excitedofharpenden

I agree with Host Jazzbeau. I too am glad there is something for everyone. With coming out of the pandemic and what has gone on I think there is real merit in cruise companies mixing it up a little bit. In addition, Azamara have had many "lifestyle" charters in the past (read clothing optional, swingers cruises) and will continue to do so because they are profitable for the line. Sex therapist shows? Why not? I'm in! Lol Phil

That's the way I do it. Just make sure to say something at the beginning and they will respect that and not try to sell you extras. I've still got a pair of (expensive) footwear inserts that I never use from one cruise where I took my eye off the ball😄 Phil

A tip for others re the pizza. I'm not a fan of the ones in Windows either, but the room service pizza? That's a different matter. And ask for it with extra mozzarella. You'll need to phone. Trust me. They are way better. Phil

This is the key. You should be ok, but I would make sure the ship are aware by visiting Guest Relations a couple of days prior. You probably want to check it as soon as you are on the ship too, just to be sure. Phil

No, I read it right. For me definitely not worth the extra. My main issue would be where they could allocate me a cabin. They are all directly under a public deck with the potential for noise. That was my point. They've located most of the Plus cabins in the worst place in my view with the intention I'm sure to add some value to them to sell them. Phil

Whadda guy!😁 Phil

For me at least it's definitely not worth a £500+ bid in for a balcony plus cabin. Most likely an allocation of a P2 or P3 directly below the public deck. You might strike lucky with a P1, but they can keep the standard size balcony stateroom with extra amenities that take up valuable space in the cabin and a potentially noisy location. Phil

This is my big concern too and we just have to see how it all pans out. Just a couple of snippets of information. Admittedly I haven't yet been on Onward or the "new" Azamara and this info comes from a friend who I trust as a reliable source and has been on the ship. Firstly, the material used on the pool deck, running track and balcony flooring was of a very cheap appearance and does not match the existing ships. Secondly I have heard that the Hotel Director will be much less visible going forward with a different emphasis, decided to be this way by Sycamore. This will be a real shame as they are a key part of the team and important to guests. The HD on Onward was pretty invisible so I understand. I'm not sure what this will mean for the fleet. It would not sit well with the likes of Heike Berdos on her ship. Invisibility is not not her thing at all. Let's see how it goes. More and more reports will be coming out and the fears I have might be unfounded, but from what I've heard about Onward and the way it is run I won't be rushing to book a cruise on her just yet. Phil

This was one thing that stood out to me when they changed the Black Sea itinerary. Well not so much changed, but cancelled it. I totally understand their reason for doing this, but having looked at doing a Black Sea itinerary before and seeing the premium in price one pays for it they certainly didn't make it right for those booked. On the whole I would say Azamara doing a pretty good job if there are changes, sometimes verging on the generous, but not in this case. Phil

I think it's a mistake. Phil

That's an important definition and you need to clarify. Up to know for me it's always book within a year, but take the cruise further out if necessary, but this was for using Azamara Circle free nights. I can't see why it should be different here, but assume nothing! Haha Phil

Yes, certainly on the cruises I've done you can get a ship towel to take with you. Phil

Good luck. I hope it all works out for you in a satisfactory way.👍 Phil

It's difficult to give a definitive answer for your particular situation. Personally I wouldn't take past experiences from people on an anonymous message board as useful in formulating a decision. Azamara has changed ownership and what with the new covid world things are different. I'd be waiting until July and seeing how the land lies and how I felt then. Phil

All over. I've used them in Athens too. Mainly because I don't trust the Greek taxi drivers! Phil

Thanks for your reports Ivi and safe trip home ✈️ Phil

I concur. I've had some great pedicures onboard and the view out to sea from the chair is very relaxing. Phil

Honestly, I don't think it's worth any time being concerned over that one video review. More reports are coming out. I've yet to speak to my friends first hand to understand the issues, but the maiden is over and time to move on. If there were still issues in a month's time then I'd be concerned. Phil

I really hope they were able to recoup at least some of it from the shipyard. Phil

This is a public forum and it's very possible that she saw this thread. Phil

I'll concur with others. In my view if a member is taking the time to post "live from" threads they should remain as they are to enable us to travel along. For all the time I've been a member here it has always been like that. Stickies such as the one you refer to are for tidbits of information. Phil

Go and see the mosaics. They are stunning. https://www.tripsavvy.com/ravenna-travel-guide-1547793 Phil

Hmmmm. You might be changing my mind now 😊 Phil

Because tipping is a personal thing and some want to? Personally, whenever I dine in the specialty restaurants I always tip extra and I've never had to forego it because of bad service, but it's totally your choice at the end of the day. Don't let people make you feel bad either way. Phil

If it wasn't Ukraine then it would be something else! It's the only thing that makes me nervous about relying on public transport. Their propensity for strikes at a drop of the hat. Sorrento is a struggle to walk. Not sure if they have a shuttle up to the top. If you head for the Excelsior Vittoria hotel and have a drink on the terrace with beautiful views there is a lift there that takes you back down to the bottom. Have fun. Phil