miacincin

We are sailing on an Azamara cruise in late April and were surprised to find they don't offer a shore excursion to the enormously popular Plitvice Lakes National Park while in Zadar port from 8a-5p on 4/26. I see there are several companies that offer this round trip transfer (and guarantee we'll get back to the ship on time) so I'm tempted to book it on our own. I'm just worried there's a logical reason the cruise isn't offering it. I know April weather can be unpredictable, but surely that's not the only reason? All thoughts, advice and opinions are welcome! Thanks!

Hello Azamara cruisers, We are sailing on a Croatia intensive cruise in late April and were surprised to find no shore excursion offered by the cruise line to the enormously popular Plitvice Lakes National Park while in the port of Zadar from 8a-5p on 4/26. There are many companies that offer this round trip transfer (and guarantee we'll get back to the ship on time) so we can do it on our own. I'm just worried there's a reason the cruise isn't offering it and, perhaps, we should reconsider. I know the weather can be unpredictable in April but surely that's not the only reason? Any thoughts and opinions are welcome!

You've all given me so much to consider, thank you for your generous replies! I do believe Azamara docks first in Fusina, then shuttles passengers back to Marittima, but getting answers and info from them has proven to be very difficult. I'm afraid I won't get accurate or timely info if I try to inquire about self-disembarkation or the availability of private transfers at Fusina. I only hope our experience cruising with them is better than their customer service! So, rather than cut it too close and be stressed about catching the 11am flight, we've re-booked on the 1:40 to JFK, then onward to CVG, on 4/27. The layover duration is tight at 1hr 40 mins but hoping we can make it since we aren't checking bags. We would've considered staying an extra night or two after disembarking but we're spending three nights in Venice on the front end and will be ready to get home by then. I really, really appreciate your time and great insights...thanks, again!

Hello! We'll be returning to Fusina port on Sat, 4/27 at 7am (on Azamara Pursuit). We had the perfect return flight scheduled for that afternoon out of VCE, but Delta just changed our flight, and it now departs at 11:05 am. Azamara advised that, "The earliest departure flight we recommend for your cruise is 12pm." They also said, "We can provide a transfer from the port to the airport if your flight is not before 12pm." My questions are as follows: Could we realistically get off the ship in time to catch an 11:05am flight if it docks Fusina at 7am? If so, how would we arrange transportation (since it sounds like Azamara won't offer us a transfer to the airport)? Many thanks!