Live from Journey - all is well

[tango9]

HI, Phil, glad you are having a great sailing on Journey again. Thanks for the pics and updates. I will be on again in four weeks. Hope the weather is good enough to enjoy those new chairs and swings. Take care.

Cheryl

[Moltar]

Great pictures. Thank you for sharing. The new furniture really makes the ship even better IMO.

[gillianrose]

The loungers in the vertical slatted area look interesting. I hope that area was occupied by you and you just stood up to take a picture (or that someone else was there and just vacated it briefly for you to take a picture).

 

I would hate to think that loungerats/chair hogs just had their stuff there, hoping that no one would displace it.

 

Curious, which is it?

 

If I saw it unoccupied (stuff doesn't count), I would likely choose it for myself and DH.

[Andy]

Hi Phil,

 

Thanks for posting the photos. The loungers and deck furniture look great ! Have a wonderful time on Journey. If time permits, please send my warm regards to Captain Johannes and Heike.

[midwestchick]

Thanks, Phil. The pictures certainly make me homesick for the Journey. Had I acted quickly enough, we would have been on this sailing also...by the time was set to book it, the only thing left was suites...a little too pricey after doing the b2b.

[BillC]

Thanks for posting Phil. We got off in Barcelona the day they were lifting the 9 containers on to the pool deck. It really enhances the look and feel of the Journey.

 

We are currently at the Mirage in Las Vegas and will be participating in the Wedding Ceremony tomorrow of Juliana Meyers and Chris Schmidt. There are over 50 people here from Brazil, Canada and the US. The party started yesterday and everyone is having a great time. Just another instance of how the Azamara Family can easily become part of your extended family.

[ellbon]

 

We are currently at the Mirage in Las Vegas and will be participating in the Wedding Ceremony tomorrow of Juliana Meyers and Chris Schmidt. There are over 50 people here from Brazil, Canada and the US. The party started yesterday and everyone is having a great time. Just another instance of how the Azamara Family can easily become part of your extended family.

 

The last I heard they were in Canada and married there.. So this is round 2 for the wedding.. wow-a weekend affair just like in Greece... Ypu must be very special to get there.. I have not heard from themm since she moved to Canada.. Is she working there? what about Chris?

[excitedofharpenden]

Thanks for posting Phil. We got off in Barcelona the day they were lifting the 9 containers on to the pool deck. It really enhances the look and feel of the Journey.

 

We are currently at the Mirage in Las Vegas and will be participating in the Wedding Ceremony tomorrow of Juliana Meyers and Chris Schmidt. There are over 50 people here from Brazil, Canada and the US. The party started yesterday and everyone is having a great time. Just another instance of how the Azamara Family can easily become part of your extended family.

Enjoy Bill. I have sailed with Chris, but not with Juliana. I know she was very highly regarded. I have to say that Cindi, LCV hostess on Journey is excellent. Sarahlou now enjoying life back home in the UK.

 

Phil

[excitedofharpenden]

I wanted to share a story from today which kind of sums matters up well as to why I love Azamara. Some can accuse me of being a cheerleader, but as far as this goes I'd like to think I give criticism where due and this situation isn't the first time it's happened on an Azamara ship. Here's the story.

 

We arrived in St Tropez at 8am this morning and it was clear the weather would not allow us to tender. A 30 knot wind, heavy rain and white caps. Captain Johannes came over the PA by 8.30am to keep us updated to say he was looking at alternatives. I saw Oceania Marina from the balcony having the same issues as us. We left her for dust as we went out to sea, negotiations continuing as to where we could go.

 

Within an hour the Captain had spoken to Cannes (too rough there too), Nice (already full), Monaco (also no space for us) and finally Villefranche which had space and being more sheltered would allow us to tender. So we hot footed it to Villefranche and anchored there.

 

Whilst all this was going on all excursions had been rearranged by the shorex team, flyers put in all of the staterooms and this included details of of the public transport arrangements that could be made from our substitute port. In addition a port guide would come onboard and make themselves available to guests. An awful lot of hard work to make all of this happen from beginning to end.

 

What of Oceania Marina? She spent the day at sea no doubt collecting her revenue from the shops and casino. Says it all as to the attitude of Azamara and "destination immersion".

 

Phil

[oddjob16]

i wanted to share a story from today which kind of sums matters up well as to why i love azamara. Some can accuse me of being a cheerleader, but as far as this goes i'd like to think i give criticism where due and this situation isn't the first time it's happened on an azamara ship. Here's the story.

 

We arrived in st tropez at 8am this morning and it was clear the weather would not allow us to tender. A 30 knot wind, heavy rain and white caps. Captain johannes came over the pa by 8.30am to keep us updated to say he was looking at alternatives. I saw oceania marina from the balcony having the same issues as us. We left her for dust as we went out to sea, negotiations continuing as to where we could go.

 

Within an hour the captain had spoken to cannes (too rough there too), nice (already full), monaco (also no space for us) and finally villefranche which had space and being more sheltered would allow us to tender. So we hot footed it to villefranche and anchored there.

 

Whilst all this was going on all excursions had been rearranged by the shorex team, flyers put in all of the staterooms and this included details of of the public transport arrangements that could be made from our substitute port. In addition a port guide would come onboard and make themselves available to guests. An awful lot of hard work to make all of this happen from beginning to end.

 

What of oceania marina? She spent the day at sea no doubt collecting her revenue from the shops and casino. Says it all as to the attitude of azamara and "destination immersion".

 

Phil

 

like :-)

[Lottie A]

I wanted to share a story from today which kind of sums matters up well as to why I love Azamara. Some can accuse me of being a cheerleader, but as far as this goes I'd like to think I give criticism where due and this situation isn't the first time it's happened on an Azamara ship. Here's the story.

 

We arrived in St Tropez at 8am this morning and it was clear the weather would not allow us to tender. A 30 knot wind, heavy rain and white caps. Captain Johannes came over the PA by 8.30am to keep us updated to say he was looking at alternatives. I saw Oceania Marina from the balcony having the same issues as us. We left her for dust as we went out to sea, negotiations continuing as to where we could go.

 

Within an hour the Captain had spoken to Cannes (too rough there too), Nice (already full), Monaco (also no space for us) and finally Villefranche which had space and being more sheltered would allow us to tender. So we hot footed it to Villefranche and anchored there.

 

Whilst all this was going on all excursions had been rearranged by the shorex team, flyers put in all of the staterooms and this included details of of the public transport arrangements that could be made from our substitute port. In addition a port guide would come onboard and make themselves available to guests. An awful lot of hard work to make all of this happen from beginning to end.

 

What of Oceania Marina? She spent the day at sea no doubt collecting her revenue from the shops and casino. Says it all as to the attitude of Azamara and "destination immersion".

 

Phil

 

And that's the Azamara difference! :)

[CintiPam]

What of Oceania Marina? She spent the day at sea no doubt collecting her revenue from the shops and casino. Says it all as to the attitude of Azamara and "destination immersion".

 

Phil

 

How in the world do you know that indeed that was the case? When I have missed a port on Oceania, we always have gone on to a substitute one.

 

I love both Oceania and Azamara and do not understand the gratuitous insults that so many seem to think acceptable.

[ellbon]

Phil

 

What a great story and so like Johannes.. i would take any port over a day at sea whebn in Europe. . i would be out shopping and doing lunch. Thank you!!!

[ellbon]

Enjoy Bill. I have sailed with Chris, but not with Juliana. I know she was very highly regarded. I have to say that Cindi, LCV hostess on Journey is excellent. Sarahlou now enjoying life back home in the UK.

 

Phil

 

i sailed more with Julianna than Chris. .i walked by a picture of Julianna and my self today. smiled and went congrats.. i have great memories of her, Chris and her mom.. I am very happy for both of them.

[uktog]

How in the world do you know that indeed that was the case? When I have missed a port on Oceania, we always have gone on to a substitute one.

 

I love both Oceania and Azamara and do not understand the gratuitous insults that so many seem to think acceptable.

 

How in the world - probably because Phil like many follows the app Marine Traffic and if you plot Oceania's path and speed today vs Azamara Journey this totally confirms what he has posted. Therefore it is fact not a gratuitous insult which has highlighted that today that Azamara had the skills and will to make a substitute port (few being available)) and Oceania did not

 

http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/oldmmsi:538003668/olddate:2014-10-08%2011:40:00/zoom:9

 

 

And that's the Azamara difference! :)

 

Indeed

 

and thanks Phil for sharing

[BillC]

Juliana and Chris were married earlier this year at his parents home outside of Vancouver. Chris is now working with his father, very busily involved in their construction business, primarily building homes in Fort St. John, BC. The wedding was a small family affair. This week's festivities are to allow their many friends and relatives to join in this joyous celebration.

 

Juliana is now the Director of Sales for Crystal Cruises and is responsible for sales in Latin and South America, as well as Bermuda. She misses her many friends at Azamara, both her fellow employees and clients.

[ellbon]

Juliana and Chris were married earlier this year at his parents home outside of Vancouver. Chris is now working with his father, very busily involved in their construction business, primarily building homes in Fort St. John, BC. The wedding was a small family affair. This week's festivities are to allow their many friends and relatives to join in this joyous celebration.

 

Juliana is now the Director of Sales for Crystal Cruises and is responsible for sales in Latin and South America, as well as Bermuda. She misses her many friends at Azamara, both her fellow employees and clients.

 

The very last two pictures on facebook i saw were from the airport and then that wedding. reading the update mean to the world to me.. U was on the JR in August and all i was told was she was in Canada but no one said she had this great job.. This is way better than being o na ship selling cruises. I know a butler who now works for Crystal.

 

 

Please tell them Robin Meyers sends her love. We use to laugh that I was the second mama -now third.. I am so happy for both of hem. .please post a couple pictures. Must be hard to pick just 50 people out of 100's.. most wedding i got to are over 100 people.

 

two fo the best people left the company both to enjoy married life.. next up are going to be beautiful babies..

[BBMacLaird]

I wanted to share a story from today which kind of sums matters up well as to why I love Azamara. Some can accuse me of being a cheerleader, but as far as this goes I'd like to think I give criticism where due and this situation isn't the first time it's happened on an Azamara ship. Here's the story.

 

We arrived in St Tropez at 8am this morning and it was clear the weather would not allow us to tender. A 30 knot wind, heavy rain and white caps. Captain Johannes came over the PA by 8.30am to keep us updated to say he was looking at alternatives. I saw Oceania Marina from the balcony having the same issues as us. We left her for dust as we went out to sea, negotiations continuing as to where we could go.

 

Within an hour the Captain had spoken to Cannes (too rough there too), Nice (already full), Monaco (also no space for us) and finally Villefranche which had space and being more sheltered would allow us to tender. So we hot footed it to Villefranche and anchored there.

 

Whilst all this was going on all excursions had been rearranged by the shorex team, flyers put in all of the staterooms and this included details of of the public transport arrangements that could be made from our substitute port. In addition a port guide would come onboard and make themselves available to guests. An awful lot of hard work to make all of this happen from beginning to end.

 

What of Oceania Marina? She spent the day at sea no doubt collecting her revenue from the shops and casino. Says it all as to the attitude of Azamara and "destination immersion".

 

Phil

 

Thank you Phil for the deserved compliments to officers, staff and crew. I'll let them know, but I suspect you've already told them ;)

Bonnie

[Willow1686]

I'm sorry you are having such rotten weather; I was on Star Flyer last week out of Monaco and we stayed overnight at St Tropez for Les Voiles. There was one thunderstorm at night but we had just about perfect weather for the entire week. I hope it improves for you...

[Andy]

Hi Phil,

 

Thanks for sharing the details on the port change. Sorry to hear about the weather, and I hope it improves !

 

While I'm confident that all of Azamara's Captains are outstanding, I'm not at all surprised to hear that Captain Johannes would go to such lengths to keep Journey's guests happy. As you've mentioned, there's probably plenty of kudos to go around - from the onboard teams, to many in Miami, so it's a great all around team effort.

 

Wishing you a wonderful cruise !

[Grandma Gilly]

Thank you Phil for your fabulous pictures and report.

I can't wait for next month when we will be on Journey.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise

Gill

Edited October 9, 2014 by Grandma Gilly

[excitedofharpenden]

How in the world do you know that indeed that was the case? When I have missed a port on Oceania, we always have gone on to a substitute one.

 

I love both Oceania and Azamara and do not understand the gratuitous insults that so many seem to think acceptable.

 

uktog has it right. If it had been an Aida, Celebrity, Silverseas or any other ship I would tell it the same way as a comparison. Certainly not meant as a gratuitous insult. Purely a highlight of why I love to cruise with Azamara.

 

I told a story here a little while ago which happened in Giardini Naxos, Sicily when I was on another cruise on Azamara Journey earlier this year. We were tendered there coincidentally with Oceania Nautica. Captain Johannes announced we would leave half an hour early so that we could get to Stromboli and circumnavigate the island at around 11pm after the show in the hope of seeing some lava explosions in the dark. I will always remember that experience. Perfectly timed and wow, what a sight it was. We got to our next port, Amalfi and Nautica was already there, having left Sicily after us. She wouldn't have experienced what we did.

 

It's things like this that make the cruising experience even more special.

 

Phil

[excitedofharpenden]

Free wifi in the cafe. Just to say we lucked out with the weather in Villefranche yesterday, it cleared up and we had a lovely evening for White Night. Cannes today in warm sunshine. Life is good. This cruise will be over all too soon. I travel to Barcelona after this trip and join Celebrity Equinox to Venice and back. It will be wonderful I'm sure, but I'll miss Journey and its crew.

 

Phil

[Spursgirl]

Phil,

 

I would have been thrilled that Journey tendered into Villefranche instead of St Tropez. It would have meant an easy train ride into Nice, one of my favourite cities.

 

Great that Captain Johannes was able to negotiate a great alternative for you all. Imagine it would have been a great disappointment for passengers who hadn't visited the gorgeous Cote d' Azur before.

 

Hope the weather bucks up for you.

[dln929]

uktog has it right. If it had been an Aida, Celebrity, Silverseas or any other ship I would tell it the same way as a comparison. Certainly not meant as a gratuitous insult. Purely a highlight of why I love to cruise with Azamara.

 

I told a story here a little while ago which happened in Giardini Naxos, Sicily when I was on another cruise on Azamara Journey earlier this year. We were tendered there coincidentally with Oceania Nautica. Captain Johannes announced we would leave half an hour early so that we could get to Stromboli and circumnavigate the island at around 11pm after the show in the hope of seeing some lava explosions in the dark. I will always remember that experience. Perfectly timed and wow, what a sight it was. We got to our next port, Amalfi and Nautica was already there, having left Sicily after us. She wouldn't have experienced what we did.

 

It's things like this that make the cruising experience even more special.

 

Phil

 

I remember that evening! Thoughtful gestures like that are what make Captain Johannes so beloved among his passengers. And why they keep returning to Azamara. The human touch is ever present--there's none of the rigorous rigidity that many other cruise lines follow. Serendipity has its place of honor at Azamara and I like that very much.