Duck Duck Cruise
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We just returned from our first cruise with Azamara on the Journey. Having completed 11 previous on various lines with thousands of passengers, this cruise was heaven! We love sea days so we took the Transatlantic from Lisbon to Miami with stops in Horta, Azores, Hamilton Bermuda, Havana, Cuba and Key West, Florida before leaving the ship in Miami. From beginning to end it was all so calm, easy, happy, and over the top amazing. We couldn't help comparing as the days floated by. Boarding was quick and easy without the dreaded photographers on other lines. We always like to have a cabin near the aft of our ships and usually have to plan accordingly how long it will take to get to the front to the spa or other places on board. On this ship we were always early because it only takes a couple minutes to get from one end to the other. 🙂
The very first thing that was visibly different was the crew. We know they work long hours and their jobs are stressful and hard. But, gone were the blank stares, dull eyes and that sleep deprived zombie look we have come to expect on large ships. Also, and most importantly, they all were genuinely happy to be there and were not looking over their shoulder for the boss to reprimand them for talking to the passengers too long. We had many lively chats and the banter and humor was very refreshing indeed. The officers and security were also engaging and quick with a smile and asking how you are getting along.
The food was delicious, hot, well seasoned and there were many choices. The quality was way above any ship we have been on. There was not one thing we tried that we found to be so bad that we left it for the fishes. This has happened many times on the bigger lines. Cafeteria food this was not!
We always found a lovely quiet place to read or look at the sea. And there was plenty of things to do if we wished. Thanks to other CC members (Mimi) organizing a space to meet, we had a nice Knitting, Crochet and Fiber Arts get together throughout the cruise. I also went to a ship sponsored Water Color Class that was taught for an hour on sea days by Deborah Conn who is an incredible artist. She will be doing other Azamara and small line cruises, you can email her from her website. http://www.deborahconn.com/ . She loves to teach and the classes were very easy and fun for beginners like me and more experienced people too. She was sweet, so encouraging and always had a positive word about everyone's work. At the end of the cruise, the Assistant CD Stephen came to the gallery show where we all laid out our work on tables in Acqualina Dining room where we did the classes and had champagne and chatted with our fellow artists. It was so much fun.
The passengers on this ship were very different than those we have noticed on larger lines. Here, they were kind, thoughtful, always quick with a hello, how are you, smile and chat, including the last day when larger lines passengers turn grouchy and sometimes downright nasty and pushy because they don't want to go home. Of course none of us wanted to go home either, but everyone was friendly and very nice. We made so many memories and will always remember a few special people. Who knows, maybe we will see them again. We might just book another Transatlantic!-
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18 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:
Yes, you can bring on as much alcohol as you like, notwithstanding within reasonable storage limits. Embarkation and during the cruise. If you are going to drink it within your cabin then no corkage fee applies.
Phil
Thank you Phil
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51 minutes ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:
It’s already there, but thanks for the suggestion.😊
We saw that it was already there but wasn't specific as to how much you could bring per person or stateroom. We saw on a different website that only 2 bottles of wine (no spirits) per stateroom was allowed but the date of the post was 2007 or something. Other things we found while researching said different things. Using search this forum here, nothing came up that was relevant and specific.
Maybe update the post on the Newbies post to reflect current status.
Thanks for your help.
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We will be embarking the Journey in Lisbon in a couple of days and would like to know if we can bring our favorite alcohol on board to enjoy on our veranda in the evening.
I enjoy a nice glass of Port (that is unavailable on Azamara) in the evening and my wife enjoys a specific rum (also not available on Azamara).
How much can we bring on board and should it be in our carry-on luggage or luggage we drop off at the pier?
Thank you in advance,
Vince
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It will be someone called Jingbo Miao. She is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. I can't give you any first hand experience though unfortunately.
Phil
Thank you very much!
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Hello,
Can anyone tell me how I would find out who the Acupuncturist is on the Journey for our sailing which is Transatlantic 23 October to 6 November 2018.
I am considering having a treatment and want to research the person.
Thanks
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Hi,
We are going to Cuba as a stop on our transatlantic this October 2018. We have been in contact with Nelson at Old Cars Havana. The emails have been answered in a timely manner keeping the time zone change in mind. He could not be any more attentive, professional and helpful. We are overnight in Havana and our ship arrives in the afternoon so we booked a few hours that night and again a few hours the next morning before our ship leaves. They have a driver and translator. https://www.oldcarshavana.com/
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We ( my husband and I) are planning on doing this journey. Anyone organizing any excursions at Horta, Bermuda or Havana? Would like to join or plan together!
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2541267
This is the link to the Roll Call for those taking this sailing. You might be able to ask there.
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My recollection is that it varies depending on the part of the world you are in. Last week in Norway on the Pursuit it was Cristaline and Celtic Pure.
The vodka was also good
Thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know.
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Thank you, I have already emailed the special needs area and received a note back that they received my info. I will contact the proper person once on board to go over things. I just forgot to ask about water.....But there is always Vodka! :')
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Hello,
This might sound like a strange question for some...What brand of bottled water does Azamara use?
I have severe reactions to all sulfites and there are brands of bottled waters that contain added sulfites.
Thank you,
Lin
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I've arranged an early debark for my upcoming cruise. Do I need to speak with someone on the ship to get the complete details? I've e-mailed the desk that handles this with no response.
Thank you.
We have done this, but had to get approval and yes, fill out a form ahead of the cruise. You might try to find out if they require this to be done in advance of the cruise. We did this through our travel agent. We also checked with the desk a few days before we were due to leave and they checked that all was in order. You shouldn't have any problems as long as you don't do this at the last minute.
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No problem Riocca, it's nice to have more input/thoughts from other cruisers as well!
Just very quickly: no energizer drink available. Smoothie menu also still not available but smoothies can be custom made.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
Thank you so much for checking on the Smoothies. This is more than helpful! You are so kind to be running around getting answers.
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For our cruise in October on the Journey it is docking at Santa Apolonia. I would be pretty certain this is where the Pursuit will also dock. Here is a map.
I would let the tour company know when the ship docks and they will make sure to wait for you if it is a private tour. Portuguese people are very kind and accommodating. Ask them what you need to tell your taxi driver to get to where you meet them.
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Thank you Alsun for taking the time to do this Live From.
We will be taking our first Azamara in October and are very excited to follow your pictures of things on the ship and in Norway!
I know you are busy, but if you have a moment could you please post a picture of the Smoothie Menu? Unfortunately, my body has issues with many foods :( and my saving grace is smoothies.
Have a wonderful trip!
Lin
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I am writing from experience and having family that lives in Osaka. You are correct that it will be crowded like you saw in China. If you want to take the Shin anywhere, in order to have a seat, you must book your tickets a year in advance.....or you will be standing if you can even get on.
Tourists from China are traveling to Japan in droves all times of the year and have raised the numbers of visitors to all sites exponentially. Those tourists plus other tourists PLUS all the Japanese going to popular tourists sites will make your time a nightmare. I guarantee you will not be able to see anything and you will be packed like sardines everywhere you go.
The cherry blossoms are special, but you never know when they will pop out.
I love Japan, the food and sites, but I would not go during Golden Week. The Japanese go home to visit family or other relatives which means all transportation will be very crowded. There will not be sites that are closed and waiting in lines will be LONG! Don't think just because you are on an Azamara tour it will be easier for you.
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Hello ShipsInBergen,
I was not sure how to get this question to you other than replying to this thread.
We are taking Viking from Bergen to London and will overnight in Tromso and Alta. We will be staying in Bergen for a couple days before the cruise so we can shop for some delicious sweaters! I have a friend that lives in Kristiansund so I asked him about clothing for January. He was a wealth of information and gave us this link for Warming Suit or Boiler Suit. http://www.proffklaershop.no/helly-hansen-workwear/vinterklaer/kjeledress
We plan on being outside many hours on the tours and also on the ship. My question for you is.......... Where would we find these in Bergen? The sizing on line is confusing and I think it would be better to try them on with our layers in person.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing a small piece of your incredible country.
Linda
Update: Or....is this type of gear even necessary? What would you suggest?
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Hello ShipsInBergen,
I was not sure how to get this question to you other than replying to this thread.
We are taking Viking from Bergen to London and will overnight in Tromso and Alta. We will be staying in Bergen for a couple days before the cruise so we can shop for some delicious sweaters! I have a friend that lives in Kristiansund so I asked him about clothing for January. He was a wealth of information and gave us this link for Warming Suit or Boiler Suit. http://www.proffklaershop.no/helly-hansen-workwear/vinterklaer/kjeledress
We plan on being outside many hours on the tours and also on the ship. My question for you is.......... Where would we find these in Bergen? The sizing on line is confusing and I think it would be better to try them on with our layers in person.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing a small piece of your incredible country.
Linda
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Did anyone notice if there is soot and smoke circling around and landing on the balcony?
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Could someone please tell me what hours the area is open?
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Thank you so much! Looking forward to a nice massage!
This is the one on Quest right now and I’m guessing it will be the same on Journey. Cleopatra's Secrets special port day deal at $159 is recommended!Phil
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Everywhere we have visited the souvenir shop where we buy the postcards always sells stamps at the same time. They are universal stamps that can be mailed to any country. As far as finding out what color post boxes are in each place, just google .......what color are the international post boxes in ...x.. city. You can search images to see what they look like. Also, if you search by street view on google maps near the port, you can look specifically for the boxes as you are virtually strolling along or search for post office.
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I would also like to see the spa choices.
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Hello,
It is my first time sailing with Azamara. Could you please let me know if there is a charge for the classes in the fitness center? Like, Yoga, Spin, Boot Camp, Pilates etc?
Thank you
A few thoughts from our first Azamara cruise
in Azamara
Posted
Hi,
Our cabin 7102 was not fully aft looking out to the wake but just a few up the port side with a balcony. If you have ever sailed on Princess and had a mini suite that is what the balcony cabins are like ......Only better. Our steward showed us the USB plug at the very bottom of the wall mounted light fixture on each side of the bed. There are more plug in's at the desk. The bed is cloud like comfy. People mentioned on CC about the shower being tiny. It is indeed if you are not used to European or Asian washrooms so we had no problem. But if you go to the gym you can use the showers there. Do so at least once because they are wonderful with rain above and several levels of body facing rain on both sides of your shower. My husband liked his too and he said it was like taking a shower in a car wash! 😉