mchell810

I wasn't onboard so I don't know what Azamara might have arranged. They often have a ship in Sydney for NYE and I've seen similar videos in the past so I just did a google search for the video. You may want to ask on the main Azamara board if someone has done that cruise and can share specifics.

You can definitely see the fireworks from Azamara's position at White Bay. The video below is from NYE 2023; I have seen others years back with similar views.

Thanks for taking us along with you.

I'm looking forward to following along. I prefer small ships yet 200 passengers seems awfully small to me, so I eagerly await your impressions.

You should receive an email to set up the ride about 30 days before your cruise. There is an opportunity for special instructions, plus, on the day of, you should get a text (and email) with the driver’s name and number.

And a pic of Nova from the Dawn. It was a lovely day in Bequia.

This thread has the details.

Yes that card provides free access to Priority Pass Lounges -- simply show your Priority Pass card (or use their app). Chase does not have it's own lounge (the way AmEx does). JFK has several terminals so you will need to check what lounge would be closest to the terminal your airline is using. Ofc, with so much time you could use the free air train to travel between terminals but you will need to clear security to enter a different terminal (and again to return to the one where your flight leaves.) The Priority Pass website lets you search airports and lounge locations within.

Six hours (or more) is enough time to get from Newark to JFK but you will spend most of the time doing just that. After picking up your bags at EWR the drive can easily stretch to 2 hours if there's a traffic back up (pretty common). Once at JFK, you will have to check in your bags again and go through security. If you have PreCheck security will be faster, if not, the regular security line usually feels like the first circle of hell. If I were you I'd take the 12 hours at JFK -- you could always get a credit card that will give you lounge access or even get a room at the TWA hotel inside the airport. It's not cheap but you'd be able to relax/shower/sleep.

This is one instance when being solo is an advantage; the hotel charge for one is not doubled as it would be for two. Since SS waives the deviation fee for flying in a day early, often booking the hotel with them works financially (as well as for convenience).

Glad your trip is going well. Good communication and a lovely Azamazing evening on shore reflect well on Azamara; hopefully it continues.

As others have said SS will often add additional tours when there is a waitlist. I strongly recommend you keep checking on MySilversea as I have never be notified of the additional tours when I was on a waitlist (perhaps I was too fast?) When I saw additional offerings I canceled my 2nd choice and reserved a place on the waitlisted tour.

@jpalbny Thanks! I am making a note.

@Host Jazzbeau Thanks for explaining my use of the term “wino”. The New Plymouth area isn’t known for wine, however, I like to try local wineries whenever I can. My cruise will hit most of New Zealand’s wine regions so I’m well covered. Yes, I’d definitely do a private tour to get to a special winery (like Penfolds outside Adelaide). @mysty I look forward to reading about your adventures in Australia (and beyond). Your tales keep me busy until I get there myself.

Thanks for the warning; I can adjust my expectations. I am signed up for the Napier winery visits as well -- and I admit a couple others. Yes, I am a bit of a wino 😜

Wow! That was a quick reply. Thanks for the information. I suppose SS will move the "Panoramas" to an included tour -- it's currently listed as a pay tour. No matter I plan to hit the winery. 🥂

@mysty I continue to enjoy following along with your travels. A question about your tour since I am scheduled to for a stop at New Plymouth in December: As I recall, when the stop at New Plymouth was added, only extra cost tours were offered. (My cruise still has only pay tours.) Did SS offer included tours? Are they billing you for this tour when there weren't included tours? I've signed up for the winery tour (it looks great!) and will choose it anyway; I just would like to know what SS has in planned. Thanks.

You needed it after that boarding juggernaut. 😜 🥂

Azamazing Evenings was one of the things that made Azamara feel special, stand out from other lines. Clearly these events are being cut -- be it to save funds or the COVID excuse or any other reason -- so Azamara leadership has to be honest about it. Stop advertising something that isn't going to happen. For me, it feels like a "bait and switch" and is just one more reason I have no bookings with Azamara (and honestly I barely even consider them these days.)

You make that dress look fabulous! 💃💃

Most of the pay excursions should fall in the range of $200-$400 p/p; however, more elaborate tours will cost more. Silversea will let you reserve the tour once you've booked. You won't be billed immediately; instead the cost will be added to your onboard account.

@mysty I just LOVE Penfolds.

Yes, I've gone to about 5 or 6 of their classes (pre-covid). Like you I didn't expect much at first but found the presenters to be really strong. You have reminded me to check their calendar for classes.

@Dolcevita Diva My first taste of Tsarine was at a Total Wine champagne class as well! And I agree the Tsarine is lovely.

The date below your name (Jan. 18, 2020) is the date you joined CruiseCritic. The date the post is made, is listed above the post. The original post on this thread was made January 7th (2024). I hope this helps.