attn Bonnie:Which port in Venice?

The confusion regarding ports in Venice continues. We are embarking Azamara Quest on July 5th 2014 and would like to know if anyone in this forum, -preferably Bonnie can answer which port in Venice Azamara will be using in 2014. On the port directions page at ACC (http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/directions-embarkation-ports/port-venice-italy#directions-venice ) it says: "All 2013 sailings on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will embark and disembark at the San Basilio Terminal.",- but the directions given is to the Venezia Marittima Terminal.

Will Azamara use San Basilio in 2014? If so will Azamara provide shuttles from Piazale Roma to San Basilio?

Have already booked a hotel close to Marittima terminal, but now I get confused:cool::(

The confusion regarding ports in Venice continues. We are embarking Azamara Quest on July 5th 2014 and would like to know if anyone in this forum, -preferably Bonnie can answer which port in Venice Azamara will be using in 2014. On the port directions page at ACC (http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/directions-embarkation-ports/port-venice-italy#directions-venice ) it says: "All 2013 sailings on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will embark and disembark at the San Basilio Terminal.",- but the directions given is to the Venezia Marittima Terminal.

Will Azamara use San Basilio in 2014? If so will Azamara provide shuttles from Piazale Roma to San Basilio?

Have already booked a hotel close to Marittima terminal, but now I get confused:cool::(

Thanks for posting.

I too am confused because I booked a hotel at San Basilio on the basis of having confirmation from Azamara that the Quest would be leaving from there and I do not really want to have to work out now how to travel back with all our luggage to Marittima

Sadly one of us is going to be unhappy ;)

I seem to remember last year there was great confusion about the boarding port in Venice with people being given conflicting information right up to their day of travel :eek:

Also on the same July cruise and hotel conveniently situated between the 2 ports....but would also like to know which one to head for!

When I asked this question in August about our June 28 2014 cruise this is the answer I received.

Hello Terrier1 and Pam -

I've received confirmation from operations that we'll be using the San Basilio Pier along with the caveat that all berthing is always subject to change!

Unfortunately, we do not operate shuttle buses on turn days.

I hope this information helps you with your planning.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

I have embarked and disembarked in Venice several times when sailing with Azamara. Every time the ship was berthed at San Basilio.

I have embarked and disembarked in Venice several times when sailing with Azamara. Every time the ship was berthed at San Basilio.[/quote

 

We too have sailed from San Basilio more than once. However, on our last cruise, our documents said that we would sail from Marittima. I checked the Venice port schedule (easily found on the internet) which indicated that the ship would sail from San Basilio. I posted the correction on our roll call and let Azamara know about the mistake several days before we sailed. A correction was sent out by Azamara the day before we sailed, too late for the many people who arrived in Venice early and had gone to Marittima.

 

As someone has pointed out, there can be very last minute changes too.:(

It's hard to be certain but looking at VTP ( the terminal website) we might be at Maritime. Wish that info had been wider communicated if it's correct, however I will wait for Bonnies response before I move our hotel

They're very close together so I certainly wouldn't switch hotels. We disembarked at both, last summer.

One persons close is another persons far

Not close enough for our needs however I shall wait for definitive information before deciding what to do

One persons close is another persons far

Not close enough for our needs however I shall wait for definitive information before deciding what to do

Hopefully this link will help

Hopefully this link will help

Yes, I was well aware of the layout of Venice having cruised there many times before and my original comment stands - previously we had a five minute walk, we most certainly do not have that now if there is a change of terminal.

Yes, I was well aware of the layout of Venice having cruised there many times before and my original comment stands - previously we had a five minute walk, we most certainly do not have that now if there is a change of terminal.

My link wasn't necessarily to help you, as you seem well aware of most things. Not everyone is so fortunate.

When I asked this question in August about our June 28 2014 cruise this is the answer I received.

 

Hello Terrier1 and Pam -

 

I've received confirmation from operations that we'll be using the San Basilio Pier along with the caveat that all berthing is always subject to change!

 

Unfortunately, we do not operate shuttle buses on turn days.

 

I hope this information helps you with your planning.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

Last summer Bill Leiber stated, as quoted above, that Azamara would be using San Basilio. And indeed both Quest and Journey were there when we boarded for our September cruise. In fact, Journey followed right behind us when we sailed.

Last summer Bill Leiber stated, as quoted above, that Azamara would be using San Basilio. And indeed both Quest and Journey were there when we boarded for our September cruise. In fact, Journey followed right behind us when we sailed.

We must have disembarked the day you embarked and sailed late due to the local protests against cruise ships visiting Venice.

I'll ask and let you know as soon as I hear definitively.

I'll ask and let you know as soon as I hear definitively.

Thank you Bonnie, we will await your news

Last summer Bill Leiber stated, as quoted above, that Azamara would be using San Basilio. And indeed both Quest and Journey were there when we boarded for our September cruise. In fact, Journey followed right behind us when we sailed.

That's right, and the web site clearly states that they would use San Basilio for all cruises in 2013. Just want them to make a similar statement for 2014.

:)

It must be easier logistically to dock at Marittima. San Basilio infrastructure must be challenging for any ship making a turn-around.

This year it seems like the port authorities have reduced the number of ships in port. As I can figure out from cruisetimetables there are only five ships in Venice on July 5th. It can be ten or more.

Yes, I was well aware of the layout of Venice having cruised there many times before and my original comment stands - previously we had a five minute walk, we most certainly do not have that now if there is a change of terminal.

Just checked the google map. Seems like there is a road between the ports, so water taxi is not necessarily the only option here.;)

Have cruised with Azamara Quest out of Venice, San Basilio terminal. Very easy to reach by taxi or watertaxi/bus from Piazzale Roma. And compared to the "main" terminal (from which I also have cruised)very relaxed, the main terminal can be chaotic when there are a lot of ships departing. There might be some walking from the San Basilio terminal to the ship but for those unable to do so Azamara will provide assistance.

I'll ask and let you know as soon as I hear definitively.

Hi Bonnie

I know you've been busy but did you get an answer on this and also the position re shuttles in Dubrovnik that wax on the other post as both affect the 5 July Quest cruise

Thanks and appreciate your help

Hi Bonnie

I know you've been busy but did you get an answer on this and also the position re shuttles in Dubrovnik that wax on the other post as both affect the 5 July Quest cruise

Thanks and appreciate your help

Hello UKTOG,

We are all waiting to hear where the ship will dock in Venice. My understanding is that there are ongoing discussions between the port, the locals and the politicians.

The good news is that our ships are small enough that they are even allowed port of call in Venice. As everyone knows, Venice is extremely environmentally sensitive...the rising seawater is damaging buildings, even art. The locals are trying to save their iconic city through awareness, fund-raising and by becoming politically active. Who can blame them?

We at Azamara want to be as culturally- and environmentally-sensitive as possible and work in cooperation with the locals, as partners if you will.

That's a long winded way of saying, we are working on it, and I'll let you know as soon as something is definite.

P.S. I've asked about Dubrovnik shuttles as well.

Bonnie

Thanks

I had assumed when the issue broke last November that Azamara ships being 30,270 tons were well clear of the limits but sounds like you think they might not be longer term.

From what the Venice Port Authority website is showing there are several big ships in on 5th which would lead me to believe Bill's response of San Basilio last year still stands despite the website listing otherwise, although it looks like a pull through from theCelebrity/RCI site.

Only time will tell as you say, I just want to finalise some plans and must learn to be patient!

I'm also on the Azamara Quest July 5th and wrote to Azamara asking which terminal the ship would depart in Venice.. I received the following from Azamara :rolleyes:

"Azamara Quest will be departing from Venice Italy at 6:00PM. At this stage

I cannot provide you with transfer details due to availability. You will

need to contact our phone number 0844 493 4016 any representative will be

able to help you with this matter."

I'm sure their intentions are good but it can't be that difficult to specify which pier or at least advise about shuttle buses from P. Roma?

I'm also on the Azamara Quest July 5th and wrote to Azamara asking which terminal the ship would depart in Venice.. I received the following from Azamara :rolleyes:

 

"Azamara Quest will be departing from Venice Italy at 6:00PM. At this stage

I cannot provide you with transfer details due to availability. You will

need to contact our phone number 0844 493 4016 any representative will be

able to help you with this matter."

 

I'm sure their intentions are good but it can't be that difficult to specify which pier or at least advise about shuttle buses from P. Roma?

I contacted Azamara last week asking which dock we will be at when we disembark in Venice on July 5th and this is the answer I received (i.e. no answer). I understand things can change but they must have some information prior to actually docking. They also didn't provide our berth at Athens other than saying we were at Terminal A.

Port of Venice, Italy

There are two cruise terminals at the Port of Venice: (The exact pier will be determined onboard)

I contacted Azamara last week asking which dock we will be at when we disembark in Venice on July 5th and this is the answer I received (i.e. no answer). I understand things can change but they must have some information prior to actually docking. They also didn't provide our berth at Athens other than saying we were at Terminal A.

 

Port of Venice, Italy

There are two cruise terminals at the Port of Venice: (The exact pier will be determined onboard)

Actually it is worse in Venice and Azamara are showing a lack of understanding of destinations with that statements (em yes Destination specialist cruiseline). There are indeed two cruise terminals in Venice, they are NOT adjacent. It is not like in Fort Lauderdale where you have a common entrance and the piers spread all over an enclosed port. In Venice guests have to make there way either to San Maritime or San Basillio. I am not concerned if it is San Maritime which pier it will be it is which terminal I would love to know

Given the number of ships in port that day and the relative size plus that Azamara is overnighting from the night before my 80% bet is San Basillio - but I would not wager the family inheritance entirely on that bet

So based on the spectacular advice from Azamara you were given I am wondering how embarking guests will know where to go - telepathy, smoke signals.........