aussie travel bird

On 7/2/2021 at 10:11 PM, cruisestitch said:

I am on that cruise and was on the two that followed it. They were canceled yesterday. What I can’t figure out is why Miami to Lima remains.  And what will come next in place of the two cancelled cruises.  as you say, something must be up.  But why rip the Band-Aid off slowly? Just cancel if that’s the intent. Oh well, I guess I just have to be more patient.

Yes, our Grand Voyage 4 x b2b have all gone, no lift and shift options for some.  Patience is needed.  We wouldn't have been able to travel from Australia anyway and I'm very appreciative they've made the decision before final payment was due.

We are on this Athens to Dubai one too hopefully.  Looking forward to meeting.  We've done the Dubai to Athens before and loved it.  It'll be our first time back cruising after a total of 8 cancellations since August last year.  There will certainly be a sense of relief when we return to doing what we love most in October 2022.  There is likely to be tears of joy too!

11 hours ago, england swings said:

Has anyone been on the South Africa Cruise tour?

No, but when we went to Victoria Falls (booked independently) the Cruise Tour stayed at the same hotel and did the same Zambesi River Cruise as us.  What is it you actually want to know?  Maybe I can help answer.  That was in January 2020, just before covid broke.

I'm jumping in here, yes great news and no doubt lots of planning behind the scenes going on.  I'm turning the discussions to itinerary now there's to be 4 ships.  To me and my valued Azamara Austrailain cruising friends we believe that, post Covid, when international travel might look different, there needs to be a ship based permantently in or out of Australia all year around. Australia has the largest growing cruise industry in the world.  It could be one of the small ships that could sail the entire year in Australian, New Zealand, Papua New Guinean, South Pacific and Hawaiian waters.  Very few ships go to places like Somoa, Port Moresby, Cook Islands, Bora Bora and the like to name a few......Just a thought....

We too have known Philip since his Celebrity Galaxy days and am pleased that we've built a firm friendship that will endure these changing times.  We will miss him immensly onboard and wish him, Barbro and Mutley nothing but the best.  Such an amazing person in every way and I'm sure he'll be really valued where ever he's heading.

On 9/13/2020 at 3:56 AM, Covepointcruiser said:

South Pacific crossing for me as I certainly did not enjoy the North Pacific crossing from Japan to Vancouver.   It’s a very cold trip and we had a lot of rain and little sunshine.   South Pacific would be great as you have French Polynesia and Hawaii as ports in the middle of the journey.

 

 

I really enjoyed the Japan to Seward itinerary though, it was a shame we didn't make Kodiak but it certainly gave us the option to go onto Denali, something we didn't do in 2012 when we did the Alaskan inside passage and was on my bucket list. At the moment, I'd be just happy to be able to take an international flight, repeated itineraries don't greatly concern me as we always find something different to do when we visit subsequent times.  We're desperate for our Grand Voyage circumnavigation of South America on the Quest to become a reality in January 2022. I'm not getting my hopes up for much before then.

I read that there's a possibility that Glasgow is going back into lockdown because cases are rising.  https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-lockdown-rules-to-be-tightened-around-glasgow-as-cases-rise-12061228

Agreed to all of the above and Australians have the added concerns of not knowing when our government will let us leave the country amongst other things.  No talk of any dates yet.

6 hours ago, Smokeyham said:

I just finished watching a video on YouTube (Azamara Quest 'The Spice Route' Singapore to Dubai Cruise Vlog Part 4 - Mumbai, Muscat and Dubai) that was produced by Visit with Us.

 

As part of their visit to visit to Dubai they were taken on a very bumpy Land Cruiser ride into to the desert (with a driver who seemed to drive like crazy) and then had a "Bedouin Experience" that was a dinner and show.  It was attended by hundreds of people (not just Azamara guests) and they had difficulty getting somewhere to sit to have their dinner.   This does not seem to be something that is up to Azamara's standard.   Has anyone else had a similar experience, and have you heard if Azamara has any plans to change their offerings for this port?

We did this on our 2015 Quest Voyage and didn't have the experience that you seemed to have, there was a small group of other people at the falcon show when we arrived but our 4 wheel drives stuck together and we were able to sit with fellow Azamara guests.  I don't recall seating being an issue at all. In fact I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a 'must do'. 

With last weeks extended cancellation accouncements we're feeling a bit dismayed at our attempts to lift and shift our September 10 cruise to one next year at the same time.  I appreciate similar itineries didn't really match the lift and shift conditions but our friends from the UK who we were to travel with were offered a different itinerary (in September 2021) and can and have been able to lift and shift successfully.

As regular Azamara customers (25 cruises in 8 years) it has left a sour taste in our mouths , this information has come from our trusted TA and not directly from Azamara.  We were all planning to sail together in September 2020 and though that was going to be achievable to lift and shift to Septmber 2021 like they have.  So disappointed that the Australian and UK markets differ greatly. Now we've joined the lengthy refund line and it certainly puts a shaddow over our future bookings with Azamara, one of which is a grand voyage in early 2022.

Disappointed to say the least.

On 6/1/2020 at 8:17 PM, excitedofharpenden said:

I did spot Jodie at the beginning. She used to be  an Azamara Activies Manager. She's now on Norwegian I think. I didn't recognise anyone else though. Tough time for all of them 😔

 

Phil 

It was good to see Jodie looking well.  You probably know she was to get married last weekend but due to the COVID stuff they're unable to go ahead.  It was a lovely uplifting clip though.  It was great that Sir Rod Steward gave them permission to use his song.

14 minutes ago, AJCM said:

It’s ok Jenny. In a few months when the Americans, Brits and Canadians find they either can’t or won’t come, I expect there’ll be some better pricing for the poor relatives.

One can only hope Tony... it'll be interesting to see if Australia will have it's ports open by then too. I'm missing the ocean terribly. Hope to see you someday sooner rather that later.

3 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

 

Hi Baynanno1, it is up to each market what is offered and timing.

 

Bonnie, it will be a shame if it's not offered in Australia and New Zealand for guests from these countries. It was going to be for us one of the ways we could further support the brand on the bounce back from Covid-19.  None of us can see any chance getting out of our countries 'for the forseeable future (as quoted by our government' so the Australia and New Zealand itineries would have been attractive but not at the current prices without the same offeres.  I fully understand you don't control the market offers.  Most of us have travelled within our own countries, been to the various ports but we were hoping to 'support' our Azamara family onboard but it would be nice to have the same offer. Sadly it's not attractive without the same offer. We were interested in the itineraries that come to Australia and NZ at Christmas to help us in supporting the company.

6 hours ago, the mice said:

Here's a link to the news on Spain's quarantine.

https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/05/12/spain-institutes-14-day-quarantine-for-all-arrivals/?omhide=true

and

https://www.thelocal.es/20200512/spain-to-introduce-two-week-quarantine-for-international-arrivals

 

Now just waiting for Azamara to cancel our June 20 cruise on Journey out of Barcelona.

That certainly impacts the September 10 Southampton to Barcelona cruise, not that we'd be expecting to get out of Australia by then or our international borders will be open.  I also heard that Spain has closed their ports until Decmeber 30. Time to look at our 'lift and shift' options.

On 5/10/2020 at 1:21 AM, doubled said:

We had a great cruise with a good price booked for a cruise in Europe coming up this October 2020 and felt we would cancel due to Covid situation and some personal health concerns.  Contacted Azamara to inquire about Lift & Shift - Rebook the same voyage.  Phone call was answered promptly and spoke to an Azamara rep working from home.  Was given 6 cruise options that would work for moving our cruise to 2021 but would need to go through travel agent as that is who I had booked with.  Thought "Oh great this is going to be difficult."

 

Well was Easy Peasy.  Was able to switch to 2021 cruise no problem.  Same price(current pricing was several thousand higher). room class, onboard credit stayed same.  Went to Azamara website next morning and logged in and low and behold everything was in perfect order with new cruise and OBC showing.  Now just hoping everything works out.

 

GREAT JOB AZAMARA!!!

Art

That's good news for you.  We have a sailing for September 10, Southhampton to Barcelona, which we're reluctant to pay for by the extended time for payment but if the Lift and Shift is extended past sailing until 30 August we may consider this.  We're expecting it to be near impossible to get out of Australia for some time because of international border closures so have to consider our options closely.  We'd be happy to travel and do the quarantine of 2 weeks at both ends if it meant sailing with our beloved Azamara.  Can't see Spain accepting ships though until the end of 2020 at least (reported).

13 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

I think that until there is a vaccine or treatment for Covid-19 New Zealand will have closed borders. 

 

Phil 

Phil, I have a strong feeling that that will be our Australian Government's view as well.  So that makes the Pursuits' Australia and New Zealand season a bit shaky unfortunately.

On 5/5/2020 at 3:24 AM, nordski said:

Wonderful. Looked up Hotham Hall and learned that it was/is up for sale although a bit out of our price range.

 

The sign concerning Ypres is poignant for Canadians. It was the location of the first major action for the 1st Division and the initial use of chlorine gas by the Germans.

 

I am now adding Hotham on our list of places to visit in Yorkshire.

This area holds a lot of interest for many Australians. We travelled and did a wonderful battlefields private tour and stayed in Ypres as my husbands grandfather was injured in the Battle of Polygon Wood on 26th Sepetmber 2017 assisting his dead mate. With the help of a letter written by him when he was recovering in hospital Weymouth in the UK we were able to trace the exact spot his was injured (he talked about the red line and the blue line etc).  We expect his injured friend, Dave Murphy is in an unmarked grave in the cementary close by. It's'now' a beautiful area.

All indications from Australia and New Zealand in the words of our Prime Minister are "international travel won't return anytime soon" so that culd impact Guest Numbers and the Australia and New Zealand Intineraries... I fear we're in for a long wait here. Whilst our numbers are low, the economic impact is huge.

4 hours ago, the mice said:

LakeSideKen, that is exactly my point.   If you read what I said:  If this comes to pass, it does not look like our June 20 cruise on Journey out of Barcelona would happen"  

 

But I found it ironic that RCCL has listed their expected sailings out of Barcelona in an article in Cruise Industry News.  Obviously, that information was provided by RCCL before this article in the Spanish press.   And, AFAIK, there has not yet been an official announcement by the Spanish government so this is a bit of speculation.   That's why I said "if this comes to pass."

 

Personally, I think it highly unlikely that cruising in the Med is going to start mid-June for any number of reasons.  Opening up the local economies of France, Spain and Italy will be enough of a challenge without dealing with cruises, but again, this is my personal opinion.  Since our June 11 cruise has been cancelled (as well as flights, etc.), I am hoping that our June 20 (part 2 of a B2B) will be also be cancelled because 1.) I don't want an FCC and 2.) I cannot see how the onshore experience will be anything like what we would have experienced pre-COVID-19.  

From an Australian point of view, we'd be very surprised if our Australian international borders open up for the remainder of 2020. We are booked on a September 10 Southhampton to Barcelona and don't expect that to occur.  I think I can safely say Azamara will have very few, if any, Australian onboard for the remainder of 2020.  Sincerely hope I'm wrong.

On 4/8/2020 at 4:42 AM, helby said:

I also closed the survey when  the questions  about  annual income and net worth were required with no option for prefer not to answer.  

I got an option 'prefer not to answer' to both household income and net worth.  I've seen these questions before in other Azamara emails when the world was a different and familiar place.

5 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

As the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we recognize the need for more flexibility during this time. We are extending our temporary Cruise with Confidence cancellation policy. All guests who are currently booked on sailings on or before September 1, 2020 can now cancel their reservation up to 48 hours to departure. Learn more: https://www.azamara.com/cruise-with-confidence

I'll stay tuned too, a Azamara cruiser friend has just told be that they have extented the 'payment due date' another 30 days out for her cruise that is just before our September 10 one.

7 hours ago, GlobalMethod said:

Thank you for the report on the Azamara Pursuit ... it is special to us and it has been hard to get information on just what is going on with it ... good luck to all!

Pleased I could assit.  They have docked safely in Miami a little earlier than planned due to a medical emergency (not COVID-19 related of course) and those gurests that have flights on 30th will disembark as planned.  Non essential Officers, Staff and Crew are returning home where they can get flights.  I imagine that will take some time (if not days) to manage and achieve successfully.  They are in good spirits, guests are understandably concerned about the world outside of their protective bubble and are speaking very highly of the care, attention and compassion that Azamara have afforded them.  I can't wait to be sailing again - I miss them terribly ....

4 hours ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:

He is just starting to improve. I agree with you, very worrying.

So glad there's improvement, I'm hoping that you and his immediate family are okay and dealing with the stresses. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for them. Thanks for the updates.

Life as we know it in Australia has changed, it's true you really never appreciate it until it's changed or gone.  Our situation here is changing daily but unlike our bush fire debacles our Prime Minister and Federal Government seems to be doing a reasonable job.  It's all a very depressing 'landscape though' and an unknown future for many. We are expecting our unemployment rate to rise to 30% I can only imagine those sort of figures in Italy, France, Spain, USA and the UK. 

I have been heartened by the fact that Captain Carl, (plus officers, staff and crew) are looking after a group of my friends  so well on the Pursuit. Now transiting Panama Canal. I also thank Carl and the Pursuit Team for my husband's personal birthday wishes for his 60th on Tuesday 24th (spent in a fashion that we could never have imagined nor anticipated).  Truly our 'Azamara Circle' and family. We can't wait to be back.

I fully understand we can't talk social media here but, in an attempt to control the amount of depression I'm feeling, a certain platform has a page called 'The Kindness Pandemic' which has taken off and has 410,051 members since March 14.  It has uplifting stories of human kindness in the face of this pandemic, the sort I like to think will be a positive legacy of this situation. It's Australian, but they have just this minute announced that the initiative is going global.  

If you're interested in it, can't find it, come and leave your email address here and I'll send you the details.  It's been my saviour in these darkest of times!

And brighter news, Bindi Urwin and Chandler McLeod got married (observing social distancing rules) yesterday at Australia Zoo. There were no guests, but of course lots of animals in attendance. 

I wish all of you the best during this difficult and unusual time.  Jenny 

4 hours ago, eldercruser said:

Let me add my voice to the chorus.  120 days prior for final payment in this situation makes no sense and ,quite frankly, is ludicrous.  we also have an august cruise and will cancel in early April.  If the time for final payment is reduced to 60 or 90 days we will continue to hang on.  However, I think we all admit there will be no substantive travel to Europe this summer.

Same here and more worrying is that Australia has now upped the advice level to DO NOT TRAVEL, I want to hang onto my booking too but if Azamara forces us to pay 120 days out it might be a deal breaker for me.  I have a uniworld river cruise just before and payable about the same time so I have to spend some time investigating where our insurance now stands. I'm growning less confident by the day that major business will be able to withstand the financial hits being dealt. I know they're busy dealing with immediate issues but I think they need to start working out if people are not prepared to continue later booking or not.