Riocca

We printed the PDF version from the NHS app it was much easier at check in to have a paper version.

I think one important factor keeps being overlooked, the Atlas bar is only open from 5pm so during the daytime the room is open and available to those who want a quiet place to read or contemplate. Accepted that the library is in the Living Room but it’s not as though there’s a huge distance between the two rooms. Evening use of the Drawing room was very limited and it was often closed for private events which can easily be relocated to other areas of the ship.

There is the capability to have music to go with the video wall but it’s all controlled by the barman so not difficult to get it turned off. It was only turned on when we were given a demonstration of what was available, most of the time there was a roaring (silent) log fire or pictures of destinations around the world.

I understand the library issue but it wasn’t a space we ever used before this cruise, didn’t hear any negative comments other than the seats around the wall which were a bit of an oops! and are being remade, mix up between metric and imperial measurements. It’s a very social area and we met and talked with some lovely people, it was a bit like a local pub, maybe more refined. I think the food aspect will fade away as the take up was very poor and imho didn’t really fit.

Personally I wouldn’t think so The Living Room is now the additional coffee lounge and they’ve not put a coffee machine in The Den as they did on Pursuit. Once they’ve fixed the incorrect seats it will be a pleasant quiet space during the day.

Yes it’s nice to have a quiet bar where it’s easy to have a conversation, The Den and the Living Room are fine but the live music, loved by many I know, does make conversation difficult at times.

Likewise, with the naming ceremony and the AzAmazing evening it was all a bit frenetic at the start of the cruise and we forgot to see if there was a meeting. But most evenings we could be found in the Atlas Bar 🥂🍸

Hopefully it’s better than the existing RC system and they get the integration with Azamara’s new onboard system working properly.

We’ve done a number of maidens over the years including Pursuit & Onward, part of the enjoyment is experiencing things first and because of that we expect there to be teething issues and it adds to the experience. To be perfectly honest Onward wasn’t the worst experience we had more issues on Pursuit. Yes there was little bits of paint work required, the windows were dirty and there was ongoing varnishing but nothing to ruin the enjoyment of the cruise. I was intrigued by the new operating system onboard and staff were more than happy to go through it with me, It’s a customised off the shelf system which once bedded in will be a quantum leap forward from the old RC system. Yes there were glitches but nothing compared to the software problems on Harmony of the Seas maiden.

Yes we’ve just received it and it took us by surprise as we enjoyed the cruise, yes there were challenges but nothing we weren’t expecting. Only thing we commented on was the cleanliness of certain areas but that was addressed as the voyage went on. Just wondering if the year time frame mentioned relates to booking or taking the cruise, either way looking forward to booking another cruise and probably on Onward.

Until people actually experience the Atlas Bar I don’t think they will appreciate it, I can remember a lot of negativity about The Den as well. There’s still a library area and games area only in a different location.

Spoke with Captain Carl and the promised 10 ship cruise dock at Marghera has not materialised, the ships mentioned are at Fusina ferry terminal. If you look at pictures of it there is a limited cruise ship capacity possibly 3 or 4 and probably taken by those with ships on a regular schedule throughout the year. Next year is undecided Marghera if it’s built or possibly Trieste or Ravenna, our October 2023 cruise starts in Venice so we won’t be making too many advance plans just yet.

Quite surprised at that it’s obvious that cabin 6000 was only partially refurbished, we were in a CC suite and thought the standard of the new fittings was better than the other ships. Bathroom layout was different and I think better the materials used were also an improvement. The vanity unit had more drawers which was a vast improvement they also felt a better quality. Only snags we had was that the headboard had a snag in the material and a missing light lens both were apparently already known and on the list to be fixed. Bathroom: Vanity unit: Balcony table & chairs: Chair: This was cabin 8040.

I believe the AzAmazing evening was a one off for Onwards maiden given that the venue was in walking distance and open air. Covid dependant they may recommence later in the year possibly September.

For clarification, port side for books and more are on order, starboard for games etc.

No sign of this at the show on Onward yesterday.

The Living room, starboard side: Port side:

Onboard now, the shelving is both sides of the living room. Port side currently has some books, starboard side has some games but plenty of empty shelving. No doubt the number of books will increase over the coming months.

No wine list for the included, 2 white 2 red a rose and a sparkling, daily selection varies.

Here’s the printed list for what it’s worth.

Wines are changing all the time at the moment so a wine list won’t help. A couple of local Chiantis came onboard in Italy on the all included and they were pleasant. Wine is subjective, but we’ve had no problem finding something we like.

Pictures now up in Prime C with a few new additions.

On Onward there’s two chefs tables one in Prime C the other in Aqualina, there’s also a screened area at the aft of Aqualina that may be suitable. Remains to be seen as Covid protocols still prohibit hosted tables. Big suites had a get together in the Atlas bar with special cocktails this cruise.

Yes this should be noted against the transfer if you look at the booking on your account. There’s no need to pre book as it’s all done on the ship, we are currently on Onward disembarking on Friday and we received a questionnaire in the cabin mid cruise.

Thank you, yes we’re being very well looked after, all maiden voyages have there challenges and this is no exception but that’s part of the fun. Will be sad to leave the ship on Friday.