excitedofharpenden

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

There is a clear distinction between general benefits (like free laundry, Internet minutes etc) and onboard booking discounts and free nights. You don't get the first one until you complete your cruise and you've moved to the next tier. You might get the second one for the simple reason that the Future Cruise Sales is keen to sell you another cruise whilst you are onboard. Using "free" nights that you may have is easy to do on the ship, but in my experience it's also straightforward to do via Azamara when you are home. Phil

Just turning up when you want to there is hardly a special experience. I know I've responded again, but this matter is being given too much thought and airtime IMHO. Phil

Same here Liz. I saw every show too. Unusual for me. Phil

Bingo! If you want flexible dining times then the MDR is the place to go, but even then you need to allow some flexibility. Or even the buffet. They do a lovely job on dressed tables. I think its unreasonable to expect an extra pay speciality restaurant to have flexible dining. There are other guests who want to eat there. And it's more formal anyway. Phil

I know there are snippets within threads talking about Darren Lynton on Journey. First of all I will confirm that I am not his agent nor did he pay me before I got off the ship! This guy I am so happy has decided to join Azamara after a break of many years teaching whilst his kids were growing up. His energy, enthusiasm and especially his voice are first class. His total lack of ego and humble nature are a revelation. The last night of the cruise he did a set in the Den at 9.15pm. The word was out. The place was packed (remember, last night of the cruise) and it rocked. The guy is everywhere and very visible. He enjoys what he does and it shows. The whole entertainment cast including ACD Grace from Australia were outstanding. Best White Night I have ever been to and I've been to a few. If you are on Journey and have him as CD you are in for a treat. He goes on vacation towards the end of November I think. Current cast leave January. Can't remember the date. Phil

For me on these two cruises this has been a huge blessing. I've paid $99 each cruise for a pass. Best ever $99 spent. It's so peaceful out there. Previously on occasions it has been a zoo . This is a really positive change in my view. The thelassotherapy pool should be a relaxing experience. Phil