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Cowboy Ranger

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Posts posted by Cowboy Ranger

    Entertainment Reports

    in Azamara

    Posted

    I must admit not having seen the previous effort from entertainment the only bit we recognised from last nights performance was the medley from Billy Joel sung bybJennifedcDinoia, which she synced and sang very well. The songs from Wicked we didnt know or any other of her show numbers, but she had a gorgeous voice and sang well. Her patter was awful!

    Tonight is Opera Tenor David Righeschi which is planned for the pool deck, so looking forward to that.

    Sparkling Duo/Trio are still the band on board and what we heard last night was fine.

    Sparkling melodies with George was in Mosaics and tonight in Spirits. Has no patter but pleasant to listen to.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Jennifer was on our recent Journey from Singapore. Great voice! Song selection and stage chatter, not so great.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Salalah disembarkation ban

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Yes, and regardless of when the changed figures were processed the reaction of the authorities seems to have been completely disproportionate. They could have delayed clearance, called for face to face checks a whole range of other option.

    I feel for those onboard having seen the constantly changing goal posts and inconsistent behaviours between ports in the same country that they have had to work round this last month.

     

    And my final thought, in the scale of things this was a fairly routine piece of paper. How many of you can honestly say you’ve not had to do a late update or corrections on a routine document one you do many times in a year?

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Yes. India has been a challenge in the past and comments made by some officers in advance of our arrivals indicated it would be unnecessarily bureaucratic again. But, for passengers at least, India was three easy immigration experiences, with smiling and friendly officials. Kudos to Journey officers and staff for an efficient process and to Indian officials for welcoming cruise passengers to their country.

     

    And Muscat was an easy experience as well so Oman can handle things well as long as individuals do not throw a spanner in the works.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Azamara 2019 Prices

    in Azamara

    Posted

    O was a frequent Regent customer and have taken 28 and 36 day cruises with them When they say ALL inclusive they mean it the price you pay going in is your final price. And when you add all the value, air, liquor,tours together it makes is very reasonable. Further here in the USA we have agents who will discount you/ rebate you 8 to 10% off the fare you booked The food is outstanding, way beyond other lines except Oceania.. ( which I feel is currently the best at sea) The Azamara cruise fare of ( when you add your air, grats, tours transfers etc) comes in at about $700.00 per day per person...for a friggen' inside cabin. That is an obscene ripoff ! Hence my original question...are they kidding!!!

     

    Now After some Regent cruises, I decided that I did not want all the extras and wanted to pick and choose what I got. Regent's sister is Oceania which offers the choice of air on not, Liquor or not, tours or not.. The Ala carte version of Regent, except as mentioned I think Oceania has better cuisine and options

    Looking at an Oceania cruise to Norway without air or liquor It comes in at $325 a day... almost 50% less than Azamara !!!.

    Azamara may fill their ships but it will be with suckers willing to pay double what other premium/ luxury lines are charging.

     

    Id look ar Oceania if your considering a jump up from Azamara and get an agent who will rebate you 8-10% and you wont look back.

    Please specify the cruises used for this comparison on Oceania and Azamara, vessels and departure dates.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Salalah disembarkation ban

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Verbally. With incorrect paperwork. Government authorities anywhere don’t like incorrect paperwork.
    The paperwork was correct when submitted and correct when amended the next morning. Period.

     

    DW was on all day private tour that got off as authorities boarded. She and her fellow travelers liked the camel ranch.....

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Salalah disembarkation ban

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Bunkering was the reason given when we queried why we stopped there last year. Most guests last year were not enthusiastic about the visit there. I found it such a different place to Muscat, it was hard to imagine I was in the same country
    It seems clear that when it comes to deployment of Oman's wealth, Muscat is Qaboos' priority for the people and Salalah is for the dirty work. A modern and convenient port for cruise lines fueling needs, probably the sole reason the Serenity also called that day.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Salalah disembarkation ban

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Just wanted to say, I am on Crystal and we were in port together today. I had fabulous tour with a private guide in Salalah and there is so much to see, when you go outside the city. Sorry that you did not experience this place and I wish the guests onboard that are sick, get well soon.

    Elisabeth

    Whole day was spent out of city. Camels, a "castle", a tomb, village, beach, countryside. To each his own. Crystal captains don't share information the way Azamara captains do. The only reason to stop is to bunker up for a 5 night full speed run through the pirate waters of the gulf of Aden or to refuel after on eastbound itineraries.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Is Azamara All Inclusive?

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Wifi is extra although suites get a fixed quantity of minutes included. Booze and wine included but you can also buy packages if you are picky about quality as the included stuff is basically well drinks. Better bottled water (eg. Pellegrino) is extra. Soft drinks included. Gratuities are included. Coffee drinks are included (latte, cappuccino, etc.).

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Salalah disembarkation ban

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Indeed! I wasn't going to say this morning, but its not high on my list of ports worthy of a repeat.

     

    However it is unbelievable that as I understand it one official can decide because he doesn't like the updating of one form to reflect overnight changes such that 4 people are now sick, they can deny 691 other folks the opportunity to visit.

    If I was RCC CEO I would ask the embassy to contact Sultan Qaboos about his people in Salalah not being on board with the Omani vision. On the other hand, an overnight in Aqaba would be much better for passengers. We took on bunker fuel in Salalah so maybe logistics are the real reason for a port call in such a nothing-burger port.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Salalah disembarkation ban

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Local port physician didn't like health paperwork and banned all pax and crew from entering. We are now putting the ship in sea day program, opening casino and shops, etc. Official excuse from Oman doctor was too many GI cases putting Omani people at risk. Real reason something else no doubt. 27 passengers got off on private tours before the ban and we are waiting on them to return before we leave. Johannes told authorities that there will not be any more Azamara ships, ever, after this incident. Passengers in good spirits. Bingo, lectures, trivia scheduled.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Aqualina and Prime C refurbishment on Journey

    in Azamara

    Posted

    I have seen some six and eight top tables they become loud and others can nit hear themselves think. I also feel,think anything about six should be at a round table.

     

    When I have done wine dinner you can not meet others at your table.

     

    The chairs look fine, mine be an America thing but I like armless chairs.

     

    Waiting on the bar stools. I enjoy that bar to sit at,

    The new armless chairs are attractive and wide. Would prefer more padding. But after last night I don't plan to return, maitre de knows our issue.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Entertainment Reports

    in Azamara

    Posted

    sounds better than last cruise. it seems to be the Opera group that is the downer.
    They try. And are promoted on the ship TV. But their work is not landing. Personally I can't take more than one aria and have to leave. Just not a good fit for a cruise ship.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Aqualina and Prime C refurbishment on Journey

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Really? Pitched into the dumpster?

    Obviously, they weren't going to have a yard sale or leave furniture on the street in Singapore, but there must've been someway the business bringing replacements could've taken them away to resell or contribute to someone/someplace that could've made good use of them. Sad.

    Melissa

    Yes probably hauled to recyclers.

     

     

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

    Entertainment Reports

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Aboard Journey. So far entertainment is a big step up from the same ship in December 2017. Riviera Trio plays in LR before dinner as well as later shows. Cabaret has had a well received comedian from Melbourne and a vocalist who was in "Wicked" in the West End as Elphaba. Her song choices need work (Billy Joel and Bonnie Raitt not good IMHO) but she has a voice. She flew in from Manhattan to perform. Tonight is the opera group. DJ in comes on around 10pm nightly.

     

    Sent from my ONE A2005 using Forums mobile app

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