excitedofharpenden

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

Was that Robert per chance? Phil

Yes. Only when you get to the ship. Phil

Yes, they won't do it first night. Changeover day is a very busy day for them. Phil

In my view this has been way overdone and it seems to have blown up on one thread and chiefly (but not exclusively) by someone who has never been on Azamara before. I've not noticed it as a general issue before. On this board or on the ship. So I take the complaints with the pinch of salt I think they deserve. By way of qualification I've had the services of an Azamara butler probably more than fifteen times in a variety of suites. It's always been a nice experience. Some more than others. As usual it's about.the people. For me I like the butlers that don't take themselves (or me) too seriously. I'm low maintenance, but if I'm not feeling well or I want to organise a get together in the cabin then the larger stateroom space and a butler is really nice to have and if I was staying in a CC suite without one I'd really miss it. Phil

I know it's anecdotal and comes from social media, but the long wait times seem to be very much of now. My own personal experience from three months ago was very long wait times. Phil

I'm with you. I don't get it either. Celebrity are much worse for this than Azamara, but I don't like the trend. White Night on Journey was fine for me and a great performance. It was way too loud on Quest the week after. Led by the Cruise Directors? We left White Night early on Quest because of the loudness and general performance. Two of the dancers writhing about up by each of the pool hot tubs trying to get the crowd dancing looked like they were pole dancers at a strip club. It was embarrassing. Well to me at least! Phil

It's not ones own fault. It is an Azamara resourcing issue. Not everyone is techy. To have to find out about and use another system like Skype just to call Azamara is silly. I have no need to use it for anything else. Phil

You make a great point. I hadn't thought of that. They need to sort this ridiculous issue soon. Phil

You did exactly what I was about to write, ie speak to Azamara directly. It's a bit of a minefield with the offers, but direct they will be honest as to what you can and can't do. Congratulations on the savings. I'd take money off the bottom line and forego any perks/OBC any day of the week! A lesson for all of us to check price before final payment. Phil

My recollection is that only Pursuit had the key card lock. Both Journey and Quest have a door that freely opens to the Spa Terrace with a sign saying private area, additional charges apply. That did the trick. The place was empty the entire three weeks I was on the ships. No need for a key card to get into the changing rooms. I doubt they'd do that. What if you are caught short and want to use the toilet in there?🤭. Phil

Onward Lisbon to Miami? I'd pack layers. The itinerary takes you on a more northerly North Atlantic route where the water is cooler (than say a first stop in one of the Caribbean islands). You may luck out with the temperatures, but it might be chilly at times. Phil

And I love Lanzarote too. I've done land trips there as well as cruises. It's a beautiful island. I also love Tenerife for the reason of being the last holiday I spent with my dad as a fifteen year old. I'd happily go back there. It must be so hard to find an alternative port, especially one that can accommodate the ship. We will all have a different reason for going somewhere. Stunning nr Haria, Lanzarote from up high. Phil

I was on Journey and Quest very recently. We were on the ship by 2.30pm. Our window was 2-2.30. I agree with uktog. I found the whole thing less stressful than the rush to get on the ship. The morning of the cruise was more chilled. There was food available when we got on. The covid way of doing the muster drill individually or in smaller groups as we boarded was way better than having to go en mass later on. This way from now on please. Phil

I'm talking off the ship. No need to use the expensive ATMs onboard for Euros. I do however use them for taking out USD occasionally. Phil

Italy use the Euro as their currency. Get some local currency out. ATMs are plentiful. Work it the other way. If I was an Italian.coming to the US I wouldn't give tips in Euros. I sometimes fel that Americans think the USD is a universally accepted currency. It's not. It's much more polite to have some local currency in your pocket. I witnessed an American arrive in a hotel in Athens last week and ask if the local shops would accept USD. The hotel said the same as me and directed him to a cashpont. Phil

OP, go to YouTube and look for reviews. There are lots of them. Generally it comes down to two or three over ear that beat the rest, Bose, Sony XM3 or 4, Apple Airpods Max. The latter are very expensive. I have Sony XM3's and love them. Wish I hadn't waited so long to get them, but the technology has improved a lot. I am very impressed. Phil