Have AzAmazing Evening Questions ? Please Post Here !

[dln929]

Will there an azamazing evening on this cruise?

Unless there are changes planned for 2014, no Azamazing Evenings on transatlantic cruises.

[Bill Leiber]

Hello 2014 AzAmazing Evenings Followers -

 

Throughout this thread I've been sharing with you that the target date for having the final 2014 AzAmazing Evening Events up on our website would be at the end of August. I've learned late today (Thursday) that our Global Tour Operations team will require more time to complete the review process. In turn, that will impact the timing required for loading the information into our reservation system.

 

I'm sorry to be reporting this target date change which was based on the information that I had received. I can understand why some of you will be disappointed with delay. At this time, I'm unable to report to you when the information will be available online and will not engage in any speculation about the timing at this point. I expect to have more definitive information sometime on Friday or Monday.

 

What I can share with you is that the review of the 2014 AzAmazing Evenings events was not a cursory tweaking of the program ingredients, but rather a thorough reformulation of the content of each evening event based on guest feedback and satisfaction scores. Doing so required more time in development.

 

Remember that all Azamazing Evenings are not purchasable anywhere except with Azamara. Each is truly unique, created by us for the unique enjoyment of our guests. Some have a "wow-factor" while others do not and lean toward cultural "experiences" consistent with our destination orientation. Yet all are exclusive and have different appeals depending on one's interest. Going forward, our tour descriptions will feature a more focused detailed-experience explanation that offers you the opportunity to determine (based on your own value system) if "it's not to be missed" or "not your cup of tea." You've asked us to tone down the hype.

 

Simply, guest satisfaction will be a function of setting your expectations correctly by using language that conveys more experience details.

 

It is within this context that I'm hoping you'll be able to muster some more patience. We learned it's more important to present information that is accurate the first-time its presented.

 

During this interim period, I'm working with our AzAmazing team developers to obtain the final and approved 2014 schedule. At that point I will be able to respond to your individual voyage question with the Day, Port, and hopefully the Start time. By having that information you can begin to purchase your shore excursions and take advantage of booking the tour at its current pricing along with the 25% LDS savings.

 

I'll be advising you when I will receive that document on this thread so that you can begin sending me your questions about your specific voyage (date & vessel).

 

In the meantime, I'll get back to you with a new "target" date so that you can begin to access the complete 2014 AzAmazing Evening schedule and book online. I will do so on this thread and title them 2014 AZAMAZING UPDATES.

 

I hope this interim procedure to secure your AzAmazing Evening information will help you in booking your shore excursions and perhaps demonstrate our commitment to help you structure and enjoy the experience of creating your "own" Azamara cruise vacation.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[uktog]

Thank you Bill for the update. Very pleased to read the onboard attention to detail we know and love from Azamara is being applied and I am sure the end results will be great.

[Lady golfer]

Bill,

 

Would the ship have an AE in the afternoon? On the March 16th sailing, the late ports are Les Saintes and St Barths, both are tendered. If the ship is very full it is a problem tendering.

 

In July on the Journey, in Santa Margarita we were tendered in for AE and it did take a bit of time.

 

That is why I asked about the afternoon. Thank you for a reply.

 

Suzanne

[dln929]

Well Bill, I expressed some irritation earlier over why the Azamazing Evenings weren't posted when the sailing itineraries were released. Based on your thoughtful response on why they're still not available, I am going to reverse my thinking 100%. I appreciate that you're all taking the time to "measure twice cut once" as the great carpenter Norm Abram would say. I will continue to book a voyage for the destination, and when the AzAmazing Evenings are announced, I will consider them icing on the cake. How's that. We can all be adaptable and patient, even me. ;)

[Bill Leiber]

Hello 2014 AzAmazing Evenings Followers -

 

I want to let you know that although the AzAmazing Evenings review is nearing completion, there are still a few events that are being reworked which may require a shift in the port of operation. Therefore, I'm still not able to confirm when I will have the information to respond to your individual voyage AzAmazing Evening questions.

 

In my last update, I mentioned the importance of using language that would convey more details about the experience so that you could realistically set your expectations about whether or not to participate. Another important planning consideration is to minimize the scheduling conflict created by the late return of our Land Discoveries shore excursions and the sometimes too early transfer process to the AzAmazing Evenings event. In turn, this has implications on your dining experience. This task is being conducted.

 

I'm sharing this information with you, not as an excuse, but as a means to illustrate why the process is taking longer than originally a anticipated.

 

I'm following the progress and will keep you informed when I have facts to share with you. Again, my appreciation for your understanding and patience with my explanation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[nuneham]

This seems a reasonable and considered evaluation of the first evenings. I particularly like the toning down of the hype. The descriptions tended to inflate expectation rather than allow passengers to judge if an event suited their interests and abilities. I'm not noted for my patience ....but I think it is called for here. Thank you, Bill.

[mare s.]

I'm trying to be patient and understanding also. But it worries me a bit that the events for the first quarter of 2014 aren't available yet. I would think that these Azamazing events require quite a bit of planning which should be done months in advance. I'm sure I'm wrong, but this gives the impression of a bit of last minute scrambling to arrange the events...always a bad sign. Regular shore excursion info has been available for quite a while, but I've been holding off booking anything because things are so fluid.

[Mrs Miggins]

Bill, I know our evening will be at the aquarium but looking at the itinerary we do not arrive in Monaco until 7.30 pm on the night of the event. Getting 500+ guests up to the venue may mean a very late start. Not a problem to me, but would appreciate your input.

[tonyl1956]

On this and another thread, Mr Leiber has said 'Simply, in 2014 guest satisfaction will be a function of setting your expectations correctly by using language that conveys more experience details.'

 

If a key message from the review concerns managing expectations about the evenings, would it be possible to 'set our expectations' for the three tenors evening on 2nd October?

 

I asked some questions in another thread but they have not been answered. Reviews of the last instance of this evening in June weren't positive and many of the benefits of the surroundings will be lost because it will be dark much earlier in the evening than it was then, sunset being before 7pm.

 

As a supplementary question, what facilities are provided on board for those who do choose not to attend? In particular, what dining arrangements could we expect?

 

I'm sorry if these questions seem a little blunt but we've booked what we hope will be a great cruise and don't want one of the seven nights to be a disappointment.

 

Tony

[cinnamon]

We've just booked the Quest to Corsica, Sicily and Sorrento on 30th April. I am waiting excitedly to discover what our Azamazing evening will be. With 3 nights in port till 10.00 pm and an overnight in Sorrento, the options seem wide open.

 

Have any been done at tender ports?

[dln929]

On this and another thread, Mr Leiber has said 'Simply, in 2014 guest satisfaction will be a function of setting your expectations correctly by using language that conveys more experience details.'

 

If a key message from the review concerns managing expectations about the evenings, would it be possible to 'set our expectations' for the three tenors evening on 2nd October?

 

I asked some questions in another thread but they have not been answered. Reviews of the last instance of this evening in June weren't positive and many of the benefits of the surroundings will be lost because it will be dark much earlier in the evening than it was then, sunset being before 7pm.

 

As a supplementary question, what facilities are provided on board for those who do choose not to attend? In particular, what dining arrangements could we expect?

 

I'm sorry if these questions seem a little blunt but we've booked what we hope will be a great cruise and don't want one of the seven nights to be a disappointment.

 

Tony

 

Tony, I'm not on your cruise but I was just on the Azamara website looking at my reservation (final payment due today :D) and couldn't help but notice that your cruise is the one called the "President's Voyage." This is what is says about your Azamazing Evening. "Tuscan Flavors & 3 Tenors Concert—October 2, 2013. After a delectable dinner onboard the Azamara Journey, your next destination will be the impressive Teatro Carlo Goldoni, the Goldoni Theatre. Three tenors accompanied by a pianist will be waiting to amaze you with an incredible operatic performance in the perfect romantic setting."

 

We've been in Livorno before and that opera house isn't very far from the docks. I wouldn't say it's within walking distance but if memory serves, it's definitely only 10 minutes or so by taxi. It's a gorgeous building both inside and out. I think maybe you're getting confused and thinking the Azamazing Evening is at the other Goldoni theatre, the one in Venice? If that's what you're thinking, no wonder you're up in arms. That would be a really long ride in a bus...fortunately your performance is going to be in the city, close to the ship, and you get dinner first (whether you decide to attend or not :)). Much better!

 

It would be a pity though if you didn't take advantage of hearing the tenors. It sounds like a wonderful evening. I can imagine that with Mr. and Mrs. Pimentel in attendance they'll be pulling out all the stops. Lucky you!

[tonyl1956]

Deirdre,

 

Wow, that's a big change from the previously advertised trip (to two castles in Greve). It sounds a lot more suitable. Thanks for letting me know - I'll have a look right now.

 

Tony

[dln929]

Deirdre,

 

Wow, that's a big change from the previously advertised trip (to two castles in Greve). It sounds a lot more suitable. Thanks for letting me know - I'll have a look right now.

 

Tony

 

You're welcome. I'm glad I noticed it last night on the Azamara website. We'll be on the Journey next May with a stop in Italy and I'm hoping our Azamazing Evening will be as nice as yours (though I'm sure it will be :D).

[Bill Leiber]

Hello Three Tenors Concert Considerers -

 

I'm pleased to confirm that the AzAmazing Evening has been modified. Your feedback has made a difference: the venue is closer to the ship to avoid a long-ride after a day touring and you will be able to have dinner onboard.

 

Here is the official description:

A Three Tenors Concert at the Goldoni Theatre

§ This evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best of Italian opera music. After a short drive, you will reach the Goldoni Theatre, opened in 1847; it is considered one of the most beautiful and historical Italian theaters and the “home” of Mascagni.

§ Pietro Mascagni is considered one of Livorno’s most noted poets and one of Italy’s most famous composers. Well known for his first masterpiece “Cavalleria Rusticana” which is still played in theatres worldwide.

§ After being escorted to your seats, enjoy an operatic performance by three tenors accompanied by a pianist a favorite of Azamara Club Cruises guests.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[captainmcd]

Since I am on the October 1 sailing of the Journey, I am glad to hear this. Although I signed up for the AzAmazing concert, I had lowered my expectations, and altered my plan for the day's activities. Now it sounds a lot more relaxing and enjoyable. Thanks for the confirmation, Bill

[Bill Leiber]

Bill, I know our evening will be at the aquarium but looking at the itinerary we do not arrive in Monaco until 7.30 pm on the night of the event. Getting 500+ guests up to the venue may mean a very late start. Not a problem to me, but would appreciate your input.

 

Hello Mrs Miggins -

 

Thanks for your patience. I've learned that departure for the AzAmazing Evening Event at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco will begin as soon as the vessel is cleared.

 

However, the event will not start until all the participating guests have arrived. That is why the "duration" is defined as "At Your Leisure." Remember that Azamara will have exclusive access to this unique venue and guests can set their own pace as they work their way through the exhibit halls and the various levels of the museum. The transfer time is approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic, which in October is expected to be light. The onboard team is aware of the timing and have planned for the logistics to the venue.

 

Wishing you a wonderful Azamara vacation and a memorable AzAmazing Evening!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[ellbon]

You can walk there and back easily in the right shoes

[mikechass]

I am wondering if anyone knows about the Jan29th Sea of Cortez evening?? I can't get a hold of my TA till October, she is on a leave... thanks.

[taxjam]

Anyone know the February 18 and March 4th Quest evening ports and dates?

[Travel2Learn]

Bill, have any plans been added to include an Amazing Evening on the Quest sailing from Seville to Miami?

[uktog]

Sorry, there are no Azamazing evenings on the transatlantic crossings - this is flagged up on the cruiseline websites so hopefully you were made aware of that before you booked

[scapel]

Has a date been selected for the AzAmazing Evening for the Jan 15, 2014 Sail date Will there be one for this cruise?

[dln929]

If anyone is really really chomping at the bit to know what their Azamazing Evening will be, you might try calling the Land Discoveries team (use the regular Azamara number). I called today about some excursions I was interested in for our December trip on the Quest since there were no prices listed. While I was on the phone I asked just on the offhand about upcoming AzAmazing Evenings for the two cruises we've booked for 2014. The agent was able to give me some details that are not yet on the website on one of the dates but not the other, so who knows, maybe yours will be already planned..:D.

[scapel]

If anyone is really really chomping at the bit to know what their Azamazing Evening will be, you might try calling the Land Discoveries team (use the regular Azamara number). I called today about some excursions I was interested in for our December trip on the Quest since there were no prices listed. While I was on the phone I asked just on the offhand about upcoming AzAmazing Evenings for the two cruises we've booked for 2014. The agent was able to give me some details that are not yet on the website on one of the dates but not the other, so who knows, maybe yours will be already planned..:D.

 

Thanks for the information.