uktog

Oh that’s very doable I get misled by other posts thanks so much!

Great to hear. I am presuming at the bridge yesterday it is one of those things you can do a little of it if you feel able, or a lot, or none of it. I really liked the sound of your trip and as soon as the facilities to book excursions are open I will be jumping for this one. I have struggled with misinformation and confusion on this thread over the last two cruises, but your posts and those of @Drebay earlier have been so clear and helpful. I have a spreadsheet all filled in and know what I will be heading for. Shikokumuro certainly sounds like one to bypass for me, I dont do rope bridges!!!! Thanks for that warning.

Oh dear.....

This is a tour I’d identified as being possible sounds ideal so you’re review moves it to definite

That is a lovely evening we did it pre pandemic

There were a few taxis at times and mid morning little horse drawn rides also arrived. I’d recommend the ship’s excursion to Cordoba it was well organised and seemed better than the independent ones on the voyage we did last year. The local private guides were variable the usual issue many left and did not return post covid and some new ones weren’t suited to the task. Hope you get excursions to view and book online soon

Nice idea but not sure we can cope with the luggage

The beautiful park across from where the ship docks is a good route back from town as it has lots of seats if you’re tired. Likewise cutting down to the river bank and using that route. It’s a brilliant walkable city all flat

I have had online chat with American Queen. They say the ship is disembarking at Chicago (eg confirms the email my agent had received) however does not answer why AQ issued the letter to us last week saying the disembarkation port had been changed to Milwaukee nor why the website is selling transfers from Port of Milwaukee to Chicago and why the website map and everything relating to the narrative leads you to believe the cruise ends in Milwaukee.

If that is the case, fine. If not, not fine.

We were never expecting AQV to transfer us in Chicago, we booked our own (Intercontinental) a short ride from the pier if it’s Chicago but on the face of it now face $150+ cost to get from Milwaukee

Give up tried every online provider I know with inventory usually displayed all are call for availability. Frustrating

Just as you do at home (well certainly in the UK) which is ride it out, speak to a doctor if you’re at risk of have severe symptoms and stay away from others until symptoms cease. Seems to be working fine this way in the UK without excessive pill popping. Doctors don’t want immunity to Paxlovid to extend into the community as has happened with some excessively used antibiotics. Paxlovid is kept for those who are medically assessed as needing drug support during covid. Current estimates are that is less than 5% of sufferers. For them, absolutely they get it.

No it’s very much a one sided rock. Probably (unfortunately) been there over a dozen times. Last year was the nicest, it was Palm Sunday virtually all the shops were shut which upset many, but we found the Anglican Cathedral and a beautiful service. It’s not in a pretty part of town though

Are you able to see Azamara inventory today? Every online agency I know defaults to call for details since this change

I actually like this itinerary and will keep it on the future plans radar. As one who sees Gibraltar as a one and done (a lovely place spoilt by the daily influx of the cheap booze and fags day trippers from the costas mostly over roasted Brits on holiday) I’m glad this itinerary misses it. There’s lots of other cruise lines that go there including P and O with their jingoistic Brit sail away party. Being docked next to it and having Vindaloo and Three Lions pumping out made me run for earplugs So this itinerary may be one for me

I am happy to give change time but I’m not happy being forced to talk to an agent just to find out availability of rooms. Travel agents in the UK are not organised as in the USA, they aren’t available to do this “ in 5 minutes” and setting up a US centric model when so many guests are not US based is extremely disappointing. Like many people I browse, plan and even book in the evening (not all Azamara guests can attend to travel matters in the day) so this is another inconvenience. Looks like this new model makes browsing, an essential part of travel planning, difficult and has the interests of agents rather than guests as a priority. I don’t need a new agent (if I’m using one, I’m very happy with the current arrangements I have) I need a cruiseline system that recognises how me and many others make final travel decisions.

I agree, certainly a Chicago end which is what we booked would make me very happy. I had checked previously (twice) with AQV and transfers to the hotel in Chicago which seemed the easiest option were $69 each. There were no transfers included in the fare. It’s a mess creating a very bad impression after our positive first cruise with them.

I would go to book excursions as soon as you board to make sure. In the meantime I would keep trying online and possibly call again later next week just in case they have a quicker fix

No excursions can be booked they are saying, but bookings seem to be working fine onboard, no reports of people having difficulties getting what they want

It was always going to be high risk doing this transfer at this point in the year, given all the Azamara publicity that the first three months of the year is that wave season with the busiest level of bookings. In hindsight, maybe wrong time and I think there should have been better communication managing guests expectations, but I’m sure Azamara knows that What is not helping people tying up the CallCenter calling about minutiae for Cruises months ahead like missing points or wrong balances - leave it. Some wrong balances like mine are actually not wrong, the balance in Azamara‘s book differs from the balance on the travel agents book because of rebates given by the agency I don’t know how many times one has to say that until Azamara says the website is fully functioning leave it (unless you’re sailing in the next month) and at that point call if things are still wrong. And if you’re going in the next month, you don’t have to do online check-in before arriving at the port, all will be well without paperwork - time to do some trusting here! there are no reports of anyone turning up with a booking, and not getting on board in this current period of disruption 😀

I really am beginning to wish I had never booked this Cruise that was supposed to be special. I just cannot get any information that I can trust from American Queen. We are due to be on the cruise, leaving Toronto on the 18th May thanks to people on this board we became aware that the endpoint was Milwaukee, not Chicago. I contacted American Queen online, and it was confirmed to me that the endpoint was indeed Milwaukee and I had to fund my own transfer to Chicago. I heard nothing, and then two weeks ago, I got an official confirmation from American Queen saying that indeed the endpoint was Chicago/Milwaukee it is clear online that transfers are being sold for the cruise from Milwaukee still. My Cruise is booked through a UK travel agency having been transferred back to them from an on-board booking. It appears actually that it is a booking with one travel agent positioned in the UK with another who works with American Queen so it takes ages to get answers. Today I got this answer relating to the end port alleging that all the letters that came out all wrong and in fact, the endpoint is Chicago, What is the truth I can’t trust anybody and wish I could walk away but too much is booked in addition to this cruise.

Thank you so much for your clear reports. In my older brain years I need clear information like that. I saw pictures of the Geishas onboard they looked so beautiful. Rain is an occupational hazard in Japan, we are ready for that as like you we have no option to hope the weather is different next week! Do keep enjoying!

Lisbon is particularly bad. Unfortunately we got stung $30 to the Intercontinental. We always photograph the plate when getting in the car now. Last year driver wasn’t happy at that but tough. Trouble with Uber is their drivers can’t get in to do pick ups you have to drag your luggage a distance in Lisbon. Seems to be happening more and more our local airport now has issues as to what firms are allowed in the main pickup area.

From Facebook just posted