is a start. I have found the service to be fine, the one dinner I have had so far was excellent, the room service prompt. My cabin is freezing but I have not yet spoken to anyone about that so I can't complain. And yes, it has been very cold outside.

Sally

[Project_gal]

In my experience, China's airport/ports were some of the most disorganized places in the world (With the exception of Hongkong and Macau). Though they already have improved by a lot recently.

I went to Nanjing 17 or so years ago, when their airport was merely a small house with a landing stripe. After getting off the plane, you have to walk a distance to get to the so-called terminal, then there are 2 desks set up for immigration. Everything is manual, no computer. After that, there is no sign pointing you to the luggage claim, and nobody there for you to ask. Soon, I saw a group of people walking towards the other side of the building. There I found a little barn like area with all the luggage of the plane stacked up on 2 muddy dirty carriages and 2 cows were still attached to them! :eek: All in a sudden, there were 100 people fighting to get their bags off the carriages... total chaos.



Sounds just like our experience in Xian around the same time. As the plane came into land, all the Chinese passengers rushed to one side of the plane to look out of the window. A man with his push-bike and goat walked across the runway in front of us. He did not flinch and the plane was landed as if it was a normal occurance. Once the plane came to a halt, nothing was said and, eventually, we saw that the WHOLE crew were walking across the runway towards some buildings so the passengers just picked up their belongings and chased after them. We reach an open sided shed next to the terminal buildings to find the luggage being loaded onto a conveyor belt. Walking to the other end of the shed, we saw the luggage falling off the other end of the belt onto a pile on the ground from where we collected our cases.

China IS an experience! Enjoy a beautiful and interesting country with really wonderful people BUT do not expect things to be like home. There would be no point in travelling if it were.

Sue

[Aussie Gal]

Project gal,


Thanks for the warning. After our cruise we will be doing a tour of China using planes and Xian is one of our stops as well as Guilin and Shanghai. At least I will be prepared now for anything.

Jennie

[Project_gal]

For me, I got sick every time when I traveled in Asia, no exceptions. :( Though symptoms were rather minor, mostly just sore throat. My Dr. told me that they have a different spectrum of bugs there, while my immune system is used to the types in N. America. I guess that also applies to others...


Again, I can confirm this from our trip around 17 years ago. One or the other of us was sick for the whole period. The doctor we saw back in Hong Kong said that it was normal to become ill visiting China.

We are doing everything we can to boost our immune systems before setting off for Asia in April - vitamin C, probiotics and prebiotics [but you will know what works for you]. It is all part of the essential homework before you travel.


We are also having the latest flu injections this week just in case of a new strain that usually comes out of Asia each year.


Jennie

Thanks for the tip. We will speak to our doctor about this

Sue

[uktog]

I see from the roll calls returning cruisers that it must have been frustrating for the staff - firstly it seems the port authorities were making up and changing the rules as they went ahead and then there were still selfish passengers. This disregard for sanitisation and following reasonable requests was exactly the same on the previous cruise (maybe given the number of b2bs it was the same people) but we saw a man be abusive to a member of the ships crew who politely asked them to use the sanitiser on return to ship from a shore excursion (personally I would have denied him boarding but the young crew member did not have that authority). Posting more senior people was clearly used to try and address this but then other standards might have suffered as these people were diverted to this task.
It is also posted that they had to put a guard outside someones door to stop them breaking quarantine - again on the previous trip we know someone did this with selfish consequences for others.
No wonder the Captain talked in strong terms about off loading non compliant passengers; the crew must be exhausted as they have been scrubbing and cleaning since 3rd Jan

[superradiationboy]

Again, I can confirm this from our trip around 17 years ago. One or the other of us was sick for the whole period. The doctor we saw back in Hong Kong said that it was normal to become ill visiting China.

We are doing everything we can to boost our immune systems before setting off for Asia in April - vitamin C, probiotics and prebiotics [but you will know what works for you]. It is all part of the essential homework before you travel.



Jennie

Thanks for the tip. We will speak to our doctor about this

Sue


I do have another suggestion on top of those... Cold FX. It really works like wonder. For me, I ALWAYS get sore throat when I sleep in a room with the AC on for a few nights. Last time I brought along my Cold FX with my regular Vitamin C, they worked! No sore throat for the whole trip! :)


One thing about Flu Shot... I heard that the formula is location specific. That means the one they give in N. America would be different from the one they give in Asia. Though the amount of difference might vary season to season, there is a possibility that what you got from home might not work 100% there... Still... some is better than none I guess. :rolleyes:

When I was in China, Thailand... and countries that have questionable standard in hygiene... I always be cautious in choosing what to put down my throat. Pretty much limit myself to those large hotels and restaurants. As good as those snacks and drinks from those street-side stalls look and smell, I refrain myself from trying them.

[Aussie Gal]

As we are very close to Asia, the flu shots for us should be fine. We are hoping they will be released before we leave at the end of next week. We always bring with us a medical kit with everything we need in it including antibiotics, tamiflu etc. so we should be fine.

Having holidayed in Asia many times over the years, we do know how to protect ourselves from most things. We have never had an upset stomach in the 30 odd years that we have been travelling to this region and that includes taking our children when they were small.

Jennie

[spybee]

I am getting emails from folks just finishing the asia voyage on the quest.. What a difference a couple of months and a new captain makes.

Apparently this cruise was not from heaven. The itinerary has been compromised a number of times. yes this is a boat and things happen. but 90 minutes to viisit Sole Korea?

Yes some folks have been sick on board but to be threatened with disembarkation at a port along the way (with it stated that you would get no assistance from the ship to get home) if you do not report you have the "cold/flu"?

perhaps the crossing from europe was hard on the staff
perhaps the changeover of staff in asia has caused some setteling in problems
perhaps the "replacement captain that got on in Greece has a different style.

Or perhaps the two ship entry into an upper level cruising is beyond celebrity and Royal Caribbean..

We were on the Quest on the voyage before the trans canal trip to asia. We had a good experience. We then went on a RC to south america and we will not make that mistake again. RC food was worse then college dormatory food. the main dinning room staff was so agressive (perhaps to assure tips) that after two days we reverted to the buffet. In the buffet area the staff from the kitchen would come out and "stand around with " plates of food from the service lines.

Nothing wrong with the staff eating lunch or dinner.. but when we approached the chef(s) one am.. having to interupt his "standing" breakfast to indicate that some of the food being served was ICE COLD.. and gave him a pancake from the line infront of where he was standing... He insisted this piece of food "that would not have melted soft butter" was not cold.... we asked for the pancake back and appogized for interupting his breakfast.
He was about as arrogant as could be.

RC is not a step above Norweegan when it comes to food service.
Azamara was a good experience but now I suspect that has deteriorated significantly from what I am seeing from folks just finishing this voyage

I cannot imagine what carnival is like...

ROYAL c start paying attention to the way the vessle serivce is being delivered. !!!!

Cruise service delivery is difficult.. but when done well it is great. when done not so well it ruins over a thousand customers experience.

I suspect we will hear more about this Quest cruise once folks get back from ASIA. Apparently mos twill hav emissed their flights as the ship has run into problems at the port and cannot disembark as scheduled. The staff is trying to help folks rebook.. but it sounds like the port representatives for AZAMARA are just not understanding the importance of arrival on the last day for folks to catch flights....

It would be interesting to hear the Lines explinations for this less then steller experience...

HAPPY PEOPLE TELL 2..UNHAPPY PEOPLE TELL THE WORLD.. General MOTORS IS JUST STARTING TO LEARN THIS..

YMMV

Hello Friends

New in this part of the seas... Hot news from Quest...I`m a spybee with BTB in the Quest... Hot temperature in the hospital onboard...more than 100 Gastro I. cases
Delay in the ports... Imigrations is killing the good name of the company... crew are in the limite, half of the people cold, half sick, service is not the same, but the guys are doing the best...

My opinion the cold china, the bad organization of the chineses and this bad GI is killing the good name of the company....
Ships is the same...never was new, but is good, good service, good food, bad etinerary, so cold...ship a litlle cold, but is going...disembarkation was delayed by imigrations, embark slow do to a very bad team of locals... horable terminal.. If I was Azamara, will never repet this etinerary...

Open to questions here, ask and when I have time will answer... have fun guys....

[Moeve]

Good Lord I do hope that they sort this out before we arrive in 2 weeks..... I have had my dose of flu this year thank you I am done!!!

[Project_gal]

I do have another suggestion on top of those... Cold FX. It really works like wonder. For me, I ALWAYS get sore throat when I sleep in a room with the AC on for a few nights. Last time I brought along my Cold FX with my regular Vitamin C, they worked! No sore throat for the whole trip! :)


Apologies, as Brits we are not familiar with Cold FX. Do you have more details, please? How, when do you take it and, if possible, what the ingredients are? We may have something similar here or my brother could send from Canada.

Sue

[world~citizen]

Apologies, as Brits we are not familiar with Cold FX. Do you have more details, please? How, when do you take it and, if possible, what the ingredients are? We may have something similar here or my brother could send from Canada.

Sue

Cold FX is a Canadian potion derived from North American ginseng. It is pretty expensive and you have to take quite a dose to allegedly reduce the length and severity of a cold, which it does by boosting the immune system (apparently). There is a lot of anecdotal support for Cold FX and Health Canada approves it for this purpose.

There is a lot of scepticism associated with it also. I have tried it an it seems to work, but would I have gotten better anyway?

Smooth sailing...

I should add I am not an MD and none of this should be taken as medical advice.

[Lobbylin]

I will be travelling on the Quest in less than 4wks time, and I feel like certain people here are trying to scare me away!:eek:

My friend was on the recent Quest Christmas sailing and had nothing but good things to say about her cruise, the staff, food etc. So, surely I will have a good time:rolleyes:

I have been to Asia many times so know what to expect there. With regards to the ports, they are new to Azamara so I am expecting some hiccups and bureaucracy.

But, one thing I know is I am not put off....:)

Linda :)

[world~citizen]

I will be travelling on the Quest in less than 4wks time, and I feel like certain people here are trying to scare me away!:eek:

My friend was on the recent Quest Christmas sailing and had nothing but good things to say about her cruise, the staff, food etc. So, surely I will have a good time:rolleyes:

I have been to Asia many times so know what to expect there. With regards to the ports, they are new to Azamara so I am expecting some hiccups and bureaucracy.

But, one thing I know is I am not put off....:)

Linda :)

Nor should you be.

We are all looking forward to your glowing review when you return. :)

Smooth sailing to you...

[Julie Jean]

I will be travelling on the Quest in less than 4wks time, and I feel like certain people here are trying to scare me away!:eek:

My friend was on the recent Quest Christmas sailing and had nothing but good things to say about her cruise, the staff, food etc. So, surely I will have a good time:rolleyes:

I have been to Asia many times so know what to expect there. With regards to the ports, they are new to Azamara so I am expecting some hiccups and bureaucracy.

But, one thing I know is I am not put off....:)

Linda :)

Linda
We were on the 3rd Jan sailing and had the most fantastic cruise. We found Captain Carl and all of the senior staff were fantastic.
Have a wonderful cruise
Julie Jean

[livyordrem]

I hope that you do not think that I am trying to "scare you off". I think this is a fantastic cruise. I know little things bother some people but they don't bother me. I am just trying to offer some first hand facts. I'm sorry if they seemed negative.

If anyone has any questions, I will be happy to answer them. Otherwise I will keep my information to myself. In the meantime, I will be thoroughly enjoying my cruise on the Quest. It is indeed wonderful. My cabin has warmed up nicely, the crew is great, the food is great, and I don't know of anyone who is sick on this sailing.

Sally

[douganswerphone]

I hope that you do not think that I am trying to "scare you off". I think this is a fantastic cruise. I know little things bother some people but they don't bother me. I am just trying to offer some first hand facts. I'm sorry if they seemed negative.

If anyone has any questions, I will be happy to answer them. Otherwise I will keep my information to myself. In the meantime, I will be thoroughly enjoying my cruise on the Quest. It is indeed wonderful. My cabin has warmed up nicely, the crew is great, the food is great, and I don't know of anyone who is sick on this sailing.

Sally

You didn't scare me. We appreciate your honesty, and frankly it seems the cruise really only had a couple problems:

1. A Norovirus-type outbreak. Hardly a surprise on a winter cruise. The odds of getting sick on a cruise aren't much worse than staying home. They'd probably be a lot better, if fellow passengers would simply do what they're supposed to do.

2. Dunder-headed Chinese immigration officials. Hello! This is an authoritarian government! Government officials who stick their neck out risk getting fired or worse. They shoot a couple every now and then to "encourage" the rest. Hardly a surprise that it took a few hours for the decision to permit disembarkation to get kicked upstairs and OK'd.

3. Incheon: this is not generally well known today, but the Flying Fish channel into Incheon is tidal and not navigable at low tide. General MacArthur actually sent spies ashore in 1950, so we could figure out when we could actually get our invasion fleet into Incheon. The ship lock in place today would make that better, but tides are still an issue getting in and out.

I hope you have great cruise. We'll be watching from our hotel room as you enter Hong Kong.

[Project_gal]

Cold FX is a Canadian potion derived from North American ginseng. It is pretty expensive and you have to take quite a dose to allegedly reduce the length and severity of a cold, which it does by boosting the immune system (apparently). There is a lot of anecdotal support for Cold FX and Health Canada approves it for this purpose.

There is a lot of scepticism associated with it also. I have tried it an it seems to work, but would I have gotten better anyway?

Smooth sailing...

I should add I am not an MD and none of this should be taken as medical advice.

Thanks. We do have ginseng products in the UK as well.

[Lobbylin]

I hope that you do not think that I am trying to "scare you off".
Sally

Not at all Sally - I was referring to our second "new poster" on this thread...;)

Linda :)

[Lobbylin]

You didn't scare me. We appreciate your honesty, and frankly it seems the cruise really only had a couple problems:

1. A Norovirus-type outbreak. Hardly a surprise on a winter cruise. The odds of getting sick on a cruise aren't much worse than staying home. They'd probably be a lot better, if fellow passengers would simply do what they're supposed to do.

2. Dunder-headed Chinese immigration officials. Hello! This is an authoritarian government! Government officials who stick their neck out risk getting fired or worse. They shoot a couple every now and then to "encourage" the rest. Hardly a surprise that it took a few hours for the decision to permit disembarkation to get kicked upstairs and OK'd.

3. Incheon: this is not generally well known today, but the Flying Fish channel into Incheon is tidal and not navigable at low tide. General MacArthur actually sent spies ashore in 1950, so we could figure out when we could actually get our invasion fleet into Incheon. The ship lock in place today would make that better, but tides are still an issue getting in and out.

I hope you have great cruise. We'll be watching from our hotel room as you enter Hong Kong.

I agree completely with everything Douganswerphone has said. None of these things are unexpected or surprising.

Looking forward to our cruise!:)
Linda

[Marie-Claude]

My Mom and I were on the Jan. 31 cruise as well. We just returned last night as we spent 5 days in Beijing after the cruise.

This was my 17th cruise in 10 years and while we did have an outbreak of Noro, we did have problems with Chinese Immigration that delayed us in Dalian, we did have weather and tide problems which really shortened our time in Incheon, we had our itinerary changed leaving us with too little time in Kyoto, and yes, the weather was cold ... we still had a wonderful time!

When you plan a cruise like this one, you must prepare for it... read about the ports, get weather information etc. So I have very little sympathy for people who did not know that it would be cold... We actually had better weather than what we expected! We had hardly any rain - only rained our night in Kyoto, but it had been nice all day!

It was our first cruise with Azamara, and certainly will not be our last! We found the staff and officers to all be very approachable, friendly and most everyone goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. John Howell the Cruise Director is a gem, Captain Carl Smith is also a great captain. He kept us informed all through the cruise and I loved his enthusiasm of cruising these waters for the first time! Heike the Hotel Manager ran a tight operation and did not let things slip as the virus outbreak got worst. I witnessed her come and get two quarantined passengers that decided to get out of their cabin. She was firm but polite and escorted them back to their cabin!

Yes there were glitches, and as a previous poster said, the staff was probably more frustrated than we were... these things are to be expected on a first itinerary... even the Shore Ex people had had little information from Azamara office on these ports but they went out of their way to look for information on the internet. I also did a few tours with them, and they collected a ton of material so that they would be better prepared for the next cruises!
Personnally, I usually do a lot of research and book my own tours. This time, we did exclusively tours with Azamara and I was happy with all of them. In comparing with friends who often went on their own, we feel we got a lot more of most places by going on tours with local guides. I'd be happy to review excursions with anyone with questions!

Overall, I found Azamara to be a great cruiseline with many pluses over other lines such as Princess, and we loved the itinerary!

MC ;)

[cadcruiser]

Personnally, I usually do a lot of research and book my own tours. This time, we did exclusively tours with Azamara and I was happy with all of them. In comparing with friends who often went on their own, we feel we got a lot more of most places by going on tours with local guides. I'd be happy to review excursions with anyone with questions!


MC ;)

Welcome back MC. You certainly have the right attitude about your cruise. I'm on the Feb. 28th sailing and would like to know what you did in Seoul(Incheon) and Dalian.

[Aussie Gal]

Marie-Claude,

I second Cadcruiser's question as we haven't planned anything for those ports as yet. When the time was cut short in Incheon - we now know it is to do with the tides - we realized there wasn't enough time to get to Seoul - so we are at a loss as to what we should do and see in that city.

Jennie

[Marie-Claude]

Hello Aussi Gal and Cadcruiser!!

For Dalian:
at first we considered taking the shuttle, then I realized that the sites were quite a distance. So we took the Panoramic Dalian tour. I usually hate the panoramic tour as you don't get to walk to go out. But this one was different. Even if it started 1.5 hours late the captain pushed back our departure so we did everything we were promised.

We were taken to a hotel for lunch - all groups were at the same place. It was in a ball room. Lunch was fine (never expect too much from hotel meals) but it was varied, and plentiful, as all meals in Asia. It was followed by an acrobatic performances. I heard people say it was amateur and boring... well it did say the performance was being done by kids! We really enjoyed it. It was a teacher with a few of his students varying in age from 8 to 18 and they were all very talented and really eager to please us. We thought it was a really interesting glimpse in this culture.

Then, we went to a working class neighborhood and had a visit with a Chinese family. This was the highlight! The group was divided and each family hosted 6 of us with an interpreter. While the hallways of the building weren't too promising... the appartment was very clean and well kept. We met a retired couple in their 70s, with his Mom who was 99 years old! They showed us around their tiny appartment, and then we all sat around the table for a chat. The lady had set up the table with candies and fruits and all sorts of goodies. Of course, the man served us tea. We asked them questions and they too were really curious about us. It was really fun. They were both very charming. He used to be a train engineer and she, a fishing factory worker. The lady gave me her address as she wanted me to send her copies of the pictures I took!

After this visit, we had a scenic tour of the city and its many squares with several stops to take pictures.

Our final stop (as with all tours) was at the Friendship Store - a large department store (expensive European brands).

For the little time we had there, we thought this was a great tour. Actually one of our favorite!!

For Seoul:
Well, we simply had no time there... we had originally book a tour (I can't remember which one) but since our time was dramatically reduced due to our late arrival, the Shorex Bureau offered to either reimburse our tours, or to exchange them for a Panoramic Tour of Seoul, telling us we would have limited time there.

We had the option of cancelling and sticking aroung Incheon which many people did, some with pleasure, others not so much!

We opted to still go into Seoul and see what we could. The weather wasn't great and we didn't really feel like walking around not knowing where we were or what to see. The drive to Seoul was much shorter than what they had told us (I guess traffic was good that day) and only took 50 minutes.
The guide took us to Gyeongbok Palace. Timing was perfect as we got there just in time for the changing of the Guards ceremony. That was absolutely wonderful! They were all dressed in their traditional very colorful costumes. We could have our pictures taken with them. Then we visited the whole place. We were in the palace grounds for 1.25 hours - we didn't expect it, so it was a nice surprise. We then drove back to Incheon through various areas of Seoul.

So it was quick, but I'm happy to have done it. I'm not sure I would have appreciated the Korean people as much just shopping around in Incheon.
I always find that we learn a lot from guides. I like talking to them, asking questions on their culture etc.

If you are tired, this may be a good port to just shop around. But if you are up for it, make the visit to Seoul knowing it will be an In and Out, and trying to make the best of it!!

Let me know if I can be of further assistance!
MC

In case some are wondering, these are the tours we took with Azamara - if you have questions, ask away:
Hong Kong Island Tour
Best of Shanghai
Scenic Suzhou
Busan City Highlights
Hiroshima: A trip to Miyajima
Kyoto City of Temples
Seoul Highlights
Panoramic Dalian

[Host Andy]

Hi Marie-Claude !

Thank you for your very informative report. I'm happy to hear you had a fine Cruise on Quest. Welcome Home !

[cruiseyguy]

Sounds like it was an extremely interesting itinerary for serious travelers. Good for Azamara for attempting it rather than "playing safe" with something more routine.

[Aussie Gal]

Marie-Claude,

Thanks so much for all that information. We will have a rethink about those two ports. I particularly liked the idea of a visit to the home of a Chinese couple in Dalian.

Thanks to your descriptions of your cruise, we are now starting to get excited at the thought that this time next week we will be on our way to Hong Kong.

Jennie

[Moeve]

We had suspected that there had been a ball ups with the tides all along but I am going to ask just how in the world THAT was possible with modern day tecnology....... Heck and for them to only find out 4 weeks before the first cruise knocks the socks off me since the paper or nowdays the electronic trails that goes into voyage planning is huge why didn't anyone notice the mistake long before???

[Marie-Claude]

For those going on this cruise soon, I just thought of something else useful:

Since we go through 4 different currencies (Hong Kong, China, South Korea and Japan) I made, before leaving home, a small currency exchange sheet for all 4 places... this was the most useful thing that I brought along.
I even had the Guest Relations Desk make copies for friends we met on the cruise!! I made it small enough so that it fit in my jeans pocket and I must have pulled it out 200 times!!
Just used the xe.com website... very easy!!

For example:

HK$.............. US$
1$............... $0.129
10$............. $1.29
50$............. $6.45
200$........... $25.80

7.75$.......... $1.00
38.75$........ $5.00
155.05$....... $20.00
775.20$....... $100.00

[Lobbylin]

I can see a "rush" on bookings for the Panoramic Dalian tour..:D

Thanks MC for posting that info, all joking aside, it was really good to hear about your trips in both these ports, as they are the ones that most people are still so unsure about in terms of what to do or expect.

Would you be kind enough to tell me about the Busan City Highlights tour?

Thank you Linda :)

[cadcruiser]

MC,

Thank you very much for your info on shore excursions in Dalian and Seoul. I have the same two excursions booked. For Seoul, the excursion was shortened by two and a half hours and I was only reimbursed $24. Not too happy about that.

[hamptonroads]

I have never felt the need to post before just enjoyed reading but after the 1/31 cruise on the Quest I would like to say a few words
First, the Captain was very informative and a nice person as were all of the crew. The entertainment was great
Our sky suite was lovely and all was well the first few days until the illness hit and we felt as if we were either in a hospital or a consentration camp. The Captain said that anyone who did not go to the doctor would be thrown off on their own at the next port. People who did go found themselves and their roommate only with rice and consomme for a couple of days. Although we did not feel well on the cruise not until we left the ship did it really hit and both my husband and I still and not back to normal. I told several crew members I thought some of the problem could be the cold food sitting out for hours. Nothing was kept hot and I am sure the US Public Health would have been concerned if they were onboard.

Many people missed flight from Beiijing and although I hear people mention that is was not the ship's fault they should have know what was required by the country and had everything ready for the immigration people.

For us this is not an experience we would like to repeat.

[Marie-Claude]

Just a quick clarification on the quarantine...

My Mom felt ill the morning we arrived in Shanghai. She was worried about leaving for an all day excursion so I left without her. In order to get our excursion reimbursed, she had to see the doctor. He put her on a 48 hour quarantine. As I returned from my excursion I was advised by security that I also had to be put in a 24 hour quarantine. Fortunately, this 24 hour was from the time my Mom had her last symptom, which was in the morning so I was able to go out the next morning.
While in quarantine, we have access to free movies, we can order through room service ANY food from the room service OR Dining Room menu. We also have free bottle water. In addition to this, we will receive a future cruise credit equivalent to the unused portion of the cruise when we were quarantined.
The butler came several times (probably to make sure we were in) but to inquire if we needed anything.
I wasn't happy about the situation, especially since we found out it was NOT the Noro virus, but another type of virus probably from food but under the circumstances, I felt that Azamara did everything they could to make this situation more bearable for my Mom and I.

As for the Busan Highlights tour:
It must be said that Busan isn't a touristic city. It is the world's 3rd largest cargo port. So there isn't a lot to see and do, but I think the beauty of it is that it isn't touristic so you can see the life of Koreans.

Our first stop was the fish market - it was early enough for it to be bustling! Since Koreans eat fish mostly raw, this market has live fish! It is quite interesting. There's an inside part with aquariums and vivariums, and an outside section with other fish, and shells and dried fish.

We then went up to the Busan Tower. We had an amazing view of the city and the humongous harbor! Luckily it was a clear day and we had a beautiful view. There's a lovely park around the tower with some small temples.

Our last stop was free shopping time at the International market: several narrow streets filled with all kind of merchandises. Prices are OK, no bargaining here...

I think you could probably get to all those places by using the shuttles or cabs, but we like having a local guide to tell us about the life and culture, which we would have missed by doing this on our own.

Any other questions, don't hesitate!!
MC

PS - for those leaving soon, please say a big hello from me to Bruno and Diane at the excursion desk - there are both from around Montreal!!

[hamptonroads]

Hi Sue
Our room was very cold also but we asked for additional blankets and had them within a few hours. I hope it is warmer for you!!!!

[Jade13]

I have never felt the need to post before just enjoyed reading but after the 1/31 cruise on the Quest I would like to say a few words
First, the Captain was very informative and a nice person as were all of the crew. The entertainment was great
Our sky suite was lovely and all was well the first few days until the illness hit and we felt as if we were either in a hospital or a consentration camp. The Captain said that anyone who did not go to the doctor would be thrown off on their own at the next port. People who did go found themselves and their roommate only with rice and consomme for a couple of days. Although we did not feel well on the cruise not until we left the ship did it really hit and both my husband and I still and not back to normal. I told several crew members I thought some of the problem could be the cold food sitting out for hours. Nothing was kept hot and I am sure the US Public Health would have been concerned if they were onboard.

Many people missed flight from Beiijing and although I hear people mention that is was not the ship's fault they should have know what was required by the country and had everything ready for the immigration people.

For us this is not an experience we would like to repeat.

I am concerned as we have the Quest booked for next February and need to decide if we want to cancel before we book our air. I would rather be on a HAL ship (I think the overall customer service is much better compared to my experience on Celebrity) but HAL does not have a ship in Asia at least for the first half of 2010. We wanted a cruise departing from Hong Kong that includes Vietnam.

[hamptonroads]

Glad they let you have food from the menu. Our friends who were also under quarentine (only one sick) were not as lucky!! Maybe since your Mom was sick early in the cruise they were more liberal.

[Aussie Gal]

Jade,

We are leaving next Friday for the exact same cruise that Marie-Claude and the others were on. We have over 100 days on HAL, more than that on Princess and were on the lovely Nautica last year for 35 days so we will see how the staff and crew compare to these other lines.

I am sure from reading the reports that they are excellent and go out of there way to help. We know that the only way to try and stop novovirus from spreading is to be quarantined and if we get it, then we will certainly obey the rules.

One of the best ways to stop the spread is what Oceania insists on doing all the time and that is that the crew only hand you the food from the buffet. No-one is allowed to help themselves. That does cut down a huge amount of people handling the food. On other ships I have watched people pick up something and then return it back to the buffet.

I wish all ships adhered to this simple way of serving food. On that 35 day cruise last year I do not recall anyone catching novovirus.

Jennie

[Jade13]

Jade,

We are leaving next Friday for the exact same cruise that Marie-Claude and the others were on. We have over 100 days on HAL, more than that on Princess and were on the lovely Nautica last year for 35 days so we will see how the staff and crew compare to these other lines.

I am sure from reading the reports that they are excellent and go out of there way to help. We know that the only way to try and stop novovirus from spreading is to be quarantined and if we get it, then we will certainly obey the rules.

One of the best ways to stop the spread is what Oceania insists on doing all the time and that is that the crew only hand you the food from the buffet. No-one is allowed to help themselves. That does cut down a huge amount of people handling the food. On other ships I have watched people pick up something and then return it back to the buffet.

I wish all ships adhered to this simple way of serving food. On that 35 day cruise last year I do not recall anyone catching novovirus.

Jennie

I will be interested to hear your report.

Btw, we just got back from an all inclusive A&K trip to Antarctica on Minerva (Swan Hellenic) and I think both HAL and Celebrity could learn a thing about service. We do not normally travel like this as we do not drink enough alcohol to warrant this but it's nice to have servers remember our Cola's as we could not find a server on Celebrity day after day to bring us a coke and it was obvious it had to do with the fact we had a pre-paid cola cards and the server would not get his 15% commission as the cruise director stated the servers got this commission as their ID number was on each Bar Bill. My DH felt he got that same look on HAL as well (although I never really noticed).