Bill Leiber

Hello Azamara Cruise Critic Followers -

 

I just want you to know that I haven't been feeling that well during the last few weeks due to a chronic illness.

 

At the present time, I'm taking a variety of medications that impact my energy level and come with some side-effects. But more often than not, I'm able to overcome those brief uncomfortable interludes.

 

In the meantime, the only downside is that my responses might not be as prompt as they have been earlier in the year. I'm looking forward to the week ahead to catch-up and thank you for your patience.

 

I will continue to do my best to serve you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello UK Azamara Loyal Guests -

 

Here is the complete press release explaining the appointment of Richard Twynam as Azamara Club Cruises first managing director in the UK and Ireland:

 

MIAMI, Dec. 6, 2013 – Azamara Club Cruises has appointed Richard Twynam as its first ever managing director in the UK and Ireland. Twynam will lead a new 10-strong team dedicated to the destination immersive cruise line. Twynam brings almost 20 years of experience in the travel industry with him, having held senior positions at companies such as Air New Zealand, Tui UK, Virgin Holidays Cruises and Kuoni UK.

 

The appointment follows a decision earlier this year by parent company RCL Cruises Ltd to evolve its UK and Ireland business structure in response to business growth. Beginning January 1, 2014, there will be three dedicated businesses; however, Twynam will continue to work in partnership with Stuart Leven, manager director Royal Caribbean International and Jo Rzymowska, managing director Celebrity Cruises.

“The UK and Ireland market continues to be one of the largest and most important for Azamara Club Cruises and is going from strength to strength,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “We are excited to welcome Richard Twynam to lead this evolution as we continue to grow and invest in our business in the UK. Now is a really exciting time for the business as the expansion continues.”

 

Supporting Twynam as commercial director is David Duff, formerly commercial planning and analysis for RCL Cruises Ltd. Duff is joined by a business analyst and an air and inventory team member. The new commercial team will aid agents in planning pricing, itineraries and strengthen the brand among British and Irish travelers.

 

In addition, Twynam will oversee a three-strong sales team and a marketing communications and PR manager. The sales and marketing team will be supported by a trade marketing executive, the first time the cruise line has enjoyed this level of agent focus in the UK and Ireland.

 

Richard will officially join the business on 2 January 2014 but will be spending some time in the office between now and the New Year. In fact, this past Friday, Larry Pimentel, President & CEO of Azamara Club Cruises joined Richard and the new team in the UK office for a planning meeting.

 

Azamara Club Cruises offers distinct destination-immersive experiences for up-market travelers. The cruise line uniquely features voyages with longer stays and more overnights at ports to provide guests the opportunity to experience night touring at some of the most compelling destinations of Europe, Asia, South America, West Indies, as well as Central and North America. On board the intimate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, guests receive exceptional and personal service and the cruise line’s authentic, exclusive and bespoke AzAmazing Evenings events that showcase the unexpected colors and flavors of a destination.Guests also enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world, as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships’ bars, lounges and restaurants when open; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.

 

Azamara Club Cruises is a brand of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture. Together, the six brands operate a combined total of 41 ships with four under construction. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 460 destinations on all seven continents.

 

For more information, travelers can call their travel professional, dial 1-877-999-9553, or visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com. Connect with Azamara Club Cruises on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AzamaraClubCruises, on Twitter @AzamaraVoyages or follow President and CEO @LarryPimentel. Travel agent professionals can access more information and make reservations at www.CruisingPower.com.

 

As I've stated before, there are actually different rules of engagement in our markets so although the programs deliver savings, the details differ to adhere to specific marketplace policies. For customer service in the UK and Ireland, I recommend that you email Azamara UK directly:

§ For pre-cruise questions - azamaraservice.uk@rccl.com.

§ For post-cruise issues - custserv.uk@rccl.com

 

In the meantime, I will be checking with the UK for other contact information and adding that information sometime next week.

 

Thanks for your patience during this transition process.

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

There appear to be inconsistencies in pricing for land discoveries on Journey's June 3 Memories of WW II cruise. We recently booked this cruise and the two following cruises and are trying to book excursions before the 25% discount expiration date of January 4.

 

We booked the June 7 D-Day beaches excursion out of Honfleur and the discounted price was correctly calculated. The "Shore Excursions Search Results" page shows the regular price to be $299:eek::eek: and when we booked it we were given the correct, discounted-by-25% price of $224.25. But when we tried to book the Arnhem "Bridge Too Far" excursion for June 11 in Amsterdam, there was no discount calculated off the regular price of $259.

 

[Note: In bright red on the "Shore Excursions Search Results" page it says: "Please note that the prices shown below are full fare. When adding the excursion to the shopping cart, the Land Discoveries savings price will be displayed and charged to your card."]

 

So we called Azamara and were told that the brochure shows the discounted price of this excursion to be $259 and that the regular price shown on the "Shore Excursions Search Results" page is incorrect. This, of course, makes no sense at all because, if in fact $259 were the price after the 25% discount, that would make the regular price $345.33, and Azamara never prices shore excursions with cents on the end.

 

The Azamara rep, whose name I did not catch, said she would check with the shore excursions desk and someone would call me back on December 2 or 3. Well, it's now early evening on December 5 and no call. Azamara shoreside strikes again.

 

Bill, can you help? I'd like to book the Arnhem excursion but am not going to pay full price for it.

 

Hello Marinaro44 and other readers -

 

First - Marinaro44 - thank you very much for your loyalty to our onboard experience! Your patience with our shoreside operation is much appreciated.

 

I will check with our global tour operations unit to answer your questions and get back to you early next week. You will not miss the booking deadline.

 

Enjoy the weekend ahead.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

BILL:

 

As I understand it, Taipei is about an hour's ride from the docks.

 

If passengers are going to a longer visit in Taipei (either on their own or on private tours), it would seem more reasonable (and less wear-and-tear) if they can stay in Taipei, join the AzAmazing Evening Event at the Grand Hotel and get a ride back after the event.

 

Forcing them to get back to the port and then back again to Taipei - two hours - seems rather unreasonable.

 

Hello Tommui987 -

 

Our shore operations team is checking your suggested option with our local tour operator.

 

I should be able to get back to you early next week with a response.

 

Enjoy the weekend ahead!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

I'm sure this has been asked before, but why does the website need my credit card information when I only wish to register for the free Azamazing event? What will the information be used for?

 

Hello Wacktle -

 

Thank you for your question seeking an explanation why a credit card number is required when you book your AzAmazing Evening Event. It's to ensure that we have your credit card information on file in case you cancel after the deadline for doing so without penalty.

 

Although AzAmazing Evenings events are complimentary and included on all except transatlantic crossings and voyages that are less than 7 nights long. A few select itineraries may not feature ports conducive to such events, in which case the AzAmazing Evenings event will be held onboard.

 

Nevertheless, reservationsare required for your AzAmazing Evenings event. After booking your voyage, please visit AzamaraClubCruises.com/AzAmazingEvenings to select the event for your voyage, then follow the instructions to reserve your place. If you do not pre-book the AzAmazing Evenings event online but decide to participate once onboard, you may sign up until the morning of the event, space permitting. To be sure there is room for you, we encourage you to reserve before boarding.

 

CANCELLATIONS: Because Azamara Club Cruises incurs costs for each participating guest, we ask that you let us know by no later than 10:00 PM the previous day if you decide not to attend. Confirmed guests who do not cancel by this deadline and do not show up will be assessed a cancellation fee of $100 per person. Remember that Onboard Credits (OBCs) cannot be used to pay for cancellation fees.

 

I hope this information is helpful.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Bill I wonder, would it be possible to check up about the excursions in Taipei on 14th March which is also now the day of the Azamara evening. One of the excursions, the half Day Yeliu Tour - TE21 is still showing as an afternoon excursion the return time for which might be quite tight for guests wishing to go to the evening.

 

I often have found in the past that excursions that are advertised in the afternoon end up being run in the morning - are we able to find out if TE21 is being run in the morning or afternoon? It is our preferred choice for trips, but now we have seen the Azamazing evening is that day, we are a little concerned about the timings of the day

 

Thank you so much

 

 

Hello Ann -

 

I'm sorry for the delayed response in answering your question if the time shown on the current Pdf Land Discoveries brochure for TE21 Half-Day Yeliu Tour starting at 12:30pm and lasting 4.5 hours is correct. It is.

 

The guests on the tour will be back onboard by 5pm. The first group for the AzAmazing Evening Event - Taiwanese Traditions & Cuisine at the Grand Hotel will not start departing until 6pm and we will have staggered departures.

 

Best regards,

 

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[quote name='Infrequent2']Thank you for your response however, there is still a gap in this information - which is the reason for my query. The policy doesn't say what happens if a refund request of a prepaid Land Discovery is made on board.
The gap suggests that there might be no refund on a prepaid Land discovery unless the request is made in advance of sailing.
So, back to my query - I'm afraid my understanding is still not clarified as correct or incorrect.
Where else can I go for clarification?
Again, thanks for trying - but I did read the published "Refunds" and "Terms and Conditions" and failed to understand. Hope I'm not being too thick - but I suspect we could easily change our plans once we get talking to the crew and tour advisers. Just don't want to accidentally get stung.[/quote]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Hello Infrequent2 -[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Perhaps this information will provide more clarification:[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Wingdings][SIZE=3]§[/SIZE] [/FONT][SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Tours purchased on-line or onboard may be refunded at any time prior to ticket sales closing for that particular port. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Wingdings][SIZE=3]§[/SIZE] [/FONT][SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Refund for tours cancelled at least [U]4-days prior to voyage departure[/U] goes back to the credit card used to purchase the tours; tours cancelled [U]onboard before the deadline are credited to their keycard[/U], and any credit balance at the end of the voyage is refunded to the credit card used at check-in). [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]I hope that this information is helpful.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Best regards, [/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Bill Leiber [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]_____________________[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Chief Blogging Officer* [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Azamara Club Cruises [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri](*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)[/FONT][/SIZE]

Hello Scotpom and Azamara Journey April 15, 2014 17-Night Travelers -

 

I've received confirmation that the AzAmazing Evening Event, "An Egyptian Moulid Festival" will be scheduled for the evening of April 27 onboard the ship because the long full day tours, especially the 14 hour "Luxor/Valley of the Kings" on Sunday April 27th off the Azamara Journey. Actually, the Luxor Tour is the main reason for the call.

 

We will update the exact time onboard the ship to accommodate the local conditions and probably will set 9:00 PM as the time. The idea of having the AzAmazing Evening in Fujarah was considered for a while, but we ended up keeping it in Safaga.

 

Again, I'm sorry for any confusion that the July posting might have caused.

 

Best Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[quote name='Infrequent2']Wondered if an Azamara rep would kindly clarify the cancellation/refund policy with regard to pre-booked, prepaid shore excursions?
If I understand correctly, we can book on-line (up to 4 days prior to the cruise) and prepay for excursions - but if we get on board and change our minds, then as long as we cancel on-board before the on-board published cut-off/closing time (date and hour) for the excursion, we would receive a refund of the amount prepaid.
Have I understood correctly?
Ref: Land Discoveries brochure "Refunds" and "Terms and Conditions item # 6".
Thanks so very much.[/quote]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Hello Infrequent2 -[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Thanks for your patience. Here is the refund policy...[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Wingdings][SIZE=3]§[/SIZE] [/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Any refund request of prepaid Land Discoveries received by Azamara Club Cruises 4 days prior to sailing will be made in full (unless noted otherwise). [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Wingdings][SIZE=3]§[/SIZE] [/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Tours purchased on board may be refunded at any time prior to ticket sales closing for that particular port. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Wingdings][SIZE=3]§[/SIZE] [/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]If notice of cancellation is received after closing date and hour, a refund can be assured only in the event of the ticket being resold. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Wingdings][SIZE=3]§[/SIZE] [/FONT][U][SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Land Discoveries desk closing times will be published in the Daily Program.[/FONT][/SIZE][/U]
[FONT=Wingdings][SIZE=3]§[/SIZE] [/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]No refunds will be made for failure to use all of the described services included in the tour price. Should any tour have to be abandoned due to difficulties en route, the best possible refund will be arranged according to the circumstances. Please note that tour lengths noted in the printed materials are approximate. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]I hope that this information is helpful.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Best regards, [/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Bill Leiber [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]_____________________[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Chief Blogging Officer* [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Azamara Club Cruises [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri](*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)[/FONT][/SIZE]

Bill,

 

I am totally locked out of my reservation. Cannot do online check-in, cannot do shore excursions, cannot sign up for Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle. This is my first experience with Azamara and being locked out of my reservation is not an experience I'd want to repeat.

 

We are on Quest for the 18 February, 2014 sailing. The last name is Wilder.

 

If you can get the IT people to fix it and need my reservation number my email is kelliepoodle@yahoo.com

 

Hello Janet -

 

It seems that we have had an issue with a handful of reservations that are "locked" and guests are not able to check-in, book land excursions since their reservations are locked. Reservations is asking that you or your travel agent send us a message to Le Club Voyage with your booking number and phone number and best time to call and we will review their record to see how we can help. Here is the Le Club Voyage email address: Leclubvoyage@azamaraclubcruises.com.

 

Hopefully, we might be in a position to resolve your booking problem.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Scotpom and Azamara Journey April 15, 2014 17-Night Travelers -

 

Next week I will be able to reconfirm the schedule about the impact of the 14-hour "Luxor/Valley of the Kings" Land Discoveries on Sunday April 27th and the AzAmazing Evening, "An Egyptian Moulid Festival scheduled for the evening of April 27.

 

Please note that this AzAmazing Event will be held onboard the ship with specific event locations details and timing being provided onboard. The event is described as follows:

§ Ritual chanting, dancing, whirling dervishes and circus performers are among the many attractions of an Egyptian Moulid, a festival that’s part carnival and part mystical celebration of a holy person’s birth. Tonight you’ll experience a Moulid’s “big night” finale onboard your ship. You’ll love the party atmosphere and bright strings of lights, with stalls featuring fortune tellers, henna painters, Moulid games, Egyptian treats and more. The highlight is a Whirling Dervishes zikr performance.

 

It seems that the information that I posted on July 26 stating that the AzAmazing Evening ( a "Magical Bedouin Evening in the Desert") would take place in Fujairah on April 18 has been changed; however, I will need to reconfirm that with global tour operations.

 

I'm sorry for any confusion that the July posting might have caused. Please stand by for the final response.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hi Bill .....

 

I am back onboard as soon as I find an itinerary that I like. Azamara is my first choice for cruising, ALWAYS AND FOREVER! Just need something juicy to whet my appetite.

 

Also - you need to lead the way in making it easy for singles to get onboard. 200% doesn't feel good .... there's a market out there for those of us who don't play well, in close proximity, with others !!! :o

 

Hello Cindi and other Single Travelers -

 

Try these voyages on for size! Listed below are the voyages that have been designated with the 125% single supplement rate for our current voyages in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 

As you will see, there are nineteen (19) select 2014 voyages each on both the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, offering an attractive selection of choices.

 

AZAMARA JOURNEY

 

 

2013 - AZAMARA JOURNEY

• Dec 9 / 14-Night - Vietnam & Thailand / Hong Kong - Singapore
  

2014 - AZAMARA JOURNEY

1. Jan 6 / 15-Night - Thailand & Vietnam / Singapore - Hong Kong

2. Feb 3 / 14-Night - Thailand & Vietnam / Singapore - Hong Kong

3. Mar 3 / 14-Night - Trade Routes of Orient / Shanghai - Hong Kong

4. Mar 17 / 17-Night - The Explorer's Asia / Hong Kong - Singapore

5. Apr 3 / 12-Night - Spice Route / Singapore - Mumbai

6. Apr 15 / 17-Night - Dubai, Luxor & Petra / Mumbai - Piraeus

7. May 2 / 10-Night - Holy Lands / Piraeus - Piraeus

8. May 12 / 7-Night - Acropolis to the Vatican / Piraeus - Civitavecchia

9. May 19 / 8-Night - Tuscany & Monaco Grand Prix / Civitavecchia - Barcelona

10. Jul 10 / 7-Night - Baltic & Scandinavia & Russia / Stockholm - Stockholm

11. Aug 8 / 12-Night - Best of UK & Ireland / Copenhagen - Southampton

12. Aug 20 / 14-Night - From Loire & Bordeaux to Bilbao & Porto / Southampton - Lisbon

13. Sep 3 / 10-Night - From Alcazar to Dali & Gaudi / Lisbon - Barcelona

14. Oct 4 / 7-Night - Corsica, Tuscany & French Riviera / Civitavecchia - Monte Carlo

15. Oct 11 / 7-Night - Riviera, Corsica & Provence / Monte Carlo - Barcelona

16. Oct 18 / 9-Night - Across the Western Mediterranean / Barcelona - Civitavecchia

17. Nov 6 / 10-Night - Mediterranean Favorites / Civitavecchia - Malaga

18. Nov 27 / 16-Night - Costa del Sol to Copacabana / Malaga - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

19. Dec 13 / 9-Night - Best of Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

2015 - AZAMARA JOURNEY

1. Feb 19 / 18-Night - Copacabana to Biscayne Bay / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Miami

2. Apr 14 / 16-Night - South Beach to Las Ramblas / Miami - Barcelona

3. Nov 25 / 16-Night - Wake of Columbus: Spain to the West Indies / Barcelona - Miami

 

 

AZAMARA QUEST

 

2013 - AZAMARA QUEST

1. Nov 26 / 12-Night - West Indies Hideaways / Miami - Miami

2. Dec 20 / 8-Night - Christmas Voyage - South Beach to Virgin Islands / Miami - San Juan

 

 

2014 - AZAMARA QUEST

1. Jan 15 / 14-Night - Route of the Americas / Caldera - Los Angeles

2. Jan 29 / 12-Night - Sea of Cortez & Copper Canyon / Los Angeles - Los Angeles

3. Feb 10 / 8-Night - Coastal California & San Francisco / Los Angeles - Los Angeles

4. Feb 18 / 14-Night - Route of the Americas / Los Angeles - Caldera

5. Mar 16 / 11-Night - West Indies Hideaways / Miami - Miami

6. Mar 27 / 15-Night - South Beach to the South of France / Miami - Nice

7. Apr 11 / 11-Night - A Mediterranean Easter / Nice - Nice

8. Apr 22 / 8-Night - French Riviera to Tuscany & Rome / Nice - Civitavecchia

9. Apr 30 / 7-Night - Corsico, Sicily & Amalfi Coast / Civitavecchia - Civitavecchia

10. May 7 / 8-Night - Tuscany, French Riviera & Provence / Civitavecchia - Barcelona

11. May 15 / 7-Night - Costa Brava, Provence & the Rivieras / Barcelona - Nice

12. Jun 12 / 9-Night - The Black Sea to Mount Athos / Istanbul - Piraeus

13. Aug 10 / 10-Night - Vatican to the Bosphorus / Civitavecchia - Istanbul

14. Sep 1 / 7-Night - A Week in the Black Sea / Istanbul - Istanbul

15. Oct 12 / 12-Night - Holy Lands & Journey of St. Paul / Civitavecchia - Piraeus

16. Oct 24 / 8-Night - Classic Greek & Turkey / Piraeus - Istanbul

17. Nov 1 / 9-Night - History of the Aegean / Istanbul - Piraeus

18. Nov 10 / 16-Night - Route of the Frankincense / Piraeus - Mumbai

19. Dec 9 / 13-Night - The Spice Route II & Myanmar / Chennai/Madras, India - Singapore

 

 

2015 - AZAMARA QUEST

1. Apr 6 / 18-Night - Dubai to the Turquoise Coast & Istanbul / Dubai - Istanbul

2. Oct 19 / 15-Night - Greece, Turquoise Coast, Suez Canal to Dubai / Piraeus - Dubai

 

 

The global terms & conditions for the single occupancy 125% promotional rate:

§ All Azamara Club Cruises rates are per person, based on double occupancy, for Club Suite, Veranda, Oceanview and Interior stateroom categories as specified, individual bookings, cruise only, in USD, and subject to availability.

§ Rates may vary by ship, departure date, and stateroom category. On select 2013, 2014 and 2015 voyages, single guest rates of 125% of total stateroom fare is available.

§ This offer is available for new, individual bookings only, and is capacity controlled. All rates, offers and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Offers may be withdrawn at any time.

§ Government taxes & fees are additional.

§ Please note: Promotions, pricing and policies shown here are for the United States and Canada only. Pricing varies in other markets based on local laws, customs and demand.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Wishing all my American CC friends and fellow travelers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 

AND a Happy Chanukka to all! Filled with sweetness, abundance and joy!

 

Hopefully we will all meet one day in our travels --

 

Best Wishes and .....

 

Hello Cindilouwho -

 

Thank you for your Thanksgiving Day wishes from Canada!

 

Hopefully, we'll be welcoming you onboard sometime in the future!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Ann -

 

Thank you very much for your time and effort to prepare your visual and verbal documentary on the "Stories from Spices Teas and Rubber Trees." Your heartfelt content and stunning photos are wonderful.

 

I've forwarded your thread to our global tour operations team for their required reading. Your observations and recommendations are valuable insights to help us deliver a memorable one-of-a-kind destination experience. We need to "orchestrate" vs. "plug-into" what a destination has to offer.

 

On this special day, we're very thankful for input.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Dear Azamara Followers -

 

To our loyal Azamara Cruise Critic past, current and future guests, I extend my best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day Holiday tomorrow for those of you in the US. To all of you, regardless of where you reside, we are very grateful for your dedication, loyalty, and valuable feedback of the Azamara Club Cruises experience.

 

Also, I'm thankful for the support that Host Andy and Laura provide to the Azamara forum as well as the support and guidance along the way from Larry Pimentel and his executive team. May all of you feel the quality of gratefulness during the Thanksgiving season and beyond!

 

By the way, the Miami Call Center will be closed tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) but will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM - 3 PM (EST).

 

Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your loved ones!

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Azamara Website and Booking Engine Users -

 

I feel your frustration in dealing with a system that does not provide you with all the information that you expect and I'm sorry that I am unable to bring about an instant fix.

 

As I reported earlier, the previous (or "old") technology that was on the original booking engine will not be restored. As we move forward, we will slowly, but surely replace the technology with new and updated technology and as a result the various applications will therefore not be the same but improved. (I sense that many of you are 'rolling your eyes.')

 

Please keep in mind that this Booking Request Engine (BRE) is an interim process that will be replaced with a full booking engine sometime in April of 2014.

 

In the meantime, our reservation team can then take you through the process to complete your booking. Again, I'm sorry for the temporary inconvenience and frustration that you and others are experiencing.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello to All -

 

I've informed our marketing department about your frustration in not receiving email updates about special offers. They reported that there was a similar problem in the past and that the system was reviewed and then fixed. It seems that the problem is appearing again.

 

To correct the problem, we are requesting that you send your name and email address to LeClubVoyage@AzamaraClubCruises.com with a message indicating that you are not receiving emails from Azamara. In the Subject section, use "Cruise Critic - No Emails."

We can then check our records to research why that is the case.

 

Considerations:

§ As a "past guest" we should have your email address on file.

§ Sometimes, for guests booked through travel agents, we have uncovered a few issues created if their travel agent does the online check-in and then use the agency's email address rather than their clients own email address.

§ You can opt-in to receive email offers directly from us, by visiting our website's homepage and going to the bottom right-side to complete the "Receive Special Offers" tab and entering your email address. Please note the option - "Please have an Expert Azamara Travel Partner contact me about Special Offers." If you do not wish to be contacted, then remove the check-mark from that option to opt-out.

https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/request/email

 

I'm sorry for your frustration with being left out of the communication loop and appreciate your cooperation to communicate with Le Club Voyage desk so that we can find the source of the problem.

 

Thank you for your loyalty to our onboard cruise experience and your efforts and feedback to improve our shoreside operation.

 

Enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Bill

Did you ever get an answer on this one, I know all the excursions are changing around so appreciate you may not be able to find out yet. I could get no answers on board

 

 

Hello Ann -

 

I'm delighted that you enjoyed your Azamara vacation. I'll follow up with shore excursion operations about the timing of the half-day Yeliu Tour and its impact on the AzAmazing Evening. Sorry for the delay.

 

Thank you for your continued support on the CC forum and for your contribution to self-policing the direction of some threads so that they are balanced and stay on track to meet Cruise Critic's standard to provide useful and unbiased information to its members and readers. Very much appreciated!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

I guess you haven't noticed that Azamara has been devaluing the experience bit by bit and is doing nothing to keep up with its competition.

 

I know, I know -- warm and fuzzy on board experience. Yes.

 

I'm a realist. I just look at the facts and make determinations. You must be looking at a different set of facts. I think things are pretty gloomy. I have 3 Azamara cruises booked and I am worried about the vitality of the line and its ability to survive.

 

I'd like to see some GOOD news for a change -- something factual that leads me to believe that the cruises I booked in late 2015 will actually take place.

 

Oceania is refurbishing its ships, getting new itineraries, having World Cruises.

Regent is refurbishing its ships and getting a new build.

Other cruise lines are making similar improvements

Azamara is charging more, doing away with the harpists, booking endless charters (often to nudists), changing the excursion program, selling verandas at inside prices to fill fill ships yada yada Warm and fuzzy without more is not going to keep them afloat.

 

Bill Leiber's silence with respect to these many posts speaks volumes IMO.

 

Hello Pacheco18 -

 

It's Bill here and I want to level with you just as you level with us. When I read your media-hype comments ...

§ "This will be just one more nail in Azamara's coffin IMO," and,

§ "Is there never going to be any good news about this cruise line?"

 

... It's my opinion that you've made up your mind that our strategic direction is fatally flawed and the fact that we are a separate brand of a publically traded entity - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. - is of no value when considering our future viability. Like you, I'm a realist and concluded regardless of what I might offer in support of our strategies, you would perceive them as marketing spin and more yada, yada, yada.

 

Laraine, I'm pleased that you enjoyed your recent Azamara Cruise experiences and appreciate that you have three future voyages booked with us. Regardless of how our marketing strategies are packaged and executed, I believe that you have the confidence that you will be served an exceptional onboard experience by our extraordinary staff that performs at consistently high levels. It is within this context, that I will reiterate our operating rationale and our marketing approach to you. Some of the content will be familiar because I've shared them in other responses.

 

I respect your right to express your personal opinions about our operation which you seem to benchmark with Oceania Cruise Lines and Regent Seven Sea Cruises, whose parent company is Prestige Cruise Holdings. There is more than one way to do things. While we clearly follow what other cruise lines are doing, we don’t necessarily make changes to our product our operating procedures because of what they do.

 

You state that "I am worried about the vitality of the line and its ability to survive." I think when you read my responses, you'll determine that our strategy and tactical programs are designed to grow our customer base (the "vitality of the line") and our fleet ("its ability to survive"). Our action plan might not be as you see it but Larry Pimentel is calling the shots - not someone from another cruise line.

 

Remember that both the Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey have been refurbished in late 2012 and early 2013 after drydock. Ship wide renovations included new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks. The Casino Bar also was expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center was refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements were made behind the scenes in the staff and crew areas to add to the comfort of the cruise line’s most valuable asset -its staff and crew!

 

Our focus is not on creating a world cruise for a two-ship fleet but to achieve the budgeted financial results and profitability targets to prove to our board of directors and to our shareholders that we are on the right track for growth. Remember, we are a publically traded company. As such, our mission is to exceed our guests' expectations profitably. It is within this context that we are constantly evaluating our expenses and the return for having spent the money. Also, we are seeking additional revenue generating opportunities. Throughout 2013, our executive team has taken a decision to modify, improve, change, add and eliminate various items that evolves our brand and positioning. It might be challenging sometimes because policies and programs my change which some people will like and others will not, while some won't care.

 

Of course, we're disappointed to read on Cruise Critic that some past guests have determined that our 2013 product enhancements (spirits and AzAmazing Evenings) and/or the removal of the harpists and the addition of revenue generating programs, have positioned Azamara Club Cruises into a product experience and price-point that no longer fits their lifestyle needs. With every change there are risks.

 

To remain viable we must create more "new" Azamara guests to vacation with us now and in the future to ensure that our vessels meet and exceed their revenue targets. I once reported that our past guests represent almost a quarter of our business which is impressive considering that it was only 5% prior to April 2010 and we're eager to see it grow. While very much appreciated for the positive word-of-mouth referral business that it drives, it also implies that we need more awareness from new guests. This includes the many cruise "considerers" that have not selected a cruise brand along with those "non-cruisers" who have never considered a cruise as a vacation option. With our longer stays, more overnights and night touring we offer boutique hotel land travelers an option to realize their objective of destination immersion. So our challenge is one of building brand awareness and purchase intent. These needs were behind the decision to add those two "evolutionary" product inclusions (spirits and AzAmazing Evenings) to enhance the onboard friendliness and provide a tangible destination immersion experience.

 

Fortunately we are gaining new Azamara guests so that we can remain viable for the future. Larry Pimentel reported in October 2013 that year-over year 2014 revenue growth was 44% above the same time last year. Our decision to add these enhancements was to "grow" the market by creating an augmented Azamara experience that might appeal to cruise "considerers" that have not yet selected our brand along with those "non-cruisers" who have never considered a cruise as a vacation option. It seems for these new guests, they perceive that we now offer a more compelling value proposition, enhanced by our aggressive marketing programs, along with AzAmazing Evenings - a tangible demonstration of "destination immersion."

 

Again, we are looking to deliver an experience that guests will love built upon our core essence of destination-immersion and our extraordinary onboard team. Simply, we are striving toward achieving such striking success that additional vessels will be possible. That’s the name of the game in a public company. We are hell-bent on the growth of our brand. When Richard Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., was asked by Travel Weekly whether "Azamara Club Cruises is due some new ships," Mr. Fain replied "that capacity growth across RCCL has been slowing, but that bookings at Azamara are 'just sterling' this year, and that if it continues and the opportunity presents itself, he would be happy to expand."

 

But expanding the Azamara fleet isn’t as simple as flipping a light switch. We need to be prudent, perform our due diligence and satisfy the management of our parent company and its shareholders that we are on the right track. I know that Larry Pimentel believes that we "are on the right track." At the same time, he and his team are also working hard at making the Azamara cruise experience the absolute best it can be.

 

We want to increase our customer base and exceed our guests’ satisfaction expectations.

 

Respectfully,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Azamara Cruise Followers -

 

I learned that we plan to announce a new structure to our Le Club Voyage past guest loyalty program in mid-December. Our new program will use a point-based system which will be accumulated by day based on stateroom/suite category.

 

We are still finalizing the actual benefits and it's too soon for me to share program details as they are in final review. With respect to the reciprocity program with Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club and Royal Caribbean International's Crown & Anchor loyalty club, at this time I am unable to respond to your questions about this topic. I should be able to do so, sometime in early December.

 

I can share the point structure methodology: points are earned per day based on stateroom/suite category:

§ Club Interior & Club Oceanview - 2 Points per Day

§ Club Veranda - 3 Points per Day

§ Club Continent Suites - 8 Points per Day

§ Club Ocean and Club World Owner Suites - 18 Points per Day

 

There will be new Membership Levels based on the number of accumulated Points. For the sake of good order, I have not included those Point ranges until the final program has completed its review process:

1. Adventurer (after 1st voyage)

2. Explorer

3. Discoverer

4. Discoverer Plus

5. Discoverer Platinum

 

I expect to be able to share more detailed and final information with you in early December. Further, we plan to communicate the new program modifications to our past guests in mid-December.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Azamara Cruise Followers -

 

I learned that we plan to announce a new structure to our Le Club Voyage past guest loyalty program in mid-December. Our new program will use a point-based system which will be accumulated by day based on stateroom/suite category.

 

We are still finalizing the actual benefits and it's too soon for me to share program details as they are in final review. With respect to the reciprocity program with Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club and Royal Caribbean International's Crown & Anchor loyalty club, at this time I am unable to respond to your questions about this topic. I should be able to do so, sometime in early December.

 

I can share the point structure methodology: points are earned per day based on stateroom/suite category:

§ Club Interior & Club Oceanview - 2 Points per Day

§ Club Veranda - 3 Points per Day

§ Club Continent Suites - 8 Points per Day

§ Club Ocean and Club World Owner Suites - 18 Points per Day

 

There will be new Membership Levels based on the number of accumulated Points. For the sake of good order, I have not included those Point ranges until the final program has completed its review process:

1. Adventurer (after 1st voyage)

2. Explorer

3. Discoverer

4. Discoverer Plus

5. Discoverer Platinum

 

I expect to be able to share more detailed and final information with you in early December. Further, we plan to communicate the new program modifications to our past guests in mid-December.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Azamara Cruise Followers -

 

Before you make any more inferences about the outcome of the Le Club Voyage past guest loyalty program in light of the modifications to Celebrity's Captain Club program, please allow me to the time to determine if the program will be modified.

 

Please stay tuned!

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Phil and other Single Travelers -

 

Thanks to Phil's eagle eye, below are corrected terms and conditions for the single traveler savings program.

 

The global terms & conditions for the single occupancy 125% promotional rate:

§ All Azamara Club Cruises rates are per person, based on double occupancy, for Club Suite, Veranda, Oceanview and Interior stateroom categories as specified, individual bookings, cruise only, in USD, and subject to availability.

§ Rates may vary by ship, departure date, and stateroom category. On select 2013, 2014 and 2015 voyages, single guest rates of 125% of total stateroom fare is available.

§ This offer is available for new, individual bookings only, and is capacity controlled. All rates, offers and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Offers may be withdrawn at any time.

§ Government taxes & fees are additional.

§ Please note: Promotions, pricing and policies shown here are for the United States and Canada only. Pricing varies in other markets based on local laws, customs and demand.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Pam, Rose and Steve -

 

The Pdf Land Discoveries brochure for the Azamara Journey's April 3, 2014 12-night Singapore - Mumbai Voyage is now operational.

 

I learned that the two eight hour plus tours scheduled in Phuket, Thailand for Sunday, April 6, 2014 will operate; however, the lunch will be replaced with a dinner and the tour order may vary:

1. PK16 / Phang Nga Bay - full day tour to Phang Nga Bay.

2. PK22 / Sea Cave Canoe Adventure - Phang Nga Bay National Park.

 

Please note - the following will be placed on the tour description:

Important Note: For the Azamara Journey April 3, 2014 sail date, lunch will be replaced with dinner due to the arrival time in port. Tour order may vary.

 

Also, the AzAmazing Evening will be held in Cochin, India on Saturday, April 12:

The Culture and Traditions of Kerala

§ Immerse yourself in the rich arts culture of Kerala at Vivanta by Taj Malabar, welcomed by a brightly painted elephant and a cool sip of coconut water. Stroll on green lawns where an assembled marketplace features tea and toddy shops, a mehndi artist skilled in delicate henna tattoos, plus an astrologer, potter and cane weaver. Enjoy drinks and desserts, including the crunchy treats known as jalebis. Kerala boasts many dance traditions including Kathakali, in which performers wear elaborate costumes, ornaments, and make-up. You’ll also see performances of Mohiniyattam and Kalaripayattu, a martial arts dance using spears, daggers, swords, and shields.

§ What to Wear

- Dress code is resort casual.

- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

§ Important Notes

- The event will be held after dinner is served onboard the ship. Specific departure time will be provided onboard.

- Scooters will not be able to be accommodated. Guests in wheelchairs can be accommodated.

 

I hope this information helps you plan ahead as you prepare your countdown to your Azamara vacation experience.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Thanks Bill. Good to know someone is finally taking notice of us! Looking forward to finding out about the excursions in due course.

 

Hello Pam, Rose and Steve -

 

Expect feedback some time tomorrow!

 

Stay tuned.

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)