DS

THIRD....We have been in Aurea Museum Hotel twice and love it. Great location near the port, near good restaurants, ... and the premier chocolate shop, a necessary stop in any port!

After discussions of electrical problems on a couple of ships, speed limitations, docking issues, and water restrictions, smoky air, I thought a lighter post might be appropriate… so, A PORT EXPERIMENT At first one may wonder why this is posted on “Anyone Currently Onboard.” Well, I am currently onboard, and the events to be discussed began in our port of departure, Lisbon, and continued onboard for almost two weeks. To be clear, this is not a discussion of ports like the Azores or Miami or Barbados or Rio. No, it is a discussion of port wine. And it includes aspects discussed on these boards about bringing wine onboard, and where best to get it before you board (without having to haul it from home on an airplane…) So, some specifics… We boarded the Quest in Lisbon on the way to Barbados and hence (B2B) to Buenos Aires by way of the Amazon River. Our hotel in Lisbon was about ¼ mile from the pier. Between the hotel and the pier was a store that offered port wine tastings and sales. Since the answer to “Can I bring wines onboard” is a clear YES, this store offers an easy option if the wine you are interested in is port and you are in Lisbon! Knowing that I enjoyed an occasional glass of port, and knowing that port was not included in the beverage package we had, DW suggested, kindly, that we check out this store and perhaps take a bottle onboard to enjoy in the evenings, perhaps at the show. In the store we found a very nice two-pack of ½ bottles, one a 10-year tawny and the other a 20-year tawny. An ideal set-up for an experiment, as I have never had 20-year tawny before: would it be twice as good as the 10-year? would I like it better? did my tastes just get more expensive? To eliminate any incorrect impressions, I am NOT a port expert. As noted, I enjoy an occasional glass, usually on a cruise or in a restaurant. Port is seldom in our home wine cellar: when we lived up north, a bottle on a cold winter night, in front of a roaring fire, was great; now that we are retired to Florida, not so much… I did recognize that my experiment could not be conducted with just any old glassware: one cannot use dixie cups or jelly glasses for such an important undertaking. With the help of our room steward, we were able to obtain two Riedel port glasses to be used in the experiment, an excellent way to remove many variables from the tests and insure a consistent presentation of the innate qualities of each test subject. So, how did we do this experiment and what were the results? The experiment was to be conducted over six (not necessarily consecutive) days. Day 1 we opened the 10-year bottle and put a “generous pour” in the glass. The generous pour was probably about twice what you would get in a commercial establishment, but I wanted a sufficient amount to conduct the experiment without skimping. I also figured that I could get 3 such “generous pours” from each half bottle, which fit the parameters of the test protocol. The bottle was re-corked and the same procedure carried out the next day, day 2. This meant I got to taste it just after removing the cork and again after about 24 hours of oxidation. The bottle was then recorked and placed in the refrigerator to suppress any further oxidation. This same process was repeated with the 20-year bottle on experiment day’s 3 and 4. (There were a couple of “off days” between day 2 and day 3 caused by other onboard activities.) Days 5 and 6 changed the protocol: in this case, the test was a head-to-head experiment between the 10-year and the 20-year. On these days I removed the port from the refrigerator when we went to dinner to allow it to gradually warm. After dinner and before the evening’s entertainment I returned to the cabin to prepare the night’s libations. I poured a normal size pour of each into a (separate, of course!) glass and conducted the tasting. On day 6 this process was repeated. But, I was surprised that there was sufficient port left in the bottles so that we could have a Day 7 of any even complete experiment! So, what were the results? Remembering my disclaimers above, you will not hear things about “black fruit” or “hints of cassis,” or (my all-time favorite wine descriptor…) “wet horse blanket.” Who even knows what a wet horse blanket tastes like!?! I’ll stick to the facts of what they looked like to me and how I liked the taste. First the 10-year, which I have had before (not necessarily this brand). It looked and tasted like I remembered it. Quite dark in appearance, and a very smooth taste, no hints of sharpness or astringency. It was very consistent between the first and second nights, and virtually the same on the nights 5 and 6 taste-offs (which ended about 10 days after first being opened). The 20-year, to my surprise, was noticeably lighted in color—even DW remarked on that. The taste was a bit sharper, with a bit of astringency, especially on the sides of my tongue. I thought that maybe it needed more time open, but noted the same things on the second night (experiment “day 4”). In the head-to-head part of the experiment, which started several days after the individual trials ended, I was surprised that the observations of differences in color and clarity remained, and the 20-year remained astringent. At the end of Day 6 I had made my choice: I enjoyed the 10-year more. It was smoother to me and the wine had a ricker, darker look. And then Day 7 (or, should I actually say, Event 7, since by now the first bottle had been opened for about 2 weeks) happened! By this point I could detect the beginning of deterioration in the 10-year: it was just beginning to get that taste of a bottle left unfinished for too long. And to my surprise, the 20-year sample was no longer as bitey; indeed, by the end of the glass it was actually quite smooth! So, my conclusions? Well, while Event 7 was a bit of a shocker, I really do not want to wait 10 of more days after opening the bottle to enjoy the first glass. Therefore, I will stick to my previous conclusion that I enjoyed the sight and taste of the 10-year more. The port experts may have an explanation for my observations; I do not. And since I’m sure the 10-year is not more expensive than the 20-year, my wallet is also happy!

Actually, @terry&mike have posted some other nice pictures and info on our trip on the "roll call" page. If interested in more Amazon stuff, see their excellent info: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2828028-november-18-2023-amazon-intensive-voyage/page/10/

We made it to Manaus! On our way back out the river. In both Manaus and Santarem we were originally scheduled to be docked, but had to revert to using tenders because of the water level. What does this actually look like? see attached. The water usually is at or near the top of the dock, with “floating docks” attached to it. You can see the floating dock (looks like a barge) now (with a bus on it) where the tenders dock. The water level is down 50 feet or more, and dropping another foot every 3-4 days! You can see lots of sand that used to be underwater (with some grass beginning to grow). The water level on shore is way to shallow for our ship.

Amazon update for Tuesday from onboard Quest Its 9:30 PM, ships time, and we are just hauling in anchor to leave Macapa, after picking up river pilot and specialist electricians, and clearing Brazilian customs/formalities—been anchored about 3 hours. Entered the Amazon this morning. Well before we could see land, we could see the muddy waters. After land was sighted, one could see areas where smoke was rising. Within a few hours the air was redolent with smoke, as it continues now, permeating into the cabins and other rooms onboard. The river flow out at about 3 knots, so our forward speed today has been reduced to 10-12 knots. There appeared to be a following wind this afternoon, so we ended up making good time to Macapa. Don’t expect updated itinerary until sometime tomorrow, after ship’s staff confers with river pilots, gets input from electricians, works with port agents and Miami on various stops. All-in-all, a nice day at sea with calm seas (rivers) until the smoke took over in midafternoon. As noted, tomorrow’s planned stop in Santarem has been cancelled, so expect another sea day—hopefully with less smoke

On the next Quest cruise: Barbados to Buenos Aires via the Amazon River. All the senior officers listed above are still on with the exception of the Cruise Director and Asst CD: New are: Stephen Millet ( from Journey) as CD Justin Schneyer, ACD (When CD Amanda left on Saturday, she still did not know if she was coming back to Quest or to Journey...) Richard, who was leaving in BA on the last cruise has been extended into January...

Amazon update for Monday from onboard Quest The specialist electrician will be flying into Macapa (pilot station at mouth of Amazon) Tuesday afternoon (from Bogota!). We will get there about 8 PM Tuesday. Then the work starts. No definitive word on itinerary changes yet and don’t expect any until we get to Macapa and they get better info -- with one exception… looks like we will skip Santarem: the 8 or 9 hours we were to be there are how much behind we will be and we have to get to Manaus for several reasons. First, it’s the Azamazing Evening, but more important operationally, it’s the only place in the river we can get fresh water and offload dirty water. The ship can not make its own fresh water in the dirty/muddy river, and it’s illegal to discharge waste water in the river. That announcement (skipping Santarem) has not been publicly/officially made, but several senior officers have said that’s what will happen. We do expect some measure of water rationing ( not for passengers, but for ships systems like laundry) while in the river-- looks like I might have to hang up my own towels! Meanwhile onboard the food is good, the entertainment fine, the sea pretty calm and the weather glorious!

Yep... of all the captains, he is the most communicative in these situation of any we had ( evidence: Christmas 2021 COVID cruise, where more than half our Caribbean ports were cancelled ( by the port), yet he managed to get us to a new unscheduled port almost every time: as he said, often at 6 PM he did not know where he was going for tomorrow, but he got us there! )

On the Quest, out of Barbados, heading for the Amazon. We’ve had our first hiccup—no, not the Amazon water level, which seems to be OK for our size ship (we know other lines have cancelled their later sailings). Last night part of a transformer that drives one of the propellers failed. This meant: · Our maximum speed dropped from 18+ knots to 15+ knots, which meant · Our arrival at the pilot station at the mouth of the Amazon will be about 8 or 9 hours late, which means · Our journey up the river will be impacted time wise. The problem can not be fixed while the ship is underway, and in any case will require specialized high voltage electricians who are not on board. The Captain has been on conference calls with Miami at least three times already today (a Sunday, of course…). They are tying to get the specialists (contractors) to the pilot station at the entrance to the river. We have to stop there anyway to complete “Brazilian Formalities” and can turn off the ship and see if they can make repairs, or if further parts (which are not onboard, nor are they “off-the-shelf”) are needed. Best case, repairs are made and we continue along, just 8 or 9 hours off schedule, with whatever times/ports of call that need to be adjusted (still TBD). Worst case, we continue up river without full power, which will cause a further exacerbation in our delay, since we will be fighting a 4 to 5 knot current all the way upstream, and needed full power to make original schedule. So, more modifications (still TDB) to timing and itinerary will be needed. Its “early days” and most details have not been worked out. The Captain’s noon announcements lasted almost half an hour and he was very complete and straight-forward about the situation, and promised to keep us up to day as soon as they knew any more. He emphasized that the ship is not in any danger, nor are we. Worse case is that we mosey up the river and adjust ports on the river and later as necessary. Updates as they occur...

Top Cruiser event on Quest ( Lisbon -> Barbados) -- and news about next trip... Tonight was the "top Cruiser" event on Quest. As I noted before, this voyage has the highest number of repeat travelers of ANY Azamara trip ever. The Top Cruiser had 690 nights (not us!) There were 111 people with more than 100 nights; 54 with more than 200; 40 with more than 300; 15 with more than 400 and 8 with more than 500. All top 3 had more than 600 nights. When the Captain was talking, he said he had spent the day worrying about fuel and water. Fuel.... in Bridgetown the fuel lines are apparently burying in the concrete pier.... but they broke! So refueling there becomes more difficult. As a result we have to increase speed and get there at 6 PM the night before we were suppose to arrive so we can refuel over night since all the slots with refueling capacity are filled the next day. Water in the Amazon-- no, not the water level ( that seems OK), but drinking water. When we are at docked/anchored at Manaus the ship can not make its own potable water. So water has to be delivered by these big barges. We will need two barges full. But it takes 10 hours between deliveries to refill a barge.... BUT WAIT! if you pay 2 1/2 times more, the time can be cut to 5 hours! As the Captain said, business in Brazil is--- interesting...

Agree! Just never seen so many offerings before. By the time you add BoB, White Nights and first and last nights, every night is booked

We did French Chef table last night on Quest Trans Atlantic. On this 9 day voyage, there are 3 nights with French and 2 nights with Italian!

We did French Chef table last night on Quest Trans Atlantic. Menu same as above, but slight difference in wines brand/vineyard, but same general type. On this 9 day voyage, there are 3 nights with French and 2 nights with Italian!

ON THE OTHER HAND... sometimes we book a particular ship based on its crew... not just the Captain or the Cruise Director ( although these are important) but also the waiters, stewards, etc. This is especially true when all the ships are doing essentially the same itineraries in the Med. To the extent that this "transfer mentality" works it way down (... as it already has!) things get bad. When all our favorite people have been transferred to another ship.... its a bummer!

On the Quest, from Lisbon to Barbados (with follow on thru the Amazon to Buenos Aires). Current passenger load is 419 PAX. Somewhere between 20 something and 100 or more are back-to backers from previous cruise—heard both numbers--- but some times at specialty restaurants were already booked by B2Bers before we got on in the first group! We had a good sail away from Lisbon, a bit of a swell to Funchal, but wonderful weather when we got there. Now heading toward Barbados with 6 sea days. Calm seas. Expect more than 200 back-to-backers onto the next, Amazon, voyage. Early info (no precise numbers yet) indicate that this cruise has the most number of repeat/loyalty cruisers of ANY Azamara cruise ever (even with only 419 passengers!) Current Senior Officers are… Captain: Johannes Tysse—gets off in Buenos Aires on Dec 10th… no info on replacement Staff Captain: Roman Kutsenko Chief Engineer: Nikolay Georgiev Hotel Director Ryszard Gusmann – gets off in Buenos Aires on Dec 10th… no info on replacement Cruise Director: Amanda Poulson… gets off in Barbados on 18 Nov… replaced by Steven from the Journey! Asst. Cruise Director: Jose Alpizar… gets off in Barbados on 18 Dec… replaced by Justin from the Journey Exec Chief: Jason Chastom F&B Manger: Tekin Sahin

On the Quest, from Lisbon to Barbados (with follow on thru the Amazon to Buenos Aires). Current Senior Officers are… Captain: Johannes Tysse—gets off in Buenos Aires on Dec 10th… no info on replacement Staff Captain: Roman Kutsenko Chief Engineer: Nikolay Georgiev Hotel Director Ryszard Gusmann – gets off in Buenos Aires on Dec 10th… no info on replacement Cruise Director: Amanda Poulson… gets off in Barbados on 18 Nov… replaced by Steven from the Journey! Asst. Cruise Director: Jose Alpizar… gets off in Barbados on 18 Dec… replaced by Justin from the Journey Exec Chief: Jason Chastom F&B Manger: Tekin Sahin

Many more comments on this topic on the WC board and the 1st segment roll call.... including why the people going to theGalapagos are still going to Ecuador... https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2814654-azamara-onward-world-voyage-2024/page/139/ https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2829319-january-5-2024-1st-segment-onward-world-cruise/page/4/ This topic should be moved to one of those...

I don't understand "combined under one booking number" We've done b2b multiple times--- some times as many as 4 in a row, and every cruise had its own booking number, even if we booked then at exactly the same time. Admittedly, all these occurred under the "old" system. Do B2B cruises now get the same booking number?

Perhaps, for some people, there may be a silver lining.... In 2022 we had a Black Sea voyage that was radically changed by the situation in Ukraine. We cancelled that. BUT we were able to find a Baltic cuirse, that having to cut St Petersburg from it itinerary, was offered at a very good price. We have been to St Pete, so the other stops were our prority. It turned out to be a wonderful-- and afforable-- voyage! Check the options!

Perhaps someone "currently on board" could ask the hotel director, at one of his/her Q&A sessions, which occur on almost every cruise, about the future of Azamazing Evenings given the recent inconsistent history ...?? (and, please, post the answer here!)

So, here is where WE are… Our loyalty points are wrong, and have been for 6 months, despite multiple “forms” by both DW and me. We have been assured that “their” records are correct, even if what we see on the web site is not. We will be onboard in about 6 weeks, so we will see… we know the loyalty ambassador who will be onboard and trust we’ll get the truth. If they are having so many IT problems overall, which they seem to have…, it’s reasonable to assume that they have more important issues than what shows to us on the web… as long as the "real" records are correct... we shall see...

Shortly after the 2025 World cruise was announced, we (were onboard, and) asked the HD why the ONWARD was chosen for both the 2024 and 2025 World Voyages. He said he had asked the same question and was told that the ONWARD had newer, more environmental friendly systems and that allowed it to get into more countries and ports that had higher standards that the other ships could not get to.... for what it's worth...

So... no postings for more than two months??... have all the ships sank? We sail Azamara 2 or 3 or 4 times a year, and appreciate postings on this board. I'll try to always contribute. This and the https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2872255-senior-officers-at-the-moment-post-what-you-know/page/5/ are how we keep up with things.... Appreciate any help in understanding the status quo...

We've always found the FCC/Loyalty Ambassador on the ships to to be very informed and helpful-- much more so than a random shoreside agent. I would guess that these folks book more cruises than any single shoreside one. They have seen all kinds of "unique ( not so much...) circumstances, and know what do to. Tine on Journey, Matt on Quest, and others on the other ships have always been most helpful and explained the best deal for us

So, for the past 7 or 8 years, we have sailed on Azamara almost all the time. A year or so ago friends showed us an interesting itinerary on Seabourn that they were going on: Dover UK, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, down St Lawrence to Montreal (an itinerary that was not available on Azamara at the time—I think they are doing it in 2025…). So… new itinerary, new line, old friends…Sure! We booked an oceanview cabin—nice size—but still cost more than 150% of what we paid per day for Club Continent suite on Azamara, and were prepared to be WOWed! We were not… The itinerary was great; the cabin was nice; the friends were fun. The food the first week was wonderful… then it was less so and more repetitive—never bad. But the onboard service was totally unimpressive. Dinners often took 90 minutes to serve entre after ordering; something was always missing: salad, or coffee, or wine, or butter, or wrong entre, or… By always, I mean EVERY SINGLE MEAL—something different each time, but no one got 100%, ever. I think they are still suffering from Long Covid, as the staffing is clearly not up to snuff: when it takes 26 minutes to get a drink at a bar after ordering, there clearly are not enough bartenders/waiters; when it takes 90 minutes to get food, there aren’t enough waiters or cooks or something. Did we enjoy the trip? Yes! Did we think it was better than Azamara? No--- certainly not for the money. I am keenly aware of the on-shore difficulties that AZ has been having, but we have been on more than 10 AZ cruises since the post Covid restart—and NEVER had a bad onboard experience. We are next on AZ in November, and look forward to being taken care of by our friendly staff and crew again!