Considering Azamara and a few questions

My main negatives that I didn't care for on Azamara was the very dated cabin interiors (which were fortunately updated in the past few years) and the self-service buffet. Is there a way to take a survey to see how many would like self-serve vs. staff served?

I believe you can start a thread with a poll. If you do I know which way I'd vote. Self serve. The first 24 hours of the cruise they will usually start off with staff serve. I find it a complete pain and am glad when it goes back to self serve. Likewise when there are heightened measures because of possible GI. Can't wait for it to get back to normal then.

Phil

I find it a complete pain and am glad when it goes back to self serve. Likewise when there are heightened measures because of possible GI. Can't wait for it to get back to normal then.

Agree completely. I wanted a salad and the person ahead of me asked for five nuts, two slices of beets, three anchovies, and on and on. Drove me crazy. "Complete pain" is right.

Agree completely. I wanted a salad and the person ahead of me asked for five nuts, two slices of beets, three anchovies, and on and on. Drove me crazy. "Complete pain" is right.

I agree with you on this - it would be annoying. I didn't see any of that kind of behavior on Oceania.

I agree with you on this - it would be annoying. I didn't see any of that kind of behavior on Oceania.

It's just a completely unnecessary complication, and I don't want any part of it. I want to put the right amount of parmesan and put it where I want it. Same with everything else. It's ridiculous to have a buffet served to you when the ship is healthy.

Unfortunately, I'm tech challenged. How do I start a survey?

Unfortunately, I'm tech challenged. How do I start a survey?

If you click on New Thread and go down to the bottom of the page there is a poll option. I don't think it will make any difference to what Azamara do though. It's always been clear to me that they much prefer self serve and that they believe the majority of their guests do too.

Phil

It's always been clear to me that they much prefer self serve and that they believe the majority of their guests do too.

 

 

 

Phil

I’m sure you’re right. I’ve never heard anyone complaining about self-service, but I have heard plenty of people saying they don’t like staff service.

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I’m sure you’re right. I’ve never heard anyone complaining about self-service, but I have heard plenty of people saying they don’t like staff service.

 

 

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Make it easy take a small bottle of Purell and every time you go to the buffet use it on your hands after you serve yourself. I do that in restaurants since I don;t like to touch the menus after gosh knows how many other people. Yuk!

Kathy

I would much rather have self service after the first 24 hours. But, I usually get my food and then go back to the hand sanitizing station by the entrance for one more hit before i eat.

I've cruised Crystal, Regent, and Azamara in suites with butlers. My Azamara butlers have been excellent - on the same level as Crystal. On the other hand, the Regent butlers have been dismal.

I'm a foodie and was quite happy with both the food in Aqualina and Prime C and the specialty buffets in Windows Cafe. The Indian buffet in Windows is quite authentic.

We are also considering Azamara and have some questions. We have quite a few things booked - mostly with Viking - but were looking for something from a local port (NYC, NJ or Baltimore) for April of 2019.

I did a general Google for cruises that met those criteria, and found an intriguing itinerary on Azamara Journey. It is a golf cruise that sails from NYC to Charleston, SC. It’s in port for 3 days, then sails for Bermuda where it docks in Hamilton for 3 days. We love Bermuda and mostly fly in and stay, but we would love the somewhat rare opportunity to dock in Hamilton. Charleston is also an interesting stop.

Now we don’t golf, but this itinerary is different and that’s the appeal. We could find plenty to do in both of these ports without golfing and there are also 3 sea days.

Do any of you know about these golf cruises? Are they something Azamara does regularly? I did notice a section for golf cruises on their website, so I’m assuming that they do.

The ship looks lovely in the photos. We are considering a Club Veranda stateroom, but a Club Continent Suite is a possibility. We will probably eat most of our Bermuda stay meals ashore, so I’m thinking that the inclusion of specialty dining is not enough incentive, and we don’t need a butler [emoji16]

I interested in hearing from those who have sailed on the Azamara Journey. What is the onboard ambiance and culture like. Is it a formal or more casual atmosphere? Are there formal nights? We’re kind of over that.

We don’t need a casino, nor are we looking for elaborate entertainment. We are happy with some live music in a nice venue and some lively company. Are there a lot of kids?

We do like the small ship atmosphere of Viking Ocean and the fact that Azamara Journey has even fewer passengers appeals greatly.

So, please, Azamara Journey lovers - what do you love?

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Hi CyberKat -- I don't golf [been there, failed miserably at that...] but I think the golf aspect just adds some tailored shore excursions. But I also have the impression that because it has a third-party linkage that the cabin prices may be higher than would be normal.

All that aside, it's still an Azamara cruise and Azamara is our favorite cruise line -- especially because of the very interesting itineraries. The one thing I would point out to you, coming from Viking Ocean, is that the Azamara ships are smaller in every way. You may find that a Club Veranda feels pretty crowded -- especially the bathroom. If you can, book a Club Continent.

You will find the ship very tasteful (major renovation recently lightened all the colors), the food and service terrific (so good that we don't feel the need to use the specialty restaurants), included wine good quality but only at lunch and dinner (not as inclusive as Viking) -- and the famous availability of Azamara officers is something that you have to experience to understand why we rave about it. No formal nights -- the atmosphere is country club casual all the time. I wouldn't expect any kids to speak of on the itinerary you mention. But again it all comes down to the itinerary -- this is the type of cruise that Viking [or almost anybody else] just doesn't do. Enjoy!

Hi CyberKat -- I don't golf [been there, failed miserably at that...] but I think the golf aspect just adds some tailored shore excursions. But I also have the impression that because it has a third-party linkage that the cabin prices may be higher than would be normal.

 

 

 

All that aside, it's still an Azamara cruise and Azamara is our favorite cruise line -- especially because of the very interesting itineraries. The one thing I would point out to you, coming from Viking Ocean, is that the Azamara ships are smaller in every way. You may find that a Club Veranda feels pretty crowded -- especially the bathroom. If you can, book a Club Continent.

 

 

 

You will find the ship very tasteful (major renovation recently lightened all the colors), the food and service terrific (so good that we don't feel the need to use the specialty restaurants), included wine good quality but only at lunch and dinner (not as inclusive as Viking) -- and the famous availability of Azamara officers is something that you have to experience to understand why we rave about it. No formal nights -- the atmosphere is country club casual all the time. I wouldn't expect any kids to speak of on the itinerary you mention. But again it all comes down to the itinerary -- this is the type of cruise that Viking [or almost anybody else] just doesn't do. Enjoy!

Thanks! Sounds like we will enjoy it. We have our TA working up prices. While we loved having the extra space for the Viking cruise, as long as we have a balcony, I think we’ll be okay. Depends on what our TA comes up with. Normally, price is not critical but we’re no looking to go whole hog with this trip.

It really is the itinerary that calls to us because it’s so unique. And then reading about the ship made it sound even better. Country club casual suits us just fine. Kind of getting excited about this and we haven’t even booked [emoji16]

We were mostly just looking for a getaway, and just stumbled on this. Thanks for the help!

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Just one point to add - all the included drinks on Azamara are available any time from any open bar, including wine. See this link to see what’s included https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/booked-guests/onboard-packages/complimentary-beverages

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Just one point to add - all the included drinks on Azamara are available any time from any open bar, including wine. See this link to see what’s included https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/booked-guests/onboard-packages/complimentary-beverages

Oh, you're right! I was actually quoting the Viking policy. What a mistake!!!

Just one point to add - all the included drinks on Azamara are available any time from any open bar, including wine. See this link to see what’s included https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/booked-guests/onboard-packages/complimentary-beverages

 

 

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Thanks! That’s good to know. How are the drink prices if you want something not on the complimentary list? DH loves his after dinner cognac.

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We have been on 2 Viking Ocean with another booked plus 6 Azamara with a B2B booked.

I think if you like Azamara. The ships are not so 'open' and modern. However the staff, food and general ambience are great. They are in process of changing the entertainment and the jury is out at the moment. There is no direct comparison with Torshaven for intimate cabaret or the nightclub atmosphere for dancing. However there is a DJ set everynight in the much larger Living Room. It may be that there will not be as much live music around the Azamara ship as on Viking. The evening shows on Viking were of variable interest and we would probably have said Azamara slightly had the edge but of course not sure how the Azamara changes will play out. On our first Mediterranean cruise with Viking most were first time ocean cruisers having moved from River Cruising. The Azamara crowd in the Med is usually very well travelled. However I think the clientele may well be different in the Caribbean or cruises starting the US. We have friends that have just returned to the UK from the 17th March cruise starting in San Juan which you may have been on. It will be interesting to hear how they liked Viking.

Anyway our two favourite lines are Viking and Azamara. I think if you like one, then you are likely to be very pleased with the other !

We have been on 2 Viking Ocean with another booked plus 6 Azamara with a B2B booked.

 

I think if you like Azamara. The ships are not so 'open' and modern. However the staff, food and general ambience are great. They are in process of changing the entertainment and the jury is out at the moment. There is no direct comparison with Torshaven for intimate cabaret or the nightclub atmosphere for dancing. However there is a DJ set everynight in the much larger Living Room. It may be that there will not be as much live music around the Azamara ship as on Viking. The evening shows on Viking were of variable interest and we would probably have said Azamara slightly had the edge but of course not sure how the Azamara changes will play out. On our first Mediterranean cruise with Viking most were first time ocean cruisers having moved from River Cruising. The Azamara crowd in the Med is usually very well travelled. However I think the clientele may well be different in the Caribbean or cruises starting the US. We have friends that have just returned to the UK from the 17th March cruise starting in San Juan which you may have been on. It will be interesting to hear how they liked Viking.

 

Anyway our two favourite lines are Viking and Azamara. I think if you like one, then you are likely to be very pleased with the other !

That’s good to know. Yes, we were on the March 17th San Juan to San Juan sailing of the Viking Sea. We had lots of folks from the UK and also Australia and New Zealand. We loved it!

We are looking to move away from the mainstream lines where we have done most of our cruising so far. We did a Viking river cruise in 2016 and enjoyed it very much.

We have 2 other Viking cruises booked, and we go to Bermuda each year in July (fly in and stay). We are retired and finally have the time to travel. We were looking for something in April from a nearby port and found this intriguing cruise.

Waiting to hear back from our TA, but I think we are going to book this. We look at each different trip as a new adventure - some with old friends and others with new acquaintances. We aren’t looking for this to be the same experience as our Viking cruise - we just want to know if it will suit our cruising style.

We love the small ship experience, but we don’t like formal and stuffy. We prefer a more casual ambiance. I think this will suit us fine and we are looking forward to this unusual itinerary - which is what interested us greatly!

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Thanks! That’s good to know. How are the drink prices if you want something not on the complimentary list? DH loves his after dinner cognac.

 

 

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Sorry, I don’t know as we’ve never drunk anything that wasn’t on the included list. Maybe someone else can give you an answer.

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CyberKat -- re: Golf Cruises. We actually started sailing AZ because of the golf cruises as my husband is an avid golfer and we both love to cruise so it was what encouraged us to try AZ in the first place. All the golf cruises are a partnership with Perry Golf and it's a complete add-on package on each golf cruise offered (usually around 6 per year) that covers golf at 4 - 6 courses, transportation, food and beverages at the course and a few cocktail parties on board. Depending on the golf cruise, there are usually about 40 - 100 guests on board with the package. I think the Irish Seas/British Open package is the most popular, we've been on that and going again in 2019 and there were around 100. The Baltic Golf Cruise had around 40, I think. The fact that the cruise is a golf one should not in any way impact the experience of the other guests. Cocktail parties have either been in the Cabaret Lounge or the Library, depending on size of the group. One night we had a group dinner in Discoveries but the restaurant was still open to all the other guests. I know on some ships these large groups can seem to "take over" the ship but it isn't like that at all with Perry Golf. And I highly recommend this to golfers! It was just about the highlight of my husband's life so far to go on the Irish Seas Cruise, play some incredible courses in Scotland, Ireland and England and attend the last day of the British Open!

I did an Australia cruise that had a Perry contingent. They did not impact the other cruisers at all. Except when they carried off their golf bags, they were indistinguishable from other passengers.

As AllisonJames points out, in our experience the Perry events in the British Isles are very popular.

Although no major impact on ship facilities, we do think that there was a minor impact upon the social interaction on board. Naturally the golfers tended to hang out together since they shared a common experience and interest.

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CyberKat -- re: Golf Cruises. We actually started sailing AZ because of the golf cruises as my husband is an avid golfer and we both love to cruise so it was what encouraged us to try AZ in the first place. All the golf cruises are a partnership with Perry Golf and it's a complete add-on package on each golf cruise offered (usually around 6 per year) that covers golf at 4 - 6 courses, transportation, food and beverages at the course and a few cocktail parties on board. Depending on the golf cruise, there are usually about 40 - 100 guests on board with the package. I think the Irish Seas/British Open package is the most popular, we've been on that and going again in 2019 and there were around 100. The Baltic Golf Cruise had around 40, I think. The fact that the cruise is a golf one should not in any way impact the experience of the other guests. Cocktail parties have either been in the Cabaret Lounge or the Library, depending on size of the group. One night we had a group dinner in Discoveries but the restaurant was still open to all the other guests. I know on some ships these large groups can seem to "take over" the ship but it isn't like that at all with Perry Golf. And I highly recommend this to golfers! It was just about the highlight of my husband's life so far to go on the Irish Seas Cruise, play some incredible courses in Scotland, Ireland and England and attend the last day of the British Open!

I was a little concerned about how this was handled, but it sounds like there was no problem. I can hang with golfers - my Dad was an avid golfer who was very disappointed that neither of his daughters took up the game. I had a mild interest, but not enough to invest in clubs and green fees. My Dad would have loved teaching us - so the lessons would have been free!

April in Bermuda has to be an awesome time to golf. We usually go in the summer, but I'm relishing the opportunity to be there during Spiny Lobster season! :p

As AllisonJames points out, in our experience the Perry events in the British Isles are very popular.

 

Although no major impact on ship facilities, we do think that there was a minor impact upon the social interaction on board. Naturally the golfers tended to hang out together since they shared a common experience and interest.

 

 

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Thanks! I mostly wanted to make sure it wasn't restricted to golfers. I'm figuring they probably have other interests as well - we can make this work!

DW sometimes gets a Baileys, not included. It cost $5.95. I stick with included drinks.