excitedofharpenden

I always do as that can make a difference in the price and it can be quite a bit. I've just done a dummy booking putting in my Azamara Circle number and it looks just the same as it did before and I can see all available cabins within the category. Phil

It's a bit difficult to explain, but the set ups Quest/Journey vs Pursuit are quite different. First off there is no door through to the second toilet and sink area. The wall space that has created is where the large shower and a separate toilet are located, so they face you as you walk into the bathroom from the bedroom. To the left or right depending on which side of the ship you are on the same wall as the entry door is a double sink contained within a large cabinet area. The second toilet has a larger sink because the sliding door has been "bricked up". It's a much better set up, but you do forego the tub. Phil

Totally agree. He was a wonderful presence here. Very knowledgeable and always polite and respectful. Phil

Above all else, don't stress. That's part of the appeal of Azamara for me. The dress code for White Night is most definitely optional. They won't disembark you if you wear another colour! I've seen lots of people in blacks and blues etc. Nobody worries. Just enjoy the relaxed dress and if you do want to go smart for an evening or two you won't be stared at. Phil

That's correct. Guarantee cabins are not eligible. I have a big issue with the upgrade bid system. You have no idea which of the category cabins you bid for you'll be assigned if successful and by the time you know you've paid for it. There are definitely areas of the ship I avoid because of noise. For the first time in ages I made a bid on my last cruise. From a verandah to a Club Continent suite. I did this because I checked and checked and there was only one available CC suite and on deck 6 which I'd be fine with and I thought I would probably get that. Lo and behold when my bid was accepted I had been assigned 8070, right under the bus station for the Windows Cafe. This was what was above my cabin. Lots of noise. Never again will I make a bid, even after close reference to the cabins left. Phil

Yes, that would have been a nice touch although for me getting up early at 5.45am and seeing them all join up was very memorable. I got the impression that the focus was more on general marketing of the event like sending up drones to take the photos. And we were blessed with the most stunning sunrise. Phil

Paying for your cruise is basic stuff. No excuse. They just need to sort it out because as can be seen from this thread, it creates a terrible impression, both new and existing guests. Phil

Apparently, if you could get the server into ludicrous mode it's very fast. Phil

The biggest Azamara cruiser by far in terms of $$$ spent will not cruise to certain areas of the world (eg Norway for its high latitude) because of the spotty Internet service. They are a day trader by profession and it doesn't work for him. I'm not sure what he'd have made of Journey and Quest around Greece and Croatia either! But you are correct. It's a huge expense to sort it out. Phil

John, at the end of the day it's totally ridiculous that guests are struggling so much to get through and pay for their cruise. Unacceptable that you spend so long. Maybe in two or three years we'll look back and laugh it the situation, but for those of us who have to endlessly listen to the Azamara hold spiel for well over an hour it is not so funny. OK if I was phoning up ask about the mechanics of booking a drinks package, but it's to pay for a cruise. For goodness sake Azamara, automate it so we can pay with our credit card online. Phil

The way that it's always been explained to me when I've asked the question is that the laundry departments don't have the capacity to do two bags of free laundry for every cabin on the ship. I have no idea if this is the case, but it sounds feasible. Same with the wifi. The system as it stands can't cope with everyone having unlimited access. I know on my two most recent cruises the internet had the worst performance that I can remember. And this was two different ships. Slow and kept cutting out. Maybe there were lots of free unlimited wifi deal guests on the ships? Phil

I disagree with the last part of your post. I watched the video this morning of Emma (it came up as a recommendation on my YouTube channel). I've watched her videos before and they are always good value just like this one. However it is very clear she is a bargain cruiser. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I feel if you choose to take a packaged flight on the day of the cruise to keep the costs to a minimum then you have to be prepared for some compromises. Hanging around to board the ship might be one, depending upon when that packaged flight arrives. Phil

There is a big gap between the two in terms of loyalty points required, but if you drill down, the benefits really aren't that different. Overall I can't think of anything major to improve the program. The benefits are nice to have, but I think it's the atmosphere onboard and the friendliness of the crew that have the guests coming back. Phil

Ask for a late check out? Wait in the hotel lobby? Leave your cases and do a quick shop and go back? No hotel is going to kick you out on the street no matter what time you have to vacate the room. As Betsey says, don't stress. I have no issue at all giving the staff a couple of hours extra to clean. Phil

Sadly this took a hit when the entertainment was revamped a little while ago and they got rid of the ballroom dancers from the cast. Sometimes they have them back as guest entertainers who may stay for two cruises (end of one and beginning of the next) and they might do lessons, but it's limited. Phil

Just wondering for those of you who are Zenith and not staying in a suite and now without access to the Retreat Lounge, what has been your experience of being able to use the Retreat Host to help out with admin stuff like say booking a car at the end of the cruise, issues you might have onboard? Also, have we lost the priorities we had like escort to the tender, debarkation at the end of the cruise etc? These were useful benefits. Phil

I did look at the Africa itineraries. The elephant in the room is that West Africa, there really isn't much down that side to see and that's why they find it difficult to substitute. It's a bit like West coast of South America. You can travel for miles with no really exciting ports. East Africa is far more attractive to me. JMHO of course. Phil

I think the main issue is that there is nobody near the top of the tree making decisions on drink provisions who understands how much the mixers influence the taste. If they came here and read the (many) comments they might just do something, but for now the Royal saga continues. Premium it's not. Phil

Yes, you are right there in Bordeaux. View from the ship. Phil

We stayed at the Arena, Copacabana for a couple of nights. It was about half way along the beach in a good location. Nice comfy rooms with big picture windows overlooking the sea, good outside bar and swimming pool. It wasn't too expensive and that was true of generally most of the Rio hotels. I'd stay there again. Phil

I didn't vote in the poll. It's up to Azamara what time they board guests. As it happens I boarded Journey in September and Quest in October. Complete non issue. I really liked the fact that people weren't racing to be first on the ship and it was all very relaxed and worked very well. Providing of course that you are patient. Of more importance to me was the new way of doing the lifeboat drill in groups as we boarded. Loved it. So in summary, I don't know what the big deal is. Phil

Weather. Phil

This question has popped up before. Perry Golf are a class outfit with small groups and no impact. You'll be fine. Phil

Yes, everyone gets the same reduced deposit and OBC. It's the dicount for booking onboard that is tiered (from 5-10%). The internet discounts are IMHO hugely over-complcated now and vary according to cabin type and offer free minutes as well as %age off a full voyage unlimited package. Coupled with the fact that there are also promos from time to time for free internet when you book. Azamara Circle discounts on spa treatments are for the signature treatments only (hot stone massage etc). Just to be clear. Phil

That guy is a star. He was as a waiter too. A very bright young man. Phil