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john1970

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Posts posted by john1970

  1. If you search visa on the website it will give you the details of their visa agent. I would email them and see what they say. There are  definitely destinations that have different procedures and policies for cruise passengers and they should hopefully know this. Azamara have always been lacking in this department and want to fob you off. 

  2. I looked at booking a balcony or concierge but by the time I added the all inclusive package it hardly made any difference to the Aqua price. I think that I will be looking at Azamara or Oceania as if I am going to spend big I might as well get a better experience. I know a lot of very loyal cruisers will stay with Celebrity so I don't see prices going down anytime soon.

  3. If you are flying from Gatwick I think you might be on the Vueling flight at 0955 arr 1335. Either that or they plan to charter an aircraft which they have done before. I am a worrier and wouldn't arrive the same day or would want the first flight of the day with an airline that had multiple flights in case it went wrong. If the flight is delayed the good thing is that in the UK we have a decent amount of consumer protection. Also it's likely that there will be a lot of Celebrity passengers on the flight so they will probably allow you some wriggle room. If you are like me and it will niggle at you and stop you looking forward to the holiday then call up Celebrity again and ask them if you can go the day before or change the flight. Let us know how you get on. The £99 flight offer is good but not if it stresses you out for the next four months.

  4. We had beautiful weather for Port Stanley. Unfortunately our battlefields tour was cancelled due to the bus breaking down! It's just one of those ports where they have finite resources. We did get ashore with no issues and still had a memorable day. I think you will be just fine as long as the weather is kind. If not then all of the people on the tour will be in the same situation and the guide onshore will be aware as it's a very small community onshore.

  5. I am on Eclipse in Aqua Class in February. On my app I have two room service listings. The normal one doesn't mention any charge at all. The Room Service Aqua Class does list the 9.95 fee. Totally confusing. I have to say this really cheapens their product. It will just make me go back to Azamara or Oceania. It wouldn't be a problem if Celebrity were a lot less expensive but they are not. I have no idea what their strategy is.

     

    • Like 2
  6. I don't think the passengers have to worry about transit at all. If they are wanting to stay at the Sofitel they will be arriving into the UK and will not be in transit from one flight to another. Have a look at the Heathrow website which has a journey planner. If you have lots of luggage or limited mobility just get a cab. T5 is vast and it's a decent walk to the tube station. Have a look at the journey planner on the Heathrow website. You can also email the Sofitel direct.

    https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/getting-to-central-london/journey-planner

     

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  7. I am booked on the Australian wine cruise in February 23. I paid about £1650 PP for Aqua class All inclusive. The 2024 and 2025 cruises are around £3000 PP for the same cabin grade. I understand that the other cruises are on the Edge and I am on the Eclipse and I know inflation is high. I still don't know if this pricing is realistic. I guess only time will tell if people are willing to pay these prices. In the UK we don't have refundable deposits and the ability to re price isn't the same as the US. I will be waiting to see how prices settle in the future.

  8. I booked the wifi upgrade voucher. I don't think it will be honoured for the whole cruise at 9.99 but will allow you to upgrade for that price per day. I also booked some casino slot vouchers as I have OBC and the excursions are not my cup of tea. I guess I will use the rest of the OBC when I am board. I am sure I can spend the difference on drinks over my classic package. I hope you all get some bargains as lord knows we need it at the moment!

    • Like 2
  9. Hi There,

     

    Has anyone had any first hand experience using a US agent to book Azamara but being resident in the UK? I am looking at a 2025 cruise and the US agent is GBP1000 PP cheaper and offers an additional USD700+ OBC. It just seems to good to be true. I know you aren't allowed to mention any TA names but general feedback about whether this is wise would be welcome.

  10. I always use the same UK based TA. I have  found them to be very responsive and helpful especially during all the covid cancellations. They always give a small discount compared to booking direct with the cruise line which is welcome. You definitely get better consumer protection booking in the UK. You also don't have to worry about changes in currency conversions. The biggest incentive for me is that they will go to bat on my behalf with the cruise line if needed. I don't have the time or inclination to hold for hours on the phone to cruise lines. I think you need to look at some reviews of agents and consider building a relationship with one. 

    • Like 1
  11. I've been travelling with Azamara since 2012. I have heard every excuse under the sun. Sorry, it really doesn't wash with me anymore. If your back office is so terrible then you have to plan and invest in your offline teams. Simply saying all travel companies/airlines are as bad is not going to be sustainable in the long run. Love Azamara but it's always jam tomorrow with them.

    • Like 3
  12. I did look but have been burnt before! As in the UK we can't keep repricing you have to be careful and make sure it is a good deal. I am going to OZ in February and my nine night cruise on Celebrity in Aqua was such good value. I looked at the comparison for 2024 and it has more than doubled. I am guessing the days of cheap cruising might be over unless you are very flexible and can go at the drop of a hat!

  13. If they have to go to the Canaries it would be better to pick one of the smaller less well known islands. I know changes are out of their control but it always seems to be after full balance is paid and very short notice.

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