PirateWife

I cancelled an onboard booking to rebook at a savings of $3,000 when a special came out.  I lost some OBC and a visit to the spa but well worth the change.  I never thought to ask about keeping the booking onboard benefits.  No additional deposit was required.

My husband describes Azamara as the cruise line my mother would have if she had a cruise line.  It is home.  We are getting ready for our 6th cruise with Azamara, have a 7th one booked, and an 8th planned.  We know we will be safe.  We have dealt with a hurricane, a typhoon, some passengers choosing to eat street food and get sick, and traveling through pirate frequented waters.  These have been some of the most memorable cruises.  Nothing like having one of the entertainers sing to you while you are getting food or sitting on the back patio eating by tea lights and wondering what you are eating.  Most memorable experience--White Night on a the cruise from Athens to Dubai. Our traveling companion was celebrating her birthday that day and as a surprise for her Heike set us up at a table right at the front and arranged for a birthday cake for her.  Better than my mother.

After buying foreign currency several times through the local bank, I found that a)currency is much cheaper through ATMs at airports or banks at your destination and b)most businesses would rather you pay with a credit card than currency. Get a credit card that doesn't charge for foreign transactions.

We have done both private and Azamara cruise tours. Although the ship cruises are more expensive than private tours, they have, with a few exceptions, been very good. After 5 Azamara cruises we have done a lot of ship sponsored tours. We also start every cruise with a lot of OBC. Now that I can use my OBC to book tours before cruising, I will book as far ahead as possible. I can always change my mind and cancel a tour and book another.

Ate once at Chef's Table and it was not a good experience because the crew member taking care of the meal and wine did not want to accept I was not drinking a lot of wine. We frequently have dinner at The Patio because we like the out of doors experience, it is more informal than the MDR,the service is always excellent, the food is often prepared right there, and one can go into buffet for more selections. The MDR is always good but more formal. And, sometimes the service is very slow. Have not eaten at any of the specialty restaurants because enjoy variety available at other restaurants.

2 hours ago, marinaro44 said:

Check in is done on the pier in Miami and most embarkation ports.  Typically starts close to 11.  Boarding usually starts 11:30 or thereabouts.  Have not seen a real "rush."  Book specialty restaurants when you board if it's not available on the pier.

4 hours ago, DandDM said:

Could someone speak to the boarding process on Azamara?  Have questions such as:

When do they start checking folks in?

What time does boarding usually start?

Because the ship is so small, thinking the crowds might not be bad, but is there a 'rush' time to avoid?

Read on a review about checking in on the ship; is that how it happens all the time or just in some ports?  (we are boarding in Miami)

Anything else about boarding that would be different from the mainstream lines?

 

Thanks!

I find checking in with Azamara very easy but have not gone through Miami before. This is what I do:

1. Do the online pre-boarding check in and print a copy of the sheet that shows how you will pay for any extras.  Take that with you--not in your luggage.

2. Put your Azamara luggage tag on luggage you do not need to keep with you.  Luggage tags can be printed online, supplied by your TA and/or sent to you by Azamara.

3. When arriving at port you can leave luggage you have tagged at place designated.  It will be delivered to your room within a couple of hours.  Enter check-in facility.

4. Even though there is a published time when boarding will start, my experience has been that it starts earlier which is convenient for those checking out of a hotel.

5. We always arrive early because we love the ship, want to explore, check out the lunch buffet, etc.

6. Check-in is always easy and pleasant.  Give them your filled out sheet with payment info, they take your picture, and you get your room key.  Go through the scanner and board the ship.  The longest is has taken is 20 minutes.

7. Your carry-on bag can be left (usually on Deck 4 at a check-in desk) while you eat lunch or explore and picked up later when you go to your room.

1 hour ago, cruzsnooze said:

It has been 9 years since I was on an Azamara cruise and things sure are different. Can someone tell me if what are the complimentary bathroom amenities. I want to know if I need to pack conditioner. 

There are complimentary bathroom amenities--shampoo, conditioner, soap.  No need to bring your own.

Daily crossword puzzles and Sudokus are available every morning in The Drawing Room.  Also, reading books to borrow are available there.

The cost for beer, wine and mixed drinks was not exorbitant. Soft drinks were free. The bars and Lounge usually had snacks and appetizers in the evening before dinner. Much more fun than being in your room.