Journey's August 9, 2012 Itinerary Update

[Ithikan]

Ha! Sense of humor intact following this past week -very good, Bill Leiber!

 

Thank you for returning to the concerns of this voyage. I look forward to next week's news about revised Porto & Pasajes tours.

 

Teri

[Louise P]

72 hours have long passed regarding the tour desk getting back to me. We have decided that we will go along with the AM tour, however. How do we get signed up for it?

[Ithikan]

Louise, that tour is online, showing 7:30 a.m. departure on Aug 17. The cost is a non-discounted $115.

[Louise P]

Thank you. I booked it for 10 of us.

[Settebello]

Hi Bill,

 

We are booked on the Journey for August 9th,2012 after much research into a special itinerary as we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We had all lines open to us and for the first time decided to try Azamara. We are wine lovers and were so excited to not only visit Bordeaux but also to see the beautiful wine valleys of the Douro. It is a shame to be in Porto and miss it. Now I understand our excursion has been cancelled. Is there any way we can get there?? It truly will be a disappointment especially when the cruise has a wine theme.

 

Also, we had no idea the itinerary had even changed but for the notice by email about the cancellation of our tour.

 

Is there anyway we can get to Douro Vally as it really is a highlight for us.

 

Thank you and we are hopeful that this will be a truly wonderful experience although we are a bit apprehensive with the changes in times and ports in the itinerary.

[Bill Leiber]

Ha! Sense of humor intact following this past week -very good, Bill Leiber!

 

Thank you for returning to the concerns of this voyage. I look forward to next week's news about revised Porto & Pasajes tours.

 

Teri

Hello Teri/Ithikan -

 

The shore excursion pdf's for Porto, Portugal have been posted with departure times starting on/or after 3:00 PM

 

I'm hopeful to have the final response from our tour operator in Spain about the 2012 schedule to see the fireworks at Concha Bay on August 16. Nevertheless, we will have some flexibility with the arrival time.

 

Once we receive confirmation about the vehicles available from the tour operator for our planned complimentary shuttles from Pasajes to San Sebastian, I will reconfirm this to you.

 

Still nothing definite about the overland night-touring option from Pasajes to Bilbao, as costs are being fine-tuned.

 

Thanks for your continued patience.

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[Bill Leiber]

Hi Bill,

 

We are booked on the Journey for August 9th,2012 after much research into a special itinerary as we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We had all lines open to us and for the first time decided to try Azamara. We are wine lovers and were so excited to not only visit Bordeaux but also to see the beautiful wine valleys of the Douro. It is a shame to be in Porto and miss it. Now I understand our excursion has been cancelled. Is there any way we can get there?? It truly will be a disappointment especially when the cruise has a wine theme.

 

Also, we had no idea the itinerary had even changed but for the notice by email about the cancellation of our tour.

 

Is there anyway we can get to Douro Vally as it really is a highlight for us.

 

Thank you and we are hopeful that this will be a truly wonderful experience although we are a bit apprehensive with the changes in times and ports in the itinerary.

Hello Settebello -

 

Thank you for your questions about Douro Valley. I'm going to the "well" for more information and will let you know.

 

In the meantime, to diminish your understandable apprehension whenever there's an unexpected itinerary change, you might want to peruse some of the very positive comments posted by other Cruise Critic members to ease your angst.

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[Bill Leiber]

Hi Bill,

 

We are booked on the Journey for August 9th,2012 after much research into a special itinerary as we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We had all lines open to us and for the first time decided to try Azamara. We are wine lovers and were so excited to not only visit Bordeaux but also to see the beautiful wine valleys of the Douro. It is a shame to be in Porto and miss it. Now I understand our excursion has been cancelled. Is there any way we can get there?? It truly will be a disappointment especially when the cruise has a wine theme.

 

Also, we had no idea the itinerary had even changed but for the notice by email about the cancellation of our tour.

 

Is there anyway we can get to Douro Vally as it really is a highlight for us.

 

Thank you and we are hopeful that this will be a truly wonderful experience although we are a bit apprehensive with the changes in times and ports in the itinerary.

Hello Settebello -

 

I've learned some information from our itinerary expert, Claudius Docekal, whom I've mentioned previously throughout this thread.

 

Claudius agrees, having been there himself, "the Dour Valley is indeed beautiful, especially at the time of the year we'll be visiting." He suggests that you could arrange a private excursion to the center of the region at Peso da Regua, which is located about 60 miles east from our port. Sunset on the 18th of August 2012 is at 2027 hours (8:27 PM) which leaves plenty of daylight hours to explore this region.

 

If you decide, you could consider arranging your private tour through Azamara's Custom Private Car/Van Arrangements. The process is straight-forward: complete a request form with your individual needs, along with your booking number and contact information. When completed, either email or fax it, as explained on our website:

http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/Plan-Your-Voyage/Land-Explorations/Land-Discoveries

 

Another option might be to wait until you're onboard and meet with our onboard concierge to arrange a private tour, perhaps with others that you've met during the voyage. Please remember that all our private tours will be operated by the same tour operator firm that is operating our ship run tours, which provides peace-of-mind that you'll return on time not to miss the Journey's departure.

 

Don't sell Bordeaux "short" for wine tasting, according to some previous comments from Claudius about the depth of wine-tasting experience that is offered there:

 Almost two full days and a night in amazing Bordeaux where, due to the small size of our vessel, the Azamara Journey will docked there in the middle of town. It's a close second to Paris. You'll be there at the peak time of the year for the vineyards of the region. Two wine tours are offered: 1) Vineyards of Sauternes & Graves, and 2) Margaux Wine tour, which if pre-booked online, are reduced by 50% through the Land Discovery Savings.

 

I hope this information will help you decide the best choice for celebrating your 25th Wedding Anniversary! Congratulation in advance to you both!

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[RZ06]

Hi Bill,

 

We are booked on the Journey for August 9th,2012 after much research into a special itinerary as we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We had all lines open to us and for the first time decided to try Azamara. We are wine lovers and were so excited to not only visit Bordeaux but also to see the beautiful wine valleys of the Douro. It is a shame to be in Porto and miss it. Now I understand our excursion has been cancelled. Is there any way we can get there?? It truly will be a disappointment especially when the cruise has a wine theme.

 

Also, we had no idea the itinerary had even changed but for the notice by email about the cancellation of our tour.

 

Is there anyway we can get to Douro Vally as it really is a highlight for us.

 

Thank you and we are hopeful that this will be a truly wonderful experience although we are a bit apprehensive with the changes in times and ports in the itinerary.

 

Hello, Settebello. We would love to take the private tour to Douro valley too. There are 4 of us, so if you are interested to book a private tour for bigger group we would be happy to join you. I read that the best way to see it is by train or river cruise, but we are so limited with time, so the private tour looks like the only option. Please let me know you thoughts. BTW, we are also celebrating our anniversary on the cruise - 30 years! :)

[rosequeen]

Hello,

My husband & I are also on this cruise celebrating our 25th anniversary. I've been watching these boards trying to get some insight as to what tours to book. Reading of your plans for the Douro region, we would be interested in possibly joining any private tour you were able to pull together.

We're also open to any suggestions regarding the other ports of call- I'm really lost as to which ones might be best to do through the cruiseline and which ones we should do independently. Even knowing which ports would allow for us to just get off the ship & walk through town without any sort of tour would be helpful. We've never been to these spots before & I'm definitely in need of guidance from some of the Cruise Critic pros who post on these boards.

Thanks- Gail

[EastSideGuy]

Curious about the price range for the Douro Valley "private" tour now. Before the itinerary change, I believe the full day tour with the 50% discount was around $150 per person. Is it similar, higher, or lower? And I assuming the private tour would be about the same total price for 1-4 persons.

 

Thanks.

[Bill Leiber]

Curious about the price range for the Douro Valley "private" tour now. Before the itinerary change, I believe the full day tour with the 50% discount was around $150 per person. Is it similar, higher, or lower? And I assuming the private tour would be about the same total price for 1-4 persons.

 

Thanks.

Hello EastSideGuy -

 

At this time I'm unable to give you a "ballpark" cost of a private tour to the Douro Valley from Porto, but please give me some time to determine if it's possible to obtain an estimate.

 

As I mentioned in my earlier response to "Settebello's" question if it were possible to arrange such a tour to the city of Peso da Regua, in Portugal's Douro Valley, you can do so, electronically, through Azamara's Custom Private Car/Van Arrangements. It's straight-forward and here's a link to our website:

http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/Plan-Your-Voyage/Land-Explorations/Land-Discoveries

 

Nevertheless, I'll get back to you and to and "Settebello" when I receive an estimate.

 

Perhaps, your post will generate others interested in visiting the area.

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[kit23]

23 peopl signed up. Need two more. If you have not signed up. please do it. Looking forward to meeting everyone. Thanks. Karen

[Ocean Hills]

To: Bill L.

Would you please provide me with the actual travel time and distance between our dock space in Bilbao to the Guggenheim Museum. Thank you.

Nancy

[Ithikan]

Another Guggenheim question:

 

Bill, are you able to confirm that the Aug. 17 private tour to the Guggenheim will include any of the David Hockney exhibit? This is a "temporary" show May 15 through Sept. 30 and will be displayed on the second floor. IMO, to be given the opportunity to see recent work by this artist would absolutely elevate the ACC experience to new heights. But, I would like to know prior to purchasing the shore ex.

 

I hope you will respond with a "Yes!"

 

Teri

[Bill Leiber]

To: Bill L.

Would you please provide me with the actual travel time and distance between our dock space in Bilbao to the Guggenheim Museum. Thank you.

Nancy

Hello Nancy -

 

You can travel overland from Pasajes to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao in approximately 75 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The approximate distance in 105 km or 65 miles.

 

There are two shore excursions offered that include a visit to the Guggenheim Museum:

1. August 16/ Pasajes, Spain: Tour Code (OJ06): Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum, from Pasajes port to Bilbao port - an overland tour which includes the Guggenheim; a guided walking tour along the old quarter of Bilbao; opportunity to sample “pintxos” (Basque style tapas) at two different bars; night-time sightseeing of Bilbao and to the pier to rejoin your ship.]

 

2. August 17/ Bilbao, Spain: Tour Code (BV44): Private Early Morning Guggenheim Museum Visit & Panoramic Bilboa - Note duration of visit will be limited to a maximum of 1.5 hours.

 

[For complete information on all shore excursion on this voyage, visit our website: http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/plan-your-voyage/land-explorations; and then click on "Land Discoveries.]

 

I hope this information is helpful as you consider your plans.

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[Bill Leiber]

Another Guggenheim question:

 

Bill, are you able to confirm that the Aug. 17 private tour to the Guggenheim will include any of the David Hockney exhibit? This is a "temporary" show May 15 through Sept. 30 and will be displayed on the second floor. IMO, to be given the opportunity to see recent work by this artist would absolutely elevate the ACC experience to new heights. But, I would like to know prior to purchasing the shore ex.

 

I hope you will respond with a "Yes!"

 

Teri

Hello Teri -

 

I'm one of the many fans of David Hockney's work and it is certainly fortuitous that there will be a 200 piece exhibition of his work while you're in Bilbao.

 

I've checked with a shore excursion associate who has escorted private tours at the Guggenheim in the past. Guests do have the flexibility to visit wherever they want within the museum. Usually each group of guests is interested in something different and then one group might split off to see something else. Also, most guides focus on the structural exhibit which for many of the guests, is a key interest.

 

Having said all that, I reluctant to "confirm" that you'll definitely see the exhibit. I'm checking with the tour operator to be sure that the security precautions have not been increased which might inhibit the degree of flexibility. I'll let you know when I have a response.

 

In the meantime, please sure to view some new information that I'll be posting on this thread.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[Bill Leiber]

Hello to all -

I'm pleased to report to you the information that I've received from our shore excursion team about your questions:

Shuttle Service in Pasajes:

§ Azamara will be offering shuttle service in Pasajes, Spain to San Sebastian

§ Due to the "Semana Grande Festival" in San Sebastian and the anticipated crowding, transportation could take 30 minutes in each direction, or approximately 1 hour round trip.

§ Specific loading and unloading points will be detailed once onboard.

Night-Touring Experience - Pasajes to Bilbao:

Earlier I had mentioned that we would be offering "exclusive" night-tours on August 16, 2012 as an alternative to sailing from Pasajes at 4:30 PM and then docking in Bilbao that same night at 10:30 PM.

Each tour truly delivers "destination-immersion" by offering opportunities to be "up close and personal" as the local population "live" their lives, while you visit.

These tours are available on our website:

§ Journey Along the Basque Coast w/Dinner at 2-Star Michelin Restaurant

§ Basque Country - Biarritz and Hondarribia with Dinner

§ Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum, From Pasajes port to Bilbao port

Visiting the Douro Valley from Porto, Portugal:

Private Vehicle arrangements to the Douro Valley for 6-hour duration:

§ Car w/ Driver only - Duoro Winery Private Service: 2 guests @ $525

§ Car w/ Driver & English Guide - Duoro Winery Private Services: 2 guests @ $855

§ Van w/ Driver only - Duoro Winery Private Service: 3 - 7 guests @ $635

§ Van w/ Driver & English Guide - Duoro Winery Private Services: 3 - 6 guests @ $1,115

New Land Discovery Option: "A Glimpse of Douro Valley" - 5.5 hour duration:

For those of you interested in visiting Douro, we plan to operate a 5 1/2 hour tour to Portugal's wine country. The tour is not in the system at this time. The cost is slated to be $146 per person but can be pre-purchased online with a 50% savings at $73 per person.

Tour Description:

§ "The wine valleys of the Douro and its tributaries provide some of the most spectacular scenery in Portugal, the winding gorge of the Douro Valley. Enjoy a tour through the countryside speckled with granite houses and wrought-iron balconies to Portugal's wine country. A 1.5-hour drive via the highway will take you to Regua , the Douro and Port wine production center. You'll continue to Quinta da Pacheca for a guided walk along its warehouses, mills and wine cellar followed by a wine tasting and a snack of Portuguese appetizers. The estate is one of the most well-known properties in the entire Douro Valley dating back to the 1700's; its vines pertained to an order of monks for centuries before that. Return to the pier and along the way, you'll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Douro River before heading toward the Marão Mountain and proceeding by highway to Oporto. "

§ "Notes: Tour includes approximately 4 hours of driving. There will be shopping opportunities at Quinta da Pacheca of Port and table wine, olive oil, jam

Thank you for your patience during the information gathering process.

Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[Ocean Hills]

Thank you for your recent reply.

Another question: regarding the Concha Bay Fireworks--any information as to to seeing the fireworks show on ship or land??

That would be a real treat for Richard & I.

Thanks again,

Nancy

[Ithikan]

Hello Bill,

Wonderful information, thanks both for the assurance of transport from Pasajes, as well as the intriguing offerings for San Sebastian and Oporto. This cruise is taking on a 'celebration of all things Basque' feel to it; with the addition of a chance to view large-size Hockney pieces I am no longer in mourning for Belle Isle :)

 

Teri

[Bill Leiber]

Thank you for your recent reply.

Another question: regarding the Concha Bay Fireworks--any information as to to seeing the fireworks show on ship or land??

That would be a real treat for Richard & I.

Thanks again,

Nancy

Hello Nancy & Richard -

 

I've learned some more information about the fireworks display at Concha Bay that takes place as one of the highlights of the "Semana Grande" festival that operates from August 11-18, 2012 in San Sebastian. Every day, the 15 - 20 minute firework display will commence at 10:45 PM.

 

It is highly unlikely that you will be able to see the Fireworks from Pasajes; however, our itinerary specialist will discuss with the Captain, once the voyage is underway, the possibility to decide if we can arrive earlier into port. Especially since the usual 20 minute drive time from Pasajes could take at least one hour because of the congestion and traffic expected from this festival by local and international guests.

 

If for some reason, the limited time-slot doesn't allow the opportunity of viewing the fireworks, you and our other guests will have had the unique opportunity to enjoy and to immerse yourselves into the unique festival atmosphere.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[Bill Leiber]

Hello Bill,

Wonderful information, thanks both for the assurance of transport from Pasajes, as well as the intriguing offerings for San Sebastian and Oporto. This cruise is taking on a 'celebration of all things Basque' feel to it; with the addition of a chance to view large-size Hockney pieces I am no longer in mourning for Belle Isle :)

 

Teri

Hello Teri -

 

Someone on our team spoke with their contact at the Guggenheim in Bilboa about the two Guggenheim visits that will be offered on this voyage and reported that you will have enough time to see the David Hockney exhibit, regardless of your choice.

 

 Evening opportunity - Aug 16: You will arrive at the Guggenheim by 5PM and will stay there until 8PM which means plenty of time to see all you want at your leisure. On the other hand, at this time of year the museum will be very busy with visitors.

 Morning opportunity - Aug 17: You will have private access to the Guggenheim Museum exclusively for two hours between 8AM and 10 AM. Remember, you will have a very early morning because the tour departs at 7:30AM.

 

I'm pleased that your spirits have risen about your forthcoming Azamara experience.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[RZ06]

Hello Bill,

Thank you for all your help on this forum. I am also wondering if you have information about the window of the shuttles operation between Pasajes and San Sebastian. We are thinking that if we arrive in Pasajes on August 16 4:30 pm, we could stay in San Sebastian till very late to explore the nightlife, festivities and firework. I’m just not sure if shuttles will operate so late at night and we would be able to get back to the ship after the midnight. Thanks again.

[rosequeen]

My husband & I are also curious about the shuttle schedule to San Sebastian, as we'd like to do this on our own, but don't know how the timing of the shuttles would work.

Thanks!

[EastSideGuy]

Bill - Apologies for the delay in responding - have been on a business trip for the past eight days. Thank you for the follow up on Bilbao and the Porto wine tour - much appreciated. - Frank