cavaaller

We did sail post Covid on Fantasia. Service was stellar but food was plain awful! And I am not a picky eater. It was not a question of preparation but one of quality: Tough, old meat, no fresh vegetables at all. The nibbles in the top sail lounge repetitive and really basic. A huge difference to Celebrity (and Azamara). Of course: it was just one week and could have been coincidence.

we have cruised in MSC's Yacht Club many times - I did not think that I could compare Celebrity to MSC - it seems like a completely different experience. I have to admit, that the butlers are more attentive. But the food is not as good on MSC as on X imho.

it was worth it last time - but as I said, I do not really know how the experience has changed hence my question...

that is what I was afraid of: the beginning of a series of cutbacks while prices seem to go up and up... if I may ask: in hindsight: do you regret having booked the suite?

My last (and only) experience in a top suite was in 2022. Things, that we cherished and were important to us were the option to dine in the suite ordering from (at least Luminae, but preferably from) speciality restaurants as well and a fridge stocked with water / soda. We also liked, that we could send out laundry more than twice per cruise (we did not send out more than two bags full of laundry but we did send out a shirt on three occasions.) I also liked, that we got 400 USD pp OBC. These perks seem to be gone now (eg the OBC) - although I cannot find proper documentation. (there used to be a grille with the exact definitions of the suite perks - either it has been hidden or all the perks are gone?) I consider a cruise in a Penthouse-Suite. So: If you cruised in a PH lately could you please tell me - is it (still) worth it? Has much changed?

@The Salties experience has me worried: For half a year now, I have been asking for my loyalty status to be corrected. "Don't worry, the team on the ship has the correct information" Many passengers complain that the OBC information is misrepresented online "Don't worry, the team on the ship has the correct information, just take your documentation" and now, with the correct documentation - they do not believe the customer? Really??? They obviously do not know what is what! IMO it is not asked too much that a customer can be sure that the contractually agreed services will be adhered to! I don't want to be on the burden of proof and argue with Guest Relations on my vacation. The service team can be as magnificent as they might....at some point you have to be allowed to say that it stinks! the Salties, I am really sorry you have to go through this!

We did this tour last April and were dropped off here (red dot) Basilica Santa Croce:

thank you @beatnix 😀 that helps a lot!

so kind of you to offer that... 😄 ...I do have a question indeed: Do you remember, where your drop off point/meeting point in Lucca was? I found this map: it would be a real help to know, if you were left in the center, at a parking space or rather at the foot of the town wall??? thank you again!

While searching for reviews of the "Lucca on your own" excursion I came upon your fabulous review @Jellifer. Thank you very much, you visited many of the ports that will be on our next cruise so this is a real treasure.

Thanks a lot for this great review!

I am happy for you. Our's is still at 0 😞

Filled out 5 forms, sent many emails, called 3 times, they keep telling us they cannot display the correct status nor can they move the booked cruise to the correct (old) account. It becomes more and more difficult to believe/accept as time (6 months) goes by... maybe the plan is to create a new loyalty system and everyone will start at 0 - why else would they not make a visible effort

Thank you very much for posting this! Should you happen to overhear someone mention how much the private transfer to VCE airport via Azamara costs I would really appreciate the information.

Thank you for taking the time to give us this great report. Reviews have become so scarce, it is lovely to read a good one! If you find time: could you tell us about your boarding experience in Barcelona? (When did boarding start, how was the drill handeled?) thanks again, I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

Thank you very much for posting this! It is really helpful! Did you by any chance hear how much the private transfer option (via Azamara) would be?

Thank you so much for this valuable information!

I am very sorry to hear what you are going through! On the contact-page https://www.azamara.com/de/about-azamara/contact-us there are several telefax numbers (with our insurance a telefax is treated like a certified letter.) Maybe that is an option?

I got a strange email too (having no upcoming cruises for this year) Did yours also say : We just received a reminder email “ stating:

We just received a reminder email “ stating: Our only booked cruise is summer 2024… must be a mistake but makes me nervous nevertheless (deposit is paid). Anyone else ?

Thank you for taking the time to write this great review!

@voyager1964 I am sorry - we have not used the T-pool (we are not really Spa-People). thank you for your kind words ❤️

It is great to hear first hand that in spite of all the angst people experience because of the website-debacle everything seems to run smoothly.

Super helpful. Thanks a lot!

Thank you so much for doing this trip report. I cannot wait to read your updates! Did you like the airport hotel? (We are leaving from BCN next year so are looking for a hotel either at the airport or at the terminal thus we would love to hear your input,) thanks again and have a fabulous cruise!