Baynanno1

You have not said where you will be boarding. Have you checked out the ports that still do require pre-boarding testing : https://www.azamara.com/en-nz/booked-guests/before-you-board/explore-well-at-sea#testing

Waiting months for refund of deposits (on fully refundable fares). Constantly being told "it's in the system" Maybe currently only taking a couple of days now, the backlog has been shoved into a corner and forgotten? Or maybe refunds happen faster in one area of the world than another?

Some information from the New South Wales Government : https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules?fbclid=IwAR2eeLOiU-Foe51LlU4k7OlliNbw5xCuC6rIYXvtz0X2J7Qs71OKIqsyKDo

Same happened to us on our last time there in 2019. Always at WTC prior and we could see that there was space all day at WTC.

The exchange rate is locked in when you make your first purchase. If you are buying shore excursions prior to boarding and get a favourable exchange rate : 1 - you get better value for your dollar (or whatever currency you deal in) 2 - having "spent less" on your shore excursion, you have more left over for on board use.

https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/australia-new-zealand-travel-requirements Definitely still required in Australia & new Zealand.

You can use OBC pre-cruise to reserve Azamara Shore Excursions before boarding up until two days prior to their voyage. After boarding you can use your onboard credit to purchase more shore excursions, at which stage the balance of your OBC reverts to $US. It may also be used for upgraded beverages, Internet, specialty dining, spa and shops. Pre-cruise, reservations booked in other currencies will display the current exchange rate to $US. This will fluctuate weekly until the first payment is made for shore excursions using some of the OBC. At that point, the exchange rate will be locked in for future purchases on that booking. Azamara generated OBC has not been able to be used to purchase future cruises, either deposits or payments. Any unused Azamara generated OBC goes back in to Azamara's bank. It cannot be cashed out - use it or lose it. However if you have OBC from a Travel Agent (not Azamara generated) any unused portion of that is refundable.

About two thirds of the way to the bridge in Sydney Harbour on Cruisemapper at about 1115.

It seemed strange that a late arrival should delay boarding for the next cruise. However, looking at Cruisemapper https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Celebrity-Eclipse-631 just now (0646) Thursday morning, it appears that the ship is still en route to Sydney, which definitely explains why a late boarding is required! A pity the email did not include a little more detail. Under the circumstances, it seems a pity that departure could not be delayed for an hour or two. Best of luck! Enjoy your cruise! We would be interested to hear how boarding is handled, as we will be boarding on 9 December.

Sounds starting from 80 dB can be harmful and from 110 dB up they can cause discomfort and irreversible damage. We found in recent years (pre covid) sound levels had increased significantly compared to the enjoyable previous level. When walking up the stairs to the Living Room and we heard the "music" as we reached deck 8, we turned around and went elsewhere. We did bring the problem to the attention of several staff in management, but it mostly fell on deaf ears. Pun absolutely intended!

@uktog so sorry to hear about your grandchild. 🙏

"They also have a wonderful library." They do indeed, on Quest, Journey and Pursuit. Onward has a cocktail bar in the former library space and a miniscule "library" in the Living room.

Thanks for your enthusiastic review, complete with great photos. Special thanks for the video clip of David Righeschi, whose voice and personality we have enjoyed many times on Azamara cruises. 🤩

In days gone by there was always an invitation on the bed on arrival, albeit in among all the other papers.

I have done the same since having soaking wet bag and contents which happened at a connection half way across USA. Had the use of a dryer at the hotel we were at, but unfortunately temperature was too high and several items ended up shrunk at the beginning of a journey several weeks long. As you say, also makes packing easier and clothes tend to not get crumpled. 😀

The casino is as good a suggestion as deck 12 - neither exist on Azamara. 🙃

Belated Anniversary wishes. Thanks for a great review, via which I am reliving many visits on the various Azamara ships. Who is your guest lecturer?

I have done the Azamara "Florence on your own" several times, covering much of what I had listed to see, as well as previously undiscovered places, which has resulted in a list as yet incomplete. I spend as much or as little time as I like at each point, ensuring I am back to the meeting place on time. It can be a bit tricky getting a cab driver to take you from the port to the train station, as they would prefer to take you to Florence.

Re. travel arrangements : Perhaps whoever made the flight reservations failed to comprehend the fact that the UK is no longer part of the EU, not realising a quick transit would be impossible. Most unsatisfactory, to say the least. We always book our own flights.

My note reads "Cold wash, cool/warm dry not hot please 🙂 thank you." Only once had a problem with shrinkage when my request was obviously ignored. Particularly annoying as we were traveling on land for another week or so. Usually an excellent service.

The heartland of Wolf Blass winemaking, Yellow Label has delivered exceptional quality for over 40 years through an outstanding range of South Australian wines. Yellow Label Merlot offers dark fruit aromas of plum and cassis with a touch of oak spice and hints of leafiness. Rich flavours meld well with supple, varietal tannins in an approachable, medium-bodied style with a smooth, long-lasting finish. Average rating on Vivino 3.3 of 5, although some sites rate it higher. Some vintages are better than others, as is the case with most wines. Average price +/- AU$12.00. Ultimate package - not to my way of thinking.