Onboard Quest Costa Rica Intensive, Jan. 15-25, 2018

Host Jazzbeau

 

You are doing a great job in describing it all and I totally agree with all your comments. The staff are going above and beyond and putting us and our comfort and safety first . Our first cruise with Capt Carl and I am sure many will look out to travel with him again on Pursuit. He is selling it very well!

Lynda

I thought they gave up taking guests back into,old town . Several years ago Jose was upset about the traffic into the. Ensue. He arranged with Mia for every guest going to get a discount on a future cruise. Some rock concert was in town. Had late night dinner at marina before we sailed off.

Although it’s obviously excellent that the onboard teams are capable of quickly resolving unexpected issues, one has to wonder why Caldera was picked as a turn-around port in the first place and why an Azamazing Evening was booked for a tender port.

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Can you tell us if there are any lecturers onboard?

Have you noticed any changes in entertainment?

If not, have you heard anything about new entertainment options and when those options may start?

I checked our mattress last night. It is definitely new, but I haven’t felt any difference, still the same comfortable mattress as usual.

 

 

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Thank you for your response!

Although it’s obviously excellent that the onboard teams are capable of quickly resolving unexpected issues, one has to wonder why Caldera was picked as a turn-around port in the first place and why an Azamazing Evening was booked for a tender port.

 

 

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I did an AZ evening there and the theatre was lovely and the dancing was great

I’m on board too and everything is as wonderful as our previous cruises. Dinners in Aqualina and prime c have been spectacular. Loved the azamazing evening on board. I must say I’m not a huge fan of the new decor (not really new anymore) and I’ve noticed some wear and tear in our suite. We go to chefs table tomorrow and really looking forward to it. Met so many wonderful cruise critic members pre cruise and on board and it feels as if we are cruising with family. Being here after a cruise on Oceania (which was fine) just makes me realize how much we enjoy Azamara. More later.

Mare

Can you tell us if there are any lecturers onboard?

The lecturer is Chuck Richardson. He did a very good lecture about the Panama Canal on the first sea day. Tomorrow (second sea day) he is doing "Golfito and Quepos: Gateways to Costa Rica's Natural Beauty." One of the things I really like about Azamara's lecturers is that they have no idea whether the sights they describe are available on shore excursions – these are NOT adverts for the Azamara shorex office.

Have you noticed any changes in entertainment?

Entertainment is basically what we remember from Norwegian Fjords 18 months ago. Two differences: the Azamara house band is much better, and the guitarist [who is still present] no longer plays outside Discoveries [for which we are grateful, as it was actually disruptive to this space while you waited for a table to open up].

If not, have you heard anything about new entertainment options and when those options may start?

Sadly, when I raved about Alex and Alina to Russ and strongly suggested that their contract should be renewer, he confirmed that all entertainment was going to change in the near future. But no details. Both of our guest musicians have had their own pre-recorded backing tapes with the Azamara house band filling in. The first was a successful blending of recorded violins [Russ suggested the artist probably recorded it himself] with the horns and rhythm section of the house band. Tonight's was not successful, as the artificial sound of the recording was eclipsed when the live musicians played their fill-in parts in 'real' high-fidelity. If Azamara decides to eliminate the live musicians, they will have to significantly upgrade the sound system in the Cabaret Lounge.

You might get better. Answers from the HD or Carl.

I know Ed Waters picked up a gig on another cruiseline. Not great but it pays the bills.

The lecturer is Chuck Richardson. He did a very good lecture about the Panama Canal on the first sea day. Tomorrow (second sea day) he is doing "Golfito and Quepos: Gateways to Costa Rica's Natural Beauty." One of the things I really like about Azamara's lecturers is that they have no idea whether the sights they describe are available on shore excursions – these are NOT adverts for the Azamara shorex office.

 

 

 

Entertainment is basically what we remember from Norwegian Fjords 18 months ago. Two differences: the Azamara house band is much better, and the guitarist [who is still present] no longer plays outside Discoveries [for which we are grateful, as it was actually disruptive to this space while you waited for a table to open up].

 

 

 

Sadly, when I raved about Alex and Alina to Russ and strongly suggested that their contract should be renewer, he confirmed that all entertainment was going to change in the near future. But no details. Both of our guest musicians have had their own pre-recorded backing tapes with the Azamara house band filling in. The first was a successful blending of recorded violins [Russ suggested the artist probably recorded it himself] with the horns and rhythm section of the house band. Tonight's was not successful, as the artificial sound of the recording was eclipsed when the live musicians played their fill-in parts in 'real' high-fidelity. If Azamara decides to eliminate the live musicians, they will have to significantly upgrade the sound system in the Cabaret Lounge.

This following information was posted on the Roll Call for the 25th March cruise from Singapore which is a part of the World Cruise, if it is an accurate statement it appears to bode well for the future.

Apologies for hijacking your thread Jazz

Hi all,

I contacted our Azamara rep who has been assigned to us to answer questions on the world cruise. His response was

"There are some entertainment changes. The small production show group, that performed the same shows each sailing, has been replaced with more guests entertainers, to add variety. The piano player and solo guitarist have been replaced with a trio that will perform throughout the ship, with vocal and instrumental performances. The band will be reconfigured a bit, but the nightly dance music will not be affected.

The live gaming in the casino has been replaced with 100% electronic gaming, although there still will be a small casino staff to assist."

I wish they would get the official announcement out, but as I am seeing others telling the position I think rather than wait for the big spin announcement I will share what I have been told.

There will be guest entertainers brought on for periods, some longer than has been the position to date e.g. whole cruise or a month. Some will be able to do more than one thing (e.g. sing and play). Some will also be required to support shipboard activities.

There will be a trio that will move between the various entertainment locations - I am not sure if that will always be as a threesome or what instruments they will play. Guitarist and piano player is no more after the change.

The orchestra is being reduced from seven to five, more backing tracks will be used and the singers and dancers (the six of them) are not being retained.

There will be no production shows and the cruise directors shows will be different. Eric and Tony have both already developed solo shows. Its likely that the Activities Manager will also have some entertainment potential.

Thank you to everyone for your input on entertainment changes. I can’t remember when Bonnie said the changes will be implemented.....I seem to remember Feb.?

I hope an official announcement comes soon to prevent rumors from running rampant. Seems as though what you have been told about changes is consistent.

I will remain hopeful about the changes......

Although it’s obviously excellent that the onboard teams are capable of quickly resolving unexpected issues, one has to wonder why Caldera was picked as a turn-around port in the first place and why an Azamazing Evening was booked for a tender port.

 

 

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There have been Azamazing Evenings in many tender ports. Chania and Hvar just to mention a few. Very smooth and efficiently handled.

Thank you to everyone for your input on entertainment changes. I can’t remember when Bonnie said the changes will be implemented.....I seem to remember Feb.?

I hope an official announcement comes soon to prevent rumors from running rampant. Seems as though what you have been told about changes is consistent.

I will remain hopeful about the changes......

February is what I've been told. I've shared this thread with the team doing the planning. If I hear anything different I'll let you know.

February is what I've been told. I've shared this thread with the team doing the planning. If I hear anything different I'll let you know.

Thank you, Bonnie!

We will be onboard in Feb., so I was wondering if we may experience the new entertainment.

Here's how I see these [rumored] entertainment changes:

• The orchestra at the current level of 7 pieces is very good. Tonight they did the Glenn Miller tribute and sounded almost like a real Big Band. When they take it down to 5 pieces I'm guessing they will lose the trombone and one of the sax players [you need the 3-piece rhythm section and then a trumpet and a sax] With that, you can do jazz [and a 4-piece group with sax did that very well at the brunch yesterday] but you can't fake a dance band. The dance floor was full tonight -- that won't happen with a Miles Davis or Sonny Rollins tribute [as much as I would enjoy listening to those]

• The singers are ok and the dancers [Alex and Alina] are terrific! But the small stage really limits the potential for production shows. We will miss Danzare. I hope RCL can find jobs for these talented people on other ships.

• We thought the guitarist was the weakest link on our cruise 18 months ago -- he hasn't been playing in Discoveries Bar on this cruise and the silence is welcome. The piano player will also not be missed by us [he's no Perry Grant, love him or hate him] A string trio could be better -- but it will depend on the quality of the string players.

• The guest artists have been hit or miss on this cruise [last time all were great] The violinist on this cruise [Doug Cameron] is very good and is flexible enough that he could be used in more ways. The pianist/magician is not good and has already reached his sell-by date after one performance [he also seemed quite full of himself in Windows tonight, upset that the little people didn't part like the Red Sea so he could get his food right away].

• That pianist/magician brought a back-up track that wasn't sufficient on its own but didn't mesh well with the live musicians. This is the weakness in the plan to go to pre-recorded music and a smaller show band.

• Activities around the ship are often staffed by the singers and dancers. When they are gone, who will run trivia, dance lessons, etc? The CD and 1 Asst are already working 8 days a week!

• The casino tables have been empty much of the time that they are open on this cruise, so those salaries are a drag on revenue. This change seems like a good one [but then, we never use the casino except as a hallway]

• We are SO HAPPY with the demise of the art auctions! The "Artist in Residence" is relatively unobtrusive, although I can't imagine he is selling enough to make this a profit center. And the few odd sculptures can't possibly sell because the prices aren't marked nor is it clear who to call if you wanted to find out.

• Finally, I got the questionnaire about the "Veranda Plus" cabins and the amenities that Azamara thinks might justify charging more -- very scary! Private lounge--which space will they take away from the rest of us? VIP seating--so regular cabins feel like steerage. Celebrity can move toward this class system because their ships are bigger [and Edge is a new design with the class system built in] -- but it will really ruin the feel of the small Azamara ships. "Welcome home," except you non-elite passengers. [And yes, we are currently in a CW and see our future bookings at CC or better -- but we still value the equality of today's Azamara] Just when we thought we had found a new cruising home, they decide to tear it down...

February is what I've been told. I've shared this thread with the team doing the planning. If I hear anything different I'll let you know.

For Journey it’s after the World Journey, so that would be July.

For Journey it’s after the World Journey, so that would be July.

Has it changed? We were told onboard earlier this month all the entertainment changes on Journey were after leg 1 of the half world cruise in Singapore 25 March. The new captain is in London after the end of Johannes long stint on 17 June

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Has it changed? We were told onboard earlier this month all the entertainment changes on Journey were after leg 1 of the half world cruise in Singapore 25 March. The new captain is in London after the end of Johannes long stint on 17 June

 

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I’m afraid I don’t know the original plan, so I don’t know if anything changed. What I do know however is that some people I care about have been made redundant (contracts not renewed) at the end of the World Journey - and I’m upset about it.

I’m afraid I don’t know the original plan, so I don’t know if anything changed. What I do know however is that some people I care about have been made redundant (contracts not renewed) at the end of the World Journey - and I’m upset about it.

Floris

Understand fully, I have only recently become aware of the second wave of roles affected by the change and like you, feel so sorry for those longer serving contractors who have been affected.

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I checked our mattress last night. It is definitely new, but I haven’t felt any difference, still the same comfortable mattress as usual.

 

 

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When we were disembarking from the Christmas/New Year's cruise, they were in the process of changing out all the mattresses. I thought the "old" ones were just fine - extremely comfortable, even - so I was surprised at that.

Mary Lou

Be very grateful of anyone on board if you are in an N1 Club Continent Suite to snap a photo of the sofa chair extended for sleeping? We are trying to determine whether a third person (child) in the bed constricts movement in the cabin to the patio deck. Any feedback would be very helpful as all the information online/photos is outdated.

Just got home from this cruise and I have to say it was terrific. Food was outstanding in all venues. We tried Chef's Table for the first time and it was worth every penny. Chef Fabio outdid himself and the table conversation was lively. Our Chef's Table (Italian) was hosted by the F&B Director, Thomas, and the resident artist, Eric Waugh joined us. So much fun.

The Azamazing Evening was excellent and I, for one, was glad it was on board. I had broken my ankle a couple of weeks before the cruise and tendering was difficult (although the ship's crew was marvelous and so helpful and kind.) I had been on an excursion during the day in Panama City and was quite tired and reluctantly went to Guest Relations to say I didn't think we could do the evening. Imagine my delight when they said not to worry, they were bringing it on board!

The White Night was particularly lively...the food fantastic and everyone was up dancing. It was a bit sad, however, as it was Captain Carl's last on Quest.

I must admit, we didn't go to much of the entertainment. I was very tired in the evening, but the couple of shows we did attend were good (love Amanda and the rest of the singers and dancers.) Our guest lecturer was very good.

But what made this cruise particularly wonderful (apart from the terrific crew and officers) was that we connected with so many other interesting and fun people on our roll call. Going on joint excursions with them, having dinner with them, and just seeing them around the ship, made this cruise really special. We made some new friendships and I have to thank Host Jazzbeau particularly for keeping track of all of us (one of the largest roll calls and meet and mingles) To our new friends...we hope to see you again soon and we will definitely stay in touch.

mare

Just got home from this cruise and I have to say it was terrific. Food was outstanding in all venues. We tried Chef's Table for the first time and it was worth every penny. Chef Fabio outdid himself and the table conversation was lively. Our Chef's Table (Italian) was hosted by the F&B Director, Thomas, and the resident artist, Eric Waugh joined us. So much fun.

 

The Azamazing Evening was excellent and I, for one, was glad it was on board. I had broken my ankle a couple of weeks before the cruise and tendering was difficult (although the ship's crew was marvelous and so helpful and kind.) I had been on an excursion during the day in Panama City and was quite tired and reluctantly went to Guest Relations to say I didn't think we could do the evening. Imagine my delight when they said not to worry, they were bringing it on board!

 

The White Night was particularly lively...the food fantastic and everyone was up dancing. It was a bit sad, however, as it was Captain Carl's last on Quest.

 

I must admit, we didn't go to much of the entertainment. I was very tired in the evening, but the couple of shows we did attend were good (love Amanda and the rest of the singers and dancers.) Our guest lecturer was very good.

 

But what made this cruise particularly wonderful (apart from the terrific crew and officers) was that we connected with so many other interesting and fun people on our roll call. Going on joint excursions with them, having dinner with them, and just seeing them around the ship, made this cruise really special. We made some new friendships and I have to thank Host Jazzbeau particularly for keeping track of all of us (one of the largest roll calls and meet and mingles) To our new friends...we hope to see you again soon and we will definitely stay in touch.

 

mare

Do you mind me asking....

Is Capt Jose taking over from Capt Carl?

And I understand there is a new CD taking over from Russ? Is Philip still there as HD?

P.s. thanks for info on food and chef’s table!

I will post a full blog and review in a couple of weeks [we're still in Costa Rica, at Arenal Volcano on a post-cruise DIY] But I agree with everything Mare said. We enjoyed our first Azamara Quest cruise a year and a half ago in Norway, but this one topped it! And the best news is that a little birdie told me that Azamara is expanding [as everyone knows] but it will be to an even number, rounding out the fleet. Captain Carl was very forthcoming about the way they are staffing Pursuit: he is limited in how many staff/crew he can take from Quest and Journey to make sure it doesn't ruin those ships; Larry has told him that if any ship fails it will be Pursuit not the existing ones -- but that Pursuit failing is not an option. [No stress for Carl, eh?]

Do you mind me asking....

Is Capt Jose taking over from Capt Carl?

And I understand there is a new CD taking over from Russ? Is Philip still there as HD?

P.s. thanks for info on food and chef’s table!

The "new" CD is Ernest Marchain who will take over CD duties while Russ is on vacation, just as Tony did before becoming CD on Pursuit.