uktog

Some countries it’s not possible due to the terms of visas the ship has got for guests

It really depends what matters to you if you see the itineraries as equal. Azamara has strengths for sure but so do other lines. Things that might put you off Azamara * generally an older crowd - but usually a friendly group * food used to be a strength some still see strengths others highlight inconsistencies (my take it generally remains acceptable but be prepared for off days) * postage stamp sized showers - but how long are you in the shower for? You can avoid that by booking a Club Continent room which would be more comparable to Seabourn * entertainment can also be variable- if there is a good DJ in the lounge you will be fine - our experience is one in three/four cruises the DJ is a dud and it seems to be happening more lately It’s a decision only you can make after an extensive population of a decision tree chart! Good luck.

If I did make a bid on my April trip if that set of conditions is still there I’d hold them to it if I got a room with a tub

Ours in the terms and conditions on the front page is as you say but if I click through to make a bid (I won’t be prices not worth it) I get these terms

That route was working for me. Now for my Feb and April trips it’s not. February I’ve sorted out independent ones anyway and I will try and do my April ones onboard Gone are the days of pleasant pre cruise trip planning and easy online booking

Here is a picture of the products. Although the website says Bulgari they are not, they are by another Italian firm Culti and are made specifically for Explora Personally DH and I were happy with them (they are the same regardless of your room category and despite what someone incorrectly reported elsewhere you can’t ask for alternatives) however personally my hair did not like the conditioner but it’s pesky that way. It also did not like the Dyson which as others have confirmed comes with diffuser etc attachment.

What was the difference? I would have thought UK trade regulations would have given equal if not more for a significant change

Good thinking

Nigel Marvin has been on a few times. An interesting presenter - some say like Marmite, love him or not. I’m ok with him though some of his tv series there’s a bit of an ego Thanks for clarifying the buffet was for all. It’s an important balance that has to be struck!

You might want to contact Azamara to alert them So sorry to hear you got Covid and from the timing sounds like onboard could well have been the source Get well soon!

Is the Mexican buffet available for everyone or just those on the World Cruise?

Let them come through for a more natural look

There are also the economic consequences to work through. Each option hits the bottom line. I would expect the financial decision will be to delay for the sweet spot for Azamara financially whatever that is. They’ve also other considerations to factor into the equation including how to re supply and refuel, where are crew visas needed (usually trickier than guests) can they even get them, what are the implications for crew leaving or joining Its a big issue that will be being thought through but the answers will take time.

Oops should be DW

Suggest DE speaks with the General Manager onboard to share her frustration. She is an excellent listener and fixer and genuinely wants to know where there are issues and to try and address them. She won’t brush her off with a corporate line.

Similar question for April re Journey Also how is Quest speeds in South America?

My onboard experience - it’s certainly not pretentious. Names are a minor irritant but not enough to dismiss the line

We were offered a choice of two 375cl bottles. We chose Glenmorangie and Ciroc. Our cruise was two b2b though booked as one and we were offered a further choice on the second leg.

Starbucks at Sea - have you sailed on them? If so I am curious why you equate EJ to Starbucks I get that the naming conventions can be annoying and some of the approaches need tweaking (aka the entertainment) but our 19 days onboard felt very much like a cruise experience and a very good one at that. Nothing as mass market as Starbucks!

Extremely unlikely you would see them

When I called recently I was told that option has been withdrawn fleet wide (not sure how correct that is) certainly done quite a few cruises since lockdown and it’s never been possible

As I understand it any changes that are structural will not be made until EJ3 however softer changes eg change sofas in the lobby bar so there is more seating are being actively investigated

I did not say staff were cheating I highlighted they were making mistakes- a huge difference

Indeed it may be encouraged if you take the view it saves them money AND earns them revenue

Personally I have found the wine to purchase offering is poor compared to other lines and whilst some of the sommeliers know how to handle the wines some do not and in any event if you “leave some for another night” it’s storage is handled by a usually clueless assistant waiter. And in one case our half bottle wasn’t stored but poured to other guests. Ok it was replaced and we did get the benefit of a full for a half but not without awkwardness as they tried to cover their tracks by hoping to convince us we’d finished it. So I’d advise finishing any purchase in one sitting and if not, mark and photograph it’s level (we also had a 3/4 full come back 1/2 but as it was a gift we said nothing)