Thelma600

It’s funny but some of my Azamara emails go to my junk folder and some don’t. I just set up my account (easy as I’ve only sailed on Azamara for this brand). I used my existing email and my husband has another. I then got an email in my inbox welcoming my husband.

I suspect you won’t get much help til Tuesday with a holiday in the States on Monday and scheduled maintenance of their system for his weekend. Good luck!

It’s a difficult question to answer because every guest has individual needs. Is this your first Azamara cruise? Your first cruise ever? That info might help others inform your choice. Mathematically if all those options are what you want, then yes go for it. We find Azamara an indulgence in itself and don’t need all the extras so we wouldn’t elect to purchase that package. How long is the cruise? Are you travelling before/after so really need the laundry? Are you aware there is a free laundry room on board? IS this a bucket list trip where money is no problem? All those are good to consider. I am sure others will weigh in.

While I understand your disappointment about not being able to prebook what is clearly a very special event (congratulations!), I am not surprised by Azamara's response as this is their current policy. This is likely due to so many people having special events on their cruises. The good news is I suspect if you speak to the reservations crew upon embarkation, you will not be disappointed. My experience is that Azamara really does their best in this regard.

Thanks! You have been very helpful. I would imagine they will organize the tour for optimum guest experience. I do like the idea of seeing more of the country and bring a ship excursion no worries about traffic, deadlines, etc.

Well done Bonnie! Good sleuthing!

Wow such great help! So with your info I have googled distance, etc. The 6 hr excursion to the new Expansion view will add 1+ hours of driving in each direction (thus the longer trip). Apparently there are no guarantees we will see a ship while at the viewing areas. Our trip will start at 6 am (to accommodate our departure from the port in early afternoon). So - still a good idea to do that excursion? Any more advice?

Hi Chiisai, I’ve asked for you. Will revert when I hear.

And welcome to the Azamara forum, and family!

Hi Bonnie - any word on the Azamazing evening for Nov 20 Pursuit out of Miami yet?

i need advice. My husband and I will be on Azamara doing the full canal and have narrowed down our shore excursions in Fuerte Amador to the following. A 6 hour 'Expansion of the canal, past and present' which includes the Miraflores locks, outdoor terrace, expansion observatory platform or 'Miraflores locks and canal zone'. This is 4 hrs and here we will 'observe the locks in action' with a guide, see a model, drive to Albrook airforce base and thru Balboa. The prices are similar. We can't really tell from the descriptions what we will see. Why is there 2 hours time difference? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

My husband will also be disappointed as his favourite spot was that bed up front. We also found the loungers in the spa area less comfortable than those around the pool. Without cushions on the pool deck that may not be the case. What types of loungers/cushions are on the spa deck?

If not, can you ask what’s up?

I agree it should wait until on board / cruise has started.

I don’t like this know someone, be a regular concept. If it is a stated loyalty perk, fine but I’d be infuriated if someone else jumped the line. It certainly wouldn’t make new guests feel welcome.

One of the benefits of our government liquor store is that it has a huge, global selection of wines. It is Canadian taxes that drive up our prices, but most Canadians accept (but grumble) about that. Regarding pay as you go for alcohol, I wouldn’t book with that system. I get that it may be cheaper, or perhaps ‘fairer’, but I like knowing the whole cost of my trip ahead of time. Similarly we do all inclusive Caribbean vacations for the same reason.

Good to know. Thanks for the tip!

We have never sat there because we don’t want to trek down to the bar for a drink. How is the drink service up there?

My apologies Pirouette; I also read Maggie1008 and jumbled the comments. I remain appreciative of your dedication to posting and stick by my belief that each corner of the world has their own cache of lucky home foods and drinks, yet benefits from meeting others on their travels. Azamara makes it easy to meet people

Thanks for the detail of your review. I chuckled when you mentioned you are from California. You are fortunate to enjoy good wines so cheaply and explains your concerns with wine perhaps. Your $15 bottles of wine can cost us $50 here in Canada. It is funny to watch guests from many countries weigh in on different foods and drinks - Canadians on maple syrup, Brits on tonic and scones. Perhaps that’s one of the fun aspects of cruising is to meet all these different people and travel to new locales. Thanks again.

We have done both Azamara shore excursions and arranged our own. As someone has already posted, it’s important to do a little research. We have gone private when the cost is lower and time isn’t an issue or the destination of the tour isn’t available from Azamara. We chose Azamara when convenience, travel issues (bad traffic and don’t want to worry about missing ship) or great value is offered. I would absolutely use up OBC for tours first.

tgg, I was thinking exactly the same thing. Well put.

It is a credit card sized folder to hold your key card. You need to carry this card when going ashore or to charge anything to your room. It is a security device and room key. How you carry it is up to you.

How about contact Azamara directly re your issue? I am sure they could offer a solution as you can’t be the first with this issue.

It is not expected but I also tip Azamara room service.

Re clothing - as a Canadian who deals with - 20 C a few days a year, the key is laying as mentioned. Neck gator (smart!), mitts are warmer than gloves (but I bet gloves will be fine), outside layer should break the wind (raincoat would work). The key to a hat is that it covers the top of your head where heat escapes and also your ears.

We are not opera fans but did the opera event. We thought it was fine, enjoyable. Opera fans seemed to really enjoy it. At the worst it’s a cultural event in a beautiful place.

While with Captain Carl a few years back we saw Stromboli at night and it was quite interesting. My only tip is to watch it live, not through a camera lens as my sister spent her time taking shots and they weren’t memorable. Be in the moment.