Jan 5 Onward IT change

[crusinbanjo]

Just received this email from Azamara today regarding the first segment of the world cruise.  I hope more of this is not coming in the future, 

 

Dear Azamara Guest,   We're writing to inform you of some important changes to your upcoming cruise, scheduled for January 5, 2024, aboard the Azamara Onward℠. While we always strive to provide you with the most remarkable experiences, we must prioritize your safety and well-being.   Due to recent political instability and security concerns in Ecuador, we have decided to remove our scheduled calls to Ecuador, and, instead, are delighted to announce an overnight stay and an extended destination day in Fuerte Amador, Panama. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore this captivating destination and its many wonders.   Fuerte Amador combines scenic beauty and cultural richness, offering a wide range of experiences. You can take leisurely strolls, or savor a delectable meal at one of the charming restaurants lining the Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador). This picturesque causeway gracefully links four small islands in the Pacific Ocean, treating you to breathtaking vistas of Panama City's skyline. You can also indulge in the vibrant gastronomy scene - Panama's culinary landscape is a delightful fusion of flavors, inspired by a tapestry of cultural influences. Be sure not to miss out on local delicacies such as ceviche, hearty sancocho soup, and savory empanadas.   For those who have previously booked shore excursions with Azamara in Ecuador, please be assured that any charges associated with these bookings will be refunded to the original form of payment. Our team is working diligently to process these refunds, and you can expect to see them reflected soon.   We extend our sincerest gratitude for your understanding and want to reassure you that this decision has been made with your safety, utmost comfort and enjoyment in mind; however, we believe this revised itinerary will offer you an extraordinary and enriching adventure.   We look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.   Should you have any questions or need guidance of what you can explore in any destination please contact your Travel Advisor or click here for your local Azamara call center number.    Sincerely, AZAMARA® ©2023 Azamara. Ships registered in Malta. “Change the Way You Sea” is an international service mark of SP Cruises OpCo Limite Azamara, 3059 Grand Ave, Suite 205, Miami, Florida 33133, United States

[Dr H]

You sign a contract with any cruise line, and it isn't even fine print that itineraries can be changed, for any reason and at any time. Sorry about that, but do you really want to be in the middle of god knows what politically or socially?

[Riocca]

All cruise lines will change itineraries if they consider that there’s a risk to ship and passengers and will take any travel advisories issued by the U.S. government seriously. 
Unfortunately we live in a volatile world and things can change at the drop of a hat as we have recently seen so there’s no guarantee with any itinerary.

[ECCruise]

As much as we hate to miss ports and probably too overconfident we are in these types of situations, the current climate in Ecuador, before, during and after the election, plus the drug problems, were enough of a red flag to Azamara to ditch those 2 Ecuador calls.

 

Probably a smart move.  Whether there will be more changes obviously depends on the political and health situation in various ports. 

[Dr H]

Our last European adventure was listed as Italy (?) and Morocco. We made it to Italy, Morocco, well, not so much. Apparently there was a terrorism threat, and much as I/we wanted to go to Morocco, Spain was fine with us. It happens. Again, I'm sorry your plans got messed up, but it's still a big world out there, and touring someplace with bullets flying isn't the smartest of plans. But, if it's bullets flying that you want, plenty of cities here in the US that can accommodate, and you won't need a passport.

[susiesan]

You should read what Oceania is doing to their itineraries in the Middle East. Some ports are being dropped and not replaced with alternates. People on a cruise from Istanbul to Dubai have had all 6 ports in Israel and Egypt dropped, replaced with Greek Islands, and a 9 day cruise through the Suez Canal. They are not offering any compensation or price reductions. The Holy Land/Mid East cruise has turned into a Greek Islands and repositioning cruise. At least AZ came up with alternate ports for the dropped ones.

[Dr H]

Folks, a major diversion from the topic, sorry about that, but. We are B2B starting in a week and a half. Just found out on one of our threads that we can now reserve dining packages, chef's tables, drink packages, and more ON LINE, by going into your reservation, click on "Manage My Reservation", then click on "Addons". Some folks just might want to consider the ultimate drink package at this time. 

[pickypicky]

41 minutes ago, Dr H said:

Folks, a major diversion from the topic, sorry about that, but. We are B2B starting in a week and a half. Just found out on one of our threads that we can now reserve dining packages, chef's tables, drink packages, and more ON LINE, by going into your reservation, click on "Manage My Reservation", then click on "Addons". Some folks just might want to consider the ultimate drink package at this time. 

Interesting. Does this include individual specialty dining reservations? I am currently unable to see my future cruise.

[ECCruise]

23 minutes ago, pickypicky said:

Interesting. Does this include individual specialty dining reservations? I am currently unable to see my future cruise.

No.  Individual specialty reservations can only be made onboard, as it has always been.

[Mackdogmolly]

Have fun in Panama City! Visit the old town! Take a monkey tour or a rainforest hike! Lots to do!

[Grandma Cruising]

The Hop on hop off bus is great. Be sure to get off at the Miraflores lock and look around the brilliant canal museum there. The fish market is worth a look too.

[DS]

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...

[mare s.]

We were in Panama City a few years ago on an Azamara cruise.   A wonderful city with lots to do and friendly people.    I'd be happy not to be in Ecuador right now (or several other places I can think of!)

[ghstudio]

Just in case anyone wonders why Ecuador is no longer a stop...

 

https://news.gallup.com/poll/468227/ecuador-dangerous-country-latin-america.aspx

[avw]

Thank goodness that cruise lines monitor these situations to keep us safe. 

[Roel94]

On 10/30/2023 at 2:18 PM, mare s. said:

We were in Panama City a few years ago on an Azamara cruise.   A wonderful city with lots to do and friendly people.    I'd be happy not to be in Ecuador right now (or several other places I can think of!)

But I do not need a 4th trip here or is it 5…rather have more time in Lima.

[uktog]

In these challenging times anyone who wants to travel, land or sea, has to realise if they go with anything organised such as a cruise, things will change. None of us other than the cruiselines destination planner knows why choices are made, it’s complicated (tides, port space, government controls, advice of safety experts etc etc etc).  If we really want to go to X or Y do it yourself, a cruise is not for you.  If you’ve been somewhere lots of times before but you end up there again, so what, be thankful you’re so privileged to have opportunities to travel that most do not. 
Let’s just be thankful we can travel and that experts do all they can to keep us safe. 

[excitedofharpenden]

2 hours ago, uktog said:

In these challenging times anyone who wants to travel, land or sea, has to realise if they go with anything organised such as a cruise, things will change. None of us other than the cruiselines destination planner knows why choices are made, it’s complicated (tides, port space, government controls, advice of safety experts etc etc etc).  If we really want to go to X or Y do it yourself, a cruise is not for you.  If you’ve been somewhere lots of times before but you end up there again, so what, be thankful you’re so privileged to have opportunities to travel that most do not. 
Let’s just be thankful we can travel and that experts do all they can to keep us safe. 

Perfectly stated. 

 

Phil 

[laurieb]

On 11/1/2023 at 11:44 PM, uktog said:

In these challenging times anyone who wants to travel, land or sea, has to realise if they go with anything organised such as a cruise, things will change. None of us other than the cruiselines destination planner knows why choices are made, it’s complicated (tides, port space, government controls, advice of safety experts etc etc etc).  If we really want to go to X or Y do it yourself, a cruise is not for you.  If you’ve been somewhere lots of times before but you end up there again, so what, be thankful you’re so privileged to have opportunities to travel that most do not. 
Let’s just be thankful we can travel and that experts do all they can to keep us safe. 

Well said!!

[aliaschief]

As one who is booked for the entire World Voyage flexibility is the key. We most likely will miss some ports of call due to weather, strikes, more civil unrest etc. On the other hand Azamara is quite noted for choosing alternative ports of call.

The two most important things to pack for a cruise is a good attitude and don’t set the bar so high it can’t be reached.

We are prepared that there may be segments that we run short on certain supplies due to no fault of Azamara.  Things happen.

Where ever we end up going we are going to have a great time and relish how fortunate we are to be able to make this lavish adventure come true.

 

[Grandma Cruising]

19 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

As one who is booked for the entire World Voyage flexibility is the key. We most likely will miss some ports of call due to weather, strikes, more civil unrest etc. On the other hand Azamara is quite noted for choosing alternative ports of call.

The two most important things to pack for a cruise is a good attitude and don’t set the bar so high it can’t be reached.

We are prepared that there may be segments that we run short on certain supplies due to no fault of Azamara.  Things happen.

Where ever we end up going we are going to have a great time and relish how fortunate we are to be able to make this lavish adventure come true.

 

What a great, and refreshing, attitude - quite agree with you.

[corytravel]

Does anyone know about our Panama stop Hal and Princess  have cancelled there stops  there because of unrest?