uktog

Really? Thats just so rubbish - people want to book excursions ahead of that. Certainly I can see there is OBC to be applied but cannot use it as I used to be able to - we are more than 30 days out. What happens if it is one of the special excursions that needs booking at least 30 days ahead? If it is a new rule they have not thought it through properly. Not everyone is retired and able to go on the phone during the day - thats why online is important to many, sorting out excursions is an evening activity

Never ever been restricted to drinks listed on the handout. Cocktails and ports have always been by price. I probably have the figure wrong.

I can’t understand the position re port. Reads like poor staff training again. My understanding was the Ultimate package covered any drink up to $15 not just named drinks. So the $12 port should have been no issue - maybe a server mistake but don’t cover it up by making out they’re doing you a favour. Seen that too much in the last 18 months- so annoying There are also two named ports on Azamara website. Sounds like you sadly need to have that website link accessible on Onward when ordering drinks if you’re a package holder. Feels very much like deja vu though for us that related to champagne. Wonder if the bar manager is new?

Future cruise consultants rarely know what’s actually happening- they are sales and targets driven. They tell you what they believe you want to hear. They are only one notch above the deck cleaner in terms of access to strategy

Less hanging space because the fridge is in the section with the drawers

EXI_FIL_ROUGE_Breakfast.pdf

Congratulations @aururab at such a balanced post and approach to selecting holidays. Holidays have to be right for all the family especially the parents who will no doubt have been working very hard to pay for the holiday. Indulging children with what only works for them isn’t the right balance. My children joined us on holidays where there were no designated activities for them. They ate in adult facilities and learned from a very young age to enjoy adult food and behave the right way. We moderated how long we took over meal times to help the process. Nowadays we do the same with our grandson- it’s easier with him. A tablet and headset between courses and in particular before the always promised ice cream is so useful! My children still talk fondly of their hotel experiences as children particularly their first cruise on a ship with virtually no kid/teens venue. There was however a burger bar open 12-5. (Never ceased to amaze me how the son could polish off burger and sides at 4 and still join us at the table with strangers at 8.30 and polish off 4 courses! )

There are so many times ashore I need ID - to get age discounts, confirm a credit card transaction I carry my license ashore all the time. Like many cruisers I come from a country that doesn’t issue passport cards just passport “booklets”

Families are very much the target group for Explora. Parents who like a more refined experience don’t want the slides and water park environment. With a club like Nautilus and some forethought by the parents it can offer a great family holiday

I’ve been on a sold out voyage with one cruise director and it’s still one show based on their preference

Can you recall who said this, thanks

I’ve always read posts from people who say you must take your passport ashore every day. This unfortunate thread should highlight once onboard if the cruise line don’t take your passport (which I prefer!) it’s passport to the safe until disembarking unless there is a legal requirement to have it with you ashore. I accept some countries ask that you carry an official document and many guests just use the passports again we never do that - we will use our driving licenses whenever we can I know the original passports were stolen before the guests got on board and once on board, perhaps the inconvenience is a little less, but still don’t carry passports ashore unless you absolutely have to. I hope things are beginning to settle down for the poster and his parents, and the time they are able to enjoy a wonderful

We were very happy with our recent Viking cruise and agree certainly on our cruise and for our tastes the food was light years ahead of our last Azamara experience. But one swan doesn’t make a summer and one bad apple doesn’t ruin the crop. So our position now is a mix between Azamara and Viking and others in 2024 and review after that.

Maybe because it is a premium Malt Scottish Whisky - one of Islay's best

It’s funny Quest often only has one show which can give crowding issues. I wonder if it’s a Cruise Director decision?

Aargh doesn’t work as a mixer with spirits . If it doesn’t appear I’ll need to get some in Miami and bring onboard then

It’s also great with the said ginger ale

The Shiraz Gin and Ardbeg are pretty decent products. Look forward to getting them onboard. Big question though. What’s the dry ginger situation?

Unfortunately this is not something Azamara shares

I hope in time your parents get an excellent resolution to this which is clearly well outwith their control particularly given the circumstances with the individual hotel. I have just read on social media an Azamara guest is having a similar issue in Venice and another confirmed they had the same issue two months ago. Even within Europe you can’t cruise on a copy of your passport. This is a timely reminder to us all - think where you keep your passport and check your insurance!

Not sure you can deduce that it’s about a safe clean venue that there is appropriate transport for a quick move of 500+ people

So with you on that one. Also recognise that if it’s onboard the ship can be in control of all “hygiene related issues”. Likewise the transport logistics can be a nightmare especially if there are insufficient safe buses. People always rave about an evening at Wadi Rum. We were at one of the earlier ones there. Yes beautiful setting but 40 minute bus ride with drivers racing to do double runs and the ships safety people doing their nut about so many things. (The final straw for the hotel director was the local guy cigarette in mouth handing ( yes literally handing) the bread out, drops some on the ground and picks it back onto the serving plate.) We did the same event 9 months later it was a little better but still rather unsafe hygiene wise. Some countries just don’t have the infrastructure to cope with c700 people in one place safely.

Celebrations in the past have been either day time events or onboard ship. What is the details for yours?

UK account holders only

Concerned about the ginger ale/dry ginger issue. Please keep us posted. I may need to pack mini cans or DH will be having no evening drinks (he only drinks a spirit with ginger).