Grandma Cruising

We had a long chat with the Hotel Director on our recent cruise and he was telling us all about the supply problems they have been having. They had problems sourcing a number of items. Examples were escargots - these were on the menu at the beginning of the cruise, but had vanished by the end. Schweppes tonic was in short supply when we boarded, but he had managed to find some in Rio (we saw it come aboard) and it lasted for the full (transatlantic) voyage. He also told us that for a while they couldn’t source Tanquery gin - not because of a shortage of gin, but because Tanquery had problems with the supply of their bottles. I’d also say that in 12 cruises I don’t remember ever seeing either sprouts or rock salt!

Take a copy of your bank or credit card statement showing your payment(s) with you to embarkation, if it’s still showing that by June.

Thank you uktog for your topic and post. I absolutely agree with you, people need to have a little faith that things will work out. Yes there are errors in the website, but as you say there have been no reports of people being denied boarding - once people get to the ship everything seems to get sorted out. I also agree with norn iron that there has been no drop in standards since COVID. We’ve done 2 cruises in the last 6 months and everything has been as good as ever.

The software providers are Verizon Seaware and their system is used by other cruise companies & other holiday companies.

I think you’ve made my point. When two companies merged it worked - because they became one (so no longer competitors) so working in parallel was feasible , but when companies split (as Azamara has done from RCCL) and become competitors it’s more difficult. Dress rehearsals would have meant RCCL’s agreement to divert resources to this - why should they do that?

But not Explora as they use the same system - Verison Seaware

When people mention running parallel systems, I don’t really understand how this could work. If you’re moving from one system belonging to RCCL to another you bought in (Verison Seaware is a system that is being used by other cruise lines & holiday companies), how can you run in parallel, unless that was agreed with RCCL (and why would they when you’re now a competitor.). I can see that if a company is moving to new software and has to migrate their own data across to the new system, it would be entirely sensible to run both systems together until you are sure the new system is working properly. However in this case the data being migrated to the new system is from one company to another. Surely to run in parallel would mean RCCL continuing to take and manage Azamara bookings - that seems unlikely.

As this was a transfer from RCCL to what has now become a competitor it’s possible that there wasn’t the opportunity to trial the data beforehand - it depends what the contract between them says.

Everyone on CC who has embarked since the new website was ‘up has reported that everything was sorted out and all OK once aboard. I think it’s just the implementation of the new website and the poor data they got from RCCL.

Mine is still all there - did it ask you if you wanted to save your information before you signed out?

If you want some space between your photos, once you have downloaded them and start inserting them, make sure you press return after you’ve inserted one and then that your cursor is below the picture you just inserted before you insert the next one.

Yes, I was able to book the Azamazing evening and to add our passport details and our photos.

Likewise with Oceania.

Here’s a page that shows the size by square feet/ square meter - https://www.cruisemapper.com/cabins/Azamara-Journey-566

That’s a nuisance. I guess they know it needs work, but is less of a priority than sorting out people’s wrong cruise booking information.

What happens if you book an excursion on line? Does the cost come up as an amount owing? From what I remember of the previous system it automatically took the charge from any OBC you had, but my memory may be faulty.

Well the passport information etc seems to be pretty stable so far! Its not a case of knowing where I want independent - until I can see all the excursions in detail I won’t know which ports don’t have a ships excursion I’m interested in, that’s why I keep having a look!

Thanks very much for your posts and photos. Glad you had a good time.

Totally agree that those of us who have cruises later on in the year should not try to contact Azamara by phone or using the form. I don’t however see anything wrong in adding photos and documentation. I always add passport information, where requested, as soon as I make any flight or other booking - that makes sure I don’t forget. I’m also keen to book excursions asap so I have plenty of time to look for independent tours to fill in the gaps.

I was able to book the Azamazing evening, but haven’t tried to book anything else. Also I’m well outside the final balance being due.

Mine is all still there. Did it ask you if you wanted to save your reservation. I think once I had put that in I went to look at My Profile and it asked me if I wanted to save.

We did a Norway cruise with Azamara and loved it, great ports. Azamara seems to be pretty good for solo travellers. They organise meet ups for solo travellers and there is often an (unlisted) table at dinner specifically for solo travellers. Also we find that people who cruise on Azamara tend to be very friendly and happy to chat.

Yes, ours is the same - at first glance it looks like only $150, but it says Guest 1,2, so I assume that means $150 each - total $300 which is what it should be. It’s also how it was listed on my original invoice.

No, our next cruise is November and we got it

I think it stayed open until 4pm when we embarked in Rio in March. No good for us as we didn’t get on board until well after 4:30 despite having had a 2pm embarkation time.