ellbon

On 11/20/2019 at 3:50 PM, manc said:

Concerns on Facebook tonight that Februaty 2021 cruises changing because Journey is being chartered. South American cruise changes in Quest. We are booked on Journey. Can't help but worry 

Yes, that is true. My AZ email said due to the JR being chartered the Quest was giving up their 21 day cruise for a shorter one..which really means two.

i now get to fly from B.A. to Lima and then Quito to join Flora. 

I had other cruises cancel and had to rebook several  at the start of a B2B. But this is in the middle of several cruises. Meanwhile this same cruise was reprice in Oct.

Makes me concern  about my future cruises.

Unless one leaves a shawl or a purse while in the bathroom how does one "SAVE" seats. How does one get away with it. 

 The pool on Quest had way to many long "lunch breaks" but crew are afraid to move stuff. At some point after 30 minutes i was really timing if these people were coming back ever. Even saw some pick up their "saved seats" stuff and move or leave.  Not cool at all.

I have to change three different time periods but between sept 2019 ,Septb2020 and now Feb 2021. Wonder  if my fall 21 will happen.

indo look at other cruise lines but just happy places.

7 hours ago, Trend said:

Booked a cruise we wanted in 2021 and were just advised it will not go. Private booking has taken over the Journey so the Quest now has to move things and shorten cruises.

So disappointing and are now looking to other cruise lines for the same trip.

We are concerned booking with Oceania for a long cruise as the last few we have done have been with AZ and we love the relaxed atmosphere, but sadly no cruise we have not taken in the time frame we have available.

Anyone with experience on both lines if you could give us feedback it would be appreciated. 

I was on that cruise and before that for Carnival.  Not only did I want to travel up the Chilean coast I was flying from Lima  to join the Flora.

Now my agent not inky had to roll the deposit onto another cruise she had to cancel and rebook the Flora. I did not want to be in the states in March now it looks like I will.

AZ has a huge problem with canceling cruises. Not sure why JR charter changes  Quest. But happens more  and more.

9 hours ago, LuAnn said:

YIKES...how did passengers get on for China without the proper docs? I know the last time we went...on X out of Hong Kong in '17...that was a very big deal...and the officer in charge was working 24/7 to be sure everyone was A OK...and that was after a lot of "back and forth" with X re a "new" Visa option in China...which we had. and also working with us regarding a tour in Shanghai. Must have been heart-breaking for everyone!!! 😞 LuAnn

It was a cruise from Tokyo to HK. All I know is about 30 people had to leave ship. From what I was told they could leave ship abd go home. Thyroid could not get back on ship. Sounds to me passports were not checked in Japan,. I was doing more than one cruise and I had two passports.  Y older one had a good Cuna Visa in it. No one called me fir it I just came down with it. So then they had two. Later when they scan my picture to show if needed they  used the old passport that showed where the hole was lunch to mean no good. Had that happen twice and I finally picked it up.

i really have no idea how these people got on. Thus cruise we  cancel ports and added port to out run weather.the others had more medical that I knew off from heart to a fall. People drinking on dance floor . 

At times  I wondered where these people came from ..mainly the ones who told off the DJ where other guests could here.

balcony talking I could live with but telling off the DJ...

7 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

I'd be very surprised if there was a move into food and beverage. That role has to be 'in the blood' and I don't think Ngawhira has any experience there. As I said it does look like a temporary position because it still has "to be announced" later in the year. I suspect when a replacement for Fred in the F & B role has been found. 

 

Phil 

I agree about being in the blood.  I never thought to ask her about F and B.but she has been front desk manager forever and HD would be great.

A loyal guest would of notice some of the problems as we had 30 guests come without a Chinese Visa on the second cruise. In the end they all went home. How they got on no idea, we had at least three medical with a crew member going to a hospital with each guest. In two cases I knew the crew was missing.

Plus many whom-did not want to fly home from HK and were  flying home from Shanghai ,well, we missed that port due to weather  going there. So lots of people involved changing flights etc.

I am not sure how you move someone out of HD. 

Also due to JR being charter in 2021 the company decided to change a 21 day S America  cruise on Quest.makes no sense to me. But now changes my Feb and March.

21 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

As I understand, Fred and Liesl have left Azamara.  I didn't realise Ngawhira had been promoted into the Associate HD role though. 

 

Phil 

I was on Quest when it became official. She had been on a week when she started cross training. As it was a very hard cruise  due to Visa being needed, guests leaving with Medical problems with a crew member it was  a little crazy. I am not sure if she is going to do any F and B or just HD, Did hear that at some point Heike was going to train her but not sure of the rest. 

On 11/15/2019 at 1:38 AM, chefchick said:

Thank you Ellbon.  Do you know if there are taxis available at the tender drop off on Jost Van Dyke to get you over the hill to the Soggy dollar bar?

The joke is I was there by a day trip from St Thomas . We were let off right at the beach bar. This time I plan to go to Foxxy. I want to,spend money locally. Plus have a few Painkillers.at least I know I can trip back up the hill to the tender dock,

On 11/13/2019 at 3:05 PM, chefchick said:

We are booked on the “Antilles Island Hopping” itinerary Feb 22, 2020.  Although this is not our first time on Windstar, it has been a few years.  Do they still have the beach BBQ on these Caribbean Voyages?  If so can someone venture to guess which day that might be so we can plan excursions accordingly? (See below). Speaking of which, since the ports are smaller,/lesser traveled (which is why we chose WS in the first place) we are finding it hard to locate vendors for excursions (in particular sailing or food related (cooking, rum, etc). For those of you who have been to these ports recently..any suggestions?

 

thank you in advance for replies- Kelly

 

Departs Bridgetown, Barbados 6pm

 Bequia 8-7

castries, St Lucia 7-10

les saintes, Guadeloupe 9-6

gustavia, st barts 9-10

Virgin Gorda, BVI 8-5

jost Van Dyke, great harbor bvi 8-5

san Juan , PR disembark

St Lucia..Cisol tours..around eight each..fun day we some food and rum and beer

st Bart’s,.shell  beach or Nikki besch

VG?.the baths..no shade in. Each.decent resturant

JVD..beach..run and lunch, never seen more just hang at beach

san juan..rum, old town and forte..all,DIY

I was in a suite my butler on Quest said only in a suite. No proof of this . But it plugs in and you can plug in your iPhone cords..  mine was on my desk and I felt it was to big. Because I had read no clocks I had one from Amazon which I loved.

There are clocks in suites..plugged in away from bed.  Was told only suites.

no one gets free WiFi ..you pay for it.

not even sure what to say about the rest..

11 hours ago, combine said:

 

It must be so difficult  to gauge  how to keep the White Night and the  Azamazing evening fresh and interesting to everyone. On our recent Journey cruise Heike informed us that there were 450 new Azamara guests on board. Thats 450 guests  who have never been to White Night and have no idea whats gone on before. Of our 10 Azamara cruises we have never joined the buffet on deck, preferring to eat in Discoveries, but we always do go up for the crew parade and the entertainment. This last one was without doubt the best ever White night  we have attended, perhaps due to the enthusiasm of the new guests?

 

I dont know what the answer is but no doubt its a headache for someone!

 

 

I rarely eat just dance but that one was not into it 

10 hours ago, uktog said:

I think like all things White Night is dated. It needs a refresh and I have enjoyed it most when it’s included local entertainment. I wish it was earlier in the cruise. I think it’s late to accommodate crew parade but the best parades I’ve seen were indoors on stage. Good use of screen images of flags and photos of a landmark in each country added to the enjoyment. 

I find the CD makes some difference.  My last of four cruises it was earlier in cruise and Ernest skipped the flags. We had some outside shows on most legs and I skipped it  each time. Food was pretty much the same each cruise. Wish that could be tweet more. Music needs an update. 

On 11/6/2019 at 11:07 AM, hubofhockey said:

 

It's more than that.  I had one chance to go out at night to dinner in Saigon and blew it.  That's my fault, not Azamara's. So many people on the boards here say White NIght parties are great.  I think that they have appeal to a large percentage of Azamara regulars and I bought into it.  The lesson I learned is that if you are going on a destination immersion cruise, do what you can to go out in the city at night and "dine locally" to steal one of Azamara's own catch phrases.  I was left wondering why they couldn't do white nights on an evening at sea.  

I was bored this time, with four in a row I was bored with White Night.also makes a difference who the cruise director is. I had rain the cruise before yours so danced inside, no big deal. Also ours was ruin by no crew parade with flags. I thought the other CD over all was better,

i am not a fan of Saigon so unless I was with many people I doubt I go out at night.now HK or Toyko I am out at night.

2 hours ago, hubofhockey said:

After doing this survey, I am again kicking myself for going to white night as opposed to going out to a local restaurant in Saigon.    It's my one regret.  There are people who love the white night, but not for us.

 

I have done both but the dancing use to  start  later at night

On 10/31/2019 at 1:11 PM, hubofhockey said:

 

That was "Da Bear" from the roll call.   We're touring Angkor Wat with them tomorrow.  Today is a day to relax at the resort here in  Siem Reap, Cambodia.  This is truly Third World, but fascinating.  90 minute massages for $32 can't be beat.  I have never seen anything like the security at Singapore Airport. It's pretty intense.

 

I don't know how you do four cruises in a row.  I'm DONE.  I love Hong Kong.  Of all the places we have been, that's the one place I could stay for a week.  Right now, things are too unsettled though.  I don't know your other itineraries, but this one was great.  

 

The cruises were easy but fir a few nights of no sleep for some reason. 

I found  it very easy there. Was in airport at 6 and lounge twenty later. China ports the worse.

japan getting in was worse.

tsa was fast.

My first flight was two hours late. No time in HK to enjoy the lounge.

flight home lost their crew so we  left an hour late.

slept ten hours

  tired..pulling out gifts and laundry. Then will repack everything for winter cruises.

One cruise and you are tired..you have to learn to sleep in on sea days and party at night for energy.

2 hours ago, jdvmd said:

I just came across some information that seems to indicate cruises less than seven nights do not receive full amenities like the AzAmazing evenings etc. Is this the only thing that would be missing. Looking at the 5-night sailing from San Juan, PR in December.

Maybe no white night. To me both are perks not an amenity  like laundry etc.

Well  as I was leaving terminal I saw  Len and  his wife plus another  couple.  I walked outside and left for airport. As always flight delay. Never saw the four others again. Not sure w why no one helped them off ship. I had help. One  even  asked about my HK flight but I knew the time not the number.

i can honestly say I wish I had stayed in HK. Would of been in my hotel room. By three napping  plus the flight to states was at three so easy to handle. 

A lot of this is interesting. Last two cruises most nights the Den was to  loud to talk vs the Living Room. But depends on night and crowd. No way over late night music in any bar to talk with yelling.

also my last stop today was near Merlin across from hotel about 4. One drop of rain one guess had a melt down. When we got back to ship I walked to senesto island and thru mall. Had a  double  app  at the prime C bar, dance now about 2 am a quick Ba’ath as I leave for airport about 5.

should of slept in HK. Pity the friends who collect me at airport .

the night tour is cheaper on your own and we hD crowds in living room with yummy food  for the night tour

11 hours ago, marinaro44 said:

I know Italian food (see my CC handle) and Aqualina is just fine.  If someone doesn't like the way the eggplant is prepared, order something else.  The appetizers, soups, salads and desserts are all excellent.  The veal chop and beef tenderloin are, also.  If you want red sauce on all your pasta, sorry.

 

The wait staff rotates between the two specialties, so service is the same.  It's personal opinion, but the decor in Aqualina is more upscale.

Well we do not agree. Also prime C had meat.  I want more red sauce, more veal parm, pasta with clans ..real southern cooking.  Outside the Dover sole not liked one main in there. Prime C  mostly starters and pasta there to. 

Not been to the new sushi on five but love Nobus on ships.

Len

you are leaving not arriving at 520 right after I leave ship.

enjoying my cabin now. One bag is packed and some tips are given up already. Rest tonight.

never go to MDR. Just eat in Windows or deck ten. Not a morning person so the buffets are wasted on me. But I use to go when started and finish later in day. Last one I went to it ended at 1. 

Aqualina was redone. New chairs and maybe carpet. The food we both agree and the F and B to that the eggplant not correct. 

I find that ships coffee..something I do not drink normally...plus chocolate does not help me. So by giving up both no problems. 

I missed many brunch due to the fact now late breakfast vs the real 11 tom1 brunch. Just can not eat all that food.

1 hour ago, hubofhockey said:

The weather looks decent for today with partly sunny and 79.   If the rain holds off, that's perfect weather to me.

Been nice out for days. What is a ten minute rain. Almost ready to go to beach.

4 hours ago, hubofhockey said:

 

Booked a new hotel in Siem Reap called Grand Venus with perfect Trip Advisor scores.  Looking forward to it.

 

I let BKK know about this guide cutting her tours short and rushing them.  BKK used to be a big Cruise Critic favored tour company and gets good Trip Advisor reviews.  I think this one wanted to get home to her newborn.  I'm sympathetic to that, but upset at the same time.

 

The ESPN feed in the room said Patriots are on at 7:25 am tomorrow, but I think the game starts at 3:25 am.  If I wake up, I'll watch the game and then take a nap.  Ko Samui has questionable weather tomorrow.  We may just hang out around the pier.

 

At Aqualina tonight was a pretty horrific dining experience.  We were in the far corner near the end, but the two tables next to us were both parties of six and, together, made it a party of 12.  It was a pub atmosphere, very loud and I couldn't even carry on a conversation.  The other side of the restaurant was practically empty.  The large tables also impacted service levels.  The hostess apologized to us and asked us if we wanted our dessert delivered to our room.  In any case, Prime C is a much higher quality dining venue than Aqualina.  Live and learn.   These complaints I have are small in terms of my overall enjoyment of this cruise.  I will end this post on a high note.  We departed Bangkok with the pilot boats leading us out on our (starboard side).  Seeing the Quest navigate through the river was interesting.  I headed up to the Sanctum pool, which is at the front of the ship and has amazing views leaving Bangkok.  We went under two large (one was really nice) suspension bridges and that view was the money shot.  There is not a better way to leave Bangkok.  

If I had known you were at the topology I would of pop by. I was at pool bar during the bridge without phone.  but sat  in my spa tub  for the end ride.

not sure when you had dinner but I was in Aqualina around 8 and service was prefect. Lots of empty tables then near by.later saw Kim's show and the den.

i had several ToursByLocals young moms and no tour was cut short etc due to baby at home. Even had dinner with guides as the dad or nana was with baby.

still not read one thing on weather and still plan a beach day. Seems I keep missing rain. Besides anything beat cold NC in Nov.

On 10/26/2019 at 4:10 AM, hubofhockey said:

Robin, I totally decomposed last night and did nothing.  It was Windows and early sleep around 9 pm, which explains now being up at 4 am.  This is a rugged itinerary if you do it a certain way.  Today is Bangkok tour from 8 to 5.  Dinner and drinks at Indulge Fusion & Cocktails from 5:45 pm to 7:00 and Expique Nightlights Tuk Tuk tour from 7 to 10:30 pm.  Tomorrow is 7 am to 2 pm Railway & Floating Markets.  I'll be good.  The only thing I would have done differently is split up today's activities into yesterday and today, but hindsight is 20/20.  We are going to Siem Reap for three days after the cruise and over a day will be a resort day, with a day and half at the temples.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you staying at Raffles? Loved it there. 

I did the morning market and  train with lunch a few years ago.  Was rushed by guide to do included boat ride and he picked lunch in the middle of no where vs the action packed market.food was ok but no people or view.talk about kick back for guides.

last night sounds great . Good thing I only use trip advisor for hotels not tour companies.