For Bill: 8/20 Journey itinerary question

[ljk76]

Hello Bill,

 

This question was asked and answered by you last November, but I am a bit anxious because no online references, either itinerary or excursions, have been updated to reflect your response from last November. What are the arrival and departure times for Seville ? When is the planned departure time for Seville 8/23 specifically? It was originally listed as 11 am, your November response indicated 10:30 pm. Is there a official update? Thank you so much! Linda

[troywest]

This is the Itinerary posted on Azamara's web site.

 

Why does anyone think that it has changed. Azamara is generally good at updating port schedules.

 

12 Night Voyage onboard Azamara Journey

 

from August 20, 2012 to September 1, 2012

 

DATE PORT/CITY ACTIVITY ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

 

Monday, August 20 Lisbon - Portugal Embark 5:00 PM

Tuesday, August 21 Seville - Spain Docked 4:00 PM

Wednesday, August 22 Seville - Spain Docked

Thursday, August 23 Seville - Spain Docked 11:00 AM

Friday, August 24 Gibraltar Docked 1:00 PM 8:00 PM

Saturday, August 25 Motril - Spain Docked 8:00 AM 4:00 PM

Sunday, August 26 Ibiza - Spain Docked 2:00 PM

Monday, August 27 Ibiza - Spain Docked 2:00 AM

Monday, August 27 Barcelona Spain Docked 4:00 PM

Tuesday, August 28 Barcelona- Spain Docked 6:00 PM

Wednesday, August 29 St.tropez France Tendered 1:00 PM

Thursday, August 30 St.tropez France Tendered 11:00 PM

Friday, August 31 Monte Carlo Docked 8:00 AM

Saturday, September 1 Monte Carlo - Monaco Debark

[ljk76]

This is the Itinerary posted on Azamara's web site.

 

Why does anyone think that it has changed. Azamara is generally good at updating port schedules.

 

12 Night Voyage onboard Azamara Journey

 

from August 20, 2012 to September 1, 2012

 

DATE PORT/CITY ACTIVITY ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

 

Monday, August 20 Lisbon - Portugal Embark 5:00 PM

Tuesday, August 21 Seville - Spain Docked 4:00 PM

Wednesday, August 22 Seville - Spain Docked

Thursday, August 23 Seville - Spain Docked 11:00 AM

Friday, August 24 Gibraltar Docked 1:00 PM 8:00 PM

Saturday, August 25 Motril - Spain Docked 8:00 AM 4:00 PM

Sunday, August 26 Ibiza - Spain Docked 2:00 PM

Monday, August 27 Ibiza - Spain Docked 2:00 AM

Monday, August 27 Barcelona Spain Docked 4:00 PM

Tuesday, August 28 Barcelona- Spain Docked 6:00 PM

Wednesday, August 29 St.tropez France Tendered 1:00 PM

Thursday, August 30 St.tropez France Tendered 11:00 PM

Friday, August 31 Monte Carlo Docked 8:00 AM

Saturday, September 1 Monte Carlo - Monaco Debark

 

 

Bill Lieber this question earlier on the Azamara CC Board. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1513767

 

Here is his answer:

 

Thank you very much for bringing to our attention the discrepancy about the “Arrive” and “Depart” times for Seville shown on our website when compared to those printed in our new 2012 Destination Guide (North America):

 

The correct times are those shown in the new brochure:

Tuesday/Aug 21, 2012: Arrive > Brochure @ 9:15 PM [Not the Website @ 4:00 PM]

Thursday/Aug 23, 2012: Depart > Brochure @ 10:30 PM [Not the Website @11:00 AM]

 

Also, it is important to remember that these times are subject to change based on the river’s tide; river’s ship traffic and passage through the lock as well as input from the pilot and the harbor master. These times cannot be guaranteed until much closer in to sailing operation.

 

Thank you for your continued loyalty to Azamara Club Cruises.

Regards,

Bill Leiber"

 

There seems to be a disconnect somewhere. Thanks for anyupdatedinfo from anyone, I am waiting for a reply from Azamara as well.

[Bill Leiber]

Hello Bill,

 

This question was asked and answered by you last November, but I am a bit anxious because no online references, either itinerary or excursions, have been updated to reflect your response from last November. What are the arrival and departure times for Seville ? When is the planned departure time for Seville 8/23 specifically? It was originally listed as 11 am, your November response indicated 10:30 pm. Is there a official update? Thank you so much! Linda

Hello Linda –

 

Thank you very much for your attention to detail by finding the thread from Nov 7, 2011 and then including an important condition about the itinerary times which I mentioned in that post:

 

" ... Also, it is important for you to remember that these times are subject to change based on the river’s tide; river’s ship traffic and passage through the lock as well as input from the pilot and the harbor master. These times cannot be guaranteed until much closer in to sailing operation."

 

Our itinerary planner has requested information about the river's tides with the local authorities since Seville is a port which requires that a pilot be onboard as the vessel travels six hours up river and six hours down river, each time with high tide needed.

 

As soon as we receive that information, we'll let you know on this thread and thanks for your patience.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

[ruthnlarry]

Hello Linda –

 

Thank you very much for your attention to detail by finding the thread from Nov 7, 2011 and then including an important condition about the itinerary times which I mentioned in that post:

 

" ... Also, it is important for you to remember that these times are subject to change based on the river’s tide; river’s ship traffic and passage through the lock as well as input from the pilot and the harbor master. These times cannot be guaranteed until much closer in to sailing operation."

 

Our itinerary planner has requested information about the river's tides with the local authorities since Seville is a port which requires that a pilot be onboard as the vessel travels six hours up river and six hours down river, each time with high tide needed.

 

As soon as we receive that information, we'll let you know on this thread and thanks for your patience.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

Thanks Bill for looking into this question again!

 

Counting down our days til our Aug. 20 cruise on Journey!!

 

-Larry & Ruth

[Bill Leiber]

Hello Larry & Ruth, Linda and others –

 

I'm pleased to report that the pilots from the port of Seville have notified us to make some changes to our arrival and departure at the port of Seville due to tidal/port activities which will enhance your experience by providing a longer time in the wonderful city of Seville (walking distance to the old town - about one mile along the water front).

 

Below is a comparison of the Current Seville time on the Website and the Revised times:

 

Current Seville shown on the Website:

Tue / Aug 21: Arrive @ 4:00 PM = 8 hrs

Wed / Aug 22: Full day docked in port = 24 hrs

Thu / Aug 23: Docked and depart @ 11:00 AM = 11 hrs

Total 43 hrs in port

 

Revised times in Seville:

Tue / Aug 21: Arrive @ 10:45 PM = 1.15 hrs

Wed / Aug 22: Full day docked in port = 24 hrs

Thu / Aug 23: Docked and depart @ 11:30 PM = 23.3 hrs

Total 48.45 hrs in port

 

 

The revised times offers you a day-light cruise up the Guadalquivir River on Tuesday, August 21st and departing from Seville on Aug 23 at 11:30 PM rather than at 11:00 AM provides you almost the entire day in port for more day and night touring.

 

I've been advised that the revised Seville times will be updated on our website by the end of next week.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

[ruthnlarry]

Hello Larry & Ruth, Linda and others –

 

I'm pleased to report that the pilots from the port of Seville have notified us to make some changes to our arrival and departure at the port of Seville due to tidal/port activities which will enhance your experience by providing a longer time in the wonderful city of Seville (walking distance to the old town - about one mile along the water front).

 

Below is a comparison of the Current Seville time on the Website and the Revised times:

 

Current Seville shown on the Website:

Tue / Aug 21: Arrive @ 4:00 PM = 8 hrs

Wed / Aug 22: Full day docked in port = 24 hrs

Thu / Aug 23: Docked and depart @ 11:00 AM = 11 hrs

Total 43 hrs in port

 

Revised times in Seville:

Tue / Aug 21: Arrive @ 10:45 PM = 1.15 hrs

Wed / Aug 22: Full day docked in port = 24 hrs

Thu / Aug 23: Docked and depart @ 11:30 PM = 23.3 hrs

Total 48.45 hrs in port

 

 

The revised times offers you a day-light cruise up the Guadalquivir River on Tuesday, August 21st and departing from Seville on Aug 23 at 11:30 PM rather than at 11:00 AM provides you almost the entire day in port for more day and night touring.

 

I've been advised that the revised Seville times will be updated on our website by the end of next week.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

 

for checking into this again. This is great! We have a fantastic day of tours planned for Thursday.

 

Looking forward to another great cruise on Azamara Journey,

 

-Larry & Ruth

 

Thank you.

[ljk76]

Thank you so much, Bill! It is indeed a great itinerary enhancement and Larry has planned out a great day for many of us! We are so looking forward to our first Azamara cruise, and even the online experience here is so more valuable with your role. Linda

[troywest]

"................The revised times offers you a day-light cruise up the Guadalquivir River on Tuesday, August 21st and departing from Seville on Aug 23 at 11:30 PM rather than at 11:00 AM provides you almost the entire day in port for more day and night touring..............".

 

 

Yes, more time in Seville ..... Good !

 

BUT Not quite a "day-light cruise up the Guadalquivir River."

 

Sunset is around 21:00, and civil twilight around 21:30. So, a 22:45 arrival would be in the dark.

 

It would be nice to arrive around 20:45 so we COULD sail up the river in daylight.

 

If that is not possible, Will we be able to stay in Lisbon for an additional 6 1/2 hours (until 22:30) ?

[florisdekort]

I admire you Bill... Whatever you do, there's just no pleasing everyone :rolleyes:

[Bill Leiber]

"................The revised times offers you a day-light cruise up the Guadalquivir River on Tuesday, August 21st and departing from Seville on Aug 23 at 11:30 PM rather than at 11:00 AM provides you almost the entire day in port for more day and night touring..............".

 

 

Yes, more time in Seville ..... Good !

 

BUT Not quite a "day-light cruise up the Guadalquivir River."

 

Sunset is around 21:00, and civil twilight around 21:30. So, a 22:45 arrival would be in the dark.

 

It would be nice to arrive around 20:45 so we COULD sail up the river in daylight.

 

If that is not possible, Will we be able to stay in Lisbon for an additional 6 1/2 hours (until 22:30) ?

Hello Troywest and other readers -

 

I shared your critical assessment about our "daylight" cruise up the Guadalquivir River with Azamara's itinerary planner, Claudius Docekal, for his comments and so that he could express his point of view.

 

Before I do so, however, I think it makes sense to reiterate some my earlier comments about the cruise itinerary planning process and the role of the itinerary planner plays in creating a successful operation, so that your comments can be incorporated into the "big picture." Actually, it was your comment suggesting we "stay in Lisbon for an additional 6 1/2 hours (until 22:30)" that triggered the need for me to place the "itinerary planning process" in its proper place. It's at the pinnacle of our successful operation and our itinerary planner is at the helm for creating our yearly deployments for both vessels. Following a tedious review and approval process the final yearly deployment becomes the "frame" or the "starting point" upon which the Azamara experience it crafted.

 

One of the reasons why the cruise industry is always sure to state "that itineraries are subject to change" is the impact of tidal changes. It's one of the inescapable risks of the cruise product and when the port pilots from Seville issued the new tidal information there was no other choice than to implement this itinerary change.

 

Itineraries are actually a function of the tides, speeds and distances. To borrow a now popular metaphor, our itineraries are not planned on an "Etch-A-Sketch" nor can their sequence be "shuffled. It's not that simple.

 

With that said, Claudius also has the expertise to highlight the best an itinerary can offer and here is his point of view of your forthcoming experience:

 Sunset in Seville on 21 Aug is 2108 hours. That means that it is not dark yet by that time, simply sunset.

 In any case, we expect to enter the river at 1630/1645 hours so there is plenty of time for guests to see the sites along the river. Even until sunset at 2108 hr, there will be close to 5 hours of "day-light cruise up the Guadalquivir River." And then there is the additional time after 2108 of twilight until it really gets dark.

 I therefore reject the comment ... that this is not quite a day-light cruise.

 The entire river journey takes, on average, pending on river traffic and the lock operation, about six hours.

 In addition, there is something unique about sailing this narrow river and passing through the lock under the bridges, including a drawbridge with the evening lights illuminated.

 We cannot have it both ways - extra time in beautiful Seville or "perfect" timing of the river entry/sail. The tide times are what they are and we have to follow the pilots advice for the safety of our guests, crew and the vessel.

 We will sail Lisbon at 1800 in order to allow for a "cushion" to make sure we are at the pilot station in time as we do not want to miss the High Water window and then be delayed until the next tide. This allows the Captain to follow a comfortable sailing speed from Lisbon in case of inclement weather/sea conditions during a cruise that will take the ship out in the open Atlantic.

 We are THE largest ship that can enter the port of Seville while all other ships have to go to Cadiz, a 90 minute drive away.

 The fact of the matter is that contrary to these comment, guests will get to travel up the river in day light and be docked less than a mile walking distance to the old town of Seville.

 Time to stop and smell the roses - extra time in Seville and a river daylight transit onboard Azamara Club Cruises!

 

I believe that Claudius' passion for his "place" in creating the total Azamara destination experience and his expertise in the "art" of itinerary planning was self-evident in his frank assessment of the unique and fascinating navigation journey that lies ahead!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

[Andy]

I admire you Bill... Whatever you do, there's just no pleasing everyone :rolleyes:

 

How true Floris. In my career, I've been involved in many aspects of Senior management, sales and customer service for over 33 years. One thing is for certain - no matter how hard most try to please, it's impossible to please everyone, all the time.

 

Bill certainly has the patience of a Saint.

[ljk76]

We are very happy with this itinerary, thrilled in fact. Bill and Andy have added so much timely information to this board. The fact that my question was so quickly and thoroughly answered speaks for itself. We can't wait to be cruising down the Guadalquivir River on our way to Seville. We've also enjoyed the great port info from Claudius. Thanks! Linda and Doug