chrisandlynne Posted June 20, 2018 #51 Share Posted June 20, 2018 Hello All, I e-mailed Azamara's UK Managing Director, Richard Twynam, yesterday to try and get some up-to-date clarity on where the Quest will be berthed on NYE and what arrangements might be put in place to view the fireworks. I also asked why the website description has changed from the original wording. I am grateful for his prompt response and he has detailed the latest position as follows: Sincere thanks for your note. Allow me to clarify some of the detail. There was one piece of marketing copy that we felt needed to be changed which was done to be more representative. No other marketing mentioned that statement. It’s also worth noting that no cruise ship can moor at Circular Quay during New Years Eve, so the positon we have is the best available in Sydney for the celebrations. The position of the vessel in White Bay has good visibility of the northern barges, and the fireworks from the top of the bridge. We are working on access to other vantage points if guests want a different perspective. Based on discussions I have had with Sydney based colleagues the view is good. But other options will be available should you wish to choose a local tour. I trust this helps and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. He also undertook to consider placing any updates on the Roll Call message board, which would be most useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelinjudy Posted June 23, 2018 #52 Share Posted June 23, 2018 Hello, Does anyone have the actual link to sign up for the Azamazing Evening in Adelaide? I can't seem to find it--it's not listed on the voyage planner that I've seen. Thanks in advance for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vino123 Posted June 27, 2018 #53 Share Posted June 27, 2018 Hi just checked the voyage planner for our cruise and the Azamazing evening is available to book..... However it isn't in Adelaide it's in Hobart : A night with the Tasmanian symphony orchestra. Personally the Adelaide one sounded more our thing so I'm a little disappointed but there you are. Sent from my SM-J700F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelinjudy Posted June 28, 2018 #54 Share Posted June 28, 2018 Hi just checked the voyage planner for our cruise and the Azamazing evening is available to book.....However it isn't in Adelaide it's in Hobart : A night with the Tasmanian symphony orchestra. Personally the Adelaide one sounded more our thing so I'm a little disappointed but there you are. Sent from my SM-J700F using Forums mobile app Yes, I found out it was in Hobart. We went to the Azamazing Evening there last time we went to Australia, but will probably go again. It was a great performance, and the music was lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richb823 Posted September 29, 2018 #55 Share Posted September 29, 2018 Hello Elterwater2, have you reached out to our UK MD Richard Twynam? He is very proactive. If you haven’t, here’s his email: rtwynam@azamara.com I emailed Richard Twyham on 24th September regarding the plans for NYE, as yet no response. Really feel this was missold and should be covered by the Misrepresentation act! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richb823 Posted September 29, 2018 #56 Share Posted September 29, 2018 Hi My husband and I are also booked on the Quest with the stay in Sydney for New Years Eve 2018. I booked this cruise in January 2017 when the docking schedule was not available but like others assumed that the ship would be docked in close proximity to the Harbour. When I realised that the Quest was scheduled to be docked at White Bay Cruise Terminal I contacted Azamara and asked them to confirm (with the exception of any unforeseen events) my perfect vantage point as per their descriptor below. "From a perfect vantage point on the Sydney Harbour, this New Year’s Eve starts early with an air show, followed by the magical Harbour of Light parade. At midnight, the famous fireworks explode over the bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Millions of people will be watching on television and online. You, on the other hand, will be right in the middle of it all. Happy New Year!” I have not yet had a response from Azamara but have informed them that if they do not respond I will be making a report to the UK Advertising Standards Authority for misleading advertising as this was the main reason I booked this cruise and not the Oceania round Australia cruise. I will post any information I receive from Azamara, but so far it does not sound like they have any kind of a plan for New Years Eve. If this is the case then unfortunately I feel the cruise has been mis-sold. For information the descriptor on the Azamara website has now been changed from "From a perfect vantage point on the Sydney Harbour, this New Year’s Eve starts early with an air show, followed by the magical Harbour of Light parade. At midnight, the famous fireworks explode over the bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Millions of people will be watching on television and online. You, on the other hand, will be right in the middle of it all. Happy New Year!” To "The stunning city of Sydney will bring your 2018 to a close. This New Year’s Eve starts early with an air show, followed by the magical Harbour of Light parade across Sydney Harbour. At midnight, find yourself a vantage point onshore to watch the famous fireworks explode over the bridge and the Sydney Opera House—along with millions of people watching on television and online. Happy New Year!” Any fellow passengers care to comment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richb823 Posted September 29, 2018 #57 Share Posted September 29, 2018 :mad:This is an absolute disgrace, completely missold. Unfortunately we didn’t realise the change until very recently, therefore would be liable for 50% of the cost if we cancelled. No intention of leaving it there though. Very, very dissapointing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vino123 Posted September 29, 2018 #58 Share Posted September 29, 2018 I also e mailed Mr Twynam 5 days ago. Still awaiting a response. Completely agree on the misrepresentation act. Sent from my SM-J700F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
florisdekort Posted September 29, 2018 #59 Share Posted September 29, 2018 This cruise was totally misrepresented. I remember the photos on the website, Facebook , etc. showing Quest right next to the Harbour Bridge, in prime position for fireworks viewing very well. In reality you’ll be in a container port. I found out before final payment and cancelled. I’m very sorry for those who didn’t. New Year’s Eve is a night for partying and Champagne, not a night to have to track halfway through town, navigating traffic and massive crowds, on tour busses. Floris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizaJane78 Posted October 3, 2018 #60 Share Posted October 3, 2018 I have been in communication with the Azamara escalations team, to no avail. Their “catch cry” response is we reserve the right to alter the itinerary and ports accordingly, and no compensation will be offered at this stage. Apparently the change to this itinerary was initially communicated 24th July, but just not emailed to their passengers. The NSW port authority has had the ship docked at White Bay all along, so I feel this runs contrary to how the cruise was marketed, from being “right in the middle of the harbour” to “find your own vantage point on shore”. Only received an email advising of White Bay docking last week, unfortunately maximising any monies lost should I choose to cancel, as the final balance was paid four weeks ago. This is an underhanded questionable practice. I for one will not be paying $1500 a head, for a dinner at the Taronga Zoo on New Year’s Eve which Azamara are now offering. It’s a disgrace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris86 Posted October 3, 2018 #61 Share Posted October 3, 2018 I have been in communication with the Azamara escalations team, to no avail. Their “catch cry” response is we reserve the right to alter the itinerary and ports accordingly, and no compensation will be offered at this stage. Apparently the change to this itinerary was initially communicated 24th July, but just not emailed to their passengers. The NSW port authority has had the ship docked at White Bay all along, so I feel this runs contrary to how the cruise was marketed, from being “right in the middle of the harbour” to “find your own vantage point on shore”. Only received an email advising of White Bay docking last week, unfortunately maximising any monies lost should I choose to cancel, as the final balance was paid four weeks ago. This is an underhanded questionable practice. I for one will not be paying $1500 a head, for a dinner at the Taronga Zoo on New Year’s Eve which Azamara are now offering. It’s a disgrace. To be perfectly frank. If the ship will be docking at white bay that is all good and well. Plonking a cruise ship in the middle of the harbor isn't feasible on a night like this. Besides which side would face the fireworks? However given the fares and marketing for this trip, one would expect NYE would atleast be the Azamara Evening! Where Azamara would host all passengers in an exclusive venue which includes the desired vantage point that was advertised? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vino123 Posted October 3, 2018 #62 Share Posted October 3, 2018 Yes that would be an acceptable alternative. We would happily accept an Azamazing Evening in Sydney as a solution to the New years eve situation. Sadly it's been over a week since I e mailed the UK MD Richard Twynham and have not had a response which is surprising as he is usually prompt at replying. Sent from my SM-J700F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richb823 Posted October 7, 2018 #63 Share Posted October 7, 2018 I emailed Richard Twynam again on Saturday 30th September, I did get a very quick response saying he was on his way to the States but was working on the NYE situation and hoped to get back to me early the following week. Nothing else since then, which for a cruise line with an excellent reputation is, in my opinion, shocking. Completely miss-sold, and an absolute disgrace! :mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxnAquarian Posted October 8, 2018 Author #64 Share Posted October 8, 2018 I have been in communication with the Azamara escalations team, to no avail. Their “catch cry” response is we reserve the right to alter the itinerary and ports accordingly, and no compensation will be offered at this stage. Apparently the change to this itinerary was initially communicated 24th July, but just not emailed to their passengers. The NSW port authority has had the ship docked at White Bay all along, so I feel this runs contrary to how the cruise was marketed, from being “right in the middle of the harbour” to “find your own vantage point on shore”. Only received an email advising of White Bay docking last week, unfortunately maximising any monies lost should I choose to cancel, as the final balance was paid four weeks ago. This is an underhanded questionable practice. I for one will not be paying $1500 a head, for a dinner at the Taronga Zoo on New Year’s Eve which Azamara are now offering. It’s a disgrace. I just booked the Taronga Zoo excursion. I’m looking forward to at least having this as an option, as I don’t feel like trying to book something myself. I’m not going to ruin my mood by complaining about things that could’ve been. I’m going to enjoy what is available. Too many people on here create chaos when things don’t go their way. Yes, I’m disappointed that Azamara pulled the rug out from the initial marketing campaign, but life is short and I’m still going to enjoy myself immensely. Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Stickman1990 Posted November 2, 2018 #65 Share Posted November 2, 2018 (edited) Having had a NYE in Sydney on Crystal a couple of years ago I’ve been following this saga with interest to see what Azamara end up offering First let me say you will get some limited view from White Bay but it won’t be prime positioning and would be a definite compromise and I would say if you are in Sydney for NYE you would really want a better vantage point to enjoy the show from I read of a $1500 shorex offered by Azamara to Taronga Zoo - that’s certainly not cheap and you could get on a nice harbour cruise for less than that - A$995 I also saw a Taronga Zoo function advertised today - A$595 a head that includes: Arrival canapes Five course dinner Five hour Moet beverage package Live entertainment Photographer DJ Midnight treats Now of course you’d need to arrange a hire car service to get to and from the venue but I’m sure they wouldn’t cost $1000 a head Whatever option you choose I wish you well enjoying the spectacular show that Sydney puts on to celebrate NYE Here’s one shot from our harbour cruise on NYE that Crystal arranged (It didn’t go perfectly either!) Edited November 2, 2018 by Stickman1990 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare travelberlin Posted November 2, 2018 #66 Share Posted November 2, 2018 I feel sorry for the passengers that have booked this cruise with the intention to have a privileged position for the fireworks in Sidney. It seems that is going to be very different from our experience with the Azamara Journey a couple of years ago in Río de Janeiro. That was fantastic!. I assume that those who could have cancelled this cruise. Ivi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excitedofharpenden Posted November 2, 2018 #67 Share Posted November 2, 2018 5 minutes ago, travelberlin said: I feel sorry for the passengers that have booked this cruise with the intention to have a privileged position for the fireworks in Sidney. It seems that is going to be very different from our experience with the Azamara Journey a couple of years ago in Río de Janeiro. That was fantastic!. I assume that those who could have cancelled this cruise. Ivi Ivi, I'm excited about this.😎 Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare travelberlin Posted November 2, 2018 #68 Share Posted November 2, 2018 5 minutes ago, excitedofharpenden said: Ivi, I'm excited about this.😎 Phil I hope you will get a good experience Phil. I remember our captain on the Journey doing his best to get a place for us in the front row facing Copacabana beach. There were many ships around big and small, but our position was excellent. The white party was celebrated on that evening. This fits very well with the tradition in Brasil, which is to always wear white for New Years Eve. Enjoy it! Ivi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellbon Posted November 3, 2018 #69 Share Posted November 3, 2018 9 hours ago, travelberlin said: I feel sorry for the passengers that have booked this cruise with the intention to have a privileged position for the fireworks in Sidney. It seems that is going to be very different from our experience with the Azamara Journey a couple of years ago in Río de Janeiro. That was fantastic!. I assume that those who could have cancelled this cruise. Ivi 9 hours ago, travelberlin said: I hope you will get a good experience Phil. I remember our captain on the Journey doing his best to get a place for us in the front row facing Copacabana beach. There were many ships around big and small, but our position was excellent. The white party was celebrated on that evening. This fits very well with the tradition in Brasil, which is to always wear white for New Years Eve. Enjoy it! Ivi I think a lot of loyal guests thought it would be like Rio. Went one year and even in the rain it was great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiamCruisers Posted November 14, 2018 #70 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Here is the view over White Bay Cruise Terminal towards Sydney Bridge. Not with fire works.... but it does show that you will definitely see the larger fireworks even though from a slight distance. This is as close as any cruise ships can get on NYE in Sydney Harbour since they stopped letting ships park at Curcular Quay on NYE. It would be nice if Azamara does the White Night Party on New Years Eve. If you are partying on around the pool with a couple of glasses of champagne in you .....I think you will have a great time and enjoy what fireworks we can see. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
florisdekort Posted November 14, 2018 #71 Share Posted November 14, 2018 2 hours ago, SiamCruisers said: Here is the view over White Bay Cruise Terminal towards Sydney Bridge. Not with fire works.... but it does show that you will definitely see the larger fireworks even though from a slight distance. This is as close as any cruise ships can get on NYE in Sydney Harbour since they stopped letting ships park at Curcular Quay on NYE. It would be nice if Azamara does the White Night Party on New Years Eve. If you are partying on around the pool with a couple of glasses of champagne in you .....I think you will have a great time and enjoy what fireworks we can see. Cheers! No one will be up as high as from where that photo was taken. People’s view point will be from the ship in your photo. Let’s not make up facts please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiamCruisers Posted November 14, 2018 #72 Share Posted November 14, 2018 If anyone is making up facts it is you. This is a photo showing that the ship is parked fairly close to the bridge. Everyone realizes the photo is taken higher than the ship. You can see the ship below you in the front. Do you think they will be setting off sparklers on the bridge? LOL If you have any knowledge of firework displays you would know the firework shells explode between 200 and 1,200 feet in the air. This is higher than the ship and any building in the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audobon_tx Posted November 14, 2018 #73 Share Posted November 14, 2018 (edited) Hope someone posts how this all turns out. Just booked Pursuit, Perth - Melbourne 2020 NYE in Sydney. Edited November 14, 2018 by flyingshoes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baynanno1 Posted November 14, 2018 #74 Share Posted November 14, 2018 4 hours ago, SiamCruisers said: If anyone is making up facts it is you. This is a photo showing that the ship is parked fairly close to the bridge. Everyone realizes the photo is taken higher than the ship. You can see the ship below you in the front. Do you think they will be setting off sparklers on the bridge? LOL If you have any knowledge of firework displays you would know the firework shells explode between 200 and 1,200 feet in the air. This is higher than the ship and any building in the area. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_New_Year's_Eve Yes, they do indeed "set off sparklers on the bridge" as well as the more frequently seen in other parts of the world, high in the sky displays! Variations of the "waterfall effect" from the bridge have been used regularly over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiamCruisers Posted November 15, 2018 #75 Share Posted November 15, 2018 Sparklers are what you let your kids light up in the back yard. Yes I realize they always do a waterfall effect on the bridge, but the point is that there is a major firework display high above the bridge that can be seen for miles. Ships docked at White Bay will see some nice fireworks but not the lower display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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