uktog

You can enjoy breakfast in the MDR. Unfortunately unlike other lines the buffet is self service. Not only does this increase the risk of virus transmission it also means dishes can look “trashed” very quickly as guests “dive in”. You can end up with a dish full of sauce only as some guests focus on picking out the best bits

Carpets are regularly replaced on all Azamara ships even when they are in port they will do a section. The only smell I have ever encountered is a new carpet smell when a change has been made say in a corridor while we’ve been ashore

I think I would call it inconsistent. Both certainly have had its issues over the last two or three year in terms of consistency not helped by the removal of popular items that they did well from the menu. I believe they are working on a new offering for Aqualina in particular and I hear from those who have been onboard recently that the quality of cuisine and service has gone back to how it used to be which is great to hear.

The difference between Decks 6 and 7 are purely location. I think you are looking at an old plan, all the casinos were removed several years ago All the wifi costs and packages are on this page of the website. https://www.azamara.com/gb/booked-guests/before-you-board/stay-connected

If you are ok on a cruise where you are just a number and staff very much are handcuffed by rules then Celebrity is fine, if you want to be someone who is recognised and looked out for by many staff as an individual this is where Azamara really comes into play. There is only limited upselling onboard and no one hassling you as you walk past the two very small shops on Azamara. That said you have to realise it’s not glass and chrome and unless you are in a suite recognise you have a tiny but very serviceable shower

Head to Vigiland Park in Oslo. The statues are so interesting and it’s a lovely setting Make sure you take time in smaller places eg Olden to go a walk to a village to see typical life In Olden whilst the glacier is interesting the Skylift is amazing - the only place you will see a view like this You get a Birds Eye view of your home away from home.

It all depends when the evening starts and how long any transport took back from the venue. There’s actually less people go to Windows than at the normal lunch time peak because a. The buses come back over a 30 minute span typically- if it’s people walking back the span is longer b. Not everyone is wanting more to eat c. Some go for a drink first some go to eat first We usually enjoy some sandwiches (there is often a favourite cheese and pickle on) out on the veranda watching the returners and usually the ship getting ready to go

I hate it when the living room has afternoon trivia. Like many I’m looking for a post time ashore tea and scones and relax. The sound of the two trivia’s is so annoying sometimes especially if the staff member is struggling to pronounce words and it grabs your attention. For me the perfect solution is to try and work around the rehearsal times and make more use of the cabaret lounge for activities

People never grasp that they way Azamara do progressive trivia it’s almost all irrelevant until the final question!

They do and unlike Azamara haven’t been as proactive in solving issues. At least on Azamara you can in the UK see and book excursions if your travel agent is holding funds. On Explora you can’t even see what’s on offer without phoning up and getting a pdf sent. Then when you go to book (the same day as the pdf is sent) you discover the prices were indicative only - they say from £x. They also do not allow any bookings using obc which is their default resolution when they mess things up (in our case shortened the cruise, ok covered b and b in the hotel for the two days but then could get a breakfast rate so rather than reduce the cruise cost they are giving us obc to cover breakfast) Whllst I love the onboard experience I absolutely loathe their back office it’s been nothing but hassle on three bookings. Seaware contributes to the issues but there is a lot in their control they could fix.

The question of onshore or off shore is determined by venue availability not necessarily cruise length. The only cruises that do not have evenings are the transatlantic and some 4 night cruises do not

The one thing about Azamara over many other lines. They will bend over backwards to accommodate you where your catering requests are reasonable and for medical reasons. Your request certainly falls in the reasonable camp! They didn’t fall for my caviar diet plan 😂😂

That function does not work for any guest whose travel agent has the standard UK/EU/Australia arrangement that they hold your cruise payment until you join the cruise in trust then pay it to the cruise line I sail in under 2 weeks and can still not do anything as it shows balance outstanding. However if I phone the agents if they are one of the fully trained ones can make the dining reservation. They can also book the excursions but I still need to also pay them via my agent.

Speak to Special Needs department in your circumstances I’m sure they can help.

Are the ship offering a tattoo excursion that night? If so you are as likely to get back to the ship ahead of the coaches if you can move sharply to the tram stop I’d say though you wouldn’t get the full drama of the lighting or fireworks at the 6.15 show. I’d go on the first night of your stay to the 2100 show.

Very fair I like that Also enforce the no show charge - its published but I doubt it is regularly enforced particularly with some frequent cruisers who used to book out en bloc and then make their minds up on the afternoon or later what they are doing. It should be as advertised - 24 hours before the fee kicks in unless there is a sound reason

I have waited up to 20 minutes in line but they had seats so as Phil says they do everything to make it comfortable. And another thing for returning cruisers, don’t use your desk time to chat to crew about how they are, what colleagues are onboard, how is their family. There is plenty time for that after day one

And Hvar which also involved a walk - some loved it especially on the way back in the evening lights some didn’t

Only one both trips Spring 2024 plus staff not experienced in using the terminals on one occasion and guests unfamiliar with product on the other. Three would certainly be a big help

I got a beautiful beaded tree decoration which I bought from a table set up outside an adult elderly day care centre. The gentleman was so excited I was buying it (I tried to tell him he should be charging more than 10 euros). They invited us in to see everyone doing the beading which was the craft activity of the day. Everyone was so happy and busy. The lady in charge explained that during the tourist season they do crafts each day to immediately sell and the money they make paid for extra winter treats when it was less fun. The older people get a real mental boost from working on things together and seeing who buys them I travel for memories like that, not to be always herded in buses all the time or tramping behind a lollipop only experiencing what someone else decides. Structured tours, excursions what ever you call them have their places. But not in every port and certainly not in Greenland or on tiny islands.

Agree I had the same on Viking. The solution is easy and doesn’t need a big change - Azamara should better resource the booking desk on embarkation eg maybe have 2 terminals at each desk, staff on it should always know how to use it and a manager should help them “move on” dithering guests. Like others I always come with a list, some come not knowing which restaurant or day they want which slows it down.

Yes you are correct booking onboard only and there is no limit on how many visits you make.

Get real! You are going to Greenland. The description clearly said for both ports it was self guided. Maps and routes were available on the pier. We were greeted by delightful people including little girls having a lot of fun. If you went straight back here are examples of what you missed. Quaqortac Nanotalik

We did these tours last year - they were two of the best trips we had. Whilst it is self guided you meet the locals at each point. And therein was the absolute delight - super people, happy to share about living there in all seasons and how unique life is. It clearly said self guided on the Viking descriptions we saw pre boarding so were expecting it and loved it.

Interesting language- “your evening has been upgraded”. I think for the sake of those having onboard experiences maybe changed would be more sensitive 😀