The Stones

Dear New Seabourn Cruiser 

We are booked on Ovation for February 24.  If you would like a $250 onboard ship credit I can complete the referral documents for us both.   We also receive a $250 credit.     If you are interested my email address is belindadweck@gmail.com.
 

Fingers crossed.
 

Belinda 

Thank you so much Mr and Mrs Fudge.  We are in the midst of packing.  Taxi coming at 7 am to take us to T3.  Your posts have been such fun to read and like you I find it astonishing that people do not change for dinner.  Well "NQOCD" as my mother would say 😂😂 

Thanks again and at least you are returning to Cypriot weather!! 
 

Belinda
 

xxx

5 hours ago, fudge said:

Day 6

Today we arrived in Antigua, the ship docked right in the town, close to the pier there is a duty free shopping paradise. Many prestigious shops selling brand named goods.

Mr Fudge has hidden the credit cards in his underwear draw for safety however, they are calling to Mrs Fudge, “we are in here” any more of that and they are going overboard.

The official currency is the Caribbean dollar however US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. The official language is English.

Places of interest are St John’s Cathedral, an Anglican church visible from the ship.

The island boasts 2 championship golf courses and 3 beaches, also The Jolly Beach Spa and Resort and Coco Bay Resort.

Mr Fudge is a keen golfer but not this time, his handicap is obvious!!!

Ok, you know the story now, a nudge in the back from Mrs Fudge and off goes Mr Fudge for the coffees. It’s always a good start to the day when I see the cheery smile of the coffee guy, The coffee is always piping hot, the pastries are tasty.

We are trying to do our bit for the environment, we now re use the takeaway/to go cartons which holds the coffee, the first two mornings the suite attendant took them away so we hide them now.

Early start today, the weather at present is awful, raining hard. Just finished breakfast, good service lovely food.

So, I know all you avid followers are wondering how the baggo went? Mr Fudge was the overall winner, he won a tote bag, Mrs Fudge came second and won an umbrella, yes there was more than two of us this time.

Peaky Blinders, losers, second again! Four times on the run, what do we have to do to win this team trivia? Come on guys pray for us, this is more than a game it’s all about winning.

Last evening at 18.15 there was a cocktail reception for Seabourn members, Mrs Fudge needs at least 1hr 15 minutes to get ready, thank heavens I was born a man! 

Please excuse me for going off topic. My heart goes out to those people in Turkey who have been devastated by the earthquake. The day we left Cyprus we were in the airport when a number of children and their teachers were waiting for their flight to Turkey, smiling young faces all ready for their trip. Today we learned that 34 out of the 39 children have lost their lives, may they rest in peace.

Last evening was not good at all, it started off well with Captains welcome then went downhill from there! One lady has had more than 750 days on Seabourn that is serious money!

In the main dining room, it was a vegetarian evening which would give a miss. We ate in the Colonnade; the choices were very limited indeed. We started with a green pasta which was pretty tasteless and only just warm, followed by steak and fries.

Not a difficult dish to cook, it took over 40 minutes to arrive, even then Mrs Fudges steak was rare, she asked for it well done, to be fair she was offered another steak, we politely declined and left.

We went to the theater, there was a British lady comedian/magician Mandy Muden, she was OK but nothing special, she asked a someone to help her with a trick, a guy stepped up flip flops, shorts and a T shirt, she actually said “have you just come from the beach”?

I know dress codes have been done to death, but that takes the biscuit! We left before the end, let’s hope today was just a blip and we have a better day tomorrow?

We continue to meet some lovely people from all over the world, possibly the friendliest cruise we have been on for a long time.

 

My goodness thank you for writing such an informative blog.  It has become a highlight of each evening!  We board Ovation on 18th - our first time with Seabourn - and your news adds to the anticipation  of the holiday. X

Anyone know If they have spinning sessions?  Thanks.   

Thank you for letting me know.  

I wonder if anyone reading this has returned from an Ovation cruise around the West Indies.  If they have can you let me know if there are any aerobic, dance or Zumba classes provided.  Trainers weigh heavy when baggage allowance is limited to 23 kg.  Will I need to pack my swivel spot split sole trainers?.   Thanks.  Every baggage allowance kilo is precious.  😂😂

Hello Seabourne Returning Cruisers

After many years of being loyal to Azamara we are trying Seabourne and set sail for Ovation from Bridgetown on 18th Feb 23.   I have just read about the referral onboard ship credit and if anyone would like to refer us we should be most grateful.  My email is belindadweck@gmail.com

Thank you. 

1 minute ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:

Please see post#33 in which Bonnie confirms that the rowing machine is being replaces.

Thanks for letting me know and so it should be.  How typical of the middle management on Pursuit to allow Phil to think it would not be.  Not very professional.

On 5/28/2019 at 10:45 AM, excitedofharpenden said:

Sitting at Rome airport. It's time to go!  We had a lovely back to back on Pursuit. Good food, great service and totally friendly atmosphere. Very different guests on the second 5 night Grand Prix cruise to the 9 night Athens to Nice. Louder, but everyone seemed very well behaved. 

 

One real disappointment. The only rowing machine is broken. It's been like that for a number of weeks and gives a bad impression with an "out of order" sign on it. My understanding is that it is not going to be replaced because of the cost. If this is the story then my message is clear. A premium line like Azamara should have a fully equipped gym.  It's not without this equipment. 

 

Because the low impact nature of the rowing machine suits my fitness it is a great way for me to keep the pounds off. I can't use the treadmills. 

 

I've taken this up the line, but to be honest have not received a satisfactory response. Post here if you agree that if it's broken then Pursuit needs a new rowing machine ASAP. 

 

Aside from this and as I intimated earlier, Pursuit was great. 

 

Phil 

On 5/29/2019 at 6:21 PM, Ithikan said:

Bonnie, may I ask your thoughts on this?  Do you have any insight as to the age and condition of the exercise equipment now in Pursuit's gym?  Were these items purchased new, or are they "refurbished" P&O pieces?  If possible, could you please check with Miami and get back to us on this forum?

Granted, one cannot simply toss a rowing machine overboard if broken.  If beyond repair, it must be dealt with appropriately but before that, any piece of gym equipment should be properly cleaned and maintained throughout its 2 to 5 year lifespan.  What is Pursuit's maintenance schedule, and how many machines are on their last threads??

Thank you, as always, for your time and attention.

Teri

Dear Phil

I am not surprised that you have not had a response from Azamara.  After our first and last time on Pursuit I wrote a very pleasant letter to the UK MD and never had a reply.  Considering we helped Pursuit out enormously by taking an extra two bags with us back to Blighty that belonged to a passenger who had to leave due to ill health in Brazil I was a tad surprised.  The old Azamara firstly would not have allowed themselves to find themselves in that position with the luggage and  secondly the UK MD would have replied immediately to my message.  

I think it is appalling that the rowing machine is not being replaced - would not happen on Seabourne.  There again the sloppy way badly dressed passengers are allowed into Discovery would not happen on Seabourne ether.

Belinda

On 10/18/2018 at 4:22 PM, SomersetCruiser999 said:

Hi Folks,

just wondered if anyone had any first hand recommendations on whether to go to Florence from Livorno by train or bus transfer (victor/tuscanybus) and pros and cons for both. Thanks in anticipation.

Somebody else may have mentioned this already but it is a really easy train journey to Florence.  You can either take a short walk to beyond the town square and take a bus or take a taxi to the station.  We bussed there and taxied back.  Cannot the remember the cost as it was two years ago.  Have a great time.

On 2/9/2019 at 4:58 PM, Whitby100 said:

Just to draw your attention to the details of the doctor’s death.  The posted article (which is my only source) does state the death followed the vaccination, not that it was caused by the vaccine. A causal link was not established. It recommends discussing the situation with a doctor - always a good idea: 

It was the vaccine that caused his death.  The family are known to us and we are not taking the risk.  If it means a day on an empty ship so be it.  

I would encourage you to give it a try. You will see a totally different side of Azamara. The onboard experience is great.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Dear "Grandma Cruising"

This has nothing to do with this horror story but thank heavens Bonnie came to their rescue. I find the Guatemalan Head Office of Royal Carribean/Azamara useless and nothing surprises me. I had no idea that this could happen, we once had a guaranteed cabin on a last minute booking for a 2016 Med Cruise and all went well. We have sailed many times with Azamara and since discoverying them are loathe to try elsewhere. I am one of the many that log into this site before a holiday but rarely comment. Anyway enough of my rambling - I type as fast as I speak - I note that you have just come off Quest. Jodie/Jodie (not sure of spelling) is no longer with the line and I wonder if they ran any Zumba classes. I need to know as if they are not I will not pack my Zumba shoes and only take trainers. Every luggage weight counts! I have tried to e-mailing Azamara direct but get the usual your contact means so much reply and then nothing! Useless!! Anyway I am so happy that lovely "Lahore" is now on board, Journey is such a happy ship.

Belinda

I didn’t get the survey, but I think this is a bad idea. Separate lounge and reserved seating in the theatre sounds suspiciously like Celebrity and not something I’d like to see coming the way of Azamara. The rest of the suggestions are either just fluff, something I can buy separately or as takemewithyou suggests dilute the offerings of the LCV loyalty program many of us already get. Without increasing the size of the footprint there isn’t much you can do to improve the cabins either. If I do get the survey I will reply forget the idea.

 

Phil

I could not agree with you more Phil. You have perfectly encapsulated my thoughts. Xx

Found them and thanks for your comment. Belinda

I stupidly have mislaid my key card wallet where I stored new friends' name and addresses.

I do hope Peter and Janet from Timaru read this message as I often think fondly of you both especially when in Barnes. Or watching an old film. Or thinking of speaking German.

I have a strong feeling that I did not give you one of my cards. I find this site new to use and may miss a reply but I am on facebook under Belinda Dweck Stone where you may leave a message. Your niece can show you how to search for friends.

I am not even sure of your surname. I think it was Russell but I keep thinking of Jackson but that is probably because of New Zealand and our love of films!

I hope the rest of your holiday went smoothly and you may be home by now or sometime later this week. I look forward to hearing your news. Belinda xxx

PS Billy and Vivienne - shall track you down through Bangor Golf Clubs I hope!