laurieb

Celebrity has changed their "All in" package which used to include upgraded drink package, wi-fi and gratuities; now it's a "some in" package as they have removed the complimentary gratuities.  This is even for those staying in the Retreat.  So yes, other cruise lines are also scaling back and increasing prices.

Sorry you did not get the responses you had hoped for.  I do have to agree that the tour operator makes the calls regarding cost.  I have also noticed on my May/June cruises that some of the tours have gone way up in price.  

I would guess that it may have to do with transportation issues more than anything else.  Covid caused a lot of companies to go out of business and transportation companies were hit very hard.  It taks a lot of busses to transport a whole ship worth of guests to and from a venue, and of course the busses are then tied up for the whole evening.  I'm sad that the evenings aren't happening as they have in the past too.  An upcoming example for me, I'll be on Quest in May, and we have a destination celebration in Livorno; the Pursuit is there the day before, and they have a real Azamazing Evening onshore.  It is very disappointing.

18 minutes ago, uktog said:

Thanks.  

I do not know what has prompted such a steep increase as @paf225 says so hard on the back of a previous increase.   @oddjob16  is so right, the wine isnt worth it if indeed they have it in stock.  I am going to work out what I will do as on our last cruise the included rose was undrinkable and the sparkling water had had a bubbles bypass.  Absolute bummer with the cruise being so close.  

At least the last time Viking increased the price of their Silver Package they set a date the price would apply AND emailed existing bookers offering them the opportunity to buy then at the existing price.  Much more transparent in my mind.

Does anyone know the current corkage price?  

The website still has the old price if you were to purchase before your cruise, but of course no loyalty discount.  Would still be cheaper...

I've had it confirmed by a F & B manager 😞

Oh I hope the weather improves soon!  Unfortunate that you missed your day with Patrick, very memorable tour. You’ll just need to go back!

2 hours ago, Lynda S said:

I think I found the best one yet - went looking this morning to see what the ship's tours are like for a Spain Intensive cruise on the Quest in Nov.  The first tour listed for Gibraltar is 1 3/4 hr tour and the cost is $1099.67 CDN - it is entitled Accessible Rock of Gibraltar and it does not state that it is a private tour.  

I am concluding this is a mistake.  😀 

It’s accessible, so I’m sure much involved with it…

More will be added closer to sailing. We’re cruising may/June this year; more being added daily.

Thank you so very much for sharing your experiences with us!  

21 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

Mo'orea is so beautiful. This was Journey there just prior to Covid.  

 

Phil 

 

Phil, you two should join the January 6, 2025 cruise!

(Sorry, I know it's off subject)

from the article:

In 2024, the drydocks will include hull cleaning and painting, underwater inspections, inspections of stabilizers, rudders, propellers and bow thrusters. We will also upgrade and renew some equipment and machinery which is approaching its reliable lifespan,” he said.

“We are also optimizing the fuel efficiency of our vessels by modernizing large energy consumers such as propulsion by applying silicone paint to the hull to reduce resistance through the water; HVAC by replacing older chiller units with more efficient ones and updating the air handling control/distribution units, and by upgrading our light and dimmer systems.”

16 hours ago, Cruizer Diana said:

White Night for Segment #4?

Does anyone know when the White Night will be held for the Auckland-Sydney leg (segment #4)?

Thank you.  Diana

It's not usually known ahead of time as weather plays a big part; it's usually one of the later nights in port though

4 minutes ago, ECCruise said:

No, you definitely can now use OBC for dining packages. Did it on Monday. Received a new invoice in minutes  showing package charged against OBC. 

well that's great news!

1 hour ago, Mackdogmolly said:

I could have, according to the agent. But I chose to put it on a cc.

Pretty sure the agent was mistaken.

1 hour ago, gddeluca said:

I'm getting the impression that the prices I saw have somehow become the 'norm' for Azamara. If so, they certainly won't become our 'norm'. Our most recent cruises were with Silversea and Regent, so we were isolated as trips there were included. But there were two others on Seabourn and Celebrity, where they weren't included. Azamara's prices seem to be more than double what's expected. Yes, I know, inflation etc. etc. ... but US$450 for 2 people on a 3 hr bus tour?

Please also remember, you're looking way out into 2025.  whatever you're seeing now probably won't even exist then.  You would be better off to wait until early next year to start looking for tours.

10 hours ago, Lynda S said:

For sure what you are saying about pre-covid prices for some independent tour operators is correct - they have definitely gone up - way up!  We will be in Barcelona pre-Quest in November and thought it would be nice to get a private guide on the day before we board.  We have always done this and it works out well.  

I took a look on my usual go-to site 'Tours By Locals' and the prices I saw astounded me!

I was seeing $1100-$1400 USD for a full day tour   - and that was commonly for only 3 people!

Hop on Hop Off Bus here we come....

We've used Tours by Locals in the past, and like you, am astounded at what many of the guides are charging now

If delta changed your flight time, you should be able to change your flight to one that works with no charge to you.  Look up flights that will work for you and give Delta a call.  We tend to book our flights quite a ways out and have had to do this many times with AA, as flight times can be changed often.

Last time I was on you still had to hold down the on button.  I'd suggest investing in a small travel hairdryer.

4 hours ago, Cooper2020 said:

Oh dear that doe not sound so great.    I was so looking forward to my 35 nights on Onward in March/April - now I am not too sure.  Think I shall bypass the Den and Trivia and hope they have all gone to bed when I hit the disco!

Please don’t let one person’s experience one time dampen your excitement for your own cruise. The people on your cruise won’t be the same as on that cruise.  Go and have fun, join trivia if you want and enjoy the den.  And burn up that dance floor!

5 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said:

Have to say we’ve never experienced that, thank goodness!

Nor have we!

11 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

So, June?

yes

I have it from a very realiable source that the Aqualina menu is being revamped and will be introduced fleet wide by the end of the world cruise.

I’ll definitely check out the gardens as I’m a big plant nerd

We'll be aboard Azamara Quest in June; we have an overnight in Nantes.  any suggestions on how to spend our time?

9 hours ago, AZ-Landshark said:

July 2024 Ireland Intensive. I've scoured this thread and haven't found an answer to this question. We have the upgraded drinks package. We like to have a glass of wine on the balcony on occasion and wondered how it works if you want to get a bottle to share in the cabin. Can it be procured from a bar or ordered through room service? Maybe purchased in one of the shops?

Thanks!

If you have the ultimate package, you can order drinks to be delivered to your stateroom, so you could order wine to be delivered.  You could purchase a bottle of wine through the sommelier and have in your room.  You could also order at one of the bars and carry it to your room.  We bring our own wine onboard; there would not be a corkage fee if you drink it in your stateroom.