Britcruiser

ditto plus Royal Caribbean (I have never sailed with them) and three from Celebrity

We both get emails from Azamara but have not had anything relating to the new UK rules. I don't know if companies registered outside UK are exempt even though they trade in the UK.

 

The web is global as demonstrated to me when my details were accesssed during a cyber attack on Equifax which could have been originated anywhere.

As I understand the new law all EU businesses, clubs etc that hold our data has to prepare a policy that complies with the new standard and ask the subject to confirm whether he/she wish their data to be continued to be held. I do not think it would be sufficient to have a policy, however compliant, without getting the individual's agreement to the continued holding of their data. It would seem unlikely that AZ has completed the process.

 

 

 

 

t

We have taken three cruises with Regent and regret to say that they are better in most areas than our favourite AZ ships. The ships are amazingly spacious - the smallest suites are bigger than theAZ standard suites and the bars and other areas large and comfortable. The complinentary tours are on a par with AZtours , the food is better and speciality restaurants have no extra charge. Service is about the same as AZ the staff, CD etc. and officers engage with guests and are responsive. As newcomers the intangible ambience does not match AZ with whom we have enjoyed over 20 cruises - but cost is an issue for us and we find Regent offers better value. I would not travel again on Regent Navigator (a much older ship). I will still be looking out for AZ offers

As I read your posts I become more and more dismayed. This is not going to be the brand we have enjoyed in the past and will no longer be described as luxury. I doubt that the dedication of officers and their staff which is outstanding can overcome all the negatives that have been introduced recently and those proposed on Pursuit

lso

Hope you all enjoy today,s survey ! We are still laughing!

We have not had the questionnaire but would not welcome the introduction of a class system - How would I join Lottie and Hazel in a bar where I was barred? We have cruised more than 20 times on AZ and have had staterooms on deck 4 to deck 8 including the owner's suite but would not want areas throughout the ship being NoGo to us or other guests.

 

After cruising on AZ almost exclusively since 2008( except for Celebrity and some river cruises ) higher pricing has already driven us to try other lines and we have a new favourite in Regent Explorer which is superior in every respect - except for the AZ dream teams of Captain, Hotel director and Cruise director who are largely responsible for the brand's success. We feel increased prices for dubious benefits will make more loyal guests seek other cruise lines.

 

I understand from other posts that the pianists are being cut - I still miss the harpists - what a sad situation and what will replace them?

Thanks Lottie for the mini review. Like many others on this board we are Azamara fans as you know. In the last couple of years have cruised on Oceania and Regent as well as AZ. I still share your preference for AZ which is down to the officers and crew (and fellow passengers!) and small ship numbers. However prices are not always competitive and we will continue to look at value for money. Viking may be next on our list.

Today has been the hottest day of the cruise so far. 5 of us opted to stay on board and two of our number decided to take the ferry over to Portovenere. It seemed to be an easy 30 minute boat ride and the boats were fairly frequent even though it is Sunday. I did note though that the timetable changes in the first week of October.

 

We are all looking forward to White Night. As we don't sail until 10pm sure everyone will enjoy the party and it will be a pleasant balmy evening.

 

Tony Markey's wife, Christine is on board at the moment and we have been promised that she will provide some of the entertainment tonight. Several people have told me that she has a wonderful voice and I am looking forward to seeing her.

 

Tomorrow we are in one of my favourite Ligurian towns, Santa Margharita. More news then.

 

Hello Hazel

 

Sounds like you are having a good time as usual!

 

We have heard Christine sing a couple of times and think she is the best singer we have seen on AZ. She has performed alone, with Tony and with the Jazz Band - all excellent.

 

Diane & Alan

Well Lottie and Hazel you are having a great cruise and leading everyone astray - I well remember the handbag shopping and the taxi ride back to the ship! Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the feedback on this - in answer to the comment I would be grateful if you could feedback to management, no I have never ever entered a service area, the memo was lying openly on the counter by the juice bar in Windows Café. I am not happy at the public posting of this inference that I have been anywhere in the ship I should not have been. I am also unhappy that management would even think I would do that and pass that comment to you.

 

I am amazed at the management suggestion that Ann could have been in the wrong area. She is a loyal, thoughtful and experienced AZ guest whose comments are constructive and helpful for other guests and management.

 

I hope this will not deter her from continuing to post on this forum.

Thank you for your comments. After twenty cruises with AZ (out of around a total of 60 cruises since 1990) we have noticed a decline in value and a considerable increase in cost over the past couple of years.

 

We recognise the hard work and input from the Captain, staff and crew but are not sure that they can continue to deliver with the constraints from 'Miami'. Our loyalty is being stretched to its limit. We took a cruise on Oceania last year which was in many ways better but of course we missed all the familiar faces and that special ambience on Quest and Journey We are booked on another competitor line for our first cruise this year and will be watching the reviews and new offers before we book AZ again.

 

I am glad you had a good time - I have friends who were on the second leg of your journey so will be interested to hear what they have to say.

It is a beautiful book - we received our copy a couple of weeks ago. Have just returned from an excellent cruise on Journey and we were surprised to not find a copy on display in the Library.

That could be it yes. How long have you been waiting?

 

I did hear a rumour that there was a problem recently with the production of luggage tags in the UK! :rolleyes:

 

 

I ordered them at the end of September for 1 November cruise. Still no sign of them but I live in hope that they had already been requested by TA, that the UK office still have some left and that they will arrive in time.

Thanks for the explanation. I have only requested the tags once but I suppose it is possible that our travel agent may have also done so.

We have however not received any on several occasions over the past two years or so and had to resort to diy.

Thanks for the information. Just watched the show on line - he did very well. Did he win?

[quote name='Lottie A']We are on Journey in a month and I have just completed my online check in. There was a facility to order the proper luggage tags and I have done so. It says they should arrive in 5-7 working days.

I think a lot of people miss the link to order them. It isn't very visible, but it's there.[/QUOTE]

The message - '5-7 working days' that I had - has now been replaced with -'tags no longer available because the number of requests has exceeded permissable limits'

So I am going to be disappointed and Alan will have to do his Blue Peter* impression. I am intrigued to know how many are permissible - enough for 50% the passengers 75% or what? Perhaps you and Hazel will be among the lucky recipients!

*BBC Childrens TV programme which included lots of cutting and sticking

I had a reply following my complaint about paper labels from Craig Masters (Weybridge UK) earlier this year informing me that luggage labels were no longer issued as there was little demand since the paper ones were in the e docs.

However we were sent them for two cruises this year and I have just requested them again for our November sailing. I shall await their arrival or will I be disappointed?

We have done a few cruises with Oceania and really like it, but now we have found a cruise with Azamara which suits us well, both in terms of time and price.

 

What differences can one expect between the two?

 

/P

 

You may be interested in my post - Alas there was no meet and mingle - last added to on 5th August.

Grazie mille Ricardo!

 

I definitely do have "an interest" in Roma and he's rather gorgeous and a countryman of yours. :)

I know Vegas will be blazing hot ....been there many times, but The Palazzo has great air con and we will be there most of the time. We will be going from The Palazzo to The Wynn, MGM Grand and Bellagio....and of course, The Fashion Show Mall. I LOVE Vegas. :)

As for Liverpool, well the must see place is The Albert Dock with The Beatles Story.

http://www.albertdock.com

You can easily spend the day here. Liverpool and its people are amazing. Funny, warm hearted and so proud of the heritage of Liverpool. I spent two years working there in the 80's. It ranks with Newcastle as my favourite city in the UK, apart from my home city of course.

 

Lots of cruise history in Liverpool too, particularly relating to The Queen's of Cunard and of course, Titanic and Lusitania. There is presently an exhibition to mark the One Hundred Year Anniversary of the sinking of Lusitania in Albert Dock. Of course The Beatles Story is a must do and there is a Tate Gallery with a Jackson Pollock exhibition on at the moment but it finishes in mid Oct. Loads of things to do at The Albert Dock but maybe others on CC will have different idea's for you to consider. I know there are a fair few Scousers posting here and they will hopefully all have idea's for you.

So sad to hear of the death yesterday of Liverpool's famous "our kid" Cilla Black. A genuine Liverpool Lass and a lovely woman.

 

Hi Lottie

 

We would add the museums in Liverpool which are still free to enter and the two Cathedrals which are so different - it is an uphill walk to the Cathedral area but fascinating to go from one to the other. Nearby there is Speke Hall (National Trust) and Port Sunlight - the 'village' built for the Lever workers with the Lady Lever Gallery. Of course Liverpool people are friendly with a special sense of humour (Alan was born there!). regards Diane

Hello Hazel (and Lottie) Glad you had a good time despite the bad start. We struggle with the value for money opportunities on many lines. O is a similar price to AZ but we got a fairly reasonable price with tips and drinks package included which made it cheaper.

 

Hope to meet again - We keep up with both of your posts so know what you and Lottie are up to! regards Diane & Alan

Thanks very much for informing us about some of the salient similarities and differences between Azamara and Oceania.

 

Based upon your experience, is it possible to compare the demographics on each line.

 

The demographics were similar to AZ. A few children and teenagers (school holidays)in family groups - mostly active retired from US plus continental Europeans, British, Australians, Canadians etc.

 

The ship did not provide any information regarding passenger breakdown so this is just our experience of who we met and observed.

We have just got back from cruising on Nautica and thought we would share our perceptions about Oceania in comparison to Azamara as we are great AZ fans.

 

Embarkation was slower than AZ as less information had been collected in advance and priority given to suite and veranda guests with a check-in desk ratio 5:1 - the 'one' didn't start operating until a half hour after the others.

 

Our stateroom amenities, service etc. was identical to AZ but bedding and towels superior quality and quantity.

 

Lifeboat drill was not as slick as AZ as staff exuded little authority, there was confusion about the wearing of lifejackets and there was no address from the Captain or Officers to underline its importance.

 

Alas there was no Meet and Mingle - which is a good opportunity to meet other guests.

 

We found the food to be excellent in the MDR, cafe, pool grill and speciality restaurants (these could be booked in advance had no extra charge and we as new customers were able to book two visits. Afternoon Tea served in Horizons (Looking Glass) was a delight but seriously interfered with our appetite for dinner. Overall we felt the food was a little better than AZ.

Service in the dining venue was similar to Az i.e. very good. There was never a wait for tables and all venues were well used -the extra covers in Toscana and Polo and the extra seating on the back of the cafe freed up space elsewhere.

 

The bar area next to the MDR was known as Baristas where coffee and cookies etc. were served. This had no atmosphere, few patrons, everchanging staff although the range of coffees was good.

 

Oh how we missed the Mosaic with its regular staff and guests from morning to night - this area was largely a walk thru zone except for when the excellent resident string quartet were playing. The Ambassador (equivalent of LCV hostess had a desk there but appeared only to be booking future cruises and did not interact with guests otherwise.

 

The Martini bar was little used but had no television.

 

The cabaret was similar to AZ but did not have a separate performance from the Cruise Director which is always much anticipated and appreciated on AZ - thanks to Tony, Russ and Eric.

 

The most used bar was Horizons - we did experience some patchy service - longish waits, wrong drink -lack of knowledge. We were glad we had the drinks package (part of TA deal)as the prices were high - the 2 for 1 happy hour most nights were well attended!

 

We did not use the Spa, Gym Internet or take any of the Tours (prices of which were unbelievable.

 

Guest relations staff were friendly and helpful - Amelia on Nautica was outstanding - Az has equal gems in their guest relations staff.

 

We found the security on the ship different to AZ - at first our bags etc. went thru the 'xray' but as the cruise went on we were just waved thru after our card was swiped.

 

There was also no encouragement to use the hand sanitizers - hence very few people did so. The MD of Toscana ,a charming man, shook hands with all guests as they left - we departed whilst he was engaged elsewhere!

 

What was the Big Difference? -No Captain or Officers to be seen (except Cocktail Party and Smoking Room). We only saw the Cruise Director on stage and tv. There was no welcome on return to the quayside, no barbecue, no brunch, no deck party, no evening out.

 

We enjoyed our O cruise but are now looking forward to sailing in August on Journey and hoping the future changes will prove positive.

Hello Diane,

 

Will do. Enjoy Oceania. Very interested to hear what you and Alan think of it. Are you sailing on Marina or Riviera or one of the R class vessels?

 

Hello Hazel - we will be on Nautica so it will be a direct comparison. Will let you know what we find. regards Diane

ps

Back on Quest at the end of August.