Experienced cruiser just off Journey

i thought I’d spend my airport time doing a report, whilst still fresh.

Priority embarkation was a breeze and we were onboard in no time at all.

We had a light lunch in Windows then found our Club Continent Suite, 8050, high happened to be next door to Harpenden Phil’s friends, so we met almost immediately.

As we’d cruised on Journey before, we didn’t need much orientation, so we checked out the gym class timetable, which was a disappointment as there were no abs classes and only two stretch sessions. I was expecting daily classes, but only seemed to be one instructor so maybe short staffed.

We unpacked our own clothes rather than let the butler assist. He soon introduced himself and explained our perks.

Next was the dreaded drill, which is a necessary chore, but those who attend punctually have to wait ages for latecomers.

One suite perk is free dining at speciality restaurants so we at twice at each venue and enjoyed great food and service.

One night was Azamazing buffet, another White Night and on one occasion we at in the main dining room.

The included wine offerings were generally disappointing, but when we found an excellent Zinfandel we asked for it on subsequent nights.

We at breakfast outside on everyday and mostly ate quite healthily.

Food was generally excellent as was the service as you’d expect.

We didn’t take any ship tours or use any spa services as we feel they are way overpriced.

Eric was a great entertainer and CD, but we were less than enthused by some of the entertainers.

We tended to retire early and rise early, to walk around deck and use gym, which provide great facilities.

We also liked the perk of using the Thelassotherapy pool, which was very relaxing.

We didn’t use the tediously slow Wi-fi much, as most of time we had a 3G signal, allowing us to use our UK data allowance in our included contract.

Disembarkation was a breeze.

Thank you EnglishTim for the review.

Come back soon!

Thank you EnglishTim for the review.

Come back soon!

Thank you. If the price is right we’ll be back.

Next stop Seabourn, but then who knows?

We were also on the same cruise and returned back to the UK after 9 days of constant sunshine to wet weather. The weather was excellent and was ideal for sight seeing and wandering around 22 to 26 degrees C and not even a sign of any clouds.

We also ate 4 times in the specialist restaurants, twice in the main restaurant and one in the Windows Café (Curry Night). The food was faultless as was the service. I wouldn't had wanted to eat much more in the specialist restaurants as the menu doesn't change except for a couple of specials.

We were in an outside cabin 4006 which was right above the anchor chain and the winches so had an automatic wake up call as soon as we docked or anchored. Be aware of any of the level 4 forward cabins.

One of the couples we travelled with were in the Owners Suite 6088 which they got a good deal last minute by phoning Azamara a week before departure. It was a very nice cabin on the corner looking over the stern. We spent most Sailaways on the balcony having a drink. They had a bit of an argument with the staff as along with the free spirits that come with the suite they asked for a couple of bottles of the house wine in the cabin to drink during the Sailaway to save running upstairs every time we wanted a top up. This was refused and after 2 meeting with senior staff they eventually agreed that the Butler could deliver 2 bottles to the cabin. By this time it was the last day of the cruise. This may become standard in the future. It costs them nothing but means you can spend more time relaxing in a very nice cabin.

All in all a very nice holiday but are very tempted to try Oceania or Silver Seas to see how they compare.

I think all cruisers should try other lines, as in our experience most are excellent, all differ in some way.

Of course, by sticking to a product you are happy with, you never return home unhappy.

Thanks for the review. We are in 6004 next June. It costs a little more then the other OV's because of the additional space inside the cabin. A little more square footage is welcome. I did know about anchor noise but I am hoping it won't spoil our cruise.

Checked my credit card statement today and spotted an erroneous charge. Azamara have apparently charged me $19 for an umbrella, which suggests we are being accused of theft.

We never saw an umbrella, didn’t need one, as it was sunny all the time and feel very aggrieved at this late charge.

It would be very easy for such a charge to go unseen and cruise lines therefore have the potential to generate additional profits by pushing a key on a computer.

Last winter Crystal cruises gave m the bills of the previous two inhabitants of our cabin, one of whom had an onboard account amounting to around $4k, which I am sure they wouldn’t have checked too carefully.

For us, this extra was easy to spot as we had our usual zero account. If we are given once we spend it, but don’t like the high spa charges, 18% gratuities etc and after the ‘all inclusive’ mis-marketing we decided to stick to what IS included, which is a an enjoyable challenge.

You should always check your onboard account on your TV and I take a photo of it to deal with any possible late entries. I applaud Azamara going paperless (and avoiding security lapses like the one you mentioned on Crystal). You could also go and ask for a paper copy from guest relations.

Have Azamara said it was an umbrella? Did you upset your butler :) - only joking

We will have to disagree on the interpretation of all inclusive- we do always have charges to our account for gratuity additions we make some nights in the speciality restaurants. Also whilst some spa prices are high, I have posted on another thread recently that even taking account of gratuities- and therefore comparing like with like for the quality of salon and the fact I also tip my nail technician in the UK- the price and quality of nail gel treatments on Journey has been very good and comparable to home prices here.

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I always check my on screen account very carefully, but the charge was made after we had disembarked. Our mutual FB friend sent me a screenshot of the chitty showing the charge for the umbrella, so I can only assume that it wasn’t checked prior to our arrival. A refund will be forthcoming.

As for the spa I only ever have massage treatments, which are about 3 times what I pay at home, so I tend not to bother.

I am sure that a lady would feel pampering well worth it.

Hi EnglishTim,

Heike confirms it was a mistake and she's communicated to you that a refund in enroute. Please accept our apologies.

And please know this is not a new stealth revenue stream for us...charging disembarked guests for umbrellas! Simply a mistake by someone somewhere. Don't hold it against us; we want you to come back!

Hi EnglishTim,

Heike confirms it was a mistake and she's communicated to you that a refund in enroute. Please accept our apologies.

And please know this is not a new stealth revenue stream for us...charging disembarked guests for umbrellas! Simply a mistake by someone somewhere. Don't hold it against us; we want you to come back!

I won't hold it against you. We want to come back and love the people. Heike has indeed been in touch and will sort it, but I didn't know if it was appropriate to mention her name.

I won't hold it against you. We want to come back and love the people. Heike has indeed been in touch and will sort it, but I didn't know if it was appropriate to mention her name.

I appreciate your discretion Tim. I only get testy when an Azamara employee is called out and publicly-shamed by their name. It brings out the 'Mama Bear' in me!

But I, like others on this forum, enjoy reading about someone's exceptional service, or someone's favorite butler or bartender.

I appreciate your discretion Tim. I only get testy when an Azamara employee is called out and publicly-shamed by their name. It brings out the 'Mama Bear' in me!

But I, like others on this forum, enjoy reading about someone's exceptional service, or someone's favorite butler or bartender.

Ok then, Heike is absolutely exceptional. Whenever anything important is happening or needs organisational skills, she is at the forefront and does a wonderful job for her employers.

She will always talk to customers and sort out any issues.

Any issues I've had with Azamara have tended to be with the shoreside operation. She doesn't allow issues on board and clearly the crew have a lot of respect for her.

Tim, glad you have it resolved. It’s a bit excessive posting being charged after final account reconciliation suggests being accused of theft. There are notes I’ve seen which say that if you want to take the binoculars (who’d want them?), robes or umbrellas as a keepsake that there is a fee attached. Think I may have seen it in the daily. As has been mentioned, just an honest mistake I’m sure.

It was a lovely cruise. Glad you enjoyed yourselves. What champagne did you buy to celebrate in the end?

Phil

Tim, glad you have it resolved. It’s a bit excessive posting being charged after final account reconciliation suggests being accused of theft. There are notes I’ve seen which say that if you want to take the binoculars (who’d want them?), robes or umbrellas as a keepsake that there is a fee attached. Think I may have seen it in the daily. As has been mentioned, just an honest mistake I’m sure.

 

It was a lovely cruise. Glad you enjoyed yourselves. What champagne did you buy to celebrate in the end?

 

Phil

When I saw the prices we stuck with the included fizzy wine. I know it’s a special occasion, but fortunately we get to drink a lot of good champagne at decent prices and are not prepared to be fleeced onboard.

I guess our attitude will differ from many Azamara regulars on here, but that’s just the way we are.

I am wondering - have the onboard champagne selections changed as I thought the options were reasonably priced for a hotel equivalent setting last month. When you say fleeced can you remember the brand and price??

I won't hold it against you. We want to come back and love the people. Heike has indeed been in touch and will sort it, but I didn't know if it was appropriate to mention her name.

Heike is a very special lady. Glad she waved her magic for you. 😁

I am wondering - have the onboard champagne selections changed as I thought the options were reasonably priced for a hotel equivalent setting last month. When you say fleeced can you remember the brand and price??

Phil kindly provided a link prior to the

cruise https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/sites/default/files/pdfs/prime_c_wine_list_june_2014.pdf

which suggested bottles were very pricey. I didn't check if prices had been reduced, but I wouldn't expect to pay the same as in a classy hotel, as wholesale costs will be much lower for an ocean liner. For example, there is no duty payable.

Yes, that is the current dollar list and very much inline with the “classy restaurants” round here. For our silver wedding, God willing we see it, I hope my husband will think I’m “worth it” :)

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English Tim.

Your extensive cruising experience will tell you that ALL lines will charge similar to good hotels in the world. Indeed the premium drinks on Azamara (if you had ever tried them) are similar also.

There is money saving and money saving.

I hope Rosy enjoyed the value that the prosecco provided

The fact that all their alcohol is "duty free" is simply a way that drinkers subsidise those who do not drink.

I hope Rosy enjoyed the value that you both put on the free prosecco.

PS Could you not have bought or brought a bottle on board.

Yes, that is the current dollar list and very much inline with the “classy restaurants” round here. For our silver wedding, God willing we see it, I hope my husband will think I’m “worth it” :)

 

 

 

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I am sure that he will.

My Wifes nightly treat is a glass of (real) champagne before dinner.

The price by the glass has been the same for several years.

That is about the only thing they have not increased recently.

I am sure that he will.

 

I suppose that will be the ultimate test if he is a "keeper" or not but if he didn't he might have some sight difficulties and additional facial colouring for the remainder of his cruise.

PS He does look after me on board already :)

English Tim.

Your extensive cruising experience will tell you that ALL lines will charge similar to good hotels in the world. Indeed the premium drinks on Azamara (if you had ever tried them) are similar also.

There is money saving and money saving.

I hope Rosy enjoyed the value that the prosecco provided

The fact that all their alcohol is "duty free" is simply a way that drinkers subsidise those who do not drink.

I hope Rosy enjoyed the value that you both put on the free prosecco.

 

PS Could you not have bought or brought a bottle on board.

Our daughter gave us a bottle, which we drank at our hotel before boarding. Of course Rosy is worth anything she wants, but we made a joint decision not to buy anymore.

We always seek what we consider value for money, but won’t find this for Champagne in hotels or on ships.

I agree completely re the cost of champagne in hotels/on board a ship/in restaurants. It’s not a question of spending the money, it’s a question of value.

I routinely purchase bottles of Moët in a local bottle shop for $48AUD and the usual cost in an establishment is closer to $100AUD. Can’t justify it one bit.

Just my $0.02 (not necessarily AUD)

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Wondering, English Tim, if you or Rosy happened to return to the gym? How did you find the equipment, and did you notice if any dance classes were offered? Not necessarily Zumba, just a little more structured than we'll find in the Living Room with the DJ.

Thanks,

Teri