MIKESCOTLAND

Due to the prices shifts we no longer book our Azamara cruises directly with them, or in advance with a TA when new brochures come out (unless it's a must go, bucket list trip). Instead we wait for third party sales and book. Our last 2 bookings (Caribbean Dec 2017 and Miami to Lima Nov 2018) were deeply discounted with free air, 1 night hotel, and health insurance all free add ons, resulting in thousands of CAD in savings. Same fantastic experience, just much cheaper. :cool:

I see a lot of merit in your approach but we often have other reasons for booking early

e.g. we can using our Avios (air miles) book our flights 11.5 months before sailings when it is possible to secure 1st/ Business class flights & we can also optimise stateroom choice especially on backs to backs. This has been an important lesson for us and we now expect to book primarily with cruise companies other than Azamara , such as Oceania, which have effective price guarantees for early bookings.

This needs some clarification, we have recently booked a 2020 Cruise onboard and were advised by the LCV host Joao that the Best Price Guarantee does now apply to UK guests if booked onboard. There are of course some T&C’s which we have had confirmed by the UK office.

 

•1 Free price change up to 91 days prior to sailing on a confirmed booking created onboard

•The change excludes a price reduction to our Guarantee rates and special travel agent rates

•You will forfeit all promotions currently sitting on the booking, this also includes onboard promotions

•Not applicable to bookings created from Open Passages

•For the price change, the booking will be refreshed in the same category only. If you wish to change cabin category then an administration fee of £35pp will be charged.

•You are required to pay an additional £125pp deposit (to total £250pp on the booking)

•Standard booking conditions apply within 90 days prior to sailing

•Applicable to new bookings created on or after 18th April 2017

Hope this clarifies the current policy.

Thank you & others for the helpful comments. I still await Bonnie's reply to my original question but it seems to be a very unfair practice that if one does not book onboard or in North America then one is not covered by Azamara's "best price guarantee". This conflicts with the policy of e.g. Oceania Cruises who in similar circumstances, without any argument, allowed us to fully benefit from a 30% price reduction on an undersold cruise, from Lisbon to Cape Town, again sold to us through a UK travel agent. Azamara's apparent stance makes me question our loyalty to Azamara (7 cruises so far & 3 more booked).

My wife & I have booked 2 Azamara back/back cruises for March 2019 and see the Azamara prices have come down. I have asked our UK travel agent to submit a claim under the Best Price Guarantee but the agent has responded "it seems that the price Guarantee offer only applies to onboard bookings.Therefore if you want to take advantage of the new promotion, we would need to cancel at loss of deposit and rebook at todays price. If this was to be done .....there is also a chance we may not be able to get the same cabin number we already have booked"

I note there is nothing on the Guarantee which shows it is restricted to onboard bookings.

Bonnie is it correct that the Best Price Guarantee only applies to onboard bookings?

Hi to all Oceania fans.

We are /were azamara fans 10+ cruises but have had a very poor cruise on Journey at Christmas (Procter on reviews here ) so are looking to cruise on Marina in Sept this year.

Would welcome any opinions on our choice.

Probably Penthouse grade but open to advice.

Realise it is not "more inclusive and grats are extra" but we have been disappointed with Azamara.

The crew on last voyage were really unhappy and food was only moderate.

Look forward to comments.

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience on Azamara Journey. Recent indications are the Journey's main recent problems have been resolved but I am watching subsequent reviews as we have 3 future cruises booked with Azamara.

My wife & I have sailed several times with both Azamara & Oceania in last 3 years on R vessels & also on the Riviera. Our choice is largely based on itinerary & price. Oceania tends to be more expensive & overall we find that Azamara gives much better value for money than Oceania on shore tours (like many others we now tend to book more private tours when cruising with Oceania). If one ignores price then on balance we prefer Oceania particularly because of the very high quality of their meals.

Thanks for the helpful replies. We will not be making bookings for a few months so we can certainly think about how we handle future bookings.

 

In the UK the vast majority of travel agents are part of large conglomerates and it is very rare to find anyone who gives any advice and support other than what the screen script tells them. Few have had experience of the brands they are selling, indeed many have no idea what a cruise is. There is not the same culture of "freebies" that we read of in the US.

 

When we first cruised, we booked with agents and also "suffered" the flights they put us on - some agencies bundle up their own flight packages and guests often do not realise it is not a package from the cruiseline. We also had issues being put on a group booking without knowing. - again agents do not have to tell you they are doing this.

 

So, all in all, as the best deals re pricing and the best personal service came through direct booking, with PCS who understood how we like to book (cruise only), with the flexibility for any pricedrops (some UK agents will not honour these and we do not have the cancel and rebook option), a direct line to the agent, lower deposits, final payment due 56 days rather than 84 days plus before sailing and no fees if we paid by credit card (little point earning perk, TAs often charge up to 2% which wipes a perk and more important puts a high cost on a credit act protection).

 

Like several other UK cruisers I know, the last few months have not been happy experiences so we are starting to suss out travel agents. The new MD appointed in the UK appeared to have a focus on the TA market if I read the press release at appointment correctly. That, plus the off shoring of Azamara, (still cannot understand why it was Azamara and not Celebrity that was sent to Guatemala with RCI) makes me read that Azamara actually do not want direct bookers in the UK and they would rather pay agents commission than give personal service. If that is their business decision, and they are entitled to make whatever strategies they see fit, why not be more upfront and say, no, we are not in the direct booking market rather than tarnish the brand with second class service.

 

As you say, at least the ship has first class service, that I have no doubt. We will come back well fed and rested and be ready to do battle three more times re payments for the remaining booked cruises and continue our homework for alternative agents

I have to say that once I realised I had to pay Azamara UK by phone for 2 cruises recently I found the experience quick & straightforward. I may be lucky but normally find it easy to communicate by phone with Azamara but I tend to avoid "busy" Mondays & lunchtimes. Whilst recognising that some people are still experiencing admin problems with Azamara I have found them more efficient than previously e.g. when booking/cancelling excursions I now get confirmations by e-mails in seconds & they have sent me a lot of helpful e-mails in

connection with my February & March 2014 cruises.

When we were on the Azamara in July I remarked about lack of revenue generating items. The casino is pitiful. I love the slots and usually leave money in them when I sail other lines. I think I threw in a few quarters and went on my way. Alcohol is the biggest money maker for cruise lines and now with it being included no revenue is being generated. Azamara also needs to do something with their cabins. Shabby Chic comes to mind. We were very disappointed in them. We did get the "warm and fuzzy" feeling when we came on board...but that only goes so far. As I've said many times I choose a cruise for itinerary. We're sailing on the Quest in a few days. The itinerary is wonderful and very unique. No other line does the same itinerary. We're going back to NCL, Princess and Crystal in the next 18 months. Princess and Crystal have very unique itineraries in the Black Sea and China and I just want my husband to experience the NCL Mega ship penthouse suite which is 1/2 the price of an Azamara balcony. We won't get the warm and fuzzy feeling when we board the NCL ship but the aft penthouse suite will make up for that.

Maybe & we have enjoyed NCL 4 times. However I have met 2 couples who regret a similar move to a NCL Penthouse . There is an argument which I am sympathetic to which is get a cheap cabin but in one of the best ships. A lot depends on what you want a cabin for but if you don't expect to spend much time in your cabin other than sleep then their may be huge benefits from enjoying the facilities offered in a more expensive ship.

...in finding it incongruous that Azamara is offering a marvelous FREE AZAMAZING EVENING, & if we miss it, having promised to attend perforce, we will be CHARGED FOR IT????? Please see below.....

 

CANCELLATIONS: Because Azamara Club Cruises incurs costs for each participating guest, we ask that you let us know by no later than 10:00 PM the previous day if you decide not to attend. Confirmed guests who do not cancel by this deadline and do not show up will be assessed a cancellation fee of $100 per person. Remember that Onboard Credits (OBCs) cannot be used to pay for cancellation fees.

 

This is truly the gift that keeps on giving!!!!

I don't think it incongruous at all. Just sound business practice. It's one thing Azamara incurring considerable cost for the benefit of passengers who attend. Why should they waste money by also providing resources for people who don't attend without recovering same?

Having sailed on both twice for 14 day cruises on the R-ships I can offer the following observations:

 

MDR-I would give it to Oceania as I found more variety and better food.

Special Dining-Oceania and its free with no cover charge-Azamara was a $5 charge when I sailed but those days are over.

Casual dining-a tie except for the outdoor dining during the day is Oceania hands down-why -great variety including lobster and filet mignon sandwiches and also Kobe burgers.

Entertainment-a draw at most but I did feel the special guest entertainers on Azamara were better.

Staff- I give that to Azamara-a much warmer feeling.

Ship conditions-Overall I give it to Oceania and that is before the $50 million overhaul. I last sailed on the Quest in 2010 and sailed on the Nautica in 2013.

Guests-To me the same mix of people maybe a bit more affluent on Oceania.

Itineraries-Edge-Azamara-longer port stays and now more overnights.

 

 

Conclusion-I prefer Oceania especially on price and Azamara has gotten too expensive and that is due to their free wine and liquor program. For people who do not drink or drink occasionally (a little wine with one's meal) this is a turnoff. That is one reason I will never cruise on an all-inclusive-why pay for things you will not need or use? I would prefer to take more sailings and forego amenities that I do not need or care for.

 

When I compare price Oceania wins hands down and that is too bad because I do like Azamara. I am also a loyal Celebrity cruiser. If Azamara wants to grow they should rethink their pricing and perhaps build a couple of new ships at around 50-60,000 tons and 1200 passengers. They would lure a lot more of their base (Celebrity and RCL cruisers) in addition to other cruisers that want a more upscale experience and smaller ships without paying a fortune(albeit a small one).

 

Just my thoughts,

Rodan

Having sailed in the last 15 months on both Azamara vessels & also the Nautica I share most of your views but not your Conclusion.

I don't think there is a consistent relationship in the pricing between Oceania & Azamara & the "perks" vary between sailings. However we find that more often than not Azamara is still cheaper "for us". This takes account of the fact Azamara always includes gratuities in the price, the included booze, Azamara offers "early bird" booking discounts & we have found it is possible to negotiate higher OBC with Azamara. Oceania tends to hold/increase it's prices more than Azamara which appears to discount more for some late bookings. Azamara tends to offer cheaper excursions even allowing for the end of the 25% discount for early bookings.

Apart from the factors you mention we have experienced & enjoyed relatively more enrichment lectures on Oceania but it is possible this is partly a function of the number of sea days. Our view on Azamara is however unfavorably influenced by it's weakness in administration.

Our conclusion is we would always focus on the itinerary first & then look closely at the net cost of any short listed cruises. For 2014 we have found Azamara has the best itinerary for us but the position is reversed in 2015.

I'm not exactly happy reading all this negative chatter about Azamara. My first cruise with them is in less than 90 days and I booked it yesterday so I had to pay the full tariff.

 

We had not considered the line because of pricing (we're more in the Celebrity and Royal Caribbean bracket), but we got a price of $1,899 per person in a category 5 ocean view, mid-ship on deck 4 for a 14 day cruise with really interesting ports. This booking comes with included beverages so I can have my cocktail before dinner and wine with dinner, paid gratuities, and because we are Elite on Celebrity, a bunch of other nice perks.

 

I was seriously considering booking some of their excursions (with the 25% discount if I do it before the end of 1/3/14) but I've been reading how they cancel the excursions the last minute. Does this happen frequently?

 

Would I be better off with private tours? Generally we do private tours on our cruises.

There are mixed experiences. We pre-booked approximately 18 land tours with Azamara in 2012 & 2013 well in advance of the cruises & none of these were cancelled by Azamara. I suspect that the fact the Azamara excursion prices are going up in the New Year will encourage early excursion bookings, will ensure minimum numbers are reached and make tour cancellations less likely.

Your ideas make a lot of sense. We come from a different angle and have found

there is often merit in doing an air/land tour of a foreign country concentrating on some of the highlights & subsequently going back to the same country(s) on a cruise (e.g. Australia, separate Asian countries and parts of South America and Africa) There is usually only limited overlap & we find on the cruises we can often get to places which would otherwise require air flight changes or & arriving/departing from foreign airports at unsociable hours.

However I have to admit that we are reaching a stage in life when we are more tempted to go on a leisurely cruise with say Azamara or Oceania than do a land based tour.

ellbon I assume you are commenting regarding my statement I have not had any many earlier pre-paid Azamara tours cancelled whereas you have had a lot cancelled.

It may to be at least partly due to the itineraries or their timing. We were on Journey as recently as October 2013 visiting Turkey & Greek Islands & had none of several excursions cancelled. Similarly none cancelled when we where on Quest in the Black Sea July 2012.

Post #35 Mikescotland, did you get your response yet?

We booked 2 B2B cruises on the Journey (4/15/14 from Mumbai to Athens and 5/2/14 R/T Athens). I guess in order to take advantage of the 25% discount on shore excursions, we have to book the shore excursions before 1/4/14. The catch is the excursions aren't even available yet on the May 2nd voyage.

BILL, when would the shore excursions be finalized and publicized? Can I book the excursions before my final payment (it is due late Jan14)?

thx.........WeR32cruise

No response yet but will post when get one.

Assuming your excursions are available in time you can definately book them before your final payment. I often do so as they are fully re-fundable.if one has to cancel

You are of course entitled to express your opinion & in this case I have expressed a different view. I think it is healthy to occasionally challenge other bloggers & I can assure you no offence was intended. I hope you will continue to follow cruise critic which is often a valuable source of information.

If this were another industry or product, wouldn't we refer the false promises to Trading Standards (in the UK)?

 

A few weeks ago, another cruise line suddenly demanded a very large sum of money from us for pre-booked flights, 11 months before the cruise. Our documentation clearly stated that no further payment was due until next summer. The TA and cruiseline reviewed their paperwork and replayed the recorded telephone conversations. The cruise line reluctantly agreed that our "contract" required no payment between the deposit and the final payment and they are having to foot the interim bill themselves.

 

We pay a deposit for a cruise and agree to pay our money at the scheduled time in return for a product as defined in the Ts and Cs when we book. How would Azamara feel if we decide after booking that only 95% of the balance payable was appropriate, or that the payment date wasn't good for us? Contracts work both ways, don't they? Either legally, or morally?

 

I just look forward to the actual cruise and hope the onboard experience is as good as last time. However, I'll be wary of booking a further Azamara cruise.

I note for my 2014 Azamara cruises booked last year the terms & conditions encouraged me to book excursions early as there was no certainty the tours would remain available.

It was also clear to me from the land discovery booking notes Azamara could change their tour pricing before the cruise started & because of this I selectively booked some tours early.

It seems to me that you are complaining too soon. Ideally Azamara would have already written to you but in practice they have not but could do so at any time & still give you several weeks notice of the change.

In any event you do know of the change, can buy the excursions at the discounted rate any time in the next eight weeks so need not suffer any significant loss against what you expected.

It would seem that your repeated criticisms of Azamara are not fully justified.

Would you recommend this cruise line to a friend or relative? Azamara (and every other cruise line I've been on) asks a question along these lines on their evaluation/critique form. In the past, on a scale of 1 to 5, for Azamara, I have always selected 4 (5 being some form of absolutely, 1 being never). I am really curious, how Cruise Critic members would do this rating today after all the changes (no 50%, no 25%, more inclusive promoted as all inclusive, website issues and limitations, some Azamazing Evenings that don't live up to the hype, questions that Bill, who is great, has difficulty getting decent, prompt answers from Miami, etc)? While on our July/August Azamara cruises, we booked back to back 2014 Azamara cruises. Maybe I've been away from the great ship board experience for a few months and gotten cranky with the latest Miami machinations? I think I am now somewhere between 2 or 3 but closer to 2 and with a qualification to beware of Miami. How would you answer the "would you recommend this cruise line to a friend or relative" question:

 

1. Never

2. Maybe but probably not

3. 50/50

4. Probably

5. Absolutely

A 5 which compares with a 4 for Oceania. Azamara is in my view much better value for money which outweighs Oceania's slightly better quality of meals & better administration for UK customers.

All the land tours we have booked with Azamara have been cancelled when we got on board due to lack of numbers. By the time you are on board it is too late to book anything else. We almost always book private tours which are much better value for money.

I find that astonishing. You seem to be very unlucky or we are lucky. We pre- booked c18 land tours with Azamara in 2012 & 2013 well in advance & none were cancelled by Azamara. Perhaps it has something to do with the itineraries. Ours tours with Azamara were mainly from Black Sea, Aegean and Mediterranean ports.

First off i have not seen you on our roll call. There is going to be a private tour set up by Ted. I just go an email from him. Think there is room for one more.

There are never tours planed for change over day.. ted again might be working on a plan. This is the importance off using the roll call.

Thanks. I am fully aware of the roll call & what is mentioned there re private tours. However I have just returned from an Azamara cruise & gather as there are a large number booked from LA B/B they are considering one tour on change over day. In any event there are likely to be Azamara excursions on the 3 May & time permitting I would prefer to first find out from Azamara what will be available from them.

Bill,

Thanks for the clarification. My wife & I will be cruising on the Quest B/B from 18 Feb 2014 - Los Angeles to Miami. We would like to take advantage of the 25% discount but note so far no shore excursions are shown by Azamara for Caldera, Costa Rica on either 3 March (cruise day) or 4 March (changeover day).

Given the timing of the removal of the discount please advise if & approximately when excursions will be publicized for one or both of these dates.

Hello Again-

 

The information that I posted earlier today about the discontinuance of the 25% Land Discoveries Savings was reviewed and approved by our marketing, call center, and Azamara Customer service management and is being shared with the team members for consistency of message.

 

 

I've attempted to summarize the details about the last-chance to receive the 25% Land Discoveries Savings in 2014.

 

 

The language on website states the following about our Land Discoveries Savings:

• Effective January 4, 2014, the current 25% savings on Land Discoveries will no longer be available.
  
• Guests already booked on a 2014 voyage, or those who book now through midnight January 3, 2014 will still be eligible for the 25% savings as long as you book your Land Discoveries online at least 4 days prior to the voyage sailing date or prior to January 3, 2014.
  

There are two specific voyages shown below in which there are specific "last-call" dates to receive the savings during the booking process for both NEW and EXISTING reservations. The rule is driven by the fact Land Discoveries must be booked at least four (4) - 24-hour cycles/days prior to the voyage's embarkation day. That means that the sailing date is not included in the calculation.

-Departure - Quest, Jan 5, 2014 - you have until December 31, 2013, 11:59 PM EST to do so.

-Departure - Journey, Jan 6, 2014 - you have until January 01, 2014, 11:59 PM EST to do so.

 

With respect to the brain-teaser question, using the rules above, the correct response:

Q: Guest A books Quest for September 2014 today.

-A: Must book Land Discoveries no later than now through midnight January 3, 2014.

Q: Guest B books Quest for September 2014 in February of next year.

- A: Guest B is not eligible. The program was discontinued on midnight, January 3, 2014.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

If you compare the brochures for most luxury lines of ten years ago with those today you'll see a big difference. Ten years ago there were photos of models in tuxes and gowns in the restaurant. Today the models are dressed casually. More photos depict outdoor activities etc. The reason is they are desperately trying to attract a younger demographic which does not want to carry tuxes on a cruise. It's an evolving trend and I seriously doubt it can be stopped.