Holy Land - Nov. 3/20

[felix_the_cat]

I am in an absolute quandry. I have 3 cruises book for this fall for what is basically the same cruise and all within a short time span of each other.

Now, I'm looking for anyone who has sailed on the Journey to give me information about her. I have not been on the ship itself but I have been on on former Tahitian Princess.

I am also looking at forming private groups for some of the ports in particular Egypt and Israel.

Any information would be great.

[Snagger]

Israel and Egypt are fab ports my favourites of all time . But I would strongly recommend cruise tours . The only two places I would say do this.

[Katzenjammer]

What is it you want to know about Journey? The ship is basically the same as the small Princess ships.

Is it the itinerary you are curious about, the food, the tours? what exactly?

[Paul Motter]

Journey just started a new level of service as of two weeks ago - so it would be hard to say what they are like now - they have just changed.

You jknow they have a new president, the well-known Larry Pimintel who started SeaDream Yacht Club.

Hence the new name Azamara Club Cruises.

[felix_the_cat]

Yes, I've heard all that and I recieve all the informaton daily. As a TA they are trying to convince us Azamara is a luxury line, which it probably is now.

I know they are going to be charging a cancellation fee for bookings for sailings after Jan. 1/11.

The rate I have is so much less than it's going for now I do feel I have a bargain and with the new perks - well that will be a plus for us.

We were originally going with Celebrity on Oct. 18th but I have too many clients (a number of first time cruisers) away at that time and I don't want to be in Europe at the same time so we decided to keep this one.

It's probably going to be the only time we can afford to cruise with Azamara anyway.

[felix_the_cat]

Originally Posted by Katzenjammer

What is it you want to know about Journey? The ship is basically the same as the small Princess ships.

Is it the itinerary you are curious about, the food, the tours? what exactly?

We've been on the Tahatian Princess so I'm assuming the Journey has the same layout.

I want to know about the food and service. I don't do ships tours so I'm looking for private.

I also want to know if it's "stuffy".

[Paul Motter]

I have not been on Azamara - but I have a feeling it is not stuffy. I never found Renaissance or Oceania to be stuffy - I am pretty sure the same people who take those cruise lines take Azamara.

But you are the one going - so let US know what YOU find out!! Thanks!

[felix_the_cat]

Originally Posted by Paul Motter

I have not been on Azamara - but I have a feeling it is not stuffy. I never found Renaissance or Oceania to be stuffy - I am pretty sure the same people who take those cruise lines take Azamara.

But you are the one going - so let US know what YOU find out!! Thanks!

To be sure - I will........

[felix_the_cat]

Well, we are definitely on this cruise. I have us booked for private excursions in Israel and have joined another private excursion in Egypt. We will be careful but I'm not going to live under a blanket on this one either.

We want to see these two countries and ships excursions just won't do. We find them annoying to say the least.

Anyway, we are looking forward to this.

[Paul Motter]

Are you back from Azamara yet? How did it go?

[felix_the_cat]

HI Paul, I am and it was wonderful!! I would so recommend both Azamara and this particular cruise. The service was outstanding, the staff/crew were the best we've had in a very long time. And the food was excellent.

I will do a report. Just been so busy since we returned. We leave again tomorrow for the Celebrity Equinox. We feel so lucky we can cruise.

[Paul Motter]

Great! I am really glad to hear you enjoyed it.

That itinerary is one of the best inb the world - it is hard NOT to like it. BUt I am very interested in hearing how Azamara is shaping up.

Enjoy Equinox - another really great ship.