Bernergirl

On 9/21/2022 at 4:18 PM, Lookyboy said:

Fingers crossed for you.😁

Glad to be reading all this as I had not heard about the breakfasts in Aqualina. We will be on Pursuit for the TA from Lisbon to Rio in late Nov. First time back on AZ in 3 yrs. Good luck on getting a chance on a suite. We got an email to bid on a larger suite today. Would have to bid at least $2k pp. That is a no for us. We are looking forward to being back at sea. Thank you for the information.  Alice

1 hour ago, BK55 said:

Thanks for the recommendations!!

Check with the hotel where you are staying they often have good recommendations.  

4 hours ago, Keeria said:

Dear Alice

Thank you so much for mentioning the Hotel Eurostars Aurea Museum hotel. We will be in Lisbon in May after our cruise with Quest from Civitavecchia to Lisbon. We also like Fado and I think we will spend the evening at Sr. Fado de Alfama. 

Enjoy your days in the mountains and the snow. Where we live, snow has melted weeks ago and spring is slowly arriving. 

Kind regards Dolores

Dear Dolores,

The deal I found was on the hotel's actual website. Best wishes, Alice

7 hours ago, Keeria said:

Is it the Hotel Corpo Santo? 

No, we are staying at Eurostars Aurea Museum.  We have stayed there before and are able to watch the ships coming in and leaving from the port. Now I just have to hope that Delta doesn't make too many changes in our reservations they way they did in the fall to BCN.  Right now I'll just enjoy our snow in the mountains. Best wishes, Alice

7 minutes ago, DS said:

Hey guys, currently on baord...   We are on the next cruise---  Mar 17 ->Miami to Lisbon.    Anything you can post about conditions onboard would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Funny to see you mention Lisbon. I just booked hotel for Lisbon across from the port for our LIS to RIO in the fall. I know this is off topic, but it is just across the boulevard at the Aurea Museum and they had a decent sale going on with breakfast included. We will eat dinner at the Fado place around the corner.  Have wonderful B2B cruises. 

There are times when even the Google tool does not give the full picture. We need to fly to LIS and then do a return from Rio de Janeiro in the fall. What even Google did not show was the set of Delta flights that are available with Delta Comfort+ seating. All of the others kept showing some mix of AA with a bit economy seating thrown in even when set on Business class seating. With a husband with a right knee that does not bend the economy seating, even bulkhead doesn't work. It has been some interesting digging. I will probably book with Delta direct. Always check all the possibilites.  BTW, the Delta came out less than the AA prem econ.

Looking forward to the fall cruise. Alice

Thank you for the information. We are on the Lisbon to Rio in the fall and I am starting on the air for it. 

Alice

Just now, Bernergirl said:

This is an interesting discussion. I have been following a similar on on Azamara's forums as we are supposed to be on a TA on their Pursuit in the fall.  We had our last 2 TA's on the Quest cancelled and are now rebooked for TA spring 2023 on the Ovation.  We were on O's Marina TA this fall and we did a Covid Bionix antigen 2 days prior to departure at our hotel and then another antigen test pier side through O.  There were no Covid positive guests that I am aware of on the cruise and I was trying to monitor that information. That was November and it was a low point for numbers. I am more concerned about where we might be moved should we test positive. Azamara has made it a policy to move passengers into dark, window only cabins and some of the experiences have been horrendous (see Azamara covid positive forum).  Couples have also been separated.  I want clarification, more than what was in the letter, about those particular issues. We would prefer if everyone was tested 2-3 days before the cruise and then pier side.  Who knows what next variant will be coming out in the next months? We only now that science tells us there will be more, unfortunately, as long there is a reservoir of unvaccinated acting as a pitre dish for the virus.

That other forum is "Quarantine on Azamara" sorry for the wrong name 😉 Alice.

This is an interesting discussion. I have been following a similar on on Azamara's forums as we are supposed to be on a TA on their Pursuit in the fall.  We had our last 2 TA's on the Quest cancelled and are now rebooked for TA spring 2023 on the Ovation.  We were on O's Marina TA this fall and we did a Covid Bionix antigen 2 days prior to departure at our hotel and then another antigen test pier side through O.  There were no Covid positive guests that I am aware of on the cruise and I was trying to monitor that information. That was November and it was a low point for numbers. I am more concerned about where we might be moved should we test positive. Azamara has made it a policy to move passengers into dark, window only cabins and some of the experiences have been horrendous (see Azamara covid positive forum).  Couples have also been separated.  I want clarification, more than what was in the letter, about those particular issues. We would prefer if everyone was tested 2-3 days before the cruise and then pier side.  Who knows what next variant will be coming out in the next months? We only now that science tells us there will be more, unfortunately, as long there is a reservoir of unvaccinated acting as a pitre dish for the virus.

5 minutes ago, Travels with Lisa said:

•  
• If I test positive for SARS-COV-2 right before my cruise, at the terminal, or on the cruise, what is your compensation policy and what associated costs are covered?
• • A 100% Future Cruise Credit will be provided for any guest who tests positive within two weeks of their sail date, as well as any members of their immediate traveling party who choose to cancel.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 at the terminal, Azamara will cover travel change fees and accommodation expenses not covered by travel insurance, upon presentation of proof of a negative antigen or PCR COVID test prior to travel.  
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, you will be entitled to either a partial or full FCC for the amount paid, depending on the situation. Azamara will also cover the costs of COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard, any required land-based quarantine, and flight change fees to return home for you and your Traveling Party. Guests must comply with travel requirements, health and safety protocols in order to be eligible for this reassurance.  

  We encourage guests purchase travel insurance for added peace of mind and reassurance, either through Azamara or other insurance provider of your choice.

   

   

  Where will I be isolated if I test positive?

  Guests who test positive for COVID-19 (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) will move to isolation staterooms that are closer to the Medical Center and will enjoy complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi and room service, along with regular visits or tele-consultations with medical staff to monitor their wellness. 

   

I read this and the woman's experience in a window only stateroom would not be acceptable for me. I admit we do not cruise more than once a year, less now due to Covid, and when we do we are in a Continental Suite (gives us more room for Bob's rollator and the bathroom works much better for him).  I would have to be medicated to be in a space that dark and medically Bob can't be alone for days.  Thank you for pointing out the isolation "staterooms".  I will have a discussion with someone at Azamara and it may end in a cancellation and we may change another booking to Seabourn as others have been changed in the past.

This is an horrific experience and very poor of Azamara to have not been in contact with them.  They should not need a travel agent to advocate for them.  It is akin to being stuck in a hole and left there.  We do not cruise to risk being stuck to what nearly amounts to a prison cell with very little natural light and no natural air.  As to the air circulation; that is not what they advertise.   If they need to isolate people like that their upgraded system is not working as advertised.  We are booked on the Pursuit MIA to Tisbury in the fall and if things have not improved by then and they do not have a stated policy about what will happen to us should we test positive on board and where we will be moved to and how we will be reimbursed, we will not be going.  Needless to say, they should have a policy about all this in writing; they do not. I have looked for it. That is bad company policy. It's a shame it is nearly impossible to sue any cruise line -- PTSD can be caused by a situation like that  and caused by Azamara's treatment of her. 

5 hours ago, marinaro44 said:

For all of which you pay significantly more, as with most things in life.  And the shower curtain has never "grabbed" me.

We have traded comments about shower curtains before. I do particularly dislike them, but other than that .... I did not bother saying we cannot fit my husband's rollator in the room so he may use it and he cannot use the toilet as his right knee does not bend; making the space rather unusable for us. I'll spend the extra and have him able to use the room and be comfortable.  Also, handicapped cabins are unnecessary unless you are in a wheelchair or scooter fulltime and should be saved for those who truly need them. If you can afford it the CC suite can be a good buy on the sale esp. when you factor in the restaurants. 

37 minutes ago, Riocca said:

A Veranda Plus is just an ordinary balcony cabin with extras, other than the forward or aft facing ones that have a bigger balcony. If the deal is good and the price is right then the CC Suite is a much better bet, more room, bigger balcony and a much better bathroom. Some have walk in showers, which we prefer, others bath tubs so you need to choose which one you prefer.

Definitely much more space in the bathroom, no funky shower curtain grabbing you, not to mention more space in the cabin, and no pay access to the other dining rooms. 

Alice 

We are scheduled on Marina's TA in the Fall, if it still goes. ;> It will be our first time back on O since Marina's first TA several years ago. We've been on Azamara and Seabourn since for several reasons, but were looking forward to this TA; we love the sea days.  Bob just got his first vaccine shot this am here in SW Colorado. I'm in the next age group. I do hope we all make it onboard though I agree with several of you that one of the issues will be ports and whether we will be allowed anywhere. 

Best wishes from the snowy cold part of the country. Alice

It is considered a medical device and the previous poster is correct on how to take.  Always take it to the plane with you and let them stow it.  Do NOT check it.

 Alice

20 hours ago, Joseph2017China said:

I just go to the taxi banks usually and they find a suitable car.  If you uber, you need to order the bigger car.  It's just a fact of live with a WC that things will sometimes cost more. 

When we've been in Miami or Lisbon, with my husband's large walker, I've ordered Uber X and it's worked with the 2 of us, 3 checked bags, 2 carry-ons, my large Vera travel bag and his large walker.  Bob has to sit in the front pass. seat anyway because his right knee does not bend.  I often have a bag or 2 next to me in the back seat, but it works. If they don't send Uber X, I refuse it.  We have had trouble with taxis in Lisbon not knowing where they are going, it's a GPS thing, Uber has proved much better.

Best of luck,

Alice

Thanks for the input. I was on a TA Atlantic with Quest this past spring with art classes every sea day focussing on watercolor ending with acrylic on a tote bag.  It got me started on watercolor painting. Fairly good classes so it probably makes a big difference on who the teacher is on the cruise. Ver good information for me.  How was your cruise?  It is one we have considered since we love the sea days.

Alice

I called Seabourn and was told they did not know the answer the topic question and wondered if anyone on the forum might know the answer?  I'm always amazed at what the CC group knows.  Thanks, Alice from the mountains of SW Colorado, looking forward to our sea days!

I am interested in hearing other cruisers experiences with eating gluten free on Sirena.  I there a variety of dishes to chooses from for entrees, dessert?  Is there oatmeal at the buffet at breakfast?  This is our first time on Oceania in 6 years and we have been on Azamara where they have adapted dishes for many evening meals.  There were always several choices at the buffet at lunch and items were labeled and if I had a question a sous chef appeared very quickly. I am not celiac though I will be sick for 3-4 days after eating more than just a little gluten.  Just a read a few reviews "Overall the ship did a good job of providing gluten free food options, but it could have been better. Every single meal we had to ask the chef to point out what she could eat instead of simply putting a "GF" label on the cards describing each dish. She only was contaminated once when given inaccurate information. For the most part the servers and food preparers at the stations need additional training in preparing gluten free meals. They could also do a better job of having gluten free choices rather an a cookie at the tea or one dessert (if you were lucky) Tired of hearing fruit plate, salad and dry chicken." like this one that have me very cautious about booking our TA.  

Any input is very appreciated,

Alice

This was heartening to read. We are thinking about cruising Celebrity for the first time. We have always cruised Azamara and they have spoiled me with how they look after my gluten free issues.  The chefs in the 2 specialty restaurants change the entrees to accommodate my needs and their souffles are almost all gluten free.  We are trying to branch out and what I've read makes me feel much better.

Thank you all for sharing,

Alice

I have to eat gluten free and we were on a TA on Quest this past April while I don't know about the beer, they made constant changes and minor fixes to make sure I could enjoy the menus. Also, my husband needs to have gatorade every day, we let them know ahead of time and they made sure we had it available onboard.  You just have to let Azamara know your needs or wants and they will do everything they can to make it happen. 

Thank you for all your replies. I was trying to avoid bringing the speaker/dock unit that lets us play our ipods and have our music in the cabin. Charging isn't an issue I have everything we need for that including a surge protector that we've used on previous travels cruise and other. The speaker unit will come with us again. Our ipods are older without bluetooth tech.

Safe travels to all,

Alice

Thank you for that quick reply .... I was afraid of that .... Most other lines have one. Oh well ... it gets packed to go then. Safe travels..

I'm doing the last of our packing for the Quest TA and I've always brought our ipod speaker/charger with us for music in the cabin.

I wondered if with the renovations someone finally put a dock for an ipod (18 pin) in the cabin/suite. ;)

Would love an answer before I close the suitcases tomorrow. :)

Thank you in advance.

Alice Robinson

The questions and lack of clarity re what OBC can and cannot be used for, and whether it can or cannot be refunded, reinforce my view that we need a good, honest price for a holiday (vacation) with no "free" offers. We will all know where we stand. I am looking forward to our October sailing. However the new "Love" (etc) packages will not entice me to book another Azamara cruise; prices seem to have increased as a result. The basic "more inclusive" aspect suits us fine.

 

Maybe I should add that Azamara is, perhaps, at the top end of our price bracket, or what we are prepared to spend for "value for money". Those who compare Azamara with Oceania are, I think, looking at a higher price range.

I found the "love" packages not at all interesting. Packages like that make me think of used car dealership ads. For us, the promotion that has gotten us to commit has been the "buy one, get on 1/2 off" that works for continental suites, unlike the upgrade promotions. As to Oceania, if you work with a TA with good connections the pricing can be quite competitive with AZ. The balcony staterooms on Marina and Riviera are about the same size as the continental suites on AZ. No extra upcharge for specialty dining on OC either. Just a few thoughts from high elevation SW Colorado.

Alice & Bob, looking forward to our TA on the Quest, Sept 9, 2016