AJCM

Hi Diana Our flight in lands at 8.00pm. Do you know if it’s easy to get a taxi to our hotel at Central Station? Thanks Tony

Hi We're on Pursuit next month. Can anyone pro ide the Atlas cocktail list. I'd like to ask if we can try them while on Pursuit.

In our early days of Azamara cruising, from 2012, they gave a good discount for pre booking shore excursions. These were very reasonably priced and we found they were generally very good excursions. The only deficiency was when lunch was included, which we always found to be ordinary buffets. The other relative weakness was a larger group number; so movement can be slower and it’s not as friendly. Otherwise, they were good value and generally included what an external excursion would. Once Azamara removed the discount, they were no longer price competitive and we’ve found that small group excursions organised through cruise critic roll calls are usually preferable. Almost every one of them has been a very enjoyable experience both for content and the company of good travelling companions. Fortunately, we have never had any concern about arriving late back to the ship (touch wood). If we’re looking for an all day excursion, then we focus on a roll call group for an external excursion provider. We’ve had some great ones (St Petersburg; Petra; Mumbai; Jerusalem). These are usually better priced, flexible and a small group moves better than a potentially larger ship group. We have more wonderful memories from these type excursions, for the reasons stated. Often, though, we’re more interested in half day tours. It seeems that there’s not much difference in content or price on these. So, unless someone is looking for participants and it suits, we’ll happily do ship excursions. We’re not fans of what we consider overpriced walking tours for 2-4 hours (which we can do ourselves) or what we consider blatant rip offs (e.g. certain museum type visits which we can do ourselves for a pittance instead of $100 or more per person). Instead, we’ll either work out the public transport or pay a taxi to take us. Its up to each of us to choose what ship excursions we’ll happily pay for. Some but not all are certainly worth the price.

Given that the library room is gone on Onward and is presumedly likely to go on the others if proving popular; on past cruises we’ve found the Living Room a good quiet space to sit and read during a sea day; along with others doing the same. It’s really quiet unless either approaching a port or from late afternoon, when activities commence (and sometimes at 9.30am if the trivia is moved there). With the change, this is the logical alternative location for the library collection. When weather permits, the outside loungers on deck 5 are also a very enjoyable quiet location, with the benefit of the sound and sight of the ocean; as well as easy access to a coffee. These are good alternatives for those who don’t want to read in the Atlas Bar during the day. The library has seemed quite under utilised whenever we’ve strolled through during the day. Also, on any occasion we’ve visited the library at night (when it’s not closed due to a function) to check out the Atlas, we’ve been on our own; except for two occasions when onboard solo musicians were practising.

We’ve done many Azamara cruises since our first in 2012. We love the cruise experience with them. However, on almost every occasion there have been some issues around the booking or OBC or FCC (both quantum and application). Because of this we have booked direct for years, just so I can deal directly with them. They have always been a very frustrating organisation to deal with. Hopefully, when they are completely separated from RCI there may be some improvements in both communication and accuracy. Until I see evidence of this, through a seamless booking process, I’ll continue to book direct; despite the ever present difficulties in getting issues resolved. So, given the problems outlined in this thread, welcome to the club.

Hi Mackdogmolly Would you be so kind as to provide a bit more detail. Where is the shuttle located and how did you get to it? Does it take you to the station? If not, how far to walk to it from the bus stop and from where in Blankenberg. Thanks

Azamara pricing is generally relative to the top end lines prices (Seabourn, etc),price competitors (Oceania,Viking) and larger cruise lines (Celebrity, etc). My sense, from the endless marketing in my inbox, is that the price relativities are still there but that all cruise lines have jacked up prices. There must be a significant number of people on rebooked 2020 and/or 2021 cruises using FCC. It appears that in 2022, up to now at least, Azamara cruises have been under subscribed; another negative toward raising normal revenues. Eventually, FCC will be absorbed and we’ll be left with 100% of prospective guests having to pay again. At that point we’ll find out what prices people are willing to pay. Personally speaking, I’ll wait as I think economic factors (cruise prices, inflation, cost of living pressures) may lead to price reductions to fill ships through 2023 and 24. If that doesn’t occur, then we face a decision as to who to cruise with (I fully expect we’ll still cruise - age dictates that time is running out).

Thanks for all your postings Joyride. Having been unable to cruise since 2019 and with the anticipation of cruises arranged for Sep (including the lisbon to Barcelona run), it has been very pleasurable to read your enthusiastic comments.

Hi mdpa Would you be so kind as to remark on the Seville docking location and whether a shuttle was provided (or required). We hope to be there on Pursuit in Sep (subject of course to covid). Thanks

Thanks WishIweretravelling - might be the most helpful posting I’ve ever read on Cruise Critic. You’ve gone to a lot of effort here to assist us.

The video review confirmed to me that, all things considered, the experience is much the same as pre-covid. Good! New staff will improve over time as they gain experience. Every job I ever had was very difficult at first; so patience and understanding is required if you choose to have a great experience. They’ve had to spread their experiences staff thinly when Purauit arrived and this is undoubtedly exacerbated with a fourth ship. So, yes, it’ll take time and international stability to get staffing back to the consistently high standard of a few years ago. If the wrong meal gets delivered you can always send it back. Even so, the reviewer was happy with the food quality and range. Big tick to Prime C, Aquilina and he was also happy with Discoveries. The entertainment was criticised but remember this area was progressively diminished by previous owners/management. They got rid of the harpists; cut back the live band size; didn’t renew production shows; cut back on fly in entertainers. Really, it has been mediocre for some years now. No casino was mentioned in passing, as an apparent criticism. I and many others think the Den is an improvement. The Library is still there on three ships and guest all have the opportunity to express their view when on board. No Azamazing off ship, for obvious reasons but it’s supposed to resume in Nov. White Night is still very enjoyable and port shuttles are still provided. He gave a big wrap to itineraries and docking locations; key advantages with the old Azamara. As I say, it’s pretty much the same offering as pre-covid. September on Pursuit can’t come soon enough.

Joyride, Did Azamara provide a shuttle in Valencia?

I’m being guided by our own previous experiences in Azamara and can’t wait. We’ll be on pursuit in 3 months, not Onward, but have no doubt that Azamara people will get it right very quickly to rectify minor teething problems on Onward and you should anticipate another great experience to go with your prior cruise memories. 2022 is a particularly hard year for all cruise lines - little revenue because of FCC; undoubtedly supply line complications (just like everywhere else); staffing issues (just like everywhere else); no off-board Azamazing nights before Nov; relocation to Ravenna from Venice (outside their control) - it ain’t easy. I don’t care if some areas aren’t as good as pre-covid at present; and I certainly expect there’ll be some shortcomings on Pursuit too. We’ll roll with them and make the most of the fact that we can actually fly and cruise again. When you read negative reviews just remember you’ve come across negative cruisers before; who have no perspective on how fortunate they are. I’ll bet some people whinged and complained on the cruises you previously enjoyed but it didn’t stop your enjoyment.

I’ve only just become aware of the EU VAT issue, via this thread. Does anyone know what purchases it applies to - only shop purchases? or does it also apply to drink and dining packages, shore excursions, spa and gym activities? If it applies to shore excursions, are bookings made pre-cruise exempt? Also, what is the rate that is applied? Thanks in advance.

More cruises starting or ending in Melbourne. We did NZ from Melbourne a couple of years ago. From home to glass of wine on the back deck - 45 minutes. I’ll take that any day.

Sue Be warned - there’s no going back. Once you’ve done a B2B you’ll probably find that every trip you start planning in the future, you’ll go straight to B2B alternatives.

On changeover day do your laundry; get specialty restaurant bookings done before guests arrive and generally just enjoy the feeling of how fortunate you are to enoy B2B

for anyone wondering, this is Apple’s spellcheck interpretation of what should be customer- bizzare error correction.

Azamara’s response to Onward issues, while taking into account all recent criticisms of conflicting pre-cruise Azamara communications just reconfirms the Azamara experiences we’ve had, since we started in 2012. A wonderful cruise experience, every time, with really professional, xuarlmwr oriented people in all senior, leadership positions on board all their ships; and the organisation, both on land and sea. They have previously provided significant support and compensation when anything goes wrong on the water. The previous chief, Larry, really set the standard. However, they have always been a really difficult, error prone organisation to deal with on land. I know all businesses have had significant difficulties through covid but Azamara’s on land customer service problems significantly pre-date covid and the sooner they’re totally remote from RCI the better as far as I’m concerned. We always book cruises direct with Azamara, because we discovered quite early that there are always pre-cruise booking/admin issues that need ro be resolved and I’m more committed to satisfactory resolution than any travel agent will be ( and if you book through an agent, you can’t deal direct with Azamara). If the new owners can somehow match customer service on land with the on board experience we’ll all (as well as agents) be very happy little vegemites.

I certainly hope background music throughout the ship dies a quick, natural and painless death. Having cruised many time with Azamara, I just don’t see the need and I think a lot of others probably feel the same. We all have the opportunity to listen to music we actually enjoy through headphones, without having someone else’s tastes imposed on us. On sea days the pool deck has always been very pleasant and relaxing - people reading quietly, friendly conversations around the pool and bar, dozing and regenerating after days of active touring, walkers on the track above. The stimulation of background or live music is just not required IMHO and it’s introduction indicates that decision makers either do not understand their clientele or want to attract a different market. Of course, special events warrant live music but that isn’t the consideration here. Don’t get me wrong - I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed and supported live music in the Living Room, Den and production shows at their designated times; and long may they continue. I just don’t want to hear piped background music all day. We’re on a cruise, not doing the weekly supermarket shopping. I don’t want to add to recent negativity as we’ve loved the Azamara experience (hence our cruise line of choice) and we’ve rolled with many changes but this shouldn’t prevent us or anyone else expressing a negative view to a change.

I was just reviewing the shore excursions on our Pursuit cruise on 30 Sep, ending in Ravenna. Azamara’s including a bus transfer to the Venice bus terminal for AUD205 or to airport for AUD191. Does anyone know whether such transfers are gratis for those who booked when the cruise was to end in Venice? If not, I’ll have homework to do, to identify alternatives- anyone have any knowledge of the cost of alternatives? Thanks in advance.

As someone who expects to never get an invite to “Best Of The Best”, can someone outline who qualifies. With envy in my heart, I suspect it’s limited to those who can afford multiple cruises each year, owner’s suite or club ocean suites. Is that right or do others get included? Just curious.