Bill Leiber

Hello Azamara Journey June 3, 2014 Travelers -

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

We have been advised by our port agent that depending on port congestion, the Azamara Journey will be at one of the two Terminal Buildings in Istanbul:

* Yolcu Salonu Karakoy or * Yeni Yolcu Terminali Salipazari

Note: Both terminals are right next to each other. There will be ground personnel available to guide you to the correct terminal.

Best Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Azamara Journey June 3, 2014 Travelers -

Tickets have been printed for the June 3rd voyage and here is the information that is included in the documents:

§ Port - Istanbul, Turkey

§ Pier Terminal - Salipazari Yolcu Salonu

§ Airport - Ataturk Havalimani International Airport; Travel time to pier terminal - approximately 45 minutes

§ Driving - Driving is not recommended. Please present the taxi driver with the address below:

Salipazari Yolcu Salonu

Meclisi Mebusan Caddesi

Salipazari, Istanbul

Best Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

All information of the ports in Istanbul indicates that ships depart from either Salipazari docks or the Karakoy dock, both fairly close to the city centre. Azamara's directions leads to a port 30 kilometers outside the city. Can we have a confirmation that this is correct. I would not like to be on the wrong dock on the day of departure.:(

Hello Oddjob16 and other patient readers -

I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to you with updated information about the Istanbul port information. I'm undergoing some medical treatment and was out of pocket for a few days. There definitely was an error with the port directions and we are usually at the Karakoy dock.

I'll get back with a final confirmation and appreciate your patience.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

On Azamara web site there are descriptions to the cruise ports for embarking passengers. The description for the Istanbul port must be wrong. fatally wrong if anyone tries to make it there on their own. http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/directions-embarkation-ports/port-istanbul-turkey

All information of the ports in Istanbul indicates that ships depart from either Salipazari docks or the Karakoy dock, both fairly close to the city centre. Azamara's directions leads to a port 30 kilometers outside the city. Can we have a confirmation that this is correct. I would not like to be on the wrong dock on the day of departure.:(

Hello Oddjob16 -

Thank you for your message. I've passed it on to our ship operation's team for their review.

I will get back to you with their comments.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hi Bill,

 

We have a question for you.

 

My husband and I are on the Quest British Open Cruise in July and have purchased the Perry Golf Package. It includes a "Standard Drink Package", a previous value of $29.95 per day per person.

 

Since standard drinks are now included in the cruise price, will Azamara include an up-graded drink package, similar in value to the now redundant standard drink package, in the Perry Golf Package?

 

Thanks for your help.

Hello 2fromTO -

I thank you for your patience in waiting for a reply to your question about the liquor package that will be included with the Perry Golf Package in conjunction with the forthcoming Quest British Open Cruise.

I've checked with our marketing department and there definitely will be an upgraded drink program, but the specific package has not yet been selected.

Once decided, I will communicate that information to you on this thread.

In the meantime, wishing you best regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Bill,

 

Observation: This is our first Azamara Cruise and this new "all-inclusive" alcohol program is frankly coming across as very "cheap" and is not conducive to attracting customers. In fact, it looks like you are trying to make it so unappealing that customers will be forced to select a drink package. Is that your goal? Azamara has taken something that I thought was going to be a positive into something that has, excuse the pun, left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

Thank-you for your consideration.

Hello Mystictraveler -

Thank you for taking the time to express your opinion about our new beverage program. Earlier I notified the forum members that as serving as your ombudsman, I've been summarizing for our senior management team your ongoing comments and opinions about the complimentary program and the value-priced beverage packages.

I want to point out that the complimentary wine program in place is actually the one that has been in operation since we added that feature in April 2010. The wine package menu is a new addition.

The program actually kicked-off today with the Azamara Quest's March 27 voyage, Seville to Barcelona. That means that we will begin to gather our guests' and staff's comments from a "live" setting. The "marketplace" will voice their opinions about the positives and areas for improvement for our new more inclusive beverage program.

We're in the program's "introductory phase” and will be subject to fine-tuning as it is rolled out onboard both vessels. Our executive team will be evaluating and considering actual guest feedback and its impact on program improvement. I will keep the community informed about the program on the Azamara forum.

I hope that your enjoy your forthcoming Azamara Journey vacation this May and that your experience will prove to be a much more exceptional experience than you're anticipating at this moment in time.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

liquor is included

Evian is an extra charge

 

I don't drink alcoholic beverages. I like Evian. Azamara missed the mark on this one.

Hello Redtravel -

For the sake of good order, I want to reiterate that that we will continue to provide complimentary bottled water; however, I'm unable to state the brands of (still) bottled water that are included because they are either purchased locally or through our purchasing group and vary by area of operation.

I hope this information provides perspective to the new program.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Bear in mind time differences Bill may not be logged in when these were uploaded

Hello Azamara Followers --

As it's already been reported on this thread and a new one, the beverage packages are now live on our site. Here's the link:

http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/plan-your-voyage/onboard-packages.

I want to let you know that we found the information to be so extensive, that the website design team found it necessary to create a new format design which meant missing the due date that I had shared with you earlier.

Under the home page tab of "Plan Your Voyage" the drop-down menu has been expanded to include a new section, titled, "Onboard Packages." From that point, you can review the following information:

§ Complimentary Beverages

§ Water Package

§ Wine Package

§ Liquor Packages

§ Beer Packages

§ Internet Packages

§ Spa Packages

§ Frequently Asked Questions.

I'm hopeful that this more detailed program overview will provide you with a better understanding of the program. Because of my schedule I was unable to post this final information earlier in the day and I'm sorry for the delay.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Wangeling gal

Bill said it would be on the website, either later today or tomorrow. I understand your frustration, as I'm sure that Bill does, but it's clearly taking Az a lot longer than they anticipated to sort out this mess.

Hello -

I'll follow-up when the information is due to be posted and let you know.

Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Azamara Inclusive Beverage Followers -

I've learned that we expect to have the complete 2013 Inclusive Beverage program details added to our website much later today or early tomorrow morning. On the "Plan Your Voyage" tab under the "Already Booked" section, there will be a new tab called the "Inclusive and Value-Priced Beverage Packages."

Here you will find more program details that hopefully will provide you with more confidence about the variety of offerings that will be available. You will find the listing of US Domestic Beers, International Beers, and Non-Alcoholic Beers. Also, the wine package pricing will be included.

Your Comments and Opinions:

In serving as your ombudsman, I've been summarizing for our senior management team your ongoing comments and opinions about the complimentary program and the value-priced beverage packages. I've shared your inferences about the actual program execution and the ability of the staff to manage the accounting process when a group of guests, some on various packages, decide to have a drink together.

Remember, that this program is in its introductory phase and will be subject to fine-tuning as it is rolled out onboard both vessels. Our executive team will be considering your comments along with those from our onboard guests about the program and how it might be improved operationally.

UK - All-Inclusive vs. US -More Inclusive

Frankly, I don't understand why we would have two different positioning statements on each side of the Atlantic. It's obvious that advertising Azamara as “all-inclusive” in the UK has created UK consumer confusion. The first-hand information from "English Tim" is very helpful. I'm investigating with Larry Pimentel and his marketing team the statement, "that the UK TA's were desperate to have a new thing to market and so called it, "All-Inclusive." I'll get back to you with the outcome.

Premium Waters

We state that we provide complimentary water in our promotional material; however, we do not state what brands of (still) water are included since they are sometimes purchased locally or through our purchasing group.

Let's see if the more detailed information that is soon to follow on the website will provide you with a greater degree of confidence about the new program.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hi Bill,

 

We have a question for you.

 

My husband and I are on the Quest British Open Cruise in July and have purchased the Perry Golf Package. It includes a "Standard Drink Package", a previous value of $29.95 per day per person.

 

Since standard drinks are now included in the cruise price, will Azamara include an up-graded drink package, similar in value to the now redundant standard drink package, in the Perry Golf Package?

 

Thanks for your help.

Hello 2fromTO -

I have forwarded your question to our sales department so that I can provide you with the details about the drink package that will be offered on the British Open cruise.

I'll provide you with the details as soon as I have them.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Thanks for posting the info Bill. Do you have pricing for the wine packages? Can we purchase the various beverage packages at any point in the cruise - say part way through for the rest of the voyage?

Hello Mighty Quinn -

I'm seeking the price for the wine package from our hotel operations unit and will share that information once received.

You will be able to purchase the package any time throughout the voyage and the charges begin the day the package is purchased. Once signed up - then there is no canceling. Answers to similar types of questions will be posted on our website.

Please stay tuned for the wine package cost.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Azamara Inclusive Beverage Followers -

I'm pleased to provide you with a summary of the complimentary spirits, cocktails, beers and wines that will be available along with the value-priced beverage packages that will be offered concurrently with the inclusive program. The detailed information will be available shortly on our website.

COMPLIMENTARY Beverage Program

Spirits

Finlandia vodka

Smirnoff vodka

Gordon’s gin

Seagram's Seven Crown

whisky

Jim Beam bourbon

José Cuervo Especial Silver tequila

Mount Gay Eclipse Silver rum

Beefeater gin Cutty Sark Scotch whisky

Anisette

Apricot Brandy

Blackberry Brandy

Blue Curaçao

Butterscotch Schnapps

Cherry Brandy

Crème de Almond

Crème de Banana

Crème de Cacao Dark

Crème de Cacao White

Crème de Cassis

Crème de Menthe Green

Crème de Menthe White

Kirsch

Orange Curaçao

Peach Schnapps

Peppermint Schnapps

Sloe Gin

Sour Apple Pucker

Triple Sec

Vermouth Dry

Vermouth Sweet

Cocktails and Long Drinks

Appletini

Bay Breeze

Bloody Mary

Blue Wave

Cape Cod

Caribbean Sunset

Daiquiri

Gibson

Gimlet

Grasshopper

Greyhound

Kamikaze

Long Island Iced Tea

Mai Tai

Manhattan

Margarita

Martini

Old Fashioned

Piña Colada

Planter’s Punch

Rob Roy

Rum Runner

Salty Dog

Sea Breeze

Screwdriver

Tequila Sunrise

Tom Collins

Vodka Stinger

Whiskey Sour

Zentini

Bottled Beers

Budweiser

Bud Light

Beck’s

1 Draught Beer

Beck’s

19 Boutique Wines (Rotation of One White + One Red each day, plus One Rosé)

Kato Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

Gérard Bertrand Chardonnay Réserve

Spéciale (France)

Caposaldo Pinot Grigio (Italy)

Main Street Chardonnay (California)

Stellenzicht Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa)

Cousiño Macul Riesling Reserva (Chile)

Bogle Chardonnay (California)

Serra da Estrela Albariño (Portugal)

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc (California)

Bulletin Place Shiraz (Australia)

Gérard Bertrand Cabernet Sauvignon

Réserve Spéciale (France)

Melini Laborel Chianti Classico (Italy)

Castle Rock Pinot Noir (California)

Stellenzicht Pinotage (South Africa)

Cousiño Macul Cabernet Sauvignon

Antiguas Reservas (Chile)

The Crusher Merlot (California)

JMF Periquita (Portugal)

Cline Zinfandel (California)

Clos Clementine Rosé (France)

* ALL SELECTIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY

NEW Beverage Packages

§ In addition to standard complimentary beverages we’re also introducing five high-value beverage packages. From our Premium Water Package and Premium Beer Package to Premium, Top Shelf and Ultimate liquor packages, which willgive you more options for preferred spirits at very attractive pricing on higher end spirits, whether purchased as single drinks or in packages.

Liquor Packages

§ You’re likely to have favorite brands for vodka, whisky, tequila, brandy and other spirits, and chances are you’ll find them in our beverage packages. For instance, "complimentary" beverages include 30 select standard spirits.

§ Compare that to 90 brands in the Premium package, 120 in the Top Shelf package, and 140 in the Ultimate package. Beverage packages are all about choice and a customized guest experience.

§ Our new beverage packages are very well priced because the value of a complimentary drink is taken into consideration in pricing for higher-end brands, so you pay just a slight up-charge.

Premium Package: $12.95 per person per day; e.g. Ketel One, Bombay Sapphire, Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker Red Label - see website for complete listing. Per drink from $4.50 and varies.

Top Shelf Package: $15.95 per person per day; e.g. Belvedere, Tanqueray No. Ten, Maker's Mark, Chivas Regal - see website for complete listing. Per drink from $5.50 and varies.

Ultimate Package: $18.95 per person per day; e.g. Hendrick's, The Balvenie, Patrón Silver, Rémy Martin VSOP - see website for complete listing. Per drink from $6.50 and varies.

Not everyone drinks spirits, so we’ve also created special packages for wine, beer and premium bottled water.

WINE PACKAGES

§ Includes all bottles of wine valued at $50 or less.

§ More than 60 wines from which to choose, including 1 Sparkling wine, 30 White wines, 3 Rosé wines, 26 Red wines, and 4 Dessert wines (Based on new wine list, introduced throughout 2013).

BEER PACKAGES

§ Beer selections include 26 brands

- 19 Brands @ $2.50-$3.50 per glass

- 7 Brands @ $4.50-$5.50 per glass

§ Premium Beer Package @ $11.95 per person per day.

§ See website for brand names.

PREMIUM WATER PACKAGES

§ $7.95 per person per day Premium Bottled Water Package; note includes Single Serving items only

§ Single Serving @ $2.50 for Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino.

IMPORTANT: Please note that both the beer and liquor packages include 25% savings on premium wines by the glass. While we offer two complimentary wine selections each day, many more fine wines can be purchased at ship bars. If you love fine wines, that 25% savings means a beverage package can pay for itself!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prices as shown are per person, per day. Prices subject to change without notice. Packages cannot be shared and are non-transferable (including but not limited to any other guest or sailing), are valid only for the voyage for which they are purchased, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional programs or as credit towards any other purchases, such as selections that are not included in the program. Packages do not include beverages sold in gift shops. Packages will be charged on the day of purchase. Packages may not be cancelled at any time. No refunds for previous or remaining days will be issued. When ordering a selection onboard, you must present your KeyCard bearing the package code or sticker to your server. Not all beverage selections are available on all sailings. Alternate selections of equal value may be substituted at management discretion. Beverage selections are offered for consumption in the dining room, specialty restaurants, the buffet and casual dining restaurants, and bars and lounges. Beverage Package selections are not available for consumption from the in-stateroom Minibar. Selections are limited and subject to availability. Violation of these terms and conditions may result in loss of package privileges and a refund will not be issued.

For the sake of good order, please note that all selections listed in the various packages are subject to change and availability.

Also, on the website there will be a section with the answers to the most "Frequently Asked Questions" which I'm sure you'll find helpful. Or contact me so that I can track down the answer from our hotel operations team.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Feje, Alligatorgirl and others -

While I understand your point about "nickel and diming" with respect to our passing on the European Union tax that is levied on the specialty restaurant surcharge when we visit those countries in light of Larry Pimentel's vision to provide a much more-inclusive tariff structure, it is important also to realize that Azamara is not an "all-inclusive" brand.

Although we've become "more-inclusive," our tariffs are not "all-inclusive." It's the subtle distinction between "all-inclusive" and "complimentary." The amenities we list in our brochures and on our website are complimentary. If guests prefer something else, there will be an additional charge. As an example, we will offer select, standard spirits. If you prefer a top-shelf brand, you will have to pay a surcharge for it. Our Discovery Restaurant is complimentary. If guests would like to dine in our Specialty restaurants, there will be an additional charge. It is a choice our guests have. We simply offer a variety of inclusive amenities.

That fact explains why we state in our terms and conditions that "our tariffs do not include applicable government taxes, fees or surcharges that may be assessed by any governmental or quasi-governmental agencies. Such assessment is subject to change without notice at any time, regardless of whether you have a confirmed booking under deposit or have made a final payment."

I noticed the comment that "a modest increase in the fare could cover it" but in other deployment areas this tax is a non-issue and the $25 per person surcharge is perceived to offer value. Since we are not "all-inclusive" any further fare adjustments might be perceived negatively.

It's an imperfect world and regardless of what I've just stated, some of you will not agree with my explanation of the situation. Nevertheless, I hope that it has given you at least a better perspective of our current thinking.

Thank you for your time and effort to share your opinions.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Tax? To whom is this tax paid? Is it US Federal? State tax? If so which state, Florida? And yes, $2.50 is small change when we look at what we pay to cruise with Azamara but, really! Which taxing entity charges this particular 10%?:confused:

Hello Ithikan and others -

Thank you to "Gossport11" for his explanation about European Union taxes. I'm repeating my response explaining the origin of these taxes that are levied on onboard purchases to add to your understanding of the situation:

I've learned from Hotel Operations that most European Union countries will have taxation policies and that the percentage varies from country to country. The taxation in Europe is very complicated and often the local authorities will change their rules and not notify the ship's management of those changes until the very last moment. The taxation is applied on anything sold onboard in the gift shops as well as on wine and beverages.

For example if you were not in suite accommodations and dined in one of the specialty restaurants, then the European sales tax would be levied on the specialty restaurant surcharge and then added to your onboard account. Please note, however, there will be no individual EU country taxes levied on any of the complimentary spirits, wines, beers soft drinks, specialty coffee and teas that are included within our more inclusive tariffs.

I hope that you find this explanation helpful.

Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative o ACC)

Does this mean that there will be some kind of tax on all complimentary wine served with meals aboard Azamara ships (including Discovery MDR) if they only sail to EU ports? And, if so, how is that tax collected, as a surcharge each time you have a glass of wine or as an overall fee included in the cruise fare (with thre new pricing)?

 

We will be trying Azamara for the first time aboard the Quest on April 12, 2013, so all of this is new to me anyway.

 

Thank you in advance for your answer.

Hello Iflyjets -

As Uktog assured, there will be no individual EU country taxes levied on any of the complimentary spirits, wines, beers soft drinks, specialty coffee and teas that are included within our more inclusive tariffs.

For example if you were not in suite accommodations and dined in one of the specialty restaurants , then the European sales tax would be added to your onboard account.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard your first Azamara experience this coming April.

Best wishes for a wonderful vacation!

Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hello Onthebalcony and CintiPam -

I've learned from Hotel Operations that most European Union countries will have taxation policies and that the percentage varies from country to country. The taxation in Europe is very complicated and often the local authorities will change their rules and not notify the ship's management of those changes until the very last moment.

Also, the taxation is applied on anything sold onboard in the gift shops as well as on wine and beverages.

Thank you for asking about this situation which I did not realize was in place.

Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative o ACC)

Hello Onthebalcony and CintiPam -

I'm seeking an explanation from our Hotel Operations team for the price fluctuation that you experienced with respect to the specialty restaurant surcharge.

I will share the findings once I receive them with you.

Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention and we hope that you enjoyed your recent Azamara vacation experiences.

Regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Thank you very much Bill, I appreciate what you're doing and will be very happy to hear (read!) your findings.

I just got the electronic documents for our cruise and they specifically mention the Marina Bay (aka New) terminal, but I won't be totally sure until you say so :)

Hello Hermione60 and others -

The Azamara Journey is scheduled to be at the new Marina Bay Cruise Center Singapore on December 23, 2012 as well as on disembarkation the January 6, 2013.

Here is the website: www.mbccs.com.sg

From the home page you can then click on "Cruise Information."

My best wishes for a wonderful Azamara vacation!

Bill Leiber

________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Mr Leiber, can you please reply to that question? Does the Dec. 23, 2012, Singapore round trip cruise dock in the new cruise terminal in Singapore or not? As you can see by reading this thread there is conflicting information...

Hello Hermione60 and others -

I'm sorry for my delay in seeking out the correct terminal location in Singapore and I've requested that information from our ship operation's team.

I'll get back to you all shortly and apologize for this confusion.

Sincerely,

Bill Leiber

________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

I think the fact that this is the only reported incident on Journey shows how effective the cruise lines actions are

Hello Azevedan and other readers -

Uktog's statement about "how effective the cruise lines actions are" with inhibiting bed bug incidents, reminds me of the adage,

"The best defense is a good offense."

That attitude of always being on the "offensive" explains the daily due-diligence exercised by our housekeeping staff and the Chief Housekeeper during the stateroom cleaning procedures:

§ Each stateroom is checked for the presence of bed bugs as part of the daily cleaning procedures.

§ Each stateroom attendant has been trained how to identify the presence of bedbugs.

§ We keep logs of each inspection and these are kept onboard for 7 years which enables future recurrent inspections .

It's understandable to "cringe" at the thought of bed bugs but for your "peace of mind" remember that the onboard mindset and procedures are designed to mitigate the risk of being "attacked."

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

______________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

can Bill Leiber please give us an update,,,and answer above question about compensation,,,

Am considering booking a cruise,,,but waiting to hear how this was handled...:confused:

Hello Alexandra Cruiser -

You mentioned that you were considering booking with Azamara and would base your decision on the outcome of this customer relation bed-bug issue. As Host Andy and others have already stated, it's not prudent for me to discuss details about an individual booking on Cruise Critic or any other message board.

My best advice, therefore, is for you to review our comprehensive protocol for managing the bed-bug issue and then make your decision accordingly.

We do hope that we have the opportunity of welcoming you onboard in the future.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

______________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Not our cabin, thankfully, but it is our deck so I will stay tuned to this issue. We always check in hotels since learning about the issue last year but haven't cruised in the interim. I'm not surprised that it would turn up on ships as well--they are floating hotels after all. But what a way to ruin a vacation!

Hello Perlgirlnj and other readers -

I've heard back from our Vice President of Hotel Operations who shared with me the comprehensive program they have in place to address the bed bug issue:

§ Each stateroom is checked for the presence of bed bugs as part of the daily cleaning procedures.

§ Each stateroom attendant has been trained how to identify the presence of bedbugs.

§ We keep logs of each inspection and these are kept onboard for 7 years which enables future recurrent inspections .

If bed bugs are found, they have an effective prescribed insecticide methodology for treatment in place for extermination which includes fumigating and deep cleaning the stateroom as well as removing all soft goods for high temperature washing separate from all other goods.

Finally, he expressed the company's awareness that bed bugs are becoming an issue globally and that no one in the hotel hospitality industry, on sea or land, is immune from the risk of a bed bug infestation. That explains the daily due-diligence exercised by our housekeeping staff and the Chief Housekeeper during the stateroom cleaning procedures. Also, each vessel is staffed with an Environmental Officer.

He mentioned that the onboard officers and staff, take any guest comment about bed bugs and/or any bites very seriously. In fact, if a guest reports any bites, their stateroom and the adjoining staterooms are inspected immediately.

I hope this information eases your understandable concerns and that you'll be able to focus with excitement on your forthcoming Azamara Journey vacation in November.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

______________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

So sorry to hear about your problem! Also concerned as I am cruising on the Journey in November. Is there a digit missing in your cabin number above, and if so, can you give us the correct cabin?

Hello Perlgirlnj -

I was sorry to read about "Ad1979's" experience and appreciate Andy 's wise guidance related to compensation.

As Andy mentioned, the prevalence of these critters occurs throughout the hospitality industry. To address your concern about your forthcoming Journey voyage, I have asked for information from our hotel operation's team about our complete program to deal with bed bugs including the inspection, prevention and housekeeping training process along with the corrective procedures if signs of infestation are discovered.

Please stay tuned for my response.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

______________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)