mdeegooden

On 6/16/2023 at 1:46 PM, susiesan said:

Azamara pricing includes gratuities, self service laundry, wine and beer with meals. You don't have to pay for shore ex you don't want to use or an upgraded beverage package that has the spirits on it. Azamara does not include dining in the specialty restaurants. You can buy the extras if you want. Their prices are comparable to oceania's prices now for cruise only. before I booked a Croatia intensive cruise for Sept. 24, I looked at O's version of the same cruise. AZ came out ahead plus I get a $500 rebate check after the cruise. Also, AZ has not shortened port times like O has done on all of their itineraries.

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!

16 hours ago, dmwood4 said:

Hello mdeegooden!  You said you just finished a 12 night cruise so am wondering if you could answer a question for me:  while on the cruise does the cruise ship offer excursions that are game drives in order to see the big 5? I can't see any excursion information online.  Pls let me know. Tx 

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!

On 7/8/2023 at 11:34 AM, Werangels said:

Hello

 

Can anyone tell me please which evening White Night usually takes place?  The itinerary seems to follow the same route on every cruise.

 

Thanks lots.

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!

On 6/5/2023 at 10:58 AM, rubyclaret said:

First up, I apologise as this is probably the wrong thread to ask this question.

It's regarding the Ports and towns of South Africa, for the South African Intensive Voyage.

We really fancy this itinerary and intend to book it, Mrs Rubyclaret though has read some reviews, probably on FB, that some of the Ports and Towns are a bit dodgy to walk around once leaving the Ship.

We don't want to go on excursions on every stop, we like to walk round Town, perhaps trying a local bar or restaurant.

From past experience do you think it is wise to walk freely around town or is there places that are a NoNo.

We would really appreciate any advice.

 I posted this on the African Thread  but to no avail, so trying on here.

Thank you.

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!

2 hours ago, Lookyboy said:

Did the evenings at 'Windows' have a theme each time, or do you mean that 'Windows' has returned to how it used to be, with a daily high quality buffet with no particular country theme? We used to enjoy dining there prior to the change to a different country each evening.

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.

On 3/15/2023 at 11:08 AM, Mercruiser said:

On Onward, they seem to be available if you ask, but are not publicized. 

 

I was at the customer service desk (asking about OBC) when I overheard a lady passenger asking if bridge tours were available. She wanted to sign up a tour for her husband. The agent said yes, and signed him up on the spot. Was that you Gardendog?

 

I'll speculate that they are offered to VIPs. Ordinary folks, like me, need to ask.

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!

4 hours ago, earth117 said:

Aboard the Journey: 

 

Azamara, alas, is plunging in performance. 

For the second night, the dinner buffet in Windows had no vegetarian main. It's a buffet, it's not that hard! 

 

For the Gambia visa Azamara stated USD 56 would be charged to our accounts, but we were each charged USD 112. Why? Because we took the ship's tour "Exploring Senegal" we re-entered Gambia. Apart from getting a (1) visa that clearly states "multiple entry", there is the issue that this is not what Azamara wrote to each cabin (indeed stated $56 clearly) and also did not say it when selling the shore excursion. We're just talking basic communication here. 

"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.

On 11/25/2022 at 9:52 AM, roberts2005 said:

Does anyone have experience with this type of sale?  Can you cancel already booked excursions and then rebook.?

 

Last, how do you know you are getting the discount?

 

Appreciate any and all comments

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!!

On 10/16/2022 at 9:11 PM, Janet&Carl said:

I have been watching Azamara sales for a while - we too are new to the company and have booked our first cruise - I tried to get friends to join us but the same deal was not available however a new deal was.  The next month the same deal was available again.  

 

It appears to me that each month is a different deal and if you wait long enough a better deal will come up.   The price of the cabins appear to remain the same but the additional benefits like OBC, Wifi and upgrade deals change every month.

 

If there is plenty of time before your intended travel I would be inclined to wait and see.

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.

On 9/29/2022 at 12:31 PM, canadianbear said:

@WCB

We watched the Zuiderdam leave last night in the drizzle from Ambleside park.   I told my husband we had to watch it sail away, in person, since we had to cancel the 50 day cruise.  
 

We went to our favourite spot to watch the ships sail under the Lions Gate bridge & past Stanley Park.  I’ll attach a couple of photos I took.  
 

Have a wonderful trip to the South Pacific!  

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.

On 4/12/2022 at 10:03 AM, robsaw said:

We did a lift-and-shift of the Azamara South Africa Intensive cruise from Feb '22 to Feb '23.

 

What I'm researching now is visa requirements (we're Canadian citizens). What I gather is:

- South Africa - visa exempt, 90-day visa issued upon arrival.

- Mozambique - can't find non-contradictory advice for visitors arriving for day-stop on cruise only. Everything from no-visa, visa issued onboard, visa must be obtained in advance --- Any knowledgeable advice?

- We also want to do a side-trip to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) after the cruise and wonder about South Africa re-entry requirements (more confusing advice on leave/re-entry while already having a SA tourist visa in the passport).

 

Thanks

 

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.