tgg

As the original poster, I never implied that the cruise was ruined by a missing beach bag. This is a Caribbean cruise and lots of people will be going to the beach. They'll take towels, sunblock, water, and whatever else they might need. A bag would be nice to have, especially if you expect it to be provided.

We boarded Onward today for the 12/12/22 cruise. Ship looks great but the usual beach bags are gone. I don't know if this is a permanent change. Our butler said there are none in any of the cabins.

Glad you had a good time in Tortola. On our last cruise from MIami, we parked at Terminal J and came back to Terminal C. There was a free shuttle that quickly took us to the Terminal J garage. You might want to mention this to Tony so it can be communicated in written form to passengers. We look forward to boarding on Monday.

Thanks for your quick response. Perhaps we can find others on our roll call.

A question for someone currently aboard: We're sailing in a CC suite next week and will probably eat several meals in the specialty restaurants. Has Azamara figured out table shares for the specialties the way they're done in the main dining room? Oceania has no trouble doing this. We love meeting new people and sharing a meal. Thanks for your input.

Travel agent shipboard credit is usually refundable. Check with your travel agent to be sure. If it is, just book the shore excursions you want now (so you get the ones you want) and get your TA OBC refunded to you at the end of the cruise. That way you're just paying yourself back. ( This assumes you won't just spend it all once you're onboard.😄)

So glad you have a great alternative port. There's good snorkeling, if you're so inclined.

Which ship was this?

Thanks, Ann, for taking the time to delve into the details about your experience on Onward so far. Sorry we've missed you by a week; we board on Dec. 12. I'm particularly concerned with the shower and air conditioning not keeping a set temperature. That sounds more than an annoyance. Doors falling off is outrageous. Your having to spend time ashore to get your work done, absent decent w-fi on the ship, seems wrong for so many reasons. I hope you enjoy good weather for the rest of the cruise. Toni

I'm really enjoying your posts. Hope it's smooth sailing all the way to Capetown.

I should have been more clear. I was suggesting that people not talk about their upgrade once they're on the ship. For people who want to bid on an upgrade, this thread gives them valuable information.

It would be better for everyone if people who bid on and get an upgrade keep quiet about it. Nobody needs to know how brilliant your bid was. 😇 And let's not forget: when your bid is accepted, you are assigned a stateroom. It may not be one that you would have chosen because of noise, vibration, or other annoyances. When you book a CC suite, you choose the stateroom you want. For many people, that's worth paying for.

Let's not forget the first Azamara Chief Blogging Officer, Bill Leiber. He took the job in 2010 and was a fantastic resource for posters on this site. Lots of straight talk and not a lot of PR. He is missed.

When we sail on Riviera or Marina, we always choose the extra-large balcony cabins. We much prefer the extra balcony space over anything concierge offers. Study the deck plans and choose wisely. A travel agent that books lots of Oceania cruises can help you, or you can read further on this site learn more.

Cilantro tastes like soap to me. My husband loves it.

Thanks DS for taking the time to do a complete report. Sorry you'll miss Bermuda. For those of us with upcoming Onward cruises, you've answered lots of questions and helped us understand the tough stuff that Azamara is dealing with. We look forward to boarding on Dec. 12 - whether we have new balcony chairs or not.😃

What does HVP clientele mean?

My travel agent is 1,300 miles away. I've never met her in person. I found her through a recommendation of someone I met on our first cruise. She specializes in upscale travel and knows the ships well. After you get over this bump, why not talk to people on your cruise and ask for recommendations for a travel agent. Don't write Azamara off quite yet. You had a good reason for choosing this cruise. I hope you'll enjoy it - and laugh about the wait time in the future.

Thanks for taking the time to explain the difference in the business models. I have a great travel agent and her agency always has the best price I can find. But I also know that she has lots of clients and can't monitor every deal that an already-booked client may qualify for. So I make it my business to find out about available offers. Cruise Critic has always been a great source of information. As a wise person told me long ago, if you don't ask, you don't get.😃

Lovely video. I wonder if it took so long to board because she got to the pier very early.

House beverage package on Oceania perhaps?

I think you're right; it's just what is says after you bid. Good luck with your bid and enjoy your cruise.

Last time we sailed with Regent not all shore excursions were free. There were Regent Choice Shore Excursions that were available for a sometimes considerable upcharge. We also found that it was impossible to do more than one shore excursion each day because the morning excursions arrived back at the ship after the afternoon shore excursions left.

Azamara has made the process of selling upgrades opaque. They've been unwilling to discuss in any meaningful terms what influence your level in the loyalty program benefits you.

When I started this topic a few weeks ago, I was concerned that the problems highlighted by early Onward cruisers were ongoing. That concern has been allayed by recent cruisers. Thanks for taking the time to reassure those of us who have Onward cruises booked. It's nice to hear that the officer-hosted dinners are back. These have always included some excellent wines. I'm glad that there is a greater selection of books in the Living Room. It's nice to hear that they're oiling the teak railings rather than using varnish.(I know that most people won't even notice or care.😃) We look forward to being aboard in December and January.