excitedofharpenden

I did do a reply to you, but it's been deleted. The new fridge is most definitely quite a bit larger than the old one. Below is a photo inside the old fridge. From the video I saw of Onward you can fit four cans across and three bottles. So they've either been sent the wrong fridge or have messed up the order and not thought about size. Or maybe that size isn't available any longer? Phil

Yes, you are right. See how long it's been since I was on a ship?!🤓 Phil

Of course I meant the cat 8s are 143sq ft. Too long since I last saw a ship! Haha Phil

Yes, 143 sq ft relates to the cat 6. The cat 5 are the same size as a verandah cabin. The window creates a big shelf area behind the sheer and curtain that I find useful. Fwiw I have stayed in cat 5s many times and I really like them. Good location and quiet. Just an afterthought. I'd avoid one of the new ones they've built on the starboard side of deck 4. I've stayed in one and thought it was smaller and the walls were paper thin. Phil

It's frustrating because the guy does many good new ship video reviews, but they are all heavily promoting his travel company at the beginning and end. Just have to leave it to the readers here to search YouTube for Onward ship tour. I found it very easily. Phil

I like to be organised admittedly, but I'd find it a pain too. Maybe for a week or so I could do it, but often I'm on the ship for longer than that (sometimes much longer). For a cruiseline that promotes staying onboard for a while it's a failing. No matter how well thought out that small bathroom is (which I think it is)! Phil

It’s a silly place to put the fridge. It wouldn’t be so bad of they'd put a shelf in above it because that is wasted space. It certainly cuts down on the useful hanging space though. They've just left the old hanging bar there, which adds insult to injury because it's useless. I think what has happened is they've bought new fridges that won't fit in the usual cabinetry under the desk or in the corner cupboard next to the long mirror. Hopefully enough people will mention this shortcoming because storage space is at a premium in those cabins. Phil

I think that's confusing. The op was asking about standard verandah cabins, not the "Plus" ones. I agree with mdpa. No additional perks in a Club Verandah over an inside, except more Azamara Circle points per night. Phil

I've been to Chania quite a few times on Azamara. It's one of my favourites, partly because it's so handy and easy to walk and very pretty. Easy to do on your own. A couple of photos. One from the ship with the tender boats on their way and one from the shore. Phil

From memory I think it's here. Phil

Absolutely not an issue. They are professional and want to get good reviews, regardless of whether or not they manage to upsell. Phil

Yes and that's what it's all about and the concern of the op. Why wait for the pitch if you know it's coming? Set the scene at the start so they don't even need to go there. It's never a straightforward upsell attempt either. Starts with observations and leads on to more. There is absolutely no reason you can't say something at the beginning. Simple. Not rude. Mission accomplished. Phil

If you booked direct with Azamara and were due it then it would be on your invoice. Do you still have a copy of that? Phil

I know that many of us have enjoyed the ballroom dancing of Sasha and Dima, both in the days as members of the permanent onboard cast and as guest entertainers. I see they are, after 8 years, to go their own ways. I for one will miss them terribly. I have so many good memories. They have become firm friends and I have spent a lot of time on cruises with them. I've been to see them and stayed with Sasha at her home in Kyiv in the days before this terrible war. I hope to return when this is all over. They are as delightful and professional in real life as they are on the ship. They'll be missed. Thankfully they are safe out of Ukraine, but still have family there. Finally I want to wish all Ukrainians well during this awful time. I think of you all the time and pray for a quick solution. 🇺🇦🙏 Phil

I agree with Host Jazzbeau. I too am glad there is something for everyone. With coming out of the pandemic and what has gone on I think there is real merit in cruise companies mixing it up a little bit. In addition, Azamara have had many "lifestyle" charters in the past (read clothing optional, swingers cruises) and will continue to do so because they are profitable for the line. Sex therapist shows? Why not? I'm in! Lol Phil

That's the way I do it. Just make sure to say something at the beginning and they will respect that and not try to sell you extras. I've still got a pair of (expensive) footwear inserts that I never use from one cruise where I took my eye off the ball😄 Phil

A tip for others re the pizza. I'm not a fan of the ones in Windows either, but the room service pizza? That's a different matter. And ask for it with extra mozzarella. You'll need to phone. Trust me. They are way better. Phil

This is the key. You should be ok, but I would make sure the ship are aware by visiting Guest Relations a couple of days prior. You probably want to check it as soon as you are on the ship too, just to be sure. Phil

No, I read it right. For me definitely not worth the extra. My main issue would be where they could allocate me a cabin. They are all directly under a public deck with the potential for noise. That was my point. They've located most of the Plus cabins in the worst place in my view with the intention I'm sure to add some value to them to sell them. Phil

Whadda guy!😁 Phil

For me at least it's definitely not worth a £500+ bid in for a balcony plus cabin. Most likely an allocation of a P2 or P3 directly below the public deck. You might strike lucky with a P1, but they can keep the standard size balcony stateroom with extra amenities that take up valuable space in the cabin and a potentially noisy location. Phil

This is my big concern too and we just have to see how it all pans out. Just a couple of snippets of information. Admittedly I haven't yet been on Onward or the "new" Azamara and this info comes from a friend who I trust as a reliable source and has been on the ship. Firstly, the material used on the pool deck, running track and balcony flooring was of a very cheap appearance and does not match the existing ships. Secondly I have heard that the Hotel Director will be much less visible going forward with a different emphasis, decided to be this way by Sycamore. This will be a real shame as they are a key part of the team and important to guests. The HD on Onward was pretty invisible so I understand. I'm not sure what this will mean for the fleet. It would not sit well with the likes of Heike Berdos on her ship. Invisibility is not not her thing at all. Let's see how it goes. More and more reports will be coming out and the fears I have might be unfounded, but from what I've heard about Onward and the way it is run I won't be rushing to book a cruise on her just yet. Phil

This was one thing that stood out to me when they changed the Black Sea itinerary. Well not so much changed, but cancelled it. I totally understand their reason for doing this, but having looked at doing a Black Sea itinerary before and seeing the premium in price one pays for it they certainly didn't make it right for those booked. On the whole I would say Azamara doing a pretty good job if there are changes, sometimes verging on the generous, but not in this case. Phil

I think it's a mistake. Phil

That's an important definition and you need to clarify. Up to know for me it's always book within a year, but take the cruise further out if necessary, but this was for using Azamara Circle free nights. I can't see why it should be different here, but assume nothing! Haha Phil