Traveling Fools

Sleep-in Have coffee and breakfast in the suite Either chill out in the suite or take a spin around the common areas of the ship Enjoy lunch Finish checking out the ship with a stop in Michaels Return to suite read and just chill...maybe a stop at the spa, pool, or sauna Start getting reading for a great dinner....this includes having a cocktail or two in the suite Enjoy a great dinner Maybe take in a show or some entertainment Stop in Michaels for a nightcap and to chat with other passengers Return to suite read awhile, might have a final nightcap and then drift off to sleep Main goal is to enjoy the day with DW

I have looked at MSC, but find the size of their suites to be smaller that other lines. Oh, a couple of years ago when docked at Cozumel there was an MSC ship docked next to us. I saw passengers, couples and families...(not crew)...lugging their suite cases to and from the ship and shore. I'm sure it was an anomaly, but I told myself "not for me!) We are booked on Onward for a mid to end of November TA from Portugal to Fort Lauderdale.

FYI, Yesterday I researched the Azamara fleet...all three ships. (Onward, Pursuit, and Journey) They are sister ships of Oceania's Sirena, Regatta and Nautica. Those six ships first saw life in the early 2000's as ships of the Renaissance Cruises lines. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/what-ever-happened-to-former-renaissance-cruises-r-ships Jack Del Rio has his fingerprints all over the former Renaissance fleet. One of Renaissance's ships went to Princess and remains active in the Princess fleet. (AKA: Tahiti Princess and Ocean Princess) Another Renaissance ship is now operated as the Adonia by P&O I also took a look at ships operated by Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. Ships in those two fleets appear to have been built specifically for their respective cruise lines.

We were on that cruise. Spirit doesn't have a Haven..just suites. Passengers using NCL air literally got screwed coming and going. NCL's charter aircraft did not arrive in Papeete until AFTER the scheduled ship's departure time. Without looking back at my notes, I think two of them arrived between 8 and 10 PM and the third between 10 and midnight. The line of arriving passengers, that time of night waiting at the Ship's Office was very, very, did I say VERY long! I didn't know that at least one charter left at 4 AM. That was after spending the day before cruising around in circles because authorities wouldn't permit us to spend a second day at Moorea. What I learned from that cruise is we should have booked with Paul Gauguin. They have a corner on Polynesian cruises and the passengers I met who had cruised with them in the past raved about them.

Gary, The first time we purchased Travel Insurance was for a January 2010 Galapagos cruise on X. We had booked a suite and for some reason just felt it was the thing to do. It was also the first time in years we, rather than frequent flyer miles, were footing the airfare. 10-days before our departure our oldest daughter sustained a life threatening wound. Refund of the fares happened without a hitch. It made a big believer out of me! You just never know when fate is going to intercede forcing radical changes to your plans and life.

You should be Ok...We found boarding our cruise in Yokohama to be a real cluster... It wasn't as well organized as in the USA and the Japanese by nature can be very inflexible about bending procedures.

Just checked our booking. While I can't access on-line check-in, our OBC is now reflected on our on-line profile.

Hey, if this was Siberian stopover we would provide the caviar! This being Portugal, maybe some Port and Blu Cheese to start things off as we sail away. Sounds like a mini-reunion in the making. And while it has been years ago, DW Doris and I have spent some quality non-cruise time in both Bali and Singapore. We can all have a few toddies and swap lies about the adventures we can still remember.

me offer an illustration. Carnival has the earned reputation of being the party cruise line. And on Caribbean cruises they live up to that reputation. But book an Alaskan cruise on a Carnival ship and the party image dissipates. DW and I book suites. So, our response to alternatives to X will be based accordingly. And while we chose to book suites, we remain reasonable in what we are willing to spend for that experience. And I mean reasonable relative to our definition of the word. X and NCL have been our go to lines. 11 years ago, we were so blown away by the outstanding service we received on a wedding anniversary cruise with NCL, we began to favor them over X. When they implemented the Haven, NCL really became our first choice. While we have experienced X’s Luminae restaurant and Michael’s Club on non-Retreat class ships, we have not experienced the full Retreat treatment. It seems to mirror NCL’s Haven and could provide a worthy comparison of like services. 6-months before COVID, DW and I booked a Vista Suite on an 11-night cruise aboard Oceania’s Nautica. We were FAR from awed by the experience and except for itinerary have no desire to book another Oceania cruise. In all fairness, some (and only some) of the food offerings (mostly desserts) were superior to X and NCL. Certainly not enough to merit abandoning X or NCL. The crew was small and friendly. Because of the ship’s size and passenger/crew ratio it was easier to really get to know the crew. We felt Oceania was disingenuous with their beverage program leading guests to think they were getting more than the actual package. We found the entertainment to be sophomoric. The accommodations were what we expected. We were not blown away by the service and by no means considered the cruise to be an uber luxurious, classy experience. Itinerary and timing are the only reason we would consider booking another Oceania cruise. And, with exception of family reunion cruises, is the driving force behind who we book with. This coming November 2023 we have a TA from Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale booked aboard Azamara Onward. We booked with Azamara only because it was a package Land Journey/Cruise deal. Not that we have anything against Azamara, their itineraries just haven’t met our wants. The footprint of the ships in the Azamara fleet appear to be very similar to Oceania’s; so, it will be interesting to compare the two carriers.

Look forward to meeting you. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us. Sounds good to me! The upgrade for the single malts and number of days (and nights) at sea makes it worthwhile to me.

I noticed a new class of excursion being offered called Captain Curated Excursion. A search of this forum produces a hit on the name, but does not provide any details or feedback about them. This class of excursion is not the same as Private Journey, as both types are being offered on our 2024 Greek Intensive cruise. What are they and does anyone have any feedback about them?

Continuing Review of Our First Time Azamara Experience Aboard the “Onward” Trans-Atlantic, Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale with Overnight in Hamalition, Bermuda Nov 18 to Nov 30, 2023 We are veteran cruisers who generally book a suite and have sailed with different cruise lines. Over the years our preference has been either Celebrity or NCL. While we have experience Celebrity’s suite life, we have never sailed in any of their ships containing the full Retreat amenity. We are very familiar with NCL’s Haven, having booked many Haven suites. When planning a Nov 2022 South Pacific cruise, our TA encouraged us to consider Azamara. They had nothing scheduled for our timeframe, so we passed. We also considered booking an Azamara Greek Island cruise for Sept 2024. Once again, Azamara didn’t have anything scheduled meeting our needs. This specific cruise was booked on June 7, 2023, incidental to a land journey/transatlantic cruise package. The fact the cruise portion is by Azamara is purely coincidental, as is the itinerary. We would have preferred stops in the Canary Islands rather than Bermuda, but it is what it is. At the time of booking the only suite available was a Club Continent Suite. For the time we will be spending aboard at sea, this class of suite was not really our 1st choice. Fortunately, a Club Ocean Suite (6002) opened up that we were able to book. We chose not to risk going the up-bid dance routine and had our TA book it outright. (Besides, Azamara’s upgrade-bid system was/is in flux and who knows if or when it will ever be fixed.) To accomplish this, we had to cancel our original booking and rebook. I do not know if we were charged for the cancelation/rebooking. My initial impression of Azamara was gained through its website. I quickly learned that after the cruise was booked the website isn’t…well it just isn’t. I can’t enter traveler information. I can’t make dinner reservations. I can’t order a beverage package. I guess I don’t know what else I can’t do pre-cruise. Unless things change, I’ll have to do all this after I board; something I would rather take care of beforehand. In fairness, I can book: A shore excursion (DW lived in Bermuda, so don’t require) A hotel A transfer All of which I don’t need. Because we are seasoned cruisers, I know one place to go for questions and answers and that is right here…Cruise Critics’ Azamara Forum. But what if I wasn’t a seasoned traveler?!? Good chance that if I had booked directly with Azamara and given the fare of our cruise has been paid in full, I might just be freaking out. Here is what I have learned from Azamara customers who populate Cruise Critics’ Azamara forum. 1. In Comparison to other CC cruise line forums, I monitor or contribute to, the number of participants and issues discussed on CCs’ Azamara’s forum is relatively small and therefore very easy to track. That is a very good thing and a factor I’m sure doesn’t go unnoticed by Azamara corporate offices. 2. Past Azamara passengers appear to be an objective, loyal bunch that don’t go overboard flag waving and torching contributors with opposing views or comments. Even those who either don’t know how to or won’t use the search feature to find answers to common questions/situations. 3. Most posters truly like the Azamara brand and are genuinely concerned that recent changes in ownership and management signal a decline in product quality. 4. Some, maybe even many, posters like to compare Azamara to Oceana. A comparison I’ll reserve judgment on. The Azamara fleet appears to share footprint characteristics with Oceana. That said, DW and I were disappointed with our foray into the Oceana world and know, in most instances, we can get the same bang for less buck elsewhere. I wanted to write down and share my observations and experiences to date to share with both you the veteran Azamara cruisers and those considering poking their noses under the tent. The itinerary for our journey is: 1. Nov 8, 2023: Drive from Amelia Island to Fort Lauderdale Cruise Pier and Uber to Miami International Airport. Depart Miami via Royal Maroc Airlines Flt 0205 at 9:20 PM (Business) 2. Nov 9, 2023: Arrive Casablanca at 11:15 AM, Check into Hyatt Regency-Welcome Dinner 3. Nov 10, 2023: Tour of Casablanca and Rabat (I’m sure we can squeeze in a stop at Rick’s Café) 4. Nov 11, 2023: Transfer from Casablanca to Marrakech. Check into Sofitel Marrakech 5. Nov 12, 2023: Marrakech-City and Culture Tour 6. Nov 13, 2023: Marrakech-Tour to Village in Atlas Mountains 7. Nov 14, 2023: Transfer from Marrakech to Lisbon, check-in NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade, Welcome Dinner 8. Nov 15, 2023: Lisbon-City Tour and Tiles Workshop—Meet Arzu and Family (friend from Kuwait) 9. Nov 16, 2023: Lisbon-Belem Tour—Meet Arzu and Family (Friend from Kuwait) 10. Nov 17, 2023: Lisbon-Sintra Tour—Meet Arzu and Family (Friend from Kuwait) 11. Nov 18, 2023: Transfer from Hotel to Port 12. Nov 19, 2023: At Sea 13. Nov 20, 2023: At Sea 14. Nov 21, 2023: At Sea 15. Nov 22, 2023: At Sea 16. Nov 23, 2023: At Sea 17. Nov 24, 2023: At Sea 18. Nov 25, 2023: At Sea 19. Nov 26, 2023: 9:00 AM Hamilton, Bermuda 20. Nov 27, 2023: Hamilton-5:00 PM...Will try to squeeze a 2-tank SCUBA excursion in. 21. Nov 28, 2023: At Sea 22. Nov 29, 2023: At Sea 23. Nov 30, 2023: 7:00 AM Fort Lauderdale, followed by drive home. I will do my best as the journey nears and progresses to keep my review going.

I use one of those every time I cruise to carry ID (Passport Card), CC, and calling cards. X is the only cruise line I have ever got them from. Don't know if X still gives them out, but I still have a few left. Older ones lasted longer than newer ones.

Back in another day and another life I lived and worked in Islamorada. One of the wealthy owners had places in Miami and Islamorada. His wife was on the fast dial of several travel agents who would let her know of any last minute cruise deals. This was the mid-80's, so different rules were in play. Like you said....a hard life, I'm sure well earned.

Should read itinerary and suite.

Thank-you for the update!

I wouldn't think shrimp cocktail to be extreme. We frequently request smoked salmon and when traveling with Grandkids a hefty snack waiting for them on return to the ship. Push comes to shove, you can always head to the buffet and bring something back..doubt it will be anything close to lobster.

Back in the day of formal nights...two bags pp barley cut it! Especially on a 14-night South American cruise where you experience a wide range of temperatures. Consider using suite case size vacuum bags to cut down on the bulk inside the bag. Won't reduce the weight, just the bulk.

Depends on the reason for the cruise....Special occasion like an anniversary early. We might not end up with the ship we want, but end up with the desired itinerary and itinerary. Booking airfare can only be done 9-12 months out, no sooner.

Yes we have and I look forward to meeting you and your family! I can't agree more! Though the cigar bar is long gone, Michael's Club enjoys a real touch of class and sense of intimacy.

We first sailed on X's Millennium class in 2003. The only real problem, and it was a real problem, we have experienced on this class of ship our 2004 South American sailing on the Infinity I previously mentioned. Since their commissioning's, X has upgraded and modified this class of ship. Post 2010, they added curved balconies to the Celebrity suite (didn't change the bathrooms...just added a balcony) and somewhere along the way added the Luminae restaurant. While they now refer to the suite experience as the Retreat, I can't imagine X will spend an excessive amount of money on this older class of ship to create an enclosed Retreat.

Yup, that is where I got the info and how it read for the cruise we have booked. Regardless, we intend on having a great time!

Have booked the Infinity for Sept 2024 for a Greek intensive cruise. Following is what X says about what to expect regarding the ship. Set sail on Celebrity Infinity, the ship that will be turning heads. We’ll be adding new staterooms and The Retreat Sun Deck and The Retreat Lounge for our guests of The Retreat. Surrender your senses in the newly redesigned spa or shop in new retail boutiques. Whatever you choose, it’ll be the ultimate experience. We have sailed aboard the Infinity a couple of times. The worst problem we experienced was on a 14 night South American cruise when the ship's propulsion system wasn't properly working.

Thanks for the clarification!

Booked two adjoining suites in Epic’s Haven yesterday. Departs Port Canaveral on Jan 7, 2024 and returns the 14th. It is going to be a birthday/belated holiday cruise for our daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson. Ports of Call are Great Stirrup Cay; Georgetown, Grand Caymen; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel. DW and I have been to all but Falmouth, GD and GD have been with us to Great Stirrup and Cozumel, and it will be all new to DD and SIL. Grandson’s birthday is on 12/27, granddaughter’s BD is on an 3rd, and DD’s Jan 12th. GD and GS are no strangers to the Haven, but this will be DD’s and SIL’s first exposure to the Haven Experience. NCL had a FAS sale in progress and was able to book the 11- and 14-year-old grandchildren using that perk. Prices we crazy low prompting the booking. The Kids will only miss 2 ½ days of school and return home to have Jan 15th a no-school day. I agreed with Sthrngary in another thread he created and nurtured regarding the reasons and advantages of booking the Premium Plus Package and will be booking the same for DW and me. Unless I’m cruising I don’t drink. However, we drink several of the non-alcohol beverages NCL charges for, but are free in the PPP. AND, when cruising, DW and I in vibe in the top shelf brands sold by NCL. We also like NCL’s policy of permitting passengers to initially board with adult beverages if they have purchased the PPP. Gives us the opportunity of bringing aboard a great champagne for sail away, especially this cruise. Don’t know if we will upgrade specialty dining options. We have always enjoyed the menu and service and just the ease of eating in the Haven Restaurant after what is often a full day in port. Regarding a question/situation posted earlier, yes, on more than one occasions, we have been escorted from the Haven into the backdoor of one of the shows. It was always a dinner show, and I don’t know if they are still available.