excitedofharpenden

You make a great point. I hadn't thought of that. They need to sort this ridiculous issue soon. Phil

You did exactly what I was about to write, ie speak to Azamara directly. It's a bit of a minefield with the offers, but direct they will be honest as to what you can and can't do. Congratulations on the savings. I'd take money off the bottom line and forego any perks/OBC any day of the week! A lesson for all of us to check price before final payment. Phil

My recollection is that only Pursuit had the key card lock. Both Journey and Quest have a door that freely opens to the Spa Terrace with a sign saying private area, additional charges apply. That did the trick. The place was empty the entire three weeks I was on the ships. No need for a key card to get into the changing rooms. I doubt they'd do that. What if you are caught short and want to use the toilet in there?🤭. Phil

Onward Lisbon to Miami? I'd pack layers. The itinerary takes you on a more northerly North Atlantic route where the water is cooler (than say a first stop in one of the Caribbean islands). You may luck out with the temperatures, but it might be chilly at times. Phil

And I love Lanzarote too. I've done land trips there as well as cruises. It's a beautiful island. I also love Tenerife for the reason of being the last holiday I spent with my dad as a fifteen year old. I'd happily go back there. It must be so hard to find an alternative port, especially one that can accommodate the ship. We will all have a different reason for going somewhere. Stunning nr Haria, Lanzarote from up high. Phil

I was on Journey and Quest very recently. We were on the ship by 2.30pm. Our window was 2-2.30. I agree with uktog. I found the whole thing less stressful than the rush to get on the ship. The morning of the cruise was more chilled. There was food available when we got on. The covid way of doing the muster drill individually or in smaller groups as we boarded was way better than having to go en mass later on. This way from now on please. Phil

I'm talking off the ship. No need to use the expensive ATMs onboard for Euros. I do however use them for taking out USD occasionally. Phil

Italy use the Euro as their currency. Get some local currency out. ATMs are plentiful. Work it the other way. If I was an Italian.coming to the US I wouldn't give tips in Euros. I sometimes fel that Americans think the USD is a universally accepted currency. It's not. It's much more polite to have some local currency in your pocket. I witnessed an American arrive in a hotel in Athens last week and ask if the local shops would accept USD. The hotel said the same as me and directed him to a cashpont. Phil

OP, go to YouTube and look for reviews. There are lots of them. Generally it comes down to two or three over ear that beat the rest, Bose, Sony XM3 or 4, Apple Airpods Max. The latter are very expensive. I have Sony XM3's and love them. Wish I hadn't waited so long to get them, but the technology has improved a lot. I am very impressed. Phil

There is a clear distinction between general benefits (like free laundry, Internet minutes etc) and onboard booking discounts and free nights. You don't get the first one until you complete your cruise and you've moved to the next tier. You might get the second one for the simple reason that the Future Cruise Sales is keen to sell you another cruise whilst you are onboard. Using "free" nights that you may have is easy to do on the ship, but in my experience it's also straightforward to do via Azamara when you are home. Phil

Just turning up when you want to there is hardly a special experience. I know I've responded again, but this matter is being given too much thought and airtime IMHO. Phil

Same here Liz. I saw every show too. Unusual for me. Phil

Bingo! If you want flexible dining times then the MDR is the place to go, but even then you need to allow some flexibility. Or even the buffet. They do a lovely job on dressed tables. I think its unreasonable to expect an extra pay speciality restaurant to have flexible dining. There are other guests who want to eat there. And it's more formal anyway. Phil

I know there are snippets within threads talking about Darren Lynton on Journey. First of all I will confirm that I am not his agent nor did he pay me before I got off the ship! This guy I am so happy has decided to join Azamara after a break of many years teaching whilst his kids were growing up. His energy, enthusiasm and especially his voice are first class. His total lack of ego and humble nature are a revelation. The last night of the cruise he did a set in the Den at 9.15pm. The word was out. The place was packed (remember, last night of the cruise) and it rocked. The guy is everywhere and very visible. He enjoys what he does and it shows. The whole entertainment cast including ACD Grace from Australia were outstanding. Best White Night I have ever been to and I've been to a few. If you are on Journey and have him as CD you are in for a treat. He goes on vacation towards the end of November I think. Current cast leave January. Can't remember the date. Phil

For me on these two cruises this has been a huge blessing. I've paid $99 each cruise for a pass. Best ever $99 spent. It's so peaceful out there. Previously on occasions it has been a zoo . This is a really positive change in my view. The thelassotherapy pool should be a relaxing experience. Phil

We saw that on Quest when we left on Sunday. So cool. There was a big crowd seeing us off. There was a full moon that day. It was beautiful as we departed. Phil

I have more of an issue with the front row VIP/Big Suites seating at the Azamazing (off ship or onboard). I never sit in the reserved seats! Lol Phil

I think the other thing you say is it's done so discreetly, just one deck up from the buffet. You'd never know. Phil

You know me. I'm of the same opinion, but I really am enjoying the Aqualina breakfasts. I'm a lover of the Sunset Veranda, but we've been plagued by wasps and flies this cruise and I prefer inside just now. It regulates the traffic in north venues too. Not so crowded. Phil

You need to feed this back immediately so they can put it right. Don't let it fester from your first experience. I'm breakfasting in Aqualina on Quest at the moment. Great service and I really enjoy it. Phil

16, 12, 8 and 6kgs. Phil

This is what we had on Quest. It was super. Love David. Med buffet on deck. Phil

Upside down and don't seem to be able to fix. Phil

Sorry, some are downloading upside down. Will try again. Phil

A stunning morning here. Five years in the planning. I'm so pleased it all came together with the weather. Photos from Quest. Phil