papa B me

Notdski

thank you for your feedback. I’ve had both really positive and really negative experiences with the long bus/van excursions. So good to hear from people who’ve been there. Also considering a private tour vs small group tour so we can adjust it as we go based on our enjoyment. I’ve done this quite a bit in the past and never had a bad experience but definitely more pricey

Brian

Hiccups or any others that have had ship excursions cancelled for lack of participation:

Do you think there is a correlation between between how active an excursion is and cancellations?  Meaning do yo think biking excursions, hiking excursions, etc... are more likely to be cancelled then say a Panoramic tour?

Still working on how to use the OBC(some of which I think can only be used for excursions) and which ones to book independently. 

Also would love opinions as to if it's worth the bus ride to Alhambra from Malaga vs staying in Malaga. So far Azamara isn't offering a tour but a fellow roll call member has booked a small group tour. 

Hiccups

Thank you for your valuable input. We will probably end up doing a combination of ship and private excursions. Doing my research over the holidays then plan on booking at the first of the year. Thanks again!

Brian

3 hours ago, mchell810 said:

 

I don't believe they will ad new excursions at this point but the experts on this board can give you better information.

 

The evening in Valencia was quite lovely; do try to special drink they serve!  Also, the central market there is wonderful.  We even bought some cheese to enjoy on our verandah.

 

 

We did the ship excursion in Gibraltar for the sake of simplicity; Azamara does have several options there.  It was good, well organized and gave us what we needed.

 

 

From Malaga we went up to Alhambra, it's a 2 hour drive each way,but for me essential.  We paid $210 total for 2 people while the ship's tour was priced at $229 per person.  I know you have OBC to spend, but if you use it elsewhere this is a good opportunity to save.  Spain Day Tours did an excellent job for us and gets great reviews here going back more than 10 years. There are other things to do from Malaga; I am sure you will get some info on that.

 

 

And finally, I loved Lisbon.  We also had a few days there ahead, which let me know I need to get back there again.  Enjoy your cruise.

 

Thanks for the great ideas. 

3 hours ago, cpgrneyes said:

We did a Lisbon to Barcelona cruise, but the only port that’s the same on your itinerary is Valencia. We loved it, and the Hemispheric evening is our favorite Azamazing event yet. Valencia is a great city to spend a day walking. The covered market is well worth a visit, and if you stay around the old town, you’ll be busy for a day.

 

In Lisbon, which I understand you have a guide for three days, it’s also easy to do on your own. We did a walking food tour that was more than just food, and I highly recommend it - www.tasteoflisboa.com.  Also, don’t miss spending a day in Sintra!  

 

Enjoy your trip.

We have a day booked with a guide for Sintra. I'll look into the food tour. I love them. Will wander Lisbon quite a bit but have a guide picking us up in the morning of embarkation for about 3 hours the dropping us off at the ship. Thanks for the feedback

We will me on the Pursuit next September sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona with stops in Patimao, Gibraltar, Malaga, and Valencia(over night). I was excited this morning when I went to "my planner" and saw they had posted our Azamazing Evening. It is in Valencia at the Hemispheric and its surroundings. So I went ahead and booked it. I have quite a bit of OBC and plan on using it for ship excursions(I understand the negatives of ship excursions). So I thought I would go ahead and start booking excursions even though we are still 9 months away using the OBC.  For those who have sailed a similar itinerary I was hoping to get some feedback on the following questions:

1. Do you think it's too early to start booking in the event they add additional excursions closer to sailing?

2.  If I do book and they add additional is it difficult to make changes?

3.  Has anyone been to this Azamazing Evening in Valencia and if so what did you think and any tips?

4. Does anyone have any recommendations on ship excursions they've taken at any of these ports?

5.  Any sites that anyone has been to at any of these ports that are a don't miss even it not offered through Azamara?

For reference we will be 57 years old and are pretty active from hiking to biking to Kayaking, etc...  We love unique experiences as opposed to Cathedrals and Museums(although we do enjoy them).  We also enjoy unique shopping areas such as local markets and crafts. This is our first time to Portugal/Spain so everything will be new. Spending 3 nights pre-cruise and have booked a private guide for all 3 days so all set up in Lisbon. 

Any thoughts and and recommendations are greatly appreciated 

Thanks

Brian

We were on a Uniworld Christmas market cruise in Early December 3 years Ago on the Danube from Budapest to Passau. Throughout late summer and fall the water levels were extremely low so that several of the cruises just prior to ours were cancelled. Ours was the first to run as scheduled after quite a bit of disruption. It was stressful but Uniworld communicated well leading up to the cruise and it turned out fine. I do believe the severity of the water level that late in the season was rare. Was a wonderful cruise. 

1 hour ago, dexddd said:

On Epic by mid ship thinking you are talking about the ones that face the pool?

 

Actually, some of the Havens are similar.  GA and BA except GA no roof over pool, Epic one off, Jewel class all similar, BA plus similar.

Sorry I wasn't a little clearer.  I am in one of the DOS that overlooks partly the Haven Pool.  I went back and forth whether I wanted this suite or the forward facing suites.  I actually I think I'll enjoy looking out over the activity if sitting on the balcony during the day but decided to go with this one for the larger Balcony and maybe a little less movement if rough seas.

I also do understand that there are similarities among ships in the same class but have read about quite a few differences between classes as to size of the Haven, Restaurant or no Restaurant, roof or no roof, etc....  I had gleaned from reading different reviews and threads that the Epic was somewhat unique and many seemed to really like it.  So I was just reaching out to get feedback from any who have actually been in the Haven on Epic or sailed in a DOS in the Haven on Epic that may have specific pointers and recommendations that might be unique to Epic.

Thanks for your reply.

Thanks again for the valuable tips. With each ship's Haven being different I was wondering if anyone has any specific tips for Epic. We are sailing in about a year in a DOS on Deck 17 midship. From what I've gathered from some reviews many don't like the Epic but say it is one of the best Havens. Any tips or thoughts specific to the Epic would be greatly appreciated 

Brian

7 hours ago, Cindy said:

For me, the planning is almost as much fun as the trip itself!😁

 

Do you remember what time the Na Pali coast sail-by ended?

I believe it was between 2:30-3:00

Cindy,

Have a wonderful trip.  One of the best things about travel is obsessing about it ahead of time.  I tend to book my trips up to 2 years in advance so I have 5 on the books right now(more then I should have) which makes it nice so I can alternate which trip I'm obsessing about -lol.

Brian

Laurie

Thanks for the feedback. I usually make my own reservations then use concierge if something needs to change. Just wasn't sure if the reservation desk handled all the events or just Specialty. 

Brian

We will be on Azamara in a club world Owners suite next September. We are also purchasing the indulgence package. So we will have 3 Specialty, chefs table, best of the best and white night to coordinate. Should we use the butler/concierge to help book all of this or simply go to the reservation desk when we board

I think it's fantastic to have so many choices. We continue to try different experiences and find pros and cons to each but feel so blessed to travel the way we do that the pros alway out weigh the cons. We love the small ship experience on SilverSea and have two Azamara trips booked. At the same time we enjoy the shows and restaurants of larger ships. Anxious to see if the Haven experience gives us the feel of both. Booked the Epic for its southern Caribbean itinerary. Takes us to 5 islands we haven't been to yet. So experiencing the Haven is an added benefit o a great itinerary. I suspect we will keep exploring different cruise lines and ships for different experiences so will need to add MSC to the list along with Oceania, Regent and Seabourn

On 10/16/2019 at 5:54 PM, Sthrngary said:

Thank you for your comment.  I am going to address it.  Your point is well taken.  I love huge ships, love them. I am a little older and don't mind paying extra to get certain perks. I will be cruising three times in less then 12 months which clearly shows I am spoiled.  During those three cruises, I am on the NCL Getaway in the Haven (4000 passengers) with my wife; the NCL Pearl in the Haven (2500 passengers) with my family of five; Oceania Marina to Europe (Premium Brand, most folks over 18, smaller ship 1250 passengers).

 

When I attempt to save some money by not going a Premium Brand, I do the Haven and really like it. I thought that is what my post said.  Instead not it is all about my single complaint about kids.  So as you can see, I agree with your over arching theme and realize I made the choice for my own reasons.  What this teaches me is that folks really don't want a first hand transparent view of unique aspects of cruise brands, cabins and accommodations. Sad but true.

 

I learned my lesson. My heart was in the right place.

I certainly understand your frustration. Your post was a great idea and I personally truly appreciate it. Like you I research my trips to death therefore rarely am surprised by our travel experiences. We have booked a DOS in the Haven on the Epic for Jan 2021 and have had trouble gathering detailed first hand accounts of how to get the most from the experience. So your post was fantastic. I've been somewhat frustrated there weren't more posts along the lines of your intent and that it has morphed into a thread about unruly kids. But rest assured that there are probably many who appreciated what you've written and have found it helpful. Thanks again!

Brian

Another warning about missing Kona. On our February sailing there was a medical emergency that caused us to miss Kona. Don't think it would be worth the risk unless you have a contingency plan to fly back to Honolulu 

1 hour ago, Sabiney said:

 

I saw a video of this cabin that shows the cleaning rig parked outside the balcony of 17004. Was that your experience, too? It looks like it blocks a lot of the view. I have this cabin booked for next year and struggled giving up the size of the pool balcony for the privacy and quiet of the smaller balcony of 17004.

 

Thanks,

 

Pat

 

We're facing the same struggle.  That's exactly what I'm dealing with. Love being a little more midship and the larger balcony.  I actually wonder if when at sea at night with nothing else to see if it might be nice having the view of the pool/ship.  Pretty early risers so not thinking the noise will be an issue for me and I see us hanging out at the pool in the haven when we are wanting rest/reading time.  But 17004 is showing available so trying to decide.  Thanks for input

54 minutes ago, dexddd said:

POA has one, unique DOS.  The Epics won't be as elaborate but there are several layouts on Epic.  Epic you'll get three bottles of booze vs wine on POA.

 

PS, it might he hard to find but there is a long thread out here with pics and discussion.

Loved the DOS on POA and had a fantastic butler.  I do believe there were perks that POA doesn't provide that are provided on the rest of the fleet.  Will miss the player piano and jacuzzi on balcony from POA-ha

4 hours ago, mertziek said:

We were in 17004 and felt it was the best suite on the ship.  IMHO - The suites overlooking the pool don’t have as much privacy.

Thanks, 17004 is still showing available and is the suite I was comparing to.  Went with the one I did for potentially less movement and bigger balcony.  Still trying to decide on my decision.  I appreciate your input.

3 hours ago, ColeThornton said:

Have you checked out the YouTube videos for that suite?

 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=norwegian+epic+suite+17033

I did take a look at all the videos.  I love the suite.  Trying to decide if I like having the larger balcony and possibly a little less movement more midship.

I booked a DOS suite 17033 yesterday for Jan 2021 on the Epic.  My only other experience on NCL was in a DOS on Pride of America this past February. 

There were quite a few DOS suites available. The booking engine recommended 17033. I would appreciate any opinions/recommendations as to which would be best. There are several available on Deck 17 and a few left on Deck 16. 

Any other thought/recommendations about getting the most from Epic/haven/dos appreciated

I received a similar letter from my travel agent yesterday. I'm on a June 17 Greek intensive sailing. It is departing 2 days later and dropping 2 ports. Has an offer of $500 cabin/$1000 suite OBC if it take the adjusted itinerary or $250 cabin/$500 suite to rebook another cruise or a refund. I've been expecting this based on this thread. 

7 hours ago, laurieb said:

In my my experience no.  They won’t add any perks from a different promotion.  The only time would b3 if you cancel and rebook with the new promotion ; if your category is sold out you’re not able to do that.

Thanks.  That's what I thought so haven't been checking website regularly.  Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on something.

Brian

It seems these games are the industry norm.  Of the 5 cruise lines I've sailed I've booked an average of 18 months in advance.  I've re-priced them all when the latest "sale" came out between booking and final payment and have never had one go cheaper.  I have been able to add perks offered but not the cost of the actual cruise going down.  It's a double edged sword in that it makes me feel good for booking early but it is annoying that they make it sound like they are running this great deal only to find out its not so great.

Have a great trip Lois.  Look forward to your report!

Brian