Toronto Guy

I would recommend you book some time on land pre-cruise and post-cruise if you are flying from North America so you can adjust to the time change and get into a vacation pace before you get on the ship, and maybe rest a bit afterwards as it will be a lot of port days and tours for sure. Not sure what time of year, but you have to take the heat exhaustion into account in Europe between June and September as well.

Does anyone really think that Prime C or Aqualina is that much better then the MDR? I have never experienced that. I've usually been underwhelmed and a bit disappointed with a few exceptions. I still go for a change of venue, but I don't get why some people rave about it and others are more "meh".

When Azamara was a new line, it did market itself as a luxury line, and every stateroom on board also had a butler. I believe this is where a lot of the confusion stems from. It is certainly not a luxury line today, but that's also not something I am seeking.

I think if you start from the basis of comparing to Celebrity you will be disappointed. It is a very different product. If you are seeking good entertainment, a casino and a lively atmosphere, you are going to be disappointed. If you want good service, a much quieter atmosphere and relaxation you will like it. If you spend a lot of time in your cabin, you will also be a bit disappointed unless you are sailing in a suite. Azamara has some great itineraries though, so you have to weigh that in as a factor as well.

Completely agree, and you are probably referring to the same act I saw on the Onward. Unbelievably bad.

Enjoy Viking Ocean. I have only heard good things. My friends have bailed from Azamara following all the reservation fiascos that started over a year ago and havent' looked back. They absolutely loved it in comparison. Hope you do as well.

Have only ever seen it in the Living Room in recent years, exactly when I want to go and use the LIving Room for a bite to eat and read a bit; then someone asks you to join their team, and you feel like you're being rude if you don't join in. I'm glad they're enjoying it, but think it is much better suited for the Den at that time of day. Of course those playing probably also want to enjoy the tea service so I guess it's a challenge for the entertainment team.

Yes. Those would be the same people who take their trivia a little too seriously to win a key chain. haha

Grace O'Donnell will be CD on Azamara Onward starting Sept 13th.

My cruise is on the list but I didn't get the email. Got 3 dozen other emails, but not that one.

Ha! That sounds about right. Back to square one. It drives me absolutely nuts that you have to go stand in a giant slow moving line on the pool deck for the privilege of booking specialty restaurants at a preferable time/day the moment you get on board. The last time, I think I was the only passenger who adhered to my actual boarding time - and everybody who didn't got exactly what they wanted...and by the time i got to the front of the line, they closed the reservation desk and told me to go to the restaurant that night to book what I wanted....only to find out everything was gone. Not happy. That line reminds me of sailing on Carnival in the mid-80s. I'm pretty sure they are using the same IT system from then too. 😉

I wouldn't be concerned, it says if you don't complete the payment you keep your assigned stateroom.

I was in one with tub on the Journey. Liked the bathroom itself better on the Journey vs the Onward...the issue wasn't the tub itself though, it was that I couldnt get under the shower head. Problem with the shower only CCs on the Onward is you keep banging your funny bone on that huge grab bar they installed in it!

I have never heard a single noise from above in those suites. Maybe I was just lucky?

I don't understand why a cabin has to be available on both legs of a B2B. I have 2 different cabins on an upcoming b2b and received a different upgrade offer for both legs (albeit at a completely ridiculous price).

I think that's a good minimum bid to a CC. I would definitely bid on that. Which CC's do you think are the least desirable? I've been in the farthest aft and thought it was great. Have been in the Deck 6 accessible one though and didn't like that one at all.....but they agreed to move me to a regular one on Deck 8 since they had a no show.

very cool

The difference in price between the indulgence and essentials package is $900, so they weren't offering you any deal after after a few days - unless I am not understanding.

There seems to be two camps when it comes to the Atlas Bar - those who like it tend to be those who purchase an upgraded drink package; those who don't tend to be those who stick with the included drinks. Besides drinks, there is also a food menu with some rather good items, but again, those who stick with the included drinks probably also aren't inclined to purchase that food at an additional cost. Azamara's drink package upgrades are a steal compared to other lines (even considering the recent price increase), and if you have a loyalty discount even better. If you have onboard credit available, even better again. I don't "love" the Atlas Bar, but I do think it's an improvement over the very under-utilized library on the other ships. Most Azamara loyalists will disagree and are still upset the old library is gone, and I understand that too. My issue with the room is that it is a little too bright for my liking and I think the video wall is rather dumb. I wish they had some piped in music instead or a live performer. Similarly, I think the piano bar is also way too bright (although I'm told the Pursuit actually has dimmed lighting in that room that has not yet been installed on the other ships).

The library has been moved to a section of the Living Room. It is nice with good views and lots of books. I've been served drinks in the Atlas Bar that are not the specialty drinks on the menu, but I always have the Ultimate Package so not sure if that makes a difference or not.

No kidding. They have really got to get their crap together.

Ack...the minute after I post the question, I find the answer - on Paul and Carole's website. Pasting the answer here for anyone interested. It's so much cheaper than what I pay here at home that I'll just get my stuff dry cleaned on board and then it won't be wrinkled either. Suit – $10.00 Jacket – $6.00 Pants(Trousers) – $5.00 Long Sleeved Shirt – $5.00 Short Sleeved Shirt – $4.00 Sweater – $5.00 Shorts – $4.00 Dress – $9.00 Skirt – $5.00 Neck Tie/Tie – $2.00

Does anyone happen to have a pic of the dry cleaning price list? I searched and couldn't find in the forum.

I don't have any issue with them bringing in more revenue at all - I'd gladly give them some more to upgrade to cabins that they haven't sold. But giving me an opening bid that is DOUBLE the current going rate is unbelievable and doesnt' reflect well on the company. After this upcoming cruise is done, it's time for me to move on. They won't be getting an onboard booking reservation that I always take out and I'll watch to see if this company survives or not. I'm betting "not" at this point.

Phil, I could purchase a veranda cabin at exactly half the minimum bid amount they are offering right now (under the same promotion I booked the saiiling under)....so this is just a way to swindle money out of customers who haven't checked the current pricing. That's more than a supply/demand thing...and I think that is rather shady.