debcip

@Kitekat I have an important clarification, which my husband caught! What the Port Ambassador apparently said was that all the taxis had already been hired for the next day in Sakaiminato and that she was hopeful that by 9 am more taxis would become available at the port

since folks seem interested I’ll post a little about my experience in each port as we pass through. Kanazawa: Port is about 3 miles from city center and shuttles ran q 30 minutes. Seems there was a fair amount to do and see in the city from what I heard. We opted for the ship’s excursion to the Gokayama region in the mountains, to see the Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses. This is a fascinating settlement but there was not much information provided on the site- there is a map of all the buildings but we had to do a bit of googling and reading afterwards. We then went to a paper-making workshop where we each made 3 washi-paper postcards and could watch a brief movie about the paper-making process. There was a great little shop with a small art exhibit upstairs. This was a lot of fun and interesting.

Hi @Kitekat here is the taxi info for sakaiminato. The Port Ambassador says that there should be plenty of taxis for hire around 9 am. The highlights show the number of hours and the standard rate

@Kitekat, I’ll take a look. Right now it’s Sunday am and the desk is “all Kanazawa”— will keep an eye out for Sakaiminato information

@uktog, many on board who we’ve spoken to are DIY-ing. DH and I were skittish about doing so due to language difficulties and reports in the roll call of private tour cancellations; we therefore went with ship excursions exclusively. Thus far our experience has been wonderful. The local guides are excellent, and so enthusiastic to spend time with us. The groups have been relatively small (<30) so pretty manageable. There is a bit of a bottleneck every time all 25 of us need to take our shoes off in a small space. Overall we have been happy with the ship sponsored tours. For 2 of the 3 ports there have been shuttles into town, and folks who have used the Port Ambassador seem very happy with her. I’ve also noticed at her desk a list of suggested tours with prices, using taxi drivers who are at the port-so these can be arranged on the spot it seems. —Debbie

We came to know him at the coffee bar as well, on our first Azamara cruise in 2017! He is so lovely!

We are currently on Day 5 of our 15 day sailing. The trip so far has been wonderful although the weather has been challenging (quite cold [40-44*F/5-7*C], with a bit of rain snow and hail). However I wanted to note a few things done thus far which are examples of what Azamara does best: In Aomori, where allegedly the best apples of the world are grown, 60 kg of local apples were brought on board to make a special apple pie. I ate late that night, and it was all gone! I was promised that the pastry chef would make more the next day for others like me, and sure enough, I had the best deep dish apple pie presented to me the following night! In Aomori, local Namahage performers were brought on for a fantastic afternoon drum and dance performance in the Cabaret Lounge. In Niigata, three geishas came aboard for a performance, a Q&A mediated by the local Port Ambassador, a sake ceremony and tasting, and an opportunity for photos with the geishas. These wonderful touches remind me of why I continue love this line!

I’ve never made nor received a referral. Wouldn’t it just be easier to give both parties an OBC? No “ third parties” or spreadsheets involved. I know I should just appreciate the offer. But I can’t tolerate the inefficiency of it all

Yesterday I purchased a Chef’s Table Plus Two package for my upcoming trip on the Journey. The price was $170, up from I believe $145 previously. The representative said the pice increases went into effect on 12 March. (I purchased one day too late! 🫤)

Thanks!

I was booked on a cruise pre-pandemic for which folks were talking about something called, I believe, an Indonesian Rice Table. I have not seen this noted recently. Is this something that is still being done, does anyone know?

We will be sailing on 19 March and would like to purchase the Chef’s Table Plus two. Is there a limited number of these, I.e. should I be sure to book before I board? Have some TA credits that I’d like to use so would prefer to book upon arrival unless it’s unwise.

Thank you, @Dr H for your upbeat responses! We have not cruised since pre-pandemic and are doing the Japan itinerary in March. The ongoing IT/website issues have not instilled me with a ton of confidence, but you’ve helped put me at ease that once on board things should be ok!

Thanks, obviously that’s what we’ll do. Just wanted to be sure I wasn’t missing something on the website or with the sometimes-iffy Azamara customer service

Lol just meaning that it may involve multiple flights and therefore an increased chance of delays, so there may be more people who will be staying in town prior to the cruise date

We are taking our first cruise post-pandemic, to Japan. We had previously cruised out of Venice and had a pre-cruise transfer, booked through Azamara. We had arrived two days early, and the transfer package included 2 nights at a hotel and transfer to the ship. I was interested in doing something similar for Japan. Barring that, I thought I could book the hotel being used for the pre-cruise land package independently and be transferred to the ship with the land package guests. We will be arriving in Tokyo 3 days prior to embarkation. Both my TA and I have called Azamara, and looked at the website, and it appears the only transfers available are from the airport to the ship on the day of embarkation. This seems inconceivable to me; given the complicated nature of getting to Japan, I am sure most people will be arriving at least a day early. I can’t believe that there is no way to get to the ship using the company. Does anyone have any insight into this? I realize that we can do what we want and get ourselves to the port in a cab, but given the craziness of Tokyo and the fact that there are two cruise terminals, I was hoping to have Azamara take care of these details.

We first learned about Fevertree tonic on Azamara, when we were schooled by some gin experts at the bar! It changed my world and I am now a devoted and very particular G & T drinker!

Many many thanks to @Drebay and @nonrev1! The prep for this trip is rather overwhelming and your details re so helpful! I have a question about money—is it true that we should plan to use cash for most transactions in shops and restaurants? If so, can you give the denomination of yen we should try to bring? I have found that, at times, an ATM provides large bills which we have found difficult to use in some countries. Thank you!

Currently on the Viking Vijhjalm in Bratislava. The crew is indicating it is doubtful that we will be able to sail into Budapest. Seems they are holding off on the final decision as long as they can

Thanks, Jazzbeau, for an interesting perspective. I think I should adopt this as a philosophy— don’t worry about the ship and just go for the itinerary. I had become a bit of an Azamara loyalist but maybe I shouldn’t be so rigid, esp while they are ironing out the kinks.

LOL, agree! I have spent so many hours on this, to no avail! I’ve got all my info printed ou (from Celebrity) and am just hoping it can be straightened out on board in March!

Wow. I am still struggling and am still unable to get into my one Azamara account; now you’re telling me that I may have a phantom second account? I don’t even know what to think about that! I have submitted about 6 forms to no avail. My last message, a couple of days ago, said that a “ticket” was being opened for my issue, which I saw as progress. I’m not sailing until March, so I’m not panicking just yet. Any advice would be appreciated!

@joyride thanks for asking, and @Cooper2020 thanks for the answer! This information shouldn’t be so difficult to find!

@bapaleg, there is a recent post (Aug 17) in Roll Calls > Viking River Roll Calls > All 2023 Viking Danube Waltz where these are posted. I know this is a different cruise but you can get an idea what the days look like

Thanks so much for this review! We too are new to river cruising and will be doing the Danube in October; I’m feeling a little nervous about the new experience and appreciate your information! Can I ask what you did in Vienna? We are doing an overview tour in the morning but I’m looking for something nice to do on our own in the afternoon