travelberlin

Good updated Gym Bad: designated areas for solo cruisers. And not the most desirable areas

I am not a fan of designated areas for solo cruisers, which are not midship and which are put together as if someone expects solos remain on their own. Was not NCL which had that concept ? Crystal is not back. The new Crystal with the former 2 Crystal ships is starting to operate. I will wait and see how it develops further with the new Crystal. Ivi

Fortunately Internet is working now. I hope it remains like that. On the mean time I would like to mention that we have two very good Gast lecturers on the ship. Dr. Jean Kenyons, who has given us interesting information on the wildlife of this area. And Dr. Joey Coffey, who gives us insights on the general historical and economic aspects of the countrys we are visiting. I like that both of them visualize their lectures very well and that there are easy to follow. On the fourth floor we find maps and a little information on the ports. Ushuia is very busy today. Many ships visiting. Ivi

Excuse me, I did not get the fascinating part of it 🧐 thanks for the info anyhow Ivi

Terry you bring me to laugh 😂 Ivi

Internet is not working in Ushuia! We are on port not somewhere far away. In Ushuia town every one has got good connection. Let’s hope this will improve later on. Prices for internet are too expensive to just look away. Ivi

Oh this seems exciting. Since at the moment in Ushuia my internet connection is not the best, I will have to wait until I return home for looking at the details. Talking about internet is Crystal going to use Star Link? I remember the internet on the ships was the worst at sea. Ivi

I agree with this Keith. Not Crystal but same feeling… Ivi

On the Pursuit right now. Cabin attendant and Restaurant personnel (waiters and managers) are excellent as always. Captain Michael makes such a good impression! I was even lucky that our tender boat yesterday had Captain Michael bringing us to port. There are apparently many “first time contracts” with Azamara. I have met some who although new, seem to be a good fit for this company. I have met one, who unless she gets a proper training and changes her attitude, she might be better with MSC cruises. Fortunately she just works for shore excursions so I am not booking any on this ship to avoid interacting with her. Ivi

Thanks for your detailed answer. I really hope that your optimism is right, and most important that Azamara continues to offer what we have learned to like with this company. I guess, I am also optimistic because I have booked on board another cruise 😃 Ivi

Are you sure Azamara does not have financial problems? How did the owners finance the new ship Onward? No debts? Actually I am more concerned now about the future of Azamara then when I knew it was the “luxury” daughter from Royal Caribbean. Royal has decided to go for Silversea investing whatever is necessary to make Silversea their “luxury” ships, and sold Azamara. If, on the long run, this is good for Azamara, time will tell. Ivi

Yesterday in Punta del Este. Up to now everything is fine. Ivi

I have also received that email. Ivi

The TV does not show you your account. But you have a couple of news channels and 2 movie channels. Then the usual ship channels for excursions, next cruises and similar. Ivi

I did the test and in my case 30 and 6. On the 5th floor. Ivi

I see… thanks. Ivi

I am experiencing good internet in comparison with previous Azamara cruises. Maybe you will have to ask? I have understood that there are about 470 passengers on board. Ivi

I am on Pursuit now. Enjoying it. Last evening Azamazing evening was at Teatro Soliz in Montevideo. The first part of it, I found it less enjoyable than the second. The second part was Candombe

We find the check in time 14.00 fine if it is used for cleaning and disinfecting. Otherwise not. We hope that the ships are really being cleaned good before new passengers come onboard. Ivi

I suggest you read the whole reviews from Azamara to get a good idea. One opinion is not enough. Ivi

Now I have to say, that we have had wonderful cruises with MSC in Europe and as repositioning Grand Voyages. So I am thankful that MSC went into the cruising business. The negative reviews seem to come mainly from short cruises in USA, which are sold at discounted prices and include the drinks. With that type of cruises, MSC is attracting a certain public, similar to the spring breakers. I would never book one of those cruises with MSC or with any other company. One thing which is annoying with MSC is that even long cruises can end up being divided into short trips. MSC operates like a shuttle bus sometimes. So even if one books a 7 day cruise, it could turn out to be sold as 4 and 3 days at discounted prices. Probably few passengers who book those short cruises are interested in the cruise itself or in the port of calls. The atmosphere at MSC cruises and the quality of the service can change a lot according to the public and to the length of the cruise. Ivi

Or maybe if they get bumped because they did not cruise in the last two years, they can apply again for the status match 😫. Anyhow with diminishing perks is not really worth it. Ivi

We were in June in the Magnifica. We have experienced mostly friendly bar services and we got our drinks without delay. No need to tip anyone for getting a better service in MSC. At least not in Europe. We have been in other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity where we have noticed this tipping custom. But since almost everyone was tipping US 1 per drink, then you would have to go higher if you wanted a preferred service. We have waited our turn and a friendly attitude was all we needed to be noticed. Ivi

I have watched the whole video and OMG 😱. I hope Azamara takes corrective action. Unfriendly and inefficient guest relation personnel and ship in poor condition is not something cruisers expect. Ivi

And even when you complete the booking it might end up not showing the solo deal, even though it is advertised for the particular cruise. Ivi