bizzie

We just came off regatta a few weeks ago and had many sea days. Bridge was offered daily and people were playing mahjong often. I believe there were sign up lists in the games room. There were bridge instructors onboard so lessons were offered along with afternoon bridge. We had movies offered a few times in the theatre. There was an evening show each night with guest performers (which actually were quite good) and the ships production team. Usually there was one enrichment lecture per seaday along with someone who was giving Polynesian classes in the culture, dancing, crafts etc. There was always a few activities per day for “o” points such as golf, shuffleboard, trivia, other funny games, shipbuilding contest etc. Also we had a day where they put on the country fair. Anyway even with 10 plus seadays, there was always something to do or just relax and read a book. It was a lovely time. Seadays is always my favorite.... Enjoy

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We just came back from our trip on the smaller ships. It certainly was not unusual to see someone bring their own wine to the grand dining room or the speciality restaurants. Hope this helps. Cheers

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Just came off one of the smaller ships so here is some additional info for you to help you make your decision.

Laundry - 3 bags per stateroom - With this you are limited to 20 pieces per bag. On the longer trips there are offers from time to time of having a bag of laundry done for $24.95 per bag (again a limit of 20 items).Also use the self serviced laundry with cost about $4 per load (wash and dry). Great way to meet people by the way. Hours were very good from 730 am to 1000pm.

Complimentary pressing of garments - we were limited to two piece each (four for the two of us I believe)

Unlimited access of spa private terrrace - we didnt use this too much due to weather although we did use the hot tub sometimes. We have used the terrace with previous cruises. If the weather is nice, this deck fills up very quickly as it is quite small but quiet and relaxing.

Priority booking for speciality restaurants - we really didnt have a problem with booking additional reservations with the speciality restaurants specially if you dont mind sharing a table. Also when the seas get a bit rougher, cancellations occur.

Anyway I hope this helps a bit. It really depends what works for you. Cheers

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Hi Travelcat

We were fortunate enough while onboard last year to see the pink dolphins a few times from the ship. Never had to leave the ship. When we docked in Manaus and waiting for the OK to disembark, we were treated to seeing a few of them while we watched from our veranda. Keep your eyes peeled. Cheers ellen

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golfgirls - thanks for the great advice. We are now waitlisted for Boi Bumba. Not sure if we will clear the waitlist or not.

 

 

We kind of want to at least step foot on Devils Island - even if we turn around and return to the ship shortly thereafter.

Looking forward to three sea days. One reason we liked this itinerary was the mix of port and sea days. Every day onboard in a new adventure:D

Hi Travelcat. Loving you posts. We were on Mariner last year to the Amazon. We were fortunate to get to visit devils island. Yes it is hot and some of the terrain is a bit steep but well worth the visit. It is possible to avoid some of the steeper areas. Terry Breen did a lovely presentation on devils island which also included pictures of the walking paths to give you an idea of some of the terrain. She or the ship (cant remember who) also gave out a map at destination services which was really essential as it is a self guided place. Her presentation really helped us understand what we were looking at. The history was fascinating,and also the vegetation and some wildlife (monkeys, peacocks, some other little guinea pig type animal.....forgot the name). There are many areas for shade. I believe the only place that had A/C was a tiny gift shop at the top of the hill. However just outside the gift shop, there are fabulous views which was even better with a very icy cold beer in hand. But again it is hot. Just pace yourself if you do go ashore.

As for Barbados, yes it is more of a party boat. We did something like the best of barbadoes. Nice A/c coach with not a lot of passengers onboard. Visited fort/lookout (great views), botanical gardens, plantation, and a nice drive around Barbodoes. Lots of shade and much cooler....

Boi Bumba show. Fabulous. A/C building but yes, the closer to front you are the better view you will have of the show due to all the cameras and iPads. After the show you have a chance to go onto the stage and take pictures with performers. The costumes are just out of this world. I hope you make it.

Cheers Ellen

Sadly they do not. At least when we sail in nov/December. Cheers

Hello

We just finished a beautiful cruise on board Mariner and ate a few times at Setti Mari. It opens the same time as the other restaurants at 630 pm. There were a few nights where the outdoor area was closed due to weather. I always sat outdoors for dinner when visiting this restaurant. It was absolutely lovely. Enjoy

Hi Rocknie

Yes agreed a new line gives us both excitement and hope for great things. We have sailed on three different lines in the past that are considered premium to luxury. Every cruise line had its own merits and we totally enjoyed every single trip we are been on. I have heard great things about regent so I am very excited to try Mariner out. Hopefully it goes well as we are onboard her for 24 days.....longest trip yet. I always enjoy getting on the ship as early as I can to start my pampering and explore the ship with a cool cocktail in my hand.

The regent travel documents just arrived last week. A big smile on my face..... Enjoy your first experience on Mariner as I am sure it will be fabulous. Cheers Ellen

Hello Rockne

We too are taking our very first regent cruise out of miami this fall. We usually do our own arrangements for air, hotel and ground transportation except in some more logistically challenged places like mumbai. Miami would be simple but like you, when we looked at the comparison of prices between doing it on our own and letting regent take care of it, we went for the latter. They have put us in the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables for the hotel. Enjoy your cruise. Ellen

I too got the same message from Azamara website stating that they had reached their permissible limits and then within the last week I have received two separate sets. This happen approximately 3 to 4 weeks before the departure date of the cruise. You just never know.......Cheers, Ellen

Hi Bizzie, here's the scoop on the Nights & Cool Places tour you can't find. I apologize on behalf of the company for the confusion. Will see if I can get the website updated to remove the reference to that tour.

 

"As to the Nights & Cool Places tour in Wellington, it will not be operating (on the 31 January sailing) as it coincides with our Azamazing Evening event in Wellington on February 4"

I am not surprised by this as I had kind of figured out that it was the same night. Now I dont have to make a decision. Thanks again. Cheers Ellen

Here with some good news for you! I just received this info via email about new tours being loaded today (below.) Please check your voyage's offerings online using your cruise confirmation and if for some reason you don't find the new tours :eek:, let me know and I'll send the message to HQ.

 

FYI, I was informed that A&K are only handling Australia for us, not NZ. Not that this matters, I just wanted to clarify.

"Hi Bonnie, 29 new tours launched today for Australia & New Zealand which are available for booking.

The guest below mentions 'Otago Peninsula & Royal Albatross' in their comment. Our new tour, Nature's Wonders & Otago Peninsula will offer this experience where guests get to see penguins, fur seals, seal lions and birds such as the amazing Royal Albatross Colony.

As of today there are a total of 100 Land Discoveries tours available for booking for Australia / NZ."

Hi Bonnie

Yes I see them under my reservation. A much better selection of excursions now. Thank you so much for all you help on this. Now to start getting excited with the upcoming trip. Cheers Ellen

Hi bonnie, thank you for the very prompt reply. Yes very excited to go to New Zealand and Australia.

So for the "nights and cool places" found it, almost. For me, once I have booked the cruise, I don't go back to website with the description of the cruise. I just go by what is listed for availability under my reservation. So saying that, when I look up the general cruise details on the website, I see the description of the Wellington "nights and cool places". When you actually download the land discovery brochure attached, it is not listed. The Sydney one is listed. This is same when I look at the tours available thru my reservation. I am missing one. So at least I know it exists but at this point cant book.

As for Dunedin, when you read the description of this port on the website, it describes a guided coach tour to Otago peninsula where you can see the wildlife as I described before. Unfortunately when you actually look for a ships tour like this, none exists yet (in the land discoveries brochure) Rather disappointing as I really am hoping to see the penguins and so if the ships is not offering a tour like this, then I should look for one independently.

I guess when you read these great descriptions of a place/port, you kind of hope that there is a tour for it. I know it is an new itininary for Azamara, so hopefully next time around they will offer a tour like this, since they describe this in the port description.

Thanks for all you do on this forum. Cheers Ellen (Bizzie)

Good morning Bonnie and all

I am booked for the 13 day new zealand/australia trip in Jan 2016. We are the type that have always booked a combination of ship tours and independent tours. The Azamara website talks about A&K run ship tours for this cruise. As examples it highlights hang gliding in Auckland and exploring the Otago pennisula from Dunedin where you can see wildlife like the royal albatross colony and the little blue penguins which I am very interested in. However when I try to find these tours under my reservation, these are not offered. Am I missing something? Will more tours be listed in the immediate future? The cruise is only 3 months away I am trying to sort out my tours at this point. Also it highlights "nights and cool places" in wellington with the nocturnal native wildlife but again it is not listed. I find it misleading that the website talks about A&K tours and some of activities we can enjoy but don't offer a way of doing them thru the ship. I guess I will have to book all my tours via independent operators and forget about the ship board credit that I have for excursions. Perhaps someone can shed some light on this. Thanks :)

We have a question for our upcoming Quest cruise. This will be our first time on Seabourn. Can one cash a personal check on Seabourn and get $ in return? This would influence how much cash we need to bring along. We are doing the Antarctica sailing.

 

 

 

Thanks for the help.[/quote

 

Usually we use ATMs ashore when required however there was one instant when ATMs ashore just did not exist. If you are really stuck the ship does give you a cash advance against your credit card for I think at about a 3 % interest rate. It saved our bacon on one occassion. cheers

Good day

we sailed out of mumbai at 1800 hrs and I believe the safety drill was at 1700 hrs. Happy touring

Good Day

I live in this area and I have spent many years living in Halifax. As mentioned from others, yes the full fall foilage doesnt occur during early september. The leaves are justing starting to change now although we are probably 2 weeks off before full fall colours. The advantage to an early sept sailing is that the weather is much more pleasant. Sept is always my favourite month. Enjoy.....

Hello

 

We are first time seabourn cruisers onboard the Quest which departs in Oct 2012. If anyone could spare a seabourn credit it would be much appreciated. We are located in Canada. I can be reached at ellenwaller "at" storm "dot" ca

 

Thank you, Ellen

thank for the speedy responses. Someone has kindly offered their coupons.

thank you to all

Hello

We are first time seabourn cruisers onboard the Quest which departs in Oct 2012. If anyone could spare a seabourn credit it would be much appreciated. We are located in Canada. I can be reached at ellenwaller "at" storm "dot" ca

Thank you, Ellen