Marylebone37

Perry Golf

After nearly a week, I finally have a bit of constructive criticism about something. I say “finally” because everything has been SO SO wonderful overall! There is a group on board and last night they closed the Patio/Grill for a private event. Not only the food side but the opposite side’s seating area as well. I don’t think it’s fair to completely close one of the most popular (and included) dining venues on board for an entire evening for a small group of guests. If Azamara wants a private space, let them use the Library (as they’ve done/closed on more than one occasion already) or shut one of the Speciality spaces for private evening events.

I spoke to the CD, and she said they are having them (unhosted) on embarkation day. We just missed it. By the way, very impressive how so many of the senior staff line up at the gangway in the mornings to wish guests a great day as they disembark on their tours. Not just 2 or 3 or 4. More like 10 or more! It’s just a small gesture - but a total act that does not go unnoticed. Well done!

It does appear that shuttles to city centers are in operation. This is from today in Leixoes, where they are providing transportation to downtown Porto, Portugal. It’s the first stop on this itinerary where the immediate/popular “downtown” area is not easily accessible on foot.

I don’t believe so. Think I would have noticed, but may have missed it in the program. I will ask around if they’re doing them and let you know.

No there was not. At least not as of Night 6 (out of 14).

A complete set up to 30lbs. One is in use right now.

No problem, I will try. But would prefer, if possible, to answer specific questions rather than post about miscellaneous things along the way.

On Pusuit now, and the Wifi is the speediest and most reliable that I’ve ever experienced on a ship. Must be Starlink and it’s great.

That’s very sweet. Lisbon is crowded but wonderful as always. Lots of St. Anthony celebrations going on.

Docked in Lisbon today and staying overnight. FYI, we are just steps away from the Old Town area so no shuttles needed. Lots of shops and restaurants just outside the terminal and across the street. Two excursions thus far (Malaga and Gibraltar) were excellent and nicely coordinated by the tour team. No complaints about the trips or much else for that matter. The entire crew continue to deliver an outstanding experience.

Same here. I am simply stunned how good the onboard experience is on board the Pursuit right now. It may all be a charade now of what’s to come I fear. We shall see.

I meant 20-30 cabins long… Everything else on the ship thus far continues to be excellent. Zero complaints. I’m so impressed with how well maintained everything is.

Yes. It looks like my TA sent in their amenity voucher/receipt about 30 days prior to sailing on 30-May. But it was never applied by AZ. Working through the details now, and it’s Day 4 of the cruise. I saw the list of cabins that Reception is working on (with issues to resolve), and I’d estimate it was still 20 or 20 cabins in total after several days. I will say the staff at Reception is very good and extremely professional. No bad attitudes or impatience of any kind.

Well… after 48+ hours, my OBC is still not sorted. Spent 40 minutes at Reception this afternoon, including a live call to my TA, and we’ll see what transpires. AZ’s back office and management is still a hot mess based upon my experience as of today on board.

This is perfect advice Mrs. Miggins.

Here are 2 pics from the stateroom this morning. Could not be closer to downtown.

Regarding shuttle buses… as I was typing we arrived in Malaga, Spain. Passed the Viking Star moored way out on the pier while we on the Pursuit sailed right past her and are docking in the middle of the city. No bus needed for us!

I won’t be much help on the entertainment as we don’t go to many shows. Barry on the Keys is a character in the Den. And very talented. The CD Emily is not only lovely but a great singer too. And the house band is very enjoyable. No experience with shuttle buses yet. But will let you know.

My experience varies. I was on 3 Celebrity cruises earlier in the year (but NOT in the Rereat). And on the Pursuit right now. The lovely food on Pursuit is incomparable to the mass market fare on Celebrity. Pursuit is superior in every single way based on my experiences over the last few months.

Reposting this here from the another thread to avoid going too off topic… I have been/am a harsh critic of management’s system transition fiasco, and have posted about it on other threads. BUT, I boarded the Pursuit on Tuesday in Barcelona. As others have said, the shipboard experience is seemingly unaffected and truly superb. Embarkation (with nothing but a passport) was seamless and very quick. The ship is in really excellent, almost pristine, condition, the food outstanding in Discoveries and Windows, and the service levels are on par with or even better than other luxury players like Regent, Seabourn etc. Internet dropped here and there for brief periods, but otherwise very speedy and easy to set up and apply your status level discount. Heads up to those boarding in Barcelona… the online FAQ did show the wrong name for the embarkation terminal. We boarded at the Marina terminal (where the ferries arrive/depart) and NOT Moll Adossat. Luckily we had a helpful taxi driver, but keep your eyes peeled for the ship and signage. Our OBC did not make it to the ship and that is being sorted out by reception and filling out the appropriate paperwork for Miami to review/confirm. However, excursion tickets (booked and paid for using OBC prior to the transition) were waiting in the stateroom and correct. Loyalty status was totally incorrect online but accurate on board. Happy to answer any questions as best as possible.

Tough crowd here. But I commented here earlier on this thread (and others) about my frustrations so felt obliged to reassure folks that all is GREAT on board. Which I am very thankful for. Think I’ll start a new thread and post my original comment to keep this original one on topic. BTW, OBC still not sorted out with Miami after 24+ hours. But otherwise, fantastic.

Patio: usually 6:30-8:30pm evenings. And beautiful! Emily is back with Lee as assistant. We are not wine connoisseurs, so they are fine for us. Looks like most are specially produced/labeled for AZ. South African Sav Blanc and Pinotages (sp?) have been the only ones tried thus far. Acceptable but nothing memorable. The Woodford Reserve on the Premium package is quite nice, though! 😉 Interestingly, only the Ultimate package affords you “better” wines. The Premium package is only for upgraded spirits (you get the same house wines). House band is very good. That’s all I’ve experienced thus far.

I have been/am a harsh critic of management’s system transition fiasco, and have posted about it on this thread and others. BUT, I boarded the Pursuit yesterday in Barcelona. As others have said here, the shipboard experience is seemingly unaffected and truly superb. Embarkation (with nothing but a passport) was seamless and very quick. The ship is in really excellent, almost pristine, condition, the food outstanding in Discoveries and Windows, and the service levels are on par with or even better than other luxury players like Regent, Seabourn etc. Internet dropped here and there for brief periods, but otherwise very speedy and easy to set up and apply your status level discount. Heads up to those boarding in Barcelona… the online FAQ did show the wrong name for the embarkation terminal. We boarded at the Marina terminal (where the ferries arrive/depart) and NOT Moll Adossat. Luckily we had a helpful taxi driver, but keep your eyes peeled for the ship and signage. Our OBC did not make it and that is being sorted out by reception and filling out the appropriate paperwork for Miami to review/confirm. However, excursion tickets (booked and paid for using OBC prior to the transition) were waiting in the stateroom and correct. Loyalty status was incorrect online but accurate on board. Happy to answer any questions as best as possible.

There are tried and true processes for doing a system/data conversion like this. It’s not rocket science. AZ failed at every turn so it seems, from the original contract negotiated with RCG, to the data analysis, to the system and acceptance testing processes, the development of contingency plans in the event of failure, and on and on. Way too much detail to go into here.