uktog

There are so many times ashore I need ID - to get age discounts, confirm a credit card transaction I carry my license ashore all the time. Like many cruisers I come from a country that doesn’t issue passport cards just passport “booklets”

Families are very much the target group for Explora. Parents who like a more refined experience don’t want the slides and water park environment. With a club like Nautilus and some forethought by the parents it can offer a great family holiday

I’ve been on a sold out voyage with one cruise director and it’s still one show based on their preference

Can you recall who said this, thanks

I’ve always read posts from people who say you must take your passport ashore every day. This unfortunate thread should highlight once onboard if the cruise line don’t take your passport (which I prefer!) it’s passport to the safe until disembarking unless there is a legal requirement to have it with you ashore. I accept some countries ask that you carry an official document and many guests just use the passports again we never do that - we will use our driving licenses whenever we can I know the original passports were stolen before the guests got on board and once on board, perhaps the inconvenience is a little less, but still don’t carry passports ashore unless you absolutely have to. I hope things are beginning to settle down for the poster and his parents, and the time they are able to enjoy a wonderful

We were very happy with our recent Viking cruise and agree certainly on our cruise and for our tastes the food was light years ahead of our last Azamara experience. But one swan doesn’t make a summer and one bad apple doesn’t ruin the crop. So our position now is a mix between Azamara and Viking and others in 2024 and review after that.

Maybe because it is a premium Malt Scottish Whisky - one of Islay's best

It’s funny Quest often only has one show which can give crowding issues. I wonder if it’s a Cruise Director decision?

Aargh doesn’t work as a mixer with spirits . If it doesn’t appear I’ll need to get some in Miami and bring onboard then

It’s also great with the said ginger ale

The Shiraz Gin and Ardbeg are pretty decent products. Look forward to getting them onboard. Big question though. What’s the dry ginger situation?

Unfortunately this is not something Azamara shares

I hope in time your parents get an excellent resolution to this which is clearly well outwith their control particularly given the circumstances with the individual hotel. I have just read on social media an Azamara guest is having a similar issue in Venice and another confirmed they had the same issue two months ago. Even within Europe you can’t cruise on a copy of your passport. This is a timely reminder to us all - think where you keep your passport and check your insurance!

Not sure you can deduce that it’s about a safe clean venue that there is appropriate transport for a quick move of 500+ people

So with you on that one. Also recognise that if it’s onboard the ship can be in control of all “hygiene related issues”. Likewise the transport logistics can be a nightmare especially if there are insufficient safe buses. People always rave about an evening at Wadi Rum. We were at one of the earlier ones there. Yes beautiful setting but 40 minute bus ride with drivers racing to do double runs and the ships safety people doing their nut about so many things. (The final straw for the hotel director was the local guy cigarette in mouth handing ( yes literally handing) the bread out, drops some on the ground and picks it back onto the serving plate.) We did the same event 9 months later it was a little better but still rather unsafe hygiene wise. Some countries just don’t have the infrastructure to cope with c700 people in one place safely.

Celebrations in the past have been either day time events or onboard ship. What is the details for yours?

UK account holders only

Concerned about the ginger ale/dry ginger issue. Please keep us posted. I may need to pack mini cans or DH will be having no evening drinks (he only drinks a spirit with ginger).

Some ships offer an 2015 and 2130 show some do one at 2100. You’ll need to check when you board. Also bear in mind they are much lower key shows. The open layout of the show lounge does make it easier to arrive late and sit at the side or back yes open dining in the main restaurant bookings only for the speciality dining

That’s exactly why we will consider some cruises on Celebrity next year. We aren’t loud bar people and The Retreat ticks the box. We couldn’t find that peaceful drink when the lounge was removed from us

Like you we will now look at returning

Interesting Explora Journeys (who are positioning themselves as "higher end" and use the same software as Azamara use now) will not allow you to cancel excursions and rebook once onboard. If you cancel excursions onboard for whatever reason and they were paid for by credit cards they refund you with... onboard credit. There has been a lot of angst about that amongst the initial cruisers.

You need to call Azamara about this or if booked through a travel agent speak to them

Thank you for your clear and balanced report, look forward to hearing more as you travel

The Living Room on Deck 9 has a dance floor. The band who plays up there will play sets that can be danced to before dinner. They may also play sets after dinner. Let the band know you want to do ballroom dancing the first or second night and they will oblige