Merriem

I've only cruised once on Azamara so feel I almost shouldn't pitch in with my thumbs down, especially since my Discoverer level came from being Elite on Celebrity, but the reality is that my one Azamara cruise will now probably be my only Azamara cruise.

 

The reality is that the only benefit to us on our 7 night cruise was the internet minutes and the sparkling wine (since it's the only sparkling wine available for free). We did use the laundry but since they lost one item and bleached the colour out of another item it wasn't that much of a perk in the long run. On a short cruise we didn't get a wine tasting or a welcome back party - and I assume that we didn't get a welcome home gift as we achieved our status via RC and X.

 

Since the pricing of Azamara cabins is so high compared to RC and X we would only rarely take a cruise with Az so there are no benefits at all for us now to cruise with them again.

I may change back to Celebrity!

I can't say that we didn't expect your comments to this loyalty program change. As mentioned on the separate thread we opened, it wasn’t an easy decision to replace some benefits, but we believe it’s the right long-term decision for our guests and our brand. The one thing that we want to emphasize is that we do value our guests - and always look at providing our loyal guests with great value. While it is understandable that some will not like the changes, you will find a comparison below in terms of the value the new programs provides versus the old program...

 

Le Club Voyage Program Value Nov. 23, 2013 - Dec. 31, 2014

Adventurer Lowest Highest

Passages (200-600) $200.00 $600.00

free internet (85 min) $47.95 $47.95

spa savings (10%; $119/$495) $11.90 $49.50

TOTAL $259.85 $ 697.45

 

Explorer Lowest Highest

Passages (200-600) $200.00 $600.00

free internet (150 min) $79.95 $79.95

spa savings (15%) $17.85 $74.25

laundry $50.00 $50.00

TOTAL $347.80 $804.20

 

Discoverer and above Lowest Highest

Passages (200-600) $200.00 $600.00

free internet (235 min) $99.95 $99.95

spa savings (20%) $23.80 $99.00

laundry $50.00 $50.00

$50 or $200 for gift shop savings $50.00 $200.00

TOTAL $423.75 $1,048.95

 

 

Le Club Voyage Program Average Member Value as of voyages departing

Jan. 1, 2015

 

Adventurer Lowest Highest

10% savings $364.20 $984.10

$199 upgrade $493.00 $493.00

0 Earned Comp. Nights $- $-

Passages (3% + $200 OBC) $109.26 $495.23

internet savings (30%) $2.99 $29.99

spa savings (10%; $119/$495) $11.90 $49.50

$50 or $200 for gift shop savings $- $-

TOTAL $981.35 $2,051.82

 

Explorer Lowest Highest

10% savings $364.20 $984.10

$199 upgrade $493.00 $493.00

2 Earned Comp. Nights $850.00 $850.00

Passages (4% + $200 OBC) $145.68 $593.64

internet savings (35%) $3.48 $34.98

spa savings (15%; $119/$495) $17.85 $74.25

$50 or $200 for gift shop savings $- $-

TOTAL $1,874.21 $3,029.97

 

Discoverer Lowest Highest

10% savings $364.20 $984.10

$199 upgrade $493.00 $493.00

4 Earned Comp. Nights $1,700.00 $1,700.00

Passages (5% + $200 OBC) $182.10 $692.05

internet savings (40%) $3.98 $39.98

spa savings (20%; $119/$495) $23.80 $99.00

$50 or $200 for gift shop savings $50.00 $200.00

TOTAL $2,817.08 $4,208.13

 

Discoverer Plus Lowest Highest

10% savings $364.20 $984.10

$199 upgrade $493.00 $493.00

6 Earned Comp. Nights $2,550.00 $2,550.00

Passages (7% + $200 OBC) $254.94 $888.87

internet savings (45%) $4.48 $44.98

spa savings (25%; $119/$495) $29.75 $123.75

$50 or $200 for gift shop savings $50.00 $200.00

TOTAL $3,746.37 $5,284.70

 

Discoverer Platinum Lowest Highest

10% savings $364.20 $984.10

$199 upgrade $493.00 $493.00

10 Earned Comp. Nights $4,250.00 $4,250.00

Passages (10% + $200 OBC) $364.20 $1,184.10

internet savings (50%) $4.98 $49.98

spa savings (25%; $119/$495) $29.75 $123.75

$50 or $200 for gift shop savings $50.00 $200.00

TOTAL $5,556.13 $7,284.93

This really is a joke! So folks, my deposit is going on the azamara trip, but should I go back to the royal suite on Celebrity? This is not good business.

In the past, I have wondered if cruise critic members considering Azamara might be discouraged by the often negative threads on this forum. And here is yet another thread expressing disappointment from paying customers.

 

Other cruise line forums seem to be a bit more positive as I am researching other options. Azamara should be more concerned about their current customers.

I have been following the threads here, and I can see why there is a lot of negative comments. We have cruised all the lines, and just book Azamara for New Zealand in Jan 2016. It was a hard decision because of all the perks with celebrity. We book suites, and everything was included with a royal suite. Internet, drinks, tips, private dining, but we did not care for the big ship and less time in New Zealand. I hope we did not make a mistake, as we have enjoyed the perks we received!

We will be going back in January 2016. I find I do best by watching the fares and then as soon as they are available, book them. We have never found any bargains on choice air. Quantas has an open jaw, from the NW in economy plus for about $3200. It is a lot of money, but it is also a long way. We did it twice in coach, but not this trip...no more coach! Another thing is put all your miles on one airline ff program, and work to get enough miles for one free ticket, and you would just buy one.

We went the first time in January, and are going back this January. I personally do not think there is a bad month. Enjoy!

Highly recommend the Park Hyatt...it is a lovely hotel, and an amazing location. We were there for 10 days before a cruise, and could not have been more pleased.

I always like to be early! We have been in both airports. Santiago is very nice, and business class should get you right through. Lima wasn't too great, but that was a few years ago, and maybe it has improved. Have a great trip!

I called today...booked a New Zealand cruise, on Monday, and they were nice to add the OBV. Call the Captains Club because I originally called and was shocked to get an outsourced call center

I am sorry, I should of wrote MS Paul Gauguin as the name of the ship.

We were on the PG last summer, and it was just fantastic! Not to detract from Oceania, we are doing a cruise with them in November!

Just looked at a site where an OV for mid November 2016 was priced at around $11k per person. It is a great trip...but $22k for a 7 day? Not in your wildest dreams :) quote]

 

Since I paid 4500$ for my 10 days in May 2012 - u got me curious... Mid Nov 2016 prices for an OV vary between 4700-4850$ (prepaid gratuities included) on my usual online site.

There is a 15 day "cruise" priced indeed at around 10K.

 

There are no gratuities, as this is all inclusive.

We have done this trip 10 years ago, and will be returning in a couple of months. I highly recommend the quito extension. It is very well organized, the hotel is lovely. Basically everything is included. As a repeater we will still have the quito package because there is so much to see. Yes, prices do change, it is well worth the money.

There is a 5% captains club discount, so make sure you get that. Great trip, we are going again in January.

I agree. Having been in a PH on Azamara twice, Celebrity is a much better, and better value, product.

Glad to hear that! As I said, you get a lot for your money in a suite on Celebrity. The speciality restaurants was a charge, and the drinks that were included were really cheap!

Nope, still offer the best bang for my buck, hands down!!:)

Totally agree. We have been on Crystal, Seabourn, regent and Silversea. Silversea was terrible, bad food, and old ships..nothing special but the price. I just cancelled a Azamara cruise in New Zealand because in a Royal Suite on Celebrity you actually got more for your money, and it was $7000 less.

Celebrity has an excellent product at a fair price. I wish the ships were smaller, but that is all!

Celebrity is evolving and changing.

I just looked at the prices of suites for the European cruises in 2015. They are running close to $1000 per day after you factor in taxes and gratuities. This is up from about $600 currently, Tuesday specials excluded. The new suite restaurant sounds like it will be a nice upgrade from Blu/ MDR, but it's only dinner and doubtfully $400 per day better.

This is what a Seabourn suite costs! IMO, having just completed a Seabourn cruise, Celebrity is nice, but it isn't anything close to Seabourn nice.

I'm currently booked in a suite on the Silhouette for a month beginning Oct 18, but doubtfully again.

Good for Celebrity if they can sell out the suites at $1000 per night..., but it won't be with me.

I had booked a very nice suite on Azamara for New Zealand . I looked at basically the same suite on Celebrity...a Royal Suite, and the perks were better and really all inclusive. I cancelled Azamara, where still we had to pay for speciality restaurants and the included liquor was poor. So we are right under $1000 a day for two people, all included, premium drink pkg, gratuities, speciality restaurants, plus Michaels Club, for $7000 less! I do not think $1000 a day for everything is a lot. Oh, don't forget the fact that you are being transported on a nice ship! This is not a marketing ploy IMHO, but smart business. Some people have 4 expensive cars, a boat, a motor home, so if those of us prefer one car and nice travel benefits, and are willing to pay for it, why is this an issue? Celebrity wants to market to all customers. Just like the the Xpedition which we will be going a second time in January..it is a real speciality cruise, and has been a tremendous hit! It is all about choices.

These "limitations" / "restrictions" are just tiny, first steps. What comes next? Maybe only verandas will have access to MDR ... OV's and Insides can only eat in the buffet? Maybe access to the pools will be for verandas and above? Is Celebrity "testing the waters"? Moving towards pared down or "no frills" ... except for the suites?

 

There once was a little-known, "no frills" cruise line (EasyCruise) where you paid for everything. You basically "bought" your bunk space. Food was available ... for purchase. No stateroom attendants ... no chocolate on the pillow (deja vous?) Can this be the direction in which Celebrity has started tip-toeing? :eek:

 

Personally, I am a devoted Celebrity cruiser and have enjoyed many days on board. Maybe I am a little self-serving when I say that I'm not a big fan of the changes that are happening ... but, for the time being, I will still be booking with Celebrity ... at least until I actually get a check at the end of dinner. :rolleyes:

This thread is stupid. Your response is totally wrong. Some people, self included, are more than willing to pay for certain things. I suggest if it doesn't work for you, then find another cruise line!

You don't say how long the cruise is and how many seadays of that cruise you might have. These are factors if its 7 -10 day port port port.. Wherein you have a very finite amount of time to drink.

 

As experienced, when cruises are short and a mix of sea and port then yes it is a good buy. However if over 14 days it is not in my experience. To break even or profit one needs to have 6 to 8 drinks a day, every day without missing a beat. Can you physically withstand such a heavy schedule???

Only you and your MD knows.

For me.... no way could I do it and not come away without health problems and I am a healthy male in my mid-60's and in shape . How about you?

 

An additional reality is that the longer you drink on consecutive days the less you will begin to drink after about 7 to 10 days.

This is the business model that the ship relies on and why they do not sell the "package" for single days.

Most People, I have observed, just plain get burned out on a schedule of serious heavy drinking...unless your a Arthur or a Foster Brooks . Waking up to a hangover every morning doesn't seem luxurious

 

It boils down to an equation of quanity x time / your physical capacity to endure= value.

 

Paying for something you may never use just to have it seems to me like paying for a hotel room for the week just to use the bathroom once.....

I agree with you. It is 10 days, somewhat port intensive. My TA gave me a nice shipboard credit, and I think we will jus pay as we to. I would have a hard time drinking that much.

We take the "Premium Beverage Package" for a few reasons:

 

1. If you have a drink at lunch, drink before dinner, couple of glasses of wine each at dinner and maybe a Brandy or whatever later in the evening this totals more than the $60/day per person that the package costs ($59.95 precisely I think!) especially when you count in the 18% service charge that is tacked onto each drink, and wine running around $8-10 per glass.

2. We hate having to think about whether or not we should add another $20 to our daily bill when we are thinking about having a drink.

3. With the Premium Beverage package all you do is hand your room card to the server who takes it off and swipes it. No signing. And often once you have given the server the card another glass materialises without a request for the card. Makes life easy.

 

When I cost out a cruise I try to factor in all the additional expenses (internet, tips, drinks etc) and then compare apples to apples when choosing, say, between Oceania and Regent. Adding the beverage package to the equation is for me a no-brainer. I like all-inclusive prices and since Oceania has an "à la carte" approach this is how I get to where I want to be!

Thanks. I think I will add it. We are on one of that included gratuities and internet, so this is actually all I need to make it all inclusive. Thanks...I think it is a good decision. Appreciate the help.

Sorry I know this has been ask before..however trying to decide about if the drink package is what we should do.

First of all, we are not big drinkers. Wine with dinner, maybe a drink before dinner, a glass of wine with lunch. On vacation you know....and a cognac in the evening. We can bring a couple of bottles of wine to have in our room, but then you miss the enjoyment of meeting new people out and about on the ship. We have cruised more than 35 times, and never purchased a package, or were on a ship where it was included. The package that is just wine with meals isn't that appealing...so some thoughts about the more expensive one.

Thanks again!

Suppose that the reporting party is in a PH: Would they get the difference between the cost of the PH and an OV?

I frankly do not care about compensation, but I do feel strongly about smoke. I would have ask to be moved to a different cabin....assuming there were some. Not only is it irritating, it is not good for you.

This is just too silly to merit a thoughtful response .................. I'll let the other posters speak for me.

 

Have a nice day!

What is silly about it. We are not smokers and cannot tolerate any kind of cigarette or cigar smoking. Frankly I do not blame the OP for his complaint.

We housed in 8006 the last time we sailed. I was initially concerned regarding elevator/stairway noise, connecting room and noise from above. We heard nothing, except one night when the neighbors were having a somewhat loud conversation, but would have likely heard that under any circumstances. That cabin had the additional advantage of just a quick walk up the stairs to the spa hot tub (DH went nearly every night to enjoy the stars), which is accessible to PH cruisers. I would happily book it again.

Thanks for the update. I think this will be much better!

When we take the package SWMBO usually has a glass or two of champagne during the day, a martini before dinner, wine with dinner, and a drink or two during the evening. My consumption is more geared to (a couple fewer but more expensive) single malt scotches and maybe a glass of wine with dinner. Our bill would easily exceed the $60 pp/pd so in that respect it's a good deal.

 

When we don't take the package we generally bring vodka, Scotch, and maybe some wine/champagne aboard and buy drinks from the ship mostly at Happy Hour and in the dining room (wine). We tend to drink slightly (but not appreciably) less and save at least 50% of what we'd spend on the package since I can buy a good 750 ml bottle of Scotch (about 10 drinks) for $6-7 per drink instead of the $10-20 plus tip they charge on board and vodka for much less (maybe $3 per drink vice $8-12 plus tip on board).

 

Bottom line: It all depends on your social preferences, financial attitude, and drinking habits and they don't have to be the same on every cruise

If I remember it wasn't an issue bringing Liquor and wine onboard, but that was quite awhile ago. How is it now?

I had it changed to 8011. Thanks for the assistance

We just came off Nautica and in stateroom 8052. We heard the food carts in the AM (setup) and in the evening (10pm cleanup). Not too disturbing but noticeable.

 

It is pot luck as to what side of the kitchen they use. Previous Nautica in 8059 it was definitely noticeable in the AM.

Thank you. I was reading some comments online about that group of cabins, and think I will have my TA move us! as we are light sleepers and that will not work.

Appreciate it.