alanbab

Are future cruise certificates covered by ABTA/ATOL bonding

seems like the original question needs flagging up again as it feels like we are being ignored. A reply would be much appreciated and I have to say as a fairly calm and considerate person I too am losing faith inAzamara.

20 hours ago, blag said:

Exactly!

But will Azamara admit that they hadn't thought this through? Or is their dilatory response indicative of indifference to the problem? Either way, since their current idea of communication with frustrated guests is to issue a Past Guest Survey, it seems highly unlikely that any beneficial response will materialise from Azamara. 

 

I don't know how many 125% FCC's have been issued by Azamara to UK guests, but seeing how SLOWWWLY Azamara is processing refunds and FCC's, how long would it take for them to re-issue such FCC's as two, one for 100%, another for 25%? 

Or is the idea of two FCC's just too intelligent for Azamara management? 

Bonnie please can you push this one again for us.

On 5/4/2020 at 4:49 PM, BBMacLaird said:

 

No, no news from corporate yet.

This topic is in danger of dropping out AND we still don't have a reply. Any news please?

On 4/28/2020 at 9:49 PM, BBMacLaird said:

Still nothing definite. Our corporate team in the UK is still working on this.

 Hi there any news yet?

Well said I totally agree with you Grandma Cruising

1 hour ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:

What we all need to remember is that if all the travel companies, including cruise lines and hotels, were to refund everyone immediately they would probably go bust and then when we want and are able to take holidays again it’ll be difficult to find them. In addition all these companies are employers and and all those employers would be out of work.

For myself, I will take credits, FCCs etc wherever it is feasible to do so - I.e. if I expect to be able to use them within the appropriate timeframe. Where I won’t be able to use them I’ll ask for a refund, but be prepared to be patient about the timeframe for them to be paid.

To quote UK Tog

"Now we learn that Virgin is in trouble we have to take the current financial services adage “ no one is too big to fail” to the front of our minds".

I am wondering where the credit card companies come into this if all else fails. Can we go down that route. Our May cruise is cancelled and out TA is going down the FCC route. No idea when we would be able to take a cruise again being over 70 but I am thinking wait and see. Someone made reference the other day that if we claim a cash refund then the TA is also paying back their commission to us - that in itself brings on more problems.

6 hours ago, asnaleah said:

Princess and Viking suspending all cruises for 60 days. Azamara should be next. Princess is offering either refunds or enhanced future cruise credits. Are you listening Azamara?!

I totally agree with you asnaleah - we are already planning 2021 holidays and none of them include AZAMARA!!!

Many thanks for your replies everyone. So it appears that there may very well be 2 places where we dock and I'm guessing that it may not be known until near to our arrival which disembarkation point we use. So I shall contact a transfer company  - 'Friend in France' gets very good reviews and also does tours if that is of interest to anyone. I will message them  with our pick-up point when it is known. I will let you all knowhow I get on. Cheers everybody!

Has anyone disembarked Azamara in the Port of Nice? It appears that there are a couple of places in the port where the ship may dock. I am wondering would it be better to pre-book a taxi to the airport or will there be taxis waiting at the port. Any help would be very gratefully received. Many thanks.

30 minutes ago, AspirationalFlyer said:

Hello, 

 

On my last trip, I booked the early saver fare (we’ve never booked the Cunard fare) and was allocated a table for two without issue. I did call beforehand (when I ordered the cake shown above) and asked if my table request could be noted in my booking. 

 

On previous trips we have been allocated an early sitting on a group table when we preferred the exact opposite. I’d just recommend checking your allocation as you soon as you enter your stateroom and, if you’re unhappy, take your card to the restaurant as soon as you can and ask for it to be changed. Done quickly and without fuss in our case. 

 

I just wonder if those that book the Cunard fares are given priority for complementary upgrades. 

 

 

Many thanks for your reply this  is really helpful.

                     re your comment: we have been allocated an early sitting on a group table

So it would appear if we were allocated a group table we would have a set dining time. That doesn't match with what I have read which I thought was dine whenever you please. So glad you posted this information - thanks.

Thanks for this excellent report. Can anyone say how likely we would be to get a table for 2 in the restaurant? Early saver fare brings the cost down considerably and for us the only benefit of select fare would be the free coach and port shuttles which would not add up to the several hundred pound price difference. Our recent cruises have been with Azamara and Oceania where its turn up at any time dining (within the opening times) and a table for 2 guaranteed if you are prepared to wait. Any information gratefully received. Many thanks.

We dined at the Beach House on Aurora in June and it was so good that we went 3 times! The steak on a hot stone is excellent. Yes to get the time that you want I would book. Enjoy.

Totally agree with Selbourne who's views mirror ours. If implemented will be a bad move on behalf of P&O - we always paid the auto gratuities which was an issue for many Brits I know BUT - as the saying goes BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!!

Thanks for the info - we're on the same cruise.

 

I still don't understand why Azamara get their Senior staff website up to date.

They don't even seem to know who some of the people are on the current cruises!!

www.azamaraclubcruises.com/en-au/life-onboard/crew/senior-officer-schedule

 

Gary.

I agree with you Gaz and also for this cruise the Executive Chef is Dhani but no further detail and with just 2 weeks to go no detail on the AzAmazing evening reportedly in Rhodes.

Fabulous and many thanks

I have not sailed in an aft cabin on Britannia but have sailed in aft cabins on other ships and yes soot can be a problem. I don't think that you can ever guarantee no soot. All that said Britannia is a lovely ship and I would go for it. Ask your steward to leave you a supply of cloths in order that you can sort the problem quickly. Our next cruise is an aft cabin on the former P&O Adonia soon to sail as Azamara Pursuit! Enjoy

Does anyone have an update on the entertainment on the ships and in particular what is planned for Pursuit.

We too were on this wonderful cruise and agree with all the positive comments above. We also enjoyed the Rauma railway having done the Flam Railway on a previous cruise. We would recommend the trip from Stavanger to the flower island - Flor og Fjaere - it is quite simply stunning. Do take the included guided tour by the owners if you go it was very interesting. Sadly the weather was poor but managed to keep reasonably dry on the island although very windy. We also visited the Beach House 3 times and the steak on a stone is fantastic - just a nice change from the Medina restaurant although we thought that the food in there was very good indeed.

Just be aware of the traffic in Naples. We did a ship tour to Pompeii and we got stuck in traffic in the city on the return, and we’re past sail away time getting back to the ship. As it was a ship tour they waited for us.

 

 

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This reply from Homeless Bear is the one to read everyone. The traffic around Naples and indeed the Amalfi coast is horrendous - I would not think of doing an independent excursion!

Does anyone know where the large cruise ships dock in Haugesund?

According to "What's in port" website - its an 800m walk or there is a free shuttle bus..

We are polite Brits....we stay.

 

There were only about 30-40 at the second show. Most hedging their bets sitting in the higher level near the door. There were about 10 guests sitting in the lower level where we were. We found the emptiness uncomfortable and even though we were not enjoying- particularly one piece which reminded us of the sounds of our sons early years viola practicing- but honestly felt to leave would be unfair on the musicians. They were talented but playing the wrong stuff.

 

They seem to have been given a brief to challenge our senses and do unusual things whereas we wanted to be entertained. There’s a huge difference between challenge and entertain. Maybe one piece at the edge of our comfort zone but not 45 minutes.

 

To those dreading an upcoming cruise don’t they’ve got to make changes so it will get better.

 

 

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We too are polite Brits and will stay through the performance no matter how bad - I think it is extremely rude to walk out during a performance. We are not with Azamara until September so hopefully things will have improved by then. Enjoy the rest of your cruise and thanks for all the updates.

We have never sailed on Azura but we have sailed on Ventura. We have, however sailed on both Eclipse and Britannia and we would choose the beautiful, classy, understated Britannia.

The ship excursion information for the trip to: Scenic Rauma Railway in Norway states under Essential Information

There are 3 steep steps to embark the train.

I have contacted the Rauma railway who tell me that the trains have level access. Has anyone done this trip with P&O and if so please can you advise me who is correct? Many thanks

I completed the survey in the UK today no problem and on turnaround ports I added the fantastic port of Liverpool. Liverpool is a much visited port now for big ships and I understand has been providing turnaround facilities for small ships for some time. I think there are plans to provide turnaround facility for large ships and no doubt somebody will give more information on this. Liverpool has its own small airport but is just an hours drive up the motorway from Manchester International airport.