mdeegooden

ECCruise, curious why Oceania didn't work out. What removed them from future consideration?

I know! I thought the same thing!

Welcome, Davy! DW and I completed our first Az cruise last year on the Journey sailing R/T Cape Town on the South Africa Intensive. It was wonderful, memorable, even "azamazing"! I posted a review here on CC after we got back; you might find it useful as you plan your adventure. See link: https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=696984 We enjoyed the overall experience w/ Az so much, it's bubbled up to be our favorite line, and we're looking forward to the next opportunity we have to sail w/ them later this year on the Croatia Intensive R/T Venice. I hope you enjoy your experience w/ Az as much as we. Happy sailing and safe travels!

Stunning! WOW! I do hope we get to experience these places someday. Your photos are so well taken!

Wow! What a phenomenal shot! DW and I were on the Journey a year ago for a two week South Africa intensive and didn't wildlife like this. How lucky you are (and quick w/ the shutter)!

What a great idea! Another standout, point of difference for Azamara. Looks delightful!

Agreed Agreed! Looks amazing. How nice! I do wish we were there to enjoy w/ you!

Seeing this really makes me appreciate AZ. Such a different experience from the other lines we've sailed, and how nice to create community among the pax! Looking so forward to being back on board! I do understand why AZ has such a loyal following.

Looks delightful! Did they get a good crowd to enjoy? I've heard that sometimes if it's not French, they sometimes have to cancel or reschedule for lack of diners.

I would echo the sentiments of the OP. I've recently had to contact AZ's customer service over OBC and booking shorex. In the two or three times I've called, I've had nearly no wait time and prompt, courteous, and (importantly!) competent service. So very much improved from a year ago! It seems from my own (limited) experience onboard and from many of the posters on this forum that AZ's shipside experience is uniformly excellent. Now their shoreside customer service is rapidly catching back up. Well done AZ!

Outstanding! Wishing you safe and happy travels and looking forward to your periodic updates of sites you see. What fun!

Wow! Looks just delightful!

I will say that I did call Az customer service a day or so after I received the email and asked to apply our OBC to the shore excursions I had previously "booked" online for our upcoming sailing. The customer service rep quickly looked up my account, found the reservations that I had made, and was able to apply the very generous amount of OBC we got w/ our booking. I paid the balance w/ a credit card and all is set. The process was fast, relatively efficient, and consistent w/ the Az's email stating the "new" way excursions are to be reserved and paid. All in all, well done.

Thank you for the recos! I am researching excursions now and have been reading Rick Steves. This appears to be an outstanding itinerary!

Jay19, what a thoughtful review! Thank you! DW and I are booked on the Quest next year for a 9d Croatia Intensive. It will be our second cruise w/ Azamara and our first in the Adriatic. What excursions or port experiences did you do while there? Were there any that were particular standouts or that you would recommend?