Noggins

,Thank you for any information you can share. Read above! More to come but remember this is only our experience. (The shower curtain didn't attack us) Adrian

So, let's just address a few bits 'n' bobs. The pier side covid test was the mildest, quickest we've ever had. One nostril mildly tickled and result within 10 minutes. Charge appears to go to the room. Our ocean view room on deck 4 is snug but walls are all redecorated ( including bathroom) and new carpet and linens. No complaints. (And no, carpet is not damp!) Staff interactions all positive - nothing too much trouble. We arrived about 2pm for a 2.30 slot. Staff approached immediately with greetings - and a stapler! Have upgraded to Ultimate.... And our included internet is the unlimited package - so expectations exceeded again. Finally, Colin & Steph have managed to avoid looking a day older than when we last saw them cruising pre covid. How did they manage that??! (Or is the 'ultimate' impact already at work 😃) Dinner in Prime C later. Adrian

Onboard! If I was the sort to look for faults I would be disappointed! Utterly faultless and professional process and we are already one champagne down, all specialties booked, safety drill done, covid test passed and we are exactly 30 minutes beyond our official check in time. (We arrived a little early) Life is good. Adrian

So, a bit of a delay out of Stansted - and the blue / yellow plane turned out to be red. Michael has clearly done a deal with the late great Nikki and LaudaAir was our carrier. The Bologna Airport Hotel is fitting the bill nicely and tomorrow is the big day - testing at the pier for us..... Hopefully things won't grind to a halt at that point 🤞! Colin & Steph - looking forward to seeing you! Ivi - yep, we've done 3 Star Clippers trips so far. Different yes but we're sure we are about to have a wonderful cruise - sans sails! As for the maiden, I don't intend to engage in any raking over that. I'm only interested in what is to come. No one has their glass more half full than us. Adrian

It was never my intention to offer any sort of commentary on this trip - and it may just peter out. We'll have to see how time / inspiration/ encouragement(!?) play out. Overall though I have decided to 'blame' Ivi that I have made this start! 😎 This is a trip that was supposed to have happened in March 2020 - in the Caribbean and on a different ship - Royal Clipper. Multiple new bookings and cancellations since then bring us here - with 4 friends. Most recently our Tradewinds cruise was cancelled and it was rapid scurrying around looking for a cruise that fitted a precise window of dates that led us to Azamara. The sharp eyed among you will notice that masts and sails were to have been involved. Two of our party have never cruised before and were only persuaded to come if there were going to be sails. After all the cancellations I had hoped they wouldn't notice a certain absence of sailing equipment but the internet put paid to that (they spotted a picture of Onward) so I had to engage my best persuasive powers. They have yet to be convinced - so fingers crossed. (My brother has just returned from Onward with some horrific tales, laced with reassurances that 'everything will be alright for your trip' sort of comments. I do hope he is right - and that I will be reporting good things.) As we booked so late there was no question of going to Venice, so we fly to Bologna later with our lives and plans safely in the hands of Mr O'Leary and his blue and yellow planes. Overnight in a hotel near the airport then a van for the hour or so drive to the port. Have we cruised before? Yes, and on many different lines. Big ships, medium ships, small ships, tiny expedition ships. We are very familiar (and fond of) the R ships that Oceania have. We have been on them all, Caribbean, Med and transatlantic. If we are doing any comparing it will be with them. (Crystal had become a favoured home away from home but that has all come to an abrupt stop......) House / pet sitter due anytime so that is all the intro. you're going to get. From now on if you get anything it will be what I would want to read reports of - although I'll try to answer questions too - if anyone is out there with any. Adrian

Pre covid there was always a little shuttle bus for the short trip from where the tenders land up to the town proper. Provided by the town rather than the regional bus company, I believe. Whether or not it is too strenuous to walk the short distance depends entirely on your state of health / fitness (or how long you were in the bar the night before...!). I have walked it several times - and hope to again, one day soon.

NO. At least not in my view. ACO is used for, largely, one off comments or short discussions about specific points from onboard any one of four ships. This is different to Ivi's report of her experiences on a specific ship and it's current voyage. Adrian (Who departs today for Onward...👍🥂☀️)

Well done, Ivi - and have a wonderful trip! I have heard some horror stories from a couple just off Onward. It would be good to hear your take on any changes since your last time cruise with AZ. Adrian

Of course, first impressions are important and if you have just arrived in your holiday accommodation you want expectations to be met. But what expectations are reasonable? Could Azamara have rebuilt every inch of the inside of Onward? I'm not expecting 'new' everywhere when we board next week. 'Not clean' is obviously not acceptable but bumps, dings and marks will not spoil my holiday. (I always feel that we owe it to future passengers to take as much care in our rooms as we would with our own homes.) I do hope this lady will find more to please her than disappoint her as her holiday progresses. Adrian

Thanks, Colin It would be great if you could report back on what actually happens at the pier on Friday! An email from Azamara today sends me to statements that everyone will be tested at the pier (Italian departure) and that results will be sent by email within 15 minutes. Adrian