aussie travel bird

On 2/12/2020 at 11:23 PM, Host Grandma Cruising said:

I agree, Australia is a lovely country & repays spending time there. Our daughter lived there for 8 years and we went four times. First time Sydney then McKay for a small ship cruise to the Whitsundays and barrier reef then drive from McKay to Port Douglas via Charter Towers & the Winterton Table lands. Second time we stayed in Newcastle, third and fourth time we stayed in Melbourne but drove the Great Ocean Road and had a few days in Tasmania. We never got to the north to Darwin or to Perth in the west as our daughter & husband then came home after they had twins and found it difficult staying there with no family support.

You certainly got a good feel for Australia.  The Great Ocean Road and Tasmania are amongst my favourites, both places we take our international friends when they visit.  We are going to Uluru for our first time in May.

7 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

I love Australia and New Zealand. Would love to go back, but it's so far away for me and after the latest cruise there just finished I will stick to closer to home. Luckily Europe has much to offer and I can take advantage of later bookings and deals.

 

Next up Celebrity Summit in October to Canada to hopefully catch the fall colours. 🍁

 

Phil 

Phil, we did the Canada and New England on the Summit (last cruise of the Season) in October and the colour was amazing.  We loved the Summit too as that is the Celebrity Class we enjoy the most.  We particularly enjoyed the fall colours in the St Laurence river because we are so used to everything here being 'tropical'. You'll have a magical time. Jenny

44 minutes ago, doubled said:

Just wondering if Azamazing Evenings are ever held on transoceanic voyages?  Is it a definite no or does it happen once in awhile?  We are on 16 night Rio to Lisbon, but is probably just wishful thinking.  At least there will probably be a white night.

No not on 'crossings' though they did have one planned for the Mumbai to Cape Town inaugural cruise in January as it was a long cruise (24 nights).  However when the HD and CD inspected the venue in Durban it was deemed not suitable due to a number of reasons and a modified version was bought onboard.  On all the crossings (re positioning cruises we've done) there's no Azamazing Evening.  Yes there'll be a white night.

2 hours ago, mchell810 said:

 

I know you've already sent the email, but just so you know I have heard of this happening with Celebrity (owned by the same company as Azamara).   The person who posted in the Celebrity forum that said she could actually see personal information (credit card, birthday) of the people that were linked.  Hope it is resolved quickly.

I've heard that from my boss, who is a RCL cruiser, there was also a horrible mix up with their points.

45 minutes ago, Cruise Junky said:

We’re doing our part. Land trip this September. Putting our daily vacation dollars into the local economy. 

Terrific and a wonderful time of the year, May and September are just the best!  Wish I could throw you all a backyard 'Barby' aka BBQ!

1 hour ago, sovilav01 said:

We were on the Journey two years ago from Bali to Sydney visiting Perth, Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and Adelaide among others. We felt in love with your wildlife and vegetation, so different of Eastern Canada and were so sad to see those terrible fires. We hope to return to visit the East part of Australia, you have such a wonderful country!

Thank you sovilav01 and Bonnie,! The beautiful Kangaroo Island suffered greatly.  On the eastern seaboard we are having heavy rain at the moment and are starting to see the land rejuvenate though it will take years to mend our hearts, properties and wildlife.  The east has a bit of everything, you name it, we've got it.... Should you make the trip, you'll be welcomed with open arms.  Don't forget Tasmania, especially the interior and the wilderness. Quite unique and so easy to do. 

2020 is going to be a quieter time for us as we wrap up our careers and head into retirement, then look out! The only place we haven't been on Bonnie's list is Ireland. Just having come back from the Quest's Mumbai to Cape Town with independent time following in a very beautiful Victoria Falls there's no doubt we'll be returning to South Africa at some time. If you haven't done it it's simply a MUST! Also stand outs of that trip were were Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania.   We're envious of those returning to Europe on the Cape Town to Lisbon via Madagascar (we tried to get on it but alas sold out).  Later this year we have a Uniworld Duro River Cruise from Porto, followed by Southampton to Barcelona on the Quest.  The attraction of this Azamara cruise was to try to sail up the river to Seville which was attempted but not achieved before.  In 2021 I'm sure there'll be more Azamara but at the moment we're intent on crossing off some more bucket list items.  We're doing the Galapagos in March, currently booked on the Flora but who knows, we do like some of the smaller options.   This is to be followed by a Oceania Marina (first time) Rio to Miami (sailing up the Amazon) which Azamara currently doesn't have an itinerary for.  A long way off is the Grand Voyage January 2022 on the Quest Miami to Miami, via Antarctica....now that's what's got me really excited...

Australia really needs tourism at the moment following our severe bush-fires so we have lots of short land tours planned here at home, they need our dollars...why not spend some of yours here too?

You've been unlucky. I hope you refereed it to Shore Excursions on your return and encouraged others to do so.  Yet Hluluwe-Imfolozi was the best of the three game drives that we recently did on the maiden voyage, Mumbai to Cape Town in relation to the animals we saw.  Though we did do it privately.  That the nature of the wildlife sightings of course, but to have a guide that wouldn't engage or explain the animals isn't acceptable.  Sorry you didn't get the full experience but I hope you did let them know onboard your dissatisfaction with the guide.

We'd be fully in support of more non-alcoholic options too.  One of us has a sensitivity to caffeine and alcohol due to a pre- existing heart condition and it'd certainly add a bit more choice to the current range.  I also like to have non-alcoholic pre dinner drinks so I can enjoy our wine at dinner.  

Good on you Tony, pity all of us weren't more astute as you were.  I cringe with I thing of all those bookings I just took their word for.  Hmmm.....

7 hours ago, Bloodaxe said:

I know that some people seem to be happy with the included Wines but in my opinion they have definitely deteriorated in recent times along with many other aspects of Azamara.

Just back from Africa on the Quest 24 nights - really enjoyed the wine selection, along with the on board experiences. The best wine is the one you like to drink! Of course I think I can put that down to personal preferences. The food however, we felt had stepped up another notch from the already great food (from October) to a higher level especially in the MDR - Discoveries. The best we'd ever had. We found that the quality in Aqualina had also improved this time.  Our on board experiences on the Quest were outstanding so I'd be interested to hear Bloodaxe if your thoughts are confined to Shoreside operations, or in particular one of the ships.  I'm  hearing some small differences in on board activities offered and shop opening/closing times currently from another ship which differ to what we've experienced but that's all. Personal preferences pay a big part in the cruising experiences and I feel it'd be a tough gig to keep everyone happy all the time...

Merry Christmas to all, just about done and dusted here in Australia and packed and ready to fly to Mumbai tomorrow to board the Mumbai to Cape Town cruise on the Quest on Saturday, an adventure in the making for sure.  Love cruising this time of year and especially with Azamara.  So excited to see familiar faces amongst guests, officers, staff and crew....bring it on.  Phil, enjoy the Journey too! 

3 hours ago, hubofhockey said:

We were on the Quest Oct 16-31 and there was no double benefit.  But now that I look my $300 OBC became $600 and maybe it got doubled or, possibly, I got the $300 AMEX benefit.

It wasn't available (or mentioned) on the Quest -4-16 October cruise either.

1 hour ago, Covepointcruiser said:

How does anyone equate this change to the sudden volcanic eruption in New Zealand??

Surely one is due to natural causes while the other involves continued criminal activity.

If you don’t agree that there is a danger then you can travel there from a previous port and rejoin the cruise at a later port.

No, not related I would say. I believe the reasons we’ve been given.

Thank you Bonnie for your assistance in representing us to Azamara.  It is much appreciated.  Thank you to Azamara for the offer of reimbursement of our Kenyan Visa's, though those who are still doing their Masa Mara - Kenya overnight Safari from Dar Es Salaam will of course still need them.  

Is it possible to find out when the Shore Excursions will be updated as I'm sure people are keen to have plans (or ideas at least) before they shortly commence their travels?  I'll pop this message over on the roll call too.  

Many thanks 

4 minutes ago, marinaro44 said:

Would you tell us what the replacement port is, as Azamara has not?

Sure, hope you can read this - this is the letter I got in Australia - which differs to my friends in the USA (same information on itinerary) but different format - like you the others got nothing.QS 12.28.19.pdf

I represent a group of friends consisting of 22 regular and new Azamara cruisers embarking on a cruise and an itinerary of a lifetime with the Quest inaugural voyage from Mumbai to Cape Town on 28th December.  We same group are feeling confused, mystified and unhappy with Azamara Head Office Communications or lack of them.

This week (Wednesday) four of us (2 couples) received notification from Azamara (one couple directly  by email and one couple by way of their travel agent) about a significant change to our itinerary. The other 18 (admittedly some singles and some couples) have had zero communications from Azamara about the change.  The removal of Mombasa, Kenya (overnight) due to security and safety concerns, whilst disappointing and inconvenient (with visas, yellow fever immunization and some with private tours booked) is understandable, unavoidable but accepted.   

What isn't acceptable is the fact that this has been poorly communicated or should I rather say non - communicated to some. Even the website is lacking, with no prominent notification and with Mombasa excursions still showing for the new replacement port. Yes they've check with their Travel Agents as applicable, no information has been received. The roll call has some mention of notifications, but what happens to those people who haven't received communications, aren't on social media groups with their friends or on this forum?  I have to tell you they are feeling that their loyalty to Azamara counts for little.  Surely something further should be done re the communications as time is running out rapidly to make final preparations for this change of itinerary and arrange for cancellation of private activities in Mombasa.

On behalf of our group, I volunteered to start this topic and in closing to think we'll be in India in two short weeks and all the frustrations will probably be forgotten I can't sign off this post without one of my favourite sayings from the move The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Quotes. “Everything will be alright in the end so if it is not alright it is not the end.” “The only real failure is the failure to try, and the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment.” “Remember you are everything, or you are nothing".

Come on Azamara time to step up and get people informed.

Again there appears to be a major fail in the IT email systems.  We're usually in receipt of the emails....

One of our fellow travelers alerted us to the fact have been advised overnight that our December 28 Cruise Mumbai to Cape Town has had its two day Mombassa Kenya stay cancelled citing safety and security reasons. Other ports have been substituted.  Unusual when the security level hasn't changed and is the same as other ports of call in Africa.  

We can accept that this decision has been made in the interests of safety and security but where is our advice?  Our Travel Agent doesn't have anything. The voyage planner is updated, but the excursions shown are still Mombassa....Those on private tours are impacted and need time and evidence to show that Azamara has cancelled that port of call.  It may also affect insurance claims for missed ports.  

2 hours ago, midwestchick said:

I did not book because I didn’t want to lose $75 x 2.  There were a few people who were getting off the Journey in Miami and then doing another cruise on Oceania.  I may finally give Oceania a look and although we’ve not been cruising that many years, I do consider us a regular Azamara cruiser.

 

After being long time Azamara cruisers, we too have booked our first Oceania this week.  Prices are much more competitive than the 2021 Azamara prices.  I can't justify the prices despite loving our Azamara on board experience.  I'm expecting others to follow suit with the crazy pricing....

1 hour ago, NeverStopLearning said:

The spa cabins have a whirlpool tub that is encircled with large glass windows. Does anyone know if the glass is one way or if there is a privacy curtain? 

thanks, rob...

The spa cabins are named because of there location to access the spa facility onboard. Unfortunately the round tub is just that a round bathtub, it's not a spa bath.  There's a blind at the window, no privacy glass.  It's a lovely experience you will enjoy it. It guests don't partake in the Best of the Best dinner which is reserved for the higher top tier suites.  Enjoy.

4 hours ago, Xcelsior said:

Thanks for the opinion.  I've had an accessible cabin on the aft of Celebrity Millennium previously and we liked have the bigger bathroom and shower.  The floor tended to get a little more wet I think but what ship's bathroom floor doesn't get wet in reality.  I like the location on Deck 6 as well.  I believe they will let me swtich it to a deck 8 aft CC suite --- but apparently they are obstructed view in comparison due to the ship's structure at the rear obstructing the balcony.  Some have said the CC suites on Deck 6 are slightly smaller though....anybody else know if they are?

We've been in both, the size difference isn't noticeable (or it wasn't to me).  Location is good, the only downside is lack of storage in the bathroom, but there's plenty elsewhere....

On 11/28/2019 at 8:00 AM, aussie travel bird said:

Thanks for confirming Bonnie, I better have a look and compare the prices I've been tracking....

On 11/28/2019 at 10:37 AM, BBMacLaird said:

I hope you find a voyage, and price, you will book.

Keep in mind our Double Upgrade promotion ends December 6th.

Thank you again Bonnie, but I've found no savings on the ones I've been tracking and they have been listed on the sale.  Does the discount get applied at checkout? Even our currently booked one which is on the list for December 28 (that is now selling at half what we paid for it almost two years ago) shows the same price as per a couple of months ago....Disappointing to say the least...I'm changing my booking strategy as I feel why book early....I'm just happy to be on the ship but not at a price that I know has a high chance of being discounted.  I appreciate it's not your doing and you don't make the decisions but I'm feeling pretty darn peeved off right now...

1 hour ago, Stella22 said:

Ok so I am still confused...I’ve booked through the Australian “office”. I just called Azamara and was advised that this 20% discount doesn’t apply to the Australian market. I was advised to email the promotion I received to an admin email address but wondering if it’s really worth all the effort. 

Stella, if it helps I can't see any discount for the Australian market either, though I've been told otherwise on here.  I agree such a waste of my time and energy....both I don't have a lot of at the moment...

1 hour ago, uktog said:

So cruise lines with newer ships will become far better value - why would you pay more to cruise on an old ship - the charm factor isn’t worth that many dollars 💵 

Agreed, we've booked our first Oceania Cruise for March 2021 to the Amazon River, from Rio to Miami, it represents excellent value and somewhere Azamara doesn't go.  It make be sad that I'm looking elsewhere but there's been so many changes for the worse the the loyality benefits and their prices are skyrocketing. Yes the ships are getting older.  As I've said before it's time to check out the competition with retirement looming, with my hard earned dollars we are going to need to consider value for money.... 

Happy thanksgiving to one and all. Especially to the 'quiet' achievers that put so much into Azamara behind the scenes that we never see but sure get to experience.  A big thanks to all on the three sisters that make the guest experiences what they are. We can't wait to return to head to Africa on the inaugural voyage. Enjoy....