uktog

Great to hear that the ports continue to deliver so much. Azamara (and other lines) are hugely helped by the port authorities in each stop. This pamphlet that they prepare shows how much will be set up if you ask. I have also found it a useful resource for planning. Other countries should prepare a similar one stop summary! https://partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/2349.pdf

Sometimes pre show the band play for dancing. You can ask the cruise director and if it’s possible most will do it. At non show times the lounge is closed for rehearsals etc so no guest access.

My travel agent has worked hard to get an acceptable resolution and we thought we had it yesterday! However we have now found that in moving us to the cruuse two days later, they have changed our cabin. They have not upgraded us. It’s the same category but they have moved us from our carefully selected mid ships to one at the aft on a higher deck, which is a no go for us on a transatlantic. We feel sorry for our agent she’s going to have to do even more work tomorrow. Can’t understand given it was a “new cruise” why bookings weren’t lifted wholesale to their existing rooms

Thank you so much. Really good to read this. I think we are only going to DIY 3 times. Like you we bottled out on too much independence. I know people chastise us for our cautious approach and you always meet someone who gives you the maths of how they’ve done better- in Europe or the Americas I’m happy to DIY but as soon as I cannot read a street sign I panic. No point in being over stressed as this is a one and done bucket list for us. I might investigate the Port Ambassador for stops we were DIY as maybe there are options we could consider. Do keep enjoying your wonderful experience

The basic package is so slow it should be included at no charge as lines like Viking and Explora do. That would probably be fast enough for many guests leaving the faster speed for those who want to stream or access work systems and will be happy to pay. It’s sad to see this criticism of Azamaras wifi speed and cost has been talked about since 2014. Every time management acknowledges the issue and hints better is coming. 10 years on, they lag their competitors really badly on this one.

We will get on when you get off! I will try and “forget” the surprises and certainly won’t tell DH! The temperature is same as home so we are OK with that and we’re planning layers anyway but it might catch others out. We have opted to take quite a few land discoveries- are you hearing any feedback on these? Thanks for posting and do keep enjoying!

Nor us. We were on back to back got nothing for either

I think it all depends on your “shape” but we found them so uncomfortable when we sailed on Onward. We were assured by Tony the Hotel Director they were temporary with the correct chairs being in a container in Shanghai Surely if they were unable to find said container replacements should have been sourced by now.

Perfectly explained! If you want to feel you’re treated far better than others (and perhaps have access to places and other “symbols”) EJ is not for you. If that isn’t what draws you to YC then EJ is certainly worth a chance. I felt very special on my first cruise, the pool butler knew my seating and lounger layout preferences and the times I liked drinks by Day 2. I was in an OT. Our second cruise when we saw the good Doctor onboard we had a penthouse. Actually our butler - whatever you call him - was much less good to the extent we had him swapped out. And our “treatment” outside the room was no different to Cruise 1. It was equally special and very enjoyable.

Hope it’s fun! Hope the crew get some rest as well where possible.

We are UK passport holders, we filled in no form anywhere either on the ship, the port or at the airport.

I have really enjoyed your review, it has brought me back some happy memories from November and gives some hopes for our remaining bookings. They look like they have taken on some of the feedback regarding the entertainment and you had a more proactive Entertainment Manager who was there not "for show". Still some learning as well but I see EJ very much like a smart hotel - several restaurants and its about choosing around menus and if on board for a larger number of days you may well have to enjoy a favourite one more time. Like you we find an OT room to be a reasonable amount of space, certainly enough for us. Ive often wondered about testing Virgin but I think I will stick with BA even though my children think I should be put in a home from time to time Thanks for all your input and balanced comments

That brings Journey in line to Quest re the dining prices. Can I ask what rose is being served on the Ultimate Package. I’d heard the angel had used its wings and left so wondering about the substitute

We did not need it in December

Not me, no reference to self serving in my posts To put the record straight, I continue to advocate using established welfare processes onboard whenever circumstances arise and being a firm believer in equity rather than favouring a few. So in all situations I will always place funds to a crew fund where the unseen laundry person, waste operative and all staff rather than those who catch my eye or ear can be looked after.

It has a permanent issue, it was designed by people who forgot ships move. So it very kindly empties onto the cruisers sunbathing below whenever the ship rocks. They can open it when overnight in ports. In November they were talking to designers about a solution - the common sense solution which involves a raised holding transparent wall doesn't fit the look and feel the stylists want. Until practical vs look is resolved, its not going to be open a lot

Not sure I can fully follow the previous post (please if you are able proofread!) but I understand that the Crew Fund via guest relations is the correct place to give any additional support not individual gifts. There are several unseen stars who are also affected. There may also be misinformation floating around about pay so I’d stay out of that conversation. It’s not for us to judge contracts and terms of employees without all the facts from both sides and if it was me I wouldn’t want my personal circumstances discussed by others

That’s why on any vessel regardless of what the real estate might be we do not head for bow or aft suites. It’s just not worth it. Far better to be towards midship even if it means a smaller room. Designers play on people’s ignorance with glorious photos from aft or bow balconies but a quick internet search reveals they are not the most desirable real estate on many ships

The impact on the staff morale will be immeasurable

Agree For most people it’s under 7% as they’re offering me the discount on a cruise that 18 months out so it’s nearer 4.5%

I think Azamara is really showing the world cruisers they care. It won’t be easy to pull off an appropriate and safe overland safari at this late stage but I’m sure they’re giving it their best shot.

Another guest also currently from Journey has confirmed $34.95 IS correct. Just need to clarify the first half of the cruise issue

I may or may not given our current circumstances and the lack of a decent rosé onboard. I commented because some might read it as all got 20%.

Only at Platinum. It’s 20% for discoverer plus 15% for discoverer and 10% for explorer

Thanks - wonder what rule applies when we get to Journey!! I tried to drink them dry of Botanist in Antarctica (for the purpose of warming me up you understand). It’s one of my favourites at home having discovered it visiting the distillery on the beautiful island of Islay