bobbyd6363

Sort of a Azamara Cabin related Question: The Tahitian Princess an R Class ship built in 1999 is now the Oceania Sirena. I have sailed on Azamara before and am trying to map the Oceania Penthouses on Deck 8 to the Azamara Club Continent Suite locations.  I am trying to determine which Club Continent Suite like cabins to avoid on Oceania Sirena. Note: I am using Grandma Cruising's Azamara Stateroom spreadsheet.  Any help would be appreciated!!

Question regarding the Gym Equipment. Do Princess ships have free weights? Kettle Bells? Squat Racks? Etc?

16 minutes ago, bagney said:

While I cannot comment on the Vista Suite on the Discovery Princess as we have not been on the ship or in a Vista Suite on this class of ship, I can provide you with our experience in being in a Penthouse Suite on the Royal Princess. We were in R612 on the Royal Princess - directly across from the Laundromat (and Concierge Lounge). There was absolutely no noise noted from the Laundromat - none! Also, this location was excellent for access to the Concierge Lounge for a cup of coffee/cappuciino, snacks, etc. as well as assistance for the Concierge (Passenger Services) staff when available. Loved this location!

bagney - that's awesome info!! We are booked in Penthouse Suite R615 which is on the opposite side of the Laundromat.  I agree with the Concierge Lounge location because I LOVE me some coffee!! Thanks!

We are torn between booking a Vista Suite on the new Discovery Princess because it is directly under the Sanctuary.  Curious if there is a lot of noise from above with the Sanctuary directly above these suites.  We currently have booked a Penthouse suite directly across from the Laundromat and also worried about that level of noise.

 Suggestions? Stay with the Penthouse Suite or make the jump to the Vista Suite?

Another Newbie Question (probably been asked 1000 times already):

In the amenities for our Azamara Journey Club Verandah cabin, I saw one amenity is Self Service Laundry.  I was unaware Azamara ships had self service laundry! Is this true?

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are booked in a Verandah Plus Stateroom (8035) but am wondering if it is a good idea to upgrade (while there is a 60% off second passenger deal) to a Club Continent Suite.  Thoughts?

Kauai!  We did the open door off one and WOW! 

Royal Caribbean is selling Azamara

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/5828/

On 12/28/2020 at 12:05 PM, islandwoman said:

We have sailed on the Pacific Princess as well as the Ocean Princess (now Oceania Serena) and the former Royal Princess (now the Azamara Pursuit).  We loved them all.  They are all the same, and exactly the right size for us. We too, are in the same cabin as we were on the Princess ships.  

Hey islandwoman - I have created a Roll Call for the 5 June 22 sailing

7 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

I would love to book the itinerary that Azamara offers in June 2021, as it doesn't seem to be offered again either in 2021 or 2022. Instead of 14 days, they seem to be moving to shorter cruises. And the 2022 itineraries do not include the eastern half of the Black Sea.

 

Here's a snapshot of the 2021 itinerary I like, for comparison:

 

 

That is a very comprehensive Black Sea cruise!  

We have been to Ephesus and Athens a couple times and will probably look for something else to do.  However, the rest of the ports are new to us. I have read some so-so things about Constanta. I am still researching everything so maybe I will get more positive about that port 🙂

We recently booked Azamara Journey, 12 Day Black Sea cruise from Athens 05JUN22.

This will be our first foray into the Black Sea and I am loving you all's conversations! Please keep it up! I have a ton of questions and don't know where to start asking! 

8 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said:

There are 4 Veranda Plus cabins on both Decks 6 & 7 (6001, 6002, 6090, 6093, 7000, 7001, 7116, 7121).

Thank you Grandma Cruising!

On 12/18/2020 at 9:34 AM, uktog said:

I would if you can 

I don't see any Verandah Plus Staterooms available anywhere else except Deck 8

We are booked in Stateroom 8035.  Any suggestions among the Deck 8 Verandah Plus staterooms would be much appreciated

Booked our Azamara Journey Black Sea cruise for Jun 2022 then stumbled onto this blog!

Darn - I read all 32 pages and the spreadsheet.  Now I am concerned about our Verandah Plus Stateroom #8035 and the noise from above.  Should we change staterooms now while there is still availability?

34 minutes ago, knotheadusc said:

It is a very interesting part of the world.  One thing to remember about Bulgaria is that their head expressions are different.  If they shake their head, they mean “yes”. Nodding means “no”.  I have been wanting to see more of the Balkans myself and was eyeing SeaDream for the chance, but things never lined up logistically.

I think if you can do it, you should.  

That is interesting! The things we learn when we travel!

I have found a similar Black Sea itinerary on Azamara.  I am now really torn on which to sail!

Definitely going to book one - just cant decide which one!

9 hours ago, knotheadusc said:

I haven't been on a SeaDream Black Sea trip, but I have been to the Black Sea.  Granted, I did it when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer and went by bus, having ridden all the way from Yerevan, Armenia to Istanbul via Georgia, then onward to Bulgaria. 

 

That looks like a very interesting itinerary.  I have been to Burgas and found it to be a lovely city.  We also visited Sozopol, which is a beach town in Bulgaria, not far from Burgas.  I understand it's now a place where stars like to congregate, but when we went in the 90s, it was pretty unspoiled and cheap.  Istanbul is, of course, an amazing city that will blow your mind, if you've never been there.

 

Having done three SeaDream cruises, I can tell you that you'd be in excellent hands.  The staff is amazing and you will be pampered.  If it were me, I'd definitely consider that a cruise worth taking... but I'm going to hold off on cruises until the vaccines are more available.  

 

Below is a screenshot I took from a site about Sozopol.  You would probably have the chance to visit there if you wanted to.  I can attest that's what Sozopol looked like when I was there, plus we found a room for about $3 a night.  I'm sure that's no longer possible.

 

Thanks notheadusc! I am very interested in this itinerary!  Beautiful pic!  The Black Sea has always held my interest as a iron curtain sort of place to see

8 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said:

So pleased you’ve found this thread helpful. Did you check out the spreadsheet too? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1S6WHqVYuztksqXXt4XSs0uMFtZQFjq3zg7q0ZUyMbJA/edit

I can’t answer questions about Black Sea cruises as it’s an area I’ve never been to, but happy to answer any other questions.

Thanks GrandmaCruising!  Yes ma'am I have read the spreadsheet and the whole thread.  LOTS of detailed info an very helpful!  This would be our first small ship experience and am looking forward to it!

13 hours ago, islandwoman said:

Hi bobbyd.  Would your cruise be the Azamara Journey June 5 - 17, 2022  12-Night Black Sea Voyage? 

DH and I will be on that one too.  We haven't sailed Azamara previously, although we will have done two voyages on the Journey by the time she reaches the Black Sea. 

I can't tell you about the itinerary, not yet having done that one yet. But as a Princess Elite, I've sailed three of her small ships (of which one now belongs to Azamara) and several of the big ones. The small ship experience is very different from the big ships and IMHO, so much better. If you want to feel like you're actually on a ship, rather than in a big, glitzy resort, you'll love the Journey.

 Hey IslandWoman! Yes ma'am it is the 5-17 June 2022 sailing - That's awesome that we will be on the same cruise! I am excited to try the small ship experience and get away from the hordes of people on the mega ships.  We have been on 35 cruises all mass market big ships.

Hey crew! Another Newbie here!  LOVE THIS THREAD!! Read all 35 pages while I was supposed to be working LOL

Mega Ship veteran here looking to downsize away from the throngs/hordes of people on Royal Caribbean (Diamond). Very, Very new to smaller ships and looking forward to some pampering post Covid.  While looking for a unique sailing and found the June 2022 Journey sailing that hits Bulgaria, Ukraine and Romania!! I have a ton of questions but looking for any folks that have sailed the Black Sea to weigh in on this itinerary

Hey crew! Another SD Newbie here!
Mega Ship veteran here looking to downsize away from the throngs/hordes of people on Royal Caribbean. Very, Very new to smaller ships and looking forward to some pampering post Covid.  I stumbled on SD while looking for a unique sailing and found the 02 June 2022 sailing that hits Bulgaria, Ukraine and Romania!! 

I have a ton of questions but looking for any folks that have sailed the Black Sea to weigh in on this itinerary

34 minutes ago, PORT ROYAL said:

 

On last visit in early 2018 the Casino was almost empty, and the "Club" was very small and just added to the holiday vibe, nothing like loudness of the Marriott.

What we liked most was the quality of rooms, the service and that can always find a quiet spot on the beach.  Food was good, but not to Marmalade standard, so we always dined out.

Hope this assists.

Thanks for the info!!!! This helps a lot!

3 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

 

A personal choice for beachside retreat would be La Concha over these two.

Thank you!!  Question: How was the noise level of the La Concha?  I see there is a Casino in the La Concha and that the lobby becomes a "club" on the weekends

We are sailing out of San Juan aboard Freedom of the Seas.  We cannot decide between the Caribe Hilton and the Candado Vanderbilt. I have read all the TripAdvisor reviews and am really torn.  I am looking for recommendations between the two.  What are the good and bad of these two properties?    Any help would be appreciated!

On 10/28/2019 at 6:34 AM, NateUpNorth said:

 

IIRC you're on Freedom in Dec?

We've had to change our itinerary and are now doing the ABC's on Explorer in December.

Just an FYI - I was able to book our reservations with Woodwind on the weekend. Yes, they will book that far out, and I highly recommend this trip. It's our second time, and its availability was my condition for changing our itinerary over. LOL

We are on the 13 December 2020 sailing.  I have created a roll call here: 

WOW! Thank you for this review! We are booked for December 2020 and cannot wait!  Never been to Bonaire and are excited to snorkel the amazing waters