A question for Bill re South America 2011/12

[uktog]

Bill

Really appreciate the role you are playing on these boards and I am sure you will be back to us soon re the UK issues you are investigating. Certainly very keen to hear what is to happen re B2B discounts

No one can tell me though are Azamara going to offer cruise tours on the SA journeys as I think they would really add something.

Whatever cruiseline we book with, bring able to go to Iguaze Falls from Buenos Aries is a must. I understand an all day shore excursion may be offered but as it is expensive (not an issue for us as its a once in a lifetime) take up might be poor and there is no guarantee sufficient numbers will book and that it would run. We would not want to spend all the money on a cruise to risk that disappointment!

However, I see if we switch to Celebrity or another line there is a cruise tour that addresses our needs - but of course not the other ports we want or the ship/brand we prefer

So just a question, is it in the longer term plans to add in cruisetour experiences for the cruises in December 2011 and January 2012 or is this not in the strategy?

Thanks

Ann

[Jade13]

Whatever cruiseline we book with, bring able to go to Iguaze Falls from Buenos Aries is a must. I understand an all day shore excursion may be offered but as it is expensive (not an issue for us as its a once in a lifetime) take up might be poor and there is no guarantee sufficient numbers will book and that it would run. We would not want to spend all the money on a cruise to risk that disappointment!

 

Ann

 

Ann,

 

You should seriously consider doing this on your own as it is very easy! We did this on our way to Antarctica. LAN flies direct from Buenos Aries to Iguazu. We stayed at the Intercontinental in Buenos Aires and they had no problem keeping excess luggage. In Iguazu stay at the Sheraton which is right in the park and you can walk right to the falls and book any excursions through them if you wish. The Sheraton can send a driver each way to pick you up and return you to the airport, and it was $20.00 cash paid direct to the driver in 2009. The buffet at the Sheraton is very good. They cook the entire cow and you point to a picture to show them which piece of meat you want.

 

If you want to go to the Brazil side (which we did) you need a Visa and yellow fever shot, and a private driver can take you across to the Brazil side. We went River rafting and did a helicopter tour in Brazil. This is one place you do not need to pay a premium ($2,500pp or more for 2 nights) for an organized tour. You can book the Sheraton right on line.

[Bill Leiber]

Bill

Really appreciate the role you are playing on these boards and I am sure you will be back to us soon re the UK issues you are investigating. Certainly very keen to hear what is to happen re B2B discounts

No one can tell me though are Azamara going to offer cruise tours on the SA journeys as I think they would really add something.

Whatever cruiseline we book with, bring able to go to Iguaze Falls from Buenos Aries is a must. I understand an all day shore excursion may be offered but as it is expensive (not an issue for us as its a once in a lifetime) take up might be poor and there is no guarantee sufficient numbers will book and that it would run. We would not want to spend all the money on a cruise to risk that disappointment!

However, I see if we switch to Celebrity or another line there is a cruise tour that addresses our needs - but of course not the other ports we want or the ship/brand we prefer

So just a question, is it in the longer term plans to add in cruisetour experiences for the cruises in December 2011 and January 2012 or is this not in the strategy?

Thanks

Ann

Hi uktog,

 

Thanks for your patience while I unravel the operational differences between the North American and UK markets. I’m almost at the end of the trail and will be posting my findings the later part of next week.

 

In the meantime, I have passed on your question about a full-day Cruisetour from Buenos Aries to Iguassu Falls while we are in South America, December 2011 – January 2012. Also, I’ve requested information about our Cruisetour plans for 2011/2012.

 

We really appreciate your loyalty to Azamara and we certainly don’t want you to jump ship! I hope that we’ll be able to welcome you onboard in December 2011 so that you’ll be able to experience the grandeur of Iguassu Falls.

 

Bill Leiber

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

[uktog]

Thank you very much Bill

And thank you Jade - although we like to venture abroad our spirit of adventure does not extend to two persons probably over a holiday period in a country where we do not understand the language - our loss I know!

I am sure others will find your advice very helpful though and these two wee cowards will wait to hear what help can be given to them by the cruiseline

Ann

[Bill Leiber]

Thank you very much Bill

And thank you Jade - although we like to venture abroad our spirit of adventure does not extend to two persons probably over a holiday period in a country where we do not understand the language - our loss I know!

I am sure others will find your advice very helpful though and these two wee cowards will wait to hear what help can be given to them by the cruiseline

Ann

Hello uktog,

 

I’m pleased to let you know that we will be offering a Cruisetour called Buenos Aires and spectacular Iguazu Falls. The 3-night escorted tour begins on December 18 or 24 and includes 2 nights in Buenos Aires and a short flight to Iguazu Falls with overnight accommodations. The visit includes a full-day tour of Devil’s Throat and a zodiac ride along lower Iguazu River. The cost is $1,900 per person.

 

Regards,

 

Bill Leiber

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

[uktog]

Thanks so much Bill for checking this out. Delighted to read these trips are being offered. Once we hear about the back to back for UK passengers maybe the plan will fall into place after all

Fingers crossed, perhaps an on board booking on Journey!

[Westaussie]

Thanks for your patience while I unravel the operational differences between the North American and UK markets. I’m almost at the end of the trail and will be posting my findings the later part of next week.

 

 

Please do include Australia as we have the same issues here. I have a b2b booked for June and have been told the discount doesn't apply here.

 

Many thanks

[dabear]

We cruised on A in South America 2 years ago and were quite pleased. We also flew into BA a few days earlier and independently booked a long day trip to Iguazu Falls and loved it. We also arranged for a private guide to pick us up in Iguazu take us though the park and at the end of the day back to the airport. It was easy to arrange and alot less expensive than going though A. Based upon researching with other friends who did the trip in 1 day or overnight, & my dh preference to only spend 1 day there and more time in BA that was our choice. .

[palamoh]

Ann, Jade gives good advise for an Independent trip. I travel regulary in and out of Buenos Aires and have been doing so for 20 years. I have personally done this trip 4 times with various family members. I have made arrangements for many of my friends to do this trip from B/A. Don't worry about the language, your guides and drivers will all speak English. The cost savings is considerable.

 

When you travel w/a group such as a Cruise Line group, I do believe you are missing out on the one on one experience that a Good Guide can offer you. Put some adventure in your life, you won't regret it.

 

"Mitch":);)