crusinbanjo

Can’t speak about the bugs because I have not cruised that IT.  However, the onboard experience of AZ is quite good.  The excursions are, IMHO, overpriced and you can do much better by reading the roll call for your cruise and booking independent excursions with other passengers when possible.  Overall, we would not hesitate to book another Azamara cruise, if the right IT, timeframe and prices align for us.  Hope that helps!

Mrs Banjo and I stayed in cabin 6048.  We thought the location was very good, as it is midship.  Access to lifts and common areas was easy and we did not experience any noise problems.  The shower, however, was small.

We have had good success on SS air when we had already known what flights and routing we wanted.  If you don’t know in advance, you will likely get routing that is way out of the way.  On one cruise we were able to get SS to book us from Boston to Hong Kong direct, then Singapore to Tokyo - Tokyo direct to Boston.   It pays to know in advance and advocate for your own best interests…… or, as we do much of the time, book our own flights to get better routes, schedules and prices.

I didn't see it in my inbox either

On 4/3/2024 at 2:59 PM, Tothesunset said:

Was the email issued 2 days ago, perchance? 

 

Around the start of the spaghetti harvest? 

Yes, I believe so and just at the end of the Snow Harvest Festival here in New England.

On 4/1/2024 at 5:45 PM, turtlemichael said:

 I haven't deserted Silversea for anyone else. I've just done a lot less cruising as there are many other things on land to do and the attractions of cruising after 600+ days are fading.

 

Now, I'm interested to know what are the intentions of the many people here with significant adverse comments. Is it to move to another line, keep sailing with Silversea or cut back sailing overall? Is it so bad now, for the price, that you don't want to sail with Silversea any more? I'm particularly interested in the views of those who have done many trips on Silversea rather than just one, or even none. 

Mrs Banjo and I have similar feelings.  We have not deserted SS, (or other lines), but we find ourselves doing less cruising.  We have noted the declining experience and rising fares and feel the value per cruise is not always where we expect it to be anymore.  We are now mostly planning land tours with small group operators that are providing what we perceive to be better value.  That is not to say we won’t be cruising, just that we exploring and finding alternate options  that fulfill our desire to travel in the manor we are accustomed to.

 Mrs Banjo and I just returned from the first two segments of the World cruise.  The onboard experience was good, as would be expected.  I cannot comment on how it was in the past, since this was our first Azamara cruise.  We have cruised on Silversea, Regent, Seabourn, and others, and all have a good on board experience.  We thought the food was good, (but we are not very picky). The drink packages were confusing, and IMHO not necessary at all, as the wines and drinks included were just fine for us.  Specialty restaurants were good and the chef's table was a nice experience.  All of it was good, but not over the top.  What was over the top, was the "Azamazing" night in Cozumel.  That was truly spectacular.  What was not amazing, was what was promoted as the "Azamazing" day on Fakarava Island.  That was a total disaster, IMHO and did not represent the company well.

The area we were not happy with is the accounting and pre cruise website planning options.  The website was mostly a disaster until very recently.  just one example is: I could not understand why we could not make specialty reservations online, instead, we had to wait in line, (pun intended), on the first day.  We discovered later that it wasn't necessary as they had availability almost every night.

Also, and most disturbing, is the lack of clear accounting of what we paid and for what.  The ship provided a folio, as expected, but, in our case, my credit card was charged for what we also paid for with OBC.  I have called and asked for an accounting, but have yet to see anything.  I will be disputing the $700+ charge on Monday if I don't get a response by then.

Overall, we would book again, with some reservations and precautions if the IT is better then the competition's.

On 1/31/2024 at 11:14 AM, IslandThyme said:

My pleasure. Today we will be on Fakarava for an Azamazing Day. I'm very curious about how that will unfold.

From my point of view,  Fakarava was poorly planned and very disappointing.   It was advertised as an Azamazing event, but given the available time on the island and the length of time to get pax off and back on the ship, disappointing is not a strong enough word.  Mrs Banjo and I had a cabin on Deck 6, and were one of the last groups to go ashore.  All of the planned activities  were winding down, there was nobody to direct us where things were happening and we ended up with less than an hour before needing to be back on board, so no time to swim, etc.  For us it was not Azamara's best effort, it really made them look like amateurs in event Planning, Particularly after the over the top event in Cosumel, Mexico.

5 minutes ago, Grandma Cruising said:

If you booked with a TA they have to ask Azamara for this

We booked directly with Azamara.

On 12/23/2023 at 2:50 PM, Port Power said:

I also believe you are over thinking this.  As mentioned earlier, “gty” means you will be allocated an equal or better cabin.  I had booked a vista suite by on Silver Muse and was allocated a balcony cabin.  Yes, you might not know your suite number until boarding, but that doesn’t matter.   I didn’t think you could actually book a waitlisted category?  You book what is available but go on the wait list if your preferred suite becomes available.  People do cancel last minute for various reasons on occasion.  I have never known Silversea to book non-existing cabins such that airlines do with seats.

Mrs Banjo and I frequently book a gty on SS, never had an issue and almost always were upgraded to a high category than the Gty suite.

We board in a few days and have received nothing looking like a a boarding pass or other info from AZ.  WE are planning to do as the website says, show up with our passports & credit card in hand.  (will also bring along copies of our paid invoices.......   Just in case)

1 minute ago, Mackdogmolly said:

None of this will take all that long and you will have plenty of time for lunch and to explore the ship. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you, I hope you are correct.  I don’t want controversy, if these things take too long, or go poorly, my plan is to accept what is offered, enjoy the cruise, and make future decisions accordingly.

On 12/24/2023 at 5:15 AM, nordski said:

it is certainly not ideal that there are these issues when you log in, and I hope that all is eventually satisfactorily resolved.

 

As you have experienced, the cruise that we reserved two days shows, as of yet, no OBC.

 

Your post was a good reminder that we should record the amount of OBC involved in case there is some question raised.

 

Thanks.

Mrs Banjo and I will be boarding for our B2B cruises in the near future.  The website now shows OBC credits that came from who knows where, and don’t seem to match anything we have previously documented.  We have been assured that this will all be straightened out when we board, but, as I told the customer service person, I am not looking forward to having to go, with email printouts in hand, to discuss this on board.  What we really purchased and wanted was a stress free cruise.  This issue, along with the odd process of making dining reservation when you first board, has not helped in that regard.  It looks to me like our first day on board will be about negotiating OBC, more negotiations for dining reservations and the required life boat drills. Relaxing, lunch and exploring the ship?  Not so much!
 

We are first timers with Azamara, and if this goes poorly, we will be last timers.

1 hour ago, royallondon said:

A few years ago I remember Silversea running a promotion to pay in full to receive 10% off the fare. 

I took advantage of that promotion.  I paid in full when I booked the cruise, used their "Port to Port" option and got 15% off the already lowered fair.  Then I was sure to buy good insurance, but it was a major savings.

On 11/27/2023 at 3:30 PM, Mackdogmolly said:

That may be why the credit was not automatically applied. But filling out the B2B form should have done the trick.

Well, I did call AZ customer service again and was assured that the OBC was in place and the screen shot I have is accurate and it will not be an issue when we board.  I certainly hope she is correct, the last thing I want to do is be arguing about OBC while on board.  So, it will be what it will be and we will not make a big fuss on board that will spoil the cruise.  If it all works out, great!  If it doesn’t, well we will still enjoy our first and last AZ cruise.

2 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Is your B2B booked under one reservation number?

No, I made them at the same time, asked for them to be B2B, but the invoices came in with separate numbers

18 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

That’s exactly what happened with our recently booked B2B and the OBC immediately showed up on our account.

Ours has yet to show up despite having filled in the form twice and 2 calls to AZ 

Now I’m totally confused about the OBC.  Mrs Banjo and I are booked on a B2B in January, I was concerned about getting the B2B OBC in addition to the promoted amount, so I called and was sent an email with a screen print of the credits for myself, and another for Mrs Banjo from the AZ reps computer.  now when I look at the website, it is totally different, and there is no mention of the B2B credit.  Guess I will need to call again.  This is getting painful.  As a first timer with AZ, we might just be last timers.

13 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

When they get the animals on Daylight Savings Time [for a more reasonable 8 am game drive!], I'll consider this.  😉

A trip like this is on the Bucket List for Mrs Banjo and myself.  Fabulous photos.  Enjoy!!!

23 hours ago, SLSD said:

The card company would probably suggest that it be cancelled since it was left behind.  I would cancel it, but I understand it is a hassle to change a credit card number.  

They would not necessarily change the number.  They will more likely change the expiration dates and other security measures, but even if they do change your number, it should not effect your account and reward points.

On 10/28/2023 at 1:33 PM, Tothesunset said:

And that is the end of Silversea as we know it. Just another flashy, larger ship line with nothing special to offer. No soul. 

That was exactly what I said to Mrs Banjo as we were sitting in the Venetian lounge, waiting for our luggage tag color to be called so we could disembark. Just like all the other big cruise ships, out of the cabin early, sit around waiting to be allowed to leave…… and that’s just one reason why we love the small ships.

On 10/25/2023 at 3:30 PM, Werangels said:

Our travel agent asked about upgrading us prior to final payment and got us a superb price for a suite so I would say ask your TA first.  

I did the same but got just the advertised brochure price, no discount, so I did not jump at that.  We will stay with our current cabin.

Just received this email from Azamara today regarding the first segment of the world cruise.  I hope more of this is not coming in the future, 

Dear Azamara Guest,   We're writing to inform you of some important changes to your upcoming cruise, scheduled for January 5, 2024, aboard the Azamara Onward℠. While we always strive to provide you with the most remarkable experiences, we must prioritize your safety and well-being.   Due to recent political instability and security concerns in Ecuador, we have decided to remove our scheduled calls to Ecuador, and, instead, are delighted to announce an overnight stay and an extended destination day in Fuerte Amador, Panama. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore this captivating destination and its many wonders.   Fuerte Amador combines scenic beauty and cultural richness, offering a wide range of experiences. You can take leisurely strolls, or savor a delectable meal at one of the charming restaurants lining the Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador). This picturesque causeway gracefully links four small islands in the Pacific Ocean, treating you to breathtaking vistas of Panama City's skyline. You can also indulge in the vibrant gastronomy scene - Panama's culinary landscape is a delightful fusion of flavors, inspired by a tapestry of cultural influences. Be sure not to miss out on local delicacies such as ceviche, hearty sancocho soup, and savory empanadas.   For those who have previously booked shore excursions with Azamara in Ecuador, please be assured that any charges associated with these bookings will be refunded to the original form of payment. Our team is working diligently to process these refunds, and you can expect to see them reflected soon.   We extend our sincerest gratitude for your understanding and want to reassure you that this decision has been made with your safety, utmost comfort and enjoyment in mind; however, we believe this revised itinerary will offer you an extraordinary and enriching adventure.   We look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.   Should you have any questions or need guidance of what you can explore in any destination please contact your Travel Advisor or click here for your local Azamara call center number.    Sincerely, AZAMARA® ©2023 Azamara. Ships registered in Malta. “Change the Way You Sea” is an international service mark of SP Cruises OpCo Limite Azamara, 3059 Grand Ave, Suite 205, Miami, Florida 33133, United States

On 10/21/2023 at 4:36 AM, uktog said:

You may find your case is delayed on delivery if the kettle is picked up by the embarkation scanners. You would eventually be asked to go to the “naughty room” and you’d probably find they will keep it until disembarkation 

This is precisely what happened to me on a recent cruise, (on another line).  My travel iron was picked up and I was summoned to the naughty room where I had to open my bag so it could be confiscated until the end of the cruise.   I did notice that there were quite a few other bags that were held as well, so obviously I was not the only one.

On 10/20/2023 at 5:36 PM, scseas said:

I'm not sure why Egypt is out. Alexandria is no where near Gaza. Also, while the situation in Israel is really bad now, I would've waited another month to see how things unfold. This region is always prone to conflict and there will be much bigger problems if the situation is not dramatically improved by this summer. The June 20 Moon voyage looks pretty full now, so I would think Silversea would wait a little longer to cancel the marquee ports of Ashdod, Haifa and Alexandria which were overnight ports and replace theme with a hodgepodge of more Greek islands. 

Alexandria, just after the Oct 7 attack in Israel, experienced an attack on a bus load of tourists by a policeman.  Although this looks like an isolated case, with all that is going on in the larger area, I think the cruise lines are being very cautious.