Whitby100

We often find the loungers on the sun deck roped off and unavailable. I like the quiet, good views but find it aggravating that they don’t release the chairs.

I agree that this is an efficiency/ cost issue. We have enjoyed fabulous, dismal and everything in between in our experience with Azamazing evenings. Guests certainly let AZ know when it isn’t going well. This happened on our last cruise when we were taken into town by coach to see a Flamenco show (Malaga I believe) last autumn. The bus hit a parked car on the way in as it tried to navigate the narrow streets. The stairs in the hall were an issue for some. It took too long for many guests for the bus to arrive for pickup after the show. The poor young lady who had to keep us happy during this wait was at her wit’s end while the crowd expressed their displeasure. I felt so sorry for her. I can see why AZ would discontinue them. The really unfortunate thing is that this was a solid event - wine or beer served, lovely venue, excellent performance. The issues were strictly logistics. Maybe AZ will do some events on shore and some on ship. Communicating what each cruise would have would likely suffice, but there in lies another problem - communication (not their strongest suit).

This reminds me of a previous thread about Dover Sole. Many guests are disturbed by the lack of availability of this dish. I have no idea what Dover Sole is so I was completely lost on this thread. Clearly there are regional differences and lobster is one of those dishes where people either clamour for it, or don’t really consider it (I fall into the latter).

I agree with paf225. We took advantage of the 7% offer which has the same wording. I specifically asked our TA to confirm the cancellation refund policy. We have until the original final payment due date plus 1 day to cancel for full refund minus $75 CA. We even got into the weeds on how long it takes to get the refund, how it comes through, etc. Your TA needs to call back.

Well if that’s the big announcement, they’re certainly misunderstanding what this patron ‘will love’ lol! I don’t follow personnel shifts, other than a few captains I have had the pleasure to sail with.

I awoke to an AZ email this morning announcing big news next week! Something I love is on its way! Can’t say more! Any idea what the big news is?

Update: I have taken advantage of the 7% OBC offer. The OBC is in Can $ and should I purchase anything prior to the cruise using it, the cost of the product (shore excursion for eg.) will have a Can $ price and the OBC deducted. Whatever is remaining upon boarding will be adjusted to US $. This took about an hour on the phone with my TA. It started out smoothly until she was told the amount. Initially it was quoted in US $, without the exchange deduction (adding about $250 to value). A supervisor was involved and my TA confirmed the US value with AZ (we were disbelieving and I was little excited 😆). When the transaction was being processed to my credit card another supervisor caught it. So no bonus for me. 🤷‍♀️ I’m quite happy with our decision. We can still cancel up to 121 days ahead for full refund, less $150 Can admin. fee.

I will be taking advantage of the 7% OBC shortly. I presume the credit will be in US dollars, although my balance is in Can. I suppose there are 2 ways to calculate this exchange. Az could convert my fees to US and then calculate OBC, or they could get 7% of Can value and then convert to US. I don’t think it matters? Does anyone know how the exchange rate is calculated? Has any Canadian done it? Thanks

Brilliant! I like your idea of checking with my TA to see how long the promo is available for. We have been offered 7% for being over 365 days. I’d like to wait til it’s 370 days if possible. Also, could others who have booked it provide some details of what fees are deducted to determine what the amount is that the percentage is applied to? Thanks.

I think one of the reasons they compensate is it’s good financially for them. It’s like a coupon from a restaurant for a discount on a future meal. It encourages you to rebook and they make money off that next trip. It also makes the customer happy - in this case compensated.

Thank you for your suggestion but my husband has worked in the field of infectious disease for 35 years so I am well aware of norovirus. What I admittedly know nothing about is marine procedures. It was, in fact, my husband who postulated at breakfast that if they tested they’d know exactly what it is. Thus my post.

I guess I am naive. I certainly know nothing about marine health rules but after seeing what happened after the cruise industry during Covid I presumed there were reporting rules in place and that ships who failed to follow them would be sanctioned.

Are they taking samples and actively testing? Storing for lab when in port? Surely some port authorities won’t be too happy about this ship rolling in. Yikes.

If the Asian menu was all that was available to my husband in Prime C he’d lose his mind. We go for the Chateaubriand. I’m not even going to share this post with him.

There are still online US cruise sites that show available cabins. I used this info on Saturday when I booked.

Do you get to select how the 3 are distributed?

Considering how expensive food and restaurants have become, I’m not surprised. For me going to the specialty restaurants will likely be tied to how much OBC I have.

You are correct - no longer available through Azamara. However there are online US cruise agents that do show what is available. I do a search there and then Call my own TA to book, directing them to the cabin I want.

Just curious as to what the rationale is behind this regulation?

Thanks for the tip. Prices do seem reasonable. Interesting that they’ll be on the eastern seaboard during the tail end of hurricane season. Lots to think about.

I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the new Journey itineraries for late 2024. My understanding is they have pulled cruises to Israel and may be sending her to North America. Certainly they must be sending her somewhere? We will be rebooking an August 2025 cruise and would like to add one for late 2024 so I’m reluctant to book anything without having this key information. One would think these details would be forthcoming soon?

As first time Azamara guests it may seem odd to make dinner reservations. In fact, this is entirely optional. Only guests wishing to pay for the specialty restaurants need to do this. The main dining room is excellent with open and flexible seating. We do reserve specialty dining just to switch it up and because we think Prime C is fabulous. Clearly individual patrons have personal needs and expectations. Makes perfect sense that if you don’t enjoy these cruises you won’t be back. I hope you do - after my first cruise I turned to my husband and told him that I don’t know when or where, but I wanted back on this cruise line! Fingers crossed you feel the same way. Good luck!

Some US online cruise companies show available cabins which can be helpful when directing your TA. A quick google search could be helpful.

We will likely be moving to August 30 cruise as well. I just need to get through the next week and approach it with a clear head. It seems from the currency post that you will be travelling on another ship prior to that cruise. I’d suggest speaking to AZ on board and requesting your onboard loyalty benefits. We did this recently and got them (additional OBC). We explained we booked upon release of the new itinerary to secure a good cabin and as loyal AZ members didn’t want to wait to book while on our next cruise. AZ rebooked us , gave us the benefits but charged us $75 per person. Our TA got that waived when we transferred the booking to them when we returned home. We also had to move cabins while on board (couldn’t hold 2 cabins) but when we returned home our TA switched the room back.

I would make a cold call to Azamara asking about currency for OBC (don’t let them know you have a booking). I suspect you will get the answer that you want. Ask them if this is in print anywhere on their website. It makes no sense what you are being told. Good luck.