luv2travel90266

Did you get a taxi or was there an excursion offered?

It appears it can be purchased with OBC as well as excursions, dinner packages (with out reservations), etc through your travel agent. The website doesn't allow you to use the OBC yourself at this time.

I see you went in 2023. We are leaving in the fall for a similar Azamara itinerary and also looking for what to do in Volos? Prior to the cruise we will be renting a car and driving so are staying in Kalabaka for 2 nights so looking for something else to do in that port stop.

The waiters are happy to provide you a sample and if you dislike provide another within the wines included in your drink package.

As a positive I called Azamara directly today instead of going through my travel agent. The call was picked up in less than 2 minutes. The purpose of the call was my OBC on the website didn't match what was due tome. They confirmed it shows on their records including the refer OBC credit that is not reflected on the website. The representative was ready to take any excursion order and apply the OBC. Excellent onshore representative. Back on subject I might be considered a wine snob. I have a substantial cellar and do monthly blind tastings. I also recognize that many friends find inexpensive wines totally acceptable (ie the branded Azamara wines in the basic package). As a business there is no purpose providing a $30-$50/bottle wine when a $10 wine is found acceptable. In California the restaurant mark up on wine is 2.5 to 3 times cost. That means the $33 bottle I might typically drink would be $100 when served at a restaurant. I gladly pay $25 to $35 for corkage which might be higher in my area than other markets. Buying wine in port and paying $15 corkage on Azamara is a great deal. I do agree that the published wines should be available especially for the higher package. I also think the "Ultimate Package" wines might disappoint as it did on my first Azamara Cruise. I have not bought wine bottles from Azamara so can't comment but that is another option available.

La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir sells for for $16.65/bottle at Von's in Southern California. Not a premium wine but quaffable.

It was reported corkage has been raised from $10 to $15. That is still better value than the ultimate package and you can buy in port wines at the level of your palate and save

I received 5% of the net cruise cost after subtracting discount for booking on board and taxes.

Has there been any change on the wines offered, upgrading the selection?

I should have said that we stayed overnight at the Olimpia Hotel just steps from where the AirPort Express is taken. Stay over an extra night and enjoy Venice if the flight is offered the following day.

There is a direct express bus to the airport I took last year https://www.veneziaairport.it/en/transport/bus.html that runs early. I recall us taking a 6:30am bus. Not sure when the ship will allow you to depart however.

Some additional info. I called my travel agent today to take advantage of the discount. While I made the call I also had referral credits that had not been applied to my next cruise. Followed the directions exactly including emailing the certificates but never received an acknowledgement. Both were efficiently handled by my agent and already show on the Azamara website account.

I put in for 2 refer and receive $300 OBC credits with Azamara credit # that have not shown up yet applied to my September cruise account. Hoping the delay you are experiencing isn’t the norm. Good luck

Still the best deal. You can bring unlimited bottles aboard, drink the quality level of wine you prefer and cost less than paying for the upgraded packages. Here in California the corkage is $25-$35 at most restaurants.

The attached is the packages advertised. Please be advised that most of these may not be available and Azamara tries to offer suitable replacements. Hopefully you will be surprised with what you like. beverage-packages.pdf

When I booked with Uniworld River Cruises I pay in full and get a cash discount. I asked when booking with Azamara when I booked approx 15 months in advance while onboard and was told they don't do it. 5% is probably cheaper money then they can get from bonds or bank loans and cash flow is important in any business.

As suggested before you can bring an unlimited amount of wine bottles on board and pay $10 corkage in the dining room. I typically stop retuning to the ship and pick up several bottles at a local wine store in the port. The plus is you will get to taste wines you may not be able to find at home. You can also choose wines within your preferred price point. I personally do a google search of wine stores near the port.

I used a hotspot connected to land when we were off the coast a mile or so off in the Med with good results. The basic internet was useless for working. They appear to now offer a high speed option for more dollars and are throttling the basic price Internet package.

Found this article that says Sycamore has controlling interest in Margaritaville towards the end of the article Palm Beach Post

A good travel agent is a valuable resource along with providing you either a discount or additional on board credits in addition to what you see on Azamara's website. There are independent cruise specialist advertising on the web, organizations that have travel departments and some big box stores offer travel too. We aren't allowed to specifically name any but only a few minutes of a websearch will locate many.

It will suggest your cabin but you can change it online. A list will appear of availablr cabins based upon upon your choice. Personally we prefer a 7th floor center of ship for smooth sailing along with access to the free laundry. You might find a travel agent who can also help you. Note there is information on cruise critic based upon prior cruisers and what they rated the specific room they sailed in.

Also stayed there : www.hotelavenidapalace.pt last year. Excellent hotel walking distance to lots of restaurants and sites. That was my first time is Lisbon and i plan to return.

Haven’t received this email for September Greek Island cruise on the Pursuit. When I booked a Uniworld River Cruise about 14 months ago, they offered me I believe 10% discount for full payment which I took the advantage of.

It is a 1st come, 1st serve which makes late boarding a disadvantage. You are also competing for reservations made by B2B cruisers who stayed on from the previous cruise as reservations can be made at the B2B meeting held the day before.

I would suggest booking the specialty dinners first or split up so you can do both. Enjoy your cruise.