Well, the day has finally come when

[Lottie A]

Looks a glorious day in Monaco Ann.

 

Interesting that on Pursuits it stated that guests taking advantage of the late debark arrangement must arrange their own transport to the airport. When we have done this previously a shuttle bus to the airport was provided by Azamara.

More cost cutting it seems.

[ellbon]

Looks a glorious day in Monaco Ann.

 

Interesting that on Pursuits it stated that guests taking advantage of the late debark arrangement must arrange their own transport to the airport. When we have done this previously a shuttle bus to the airport was provided by Azamara.

More cost cutting it seems.

 

I notice in June/July it said the same thing. Not sure what cruises but I did read that. Wonder if to busy with new guests. I know I read only to 230 for late flights

[uktog]

And in its place.....

 

 

Actually looks quite nice

[cinnamon]

Following along, loving the review, thank you.

[BillC]

It would appear that either Jackie or Mary Amanda has struck ! The harp always looked so lonely standing in Mosaic. The new arrangement does look very nice.

[ellbon]

looks so much better than the Harp. YEA for changing it out.

[Spursgirl]

And in its place.....

 

 

Actually looks quite nice

 

Suppose there was no reason to retain the harp without the harpists. The arrangement looks rather attractive.

[uktog]

We had a beautiful arrival into Monte Carlo, there is something magical about the early morning sunlight on places.

 

 

 

 

We have explored this area before so had already done Nice etc and also the Palace. So the first part of the morning was spent just watching the rich (and maybe the famous, who knows, moving there expensive toys around the harbour.

 

We were docked, what a treat! It made it very easy for anyone to explore. A short walk along the pier takes you to four choices, the walking route up to the Castle/cathedral, a walk round the harbour to town, a Monaco explorer which was 22 euros hop on off - several said this was really good and of course far better value than any ship tour round town which seemed to be conducted on single decker ordinary buses not coaches or an easier route we took. The easier route involves walking about 20 metres on from the Explorer stop, it's well signposted to The Bateau Bus. This is a solar powered cross harbour boat, 2 euros per person. You get some great close ups of the rich and famous toys as well.

 

When you come to the other side, if walking up hills is not for you, stay on the level, walk along the front of the Harbour Yacht club (drool and admire the prices, 22 euros for a breakfast fruit plate, so be glad you ate on board). At the end of the walk, turn sharp left, there is an elevator. Exiting the elevator you are in the tunnel (have a Grand Orix memory) turn left along towards the Tabac shop, just before it there are stairs down to an immaculate subway under the road and elevators up to the Casino level.

 

We walked around, amused ourselves with looking at the shops - I think Pets Only was the best, the "clothes" for pampered pooches costing 100 euros and up was our amusement. We walked back down to the Bateau Bus, I was glad of the lifts up though given the problem I acquired on Wednesday so it was a great day.

 

A great evening followed I will post about that later!

[excitedofharpenden]

Enjoying your review Ann. Monaco at night a great spot for White Night:cool: I too like the harp substitute.

[florisdekort]

And in its place.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actually looks quite nice

 

 

I can confirm that the same feature has now appeared on Quest :) Greetings from rainy Bergen, Norway, enroute to the North Cape.

 

Floris

[Spursgirl]

Ann,

 

Journey has just posted some gorgeous pix of last night's deck party. What a staggeringly beautiful backdrop. Hope you had a great evening.

[uktog]

I was going to post this morning but got side tracked in Marseille. Last night we had a deck party in Monte Carlo - wow, the buffet had freshly cooked swordfish cooked over charcoal and more impressively a vast selection of excellent French cheeses they had brought onboard I mean ones that go to liquid as well as some great hard cheeses made with goats milk. They were all clearly labelled unfortunately the brain has failed to recall them.

 

 

 

Then onto the surprise, the most magnificent voiced tenor singing all the classics against the backdrop of a Monte Carlo sunset and night lights.

 

 

It was truly a night to remember. And we still have our Azamazing Evening and White Night to come :)

 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

...

Unless seeing the original David is a must I would say no, we arrived at Florence just after 10 and left around 1430, but over an hour was in a line to get into the Accademia. Even though the tour has prebooked tickets that does not guarantee the entry time....

 

Makes me glad that I booked the Accademia tickets for 4 p.m. in October, long after the cruise tourists are on their way out of town. Of course, we're there for 5 nights.

 

As for the Azamara tours being cancelled, I'm a bit worried now about the three we've booked. Just to be clear, you don't find this out until you board?

[uktog]

I believe those who had booked ahead discovered once they boarded and with Livorno being the next day it gave lots of issues. We were having to wait to book onboard because we had land discoveries credit a firm of onboard credit we now know to be of no value when things go wrong. Once I get home I am researching a Plan B for every port for September

[Wacktle]

As for the Azamara tours being cancelled, I'm a bit worried now about the three we've booked. Just to be clear, you don't find this out until you board?

 

I'm trying to decide which tours to book for our October cruise and am wondering whether it's worth the deliberation and research if cancellations are likely. Many people expect to be able to be able to book shore excursions onboard - otherwise why have a Land Discoveries desk - so the minimum of 35 pre-cruise may not be met for many of the tours.

 

I'm surprised at the 35 person minimum as I thought Azamara was all about smaller numbers and a more pesonalised service.

Edited August 13, 2016 by Wacktle

[excitedofharpenden]

I'm surprised at the 35 person minimum as I thought Azamara was all about smaller numbers and a more pesonalised service.

 

So am I. It didn't used to be like this. I've been on tours with less than 15 people a few times. A new directive (?) and if this is the new way of things and they want to encourage guests to do ship tours they are going to shoot themselves in the foot.

[marinaro44]

So am I. It didn't used to be like this. I've been on tours with less than 15 people a few times. A new directive (?) and if this is the new way of things and they want to encourage guests to do ship tours they are going to shoot themselves in the foot.

Perhaps Bonnie can check if this 35-person minimum is really the case. That just doesn't sound right to me.

[uktog]

Perhaps Bonnie can check if this 35-person minimum is really the case. That just doesn't sound right to me.

 

I agree but it's the figure being quoted onboard by Rysard and Carina (LD Manager) as to why Florence and Pisa on your own was cancelled- but then there were only 22 on the Florence and Pisa with guide that we went on. Insider Access tours are 8 minimum - there were only 5 sign ups for the one cancelled today. They say they have no control over the minimum numbers that are set by Miami.

Edited August 13, 2016 by uktog

[uktog]

Earlier I posted about excursions not being available. Today in Marseille the trip we wanted to Cassis was cancelled before we boarded. We did request an alternative one but discovered last night it too was being cancelled.

 

Initially far from happy we were now unsure what Marseille could offer us, we discovered a great DIY day

 

You arrive past the jail from Count of Monte Cristo and into the same area as the car ferries dock right beside the new city art gallery.

 

This picture shows the ship, the Cathedral (more on that later) and the edge of the gallery, it is taken from the gallery entrance.

 

 

We discovered there was a wonderful exhibition of Picasso works there plus a smaller ones depicting a parade of model ships (my favourite was a tiny. one made of Schweppes cans). The Picasso exhibition ends soon but any cruisers to Marseille should look it up to see what is being offered.

The other thing the museum building houses at the top free to access walkways across part of the harbour to the Old Fort and then from the fort across the roads to the Old Town

 

We did not do this walk but found the little train, a further five minute walk along the port road. There are two routes, you buy tickets for one or both, 8 euros per route. The red route takes you to the old town, two stops, one at Le Panier, the old restaurant area and one at La Joilette a shopping area. On this route you do not have to get off at these stops.

You also pass the Cathedral with is the second largest basilica in Europe after St Peters. It is also very near the ship, this pic was from our balcony.

 

 

The Yellow route takes you past this brilliant art work by the harbour a reflecting roof, I've got great photo trick shots from it, just one here,

 

Then round the Corniche and up to the spectacular Notre Dame de La Garde

 

 

The views give you an idea of scale here, Azamara bottom left, was far in the distance Norwegian Epic

 

[ellbon]

I agree but it's the figure being quoted onboard by Rysard and Carina (LD Manager) as to why Florence and Pisa on your own was cancelled- but then there were only 22 on the Florence and Pisa with guide that we went on. Insider Access tours are 8 minimum - there were only 5 sign ups for the one cancelled today. They say they have no control over the minimum numbers that are set by Miami.

 

guess I got lucky with the Insiders Access tours happening. No wonder I am doing less and less tours. Thanks for the numbers update.

[Lottie A]

Wonderful pix again Ann. I have never liked Marseille as a port and usually couldn't wait to get out of it...but I may have been mistaken!

[uktog]

Wonderful pix again Ann. I have never liked Marseille SS as a port and usually couldn't wait to get out of it...but I may have been mistaken!

 

There are actually two other museums at the dock as well as the black cube art gallery. Here is another pic from the balcony so even if you don't want to go into town, or the weather was not great, these would be good options.

 

Sorry it's not a great picture the gallery is on the right, the two others are centre and just visible on the left

 

Of course all this only works if Azamara gets this berth!

 

aq

Edited August 14, 2016 by uktog

[BBMacLaird]

So am I. It didn't used to be like this. I've been on tours with less than 15 people a few times. A new directive (?) and if this is the new way of things and they want to encourage guests to do ship tours they are going to shoot themselves in the foot.

 

Late last week I shared this thread with senior management, and coincidentally, Phil, I asked that exact question..."aren't we shooting ourselves in the foot?"

 

Needless to say, the strict 35-pax minimum for tours was news to me. I say "strict" because there has always been a minimum number required for running a tour, but there has also been flexibility in enforcement.

As of Friday, my understanding is that the minimum, and tours being cancelled due to low advance numbers, will both both be discussed at the senior level.

 

I'd like to thank uktog for calling our attention to this. Not everyone would do so, and not everyone would know that this is an abnormality.

[CYNSport]

Late last week I shared this thread with senior management, and coincidentally, Phil, I asked that exact question..."aren't we shooting ourselves in the foot?"

 

Needless to say, the strict 35-pax minimum for tours was news to me. I say "strict" because there has always been a minimum number required for running a tour, but there has also been flexibility in enforcement.

As of Friday, my understanding is that the minimum, and tours being cancelled due to low advance numbers, will both both be discussed at the senior level.

 

I'd like to thank uktog for calling our attention to this. Not everyone would do so, and not everyone would know that this is an abnormality.

 

So happy to hear this. We are taking our first Azamara cruises and have prebooked a number of land excursions. We would be very disappointed to find they were cancelled once we embarked.

[scottam]

Late last week I shared this thread with senior management, and coincidentally, Phil, I asked that exact question..."aren't we shooting ourselves in the foot?"

 

Needless to say, the strict 35-pax minimum for tours was news to me. I say "strict" because there has always been a minimum number required for running a tour, but there has also been flexibility in enforcement.

As of Friday, my understanding is that the minimum, and tours being cancelled due to low advance numbers, will both both be discussed at the senior level.

 

I'd like to thank uktog for calling our attention to this. Not everyone would do so, and not everyone would know that this is an abnormality.

 

Thanks utog, for bringing this up, and thanks Bonnie for bringing it to Sr. Management for discussion. Hopefully it is straightened out soon, as we have the like package for our sept 9 sailing and would worry that we'd have very limited use of our excursion obc if such cancellations continue.