Journey Asia itineraries at risk?

[excitedofharpenden]

1 hour ago, Riocca said:

Reading between the lines it looks like Quest will be doing Caribbean itineraries for American/Canadian guests and Journey the Med & Canaries for European/U.K. guests.

I realise the Caribbean is a possibility from this side of the pond but there are too many unknowns to make booking it feasible, certainly for those of us in the U.K. I assume cruises will be from Miami and currently travel to the US is not possible and the AZ vaccine appears to be problematic there.

Not sure how winter med itineraries will fair, weather in the Canaries is ok but we’ve been to Athens in January and it was freezing.

 

Ok, you piqued my interest with the mention of the AZN vaccine being problematic with travel to the US. I'm just wondering where you picked that information up?  It's of interest to me as I'm booked on Quest's November ta to Miami so I checked further.  I picked this up from the CDC website under the definition of being fully vaccinated so it would not seem to be an issue.  Whilst I realise that I cannot enter the US at this time, I'm hoping that this will be sorted fairly soon and prior to when I leave.🤞

 

* This guidance applies to COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson (J&J)/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. This guidance can also be applied to COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (e.g. AstraZeneca/Oxford). See WHO’s websiteexternal icon for more information about WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Phil 

[Riocca]

3 minutes ago, excitedofharpenden said:

Ok, you piqued my interest with the mention of the AZN vaccine being problematic with travel to the US. I'm just wondering where you picked that information up?  It's of interest to me as I'm booked on Quest's November ta to Miami so I checked further.  I picked this up from the CDC website under the definition of being fully vaccinated so it would not seem to be an issue.  Whilst I realise that I cannot enter the US at this time, I'm hoping that this will be sorted fairly soon and prior to when I leave.🤞

 

* This guidance applies to COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson (J&J)/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. This guidance can also be applied to COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (e.g. AstraZeneca/Oxford). See WHO’s websiteexternal icon for more information about WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Phil 

There’s a lot on the RC site with someone, probably incorrectly, being told they would not be accepted as vaccinated having been on the AZ trial in the US. 
Also In the news Canadians vaccinated with the AZ vaccine weren’t allowed to attend a Springsteen concert in New York because the AZ vaccine is not FDA approved. 
My understanding is that the FDA felt the AZ trial was not big enough, then of course there’s the blood clot thing, AstraZeneca then decided to go for full approval rather than emergency use approval. I’m sure there’s a lot more to it than that but that’s what the headlines are indicating.

Today is the news that the EU won’t accept the AZ vaccine manufactured in India as it’s not got approval from the EMA, some 5m Brits have received this vaccine, it can be identified on the NHS app by the batch numbers.

Unfortunately there’s going to be a lot of this type of thing happening until everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet. There is hope that the EU app and the NHS app  will soon be compatible, already chaos as Malta decided that the app or the PDF version of the certificate downloaded from the app would not be acceptable only a paper copy issued by the NHS.

Personally don’t think it’s worth even considering travel outside the U.K. in 2021.

[excitedofharpenden]

There is a lot of misinformation out there. A lot of what you write is probably true, but not relevant to what is being discussed here. I will take the information from the CDC website  that is the definitive point of reference as far as I'm concerned. 

 

I took the personal decision to travel this year, but managing my expectations and a flight on points that I can cancel if I need to. We will see and it's sooner than I planned to be on the ship, but the sea is calling loudly. 

 

Phil 

[uktog]

23 minutes ago, excitedofharpenden said:

There is a lot of misinformation out there. A lot of what you write is probably true, but not relevant to what is being discussed here. I will take the information from the CDC website  that is the definitive point of reference as far as I'm concerned. 

 

I took the personal decision to travel this year, but managing my expectations and a flight on points that I can cancel if I need to. We will see and it's sooner than I planned to be on the ship, but the sea is calling loudly. 

 

Phil 

That will be our approach if we can get further away as we need to balance the isolation we’ve experienced and it’s impact on us with the risks we perceive at the time. We’d love to hit Greece if at all possible 

[ECCruise]

2 hours ago, Riocca said:

Reading between the lines it looks like Quest will be doing Caribbean itineraries for American/Canadian guests and Journey the Med & Canaries for European/U.K. guests.

 

Since the European cruises in November onward are already open to all guests, I kind of doubt that they would restrict sailings months later to a specific group of pax.

Since we had 40 days on Journey zapped yesterday, we will be looking with interest to some of the new sailings in Europe/Canaries. (The Caribbean definitely does not factor into the equation).

[DRJVH]

This was on Facebook before our travel agent received an email. 
 

[DRJVH]

AZAMARA EXTENDS GLOBAL CRUISING SUSPENSION

As the world continues to confront the many challenges resulting from COVID-19, our primary goal continues to be a healthy return to service for our guests, crew and the communities we visit. While we do see cruising is slowly starting up again, there is still uncertainty surrounding the resumption of cruise operations globally.

We’ve made the difficult decision to replace many sailings between September 2021 – May 2022 due to the ongoing complexities of cruise operations in Latin America and Australia. In addition, the conditions in certain parts of the Middle East and Western Africa are not conducive to cruise operations leaving us no choice but to cancel Azamara Pursuit voyages until January 2022. We’re truly sorry for this inconvenience and are grateful for you and your clients patience through this pandemic.

We’re excited to resume sailing again starting with Azamara Quest in Greece as planned starting August 28th, 2021. Shortly after Azamara Quest completes her Mediterranean season, she will head to the Caribbean as scheduled for her three back-to-back Caribbean sailings, followed by a new selection of 2022 Caribbean sailings. The Azamara Journey will begin her Mediterranean season on October 13, 2021, as expected and will remain there through the Winter with a new selection of sailings to the Canary Islands, Greece and more. We are still finalizing these new itineraries, but we expect them to be available for sale in the coming weeks.

We’re counting down the days until we resume sailing this summer and remain optimistic that with each day that passes, we’re another day closer to less uncertainty and more explorations. Through our Explore Well at Sea program, we have developed advanced screening protocols, more rigorous sanitation measures, and innovative medical services — to ensure a care-free Azamara experience.

The below sailings have been cancelled:

SHIP NAME	DEPARTURE DATE	ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
Journey	02-Nov-21	16-Night Ancient Civilzations Voyage
Journey	18-Nov-21	19-Night India, Sri Lanka & Myanmar
Journey	07-Dec-21	12-Night Bali & Western Australia Voyage
Journey	19-Dec-21	16-Night Australia Intensive Voyage
Journey	04-Jan-22	16-Night Australia/New Zealand Voyage
Journey	20-Jan-22	16-Night New Zealand Intensive Voyage
Journey	05-Feb-22	17-Night New Zealand & Australia Golf
Journey	22-Feb-22	17-Night Australia Intensive Voyage
Journey	11-Mar-22	16-Night Vietnam, Hong Kong & Japan Voyage
Journey	27-Mar-22	15-Night Japan Intensive Voyage
Journey	11-Apr-22	15-Night Japan Intensive Voyage
Journey	26-Apr-22	17-Night Asia Intensive Voyage
Journey	13-May-22	23-Night Spice Route Voyage
Pursuit	28-Sept-21	11-Night Greece Intensive Voyage
Pursuit	16-Oct-21	11-Night Aegean Pursuit Voyage
Pursuit	27-Oct-21	10-Night Israel Intensive Voyage
Pursuit	30-Nov-21	21-Night Western Africa Voyage
Pursuit	21-Dec-21	13-Night South Africa Intensive Voyage
Quest	23-Jan-22	10-Night Peru & Chile Voyage
Quest	02-Feb-22	21-Night Fjords & Antarctica Voyage
Quest	23-Feb-22	22-Night Carnival in Rio Voyage

 

COMPENSATION OPTIONS

Guests will have three compensation options to choose from.

1. 125% Future Cruise Credit to book and sail on a new cruise by April 30, 2023.
   • This amount will be based on total cruise fare paid.
   • Future Cruise Credit will automatically be issued via email.
   • If you have purchased pre- or post-land packages through Azamara, you will also receive compensation in the same form as your cruise fare.
   • If you opted into the Cruise with Confidence 100% Future Cruise Credit for this sailing, you do not qualify for this offer.
   • Visit our online form to submit your FCC request.
2. Lift and Shift: Or, you can keep the cruise vacation plans to the same destination and move the existing booking to a sailing next year within four weeks of the originally scheduled departure. 
   • Call Azamara to move the reservation at the same rate and promotion.
   • If we don’t hear from you, we will automatically issue a Future Cruise Credit.
   • View Lift and Shift options for your affected sailing
3. 100% Refund: Or, you have until September 30 , 2021 – to request a refund and deactivate the Future Cruise Credit certificate.
   • You can expect to receive your refund 45 days after you submit your request.
   • Visit our online for to submit your refund request

GUESTS WITH AIR & HOTEL BOOKINGS

Guests with air travel and hotel booked through Azamara will be refunded automatically. Guests with non-refundable air through Azamara or independent air and hotel arrangements need to contact their travel advisor or appropriate travel provider directly to make all required cancellations. As a reminder, due to the current situation, airlines are being flexible with flight changes and the waiving of fees.

Should you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor immediately for more details specific to your country of residence or visit our Contact Us page for your local Azamara call center number.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation during this situation.

 

GLOBAL SUSPENSION REFUND DELAY

As we went into our global suspension of sailings, we initially estimated that refunds would take 30 days. Unfortunately, due to an unprecedented volume of refunds and credits, we are delayed. We’ve worked diligently to resolve most of the volume issues and are working around the clock to address the backlog to get you your refund, as quickly possible. Currently, some refunds are taking up to 45 days from the date requested. Please know that each and every request is receiving the same level of care and dedication. And rest assured, your refund will be honored, and it is coming – it’s just taking a little longer than expected and we’re very sorry about that. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

 

INTRODUCING OUR HEALTHY SAIL PANEL

Introducing Azamara's Healthy Sail Panel — a team of cross-disciplinary experts enlisted to guide the cruise industry’s way forward in response to COVID-19. Comprised of globally recognized specialists in public health, infectious diseases, hospitality and maritime operations, the panel will ensure a science-backed plan for a healthy return to service that ensures the wellbeing of our guests and crew as well as the communities we visit.

Read More

• CRUISING SUSPENSION
• ONBOARD HEALTH PROTOCOLS
• CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE
• CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE & GLOBAL SUSPENSION FORM
• HEALTHY SAIL PANEL
• LIFT AND SHIFT OPTIONS

[Laganlady02]

13 hours ago, Roel94 said:

Not in my life. All my cruises were canceled.

taking the money and moving it to future AZ cruises in 2022.

 

Have you had the cruises on November 6 and November 21 cancelled? According to the information yesterday they are still sailing.

I assume Pursuit will do a transatlantic to America from Lisbon on November 30.

[nordski]

6 hours ago, Riocca said:

Also In the news Canadians vaccinated with the AZ vaccine weren’t allowed to attend a Springsteen concert in New York because the AZ vaccine is not FDA approved. 

This is a minor clarification, but that rule was rescinded a few days later.

 

As you suggest, there is still some confusion that needs to be cleared up.

 

However, it is a result of having access to a number of vaccines, an access that is, overall, a good thing.

[TeaBag]

We were booked on the same 40 days on Journey as ECCruise.  This was to be our first taste of Azamara.  We haven't even heard a peep from them regarding the cancellation and I wouldn't know if it were not for Cruise Critic.  I am not interested in Europe, or the Caribbean having been there many times.  Very very disappointed.

[Mackdogmolly]

19 hours ago, Baynanno1 said:

The writing has been on the wall for some time, apart from which, with our borders "closed" to international travel, we could not fly out.

 

Unfortunately for us, as we did not have an extension to final payment for our November 2nd cruise on Journey out of Athens, we jumped the gun and cancelled three weeks ago, moving to same time next year, new fare, no perks.

Ugh. I got my deadline extended and would now like to lift and shift the same cruise, but my stateroom category is sold out 🙁

[Mackdogmolly]

41 minutes ago, nordski said:

This is a minor clarification, but that rule was rescinded a few days later.

 

As you suggest, there is still some confusion that needs to be cleared up.

 

However, it is a result of having access to a number of vaccines, an access that is, overall, a good thing.

 

7 hours ago, Riocca said:

There’s a lot on the RC site with someone, probably incorrectly, being told they would not be accepted as vaccinated having been on the AZ trial in the US. 
Also In the news Canadians vaccinated with the AZ vaccine weren’t allowed to attend a Springsteen concert in New York because the AZ vaccine is not FDA approved. 

They wouldn’t be able to attend anyway, as the US/Canadian border is closed. Believe me,  if it wasn’t, we would be in Montreal in a hot minute!

[Baynanno1]

5 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Ugh. I got my deadline extended and would now like to lift and shift the same cruise, but my stateroom category is sold out 🙁

 

That's unfortunate for you.

There were not many left when we jumped ship a few weeks ago.

I guess that's understandable, as the November cancellations are the third time we have had to move our booking, so it must be the same for a lot of other cruisers with that itinerary.

Keep on checking though, as there may be a cancellation . . . .

[Roel94]

15 hours ago, Laganlady02 said:

Have you had the cruises on November 6 and November 21 cancelled? According to the information yesterday they are still sailing.

I assume Pursuit will do a transatlantic to America from Lisbon on November 30.

I got a phone call from my agent saying all my cruises were canceled.  
she called. About 11 am. I  rarely get emails from AZ.. she said all.

if Nov was going she did not mention it.as I could of done them and sailed to states. Stayed on or switch ships. Also from readings no mention anywhere that Pursuit was sailing before Jan.  Also weeks ago I looked to get in Quest in Carribbean and no suites, 

when the new cruises come out I will look at Caribbean but they get old fast.

[Bobal]

21 hours ago, Riocca said:

There’s a lot on the RC site with someone, probably incorrectly, being told they would not be accepted as vaccinated having been on the AZ trial in the US. 
Also In the news Canadians vaccinated with the AZ vaccine weren’t allowed to attend a Springsteen concert in New York 

 

21 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

There is a lot of misinformation out there.

Indeed there is a lot of misinformation, including everything quoted above 

 

The erroneously titled thread on the RC board 'Aztrasenica (sic) vaccine not accepted by RCCL ' was swiftly debunked by all subsequent comments on the thread and, as pointed out by someone else, the rules for the Springsteen concert was also swiftly changed to include all vaccines approved by WHO, which includes AZ

[manc]

Last night's Newsnight on the BBC has added to the confusion for people in the UK. My husband had a Pfizer vaccination and I got AZ. It would appear that entry into some countries is ok for him but not me! Neither of us were given a choice of jab.

Edited July 3, 2021 by manc
Spelling mistake

[Foggyzx9r]

6 minutes ago, manc said:

Last night's Newsnight on the BBC has added to the confusion for people in the UK. My husband had a Pfizer vaccination and I got AZ. It would appear that entry into some countries is ok for him but not me! Neither of us were given a choice of jab.

Yep has caused a bit of an upset. It is caused by the Indian Serum Institute not getting approval. They have applied for emergency authorisation since it has been raised as an issue. In the UK it affects 3 batches. If you have downloaded the app and registered you can check the batch number or look on the card you received. A internet search will tell you which batch numbers are affected. Since the vaccine is identical to the UK and EU Oxford vaccine it is only a matter of time for approval to be given. 

[nordski]

19 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

 

They wouldn’t be able to attend anyway, as the US/Canadian border is closed. Believe me,  if it wasn’t, we would be in Montreal in a hot minute!

We keep seeing stories of the effective policies instituted in Vermont to deal with the pandemic, so we can hope that your northern border will soon be open.

 

The whole issue is being complicated here by concerns about the Delta variant and its spread. Once the pattern has been understood, it is possible that the border policy can be swiftly revised.

 

 

[excitedofharpenden]

4 hours ago, manc said:

Last night's Newsnight on the BBC has added to the confusion for people in the UK. My husband had a Pfizer vaccination and I got AZ. It would appear that entry into some countries is ok for him but not me! Neither of us were given a choice of jab.

I saw that last night. It's all just adding to the confusion. I hope they are able to sort it out satisfactorily. I guess it's just wait and see to the US. I checked my batch numbers and I didn't get the Indian made Oxford/AZN so the EU seems ok. Until it all changes again!

 

Phil 

[Laganlady02]

13 hours ago, Roel94 said:

I got a phone call from my agent saying all my cruises were canceled.  
she called. About 11 am. I  rarely get emails from AZ.. she said all.

if Nov was going she did not mention it.as I could of done them and sailed to states. Stayed on or switch ships. Also from readings no mention anywhere that Pursuit was sailing before Jan.  Also weeks ago I looked to get in Quest in Carribbean and no suites, 

when the new cruises come out I will look at Caribbean but they get old fast.

The initial Pursuit sailings in September and October included a charter, and then ports in Turkey and Israel. Due to Covid the ship could not go to South Africa in late 2021 or early 2022. Perhaps it was easier for Azamara just to cancel all these cruises.

 

The information I received directly from Azamara clearly indicates that the two cruises in November on 6 and 21 are sailing.

 

I assume they will do new itineraries in the Mediterranean from September and retain the already published November sailings. I also think there will be new itineraries for Pursuit for winter 2021 and early spring 2022. Lets hope they will be published later in July.

 

Photos published on Twitter show Pursuits preparations for return to sailing. I doubt this would be happening if the ship is not to sail this autumn.

 

 

 

 

[Mackdogmolly]

19 hours ago, Baynanno1 said:

 

That's unfortunate for you.

There were not many left when we jumped ship a few weeks ago.

I guess that's understandable, as the November cancellations are the third time we have had to move our booking, so it must be the same for a lot of other cruisers with that itinerary.

Keep on checking though, as there may be a cancellation . . . .

I will! I really liked the sound of that itinerary. In the meantime, just booked one of the few remaining cabins on the Christmas cruise on Quest in the Caribbean.

[Mackdogmolly]

5 hours ago, nordski said:

We keep seeing stories of the effective policies instituted in Vermont to deal with the pandemic, so we can hope that your northern border will soon be open.

 

The whole issue is being complicated here by concerns about the Delta variant and its spread. Once the pattern has been understood, it is possible that the border policy can be swiftly revised.

 

 

I think the continued border closing is on Canada. Vermonter would like that border open!

[floridafolks]

29 minutes ago, Laganlady02 said:

The initial Pursuit sailings in September and October included a charter, and then ports in Turkey and Israel. Due to Covid the ship could not go to South Africa in late 2021 or early 2022. Perhaps it was easier for Azamara just to cancel all these cruises.

 

The information I received directly from Azamara clearly indicates that the two cruises in November on 6 and 21 are sailing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The nov 6 goes to Israel and Turkey as well, so why is it not cancelled? It makes no sense to start up a ship out of cold storage for two sailings!  The press release only mentions new itineraries are forthcoming for Quest and Journey- no mention of new itineraries for Pursuit. Anyone have any logical explanation?

[Laganlady02]

2 minutes ago, floridafolks said:

The nov 6 goes to Israel and Turkey as well, so why is it not cancelled? It makes no sense to start up a ship out of cold storage for two sailings!  The press release only mentions new itineraries are forthcoming for Quest and Journey- no mention of new itineraries for Pursuit. Anyone have any logical explanation?

I believe this sailing will be changed to exclude Turkey and Israel. The ship will NOT be doing two sailings. I think my interpretation is sound, please read it all. Azamara will introduce new itineraries they just are not in a position to reveal when that will be. Do you really think they are preparing the ship to sail for it to remain tied up in Glasgow?

 

[ECCruise]

1 hour ago, Laganlady02 said:

I believe this sailing will be changed to exclude Turkey and Israel. The ship will NOT be doing two sailings. I think my interpretation is sound, please read it all. Azamara will introduce new itineraries they just are not in a position to reveal when that will be. Do you really think they are preparing the ship to sail for it to remain tied up in Glasgow?

 

Yes, I do think they are making some preparations.

We know of crew who have signed new contracts and are preparing to join Quest.  The other 2 not so sure of.