aussie travel bird

1 hour ago, Arizonasunshine said:

This type of event was quite common before the introduction of Amazing Evenings. Our first Azamara cruise was from Singapore to Hong Kong.The staff and crew brought on local entertainment combined with a local themed buffet in both Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, They also brought on local entertainers to perform in the Cabernet Lounge in Hong Kong. I'm not sure which I prefer more, Amazing Evenings or the onboard experience, but to this day that Singapore to Hong Kong cruise is my favorite cruise.

I also think with the recent survey about destination immersion we may see a return to this format due to the high cost of the AzAmazing Evenings - just my take....

7 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

Hi Aussie travel bird, yes, the Black Friday offer in the Australia/NZ market is the same as the US offer. It is on our homepage of www.azamara.com.

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

4 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

No, it’s on select 2019&2020 voyages.

https://www.azamara.com/luxury-cruise-deals/double-upgrade?icid=aza_prom_b_int_vb_oth_2up_hp_hero_9012019_

Bonnie, is this Black Friday sale available to the Australian market?  I got an email but haven't taken it any further.

51 minutes ago, uktog said:

It was always going to be hard for the new arrivals to mix in and understand the humour that other newbies had gently grown with over two weeks.  I’m not sure we will ever know why some guests left - does it really matter. 
Eric’s show was a good show, from our perspective not the best ever but that was due to visual and sound issues where we were. 
Tonight’s show we had problems finding seats given so many reserved but unoccupied chairs. 
It’s been fun sharing the journey with everyone. Thanks for the nice comments - hang on for the next adventure 

Reserved and unoccupied chairs - how very un-Azamara like....I wonder what the purpose was...

11 hours ago, lisiamc said:

It might not be a bad idea to mention to the Hotel Director or the Cruise Director that you’ve heard good things about how much fun the expo is, and that you’re looking forward to it.  They’d probably be thrilled to hear that people talk about it.

We got the Expo on the TA from Rio to Lisbon on the Pursuit earlier this year.  Have seen it a couple of times, always something new each time....

10 minutes ago, Lookyboy said:

That's good to know, thank you. Our 90 day mark for our next one is coming soon, so I will be keen to see what happens this time after payment.

Audrey, we're the opposite, we get an email offer to bid, offer a bid and get a confirmation we've placed a bid and then nothing more.  Others seem to get an email at least saying they've been successful or not prior to cruising, we get nothing and usually no upgrade... can't figure the system out, disappointed and ......

1 hour ago, hiccups said:

The original itinerary had a stop in Tarragona, but it was cancelled because of protests in Tarragona (there were protests in Barcelona as well, of course).  I meant my suggestion for this itinerary in the future would just be to skip Tarragona altogether and sail directly to  Barcelona for that last day of the cruise.  Many of the Azamara shore excursions for Tarragona actually involved a trip to Barcelona.

Having been to Tarragona on the Quest in previous years it's a real surprise and one we were so glad not to miss.  It has a beautiful cathedral, historic medieval ruins and architectural buildings so we really enjoyed the city.  People often have pre or post cruise stays in Barcelona (as we did) so it was nice to see some of the regional cities. We also went to Dali's Castle of Pubol from there which was Salvatore Dali's gift to his wife Gala.(this completed the Dali story for us). 

7 hours ago, Sleep7 said:

Yes! I am loving your review and all the gorgeous pix!   I can't wait til you get to Yangon.  That is number one on my bucket list of cities to visit.  I love the colonial buildings.. what a collection!  A real time capsule.

this time last year we were heading to Yangon on the Quest. A  dream come true.  I too will be eagerly following along with your adventures and appreciate the change to relive them here.

3 hours ago, newmexicoNita said:

could you answer one question: is there decent seating around the pool for those who are mobility challenged. By this I mean anywhere to sit other than the very low lounges that are hard for some to get in and out of? Thanks so much. 

No, there's not, there's the usual sunbeds, low couches and tables and chairs (for eating pool side) . But I know for sure if you spoke to the Hotel Director or the Guest Relations Manager and altered them to your needs they would do the very best to accommodate them.  They don't know if your don't ask.

9 minutes ago, JMB27 said:

Just searched the spreadsheet and didn't see this, but apologies if I missed it.  On White Night, are there any other dining venues available (and/or room service)?  I know it's one of the big draws for people, but if I didn't wish to attend I wondered if there were any other options.  Thanks.

Yes all venues open, but they usually reduce to one specialty restaurant rather than the two. We've done so many White Nights, whilst we still dress in white we eat in a much quieter Discoveries and then join the dancing and festivities following dinner.

2 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

Did you experience the ghosts first hand?!!

Yes, whilst there are lots of reported incidents - ours was at the Commandant’s House in Port Arthur Historic Site. It was late in the day, there was a 'volunteer' stationed at the front door but most of the visitors had left for the day, we were the only couple still on the premises. As we walked into the entry, getting ready to walk down a hallway, a wardrobe door slowly opened for no known reason (there was no draft or wind).  Very soon after this a bang was heard in the kitchen. We followed the volunteer into the kitchen to find a pot had fallen on the floor.  Seemingly from a position that it couldn't/shouldn't have fallen.  Her response was 'Sadie is at it again', ....I wasn't hanging around to find out about Sadie I'm afraid.  I can't explain it, but the feeling we experienced of actually being 'watched' was one feeling I will never forget or want to ever experience again.  So many convicts then met a horrible fate and it is truly an amazing place to visit. A visit is a must.

Sadly we have had a modern day tragedy there on the same site in 1996 that led to fundamental changes of gun control laws within Australia that have seemingly worked.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur_massacre_(Australia) My only wish is that America will one day see the same laws passed.  I'm not holding my breath.

Great article, thanks for sharing - I can vouch for the Port Arthur (Hobart) story first hand.....

Shame it's not available in the Australian market too. The forgotten 'convicts' LOL 

On 10/25/2019 at 6:33 PM, uktog said:

I think the poster was making the point that they have not seen any evidence of it actually being applied - quite a few folks are now doubting it is - theres no evidence either way in reality

Yes, and I also wonder if, when the LCV Members in the same tier apply and are considered, does it come down to actual points, cruises or what for the winning bid?  It's a floored system of upgrading.

We're disappointed. No longer will we be booking in advance. I understand this is a business to be run but Azamara have dished out a bitter pill.  Our current upcoming cruise is being sold at half (yes I'm not joking) the price we paid for it by booking early.

5 hours ago, hubofhockey said:

Yesterday was a sea day and a good day to be on the ship.  At night, we did Chef's Table (French) and saw Ernest's one man show.  The Chef's Table was outstanding, in both dining and the company, many of whom were on the roll call.  The wine pairings were really good too.  Good putting names (or usernames) with faces.  

 

Ernest is a real entertainer beyond a cruise director.  The 9:45 pm show was packed and Ernest was great.  Enjoyed his rendition of Marc Cohn's Walking in Memphis and Billy Joel's New York State of Mind.  If you have a cruise scheduled on the Quest and this guy is your CD, you're doing okay.  He is performing on Saturday night, but we will be out late in Bangkok, which is where will be today, early this afternoon.  If Azamara gets this itinerary back on its schedule in 2022, I highly recommend booking it.  

 

Tonight is Azamazing Evening, so we only have a couple of hours this afternoon in Bangkok before we have to return for a quick dinner and then the event.  

Agreed Ernest is a real entertainer beyond a cruise director. Ernest is extremely suited to his role, we've witnessed his rise from cast member, to Assistant Cruise Director to Cruise Director on Azamara and I couldn't think of a more talented, personable, all round nice guy for this role.  He's a great fit for Azamara and we did get a chance to have a chat when he re joined the ship in Hong Kong before leaving for the airport at the start of your cruise.  We too, are fortunate to have him for the longest of our single cruises the 24 night crossing Mumbai to Cape Town (December/January) and we can't wait.  Though we've seen his show a number of times we never tire or seeing it again.....We have seen 'Starlight Express' which he refers to here in Australia some years ago, though the show wasn't a huge success in USA but was a hit in Germany.

6 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

Your excitement is palpable, and you're still 12-days out!

I'm envious, and wish I had a trans-oceanic voyage scheduled. I love consecutive days of not touring. 

Us too, though when we started we didn't like sea days, now it's 'How many sea days?' when we're looking at forward itineraries.  We looking forward to our 24 night crossing over New Year - Mumbai to Cape Town with many sea days....can't wait.  We'll be following this in anticipation....

50 minutes ago, hubofhockey said:

 

I can't speak to the menu, which is pretty complete, but they set out a table cloth on the balcony table with place settings.  Does this happen with standard veranda room service?  In any case, I'll find out next time because the upgrade I'd be hoping for will be OV to Veranda.    Maybe someone who knows can better answer this question.  I know there is a thread on suite inclusions.

Yes it happens on a Veranda.  It the same breakfast and room service menu for everyone on board. I hope it remains that way with the current rumblings and surveys that are coming from Azamara.  No room for class distinction on Azamara if you ask me.  

On 10/10/2019 at 10:13 PM, Host Grandma Cruising said:

You are quite right, you can use the free minutes you are entitled to as an LCV member, without buying a package. This is what it says in the LCV terms and conditions.

 

“Complimentary Internet: This benefit will be available to all Le Club Voyage members. Members will receive the following complimentary internet minutes.

LE CLUB VOYAGE LEVEL	COMPLIMENTARY INTERNET MINUTES PER PERSON
Adventurer (0 – 149 points)	30 minutes
Explorer (150 – 299 points)	60 minutes
Discoverer (300 – 749 points)	90 minutes
Discoverer Plus (750 – 2,999 points)	120 minutes
Discoverer Platinum (3,000+ points)	150 minutes

Here’s a link to the UK page for the terms and conditions https://www.azamara.co.uk/le-club-voyage/terms-conditions

We have always had a letter in our cabin giving us an access code to use. 
If you have this problem again I suggest you show them a copy of these t’s & c’s and if that doesn’t work, ask to speak to the Hotel Director about it.

I'm really peeved that this LCV internet allowance is the same for a 7 night cruise as it is for a 24 night cruise. You get 1 laundry voucher per 7 days, so why not the internet? Thank heavens that we booked on a deal that has unlimited wifi for one for our Mumbai to Cape Town.  Need to keep in touch with the family at home.  I wonder if the allowance can be used for the same amount off, on a 7 night cruise compared to a 24 night. I certainly hope so for the other guests as it will be very inequitable otherwise.....

9 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

"Ridiculous" seems a bit harsh. After all, people wear bathrobes to the pool deck and spa during the day and no one complains. 

If there's any complaint I have about bathrobes it is that they're so luxurious they take up too much precious hanging space in the closet. Where can I store them?

Bonnie, they make me feel like a Sumo wrestler in them, 😄 so my cabin attendant or butler obliges me with exchanging to the 'waffle' type from the spa.  However my daughter loved them so much she had us buy a plush one on board for her last year.  The ever obliging Guest Relations Manager let us store with them until we could pick up in Sydney at New Years.  Win win for all.

Just got off the Quest in Hong Kong and heard from a reliable source that even for our Inaugural Mumbai to Cape Town (a 24 night crossing) will have an AzAmazing evening in Durban due to the length of the cruise.  As this is unusual I will keep checking our Excursions link to see if it arrives there.  I'm not particularly perturbed if it doesn't but understand that the other itineraries (not crossings) are advertised to have a AzAmazing Evening on cruises 7 days and over. I would imagine that it's been hard work to find suitable venues and I'm anticipating that you'll see a showcase of local flavors, dance and color.

1 hour ago, hubofhockey said:

 

Ugh, I called Azamara before the cruise and asked about the special visa for Vietnam when you are staying overnight in Halong Bay on a private excursion.  They told me the price and put a note in my file.  One of the first things I did when I boarded was to check on this.  I fell asleep at 9 pm and woke up at midnight to find the WRONG VISA under my door.  They said maybe they can fix it in the morning.  Hopefully, they can fix it.  I am cautiously optimistic.  If not, I will ask them if they can comp me on their overnight, but I think they would tell me to pound sand.  😡. It's a good thing I looked at the visa first, rather than showing up at the Bhaya docks with an ineffective visa.  They would have denied boarding.  

 

So far, I am not impressed with Guest Services.  When I tried to upgrade to unlimited WIFI, the gentleman had no clue how to do it and, at first told me that it was a shame that I had already logged in and established an account.  Huh?  They tell you that you have three days to upgrade from the suite 240 minutes to the $150 credit towards the voyage unlimited.  I asked for my phone back and got back in line to speak with someone who actually made this happen,.

 

I missed tonight's show.  I will catch Ana at her next performance.  

 

Ate in the MDR last night.  The tandoori lamb was very good.  Also like the firecracker shrimp (shrimp in an egg roll) and pear bisque soup.  Dessert was chocolate gelato and a huge let down as every bite had ice chips.  Probably a message that maybe I should skip dessert every now and again.   I am hoping that I make it on the Bhaya junk as their dining is supposed be really good.  I'll follow up here and inform on the resolution.  

 

Another shock yesterday are the Azamara prices for the Japan cruises in 2021.  For the 15-day, April itinerary, even for OV, it's $10K per person.  Yikes!!!!!!  Oceania is much less for same time period.  Princess is dirt cheap, but they don't treat their older ships well.  It would be cheap.  We'll see.  

We just got off the Quest in Hong Kong and are now home, please have some patience with the person I think you spoke to about your internet.  I know for sure that he is new to Azamara and only started our first day in Hong Kong.  Hence I believe training will be done on the spot and he might not have had that question yet.  I have never had anything but great service from Guest Relations and I hope you're not put off by that experience.  Ernest Marchain is a great CD and a very personable character.  He does a terrific show (he's fresh from vacation) and we can't wait to return to the Quest December 28.

Thanks so much for sharing your first impressions.... 

30 minutes ago, wrelliott said:

Well, we just got our upgrade!  Bid the minimum $400.  Can someone tell me how to get to the spreadsheet so I can add this info?  Thanks...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pEoojQ5-EPmD4cI3gw1dVcYfYTXfZePdDXxU09l0H3M

Good luck, we have a 'above minimum bid' but still weak in for October 4 Quest and we're Discoverer Plus (not that that matters any more) and we're still waiting.....

Enjoy Bonnie, we loved Japan earlier in the year, everything about the place is fascinating.  We have friends doing this cruise who hail from Sydney, Gai and Trevor so say hi if you run into them. Safe travels and we'll be keenly following....

3 hours ago, foxeysandy said:

Can anyone tell me if Azamara provides shuttles into the city center in Seville and Malaga and, if so, to what locations?  I'm trying to make plans for our November cruise on the Pursuit and this information would really help!

Seville, no -  Azamara has a excursion - "Seville on your own", Malaga - can't remember - sorry.  I think everything was close by.  Seville, depends if it's advertise as Cadiz, Port for Seville or you sail up the river.

I hope that's not the trend for our October 4, 2019 12-night Philippines and China Voyage from Hong Kong as well.  On our roll call for that departure one guest has posted a copy of an email from an Azamara contact to say there isn't an Amazing Evening shore side for this cruise. 

Bonnie however has advised otherwise and that it will be held in Manila, however there's still noting in posted in the shore excursions for this event. It will be interesting to see what transpires. I really, really hope that Bonnie is correct as we too value the cultural experience that is advertised and offered on cruises other that Transatlantic and those short of 7 nights.