travelberlin

I did see a family in a South American itinerary being turned away at dinner time in the restaurant because they were wearing simple sandals called Hawaianas. Ivi

How much was it before? 10 dollars? It it was 10 dollars an increase of 50% for allowing to take your own bottle to the restaurant is for me a big deal. What would justify that increase? Azamara is not incurring in any costs because of that. On the contrary it is saving its included wines if people bring their own. Ivi

Today we went for a walk from Griebnitzsee to the Glienicke Brücke in Berlin. It is a little over 7 kmts walk, quite easy but since we are not that young anymore still demanding for us. Lots of impressions on the way, for example The Truman Villa, the Stalin Villa… I guess those were the places where those guests were staying at the time of the conference in Berlin at the end of WW II. One thing that caught my attention was a small table in front of a house in which some home products like honey were being sold. The owners were just trusting that people are honest and after picking the product will deposit the correct amount of money for it at the same place. I was glad to see that. This is something that I have seen in rural areas but not that much in cities. In Berlin is becoming more and more difficult to trust others. But it is nice, isn’t it? Ivi

I hope so… Ivi

I suggest you go at 14.30. Azamara does not have that many passengers that will have you waiting two hours to board. Ivi

A group of young Italians arrived at the hotel where we were staying in a the quiet town in the Bernese highlands. Those were their cars… Ivi

Lovely picture of Anne Marie 👍🥂 Ivi

There is a place in Switzerland called Meiringen. It is about 30 minutes by train from Interlaken. They say that meringues were first produced in this place. Ivi

I hace also asked my TA. The new price is higher than the one I have got. Maybe there is a code that we do not know? Ivi

Is that Russ? Ivi

Switzerland is such a beautiful country Nancy! And they have a fantastic train system. And the Swiss people are so friendly 🤩. I hope you can make it one day. Plan at least one week and concentrate on one region. We have been coming in the last years every year to do some hiking. This year we are in the Bernese highlands. Ivi

How about a small cruise on Lake Brienz? Ivi

Have a look at the list of countries requiring it… Ivi

Seen today in the beautiful Gstaad in Switzerland 🇨🇭

Are drinks included? Ivi

I do not like buffets and now less due to COVID. I do not like to eat food that has been sitting who knows how long before I come to the restaurant. Buffets do not hat have the quality of food cooked to order. And imho there is always a waste of food with buffets. I was quite happy with the Rodizio (Brasilian restaurant) at Crystal. Good, fresh grilled meat and shrimps served warm at you table. Ivi

I would also rather have lower rates than non refundable OBC. I have ended up buying things which I do not need at very expensive prices. You think you get a huge amount of OBC but that money does not buy much. The purchase power of US 1000 as OBC is much less than US 1000 on land. Ivi

Nothing is free 😉 Ivi

The Jungfrau in the Bernese highlands. It is a wonderful region. It does not always have to be cruising 😃 Ivi

Yes I am booked on that one 😃 See you onboard if God so wishes 🙏🏼 Ivi

I have found the experience onboard as good as before COVID and before new owners. The pre cruise experience worse than before. Confusing information which created a lot of anxiety before the cruise. Enjoy your 🚢 Ivi

It sounds good. How much was the ship’s transfer? Ivi

I have just realized this thread was started by Bonnie, who was appointed by Azamara and who was very helpful. I know she is not anymore at Azamara. Anyone knows where she is? Is the a chance she might come back to Azamara? To stay in topic Italian food is my favorite. Difficult to say which dish I like the most. But Osobuco is one of them. Ivi

Some years ago, I took the Azamara excursion “Lucca on your own”. That was fine. We have got some information on the bus and a map. Lucca is a nice city to visit and the drive was not too long. Also many years ago we took the excursion “Florence on your own”. That one imho does not give you enough time for Florence and you experience a full city with mainly day tourists from different ships. Maybe you can have a look if other ships are docking in Livorno the day you will visit Florence. If I were again overnight with a cruise ship in Livorno and I would like to visit Florence, instead of booking the ships excursion, I would book a hotel for one night in Florence near the train station, and take the train from Livorno. Ivi

Oh yes Thanks! I could not remember the words. I should have googled myself 😔 Ivi