lizboyle

We are seasoned cruisers and have thoroughly enjoyed our last two cruises on Azamara. But, and it's a big but; the prices on Oceania are extremely tempting! It's a £1000 cheaper than Azamara. Think I really ought to exercise restraint! I'm loving the new upgrades on Journey and love the friendly crew. Help!!!! 😰

We are seasoned cruisers and have thoroughly enjoyed our last two cruises on Azamara. But, and it's a big but; the prices on Oceania are extremely tempting! It's a £1000 cheaper than Azamara. Think I really ought to exercise restraint! I'm loving the new upgrades on Journey and love the friendly crew. Help!!!! 😰

Can't vote on iPad but it's a NO from me.

Fabulous news! All the more reason to keep booking with Azamara. Thank you Azamara!

We fly out tomorrow from Edinburgh with flights via Amsterdam which were arranged by Azamara. Had not problems booking seats a few weeks ago. Then again, it's KLM not BA.

Unfortunately I can't use the poll facility on this forum - I think it is an iPad issue. Anyway I prefer a shower to using a bath.

Same here but it's a bath for me.

My thoughts exactly Scottie. Rather worrying, but I'm sure that it would be a logistical nightmare to change ports. Azamara would have to rearrange flights for 500+ people. 😟

This will be our first Azamara cruise. We were a bit surprised to get a upsell call and interestingly it was at a lower cost than the GBP equivalent of $398. Ours was from an ocean view to a balcony (one week).

 

Like all things with cruise pricing its more of an art than a science.

Same here, although I didn't get a call, I emailed Azamara and asked if there was any chance of an upsell. They got back to me pretty quick saying they had contacted my TA with a proposal. I then called my TA. Good job I did that as my TA had taken my telephone number wrong 😏. Was less than the GBP equivalent to $398 also. I booked on a promo so I'm happy.

Thanks for the heads up on the slippery steps at the Azamazing evening. I'll leave the heels on the ship.

I wouldn't miss it. We had a beautiful evening at a gorgeous chateau in Marseille. I'm really looking forward to our upcoming evening in Ephesus. Azamara really do try hard to make it special.

Delighted to say we have been offered ( and accepted) a paid upgrade for our cruise next week on Journey out of Athens.

Great news. Did they call you or vice versa?

Liz,

 

My wife and I are on the same cruise as you, and she very much shares your concerns.

 

She has also stated she will stay on board. We also have visited Kusadasi and Istanbul before with no problems. However, things are a bit more tense right now.

 

( my wife also refused to leave the ship when we visited Alexsndria)

Scottie99,

Have you signed up for the Meet and Greet onboard? It's a nice way to meet fellow cruisers.

Liz,

 

My wife and I are on the same cruise as you, and she very much shares your concerns.

 

She has also stated she will stay on board. We also have visited Kusadasi and Istanbul before with no problems. However, things are a bit more tense right now.

 

( my wife also refused to leave the ship when we visited Alexsndria)

Us Scottish lassies must be worriers! I know I am 😟. It's no hardship for me to enjoy the great facilities of the ship. Comfy sun lounger, book, food and drink and I'm happy! 😀

Security and safety is always our number one concern. If the risk level were deemed dangerous in any of our destinations we would make immediate changes based on that. Those of you following us can attest to various changes in itineraries we've made over the years.

At our corporate level we have a global security team that analyses all reports from governments and assesses risk every day.

In the UK we respond to the FCO (foreign and commonwealth office) advice. Of course Mr Twynam is available if you wish to be reassured.rtwynam@azamaraclubcruises.com

Thank you Bonnie. Very reassuring.

Liz, as far as I can tell the advice given by the FCO has not changed at present. The tragic events in Tunisia, France and Kuwait over the past few says has focussed the mind on many places around the world, including here. Reading typically sensationalist Express stories doesn't help. Istanbul is a place I've always wanted to go to and I fully intend to go to the Azamazing evening in Kusadasi too. Individuals of course have to make their own decisions, but it won't deter me from visiting a city I have wanted to go to for some time.

 

Phil

Phil, I don't think The Express is sensationalising it. Every paper I open has warnings about increased risk of terrorism in Turkey as well as several other countries. I too, will go to the Azamazing evening in Kusadsi. Istanbul, I'm not so sure of. I've been there twice before. It is an interesting place. I'm 100% sure Azamara will keep us safe. I will more than likely stay on the ship and relax.

Curious to know if cancellation by the passenger an option if a official travel advisory has been issued....would travel insurance accept this as valid reason.

There are so many cruises beginning and ending in Istanbul this year I'm sure others must have had similiar concerns.

 

We have visited both Kusadasi and Istanbul recently and as of last June and I decided at that time that Istanbul was off limits for us until things settled down...in fact there have been even more occurences of violence which would lead me wonder why cruise lines would risk passenger safety. The links you provided are certainly alarming.

I hope you find the answer you are looking for and are able to find a favourable resolution to your concerns.

It is alarming. We have decided no more Turkey for us too. I'm confident in the security procedures of Azamara but not confident going ashore, which is disappointing. We will stay on the ship and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Apologies for posting the daily mail link. I realise it is an old article. However, there is plenty information out there that advises against going to Turkey, especially Istanbul. There have been many terrorist incidents there. Looks like I will be enjoying the hospitality and safety of the ship those days. :)

Interesting question.

 

I know nothing about The Express as a newspaper, but is this alarmist language typical?

 

Right now, the Canadian govt. is advising caution, with particular attention, obviously, to the border with Syria,

The border with Syria is a hotspot but the UK government have issued that Istanbul is a specific target for terrorist attacks at this moment. Sadly, they are normally correct with their intelligence, hence my question about the change of ports.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-202491/Stay-away-Turkey-Britons-told.html

Here, in the UK, the government are aware of specific threats to tourists travelling to Turkey and advising against travel to many parts of Turkey, especially after the recent bloodbaths in Tunisia. We are on Journey in 4 weeks time and the cruise finishes with 2 nights in Istanbul. We have visited Istanbul and Kusadasi many times on a cruise, always felt safe in Kusadasi and were always vigilant in Istanbul. Is there any chance that these ports of call will be changed? I know how seriously Azamara treat security of their guests. I am just wondering if Azamara are thinking along the lines of the UK government? Please don't comment that I'd be better worrying about earthquakes etc. I am merely asking a question given the fact that we Brits have been advised this by our government.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/584278/Terror-threat-MILLIONS-holidaymakers-ISIS-target-TURKEY-Foreign-Office

I am not surprised. The food is fabulous! Well done Azamara!

Please don't change the sunset outdoor seating. We ate here every night as we loved eating in the warm night air of the Med. I'm not a fan of Asian cuisine but even if it was a speciality restaurant that I enjoyed, I wouldn't eat there every night as I prefer variety. Please don't change something that is perfect!

Wonderful! Thank you Phil. Much appreciated. 😀

Thanks Phil,

Would you mind answering a few questions.

May I ask what time and where the dinner menu is displayed each day

And

How on earth do you decide if you are going to eat in the dinning room or at one of windows special buffet nights.

Also do you eat at in the dinning room and then go to the white night party or is a buffet served on that evening?

 

We would also like to try the speciality restaurants but we don't want to miss the white night if it is held. Do the staff in the speciality restaurants know when this event is held?

Thank you

Hope you don't mind me butting in here. We were on Quest last year and, all I will say is, the White night is spectacular with wonderful food. We didn't eat before as the buffet served is absolutely amazing! The buffet is wonderful on an ordinary night. We loved sitting out on deck eating under the stars. All the staff know when white night is, they go all out to participate. You simply can't miss white night! It's amazing!

Just back from 16 glorious days on Journey. You will have a great time I'm sure.

 

Phil

Glad you enjoyed it Phil. Can't wait to sail on her. 😀

I was in 8010: fabulous location and no noise.

 

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Thank you! Really looking forward to our cruise in July. If journey is as good as Quest, we will be very happy.