mare s.

Well,  I never thought I'd be jumping in to a conversation regarding shower curtains, but I just returned from a short cruise on Oceania Regatta (probably my last cruise on that line....I've had two cruises with them and have been underimpressed)    However, even in their tiny bathrooms (and they seemed smaller than those on Azamara (if that is even possible) they managed to install a quite modern looking glass door on the shower...one that pivoted in and out.    So it can be done.   BTW,  after dipping our toes in the cruising waters with Oceania and returning home Covid free, we decided our next cruise will be overseas and will be on Azamara Onward.   Now, if we could just persuade Azamara to add freshly grilled lobster tails and lamb chops to their nightly grill options.....the only part of the Oceania cruise I really enjoyed.

Just got back from an Oceania cruise (meh) because Azamara seems to be based in Europe and we weren’t quite ready for the long flights.  But the 2024 itineraries included one that is a Scotland intensive and goes to ports we haven’t visited before.  So we are going to book.    Prices have certainly increased but then prices for everything have increased.  Let’s hope the universe will let us do this trip!

In pre-Covid times we enjoyed having dinner with shared tables.  But there were a couple of duds...in one instance (not Oceania or Azamara, our other favorite line) a couple of the people at the table got down on their knees and began praying loudly before the meal!  A bit awkward for the rest of us.  On another occasion, the couple with whom we were seated did not converse at all...just looked at their cell phones the entire meal.  

I don't need to see play by play either.  I am assuming (and I hope I'm not making an "ass" of myself) that no news is good news and that there have not been any more mass Covid breakouts on recent cruises and that food and service have been good.   

We just booked an itinerary too.  Got the cabin we wanted but not precisely the location.  However we figure that this far out there are bound to be cancellations etc and we are relying on our TA to help us.   

I've only sailed Oceania once (on Insignia) but trying to book Regatta for late 2022.  One itinerary on Vista caught my attention and it's late in 2023.  Sent a note to the travel agent last week and she responded that she's put me on "the list" for when bookings open.   We'll see what happens.  We cancelled a February 2022 on Azamara because of uncertainty about the virus and a very long airplane ride to get to embarkation port.   I'm trying to remain optimistic about cruise travel in general, though.

Oh dear!   This does not bode well.

I am so very sad to hear this news.  Phillip was indeed a good friend and a wonderful Hotel Director.   Nothing was too difficult for him.  Azamara is never going to be the same, I'm afraid.  For that matter, until there is a vaccine that really works, cruising is never 😢 going to be the same.  

Just did a lift and shift from a February 2021 voyage to a February 2022 date.   We had to pay a bit extra on the difference in taxes, but was able to move OBC and we have the same cabin.  Very smoothly done by our TA.  I just hope that we'll be able to go by the new date!

On 5/1/2020 at 9:55 AM, Cruiser6270 said:

Cruise lines have little control over date of resumption. Opening up of borders/ports and development of medication that reduces mortality will determine how quickly things get moving again. 

 

Then there's the separate question of viability and how confident folk will be to get on a ship. 

not to mention international air travel.   We have an Azamara cruise booked for February 2021 and I am highly doubtful that we will be able to go (long flights, no vaccine, over 70....a very bad trifecta)

Thanks for everything you've done on these boards.  It was a pleasure cruising with you and I sincerely hope we will all be together on board Azamara one day.

All the best,

Mare

10 hours ago, Lottie A said:

The Goat's Cheese Soufflé is my favourite item on the menu. 

It's my favorite too and last cruise I asked for it ahead of time and there it was!   

Loving your photos and descriptions.   This is one itinerary I'd like to do (been to Oslo but the fjords look gorgeous.)

mare

On 5/31/2019 at 9:37 AM, uktog said:

It’s always very busy in the evening. We never drink the stuff offered in the MDR it’s not great, we always have our after dinner coffee in Mosaic. Nespresso is not available on Pursuit and unless you have a package on the other ships I’d not bother with it 

Years ago (2010 to be precise) when we took our first Azamara cruise, we complained vociferously about the MDR coffee.  Ended up having our waiter go to Mosaic and bring us back our after dinner coffee.  (We didn't ask...they acknowledged the rotten dining room coffee and offered to bring us the "good" coffee from Mosaic...another example of the wonderful service on Azamara)   Over the years I think the coffee in Discoveries has improved, but I still love my early morning Mosaic run for coffee and a pastry (we're not huge breakfast people.)

mare

We are doing the Alaska to Japan itinerary in August (wrong time of the year for Japan, but we'll manage!)  What enticed us were the two ports in Alaska (Kodiak and Dutch Harbor.)   We did an exclusively Alaska cruise (on Holland America) 15 years ago but the two Azamara ports are new to us.   Alaska has certainly become a focal point for many cruise lines but I think they all have a way to catch up to Princess and Holland (who were, I believe, the first to make the area a tourist haven.)   We had, as I remember, a marvelous time with Holland and did a land tour with them pre-cruise.   I think Azamara could make Alaska special if they offered the usual late nights or overnights and did some real destination immersion, but just going to the same old same old ports would not make Azamara stand out in the very saturated Alaska cruise market.

Oh yum!   Azamara chefs are terrific, especially when they are sourcing local food (and seafood.)

whoops, you are all correct....I thought I could pre-book but apparently it's still the way it was....booking once on board.  I recall that a couple of cruises ago, there was a table in the terminal but last time it was done on board (and it was somewhat of a pain as we had to stand in line for a while.)   

I just wish I knew in advance what night the White Night is going to be....apparently somebody had it show up on their Voyage Planner, but nothing shows on our cruise.  

mare

Quick question...what is the current, on board price for the Chef's Table?   I'm thinking of  pre-purchasing one of the dining packages which includes the Table.  Does pre purchasing give you any advantage in terms of choice of Table or choice of night?

Last time we purchased a Table (but can't remember the price) when we embarked and had no difficulty choosing a night, but we got on board pretty early.  This time we will be getting on board a bit later.  

thanks,

Mare

White Night is one of my favorite activities!   Love the energy and the music and the Crepes Suzette (especially when Philip is in charge.)  Once in a while, we've skipped the buffet dinner and have dined early in one of the specialty restaurants and then gone outside for dessert and music.  That works for us too!   We're on the same repositioning cruise as OP, and also were wondering when the party would be since we're not late in any port and weather may be 'iffy' early on.  

mare

In the past, we've been able to check the Azamara website and find out information on guest lecturers.   The current website has zero information (doesn't even mention lectures.)  Is there any way to find out if there is a lecturer and, if so, who it is?   We've got a lot of sea days on our cruise and a lot of time to fill (especially since the casino will be removed.  It was always good to pass an hour or two there.)  

mare

We were on Captain Jose's first cruise on Quest and I am very sorry we won't be with him this summer.  He was (and is) very special and Azamara won't be quite the same without him.   But looking forward to meeting Captain Pelle.

On ‎1‎/‎14‎/‎2019 at 7:24 AM, Orlando Vic said:

I can comment on Petropavlovsk as we were there in May of 2018. If you take a local (not ship's) shore excursion, you can get by with only your credit card (for lunch). If, however, you go to the market, then you would probably need cash.

 

Take a look at our tour review: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298492-d8858927-r487781631-Kamchatintour_Travel_Company-Petropavlovsk_Kamchatsky_Kamchatka_Krai_Far_Eastern.html

Hi Orlando Vic.  We have been in touch with this tour company for the snow dog excursion in Petropavlovsk.  One of the members of our roll call asked if the company provides a visa or whether we have to obtain one ourselves.  What was your experience?   (I've heard a visa isn't required but someone said that the company must be authorized?)

thanks,

mare

Generally, yes, as long as you notify Guest Relations in advance.  We walked off very early (5:30 am!) in Puntarenas in order to catch an early flight home.  

did I miss it? where are the outlets at the desk? I always dry my hair and do makeup there, so wondering. I also hope the stool at the desk is of sufficient height. otherwise, I'm liking the décor (actually better than the "new" décor on Azamara...and I'm a big Azamara fan)

Curious too!

 

Frances

New décor...more modern and streamlined. some like it but many do not. I love Azamara but honestly prefer a more classic look. And, yes, prices are going up quite a bit.