150edmiston

Thanks for posting these pics John. An invaluable insight over the last few weeks to see the ship stripped back and re-emerge the other side of the re-fit. We sail on Pursuit Feb next year in South America and these updates have really got us charged. Thanks again. David

Wow! Looks fab. What a feeling that must be. Im excited for you just looking at the pics.

Look forward to hearing about your trip uktog.

There is also a 'sticky' at the top of the main page, so you can see other cruisers views on a host of cabins that they've occupied.

My own view is Deck 7 as its the quietest. David

Whilst I agree that some comments can be over the top, here is a link to a prime example of why being vocal has benefits............AZ do read these comments.

https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=6526

The posters on this board no doubt influenced this particular idea, so if there is a debate to be had, we should continue to express our opinions to help influence the outcomes. David

Have only seen the screen out once in 5 past cruises with AZ ......overnight in Mumbai and the movie was slumdog millionaire. For me the MUTS would be a total turn off even though i am a football fanatic. Once established, it ‘could’ become the norm. Not for us. David

Not sure I've seen many ships stopping there recently, but a few years ago we took a tour to Isla La Tortuga. Essentially it was a party boat to a deserted beach. Was great fun at the time but the next day wasn't so good! There is a little market at the port as well.

I think you'll need to really research this before you go and book anything as the political situation is really volatile at the minute. Hope that helps. David

Same issue recently AllisonJ on both Mac and PC. Tried clearly my history and cookies to no avail. I ended up calling to book and spoke to a really helpful guy, miguel, and was off the phone within 10 mins, and had email confirmations immediatly. Really easy transaction and great customer interaction. David

Thank you Lirio

That was actually uktog's suggestion.

 

Why not just close this thread and reopen it on Monday when Bonnie is back, should she wish to respond? I think it’s had its day for now.

 

Phil

Agree 100%.

This thread should have died a few pages ago. Bonnie confirmed, again, and again what the future held for us all ref the inclusive list. No change.

I do however feel bad that newbies, AZ virgins, etc will head to the bar and order something at $8 a pop when it's actually free. Call me cynical.... but it does smack of commercialism.

We are going during carnival and am reliably told that it takes almost twice as long to get anywhere as many streets are blocked off for parades and parties. Worth considering if youre going that week. David

In the interests of investigation I had two Cosmos in the Living Room pre dinner. No problem in ordering as a complimentary drink although the barman did mutter something about that they would not be made with a premium spirit. Post dinner I had a Kamikaze and a Grasshopper. My wife thinks that I am nuts !!

Well done today HYC. Much appreciated. You are a trooper checking out that the cocktail list is in fact intact....

.. ;p:D

Hi, we dock in Santos (for Sao Paulo) in March 2019.

Has anyone used a guide in Santos that they would recommend for a tour?

We're not sure about taking a trip to Sao Paulo as from what I can see it looks pretty industrial. Any ideas / suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

David

What a debacle. Didn't I read somewhere recently while lurking on the board, that AZ had appointed a new Marketing company? They should be 100% involved, take lead, and guide the top brass particularly on anything like like before it gets into the public domain. Really disappointed (again) with the comms. To repeat my original post, I feel like I've been shortchanged. This isn't about free alcohol. Its about caring for and about your paying clientele and honouring what you've committed to. I'm hoping that there is some real clarity on this in the coming days, and will make my mind up where I spend my hard earned £ depending on the response.

Thanks for originally posting Riocca and bringing this to out attention, and your credibility was never in doubt.

Thank you as well Bonnie for seeking clarification, and providing some degree of comfort.

Oh, I remember the "carbolic smoke ball company" from my University days studying Pharmacy.

Also remember "offer/invitation to treat" but not sure that I completely understand the legal implications.

Quote from same case law under ‘significance’.....

Firstly, misleading advertising is a criminal offence. Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations [13] (secondary legislation, passed under the European Communities Act 1972), regulation 5 states that a commercial practice is misleading......

"if it contains false information and is therefore untruthful... or if it or its overall presentation in any way deceives or is likely to deceive the average consumer... even if the information is factually correct"

I dont want to turn this thread into a circus or a class action, but ive been sold something AZ are now not willing to deliver. The uk web site still states the ‘old’ inclusive drinks as they were, even though they appear to have changed on board without notice elsewhere. I booked my vacation, those T&Cs applied, and both ways at that time. Unless there is something im missing? Willing to be proved wrong and as i said earlier lets see what Bonnie says.

Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which prevents manufacturers, retailers or service industry providers from misleading consumers as to what they are spending their money on.

If you want “the” definitive case on contract law, google “carlill vs carbolic smoke ball company 1892”. Its basic, but it changed the way contracts were executed in law in the UK. Offer to treat, accepted, contact made, end of. Anything less is breach. Simple. Lets see what Bonnie says.

Knowing the OP they are not a prankster and I believe what is happening 100%. However, because of the way it is being communicated there is an inevitable reaction and as no one from Azamara is able to give a quick response here (not a criticism of Bonnie, more a reflection of how communication seems to happen there these days as opposed to how it was a few years ago when her predecessor was in post) there is inevitable speculation. No 1 rule in corporate communication do not leave a gap because rumour fills the vacuum, better to be ready before it happens. Maybe one department made changes without joining up with others, who knows.

 

As ever, yes change happens but it needs honest explanations why......

 

I am sure you will enjoy the onboard experience, that is why so many of us have come back to date, its only with the raft of recent issues that loyalty is being tested to the limits and beyond.

Best post on this thread by far and encapsulates the issue. Someone in Miami who has never been on a cruise in thier lives making an arbitrary decision because it looks better on a monthly report or P&L, and without a proper info cascade from the top down internally, and then to us, the customers. So disfunctional it beggers belief. We’ve been doing other stuff ref vacations since our last cruise, and looked forward with relish to our upcoming Rio cruise in Feb. Less so now, not just because we cant now (maybe) have a seabreeze, but as usual the dots are just not joined. Really , really poor customer interaction from a company that used to pride itself in the same.

Dissapointed. Just booked South America a couple of days ago and the reduction in the number of included cocktails is staggering.

Cant help but feel we’re being short changed.

Thanks.

 

Will be walk with cases to our hotel, according to Google about 15 mins (without getting lost!!)

I would take a Vaporetto. Hauling cases around Venice is NOT a good idea, and even if you've been before its the easiest city in the world to get lost in. It is also really busy, and can be very hot.

My wife and I always enjoy the complimentary wines on Azamara, but we also like the occasional glass of Champagne or sparkling wine, so for our next cruise we are considering buying one of the packages that gives you so many bottles of wine priced under $50 for a flat rate. The Azamara web site says the list of wines under $50 includes five sparkling wines, but there is no indication of which brands are offered. Does anyone have a current wine-by-the-bottle list for Azamara? The most recent one I could find by doing a topic search was from 2012, and I suspect those prices are out of date.

 

We particularly enjoy the Domaine Chandon sparkling wine, and the last time we were on Azamara, I think the bottle price was $49, but I don't know if that wine is still under $50.

 

I'd also like to know how the bottle package system works. Do you buy all the bottles up front or as you go along on the cruise? Also, can the bottles be purchased anywhere on the ship (like the back deck, pool bar or bow lounge) or only in the dining room? If I don't finish the bottle, can it be stored for me, as you can do with regular wine bottle purchases?

 

We have never bought the package on previous cruises. In the past, we have just bought glasses of Champagne when we were in the mood for one, but it appears the bottle package would be a much better deal financially as long as it's easy enough to get a bottle anywhere on the ship.

 

Any information from recent or current Azamara passengers would be appreciated.

Your best bet is to buy what you want to drink prior, take it on board with you and pay the $10 corkage. Much cheaper and you'll get what you want.

David

Edit - there is no restriction on Azamara unlike other lines.....as long as the quantity is 'reasonable' i.e. not a case.

i would now be very wary if using credit cards in that part of the world unless in a top end hotel etc.

For the last two years we have been cruising in the Far East, and each time we come back to credit card "cloning". We have no idea how this has happened, and neither has our bank, and we are very careful, but the first time was $200, and the next $600 a year later from a different country.

I don't mean to scare you, but cash is king. USD is accepted almost everywhere in the big cities. Local currency is used in more remote locations and everything is cheap by western standards.

David

Each to their own - thank you!

 

We too have a horror of jumbo ships with entertainment that possibly doesn't suit us! My enquiry was simply whether the outdoor experience - on occasions - incorporated the luxury of an evening spent relaxing on loungers on the pool deck - possibly as an alternative to an Azamazing evening ashore!

A couple of years ago we watched "Slumdog Millionaire" as we left Mumbai, Cosmo in hand. That was appropriate and was great fun and well attended.

I agree however with the general consensus. A cinema on board any cruise ship is a not for us.

Hi Heike, Happy Birthday!!

Dawn and i hope this message finds you well, and that you are still enjoying life with Azamara.

Hope to see you soon (June 2016 and March 2017) on Journey.

D&D

Well, yes a 18 night would make sense for a higher OBC, and I know we can only say so much about TA on here. The wife and I are more the independent travelers do it on your own, and only a handful of cruises on different lines, but this June 2016 cruise ticks off our travel bucket list. Looks like a very nice cruise, and maybe see you on board

 

Thanks

There is a roll call for this cruise. Not much action on it thus far tho.

David - a $1600 OBC? Really?

 

I want to book the same cruise in June 2016, but the best OBC for inside is $300 that I could find in the US. Is that good or should I look for different TA?

Hi I can't comment on what kinds of deals your TA can produce, and whether thats a good deal or not, sorry.

The OBC quoted in my earlier post was for the 18 night cruise from Sydney in 2017. Its made up by $500 pp from AZ and $600 from my agent.

I don't have any OBC for the cruise in June and wasn't offered any, but did manage to get the double upgrade offer.

David