Laganlady02

2 hours ago, uktog said:

That is indeed our plan we will certainly give it a try and see if it fits both the ambience of what we are looking for and also if the selection of non cocktails works.  I think our issue might be that one of use will have a package and the other might not as we realised on our last trip how little value one of us got from the package.  

Funnily enough for us it will be the availability and quality of wines that will determine if we have one or two packages and that will then I think determine where we drink each night.  On night 1 we will go without a package as we often do as we gauge things and then make our decisions on Day 2.

The person who does not have the ultimate package can pay for their drink in the Atlas Bar as they do in any of the bars. No included drinks are served in the Atlas Bar.

1 minute ago, Nippy Sweetie said:

I'm not and never was intending to cause trouble on this board. I've been a member of the cruise critic forum for more than ten years. I post what my experiences have been both good and bad. I like to read about other people's experiences too.

No need to make personal remarks. 

For reference I was sailing on the same cruise as you. My experience with our butler was totally different from yours. Like everything there is a range of different opinions and our relationships with Azamara butlers over the years has led to an enhanced experience. 

6 hours ago, Nippy Sweetie said:

That's not my point @Riocca. Why bother calling the room stewards for CC suites butlers at all? They are not butlers.

I assume you had a room steward as well as a butler.

D

20 minutes ago, lsnhc said:

This is our first cruise since Covid and our 3rd Azamara sailing. We got a last minute upgrade to a Club Continent suite and were definitely excited to take advantage of all of the perks, and frankly so far, we are significantly disappointed. The suite itself is very nice - certainly an upgrade from the balcony cabin we originally reserved, but candidly,the other "benefits" are pretty much a joke. The "personal butler" is pretty much a figment of Azamara's imagination - he is a cabin steward in a cutaway jacket and tie. When we first got onboard, we requested that he make reservations for us at the two extra-charge restaurants, supposedly available to suite guests every evening at no additional charge. He wrote down our requests and said he would take care of it. The long and short of it - virtually none of our desired times and venues were available for the entire duration of the cruise. When we inquired as to why this was happening, he said they were already reserved and I would have to deal directly with the restaurant manager (who simply repeated that our requests could not be accommodated). Obviously, the dining component of the suite category is a very desirable benefit, but if doesn't actually exist in reality, they should not promote it. Parenthetically, we heard our suite "neighbors" complaining about the same issue. Even though the "welcome letter" said that the butler would assist making excursion reservations, again, the only assistance was telling us to go to the excursion desk!! In fairness, he did take care of a couple of minor requests - firmer pillows and a bag of laundry - but it's abundantly clear that the expectations of having a "butler" do not begin to match the reality. Let me be clear: We really like Azamara for a lot of reasons and would definitely consider sailing again, but we do feel significantly let down from our expectations and if we were to book a suite in the future, we would know that the only real benefit would be the larger cabin (and a separate check-in line!)
 

You have to make specialty dining reservations as soon as you board as they fill up quickly, especially on a 7 night cruise.

The butler can be used to cancel a reservation or to try and book an additional reservation. The benefits of a CC are much more than the extra space.

This month on Onward our butler was Elro, who has many years experience in this role and provided an excellent service.

I found the video wall in the Atlas Bar a great addition  and not at all loud.

Regarding the fire backdrop the only time I saw this used was for the private big suites get together. Special cocktails were created for the event which included the burning of some spices which along with the fire backdrop was very effective.

In order to access the spa terrace through the changing and shower area you are asked for your room number. You need a spa pass unless you are in a big suite. This was on Onward.

I think access is more controlled now than in the summer.

I think you would need a spa pass to use the showers now if you are not in a big suite. If you could access the showers you could also access the spa terrace. 

As of now there are 9 obstructed oceanview cabins for sale and a few insides, everything else is sold.

The important thing to remember is the upgrade bids you received refer to this cruise only.

It is irrelevant to compare the price to the 2023 cruise. The Christmas cruise 2022 is almost sold out, that is why the upgrade prices are as quoted. There are only a few obstructed Oceanview cabins available in that category.

If you can afford the time,  you may get an excellent offer whilst you are onboard for the next cruise as there is a lot of availability on that one, starts January 5.

3 minutes ago, royallondon said:

I’m sure the piano in the Den was originally situated in the corner near the fireplace (Pursuit).  This enabled you to hold conversations at the other end.  However, on the “Onward” it was placed in the middle which pretty well made general conversation a real difficulty during the music “sessions”.   
 

 

On Pursuit now the piano in the Den is in the middle opposite the bar.

2 hours ago, uktog said:

I think it depends when you go!  Certainly it was busy on Tuesday afternoon and evening with non functions.  Yesterday less so but then most folks were in Edinburgh and the weather was too good.  I am sure like last cruise when you hit the northern weather it will get busy again.

 

Sorry did not realise you were onboard, we are now off the ship

Did you stay on board for the extra three nights from Amsterdam to Edinburgh? Did you pay a pro rated amount or was it complimentary? Just curious if this is an option.

7 hours ago, Nippy Sweetie said:

We seem to have one in our Intensive Italy cruise in October. It doesn't look very amazing to me. Just some singers. I've booked in for the later show but am not sure we'll actually go.

I am also on this cruise and cannot see any destination celebration listed for this cruise.

Sounds like you enjoyed the route march!

Thank you @Riocca for your comments and observations as you are currently sailing on Onward. I am not sure why some posters are relying only on other social media posts and not taking an unbiased view. I assume many on board feel well looked after (allowing for the limitations) accepting this is a maiden voyage.

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

The question is about Best of the Best dinner not the Atlas Bar.8

The pictures of the tapas on the other thread look impressive to me, a different standard to those served in the Living Room.

Will guests pay for them, it will be interesting to see.

However, I think the Atlas Bar will be a very popular venue.

I would like to know if there is a private dining space to host the Best of the Best dinner.

Thank you.

Azamara also has to increase the number of guests on board.

Since the Christmas cruise Quest is sailing with approx 200-220 people per cruise. This is not sustainable, especially sailing out of Miami with the larger American market.

In the short term I think there will be cheaper prices for the European  market .When the Quest started sailing in Greece in August and September the price point was too high - I think the management have realised that now.

They need new money and cheaper prices which will appeal to a wider market.

Norris

The excitement you convey from your travels is infectious and the joy in your writing is obvious - thank you for sharing this wonderful trip with all of us.

I think Azamara Loyalty department should offer you a regular column in their Azamara Circle Newsletter. Think of what you could do with say 'Rome with Norris and Carol or ' Highlights of Prime C' .

A new ship in the fleet provides more opportunities to show Azamara at its very best.

Until the next time...

49 minutes ago, laurieb said:

We just spent four weeks on Quest, Trieste to Lisbon; knowing that some things were going to be different now due to the stupid virus, we were happy overall.  We loved the suite breakfast in Aqualina!  Service was excellent and most days it was well attended; I hope this is continued.  The merged menu in Prime C got old, but specials were offered many nights and we were told over and over to make requests for things not on the menu.  I have no doubt that once pax numbers get closer to normal that Aqualina will be opened and menus back to normal.  Same with the Patio dinner service.  
We were not favorably impressed with the music offered at night; it seemed much “older” than our last cruise in 2020, more listening than dancing.  With bright night being offered indoors and split into two venues, it lost the excitement and fun of white night,  at least for the show in the cabaret; it was just that, a show.  We attended only once out of the three cruises as dancing wasn’t really encouraged.  Looking forward to warmer weather cruising and white night outdoors returning.

Looking forward to being on the Quest again in March!
 

Was there a Best of the Best dinner (or any alternative) on any of your sailings?

It wasn't the shape of the ball I was worried about - it was my high heels!

17 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE HOUSE?

I notice Belfastman and Laganlady02 "thumbing up" some of my posts and of course my niece Treacle Scone (her married name) has just joined us. All we need is CC member and Az sailor Norn Iron to join and we have a 5 a side football (soccer) team!

 

Welcome all of you who know what an Ulster Fry and a Pastie Supper are.

Feel free to comment or ask questions if you haven't already.

 

"'Bout ye?"

Norris from Portavogie

 

Fame at last!  Northern Ireland gets a reference and a title in red in your GSJ.

We too were  due to sail on Pursuit for the 'Sisters Meet' and I'm sure we also would have met. The number of N.I guests on Az may be small but we are unforgettable.

It is a delight to read about your travels and I can't wait for the next instalments.

B from Belfast

Mosaic cafe is one of our favourite places on the ship. I hope there is another voyage in your plans perhaps on Pursuit where at Mosaic cafe you will see a replica sculpture of the Beacon of Hope, fondly known as Nuala with the Hula. This was given to Azamara Pursuit by the Port of Belfast at the end of her refit there in 2018.

The anticipation is terrific. I hope your excitement on boarding Quest is rewarded.