Tondakea

Oddly enough, one of my most unpleasant Dubrovnik experiences involved an Azamara guest and her bike - she literally steamrolled through crowds once she got off the tender. Literally drove it down the dock, careened off my ankle from behind and looked like a hot knife through butter as she plowed through tourists and locals ahead.

I always wondered how that aspect of Azamara excursions was doing - the hiatus may have been tied to my observation, pain:) or for other reasons. 

One bad apple shouldn't spoil it for the bunch, 'tho. Hope that instructions, courtesy prevail.

I recall reading about a Cunard Promotional Code, whereby past guests had (and could provide) new customers with said code.

Yes, it sounds 'Harry Potter(ish) - a secret handshake or 'meet a Platform 9 3/4' but I distinctly recall the pay it forward mechanism, but not 100 % sure it was Cunard.

Perhaps a simpler question - would QM2 be suitable for a father-daughter trip (London to NY). She's 20. Our family has completed Transatlantic (albeit Disney 10 years ago), Alaska (Disney), Caribbean (HAL and others) and wife and I enjoy Azamara alone. This is unique - one way flight back across the pond is $900  due to one way booking there and a Black Friday Cunard sale makes sailing back to North America comparable.

Thanks in advance and a belated Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends.

There are a few 'Canadian' themed threads on the forum. 

Keep your eye out for 'Canada at par' incentives.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks for the tip re Oceania (possibly Canadian at par)

We''ll look into it.

This is great news. Something we'll keep an eye on. Thx for posting.

Pursuit's internet was faster, with less (no) buffering for email communication in Europe. I didn't try FaceTime ... but imo the 'newer' ship, hard wired for 2018 use, is better than the Quest or Journey. Would love to hear from folks that tried FaceTime, and hopefully this serves as a 'bump'.

Oddly enough, kept seeing three Polish speaking technicians who advised that they were assisting with internet and tv on the maiden voyage. Internet seems to be a priority. These were 'field' techs, not Azamara crew in uniform.

Heads up, 'tho. Codes provided kept failing and 3 out of 4 people at Guest Services were there because of codes.

So...maybe it 'works' so robuslty because so few can get on. Pardon the Canadian humour ....

OP - Appreciate your input.

There used to be comfort in cruise line booking air passage. Not anymore. 

OP's scenario happened to us ( albeit with Disney). No more airport running, with small children. 

We now plan, and book, ourselves. 

3 hours ago, beerman2 said:

Thank you!!!!

I'm trying to figure out the difference between 'blue dot' on left and ...

In CONDENSED version (as opposed to expanded), the MINUTE clock. 

When I click on the clock, seems to go back to the same place as 'blue dot'.

_

Really enjoying the new version. 

Accessing it via Chrome (Laptop) and Android. Works like a charm.

We have a similar choice this summer (trip ends in Venice).

I think we'll stay in Venice. Somehow, the hustle and bustle of (fellow) tourists doesn't bother us.

As for last comment re CC upgrades - love 'em. Works perfectly on Chrome (notebook), Android (phone) and Chrome (PC). I think that's where folks should begin, when commenting. What operating system are you viewing it on?

Threads load to the location I last read, etc. I wonder if it's optimized for Chrome?

Surprisingly good migration.

5 hours ago, Renmar said:

 

Also noticed in settings that there is a lifetime limit on attachments. Now, I only used 1% of my limit but I wonder if it is possible to delete old attachments and if so how to do it.

 

Theo 

Good point, re attachments and lifetime limit.

Wonderful, succinct review and great link to photos.

Thanks for taking the time to post.

#like

X2

Way to prioritize. Especially the university.

Enjoy your writing style - from Topic heading to the review itself.

We've sailed with Azamara the last 3 summers. Late 50's. We've also sailed each of the cruise lines you mentioned, Celebrity, HAL, NCL, Princess, Carnival (and Disney, which actually had some of the worst excursions we've ever encountered). Can't comment on the latter 2 for excursions because they were destination wedding (Carnival) and a short "Nassau/cruise ship island type of trip (Princess) without excursions.

We've enjoy the Azamara excursions for the following reasons:

1. Price. It's a good value . Price 'seemed' cheaper on Azamara than HAL or Celebrity, and was usually $130 pp for a full day. Half days were essentially half that.

2. Well organized. Simply the best, compared to the other cruise lines we've used.

3. Efficient. Tour guides were versed in lines, entrance locations, etc.

4. Well spoken. The guides are easy to understand.

Look, the 2 of us spend about $1200 (total) on excursions. Often, it's via an onboard credit of $700 plus TA contribution of $300.

We START with cruise line tours. If there's something 'off' about the tour, we either get a private taxi in advance (downside is you don't actually get a 'tour' inside the facility - he drops you off at gate, waits, you walk around). Alternatively, we join small groups organized through roll calls. Did that in Norway last summer and loved it.

Azamara takes great pride in their excursions. They aren't 'crazy expensive' and (for us) the added attraction of 'get up and meet the group at 8 am' is a kick in the pants we need the day after the night before.

Noticed the covered bridge in photo. This summer, on a trip to eastern Canada (but not Cabot Trail, sadly, as time did not allow). we learned that one of the reasons for a covered bridge was to keep horses from shying away from water. Obvious other benefits are to protect the bridge deck and to protect people from weather. Anyhow, the horse angle caught me by surprise. Great pics, thanks for posting.

Well, FDR (via Regent Marketing Dept), keeps emailing me daily and offering select cruises at Canadian$ at par plus an additional 15% off. Included is their 12 day Holiday cruise on the Voyager. The price is quite attractive, but we have other plans, and prefer Seabourn vs Regent. But if we did not have plans, that price point would be very attractive.

 

 

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Appreciate the link to 'Canadian at par'.

Thanks.

The new concept 'Den' has a corporate feel to it. The casino has been replaced by tall desks and offices.

Have a drink - and in the background are offices (Sales). On the other side, towards the retail stores is the 'future bookings' table. A large desk, computer, brochures. Felt odd being in Norway (inaugural) and seeing taped loops of future trips to orient, etc. A disconnect, at least to me. Definitely not an 'immersive' feeling. The whole area is geared towards future travel and takes away from the current experience. (With the exception of an excursion desk, staffed by incredibly competent people).

Televisions are gone. Again, it's a personal choice - do you want the ambient 'noise' of a sports program in the background or look at a person selling future trips.

A bartender, server and piano player round out the team.

All is done to the highest standards. And, as mentioned, it's personal preference (I'd imagine 'no casino' could be an issue for some - certainly more than desks, offices and promotional videos in a 'bend one's elbow' room).

We're from Canada....and have never seen the Cabot Trail. Shame on us and kudos to you (and this group) for visiting Eastern Canada.

I note comments re: clothes. We've migrated to those 'puffy' jackets that fold down nicely in luggage. Enjoy the fall colours.

Great comparison. Thanks

I... or have to discount it to fill the ship, it should be telling you something.

I keep wondering if " waiting " until closer to the sail date to purchase isn't the best course of action.

Maybe not under the old pricing model.

But new posted prices warrant consumer adjustment.

OP raises a valid point.

Why are their online/office/sales/admin so bad when their ships and crew are so good?

With the myriad of choices available, starting to wonder if booking far in advance is wise.

Difficult decision for the customer above.

Sounds like some fun times ahead. Enjoy!

 

A nice pinnacle couple gave these to our kids yesterday.

 

 

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Very nice of them!

Enjoy your cruise.

We sailed from Southhampton with another cruise line in August. The Port was a manageable size when compared to prior embarkations ( mostly US) and well organized.

Cruise lines seem to be getting away from mail or courier delivered packages. PDF is the new Norm.

I hope no-one in this thread is an eyewitness to a crime lol

I saw a tray. Nope, no tray.

Goes to show how fickle our perceptions are.

I also assumed ('recalled') trays from the one Norwegian cruise line trip we took, but now question my memory of that. Too funny.