scotsahoy

We booked a veranda cabin on Onward last August for Italy cruise; there was note when arrived in cabin saying could upgrade to a C C Suite - note gave an amount for minimum bid; we bid more than minimum and were successful and were allowed to pick a cabin from choice of 4/5. ( there are more CC Suites on Onward). 

Appreciate this will not always happen.

Just now, scotsahoy said:

 

Really enjoying your reports from world cruise Bruce; we met you on Caribbean cruise January 2023 ( the Scottish couple!); just wondering if you have had update yet on the Red Sea part of your cruise - we are booked on Spice Route on Journey 3 May and still no update from Azamara. Loving your pics as well.
 

We are also on 3 May cruise, but always renew our annual insurance. Like others, we booked cruise and outward flights via a TA, (UK) but booked our own flights back from Athens to Edinburgh ( 2 flights); I doubt we would get refund for this unless cruise was cancelled. We had to pay balance by 5 January.

Keeping close eye on Silversea thread re Silver Moon which departed Aqaba on 6 January - had several changes last few days and latest is cruise now finishing in Athens.

We are keeping on open mind on what might happen.

We are also on Journey in May, Singapore to Athens, but have just checked on line and  cruises on Journey in Med following our cruise are still showing with prices. I also don’t think there was ever a Dubai to Athens cruise on Journey in the Spring. (it’s in Australia / Far East). 

 The World Cruise on Onward  is doing a similar itinerary in Middle East two weeks ahead of the dates we are due there, so perhaps that is one to keep an eye on.

No, was not aware of cabins available in upgrade. Think if I hadn’t liked any of them, could have stayed in original cabin. Guest Relations volunteered they were looking for a certain minimum amount to be accepted for upgrade. I was able to pick a CC suite with a shower  ( not a bath) - had been in one before, so that was preference and there were a few to choose from. ( there are more CC suites on Onward). As we had already unpacked, the stewards offered to help us move cabins.

On our Onward cruise end of August there was a sheet in our veranda cabin offering upgrade to CC suite; they suggested a minimum bid and we offered a bit more. After submitting form to Guest Relations we had call to say bid was successful and we were allowed to choose a cabin from those available. 
I had been keeping an eye on pricing, so knew we were offering less than original advertised price. 
 

We are on Journey, 3 May 2024 and also just been notified our one stop in Israel has been replaced with Santorini and as per World Voyage segment, Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh dates have been swopped round. Final payment due early in new year.

When we were on Onward end August in a CC suite the printed list of amenities in the cabin did not mention access to the spa deck, so we had to check with our butler. ( we had to pay on Onward in January).

It was included, but was never busy

( probably because not listed!); there were 16 loungers and plenty shade if wanted as umbrellas were up. 

See page 5 here re “experiences of using loyalty points / complimentary nights”; it’s a bit of a minefield  and Azamara needs to be far more transparent in the “rack” rate.  Good luck!

Reading the trail of comments on securing benefits earned under the Loyalty Benefits by Tier programme tells me much work is required to bring clarity and price transparency.  Recently we had to wrestle with both our UK TA and Azamara to use our four free nights. Email exchanges and phone calls gave us conflicting answers, confusion of terms, ( no clarification of what “ brochure” or “ standard” price meant / where we could see these prices other than web site) , different benefit calculations and for a couple of weeks no clear mechanism to gain benefit - despite having two future cruise  bookings in the qualifying period.

We got there eventually- with apologies all round getting a price reduction of c£2k from the Loyalty programme.  But surely for something we have “earned” - getting the benefit must be easier to utilise. 
We love Azamara and have many happy memories and friendships. A brand like Azamara, trading on quality, needs price integrity and transparency - especially for its loyal customers.

We were on same cruise and heard of that incident. When we attended a brunch in Discoveries hubby did wonder if he could wear shorts, but decided to be safe and wear long trousers. Many turned up in shorts and it was fine at that time of day. Everyone was smartly dressed in the evenings. 

The only problem with powder when I used one of Onward’s machines 2 weeks ago was the front of the dispenser drawer was clogged up with used  powder and I had to use paper towels to wipe off before adding my  powder. 

Our TA in UK also told us for our cruise earlier this year that Azamara did not recognise EasyJet or Ryanair and if we booked their flights, we were on our own if anything happened. Jet2 was recognised.

We were also on Journey in January; after Guest  Relations checked up, we were able to pass the OBC we had left to the Crew Welfare Fund and subsequently received a lovely “ thank you” note.

When you check in ahead of cruise, you are allocated  a boarding time; when you turn up you are then taken for the test. You will also be sent an  email 1/2 weeks before to register for the test and  save some time, but if this proves difficult, don’t worry, it’s not essential. 
Good luck!

Just now, scotsahoy said:

 

And they are providing Scottish music/ food ( though not haggis!) for us tonight.

Kind of them to think of the Scots on board.

2 hours ago, oddjob16 said:

Journey docked in La Estaca, El Hierro.

Burns Day today. Congrats to all Scottish on here. 

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the pudding-race! Aboon them a' ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm : Weel are ye wordy o'a grace As lang's my arm.

😀

In UK we have up to 15% off and $500 OBC; TA just confirmed will be refunded over £800 on our Canaries cruise. ( if it goes ahead).

I have been to yoga classes on a couple of cruises ( no additional cost) but they tended to be a “ one size fits all”. There was very little personal tuition, so I would tell the intsructor you are a beginner. I was not a beginner, but some of poses proved bit tricky if the ship was rolling a bit!

Many thanks Edinburgh Girl.

I too phoned Azamara first and got same response,

( she knew which cruise I was talking about without me mentioning specific dates!) but have also asked my TA to look into. We booked November 2021 and also got a good deal at that time for a club continent suite and overall against present prices are saving  over £2.5k for whole package, but of course that is reduced taking into account cruise is 5 nights shorter!

Good to know I haven’t missed doing anything and hopefully see you on board!
 

On 7/2/2021 at 9:33 PM, Edinburghgirl1 said:

They wouldn’t give us any other cruise options but finally agreed to give us $500 on board credit.  Even though it is 5 nights less we are still paying £2500 less than the prevailing rate.so accepted the switch. 

Sorry, this was what was talking about.

Edinburgh Girl - are you able to enlighten more about being given $500 OBC? 
We used lift and shift to same cruise, but Azamara are not willing to give us any compensation for cruise being 5 nights shorter. Like you, we paid less than new prices, but it does seem unfair given they say any new cruise should be + or - one day in length! Thanks.

We were advised by our TA in UK  the date for lift and shift had been extended to 14 July, but unfortunately that is probably also now too late. May be worth checking asap.

And same now showing for our Journey cruise 18 November Dubai to Singapore - all cabins except inside being shown as “ sold out” - definitely not the case few days ago.

Many thanks for this information Grandma Cruising  - didn’t think we would be entitled now, but have just applied for $250 OBC for our November cruise in hope might get granted!