suttonrunner

On 2/22/2022 at 10:13 PM, welshfamily said:

Hope you get to Barbados safely and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

I agree with les37b regarding professional responsibly.  As everything was booked through Azamara they should have been the ones contacting  Suttonrunner.  Correct me if I am wrong but I was under the impression that Azamara  act as a TA and as such ought to have been informed that the flight had been cancelled. They then should have got in touch with Suttonrunner and sorted out the issue to the best of their ability. She should not have spent 12 hours on the phone sorting out the issue herself regardless of the issue with the plane.

Just to let you know - I have spoken to Azamara today they  will take no responsibility whatsoever for  my changed flights and subsequent loss of cruise nights.  And that I should take it up with the Airline or insurance company.   Thanks Azamara

13 minutes ago, les37b said:

 

Good call.

 

 

I did wonder, as I couldn't see any either.

 

 

Make sure you keep us informed suttonrunner. Fingers crossed its plain sailing here on in (with a bit of luxury added!) Putting aside the errors they've made, I must admit, unforeseen things are why I always try to arrive at least a day before departure. The only time I've not stuck with this was last year when BA cancelled my flight and then lied about the flight I got transferred onto. (That flight took off an 90 minutes late - which they said was down to the incoming flight late running. That turn out to be an on time flight - and a schedule that was completely impossible to meet. ie My take off time was 90 minutes before the incoming flight was due to land. They were never going to admit that though) I arrived at the ship at about 10pm instead of 11am. Luckily it was Viking, who cleverly had an overnight in port on this one. 

Thank you I will do.  (I did have a  one night pre cruise hotel booked through Azamara  on the 21/2/2022  the night of my original flight, I think next time I book I will have a 2 night pre cruise stay to be on the safe side).  Wow you were lucky  with the Viking  overnighter. 

2 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Let us know when you are safely onboard. Really hope you will enjoy your cruise.

3 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Let us know when you are safely onboard. Really hope you will enjoy your cruise.

3 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Let us know when you are safely onboard. Really hope you will enjoy your cruise.

3 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Let us know when you are safely onboard. Really hope you will enjoy your cruise.

Thank you so much I shall let you know 

2 minutes ago, welshfamily said:

Suttonrunner,

I have just read your reply. That is shocking. 
So sorry this has happened to you. I would have been distraught and more than likely raving mad.
After working for the NHS through the pandemic I hope you have a well deserved cruise May I wish you all the best in your retirement.

 

To anyone else who may feel like adding unhelpful posts. Please don’t. This is not the expected way to behave on  the Azamara   board.

Thank you so much for your kind words  I appreciate  it  x

14 minutes ago, les37b said:

Glad you are getting it sorted, but what a sorry state of affairs. Very unprofessional.

Yes it has really upset what should have been a holiday in a lifetime.   Thank you  for your reply 

31 minutes ago, uktog said:

Glad you are going to get onboard.  Do you have travel insurance, you should look at that for any shortfall in refund if Azamara does not help you (though I hope they will, but you are right concentrate on getting to Barbados and relax.....)

Thank you uktog,  Yes I took out a very expensive insurance due to covid,  plus I have another annual  travel insurance one too.  So I am more than insured  thankfully - but the insurance companies try at every angle to get out of paying out so I may have a fight on my hands.  Yes I am looking forward to the relaxation as this was a  cruise booked as a present to myself, (a retirement present)  after retiring from  over 30 years  in nursing .

10 hours ago, welshfamily said:

Suttonrunner,

So sorry to hear this.

please keep us informed re your journey and how you meet the ship. Not sure where the problem arose. If flights were booked by  Azamara  they need to make this up to you.

 

Lesson to us all.

We all need to be careful when booking flights.

My whole  trip  B2B cruise was booked with  Azamara  including flights and transfers. So the problem did not arise by me booking independently. (I travel solo and am very careful when booking my cruises)   After over 4 hours holding on for  Azamara yesterday  (no exaggeration there) they answered   I was eventually  put in contact with  the Emergency travel team -  so  after 12 hours  on the phone and lots of tears I have been put on a flight to catch the ship in Barbados half way through the first leg - I hope I get there. Not sure what I need to do next re compensation but I am focussing on catching the ship at present.   I Really  thank the ship for allowing me to board mid cruise, not something they normally do in these covid times.

22 minutes ago, welshfamily said:

Suttonrunner,

when are you due to leave? I do hope it’s not tomorrow.

Yes tomorrow unfortunately

I had included Azamara flights and hotel package.  Overnight (last night)  whilst I was asleep my flight was cancelled and moved to the 22nd with my flight landing in Miami at the same time the ship was leaving Miami. I woke this morning to the news, have been on the phone all day with no resolution.  Heartbroken

Just now, suttonrunner said:

46 minutes ago, Mrs Skip said:

What I’m picking up from this is that the TA from Miami to Lisbon is indoor masks optional but the cruise from Lisbon that follows is indoor masks mandatory. IMHO this heightens the risk of COVID to guests joining in Lisbon, not to mention crew on board. . Have to say we hadn’t factored that into our decision to book for 29 March…

I cannot imagine that Azamara would relax the mask rule  then reinstate it for the following cruise, makes no sense at all

I also have generous onboard spending money.  I had already spent mine in my head but with the comment about the shop being disappointing  maybe I shall buy my perfume in the Airport rather than be disappointed on board.  I intend to upgrade to ultimate drinks  package (Already have premium package)   and plan to buy an unlimited Wifi package and spend on shore excursions.  Already have the speciality restaurants being in a suite but definitely would like to try the chef's table. This will be my 5th and 6th Azamara cruise all on the Quest.  (I am a solo passenger and board in a few days B2B exciting times at last).

I

Face Masks and Physical Distancing

• Following the Vaccination Standard of Excellence guidelines as per the CDC's COVID-19 Voluntary Program, indoor mask wearing although optional, is recommended. Masks might be required in the ports of call we visit.

I am boarding on the 22/02/2022 have just received and email  from Azamara today 19/02/2022 stating the above 

Thank you all for the replies,  yes I was thinking of getting the unlimited WiFi package too for my upcoming Caribbean` cruise on the lovely Quest.  Is the unlimited package just for one device as I will have both a phone and laptop with me?

Hello,  has anyone any experience of using WhatsApp whilst cruising?  I am hoping I can use this form of communication.

Jackie 

Debit/credit card via Azamara call centre

I have managed to do the on line check in and received a time for boarding and printed online boarding pass (22 Feb sailing).  What I haven't received from Azamara is the documentation  of  cruise itinerary/flight/ luggage tags booklet which I have previously printed to take with me on past cruises.  Does anyone know where I get that information or have Azamara stopped sending it?

1 hour ago, JWayne60 said:

Here’s my take on mask wearing… no doubt there may be a few rebels or a few folks who honestly forget (it’s easy to forget), but in my experience the vast, vast majority of guests are abiding by masking protocols.   Now, while eating or at bars, it is common for folks to remove their masks for the duration of their stay, in other words, we’re not necessarily putting the mask back on between every bite or every sip. But, as soon as the “bum” leaves the seat, mask on!!  Even if you’re just making another trip to the buffet.  
 

I can say unequivocally this is the most mask-wearing we have done during the pandemic, but then much of the pandemic was spent hunkered down at home, so it’s simply a short term cost of enjoying good weather, good company, good food (no dish washing), and great entertainment that we’ve been missing for 2 years. As much as we all dislike the mask-wearing, you kinda get used to it after a few days (did I really say that?) 🚢😎

Well let us  hope there are not too many rebels as these rebels can cause too many problems. Speaking as a register nurse

26 minutes ago, Roel94 said:

Some guests do not care and getting upset with telling people to wear mask. Gone from one to two.

 

to have to tell people in their 60,s and 70's gets old fast.

the St Thomas open air van which had about 20 with five not mask is unreal.

 

Told several people to wear masks on nye. Had dinner deck 10.could not decide walk down to cabin to change shoes and leave shawl. So walked..the masses were waiting to get outside at 1015. I went at 1045 and a prime safe seat.

 

and I thought stairs was safer.

Let us hope the CCTV cameras on the ship capture the passengers who are continually  not abiding by the mask wearing rule and send them a polite note 

35 minutes ago, KevintheIrishDJ said:

Something smells fishy about the story (pardon the pun).  Why wouldn't they fly the new crew to NYC instead of paying for that many flights to NYC.  How many other passengers will also disembark?

 

The report says they need essential crew members - to me that  (and I may not be right)  probably  means they require replacement bridge/engineering crew to  be able to safely sail the ship, nothing fishy about it at all.

Travelling as a solo passenger I have no problem whatsoever  with space and storage  in the Continent suite or the Spa suite.  Plentiful   storage even for  two.  There has never been any clutter around my suite,  I do not like  to have clutter especially when staff have to come in and try to clean around it,  their job is hard enough as it is.

 I love the walk in shower as opposed to the combo in the continent suite,  much better than climbing into the tub, especially with me being 5 foot one inch!  Having the Spa Suite tub  was a novelty but took too long to fill. Would never go for the spa suite again, too over rated.

I

Travel Documentation Checklist 

• Passport books (not cards) are required. Passports must have a validity of at least six months after the sailing's return date to sail with Azamara.
• A COVID-19 vaccination record card for all guests 12 years and older. As of March 1^st, all guests must show original proof of vaccination. Digital proof of vaccination will not be accepted to board the ship.
• At this time, all air passengers ages 2 or older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must show a negative result of a COVID-19 viral test before they board a flight to the United States

just received this from Azamara for my upcoming B2B Cruise .

Thank you everyone, I am booked on starboard side  deck 8 so that's all good.   Roll on March, so looking forward to my time aboard the lovely Quest.

Hello I am booked on the transatlantic from Miami to Lisbon 17th March 22.  Has anyone experience of best cabin to make the most of the sunshine.  Anyone experienced an aft sunset cabin on transatlantic?   Thank you.  Jackie

Sorry I meant Dominican Republic and Haiti.

For UK passengers sailing the Caribbean  with  stop off's at Haiti and Cuba  be aware these countries are staying on the red list.  I have just read on the GOV website 

 that passing through these countries i.e. by ship  there will be a  need to quarantine  in a hotel on return to the UK.  Am I right in thinking even if you do not get off the ship in these countries there will be a need to quarantine on return.