Do you think Azamara will expanded their fleet?

[CruiseAdict218]

Even though nothing has been confirmed, just wondering what some people think, they said that expanding is in the cards and we should hear something by January/February 2012. They said either a newly build or an older existing ship. Say if there is no room to order a ship I wonder if they can find an older ship? Even though it probably wont happen my opinion would be the Zenith :D but also the Empress could fit in as well.

[Andy]

Even though nothing has been confirmed, just wondering what some people think, they said that expanding is in the cards and we should hear something by January/February 2012. They said either a newly build or an older existing ship. Say if there is no room to order a ship I wonder if they can find an older ship? Even though it probably wont happen my opinion would be the Zenith :D but also the Empress could fit in as well.

 

Hi CruiseAdict,

 

We would all love to know the answer to this question. I remain hopeful Azamara will expand at some point. I'm all but certain it will not be Zenith or Empress, as they've both moved on to other lines. The only ship I know of in the RCCL Family that *might* be available, is Celebrity Century, but most folks I've spoken with feel Century to Azamara is unlikely.

 

I'd love to see Century to Azamara happen. I realize the consensus is that she's too large for Azamara. I like to think outside the box, and see Century as an opportunity. She could fill voids such as the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and the Panama Canal. This would give a larger audience the opportunity to sample the wonderful Azamara product, while allowing Journey & Quest to sail the more exotic locations. If Century is available, and the price is right, I feel Azamara should be all over this... as a stopgap for a few years, until Newbuilds are ready.

 

Unless Azamara can acquire other R-Class ships (also unlikely), they will likely go for Newbuilds. My concern, is... the economy is weak, and may get worse before it gets better. One wildcard is if the Euro continues to decline. This would work in Azamara's favor, as it would make any transaction less expensive. It just might convince Azamara (and RCCL) to move forward sooner, rather than later.

 

I have confidence in Larry Pimentel, and his Management team. I feel they will make prudent decisions, when the time is right.

[alcpa1]

The beauty of the present fleet is the size of the ships and the access to ports.

We've sailed on the Empress (2,020 passengers) and the Zenith (1,440 passengers) and I think they are a little too large and would demand quite an overhaul. Both ships are sailing for RCI's Pullmantur, which incidently is where RCI got the R ships we now know as The Quest and The Journey.

Neither the Zenith or the Empress have the number of balconies we have come to love. The cabins are not huge, which would be my wish for a new Azamara ship since we really can't swing for a suite on every sailing. I'd especially love a little larger bathroom!

If memory serves, and it is fleeting especially when it comes to the Empress and the Zenith, we could do without so many connecting cabins. Azamara passengers treasure the peace and quiet in their cabins.

I appreciate the laundry room, wish there was one on each deck.

I'd also recommend a larger computer facility since we are all so dependent on our "tools."

My DH would love a craps table so a little larger casino, or removing some of the slots to accommodate one would make him happy.

Since I still smoke - no flaming please, I would love to be offered an area that other passengers never have to pass by. It would make everyone a little happier.

For me, a ship with all of the amenities we already enjoy and those I have dreamed of would make the perfect vessel.

[California Native]

Well, we hope so.

The 2013 itineraries were very boring and redundant to us.

So, with that said even if they used this 3rd ship as Host Andy said for Canada, Caribbean and Panama Canal

that would never work for us.

We would like the 3rd ship (if there is one) to be located in the......

South Pacific....the ENTIRE region and there is A LOT to see there. Captain Cook spend alot of time there for a reason!!!!

South America....the western part of the country that includes extended stops in Peru, Ecuador and Chile

then combine the 2 regions just like the Kon Tiki did...in fact that could be a great marketing too !!!!

[MrMojoRisin]

For what it is worth, on our recent Quest cruise I was told by a senior officer that it was probable (but not certain) that Azamara would be commissioning a new ship of the same size as Quest and Journey. However, the capacity would be about 450 passengers - allowing for larger cabins and bathrooms.

[Andy]

For what it is worth, on our recent Quest cruise I was told by a senior officer that it was probable (but not certain) that Azamara would be commissioning a new ship of the same size as Quest and Journey. However, the capacity would be about 450 passengers - allowing for larger cabins and bathrooms.

 

Hi MrMojoRisin,

 

I'm sure many would be thrilled to see 450 Guests happen, but I cant see Azamara going smaller. The economies of scale do not make sense. If they do, and if you think their prices are high, just wait and see what the new prices would be ! Currently, their 2 ships carry nearly 700 Guests each, and I'd be very surprised if their next ships were significantly lower than 700. I believe it will be higher than 700, hopefully not too much higher.

 

If I had a dollar for every shipboard rumor I've heard, that *didn't* turn out to be true, I'd be one happy Cruiser :)

[Jade13]

For what it is worth, on our recent Quest cruise I was told by a senior officer that it was probable (but not certain) that Azamara would be commissioning a new ship of the same size as Quest and Journey. However, the capacity would be about 450 passengers - allowing for larger cabins and bathrooms.

 

Unless they are purchasing an existing ship, I don't see how that size makes any sense from a business point of view. If the ship is the same size with less cabins they have to charge significantly more. From my understanding SilverSea operates that size ship at a loss per someone in the industry who posts on CC (as a private company they do not have to answer to shareholders).

 

450 is a great size and makes me think of Minerva which is owned by Swan Hellenic and we went on for our expedition cruise in Antarctica. For Antarctica they only took 199 passengers. That ship has some great features, country club style, wrap around deck, gym at the top location on the ship and a very nice library. Captain Carl actually told me he has Captained that ship in the past.

[Jade13]

Hi MrMojoRisin,

 

I'm sure many would be thrilled to see 450 Guests happen, but I cant see Azamara going smaller. The economies of scale do not make sense. If they do, and if you think their prices are high, just wait and see what the new prices would be ! Currently, their 2 ships carry nearly 700 Guests each, and I'd be very surprised if their next ships were significantly lower than 700. I believe it will be higher than 700, hopefully not too much higher.

 

If I had a dollar for every shipboard rumor I've heard, that *didn't* turn out to be true, I'd be one happy Cruiser :)

 

I am guessing in the 1,200 passenger range such as HAL's R & S class ships. We have been on Veendam & Maasdam, and multiple times. The size allows for two pools (aside from the fact HAL did something dumb and removed the aft pool on Veendam), with an inside pool with retractable roof for bad weather, larger internet cafe, and enough space for a bridge room, multiple bars, and plenty of room for trivia, and larger entertainment venue. If I undersand correctly this is the size/direction that Oceania is going.

[uktog]

I do hope they stay at the current size or perhaps for the revenue stream up to about 850 guests, I would not want to see anything nearer the 1,200 figures quoted. As regards itineraries, I think there is a lot of scope though personally we are very happy with what is planned in 2013, maybe because we are not so frequent cruisers yet there is still a lot of scope for us in what is published.

[tommui987]

I am guessing in the 1,200 passenger range such as HAL's R & S class ships. We have been on Veendam & Maasdam, and multiple times. The size allows for two pools with an inside pool with retractable roof for bad weather, larger internet cafe, and enough space for a bridge room, multiple bars, and plenty of room for trivia, and larger entertainment venue.

 

Hi Jade!

 

I remember that the Crown Odyssey had a great indoor pool - it was on the bottom deck - and it was great! (The ship was later the NCL Crown and now sailing as the Balfour).

 

Ships like the Maasdam would work fairly well under the Azamara flag.

[CruiseAdict218]

Hi CruiseAdict,

 

We would all love to know the answer to this question. I remain hopeful Azamara will expand at some point. I'm all but certain it will not be Zenith or Empress, as they've both moved on to other lines. The only ship I know of in the RCCL Family that *might* be available, is Celebrity Century, but most folks I've spoken with feel Century to Azamara is unlikely.

 

I'd love to see Century to Azamara happen. I realize the consensus is that she's too large for Azamara. I like to think outside the box, and see Century as an opportunity. She could fill voids such as the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and the Panama Canal. This would give a larger audience the opportunity to sample the wonderful Azamara product, while allowing Journey & Quest to sail the more exotic locations. If Century is available, and the price is right, I feel Azamara should be all over this... as a stopgap for a few years, until Newbuilds are ready.

 

Unless Azamara can acquire other R-Class ships (also unlikely), they will likely go for Newbuilds. My concern, is... the economy is weak, and may get worse before it gets better. One wildcard is if the Euro continues to decline. This would work in Azamara's favor, as it would make any transaction less expensive. It just might convince Azamara (and RCCL) to move forward sooner, rather than later.

 

I have confidence in Larry Pimentel, and his Management team. I feel they will make prudent decisions, when the time is right.

 

The Century would make an interesting addition to the fleet, she can certainly compete with the Marina & Riviera. But is Celebrity ready to depart with her yet, although shes, older than the Mercury/Galaxy and the smallest. I don't think another R ship is possible since Princess has two, P&O one which was just transfered, Oceania has three with one transfering to Hapag-Lloyd in 2012.

 

For what it is worth, on our recent Quest cruise I was told by a senior officer that it was probable (but not certain) that Azamara would be commissioning a new ship of the same size as Quest and Journey. However, the capacity would be about 450 passengers - allowing for larger cabins and bathrooms.

 

Seems alittle small with Oceania building two 66,000 ton ships

[CruiseAdict218]

The beauty of the present fleet is the size of the ships and the access to ports.

We've sailed on the Empress (2,020 passengers) and the Zenith (1,440 passengers) and I think they are a little too large and would demand quite an overhaul. Both ships are sailing for RCI's Pullmantur, which incidently is where RCI got the R ships we now know as The Quest and The Journey.

Neither the Zenith or the Empress have the number of balconies we have come to love. The cabins are not huge, which would be my wish for a new Azamara ship since we really can't swing for a suite on every sailing. I'd especially love a little larger bathroom!

If memory serves, and it is fleeting especially when it comes to the Empress and the Zenith, we could do without so many connecting cabins. Azamara passengers treasure the peace and quiet in their cabins.

I appreciate the laundry room, wish there was one on each deck.

I'd also recommend a larger computer facility since we are all so dependent on our "tools."

My DH would love a craps table so a little larger casino, or removing some of the slots to accommodate one would make him happy.

Since I still smoke - no flaming please, I would love to be offered an area that other passengers never have to pass by. It would make everyone a little happier.

For me, a ship with all of the amenities we already enjoy and those I have dreamed of would make the perfect vessel.

 

The exact reason I was thinking but can hurt to dream, lol

[CruiseAdict218]

Hi Jade!

 

I remember that the Crown Odyssey had a great indoor pool - it was on the bottom deck - and it was great! (The ship was later the NCL Crown and now sailing as the Balfour).

 

Ships like the Maasdam would work fairly well under the Azamara flag.

 

There's actually a thread going around about when HAL will retire the S/R Class ships, but both classes don't carry many balconies.

[Redtravel]

Oceania is selling off the Insignia...also an r-class ship. Oceania is getting another larger ship. It would be nice if Azamara built a more luxurious ship. Larger staterooms, bathrooms, and verandas would be a plus. It's weird that on most celebrity ships, the staterooms are larger than Azamara. Cost higher for smaller staterooms? Azamara does have more perks, but the stateroom size is not one of them.

[CruiseAdict218]

Oceania did not sell her she's only being chartered to Hapag-Llyod under a 2-year charter agreement until April 2014

[Emdee]

A lot of talk on Regent board in the last few months that they are going into an IPO and with this also talk of getting rid of the Navigator ( which has 450/480 or so passengers). This ship would be perfect. Though not an all balcony ship the suites are a good size (I think 300 sq ft) and all have walk in closets and nice bathrooms. Would absolutely LOVE this to happen. Hope it does instead of a new build.

[Jade13]

A lot of talk on Regent board in the last few months that they are going into an IPO and with this also talk of getting rid of the Navigator ( which has 450/480 or so passengers). This ship would be perfect. Though not an all balcony ship the suites are a good size (I think 300 sq ft) and all have walk in closets and nice bathrooms. Would absolutely LOVE this to happen. Hope it does instead of a new build.

 

Maybe this is what is under consideration since an approx 450 passenger was mentioned onboard.

 

From CC

 

"Seven Seas Navigator Review

The 33,000-ton, 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator debuted in the fall of 1999. The all-suite vessel features 245 ocean-view suites, 90 percent of which have private balconies. The Navigator was once a Soviet research vessel, which the line purchased, stripped, and converted into a modern luxury cruise ship. It was the first all-suite ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

 

Highlights of the Seven Seas Navigator experience include: spacious suite accommodations (301 to 1,173 square feet); luxurious in-suite amenities; impeccable service throughout; a generous space-per-passenger ratio (67.3 ft. of public space per guest); varied dining possibilities..."

[Emdee]

Jade,

I went on the Nav to Alaska and it would be perfect for Azamara ... keeping my fingers crossed. Wouldnt have to make many changes - there was only 1 speciality restaurants, had a nice grill outside and laundry rooms on every other floor or so.

 

The only question is why would the financiers who run Prestige holdings sell it to the competition. Of course if they need to have more money to better the picture especially after building those new ships then that could be the reason.

The Navigator has never been able to shake the shuddering one feels in some cabins in spite of adding a fishtail a couple of years ago.

[Andy]

Oceania did not sell her she's only being chartered to Hapag-Llyod under a 2-year charter agreement until April 2014

 

Thats what I read also. It's a 2 year charter agreement into early 2014. I do not believe Insignia was sold.

[pickypicky]

A lot of talk on Regent board in the last few months that they are going into an IPO and with this also talk of getting rid of the Navigator ( which has 450/480 or so passengers). This ship would be perfect. Though not an all balcony ship the suites are a good size (I think 300 sq ft) and all have walk in closets and nice bathrooms. Would absolutely LOVE this to happen. Hope it does instead of a new build.

 

We have been on Navigator, and I agree with you. It would be a dream come true to be on this nifty little ship with the Azamara crew/food/service.

[CruiseAdict218]

A lot of talk on Regent board in the last few months that they are going into an IPO and with this also talk of getting rid of the Navigator ( which has 450/480 or so passengers). This ship would be perfect. Though not an all balcony ship the suites are a good size (I think 300 sq ft) and all have walk in closets and nice bathrooms. Would absolutely LOVE this to happen. Hope it does instead of a new build.

 

Which thread talks about the departure of the Navigator? Can u post a link? and When Apollo bought out RSSC they said they would order a new ship for them but that was in '08 and its '11 and no orders have been made.

 

Didn't the Navigator just get a big dry dock from what I'm reading in late '09/early '10? But I don't know if that makes a difference

[Emdee]

CruiseAddict 218

You will have to check the Regent Board yourself for the thread. Cannot recall which one and may be part of a digression. It was speculation only about the Nav not really fitting into Regent's fleet etc.

 

The Nav dry dock was supposed to correct the vibration . A fish tail was added to the ship which I think helps a bit but has not corrected the problem. I think Regent regulars have recently brought up the new build again and speculation is that the new ship will not have the Pods that have caused many cruise slow downs and cancellations.

[Emdee]

Cruiseaddict218

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1427493&highlight=ipo

[VickyMcG]

Just got off the Century. We so enjoyed it some years back and were so disappointed in the condition of the ship. And in the (upstairs lounge) there were so many leaks, there were beach towels everywhere on the cushions under the windows. The carpeting is awful. They were replacing pieces of it (in piecemeal patches) in many places. Everything looked very worn. It needs complete refurbishing should it live up to the Azamara standards. We had to spend our nights in another cabin due to the clanging outside our cabin window. They said it was a pipe. Management was kind to us, but still--a pain. The engine had problems-they had to fix it in port. Made for a few bumpier nights. Maybe that's why they haven't refurbished the ship yet. Maybe they are just holding it together. Until it is dry docked or refurbished...not going back to Century. Sorry, I love my Celebrity AND esp love my Azamara.

[CruiseAdict218]

Cruiseaddict218

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1427493&highlight=ipo

 

Are you sure this is the one, I just went through the whole tread and one person mentioned her leaving the fleet but mostly about competion between the luxury lines and this and that