DS

We did the Amazon on the Quest in Nov 2023 (Bridgetown to Buenos Aires--we actually started in Lisbon). We had had the cruise scheduled at least twice before and had it cancelled by Covid ( on both Azamara and Oceania). So, finally made it last fall! As some above have noted, it is a bucket list cruise for many (for us!). It is also not a cruise on the Mediterranean Rivera in the sense that the ports you visit have not been tourist traps for hundreds of years -- so, as expected, there was not the level of tourist infrastructure that one might be used to on other cruises. But, in some ways, that's the point! One port (Boca Da Valeria) was a simple village of about 100 people, with a single dock for the tender and a dirt path. To be sure, the villagers had become used to cruise ship stops and "hammed it up" a bit, but again, a once in a lifetime visit. Manaus on the other hand, is a city of more than 2 million, in the middle of nowhere, with a magnificent opera house (see below) where the Azamazing evening was held. Sure the water was muddy-- but it ALWAYS is in the river. We had no bug problem (and DW attracts them when they are around...), but we did have low water problems that caused one port to be skipped in the river. We also had engine problems that limited our speed to about 3/4 normal that compounded the issues. BUT, such adversity showed off some of Azamara's best features. Captain Johannes kept us up-to-date with constant communications on the engine issues, the effect of the low water ( again requiring slower speeds), etc. every single day ( and sometimes more often if new info was available). The line was also very generous with compensation on the missed port in the river and two more outside. So, we are very glad to have done it. Its not something we'll probably do again and again, but as a place that very few of us ever get to experience, it was worth it to us!

That sounds like a "traditional' Azamazaming Evening. As noted in (https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2990719-azamara-seem-to-be-scaling-back-azamazing-evenings/page/3/#comment-67194925) I think three things are needed: Destination, Passenger involvemnt; performance. This seemed to have all three!

Based on past history, one would expect the Journey to do South Africa during the northern winter of 2025/26, the dates of the latest news-- you know, the one with no Journey in them. The Quest is doing South America, Pursuit, Asia, Onward, its world voyage. I don't know of anything about this itinerary that might be a world-trouble? Is it the ship? Or the individuaal ports?

We did get the email today, touting our loyality: "Because of your loyalty, we wanted to give you an exclusive sneak peek of our thrilling new itineraries" I guess its not so exculsive, since JazzBeau reported them on the web site more than 12 hr before the email. In the past, loyalty members were given a 24 hr head start to book desirable cruises and cabins... not so this time. Nor were we impressed with the itineraries, while a few new ports, not really new itineraries. And wondered why no Journey itineraries ( normally our favorite ship...). Also noted the much increased prices ... Overall impression: underwhelmed ( and a bit disappointed...)

Source of this info ??

We have been on more than 30 Azamara cruises and have had the opportunity to attend many “Azamazing Evenings.” Some have been fantastic and fascinating, some, not so much… I’ve found that the good ones contain three ingredients. The first is the Destination. We have had classical and historical opera houses and concert halls, 12th century churches, natural sites like Wadi Rum. We have also had a pier side, folding chairs set up, with a minimal stage so only the first three rows could see the magician (comment: not so good…). Once, a court yard between two building of a shopping center…yuck. In short, the Destination is important. The second is the involvement of the passengers – US! The best ones have had something special for us, either activities or food or something. We’ve had great “fair like” experiences of local activities, and others that merge with the performance (see Wadi Rum). We’ve had many that provide local food, etc. (including the bad location of the shopping center…). If that something is “dinner in the main dining room before/after the performance,” well…not a positive grade. Neither does a “whatever-area-buffet” in Windows or on deck. The third is the actual performance. It should be over and above what is normally available. In many ports Azamara brings on “local entertainment,” often of a folkloric nature—local songs and/or dances. That is good and appreciated—but it is not “azamazing.” The Azamazing Evening performance should be something that cannot be accomplished any old night in the Cabaret Theater—it should be something Azamazing. So… I really appreciate traditional “Azamazing Evenings” (even though we may not attend every one for any of a variety of reasons). “Destination Celebrations,” a wholly acceptable product of the pandemic, is not a substitute for “real’ Azamazing Evenings.” These, and “Onboard Azamazing Evenings” tend to violate all three of our essential characteristics.

Which ship is the 3 May cruise on? Can you post the email?

Thanks to you both

Does anyone know the current senior officers on the Journey? We board in a week...

Pray tell... new Aqualina menu? have you a copy?

ONWARD... 3rd leg world voyage: Papeete to Auckland NZ Capt Gianmario Staff Capt Daniela Chief Engineer Stanko Raji (he may have gotten on at Easter Island??) Hotel Dir Elizabeth Vogel CD Martin Lawson A/CD Roy " broken wrist" Ryan F&B Iwan Pennings Exec Chief Srinath only changes from leg 1/2 are the Captain and the Chief Engineer, and CD/ACD new on leg two after Eric went home Captain G stays until Dubai, when Capt Carl will return. Eric returns in Kong Kong **** all current plans, subject to change at the will of King Neptune and others...***

We ( ONWARD) made it to Easter Island and could land! A very nice day, weather and all. Proof:

We got today's email also. Its an entirely different offer than the December one... not 5% discount, but 5% OBC. Still, interesting... we have one cruise that will mostly be paid from existing Fut Cruise Credits, which we have not applied yet. Maybe we will do that (apply them), pay the small balance, and get the extra OBC ??

Just like Robin, we have often done it (I especially like the PC KFC appetizer, even when in AQ). So it took me by surprise when we were sternly rejected...

JUst a side note... we were in AQ two nights ago, and asked to see the Prime C menu. The assistant restaurant manager ( i.e., not a low level staffer) reluctantly got one for us, then told us we could not order from it, because "the ship was too full and that would stress the galley" (!!?!!) The ship has only about 500+ passengers, and we have been able to cross-order on all other ships on any cruise we were on before. Don't know why he said it, but be aware...