Dwtlion

Things may have changed in the last year, but the ATM was aligned with BB&T and it dispensed either euros or dollars- your choice.

I think there are 2 different issues. One is operational changes caused by weather or other local issues, these can occur beyond the cruise lines control. There have also been a number of changes to published schedules which Oceania has declined to explain. The world wonders.

It is possible that economics are playing a role in the earlier departures. An extra hour at sea means a lower speed needed to make the next port. Lower speeds results in lower fuel consumption. And, that equals dollars saved.

If the fine print was NOT there, and you were denied something which you expected, that would be cause for "buyer beware".

 

There has always been fine print, and there will always be fine print, no matter what you do.

If the fine print wasn't there, there would be no thread or an issue. Internet is important to many, so why play games with consumers? The ONLY reason it is hidden in fine print is to film-flam consumers. It certainly isn't print space!

Wish Azamara would do more Sydney based cruises, love the little ships.

 

While Sydney is a fantastic city, it is not very cruise ship friendly. The cruise terminal at White Bay is far from Circular Quay with few transportation options. The old terminal, now torn down for a new development was great.

The other issue for cruise lines is that Sydney has one of the world's highest per passenger docking fees. Consequently ships are spending less time in Sydney and more time in other Australian cities.

If shore excursions are included the prices of the cruises will increase !!! Remember nothing is Free !! We say No to including them ,,

Agree 100%! There is no free lunch-ever. For those that do not prefer alcohol, they are already paying for something they do not prefer or use. Now adding excursions to that equation just further limits potential cruisers. Is Azamara trying to be a Regent wannabe? Lots of luck.

I struggle with people spending thousands on a cruise, and spending time watching movies that are at the local theater at home, or on TV or Roku? There are so many other things to do that you can't do at home- only on a cruise. Even just having a quiet libation with your special person after dinner and watching the ocean is "priceless".

I personally avoid cruise lines with jumbotrons showing movies.

This thread and a couple others regarding the renovations strongly suggest that the stateroom designers have not cruise tested their stateroom remodels. In my world, every proposed design would be cruise tested by a husband and wife for at least a 10 day cruise. In that period the "upps" would come to the surface. Things like mirrors, ( or lack thereof) and adequate storage and furniture would be readily apparent. Sitting behind a desk in Sweden or where ever doesn't get the job done.

I suppose the real issue is whether the up sell pressure is corporate-driven by RCI, as Andy thinks possible, or whether this is an isolated over exuberance by a particular crew or its managers.

 

We, of course, hope it's the latter, and that the concerns expressed by cruisers such as UKtog will lead to its cessation.

I seriously doubt the very good and competent HOT men would institute the up-sell initiative without strong RCCL corporate guidance. Why would they want to pi&$-off passengers? What the move tells me is AZ and, maybe other RCCL brands as well, are not meeting on-board revenue targets/goals.

Bonnie, a very simple question: was the blogger Carrie Finley-Bajak of CruiseBuzz.net. truly a guest who paid her own fare; or did AZ subsidize her cruise? She is highlighted as a "guest". Just wondering.

You completely missed the point. One of the big advantages of a small ship is having fewer passengers. Having 75% more reduces any sense of intimacy, in terms of getting to know other passengers and engaging with senior officers. I don't want to be on a near-luxury ship with 1199 other passengers. To me that's an oxymoron. Might as well be on HAL or Celebrity at much lower fares. If you don't mind, go for it. I'll pass.

 

And why would I go to a cruise line that includes less and charges the same or more, with deceptive 2 for 1 pricing? Does not compute for me.

 

Enjoy Oceania. There's a Cruise Critic forum for them.

Once again you took the bait with your AZ can do no wrong and nothing is comparable or better. Congratulations. Objective comments or differing opinions are obviously verboten in your world. Time to go cherry pick another cc review to prove your point.

Is the food that bad in the MDR on Oceania? It seems that it is the norm for people to want to eat in the specialty restaurants every night! Or at least, get as many reservations as possible.

No, the food is good. We live where good Asian and beef restaurants are few and far between. Dining in Red Ginger allows me to get my food "fix".

Berries...what could be more important?:rolleyes:

 

On Oceania you pay for wine, liquor, and gratuities--unless gratuities are included in a promotion along with Frank Del Rio's ubiquitous 2 for 1 fare scam. And, if Regent's specialty restaurants are any indication, reservations are hard to come by as everyone books as soon as reservations are available. After all, it's "free," so why not?

 

Keep in mind Marina and Riviera have 75% more passengers than R-ships, for those who like small ship cruising.

While the Marina and Riviera have more passengers, they are substantially more spacious. The industry standard to quantify how much passenger space a ship has is the ratio of max passengers to tonnage. AZ's 2 ships have a space ratio of 44 (30,277/684). The M & R have a ratio of 53 (66,084/1250)

- 20% more than the Journey or Quest.

With 4 specialty restaurants, if you are the least bit flexible, you can eat in one of them almost every night. I have done it on several cruises with O.

Also prover the point that anyone can find and cherry pick another posters comments to attempt to prove their opinion.

It is extremely disappointing to watch Azamara not recognize the ill will they are creating by either not canceling the post dry dock cruise, or significantly shortening it. It is another case of focusing on very short-term dollars rather than long-term growth and good-will.

Carpet looks like the previous stateroom occupants either has a serious food fight or a bad case of norovirus.

Regardless of the line, cruise contracts are 99% in favor of the line. They can do almost anything with impunity. You sue, you lose.

What you have to look at are which lines recognize the value of loyal repeat passengers, and those that look only at the current dollar impact.

Charters are lucrative sailings- no question. But what the short-term bean counters seem to forget is the long-term impact on the brand.

. I have learned to avoid any sailings from now on that are right after drydock. Most cruise lines begin work the days leading up to a major refit, or continue working during the cruise just after.

 

Michael

Excellent sage advice! The O boards have had several threads on this topic. Crew doing "little" things for the upcoming drydock like removing art, plants, and even some furniture in prep for the refit.

This has happened to other lines, although very infrequently. The "standard" practice seems to be either cancel the cruise or schedule a shorter cruise with giving px an option to cancel; or take the altered cruise with a "make happy" refund.

Moving to a lower cabin does not auger well for a typical AZ experience.

A couple of observations on Crystal:

-the staterooms are small by most ships today

-public spaces are clearly a cut above AZ

-the Avenue Saloon is a fantastic piano bar. Maybe the best at sea.

-The dining room/kitchen was not designed for any-time dining. Thus AZ's style will not work without costly changes.

-finally, ships are in excellent condition.

First, I am not a newbie- just had to change my log in to keep some people at bay.

Reading this thread, it seems there are a number of associated issues that need to be considered. First, is it the bar that people want retained; or is it the idea that there is a lack of enthusiasm for another specialty restaurant? I would note that several R ships don't have a space hogging bar, rather just restaurant tables for more seating.

Is it the proposed Asian menus that is the issue? Or conversely, is it ANY specialty restaurant? What is the most important elements of the existing arrangement: the bar? The open access dinner dining? Both?

I am sure everyone has an opinion. Mine is to remove the bar and thus add seating to the existing arrangements. No new specialty restaurant.

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That is something we should all be grateful for. Azamara is very lenient as far as what we can bring on board. If we're in a port and want to buy a bottle of wine or purchase some of the local beer, we can do it and there are no questions asked.

My feeling is, we should all be grateful they have a policy like this. Yes, we do have included beverages, but if DH wants to sample some local wine, he is free to do so and he uncorks it himself. We do not take it to the dining room but it's nice to have a glass of wine on the balcony.

Maybe we should be thankful for what we do have instead of "rocking the boat". I would be unhappy if they ever decided to change their policy regarding alcohol.

And, fwiw, Azamara has some really good wines they offer in the included package. He never felt the need to bring wines from home or upgrade the drink package. Besides, you're taking a chance of breakage when you travel with wine. I can't imagine starting a cruise with a lot of wine stained clothing.

You might want to peruse the Oceania board. Numerous posts on cruisers bringing on board CASES of wine with no issues. And one pays for wine and alcohol on Oceania.