blag

I cancelled and re-booked at one excursion paid totally with OBC, and second where part of the payment was via OBC, yesterday November 26, at about 1500.

The OBC refund is instantaneous. Our previous experience with Credit Card refund was very different. Because nothing appeared after a couple of weeks we had to chase Azamara. It took about two months before everything was refunded. Let's hope things have improved (although I cannot say I am confident). If the CC refund is dilatory I will take this up with staff when we board in three weeks.

I do not understand this sentence. I don't believe I was trying to 'replicate' anything, merely posting my personal experience for the benefit of others.

Nearer the time of embarkation for each cruise there are usually discounts, but note my post #19, because the 'discounts' may not be real.

Be very careful. This offer may not be what it seems. Four of the excursions we have booked for our cruise next month are listed as being offered at 10% or 20% discount. But in two cases the discounted price is more than we originally paid!

Thanks for reminding me of this. Perhaps my comments might be of value to others following this thread? They may not have access to multiple phones, they may not wish to switch to T-Mobile, and, of course, they may not be in the USA.

It is not necessarily better. Our SIMs are for Europe-only, and as you discovered they worked quite well on our recent cruise in the waters of the Baltic. But, in that location there are many cell repeaters, so Internet-by-cellphone is a viable/preferable alternative to Azamara's lamentable Internet speeds. (In fact due to technical problems there was NO shipboard Internet for several days on that cruise. Their system had lost track of the satellite!) For our trip to NYC in March we purchased from our provider (not T-Mobile) a very competitively-priced USA package, which worked very well once an initially slow connection had been resolved. I contacted our provider about our upcoming South America Cruise. They offer no similar package for any of the countries on our itinerary, and their charges for data/roaming were eye-wateringly expensive. You may not believe it, but based on our average data use whilst travelling (including sending pix to friends etc.), for the 28 days of our upcoming trip the cost would have been over €8,000. I kid you not! I don't think I mis-calculated but their charges were based per Kb not per Mb. So for some - including me - research into alternatives is necessary. I considered Airalo (not Airola, BTW), but neither of our phones is compatible with e-Sims.

Azamara says: In keeping with our friendly yet sophisticated onboard environment, we encourage guests to follow a “resort casual” dress code. Out of respect for others, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts, and torn/distressed jeans are not allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. When dining at Windows Café, guests must wear footwear and a cover-up or shirt. Formal evening wear is not expected nor required in our restaurants. If you prefer to dress more formally, you are welcome to do so. Please note that tuxedo rentals are not available onboard. https://www.azamara.com/it/booked-guests/before-you-board/packing-tips#:~:text=In keeping with our friendly,dining room or specialty restaurants.

But it's an e-SIM for cellular connection, maybe/probably with a data allowance. It's NOT WiFi. When you are out of range of the cellular network you have selected and paid for, you'll get no connection whether it be phone, data, roaming or anything.

Maybe the problem is how to integrate such a thing into their existing finance/accounting etc. software?

Generally speaking I find your comments interesting and accurate. But Robot = Roundabout (in an other topic) was an exception. What were you thinking?

Sounds harsh I know but if you don't want to lose your deposit (or most thereof - I don't recall the T&C's) you just have to stay on the line on until... Although there are those who won't agree, you might, after such a frustrating experience, next time choose to use a TA. If you enjoy your cruise and decide to book another whilst onboard you can transfer the booking to a TA. I would advise you to do some research beforehand, maybe talk to potential TA's beforehand, so that you can avoid these frustrations.

Still not clear. I think the them is 'Azamara'. But to answer your question, you would have to talk to Azamara anyway to arrange the transfer of the booking to the TA, if your cruise was still in the period allowed for transfer to a TA (unlikely), and you're no better off. No, a Travel agent cannot make the payment for a direct booking (AFAIK).

We are in Italy and use a UK cruise specialist TA! Not local.

Who are 'them' in this context?

I believe that people have success by phoning early in the morning. It seems that much of the travel industry is struggling to cope with renewed demand. Have you phoning airlines etc. Having said that, Azamara is not helping itself. Mercifully, we always use a TA for all our cruises and don't have the frustrations that can arise by booking direct!

I think that in South Africa a "robot" is what others call a "traffic light", not a "roundabout"! Check this out by looking at the route in Google Maps etc. or read this: https://www.biltongstmarcus.co.uk/blog/the-real-reason-south-africans-call-traffic-lights-robots/#:~:text=Traffic lights are actually called,machine and hence the name.

I think it is Cruise Terminal E-berth P O Box 4245 Cape Town, Roggebaai 8000, South Africa Try Google Maps Cape Town Cruise Terminal Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa

Not needed. Documentation out-of-date.

What is a CBO?

As I said, 'the usual suspects' would provide more information. Either way, drinks are included, but only available whenever the bars/restaurants etc. are open, of course

Hic! I'll drink to that! Cheers.

I think your memory fails you! AFAIK Azamara have never had such a policy - but the 'usual suspects' may leap in to correct this!

Why not download deck plans and compare the ships?

Not really rushing - other cruise lines have already relaxed this requirement. Furthermore, there are now similar relaxations in restaurants, public transport etc. etc. more-or-less globally. I share your concerns, and suggest that you take precautions accordingly.