uktog

Not that we have found on Onward but then there’s a disconnect between what servers say is onboard and what managers say is onboard

By the time we knew it was too late to scramble to plans so we headed to Magens Bay which we first visited 25 years ago on our first ever cruise so nice reminiscing

Onward cannot call at St John today due to high swell making tendering unsafe so we are over in St Thomas. Not my first choice but at least we got somewhere! Unfortunately the local infrastructure is still to wake up to our arrival so no taxis around yet

We were told at the show on Onward last night Eric has gone home as his father was not well. He had asked that this information be shared and Martin the new ACD (doing a great job) said if you’re his friend on social media reach out to him. Sounds like the day before (at sea) had been very worrying for Eric but - the ultimate pro- you would not have known but he’d messaged Martin last night to say the news was a little better. Sending our love to all the De Gray family just now.

Unfortunately we are booked the other way and with back to back and flights partially arranged so I’ve put a stop to any more plans until I get an answer from Azamara. It’s a good idea for new bookers though

Haha. Problem 2 solved - initiative used Aircon currently in Baltic mode. I’ll take that!

I’m delighted to say after four “moans” door gate has ended

Exactly what we’ve asked for!

Almost the same on Onward as at 1 December but a new Assistant Cruise Director Martin Lawson from the UK. He was previously a production singer on Journey - very nice and outgoing.

Yes windows was Greek last night and taste of Asia tonight. I’m just hoping for you we got the rogue cabin. There’s lots of new staff onboard and as the restaurant manager said some are needing so much more training than others

The door is the wrong size. It can only be fixed by losing the use of the drawer. It’s a balcony cabin. We are only hearing second hand what fixes they are using. Also waiting to hear about our air conditioning the room can either be freezing or scalding (all on the same setting!) no happy medium yet

I gave them three chances to fix this - reported three times so I think it’s fair to share this picture. I wouldn’t if it had been sorted

Yes I heard some got the chance to disembark yesterday. Wonder how they will treat my next years booking. I’m not allowed the vaccine for medical reasons and would be carrying Uk government agency paperwork to that effect. Sounds like an absolute mess.

Thanks. We were told there was no capacity but it’s great to get the local experts clarification 😀😀

Yep we’ve no bookings on Onward and it will stay that way for now. But hey the sun is shining and it’s warmer than home!

Yes WA is the saving grace- hope they don’t run out!

Yes it’s a case of finding best of a not great bunch. There is no Wairu River but we saw a waiter with a bottle so need to track that one

DH had the mondavi. It’s not a high end Mondavi but he enjoyed it

No champagne on Onward for the Ultimate package only Veuve de Verve sparkling wine

Currently on Onward. First experience of this ship. Positives we like the lighter colour scheme, the layout of the living room and with no sunset bar much more space to sit on the back verandah. Last nights act Unity were the best we’ve seen on an Azamara ship and Vasi in the Den is very good. Staff are trying hard. Many new faces as always some better than others. Patio was open last night but for us unfortunately they’ve abandoned the served evening meal in Windows. I’m sure the fans of buffets are happy, we aren’t! Maintenance issues continue. The door of our dressing table is falling off. They can only fix it by screwing it shut so we lose both that space and the table drawer so we’ve gone for the distressed furniture look. Shower and air conditioning both can’t keep a set temperature- very annoying. All are I suppose minor issues but not what you expect in a premium line. Biggest bugbear by far. “Due to higher levels of consumption on the transatlantic” I quote - you know who you are - 😂😂there is NO champagne onboard. They are passing off a French sparkling wine Veuve de Verve as their premium champagne. There is also no Schweppes tonic anywhere. The bar manager has checked. He knows it’s an issue - says has to take what Miami gives him. Don’t want to sound like alcoholics maxing out on the Ultimate Package but these two issues are future deal breakers if we can’t rely on consistent product quality across four ships. Sailing in high winds so Decks 5 and 11 are closed. Couldn’t find anywhere on pool deck to sit yesterday lots of bottles of sun cream and bags were enjoying their holiday. Staff weren’t dealing with it. We went to use our balcony- I see what others mean. These low backed chairs are so uncomfortable and with no support are only useful I suppose for eating at the table. Today at 1010 virtually all seats gone again. Hopefully less windy conditions and the issues will go. Wifi is the worst we’ve had on any Azamara ship even in Norway. It’s the usual Jam tomorrow- we are getting an upgrade soon. Appreciate its coming that doesn’t help me work a little as I have to this week. I will sort that by working ashore in each port - not ideal but ok Still waiting for the cruise booklet with everyone’s names to arrive (day 3 now) as soon as it does will update any changes on that thread. In conclusion so far it’s an OK trip. Not a disaster but not up to Quest and Journeys experience in the summer. But things may change.

Yes I’m talking to Azamara about this as I don’t want a transit to South Africa only

The other issue though is that ships must be able to connect to shore power eg not run their engines in port. That’s why Bergen is now off limits to Azamara. From what I understand an upgrade to do that is not on the cards. As Phil said Azamaras older ships are hitting limitations

Thanks. I’m going to follow this closely as you travel. Enjoy!

When you get a chance can you see if anyone is still cruising with an exemption certificate re YF. I’m not allowed one

I’m booked on this trip next year so following with interest as I’m not allowed a yellow fever vaccination and had been led to believe I could travel on a waiver with doctors letter Hope it all works for everyone on board