pvkatmom

What a great thread! It confirms what I'd pieced together from other sources, which is that AMA is top notch and that the Danube is a beautiful route. I'm looking at a Danube cruise for somewhere between late May- July (Prague-Budapest). I don't normally plan trips so late (usually I plan a year or more in advance), but we had a big wedding for our daughter and then we were on a holiday cruise in Singapore/Indonesia. Like other cruisers have said, this would be our first river cruise, although we've done quite a few ocean cruises. We like Azamara and Seabourn the best because of the smaller ship size. Lots of great info here, thanks to all for posting! :)

We are looking to book our first Amazon Cruise, Hong Kong to Singapore departing 23rd December 14 days.

 

On advise we would choose a Club Continental suite, we have had a decent quote and they would allocate suite 8061, has anyone on the forum stayed on this deck please? If so what are the pros and cons?

 

We have only sailed previously with Silversea and Seabourn, how does Azamara compare please? Friends of ours are cheerleaders for Azamara and say we would not be disappointed, looking at the ship and service we think we would enjoy Azamara.

 

Any advise would be appreciated thank you. :)

We recently got back from Journey's Singapore-Indonesia-Singapore 14 day cruise that began December 23. We were in suite 8063, which is right next to suite 8061 and we found overhead noise not to be an issue and we are light sleepers. We don't spend much time in the suite, but appreciated that this part of deck 8 has the tub/shower combos -- we specifically wanted a bathtub (If you'd prefer a large walk-in shower only, with no tub, change your suite #). We ate in the specialty restaurants most evenings, which are just fabulous. The location you've been assigned is VERY convenient (then again, getting around the ship from anywhere is pretty easy). We were on Seabourn in 2015, love that line too, but the friendliness of AZ staff and fellow pax is a big plus for AZ and the specialty restaurants equal or surpass equal Seabourn meals, imo. :)

Agree with all above that it was a wonderful holiday cruise! I missed seeing/meeting Phil and Floris at the M & M in the Living Room on Dec 24th (I missed the ship's M & M as it was scheduled during sail away Dec 23), so they are still the mystery men to me. Terrific crew, nice fellow pax, good selection of activities and splendid food (most of the time we ate in the speciality restaurants). As did others, we opted to pay $130 for unlimited Internet ($280 unlimited use price, less $150 CC credit)-- my husband made good use of it, whereas I completely "unplugged." Will definitely choose to be on Azamara again. This Christmas/New Year's cruise on Journey was every bit as wonderful as the one we took two years ago visiting South America. Happy New Year to all!:)

Thanks for the info!

Going to be packing in a few days, and would love to leave this semi-bulky bungee cord-ish item out of the suitcase, if laundry lines have been installed in the CC suites on Journey. Anyone know? Many thanks!

Have the laundry lines been installed in Journey's CC suites yet?

I have absolutely no desire to visit a port of call where I am not able to freely get off the boat and roam around at my own discretion. I don't want to be forced to participate in person to person cultural and educational exchanges. I also don't want to jump through the hoops required with filling out all of the extra paper work required to try to convince the government that I am anything more than just a tourist that wants go on vacation. The cruise companies are falling all over themselves to try to force Cuba down our throats and I just don't get it. I won't be going on any cruise that ports in Cuba. I'm just not interested.

 

 

 

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Nor am I. Seems some of the Brits that posted on here had a great time roaming around Cuba for as long as two weeks. I've heard another story. A friend of mine (we're both Americans from Southern California), who is a fantastic photographer (but not affiliated with a news service or anything, amateur), recently went to Cuba for several days. She rented a car and had pretty free reign to go where she wanted. She left Cuba much earlier than she'd planned...said it was just VERY depressing and sad, most of the buildings and infrastructure haven't been fixed, upgraded,or repaired since Castro took power in early 60's, with the exception of a few hotels, everything's crumbling-- and the Cuban people are very unhappy (Clearly people aren't happy if they're trying to make the 60 miles or so at sea in a heap of a "boat" to escape to Miami). And she's been all over Africa, trekking to see the gorillas, just everywhere, so she's not a total luxury princess. After three days in Cuba, she couldn't wait to get out of there and left early. That said, I am just passing on one opinion from a globe-trotting friend. I hope AZ plans wonderful excursions for all of you and you all have a great time in Cuba-- one to one and a half days there will probably be just fine and super interesting! But, I agree with those of you upset about the port changes--- you book a voyage, because you want to go to those places, so substitutions are unwelcome (unless it is last minute due to weather and safety concerns).

We're on the Journey sailing Jan 6 from Singapore to Hong Kong (first time with Azamara). Snorkelling looks very limited at our ports of call: Koh Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Halong Bay. However, does anyone have any snorkelling suggestions, if any exist on this itinerary.

We didn't book this voyage for snorkelling but if the opportunity arises.........

I'd suggest you look at the Roll Call for Journey's Dec 10 2016 from Hong Kong to Singapore--- same ports as your voyage. That Roll Call has about 45+ members and has been very active in terms of arranging for private excursions-- you may well find some info there about snorkeling or if not, it will surely give you some good ideas as to what others have arranged for your same ports. By the way, it appears you will be embarking in Singapore Cruise Center Jan 6 (we get off the ship there as you get on-- we're on the Singapore to Singapore Dec 23 sailing) not Marina Bay.

We're on 23rd December Cruise and we're having the same issue. My TA is checking, though Bonnie might like to bring it to the attention of the Miami staff concerned. It won't be a good 'look' if the documentation says one thing and the port schedule says another. It will provide nothing but confusion at the beginning of a much anticipated cruise for most.

Yes, I hope Bonnie can verify where the embarkation for the 12/23 Singapore Journey cruise is (and in what port we are to debark). A few weeks ago when I looked, the AZ website said it was the Singapore Cruise Center. It may well be the Marina Bay for another poster's January cruise (this is when we'd debark). We get on December 20 and disembark Jan 6 and I need to know both ports-- embarkation to get there of course and also where we end up, because the day of the ship's overnight before debarkation, a private guide is picking us up for a tour that morning.

Thanks very much for the information. The schedule has us departing and arriving back at the Singapore Cruise Terminal.

 

I must admit to being a bit tired today . . . failed to notice that the comment prior to mine was four years old!!!

 

But, all's well that ends well . . . pity we are not at the new terminal though.

 

Cheers,

 

Trish

Trish, I'm on the Journey Dec 23 2016 cruise, too, and I think that we are at the "old terminal" is not a bad thing at all-- it is right at the center/gateway to Singapore. See you aboard and see my recent posts on our voyage's roll call.

One great way to stay well onboard is to use the stairs (very doable on AZ ships). We almost never use the elevators, as you don't know who might've coughed or sneezed all over in a very small space, and we can usually get there faster by walking, plus its good exercise to take the stairs, anyway. My apologies to those with mobility issues who must use the elevators. Just throwing this out there for those capable of taking the stairs. :)

Thanks for the post, Bonnie! Many new, exotic ports! :) In the meantime, my husband and I are looking forward to our AZ Journey Dec 23 cruise (Singapore, Indonesia, Bali, back to Singapore) which we booked ages ago and now its almost here! We booked it bc we loved our 2014-2015 Christmas/ New Years Buenos Aires to Rio cruise on Journey so much. Great ports on that one-- from Ihla Grande (Port Vila de Abraao) the ship had an excursion to the fabulous Lopes Mendez beach, one of Vogue Magazine's 10 most beautiful beaches in the world-- and it was! Because its very hard to get to and involves a quite a challenging trek to walk to it, but that is why it is unspoiled and so gorgeous! Love AZ's long stays/late departures for ports, too!

We'll be on Journey December 23, 2016 on a round-trip Singapore/Bali Indonesia cruise. From my research on Singapore, and in talking to friends who've been there, the Singapore Zoo Night Safari is a top attraction in Singapore. One of my guidebooks says it is the #1 place Singaporeans take out-of town visitors. I'm sure your cruise offers an excursion there, mine does, and we're going on it.

Who will be downgraded next? Beethoven? Lennon and McCartney?

You and Chairsin are so funny and help make reading CC fun!!! Thank you. :)

We love Seabourn! We did Venice to Athens on Seabourn Odyssey May 2015--lovely cruise. We also love Azamara. If you get a Club Continent suite on Azamara, you can dine gratis at the specialty restaurants. Azamara includes alcohol and gratuities, but not air or excursions (just like Seabourn). Very friendly pax and crew on Azamara, Seabourn is friendly, too, just not quite as friendly.

The reason I'm bringing up Azamara is that "two boys" expressed an interest in South America and we had THE most fantastic Christmas/New Year's trip on Azamara Journey the Christmas before last. Buenos Aires to Rio and we also did the excursion to Iguazu Falls via the ship's excursion. Some great ports and adventures on the voyage. Seeing the fireworks moored off Copacabana Beach on New Year's Eve was just phenomenal! AZ only has two ships so they don't do South America every year, but when they do-- go!

Looking forward to being aboard AZ Journey this Christmas for Singapore, Indonesia and Bali. Two Boys, whatever you choose, have a fabulous time-- but I agree with other posters that you can't go wrong with Seabourn.

I am so appreciative of Doctor Lottie's taking the time to post so much information and professional advice regarding sickness aboard. My husband and I have been lucky so far and have never gotten sick... but will now take Lottie's precautions. And the putting Vick's Vaporub on the soles on one's feet I'd never heard of, but will do so, next time I have a cough. Thanks again, Lottie, people like you are what make CC such an invaluable resource! Oh, and I also learned via these threads, to bring a bevy of OTC or even prescription meds to treat various ailments that may arise for our December 2016 Journey trip (Singapore, Indonesia, Bali), just in case... I used to, but have gotten lax.

One thing we do which may've helped prevent us from getting sick (besides washing our hands a lot and not touching our faces) goes to Lottie's comment about all the bad microbes in the air after someone sneezes (10 meter infection range-- yikes!) is that we almost never take the elevator (such a small enclosed space)-- we use the stairs. But, I realize that using the stairs maybe isn't an option for those with mobility issues.

Sounds good. My line also has hooks, which I somehow used in the bathroom. The suction cups may have just gotten old. And we were in a shower-only, so no bar to hang things on!

I did go back and look at post re-furb photos, so for those of you in a CC suite that has a shower/tub combo, hanging stuff on the shower curtain rod is an option. If you're short, you could drag a chair over for access, but my husband is 6'3" so he'll easily be able to put stuff on it for us, in case the suction cups fail.:)

Thank you for the wonderful post and photos, uktog! The chef's tour sounds fabulous-- I'd love to do something like this on our 2 week December 23, 2016 voyage out of Singapore on Journey, but there isn't one (unless it was added very recently). Enjoy the rest of your trip uktog!

Thanks for the info, MaryCruz and Wendy. We're in a CC that has the tub/shower combo, so maybe the suction cups will work and if not, I guess we'll have to jerry rig the stretchy line somehow. Or just drape stuff on top of the shower curtain rod that runs the length of the tub (I think... I'd need to go back and look at the photos of the CC suites that have the tub shower combo).

We'll be on Journey for 14 days out of Singapore starting December 23, 2016. Since this is all so "iffy" as to when the lines will be installed, I bought a stretchy clothesline with suction cups that came with a few clothes pins (or you can wedge clothing in the stretchy braided stuff) for about US$ 9 on Amazon. Neither my husband nor I want to each bring 14+ pairs of underwear, and in his case, socks. We'll make use of the ship's laundry for a few items, but needed to be able to wash/hang delicates and bathing suits.:D

I am sorry you did not have a good experience because it was a great night. I do agree there were a lot of early table takers last night.

However,we watched the maitre ds set up extra tables for groups well into the evening but it is a popular event and sometimes groups have to split up and enjoy the company of others.

The poor staff have to start clearing away otherwise they would still be moving furniture with noise hitting Deck 8 when guests were wanting to sleep. However they were not taking out tables until nearly 9.45 which was the end of the stage event. This too is the reason why Marcio had to move to the living room, actually last night was one of the latest disco on deck finishes I've seen for a while.

Hope you can enjoy the rest of your cruise, it has been very good so far I think.

We loved the Rio White Nights party moored off Copacabana beach, watching the stunning fireworks-- totally a bucket list experience. Since it was New Years Eve, the party went past midnight and was terrific. But because it was NYE, I don't think any pax could reasonably expect it to be quiet at 11 pm... I expect the same will be true when we are in Benoa, Bali this NYE on Journey.

you both love the med. this gives you a chance to do a winter holiday in the Med and try something new. :)

I, too, was intrigued by the stellar review and looked at Viking's other CC reviews, video and floorplans and discovered that except for the very, very top suites, there is only a shower, no tub (which is a deal-killer for me). :( So I'll be sticking with AZ and Seabourn.

Although it is not expected, we tip our butler and the cabin attendants. We also tip in the specialty restaurants.

So do we (we don't make much use of the butler, but he brings the canapes that come with a CC suite each day)... but now I'm thinking the better thing to do, is tip less for that (but we still will) and then contribute to the crew fund as there are so many hard-working crew-members "behind the scenes."

Go to Tikal-- it's an amazing site!

I am quite confused about the Insider Access Tour for my cruise, as well. Our cruise is 3-6-17 Auckland to Sydney on Journey. On Azamara's website, it features a Feeding Frenzy Tour in Hobart...HB 69 an the Insider Access Tour. When I follow the link to book it for 3-19, it is not there! Not offered! That is not good!

 

I am getting concerned that tours that we may want to book for our bucket list cruise will not be offered and/ or cancelled once we get onboard. I am even willing to forgo using OBC to secure some of these tours, but there seems to be quite a few problems with the shore excursion department!

 

Bonnie, this is the only concern I have with my upcoming cruise on Azamara. I know everything else will be good, but this is a concern for a cruiseline that advertises itself to be all about the destinations.

 

I guess I am going to have to do all private excursions to make sure we get the tours we want.

I recommend http://www.eyeseetasmania.com.au/. Judy and her staff are fantastic, we were with her for a private tour in 2010. Her little company has 266 five star reviews on tripadvisor. Will show you whatever you want to see, but also has several suggested itineraries. We loved petting and feeding the wallabies and kangaroos (and the mamas with joeys in their pouches-- just the cutest) at Bonorong park and seeing the koalas and the almost extinct Tasmanian Devils up close and personal as well as many other sights around Hobart with Judy. She and her sidekick were super sweet and friendly and brought a fabulous lunch (homemade items) we ate after hiking to a waterfall. In Hobart, she is your "go-to" person for a private tour. I imagine the website I posted will be removed, so here it is in another format: eyeseetasmania dot com dot au