excitedofharpenden

Glad you have received satisfaction here, but you are right. This should not have to happen. It seems to be a regular occurrence. It's really not good, especially if you are asking your guests to swallow (pun intended) a big uptick in the price you are charging. Guests are not stupid. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. Phil

Azamara were saying to those of us booked on these cruises that it was now a "destination celebration", but I notice looking at my shore excursions list it is an "Azamazing Evening onboard". It's not an Azamazing Evening if you just bring performers on the ship. For me the most memorable moments of these evenings has been the venue. As uktog says, it's all a bit misleading. It's not a direction I like to see. I wonder if these special evenings are ultimately on the way out. A mistake in my book. Phil

It's disappointing to me that Azamara seem to be going the way of offering onboard celebrations now rather than the off the ship Azamazing Evenings. The more of this board I read the more this is happening on cruises. Our Japan cruise next month is an example. They just aren't the same. Japan would have been an wonderful opportunity to see something special on land. These evenings off the ship have been one of the reasons that I've enjoyed the Azamara experience so much and indeed they have always been a well advertised signature that the cruiseline tout as their standout. I am sure that the current Onward World Cruise will have quite a few off ship Azamazing Evenings so that Azamara can post them on their social media sites! As I say, it's all a bit disappointing. Come on Azamara. Get your Azamazing act together again. Phil

The link to prices of beverage packages is broken, but it still has this. I don't consider the new pricing as a slight upcharge! Thankfully it's not mandatory. I doubt I'll buy one in future. Phil

Interested to know if you buy one dinner in a Specialty if it's that new near $50 price as I'm not interested in buying packages? Phil

I think lots of things play out with certain areas of the world. Rules and regulations on purchase of food for one thing. Wheeler dealing (can I say corruption?) for another. It's rife in South America. Phil

Jerry, I think it's Captain Kresimir and Tatiana Morello as HD (who is excellent by the way, if you haven't sailed with her. Another Heike Berdos). See you in HK. Phil

Maybe I'm being over cautious, but the last thing I'd do is post my cabin number on a public message board. I never share that info unless I know the person or I'm totally sure and by way of private email. Personally I'd ask the host here to delete that reference. Phil

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

My upgrade offer for March cruise came in January via email. My understanding is that they aren't offered to everyone. What the criteria is I'm guessing is based on your loyalty level and cabin availability on a particular cruise. You might still get one so hang tight. Phil

Just to say, you are doing an amazing job with your blog. I'm really enjoying reading it. I fully admit that my powers of concentration can be rather poor, but your writing style without too much over detail and your observations of local culture has me very much involved. Looking forward to more. Have a fabulous trip. Phil

Agree. Author editing only. Phil

Have been offered 4047 and 4049 in the past, late on available accessible cabins, but yes, other side is good. 4054 a few times. Phil

They can't because the final decision is probably still being worked on. If they say yes, we are going through and you don't then all hell will break loose. Conversely if they say no and do, the other reaction. It's not easy. You can't stop people speculating. That's even more difficult! Phil

Do not worry! Azamara are fab for singles. You'll be well taken care of and if you are on your own after day two with nothing to do I'd be very surprised. Unless of course you want it that way! Phil

The only reason I say about the GR door is I've been in 4049 on the other ships and had exactly the sane thing and I asked them to look at the door closer. It worked. Hope you don't get disturbed too much. Phil

I've stayed in that spot a few times and haven't had an issue. Wonder if it's the loungers that are slightly different on Onward? I noticed they set up a World Cruise dinner on the starboard side of the promenade deck. This can't have helped. They need to adjust the self close mechanism on the Guest Relations door. Ask them! Phil

Thanks for this. It does indeed show the big ship vs small ship differences and what can be done. We cruised that route in late 2018 on Quest and did the same thing. I will remember Norway for the same reason. No going out to sea. We were able to stay inside and avoid the rougher water. One of the reasons we could and larger ships couldn't is we could pass under the numerous power lines that crossed over the water every so often. The only thing I'd say. Some captains more than others make a big play on it being "specially done" by them. Once you've done it a few times you realise they always say this! BTW, Mercury was my very first cruise ship. A lot of happy memories. Phil

I think the discussion has gone off topic from the original question and is now talking about liquor availability in suites. Which is fine, but doesn't answer the OP's question. I think laurieb has given a good answer. If one has the upgraded package then you can get wine delivered by the glass. You may have an issue getting them to deliver a whole bottle though. Part of the issue is that not all occupants of a cabin need to have the drink package. If you both do then I can't see an issue. Speak to a sommelier if there's a problem. Phil

Yes, I'm the same. I don't buy the packages very often because I like to wait until I board to see how I feel. I also like to mix it up. MDR, buffet, the Patio. Once you factor in White Night and Azamazing if they have one and I don't have enough opportunity to use the package to it's fullest. Even if I'm in a suite I may only go once or twice in a cruise. Phil

It's weird. I board Journey on the 7th March, had the email, but nowhere against the Specialty dining does it give a price. Internet packages yes, dining no. Phil

If it's $49 now then that's far too much. It's a nice meal and restaurant, but not worth that much of an upcharge. Phil

I'm so pleased to hear that. She is indeed a gem and it's been recognised. Phil

Good for you! An example of why these boards are so very useful. You have had some great advice on this thread and ultimately it was sorted out satisfactorily. I wonder. Was the word of the price increase coming from the UK customer service area for Azamara? I've found them to be, to be frank, totally incompetent on the few times I've spoken to them. Phil

I did check one of the cruises on the solo fare link and it does appear to be no single supplement. £2218.94 solo fare and £4572 for two sharing (this is OV category and admittedly the only cruise I checked). It's bad wording on the email, but I knew what they were getting at. Phil