norn iron

If Azamara has one ship that calls at Foynes once a year is it a big deal for the crew. There are plenty of other stops were the crews needs can be met. What would be worse for the crew is being a cruise line like RCI or Viking were they repeat and repeat and repeat the ports of call for an entire season.

Have you ever been to Olden in Norway? There is nothing there bar a visitor reception area and a shop. This is why cruise lines sell tours.

Have you ever been in a cricket ground West Indies? They are full of atmosphere during a Test match, however, Kensington Oval holds 28000 people, so when 500 turn up for an Azamazing evening, the atmosphere could be hard to recreate in such a large venue.

Host Jazzbeau, don't tempt Norris with a Club Orange, you'll have him waxing lyrical about his trip back home this year 😁 (Northern Ireland humour!)

Correct, it should be discount on the price. However, Az very kindly applied it as additional OBC.

Reading this thread is not a joyful experience, however, there may be signs of improvement or hope at Azamara. A few weeks back I put a call into Azamara in the UK, the call was answered within three rings and I queried a lost (my fault) refer and receive certificate which was due to expire in early August. The certificate was reissued within a couple of days by email. Again my fault, when I went to pay my TA the final deposit I forgot to apply the R&R certificate. Last week I again rang Az and the phone was answered very promptly I asked could the allowance be applied retrospectively. I was asked to leave it with them and asked to make my TA aware that I had spoken with Az. I rang my TA updated them and was told the prospect of getting a retrospective £200 discount was slim. Today I got a phone call from my TA to be told that Az had applied $300 OBC by way of allowance to the unused R&R certificate. Thank you, Azamara. There is hope.

Good point. Friends of mine (family of four) flew Leeds Bradford to Dublin with Ryanair, and then commenced their flights to South Africa with BA from Dublin to LHR and onto South Africa. They saved a couple of grand on APD. I can’t remember how they booked the homeward flight, but they got train back up north from LHR

Sycamore have invested a lot of money in Az, I would suspect they will sell Az when they have overcome their IT issues and are in a profitable position. Otherwise there is nothing to sell off.

Same here

We booked a Japanese intensive for 2021 whilst onboard Pursuit in 2019 and got a good deal in conjunction with 6 free nights. Covid kicks in, the cruise was cancelled and we were not allowed to use lift and shift to the same cruise at a later date. So we ended up being stung with a poor deal in the Med last year using our 6 free nights.

Love it! I also enjoy trying all the regional variations. Bury is great, Stornaway is a bit bland, Clonakilty, very different to Bury is probably my favourite.

We have had four post Covid Az cruises and one later this year. I have no apprehensions whatsoever. In fact I can’t wait and I am counting the days! All my details on the website are correct, and was updated within 36 hours from when I made my final payment via my TA. I have phoned the UK phone number twice to check on some ‘refer and receive’ OBC and the phones were answered in the UK within three rings each time.

Does it not go a bit flat and lose its bubbles by the time you get home?

Thanks for sharing and confirming that.

Low staff numbers. Lack of experience, when asked to double job, eg room stewards serving food etc.

As a postscript, I spoke with a friend today who has just returned from an Alaskan cruise on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth. The onboard experience was so bad that they lodged a formal complaint on day two. The onboard experience did improve for them thereafter, but it took the complaint to make a difference. They will never return to Cunard. The same friend cruised onboard Az Onward in April and have already booked again for next year because the onboard experience was so good.

I voted yes, because I have used 'refer and receive' within the last year and the friends I referred to Azamara have already returned for a second cruise this year having been so impressed with their first.

Tinned sardines are great, they drive my dog nuts if I open a tin, and he has to get a share. Soft shell crabs, either in Maryland or Singapore are one of my favourites. I could never find much meat on a pig's foot, but Pierre Koffmans stuffed pigs trotter is a different choice entirely. https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/stuffed-pigs-trotter-recipe

I agree, similar tastes and dining experiences.

Norris, that looks like a brilliant cruise. I'm looking forward to your report, photos and lyrical content.

I was never a big fan of Okra, I always found it slimy and greasy. However, I had it last year in a 5* hotel in Mumbai as part of a dish and actually quite enjoyed it. Other than that, I'm not too squeamish and judge food on taste rather than appearance.

If it was served hot, would it not have to come with a health warning “Caution Hot”?

Great story, what a treat.

Cafe Direct make some great coffees

I very rarely use Costa and if I do it’s normal that I have a Cortado. It was recommended to me by an Italian friend who knew his coffee and I’ve stuck with it. It is also easier on the bladder than some of the fish bowl size mugs they serve. By rule of thumb I try to stick to Italian brands or bespoke local roasters who are really good. The two best brands I have ever drunk are Britt in Costa Rica and Meinl in Austria. I brought home good supplies each time but can’t justify online purchases as the carriage costs are scandalous.