Bait and Switch! Don't Fall for it, like I did!

Azamara Pursuit Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 2

Overall rating:

2.9 out of 5
Azamara Pursuit

7 Night Croatia Intensive (Venice Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 07, 2023

Ship: Azamara Pursuit

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 8046

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

I am supremely disappointed in my Azamara experience. I booked a cruise 2.5 weeks prior to departure. I booked the cruise directly with Azamara’s 800 number because it was so close to the departure date. We paid considerably more for the cruise than our friends because it was so close to the departure date, which is understandable and was acceptable. I was told by the booking agent on the phone that we would receive a $500 per person on board credit. The credit was never applied. On board the ship, the Pursuit, one customer relations rep, Marlon, told me it was my travel agent’s fault. I used Azamara to book it! Beyond that I was repeatedly read to from a script that stated if I couldn’t provide an OBC in writing that it would not happen because they had no proof and they required written proof. Basically, they assumed I was trying to get something I wasn’t promised or that I was an outright a liar. Customer Relations was very poorly trained. Is this a bait and switch tactic by Azamara? Our four friends with whom we cruised do not have an e-mail or anything in writing that reflects an OBC, they received their OBC credit. I had no illusion that the credit would happen. I do however wish it had been addressed in a more thoughtful or sincere manner. Their staff behaved a in an accusatory manner and it came off as a bait and switch… “pay the higher rate and in return we will reward you with this on board credit”. Since returning home 2 weeks ago, I have reached out to Azamara by e-mail and phone. I’ve had no success in getting any response from them. Again, a customer relations fail. I fell for it, don’t let it happen to you!

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Mosaic Cafe

5 out of 5

Attentive and kind. They were a welcome sight in the morning! Need a quick bite on the way out the door? This is the perfect stop.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Guest Relations

1 out of 5

Guest Relations needs to be schooled on sincerity, empathy, basic human kindness.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
The size was great, it is 5 foot wider than a regular cabin. The bath is a challenge. The tub side wall is very high, so if you are petite or not very flexible it may be an issue. The tub/shower is raised so my 6' tall husband had to hunch to fit into the shower with his head being firmly on the ceiling.

Ports of call

FUSINA (VENICE), ITALY

4 out of 5
I recommend the private water taxi to/from the airport. It is a little pricey but a great experience.

Opatija, Croatia

4 out of 5
Quaint, not crowded and like all of the ports, it was clean, beautiful and safe.

Hvar, Croatia

5 out of 5
Hvar was my favorite. The private boat to explore the cave was worth it. The water is so calm and clear. There are NO sand beaches at any of the ports becuse the water is so calm.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4 out of 5
Game of Thrones walking tour was great! History sprinkled with a little GOT, was fun. I recommend tour operators who use headsets.

Kotor, Montenegro

4 out of 5

Split, Croatia

4 out of 5
The bike ride to the top of the mountain/park was a challenge! Rent an e-bike!

Zadar, Croatia

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

2 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 2

7 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     4 months ago

Thanks for sharing

bubbles60    1 year ago

Wonderful itinerary! Glad you enjoyed your ports.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

javawoody    1 year ago

Appreciate the feedback

karlgrgurich    1 year ago

Thankfully we have a good travel agent, and that stuff is always in writing when we get our documents…but I’ve read people having trouble with that too…..agree…be nice to me and be professional. For all the recording of phone calls these days…I’d love to have them go back and review the call before they dismiss someone.

cruising2004    1 year ago

Great itinerary! Sorry you were disappointed with your cruise.

SRAlbritton    1 year ago

Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. Sorry about the OBC, but glad you enjoyed the cruise.