mdeegooden

Having sailed the South Africa intensive itinerary earlier this year w/ Azamara, I can confirm that their included basic beverage package offers wine, beer, and select spirits throughout the voyage, not just at mealtimes. So if you're one to enjoy a martini before dinner, for example, or a cocktail during the evening show, they're included!

Hi "dmwood4," yes when we weren't off exploring on our own, we choose Azamara's excursions. We were fortunate to have quite a bit of OBC w/ the booking and were happy to use it on the ship's tours. While in South Africa we chose two day-safaris, the first Pumba and the second Thula Thula. Both were excellent but Pumba was really outstanding, first class. We sailed early February and the weather was nice just about the entire trip and very good for seeing the animals and scenery out in the bush. Azamara offers several day-safari options, so it's good you're researching your choices. If you still cannot find excursion information through Azamara's website, I would recommend you contact customer service (if you booked directly) or your travel agent otherwise to assist. This was our first trip to Africa, first safari, and first time w/ Azamara. Taken all together, it was a most memorable and enjoyable vacation. Still puts a smile on my face thinking about it! Wishing you safe travels and happy cruising!

DW and I sailed the 12nt R/T Cape Town South Africa Intensive on the Journey earlier this year. Fantastic trip! Enjoyed it very much. Our White Night charcoal bbq & deck party was at Richard's Bay, where our departure time was rather late. We dined on Deck 10 facing away from port looking down on all the festivities on 9. Great fun! You mustn't miss the freshly made crepes suzettes which are across the deck (9) from the grills and main portion of the buffet. The evening was delightful and first class! Wishing you an enjoyable trip!

DW and I sailed the Azamara Journey earlier this year on the 12 night R/T Cape Town South Africa Intensive itinerary. Spectacular, memorable trip! First w/ Azamara, won't be our last... Really enjoyed the people, ship, culture as well as the sights and experiences we had in South Africa and Mozambique. While we took ship excursions in every port of call other than Durban, we also felt comfortable to explore on our own in both Durban and Cape Town. We rented bikes in Durban and road the Golden Mile (about 13 or so kilometers round trip), and walked extensively throughout the V&A Waterfront (and even beyond a bit) in Cape Town. We practiced general safety awareness and never felt threatened while on our own. As for the other ports of call, because we had booked ship excursions, we didn't have time (for the most part) to venture out on our own. Though I would say outside of Durban, Cape Town, and Maputo, the other ports are industrial and not easy or pleasant to explore unaided. I did write a review of the trip posted here on cruise critic. I've attached it for reference. Wishing you happy sailing and fun adventures! https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=696984

The seafood buffet does in fact look like an extravaganza! I'm not sure anyone does the buffet better than Azamara. How I wish we were there! Enjoy!!

Well, if it's love it or leave it, then it's most definitely Love It! We sailed the Azamara Journey R/T Cape Town earlier this year, our first w/ Azamara. DW and I very much enjoyed not just the amazing scenery and experiences of South Africa and Mozambique but also the ship, crew, and culture of Azamara. It certainly won't be our last cruise w/ them! I encourage you to NOT cancel. The trip exceeded our expectations; I hope you'll enjoy as much or more than we did. I posted a review of the sailing on CC earlier. Here's the link: https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=696984 Happy sailing!

This being our first sailing w/ Azamara, I unfortunately don't have perspective on the buffet other than what we experienced here as compared to those on other lines we've sailed. While we chose to dine in Discoveries most evenings this cruise, we did check options. I recall that Windows featured a country or destination each evening, although I'm not sure every app/entree/dessert was exclusively indicative of a specific country. What I am sure of is how unexpectedly pleased we were w/the overall dining experience there the couple times we chose Windows for dinner.

Interesting! We recently completed the 12nt South African Intensive on the Journey, and DW mentioned twice that she had met guests who had been chatting about their bridge tours. I was frustrated that I missed sign ups in the Insider only to find out that they were never publicized. Had I known to ask Guest Relations, I certainly would have. Next time I guess...

We recently completed the 12nt South African Intensive, our first cruise w/ Azamara, and were quite taken aback w/ Windows. We don't prefer buffet dining for dinner but were genuinely impressed w/ Windows Cafe as an evening dining option. With white table cloths and helpful wait staff, the quality, variety, and presentation of cuisine were surprisingly pleasant. We dined there and at The Patio three times during the trip; all very nice & enjoyable. I would most definitely recommend you consider the options at both in comparison to Discoveries MDR each evening as you decide where you wish to dine. I'm sure you'll be pleased w/ the choices!

"earth117," you may have mentioned this in a previous post that I missed, but have you tried the vegetarian menu in Discoveries and if so what did you think? I understand Azamara offers a specific & separate vegetarian menu on request.

Yes, thank you for posting. I checked our excursions and saved $80 by rebooking. Much appreciated!

Port of Cape Town E Berth Passenger Terminal 8000 Cape Town Driving directions to E-Berth Passenger Terminal - Port of Cape Town from Cape Town International Airport: Travel on the N2 towards Cape Town, please keep in the right hand lanes as far as possible. From Nelson Mandela Boulevard(N2) take the second exit into the city to the first Robot. Turn right at the robot into Christian Barnard Street. Keep left until the last robot. Drive straight until you get to the security booms. Turn left at the stop street into Duncan Road and drive along for +/- 500m until you get to a three way stop (Duncan and Old Duncan Road). Turn right into Old Duncan Road. And immediately left into the entrance gate at E-Berth Passenger Terminal. Happy sailing!!

We booked our first sailing w/ AZ earlier this year for a South African itinerary this coming Feb. I admit I did rush to reserve because I thought I'd lose the rather competitive sale AZ was offering but found over time that the offers come and go. I'm happy to report that AZ has always honored any "better deal" and reduced my fare and increased my OBC when I enquired (twice) to match the current offer. So as long as you keep tabs, there is no downside to booking early.

Your favorite spot to watch the ships sail in and out is absolutely beautiful! You captured this one perfectly!

My wife and I are on the Azamara Journey Feb 8th sailing out of Cape Town. I have confirmations from both my TA and from AZ directly for U.S. passport holders, visas on arrival are NOT required at embarkation. Azamara will issue visas for Mozambique once on board (for a fee). So with proper passport and vaccination documentation, boarding in Cape Town should be smooth. I'm not familiar w/ the particular NCL itinerary you reference, but with respect to U.S. citizens and Mozambique, you will have no problem embarking Cape Town.

I recently received confirmation from my TA and from AZ directly, for U.S. passport holders the South Africa Intensive itinerary does NOT require visas in advance for embarkation. Moreover, AZ will issue a visa for Mozambique once on board. So w/ a proper passport and sufficient vaccination documentation, boarding in Cape Town should be hassle free. My wife and I will be taking the Journey for the Feb 8 sailing.

My wife and I are taking the Feb 8 South Africa Intensive itinerary on the Journey. I have separate confirmations from my TA and AZ directly that this itinerary does NOT require visas in advance at embarkation for U.S. passport holders. Additionally, AZ will issue a visa for Mozambique once onboard. So with proper passport and vaccination documentation, U.S. passport holders at least should have trouble-free boarding in Cape Town.