'Live' from Azamara Journey

[Willow1686]

So glad to hear that your embarkation went well; the Mumbai boarding was a shambles.

 

Although we did not have to embark until 3pm for the 5pm sailing we were locked down in the hotel for the whole day, presumably on the principle of 'hurry up and wait', and I lost the opportunity for the museum visits which I had planned.

 

Thank you for your report, and I'm looking forward to reading more!

[English Tim]

Thank you all for your comments about OBC, they were indeed posted to our account on the 2nd day.

 

Re the drinks menus, they are all the same with the standard drinks on one sheet at the back.

 

I'll post some food pictures later.

[English Tim]

Day two – Mykonos

 

Today, we had an early breakfast, before walking about 5 km to Agios Stefanos,a nice beach where Rosy swam and I drank Ouzo, whilst using the complimentary wifi and sun loungers. Next we took the bus back, walked around then went to ship for lunch. After lunch we returned to shore to do some more exploring and take more photos. Rosy, having written here postcards posted them, so if they don’t arrive, she definitely thought about you.

 

 

 

 

Contrary to claims that most drinks are included. These are a selection for which you pay extra

 

 

We had dinner with two ladies from Florida and a nice couple from Southsea, Portsmouth UK.

 

 

 

Much wine was imbibed and some good conversation followed, the two ladies, Joanne and Gabbi were returning to shore to explore the Greek nightlife, whilst the rest of us were meeting the Captain and his officers at a Champagne reception.

[little britain]

 

Contrary to claims that most drinks are included. These are a selection for which you pay extra.

I think you may be flogging a dead horse here mate.

Most drinks are included. Fact

Some drinks you pay extra for, Like Baileys. Or Stoli Elit. Fact

I'm not sure where the word 'contrary' comes into this.

Edited June 12, 2013 by little britain

[excitedofharpenden]

So glad to hear that your embarkation went well; the Mumbai boarding was a shambles.

 

Although we did not have to embark until 3pm for the 5pm sailing we were locked down in the hotel for the whole day, presumably on the principle of 'hurry up and wait', and I lost the opportunity for the museum visits which I had planned.

 

Thank you for your report, and I'm looking forward to reading more!

What hotel was that? Did you have Azamara transfers? We were at the Vivanta by Taj President and the Azamara passengers there relying on the ship transfer were waiting in the hotel lobby at 11am. We got our own transport to the ship as we booked independently (£4 for a car arranged with the hotel) and left around 11am and were on the ship by 11.45am I think. It wasn't a shambles for us, but I did hear from others it seemed disorganised. I think this is a trait of Mumbai cruise terminal rather than the cruise line itself. Organised chaos is the way of things in India.

 

I have to say I wouldn't have been comfortable trying to include a museum visit in Mumbai on the day of a 5pm departure. It might have been doable, but too ambitious for me and I suspect many others.

 

Phil

[kikki21]

Thanks for the Mykonos pics Tim - the water looks so clear! :)

 

The food looks pretty good too - making me hungry already! Are you just eating in Discoveries or will you be trying the speciality restaurants out?

 

Where drinks are concerned I will happily drink what's included as I know some cocktails are included and that's what I tend to drink most of when I am on a cruise but if I want a Baileys then I will have one or anything else that isn't on the included list!

[English Tim]

I think you may be flogging a dead horse here mate.

Most drinks are included. Fact

Some drinks you pay extra for, Like Baileys. Or Stoli Elit. Fact

I'm not sure where the word 'contrary' comes into this.

 

You are misinformed - FACT.

 

The bar list contains about 10 pages of drinks, only one of those pages if for included drinks.

 

When you come onboard, you may be in for shock.

 

The Bar manager has had a lot of complaints from UK cruisers who have been misinformed.

[English Tim]

Thanks for the Mykonos pics Tim - the water looks so clear! :)

 

The food looks pretty good too - making me hungry already! Are you just eating in Discoveries or will you be trying the speciality restaurants out?

 

Where drinks are concerned I will happily drink what's included as I know some cocktails are included and that's what I tend to drink most of when I am on a cruise but if I want a Baileys then I will have one or anything else that isn't on the included list!

 

We've been eating in the main restaurant, as the food and company is superb. We like 'Windows' for breakfast and lunch, as it's nice to be outdoors.

[marinaro44]

You are misinformed - FACT.

 

The bar list contains about 10 pages of drinks, only one of those pages if for included drinks.

 

When you come onboard, you may be in for shock.

 

The Bar manager has had a lot of complaints from UK cruisers who have been misinformed.

You tell 'em, Tim. On Regent, the list of included cocktails goes on for pages, including bubbly drinks, real beers, at least one port, etc. A much more civilized list.

[Marion B]

Tim,

Very much enjoying the continuing commentary and photos.

Do you like the location of your cabin (we will be in one next door on our upcoming cruise)?

Please tell Rosy I absolutely love that red dress of hers.

 

Marion

[kikki21]

Thanks Tim! Good to know that the food is superb, that's what I like to here and I love eating outdoors too! Although I think breakfast on your balcony is always a good thing!

 

Going to check over that included drinks list now!

[English Tim]

Tim,

Very much enjoying the continuing commentary and photos.

Do you like the location of your cabin (we will be in one next door on our upcoming cruise)?

Please tell Rosy I absolutely love that red dress of hers.

 

Marion

 

Marion, location is great. Easy to get to pool and Windows Cafe and also main dining room and other leisure venues.

 

Today I met some people in hot tub, who booked with a 'snowy' TA. They believed they had booked a similar deal, as with a previous cruise on Regent. When they boarded and were bombarded with drinks packages, they told the staff they didn't need one, as they had paid for the AI package, as had a lot of others, so the poor staff are getting it in the neck for the actions of Sonia Limbrick and her team.

[uktog]

Gosh Tim, it must be a very rebellious group in the hot tub this week!

 

A friend of mine returned from the cruise that disembarked when they let you on He told me Sonia Limbrick was on board. She ran a very open wide ranging open mic question and answer session with UK guests on the last at sea day that was very informative and well attended. And not one guest raised any questions about the drinks packages, all inclusive, more inclusive etc

 

You must attract the dissenters!!

[Willow1686]

What hotel was that? Did you have Azamara transfers? We were at the Vivanta by Taj President and the Azamara passengers there relying on the ship transfer were waiting in the hotel lobby at 11am. We got our own transport to the ship as we booked independently (£4 for a car arranged with the hotel) and left around 11am and were on the ship by 11.45am I think. It wasn't a shambles for us, but I did hear from others it seemed disorganised. I think this is a trait of Mumbai cruise terminal rather than the cruise line itself. Organised chaos is the way of things in India.

 

I have to say I wouldn't have been comfortable trying to include a museum visit in Mumbai on the day of a 5pm departure. It might have been doable, but too ambitious for me and I suspect many others.

 

Phil

 

I was at the Vivanta by Taj, and paid for the Azamara transfer. As previously noted, it was hurry up and wait for the day.

 

The museums and galleries in Mumbai are mainly concentrated in the Kala Ghoda area, in much the same way as many museums are concentrated in Kensington in London, and that is easily accessible from both the hotel and the passenger dock. I don't regard spending, say, three hours at a museum as an ambitious goal when boarding is not required until 3pm, particularly when one has already checked in online.

[Jade13]

I was at the Vivanta by Taj, and paid for the Azamara transfer. As previously noted, it was hurry up and wait for the day.

 

The museums and galleries in Mumbai are mainly concentrated in the Kala Ghoda area,[/quote]

 

Kala Ghoda Art Precinct including the Prince of Wales Museum and The Jehangir Art Gallery is 15-20 minutes from the terminal depending on traffic.

 

This is the reason we never do ship transfers. A transfer could have easily been arranged by the hotel and you could have taken a taxi back to the art district.

Edited June 12, 2013 by Jade13

[English Tim]

Day three – Kusadasi

 

Tonight we shall be attending the Azamazing Evening, a concert at Ephesus, but before that we have a day in port. It’s hot and humid, with some cloud cover. We have had a healthy breakfast of muesli and orange juice.

 

 

I also had a smoothie and energiser. There’s a list of available smoothies at the dining room entrance, or one can be made up to your liking. Now its 08.30 and a band is playing on the pier. They even have dancing girls. People are probably still sleeping, so maybe the locals are suggesting they get up and spend some money!

 

We are going ashore to buy Turkish Delight and to partake of a Turkish Bath! As it happened we decided we needed more exercise, so we decided to walk to Ladies Beach, several kilometres away. All the way there and back, Turks were trying to sell us everything from carpets to camels. Yes we saw two camel on a hillside. We thought they were statues until they moved. We also saw a cow in a derelict hotel.

 

Rosy swam in the sea, while I watched the things. I only like very warm sea!

 

On our return to Kusadasi, we bought some Turkish Delight, a local sweet or candy. As suggested we bought from an authentic shop as opposed to a tourist shop.

 

Then we went to a Mosque, which Rosy felt was disappointing, followed by a Hammam (Turkish Bath). I opted for an oil massage also. The bath cost 30 TL (about $13) and was a real treat. I feel so good now. We took a late lunch and then relaxed awaiting our Azamazing Evening to Ephesus.

 

Ship's band playing before the Azamazing event

 

 

What an Azamazing evening. Hundreds of passengers went in a fleet of busses and we were allowed a special concession – free entry to the toilets!

 

I found a wallet on the bus, so handed it in like a good citizen – I even left the money and credit cards in it!

 

Next we were treated to wine and snacks before listening to a very entertaining concert of classical music.

 

 

The Captain and CD

 

 

 

Orchestra (sorry about focus)

 

 

It wasn’t easy for the performers, with the wind blowing their music around, or for the guests, as we had to mount uneven steps high into the theatre. At the interval there were more refreshments, but many chose to stay in their seats. At the end we were treated to a Roman cultural event - I was just waiting for the lions to appear - we had goddesses and gladiators!

 

At the end we negotiated the steps and there were plenty of willing assistants with torches. It is amazing how rude and selfish some people can be in their efforts to get to the first buses or best seats.

[English Tim]

Gosh Tim, it must be a very rebellious group in the hot tub this week!

 

A friend of mine returned from the cruise that disembarked when they let you on He told me Sonia Limbrick was on board. She ran a very open wide ranging open mic question and answer session with UK guests on the last at sea day that was very informative and well attended. And not one guest raised any questions about the drinks packages, all inclusive, more inclusive etc

 

You must attract the dissenters!!

 

I wish she'd reply to her emails. Had she run it this week it would have been very interesting. She can speak with the Bar Manager. He knows her and the next meeting should be challenging.

[kikki21]

The Azamazing evening in Ephesus looks good, not sure about the entertainment afterwards with the gladiator bit, that will probably make me giggle and wow free toilets!!! ;)

 

As we've already been to Ephesus this year including seeing the Terrace Houses, I think we will make Kusadasi a chill out day like you did otherwise it would be about my 6th visit there!

[BillC]

Hey, I thought this thread was about your reaction to your first Azamara cruise. I believe that you have been very actively participating in another thread that deals with the poor way that Azamara announced the new liquor policy, and the multiple attempts to define it.

 

So how is the cruise going. How's the food, the itinerary, the officers and crew...etc? What needs improvement? So, how's it going? Have you signed up for any additional Azamara cruises, or do you find other lines to be a better price / performer?

[English Tim]

Up early again to make the most of this glorious weather. Took a healthy breakfast of smoothie, muesli and banana pancakes, then coffee from Mosaic and off the ship at about 09.00 to find a car rental. Eventually we settled on Auto Way, a Greek company. We had a nearly new car for 40 Euros and we put 15 Euros of fuel in the tank. We drove all over the island and had a great day, including lunch at a beach taverna.

 

 

Plaka Park

 

 

We returned to the ship at about 17.30 for a snack and a couple of cocktails, well three, but who’s counting! Next we strolled along the quay, in the evening sunshine – very romantic, pre dinner.

 

 

We ate an informal dinner in Window’s Cafe. It was an Indian Buffet and was very tasty. We had some debate with the staff about the wine, as we wanted to try the Zinfandel, listed in the included wines, but apparently not on the ship so we had further amicable discussions about the new policy, this time with a UK based Sommelier.

 

I then had the recommended Shiraz, while Rosy had a white, which she thought was ok. They are rotating just seven wines at the moment, which I feel is too few.

After dinner we watched an excellent and very well received show, by the CD. There were so many people in the lounge that some were getting upset with late-comers blocking their view. I enjoyed a Crème de Menthe based cocktail, called a ‘Grasshopper’.

 

After the show there was some sort of game going on in the casino, which we were walking past on the way to bed. I took a raffle ticket but Rosy was reluctant, not knowing what was going on, so she refused. Five minutes later she too one and it was drawn out. She had to play a card game using big cards, everyone shouting ‘higher or lower’ and when she was right she moved on to the next. She won $20 and a T shirt, more than anyone else.

[English Tim]

Hey, I thought this thread was about your reaction to your first Azamara cruise. I believe that you have been very actively participating in another thread that deals with the poor way that Azamara announced the new liquor policy, and the multiple attempts to define it.

 

So how is the cruise going. How's the food, the itinerary, the officers and crew...etc? What needs improvement? So, how's it going? Have you signed up for any additional Azamara cruises, or do you find other lines to be a better price / performer?

 

Clearly you haven't read through the review.:(

 

Areas for improvement etc will be covered at the end when I have more time.

[Spursgirl]

Clearly you haven't read through the review.:(

 

Areas for improvement etc will be covered at the end when I have more time.

 

Hello Tim,

 

I am enjoying your thoughts and your great pictures.

 

But on this and other threads I am picking up little differences between the Journey and the Quest. I have been on the Quest 8 times returning from my last trip with them last month. I have not yet sailed on Journey.

 

All of the included wines were available on Quest and you could have whichever one you wanted at any time. I had a favourite red and had it virtually every day wherever I was dining.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise

 

Hazel

[English Tim]

Thanks Hazel.

 

I note the thread has been moderated. I am frustrated that newbies get flamed by some AZ flag wavers, without appearing to read complete thread. Staff and service get 10 out of 10 information 5/10.

[mara01]

Hello Tim,

 

I am enjoying your thoughts and your great pictures.

 

But on this and other threads I am picking up little differences between the Journey and the Quest. I have been on the Quest 8 times returning from my last trip with them last month. I have not yet sailed on Journey.

 

All of the included wines were available on Quest and you could have whichever one you wanted at any time. I had a favourite red and had it virtually every day wherever I was dining.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise

 

Hazel

 

Hello Hazel, having sailed on both, the differences are very minor and don't detract from the overall experience. For example on our last cruise on the Journey, they didn't provide the 'Energizer' at breakfast unlike on the Quest. Having spoken to the restaurant manager on our first day, he emailed the Quest for the recipe and it appeared on the Smoothie bar the next day and every day thereafter. How's that for service!

 

 

Steve

[autumn lass]

Thank you Tim for your updates and pics. We are on the Journey on 30th August and you are whetting our appetite for our cruise.

 

Tim can you tell me if there are any non alcoholic drinks for a non drinker on the drinks menu that are not the soda types of Coke, Sprite, or orange juice. My preference would be apple juice, or any other non fizzy drink. Staff usually have to search if I ask for apple juice in the evening so I end up drinking water.

 

Hazel, Steve, thank you for your reassurances that the experience on Journey is still much the same as on Quest. Quest is our preferred ship although we have sailed on Journey once and we were getting a little worried that there were more apparent differences.

 

Hilary & Colin