ohcsim123

Well, I called Cunard and received their answer that I cannot pre-pay gratuities (to avoid the 04/26/24 increase) on our cruise that begins on 08/23/24. John

The increased gratuities go into effect as of 04/26/2024. Our 30-day cruise is scheduled to begin on 08/23/2024. I have no intention of cancelling or reducing our gratuities while on board but, if possible, I would like to save a few bucks by pre-paying these charges soon and before the increase takes effect. Is this permitted and how might I make it happen? John

Thanks to all who have replied to this. It seems that there is no definitive answer and our success depends entirely on people, rules and events unknown until we are actually there. Azamara has not yet responded to my email inquiry on this a week ago. I called and they said "no problem" on this but I need something in writing before I can trust them. At this time, I believe we may have to make other arrangements for our day in Barcelona. Fortunately there is plenty of time to adjust. John

Hi All, We're booked back to back on two Azamara cruises next Spring with the same cabin on each. The central ("turnaround") port is Barcelona and Azamara has told me via telcom that we must disembark there with everyone else (but leaving our possessions in the cabin) and later re-embarking, although via a "separate" line. It has been suggested by others that, because of the "turnaround", we may not be able to be on time for a private shore excursion that would meet the ship at 8:30am. The ship is scheduled to arrive at 6:00am and we think that we should have no problem meeting an 8:30am tour unless Azamara has some additional ways of treating (and delaying) passengers such as us. Can anyone comment on this? John

The quoted price is 580 euros for six people. To see details, go to the Azamara (Quest) Roll Call for the April 22, 2024 Barcelona to Rome cruise. If this is also your itinerary, note that we are still looking for companions! John

Our ship arrives Civitavecchia on 04/28/2024 at 6:00am preceding a four day stay in Rome at a central location. Given the long time between docking and check-in, I searched for a combination transfer/tour and received a quote from Stefano's Rome Cabs which looks attractive. They propose to pick us up at 9:00am at the pier and drive to Ostia Antica for an approximately 4hr self tour of the archaeological site/town with plenty of time for a leisurely lunch. The drive then to our central Rome hotel should arrive mid-afternoon. Our transfer can be "shared" to reduce our pp cost. I have no experience with Rome Cabs so I cannot endorse them although they have many good reviews. They are worth a look if you have a similar itinerary. John

We've been cruising for over 30yrs at a rate of 1-2 per year (mostly on the "mainstream" lines with which we're all familiar) and have seen the size inflation as it has progressed. Currently, we have four cruises planned for the next 2 years. We have no "brand loyalty" and book ahead based on price, ship, and itinerary. To this day, our finest overall cruise experiences were on the old Pacific Princess (the Love Boat) which was TINY compared to current standards. Buy, boy did they treat you right! As said by others, the ship spent many years of Summer months sailing back and forth between NYC and Bermuda at a reasonable cost. We must have taken that cruise each summer for six or seven years in a row and, yes, the crew had little turnover so friends were made. The Hostess (not cruise director) was named Joy and we became yearly friends. Yes, she was British. The Mater Dei was named Lorenzo and he expertly ran the place with a firm but consistent hand. I believe he spent his entire career singularly on that ship. Joy was also a "fixture" on the ship for many years but I think Lorenzo was an original crew member. We were on the ship on 911 and sailed past the WTC the day before the attack. It was a beautiful day and we still have a photo with the Twin Towers behind us just 36 hours before they were gone. We were all smiles with some Canadian friends and holding adult beverages. Who knew? We again sailed on her during her final season just before she was retired and sold. I think that was the year following 911. We love to cruise and our fondest (cruise) memories are from the original Love Boat which was (I believe) only about 26000 tons. John

I always carry an extension cord packed with my CPAP. Interestingly enough, it was "discovered" and confiscated on recently boarding a Celebrity cruise. It was a standard (low tech) cord but still not allowed on board. Of course, our cabin steward quickly provided a similar cord for the trip duration. We'll be soon cruising on the Eurodam and I called regarding distilled water. They said that I could reserve a gallon and pay now with a credit card but not OBC. Alternatively, I could wait and request it from our cabin steward who will provide it at no cost (probably). I took the hint and will ask the cabin steward once on board. For $3, I'm not lugging it to and onto the ship. John