NC&KY

First thing we do, once we get the spirits we like, is to pack them in our suitcases for bringing back home unopened.

From the e-mail ballot I just received, it looks like it will be Onward, Forth, or Discovery.

3 hours ago, Melissaghoti said:

I’ve thought about my credit card but haven’t called them since I don’t know if they have a dog in this fight.

   

 

They absolutely have an interest; you've been cheated and they are the vehicle for payment. You should not hesitate to contact them and, if they are a good company, they will apply significant pressure on the TA.

17 hours ago, AJCM said:

We were fortunate to stay in one and we never noticed any fumes, noise or vibrations.

Ditto. We have booked the same suite for a September cruise that I fear will be postponed.

We, like others, were on his final voyage, where he saved us from floundering around in the Indian Ocean forever by landing us in Muscat. Does anyone know where he is going?

1 hour ago, ECCruise said:

But I would make a call to confirm.  

 

Wouldn't it be nice if the Azamara Team weighed in on this?

You should put these comments in the "sticky" entitled Azamara Cabins Thread at the top of the list of Azamara topics.

5 hours ago, KirkNC said:

 Oceania does it prior to boarding and the more expensive rooms get first dibs a few weeks before those of us in steerage.

This is extremely prejudicial to anyone not in a suite. It means you have no chance for a 2-top (which we prefer) and little choice on time.

8 hours ago, uktog said:

If you don’t get a great option, recheck again a few days in and even on the evening. They get a lot of cancellations on some cruises.

We have checked on our way to the MDR.

1 hour ago, Mrs Miggins said:

I have a B2B booked for April 2020.

 

 

Do you mean 2021, 2022?

I would say we are both "foodies," and we've never been disappointed with Azamara. Not stunned, but never disappointed.

The biggest paella pan I've ever seen, in Cannes. He could not stir the far side from where he stood, he had to turn the pan or walk around it.

Dover sole, which is not on the menu and you have to preorder (day or 2 before is fine), in Aquafina.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a significant expansion in ship-sponsored tours to cover the times in port, including evening tours. We like to create our own wine-tasting tours at small, boutique estates, and I fear any ship-sponsored tour will only hit the big, tourist-oriented wineries.

The most helpful person we've ever met on a ship. He was tireless in March trying to get us all off the Quest safely. He had a special place in his heart for Cruise Critic passengers.

One, on Journey skipping from one Med island to another between Barcelona and Athens, next September. We booked it on Quest in March with the credit we received for our truncated Cape Town to Dubai cruise. But, like Phil, we won't take it if there's not a vaccine.

India. Need to see the Taj Mahal, which was supposed to come at the end of our Cape Town to Dubai cruise that got truncated by Covid in March. And Cambodia for Angkor Wat.

1 hour ago, travelberlin said:

MSC did a wonderful job. First cruise without major problems went to an end... there is a lot to learn from them...

Ivi

Were you on this cruise or are you reporting what you have heard from someone who was?

13 hours ago, uktog said:

And being pedantic it’s whisky 😀😀. I’d worry though if that standard whisky was considered an upgrade 🤣🤣

Well, piling on the pedantic theme, here in Kentucky its Scotch whisky and bourbon whiskey. And that's how it appears on bar menus!

And Jim Beam White Label, which is what is referred to on the Azamara list, is abysmal. If you walk into a bar here and the well bourbon is Jim Beam White, you should just walk away. Jim Beam Black Label, on the other hand (likely not available across the pond), is a magnificent bargain.

Do not miss the ruins at Ephesus, they are spectacular.

The biggest difference is size. You won't have the lines at elevators, restaurants, tenders, etc. that you have on huge ships. And no assigned dinner times or tables. Everything is at a more refined, relaxed pace. We started our cruising on Celebrity, but once we tried Azamara, we've never been back.

We use a very famous TA with multiple locations internationally, which we could visit in person but actually interface with through e-mail and phone. They also want payment about a week before the cruise line requires payment. I have had no problem contacting the TA and asking if I can delay payment until closer to the cruise line's deadline if it makes a difference on my credit card closing date. And the charge, regardless of when the TA submits it, is on MY personal charge card, not the TA's. Sounds like the experience in the UK, at least on this point, is very different.

1 hour ago, CA Oceanfront said:

I think it’s time to give Bonnie a break here. She is employed by RCL so that’s where her loyalty should be directed. RCL had no obligation to create a paid position to be represented on this forum, but they did. It was a marketing move that they deemed worthwhile and, for the most part, it has provided an opportunity for forum participants to have a line of communication with the company. You’re not going to please all of the people all of the time, but at least she’s been a dignified presence on this board for the past few years.

👍. Totally agree.

8 minutes ago, BBMacLaird said:

 

 

And I am happy for Larry since he voluntarily stepped down to spend more time with his wife Sandy, his kids and his friends. I wish him so much happiness.

How old is he?

16 hours ago, AJCM said:

Just read that Seabourn Sojourn is off Melbourne, having arrived from Fremantle with only two US guests on board.

Could I ask where you read this?