Mrs Miggins

11 hours ago, Leo_On_Geo said:

 

Got this today from Guest services after a B-2-B upgrade offer was extended, accepted, then canceled.   Seems like an easy fix. I just don't accept that excuse! Upgrades used works fine with two Booking numbers, but now not with one!

 

""I hope you're having a wonderful day!
I wanted to let you know that currently, move-ups aren't available for back-to-back sailings booked under a single reservation. This is because if we don’t get approval for the first leg, but the second leg is approved, we might not be able to process the move-up for the second leg once you’re already onboard the first.

However, there’s always a chance that Revenue might make an exception for these types of bookings. I recommend checking back around 30 days before your sailing date. At that time, you can give us a call, and either myself or Rina Favreault will be happy to review your booking and see if a move-up bid can be arranged.""

 

 

Thanks for this.  I guess it is slightly more optimistic than the reply I received (and certainly written in better English).

It looks like CC suites are still available on both of my B2B legs.  

I have asked the UK team to follow up with the relevant people on my behalf next week.  Whilst we are perfectly happy in our Veranda Cabin we have enjoyed a CC suite on several occasions so an upgrade at a reasonable price would be nice.  

Good luck with your request.  It does show that some website issues have improved but others have not.  Very frustrating.

How wonderful - such a great location.  Just hope the same thing happens on our Onward cruise in September.  On board is not the same !

This is the reply I had from Customer Service regarding the offer and prompt withdrawal of an upgrade offer on our B2B which is covered by one booking number

Well my "incredible lifelong memories" will obviously not be made in an upgraded suite.

Our friends onboard were disappointed with the Rose offering. The Hotel Director went shopping for some cases of the Provençal Rose they preferred. Excellent service. 

One of the benefits of Scenic is the mix of passengers - so we had about a third from the Uk, a third from Australia, and the final passengers being mainly US and Canada with a sprinkling of others ie 2 from New Zealand - 

I think that possibly translated into a larger percentage of passengers having an appreciation of European wine.  Each night we had local wines served with dinner.  

Just back from Scenic Beautiful Bordeaux  Our second time on this particular cruise.  Lovely wine visits plus other great included options including Remy Martin.  A great mix of passengers, lovely crew.  Two special evening events,  a concert at beautifulChateau D'Agassac and the splendid Bassins des Lumieres in the WW2 Submarine Base.

42 minutes ago, uktog said:

They can mix non alcoholic drinks but so can the Den and the Living Room so not worth a visit imho. 

First time on Onward in September - just wondering if a visit is actually worth $40 ($20 each if that's right )  I do drink alcohol so do not want to miss a new "experience" but wondered if there was an alternative.

Just wondering what is in the Atlas Bar for those who don't drink alcohol ?

2 days ago received an offer to upgrade our September booking - we are B2B and the offer was for the second leg of 7 days - BCN to Monaco.  Submitted offer just above minimum for CC.  Offer accepted, and if successful they would inform later.

However today had email saying the offer had ben cancelled "due to a change in your reservation".  We have not made any changes.  Just followed a link "Azamara Upgrades" and after entering surname and booking reference another list of possible upgrades were shown.  This time for the first 4 day cruise of our B2B.  The minimum price per person is listed as £385.  This is exactly the same as the previous minimum price quoted on the 7 day cruise.

I have only one booking number - so can't explain any of the above.

The process has obviously been outsourced.  Disappointed at the moment but will phone on Monday.  Not expecting anyone in the UK to be able to help.

Do I wait to be invited to bid - as in the past ?  Our cruise is end of September.  I asked Azamara UK today and was told that I could place a bid online via the website.   Indeed I found a form but it did not recognise my booking reference or name.  Its not unusual for the website to be uncooperative so do I assume that all recent upgrades have been as a result of an invitation to bid from Azamara.

3 hours ago, uktog said:

Bear in mind for those with food allergies in a country where English is not universally spoken heading back to the ship for lunch is part of the “risk management” process. We do however head back out and as well as leaving money in the shop tills may enjoy a coffee or drink ashore. 
So accept not everyone can eat lunch ashore easily! 

Hi,  yes of course, but I know you and others do spend money in local businesses.  The thread was about Barcelona but my comment was directed also at the many other destinations, eg Venice, that have decided (or are deciding)  that there is not a sufficient net benefit to the local economy of large numbers cruise passengers overwhelming their beautiful locations. 

One of my criticisms of Viking is their repetitive itineraries so perhaps new locations need to be further investigated.  As others have said there are many beautiful places to explore.

The other problem is that often I see criticisms of destinations being "crowded with tourists".   Surely anybody arriving on a cruise ship is a tourist.

One of the issues is that cruise passengers typically spend very little money on land. How many times have we read “we went back to the ship for lunch”. 

The Viking shuttle that surprised me the most was the one from Piraeus to Athens.  It's a fair distance.  I have visited many of the same  Mediterranean ports on both Viking and Azamara and the offerings were similar apart from Athens.  

The Viking advantage is using the included excursion on the outward journey at many ports then breaking away from the group, visiting the area at one's own pace without following the dreaded flag, then returning on the shuttle or local bus/train/taxi.

I really am really delighted to read some sensible posts. In the grand scheme of things, in our world today, we probably all have much more important things to worry about .

Mike 07

I thought your post 26 made a lot of sense. My post was meant to give an example of a written dress code which is precise and would in fact agree with your post 26.  Easily understood by all.

I first cruised with Viking in 2016. Excellent in all respects. Since then I have seen a slight decline overall.  Food and service not quite as good, Smart Casual seems to be less ‘smart’. Certainly no dressing gowns ! Others may not  agree. It is probably true of many other cruise companies.

Many threads make comparisons between different cruise companies. There is currently a very active Viking thread doing just that.

I do not understand the ‘steerage class’ reference. Viking is more expensive than Azamara.  
 

2 hours ago, Mike07 said:

 

 

Azamara might be a better line for those that want to be seen and the center of attention.

I would not comment on a cruise company that I have not cruised with.

• For Discoveries, Aqualina and Prime C Restaurants: No bare feet, ball caps, tank tops or bathing suits are permitted in these areas. Shorts and torn/distressed jeans are not allowed during dinner.

Above is the Azamara dress code.  Very clear.  In fact the overall level of dress onboard Azamara is significantly smarter,  in my opinion,  than that which I have seen on Viking.  

I guess the moot point is define "jeans"   I agree about shorts, and baseball hats and those who have not had the good manners to shower and change after a hard and hot days sightseeing.

6 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Not angry. Did buy a rug. Got nothing to do with sweaters or concerts. Merely pointing out that the whole rug "demonstration/presentation" is a finely tuned and exquisitely choreographed production with many moving parts and, as I said, everybody involved is very good at what they do. How many tourists look back later on the whole deal and wonder: "How did that happen?"
 

OK.  However you have made multiple posts on the subject which is obviously important to you.  My point was that the 'rug factory' scenario has been active for many many years. Salesmen trying to sell you something.  No one is forced to buy.  I guess it's very annoying if this portion of a shore excursion is not expected and did not form part of the Viking excursion description.  

Our private excursion many years ago did specify the visit.  

On cruises many other salesmen will try to sell you something you do not think you want,  including of course the cruise company.  

This thread is about the Ancient Mediterranean Treasures itinerary not Carpet Shops so I did mention sweaters.   Whilst walking in Kusadasi there are many salesmen trying to encourage you into their shops.   No matter where you live the salesman always has a cousin who lives nearby.  I enjoyed some banter with them and I did buy sweaters, t shirts and handbags. All excellent value after some bartering.  Some people are intimidated but again no one is forced to do anything.  I think it is part of the enjoyment - always a story to tell.

We have also had two Turkish Bath experiences - One in a hotel and one in an old bath house.  They were both good.  Seeing my friend being covered in bubbles then doused with an enormous bowl of water by a well built gentleman in a lovely marble bath house is something I will never forget.

However surely the main event is Ephesus.  Such a wonderful experience, especially The Terrace Houses.  An evening concert there while the sun was going down, watching a group of young Turkish musicians playing Mozart. Not to mention some wrestling and dancing.  Doesn't really get better than that.

Surely we all cruise for those experiences.

Duquephart, You sound very angry but I thought you bought a rug. Perhaps I am wrong.  If not  I wonder why, since each purchase obviously perpetuates what you see as a scam

A similar scenario on our first visit to Kusadasi 22 years ago. However I rather enjoyed the presentation.   I did not buy a rug.

I did buy some excellent ‘Ralph L ‘ sweaters in Kusadasi town which are still going strong.  
 

Ephesus itself is wonderful.  On another visit we enjoyed a private evening concert in the smaller Arena (Azamara Azamazing event).  Great memories.

Would also recommend a visit to a Turkish Bath. Hilarious and great fun.  

Really looking forward to our Onward B2B in September. Have been on the other 3 ships but Onward will be new for us.   I have really enjoyed this thread.  Thank you to all contributors.

21 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Black jeans are still jeans.

I have worn black jeans and white jeans.  The overstitched seams are self coloured, unlike proper "blue jeans" that have obvious light coloured stitching.   I call them  jeans because that is what they are designated as in my local Marks and Spencer (of course I am from the UK - other stores are available).  

I do not know how any crew member or passenger would identify them as jeans rather than any other black or white trousers.    My understanding of the rule is Blue denim jeans that look like workwear ie Levi's or similar, are not allowed.  

Strangely I do recall a lady dancing in the Atrium on New Years Eve in blue ripped jeans with diamonds on the pockets.  We had all had several drinks by then I think.

The Viking free shuttle (which surprised me as we didnt have one on Azamara) was separate from the free excursion offered.  Many like us took the included tour then stayed on in Athens taking the free shuttle back to the ship later in the day.

I can see all the available excursions in the Manage My Reservation area, including prices.  My original query was that it was impossible to print off a list as a PDF as I believe I have done in the past.  The reason was so that my DH could actually read the options available as opposed to me reading out descriptions from the i Mac !  as he couldn't really be bothered, and prefers to leave it to me.

We have been to all the lovely ports on our B2B before and would usually just hop on a bus or train for a few euros or indeed just wander around.  However we did need to use our fairly substantial OBC.   All sorted now - leaving half of the OBC for Chefs Table, Speciality restaurants etc.  

I spoke with the UK Call Centre yesterday in order to book Shore Excursions with OBC.

Call answered immediately, spoke with Becky, new to Azamara.  She has had two weeks intensive training and is working from the centre in Welwyn Garden City.

I had actually booked a transfer online for the end of our cruise in September.  Then tried to book a shore excursion but wasn't sure if it had worked hence the phone call.

Becky confirmed my transfer was booked and also the excursion was booked.  She then booked a further two excursions for me.  The system was a little slow but she was calm and helpful.  I asked her to confirm that we could use our combined B2B OBC on either cruise.  She enlisted help from her senior colleague who had worked for Azamara for one year,  and it  was confirmed.

I had previously read this on CC but was pleased to get direct confirmation.

All in all a pleasant experience.  Well done Azamara.