manc

We had to dock at Bayonne, a shuttle bus dropped us at the bus station so we could catch a bus stop to St Jean de Luz.

Not often cruised. High demand e.g. golfing in Scotland and Ireland. As a player or part of the crowd watching. Unusual itinerary

We have done private tours, ship excursions and explored alone hiring a xar or just wandering. Our main objection to the ship excursions are the long visits to souvenir shops eg in Israel, Egypt, and elsewhere. Being locked in a shop while trying to be persuaded to purchase items we wouldn't want or carpets we should never get home is a complete waste if time when you are supposed to be sightseeing

We went through the Kiel Canal on Azamara before covid and there were problems with a lock and some frustration. Many years before I had done the same trip with friends from Hamburg in their own boat and it took the same time. I don't recall the transit through the Suez with Azamara being anything other than serene and slow. I think the captain and crew are anxious at not being in control.of their own ship.

I guess more officers may jump ship between now and then as more opportunities arise in cruising fir professionals.

We were advised we can transfer the deposit to a cruise sailing before 30 April 2023. No charges

We were due to go to the Black Sea but cancelled just before final payment. Greek Islands which we had already visited at a premium price was not acceptable. Might have considered if a price drop but business class flights to Istanbul are high and then revisiting islands ans Ephesus seemed pointless.