Cowboy Ranger

Currently on Journey and toured Pursuit as a guest today at the Sisters Meeting event in Haugesund. In short, the changes on Pursuit vs. Journey get a big thumbs up from us!

 

The Den, currently Spirits on sister ships, is now open and spacious. The piano is in the center of the space. Gone are the video wall and the Wii TV, as well as all the slots and electronic gaming machines. Shorex and cruise sales are on the forward end of the space but attractive, built-in to the wall (with sliding doors for the sales manager office). A faux fireplace is in place at the rear end of the space. The chairs are reasonably attractive and not bizarre. By all rights this space should become the "Seabourn Square" of the ship.

 

The loss of the casino will be controversial to some. The e-gaming machines on Journey were getting a fair amount of use on the 3 B2B segments that are nearing conclusion for us. But what a difference their removal has made in the utility and elegance of the Den/Spirits space. We give the Pursuit a big thumbs up and hope the other Sisters follow suit.

 

The Mosaic area has been reconfigured and the drink and snack bar and machines moved to starboard. Snacks are now in a case built in to the bar and stools are to the side so as not to block the way. Available seating seems about the same.

 

The art sales desk and displays have been replaced by an enclosed gallery with walls, doors, and proper lighting on the opposite side of Mosaics. The gallery looks upscale, beautiful, and suitable for a 6 star vessel. If art sales are inevitable, this is a vast improvement.

 

The Living Room has adopted (kept?) a central bandstand with seating choices behind providing much more seating for bow views. The bandstand sound and lighting equipment looks top of the line although it was not in use during our walk about. There are loungers as well as club chairs behind the stage and facing the forward views. Personally I could do without the chaise loungers but I suppose some will like them. Don't know how the off white fabric will look over time though.

 

The Sunset Veranda bar is gone and much more outdoor seating is now available. We think this is a plus as Windows can get crowded and outdoor seating is always coveted, temperature permitting. Most of the new seating is covered/shaded as well.

 

The Pool Bar area is now shaded by a canvas structure that covers seating adjacent to the bar and is an excellent addition in our view.

 

The staterooms were off limits so can't comment on those.

 

All in all the changes are definitely approved by this frequent Azamara traveler. The ship feels more elegant and passenger utility improved. Well done, Azamara.

 

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Another white night photo

 

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Thanks. We have 2 sea days on day 2 and 4. I might scope out doing laundry but $40 for 2nd bag beyond our 1 freebie might just be worth it. We usually travel carry on bags only and after 30 years I'm well versed in doing small hand wash.

 

How many machines in the self serve laundry?

Six Speed Queen commercial combo washers and dryers (on Journey)

 

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I searched this forum so I think I have a fairly good idea of the laundry situation but I am unsure of a few things, and this will impact our packing.

 

For reference, we're on an 11 night cruise on Journey in OV cabin. Saw photo showing laundry hours are 8am-9pm. We are both Discoverer.

 

On a 7 night cruise, Discoverer gets ONE free bag of laundry per stateroom. Do we get more for an 11 nighter?

 

NOPE

 

Does Azamara offer any laundry specials (we've had discount offers on Celebrity)? If so, any idea at what point they might be offered on an 11 nighter?

 

$40 PER BAG IS OFFERED EVERY FEW DAYS DURING THE CRUISE

 

If I decide to pay for more laundry, how much is a bag? (I read about the fold and roll techniques to fit more in the bag - thanks, Phil and UKtog). Recently I read someone say $40 - is that correct?

 

$40 PER BAG IF YOU DO THE PERIODIC PROMO OFFER, OTHERWISE ALA CARTE PRICING PER ITEM

 

What is standard turnaround time? and how do you count the days - include the day you hand it in or not?

 

EVERY TIME I HAVE USED THE SERVICE IT HAS BEEN DELIVERED NEXT DAY AFTER HAND OFF TO THE STATEROOM ATTENDANT (I JUST LEAVE THE BAG ON THE BED AND THEY TAKE CARE OF IT WHEN THEY MAKE UP THE ROOM OR TURNDOWN THE BED). RETURN IS USUALLY AFTER 5 PM. SAME DAY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT PER ITEM RATES PLUS A % MARK UP, BUT NOT FOR THE $40 PER BAG PROMO

 

Thank you all!

 

 

 

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No, Russ is going to Symphony.

We will be on Symphony commencing next February. Hope to see him then.

 

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We are on Journey and docked across from Pursuit in Belfast today.

 

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not been on Quest for a while. Eric and Russ i met long before Tony. so far we do not know if this is true or not. nothing on the other boards about a new hire.

 

The one CD I met on Crystral is older than any AZ CD's.

Shane, CD on Crystal Symphony, is youngish, Australian. If true, is Russ destined for the Serenity?

 

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A Captain can only lose in situations like these.

 

If he docks in high winds and it goes wrong (as it did with Millennium in Ketchikan last summer) he may lose his job and some passengers after a quick dime sue for “mental distress”.

 

If he skips the port some passengers who always know best will say things like “I’ve experienced much stronger winds” or “ship such and such did get in”, completely ignoring many other factors such as different ships may have different propulsion or different manoeuvrability, the other pier might be at a different angle related to the wind direction, smaller ships (like Journey) ‘catch’ less wind if it’s coming from the side, etc. etc.

 

Safety first.

 

Floris

 

 

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True. The Celebrity CC board on this topic seems to confirm this was the master's call after multiple attempts, that it was not the harbor master nor government officials waiving the ship off, that pilots were on board, and that this happened to the same ship in SPB a few years ago due to high-ish winds. It was to be a two day port call. Maybe X should look into using a different ship for Baltic cruises.

 

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Maybe the new shows will start on the JR for the Cmas cruise. I had heard something about new shows starting. It had no idea of dates.

 

We also have a few guest entertainers we need back.

 

Time will tell all

They have started on Journey. Work in progress IMHO.

 

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Many thanks for the information. The ship’s personnel still maintain that it was the port authorities who wouldn’t let us in. We actually had a pilot on board early in the morning of 02.07.17, but that attempt was also aborted.

 

 

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Since you missed Russia what did X substitute?

 

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Looking for information from anyone on Journey in Stockholm 29.06.18.

 

We were on Silhouette and saw Journey docked in Frihamnen.

 

We should have been in St Petersburg 1/2 . 07.18. but we were not allowed in to the port ( by the port authorities due to our size and the high winds)

The Captain told us that in 19 years of sailing to St Petersburg, he has never been refused entry.

 

I have been on many cruise ships and experienced much greater winds.

 

I just wonder if Journey was allowed in on 02.07.18, as I had seen on the itinerary that she should have been there.

 

Many people on Silhouette wonder how P&O Britianna was allowed in when we weren’t ( we saw her sailing out) when she is bigger than us. We also wonder if the fact that the World Cup was being played 03.07.18 meant the authorities had quite sufficient to cope with, without an influx of 3000 extra passengers.

Many thanks.

Yes we are on Journey. We got in on schedule on July 2 but the first day we docked across the river from English Embankment because another ship was in our scheduled berth "weather bound". It finally left and we moved into our berth the first night. A large RCCL ship docked on July 3 at the remote pier where you would have docked. We heard that Silhouette didn't get in due to wind from our July 3 guide. FWIW, probably not much, the guide told us that the Silhouette situation was the ship master's decision. Whatever really caused this skipping SPB must be a real bummer since Russia is the main reason to do a Baltic cruise.

 

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Omigosh, curiousty got the better of us and we just did some research ... we’ve learned that the Adonia that we were on to Cuba actually IS the Azamara Pursuit!

Yep. Acquired from P&O and being totally refurbished at Harland & Wolfe in Belfast.

 

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Just received a phone call from Azamara shore excursions department in Miami. The fellow on the line said I was registered for the azamazing evening in Dublin and wanted to know if I was familiar with their offerings. I told him I was, our 10th Azamara cruise, and he thanked me and signed off. I have never been called by Azamara shorex before. Maybe it was flagged because I have booked no ship excursions for the cruise. New marketing initiative?

 

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Possibly

 

 

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Just received a phone call from Azamara shore excursions department in Miami. The fellow on the line said I was registered for the azamazing evening in Dublin and wanted to know if I was familiar with their offerings. I told him I was, our 10th Azamara cruise, and he thanked me and signed off. I have never been called by Azamara shorex before. Maybe it was flagged because I have booked no ship excursions for the cruise. New marketing initiative?

 

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ps. USA citizens can get e visas for both countries online.

We are from the United States. Will it be necessary to apply for a visa on our own or will the ship issue the visa once on board? Also if anyone knows the cost to apply and is it different than the cost on board?

Thank you,

Gail Bunce

 

 

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Just did India and Sri Lanka on Journey. Visas passenger responsibility.

Towels: like Viking. Seacards from room access and on board charges. I don't drink so don't have any insight on drink package administration but included stuff, including soft drinks, lattes and such, included booze and wine/beer, they don't ask for the card.

 

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As always, we are planning with the very best of intentions to exercise daily on our trip. We know we will certainly eat and drink too much :) so we have to keep active!

 

The pictures that I’ve found look great of the fitness center and jogging track but detail has me curious. Can you give me an idea what equipment is in the fitness center and the length of the jogging track?

 

I try to power walk 50 laps on the jogging track in the mornings. It can get busy so I usually start a little before sunrise. The gym can get busy at peak times but my wife uses it daily. Nice views from the treadmills.

I would heartily recommend an expedition cruise if at all possible.

We went on the “Sea Spirit” , chosen because its an all-suite ship, but not too large.

Although larger capacity vessels do landings, only 100 pax can be ashore at any time. Passengers on larger ships may have to take turns landing.

Please be aware that it’s not all about “landings” we did a few zodiac “cruises” where we drifted in and out of icebergs, getting great shots, or were surrounded by friendly and curious humpback whales.

Let me tell you, if I could manage it, I’m sure you can do it. I was thrown from a horse rather badly in Patagonia the week before. With the help of pain killers, I was able to do it all (except the “polar plunge”)

After arriving home, CT scans revealed that I had not only broken two ribs, but crushed two vertebrae.

Most expedition operators will gift you an Antarctic parka, and loan you nifty neoprene topped waterproof boots (making wet landings a breeze) You do need to invest in good quality waterproof pants.

This photo shows the Sea Spirit in the background. It took me ages lining it up and waiting for the penguins to face the right way.

That is a great shot!

 

 

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From Quest Twitter page.

 

Phil

 

 

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oh no

The price is the same onboard as buying beforehand. From memory I think there were packages of more than 60 minutes that worked out a little cheaper per minute.

The internet aboard is fairly slow, so 60 minutes won’t last long. Because we have sailed with Azamara a few times before we are Discovery level in Azamara’s loyalty club Le Club Voyage, so we get free minutes or a set amount off a full cruise package. We prefer to pay the $19.95 a day to have unlimited internet for the cruise.

 

 

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I always purchase the unlimited internet package. Note that streaming videos and the like won't work well, if at all. The service is slow.

 

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I believe our main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant, will offer something from the Indian Buffet on its World Cuisine menu as well. The night’s menu will be posted outside the restaurant all day so check there.

Yes, butter chicken every time on my last two cruises on Journey.

 

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Twinings Earl Grey on Journey the past month or so.

 

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I've heard amazing vocalists who've never set foot on a Broadway stage but they received rave reviews, standing ovations, and were mobbed by fellow audience members / passengers asking WHY they weren't famous yet. Sometimes it boils down to dumb luck or the fact that someone doesn't fit a particular "type" that makes the difference between having that credit on a resume and being just as talented, if not more talented, as an unknown.

 

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Sorry for the double post. A good example of this would be Journey CD Eric who has an amazing voice and personality, on and off stage. During a recent Q&A he was asked "why not Broadway?" He articulated the challenges in aligning with producers etc. that are looking for more than "the right fit". He noted, with some regret I sensed, his just missing the chance to play the role of Raul in a production of "Phantom of the Opera" because Christine had been cast and she was 5'4"....he is 6'8" and his height has always been an obstacle to being "right for the role".

 

Anyway, this may be drifting off topic. Jennifer has God-given pipes. The other stage stuff can be coached/learned but hopefully before arriving on the ship stage.

 

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I've heard amazing vocalists who've never set foot on a Broadway stage but they received rave reviews, standing ovations, and were mobbed by fellow audience members / passengers asking WHY they weren't famous yet. Sometimes it boils down to dumb luck or the fact that someone doesn't fit a particular "type" that makes the difference between having that credit on a resume and being just as talented, if not more talented, as an unknown.

 

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