Nespresso charges are back according to Azamara Facebook

[uktog]

A few photos have been added to the Azamara Facebook page tonight showing Mosaic - nice colour schemes but it says "guests will be able to purchase freshly brewed cups of Nespresso bespoke coffee".

Eh - purchase.....and ......bespoke two words I was not expecting to see in this blurb

 

Ps sorry cant workout how to paste the Facebook content or pics here

[mare s.]

I noticed that too and commented that, according to Larry Pimentel, this was not going to happen. Maybe it's just another example of lack of communication.

[uktog]

I noticed that too and commented that, according to Larry Pimentel, this was not going to happen. Maybe it's just another example of lack of communication.

 

Either way, it's not good

If the charges are back, the cruise critic messages were less valid than guests believed

If the charges are not back, how old is the script they are using for one of their most important media channels for a large part of their new target market

[TerryAndDoug]

Here are the pictures they posted. I'm not sure what to think about that carpet!

[TerryAndDoug]

Either way, it's not good

If the charges are back, the cruise critic messages were less valid than guests believed

If the charges are not back, how old is the script they are using for one of their most important media channels for a large part of their new target market

 

Both Azamara emails and Azamara US website have also now started advertising 25% discounts on 2013 shore excursions instead of the awkward "15 - 25% discount" that they started after Larry's visit to Cruise Critic. Maybe they've decided to try to make up lost revenue with the Nespresso. :)

 

Doug

[MrMojoRisin]

A few photos have been added to the Azamara Facebook page tonight showing Mosaic - nice colour schemes but it says "guests will be able to purchase freshly brewed cups of Nespresso bespoke coffee".

Eh - purchase.....and ......bespoke two words I was not expecting to see in this blurb

 

Ps sorry cant workout how to paste the Facebook content or pics here

 

 

I am afraid that this just adds to the disappointment at LP's weasel words on his recent CC "appearance" and his utter disdain for the genuine comments and concerns expressed by loyal Azamara customers.

 

We have two Azamara cruises forthcoming in the near future which will be before the "enhanced" and more expensive Azamara package and we will certainly enjoy them.

 

However, we have just booked a Regent cruise to the Baltic for summer 2013 which works out at as a much better (ie cheaper, yet more inclusive) deal than the "improved" Azamara offering.

 

I really think this change will result in loyal Azamara cruisers, like us, moving to the likes of Regent, rather than the other way around. The changes that LP is making are so counterproductive and I feel so sad for the wonderful Azamara crews.

[greeneg]

In my humble opinion, I don't think that LP really listened at all. I got an advert for Europe cruises for Summer 2013 and the price for an outside was something close to $425.00 per person per night. For that sort of money, I can be in a nice suite on Celebrity or better.

 

Totally unrealistic, in my view.

[dfishner]

In my humble opinion, I don't think that LP really listened at all. I got an advert for Europe cruises for Summer 2013 and the price for an outside was something close to $425.00 per person per night. For that sort of money, I can be in a nice suite on Celebrity or better.

 

Totally unrealistic, in my view.[/quote

 

Last year when he spoke with the CC members it really was great because he interacted with everyone who had questions and I thought wow this guy is really involved and cares.

 

This past time there was very little interaction and it felt disconnected like he was pushed to do it and I felt it was more of this is what we are doing and if you do not like it then there are other options out there..I felt he came across very cold where as the first time he seemed very warm and animated.

 

We have a cruise booked in April which we are looking forward to it but for what they are charging now I am priced out of the Azamara market. It was good while it lasted and was glad I had the chance to cruise on Azamara.

[Christine Frances]

I am afraid that this just adds to the disappointment at LP's weasel words on his recent CC "appearance" and his utter disdain for the genuine comments and concerns expressed by loyal Azamara customers.

 

We have two Azamara cruises forthcoming in the near future which will be before the "enhanced" and more expensive Azamara package and we will certainly enjoy them.

 

However, we have just booked a Regent cruise to the Baltic for summer 2013 which works out at as a much better (ie cheaper, yet more inclusive) deal than the "improved" Azamara offering.

I really think this change will result in loyal Azamara cruisers, like us, moving to the likes of Regent, rather than the other way around. The changes that LP is making are so counterproductive and I feel so sad for the wonderful Azamara crews.

 

I must be looking at the wrong sites:eek: Every Regent cruise I have looked at is at least two, usually three times more than Azamara!

[nordski]

 

Last year when he spoke with the CC members it really was great because he interacted with everyone who had questions and I thoughtless wow this guy is really involved and cares.

 

This past time there was very little interaction and it felt disconnected like he was pushed to do it and I felt it was more of this is what we are doing and if you do not like it then there are other options out there..I felt he came across very cold where as the first time he seemed very warm and animated.

 

We have a cruise booked in April which we are looking forward to it but for what they are charging now I am priced out of the Azamara market. It was good while it lasted and was glad I had the chance to cruise on Azamara.

 

An interesting thought re: he was pushed to do it. That thought occurred to me when the more comprehensive dry dock refinements were cancelled. Perhaps the mother corp. wants to see lower expenses and higher revenues to justify their investment.

 

Regardless, the whole Nepresso issue is easily avoided and if no one indulges this "refinement" will disappear.

[mare s.]

Here are the pictures they posted. I'm not sure what to think about that carpet![ATTACH]253081[/ATTACH][ATTACH]253082[/ATTACH][ATTACH]253083[/ATTACH]

 

LOL...I was thinking the same thing! Rather unusual and nice colors but my first thought was, boy oh boy, they are going to have to clean that carpet constantly.

[fortworther]

Mosaic carpet looks like either my grandmother's doilies or snow flakes. Either way it is not an upgrade from the carpet that no doubt was worn from all the traffic to/from. And the re-birthed Nespresso thing, no way for this guy. The buck stops at the top but I believe Edie is behind many, if not most, of these bad ideas and maybe she is looking ahead to her advancement within RCI. Not sure who to blame for the decor though....awful.

[TerryAndDoug]

LOL...I was thinking the same thing! Rather unusual and nice colors but my first thought was, boy oh boy, they are going to have to clean that carpet constantly.

I think they'll also spend a great deal of time cleaning the light colored fabric on the chairs, as well, especially with so much coffee in the area!

[TerryAndDoug]

Mosaic carpet looks like either my grandmother's doilies or snow flakes. Either way it is not an upgrade from the carpet that no doubt was worn from all the traffic to/from. And the re-birthed Nespresso thing, no way for this guy. The buck stops at the top but I believe Edie is behind many, if not most, of these bad ideas and maybe she is looking ahead to her advancement within RCI. Not sure who to blame for the decor though....awful.

My thought was my grandmother's doilies. Hopefully somehow it looks better in person! I'm looking forward to finding out when onboard next November, but continue to shake my head at things I'm seeing. I can't believe that the first look they shared online of the inside of the revitalized ship mentioned something that could be purchased. I would have thought they would have featured something like the new casino bar, and highlighted the complimentary cocktails, beer and wine that we'll be able to enjoy there.

 

Doug

[Lindy028]

Well , I certainly hope the rest of the refurbishment looks better than Mosaic.

Maybe the reason they have been so reluctant to share any interior pictures is because they are disappointed themselves.

Agree about the light coloured chairs , a nightmare for the cleaners.

The carpet is surely the wrong colour for a high traffic area.

As for Nespresso , thought that one had sailed!

Come on Azamara share some more pictures , this has been such a big topic on here , and Azamara themselves have been keen to tell us what they were going to do , now suddenly it's all gone quiet. Really don't understand !

[Bill Leiber]

Hello to All -

 

I'm seeking clarification about the Nespresso comments that were included with the photo of the Mosaic Cafe on Facebook.

 

Please stand by for my update and I'm sorry for the confusion that has been generated.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[dfishner]

My thought was my grandmother's doilies. Hopefully somehow it looks better in person! I'm looking forward to finding out when onboard next November, but continue to shake my head at things I'm seeing. I can't believe that the first look they shared online of the inside of the revitalized ship mentioned something that could be purchased. I would have thought they would have featured something like the new casino bar, and highlighted the complimentary cocktails, beer and wine that we'll be able to enjoy there.

 

Doug

 

 

Maybe they will do what my grandmother use to do with her couch and chairs in the living room and cover them with plastic LOL. I feel sorry for the housekeeping department who now will be spending quite a bit more time in Mosiac with the upkeep.

[cindilouwho]

I just purchased a Nespresso machine for myself for Chanuka - as I write this, I am enjoying a lovely bespoke espresso and it is quite yummy. Or is "yummy" not the word a BE-spoken individual would use? OK - it's "divine". BETTER? Now can we get back to our old beloved Azamara?

 

A small group (7 cabins) of Azamara cheerleaders will be travelling to the Baltic on Oceania (first time for all of us) because they had AZAmazing pricing (sorry folks - couldn't stop myself) that had Azamara beat! It doesn't include all the new amenities but for the $50.00 that we can pay to have drinks included we are still paying less per diem in larger cabins then on AZ.

 

These "inclusions" to me seem strange. I would prefer to be able to choose to have some of these "amenities" added at a price, then have them given ad hoc to folks who may not even use them.

 

All in all I just want my old Azamara back. Add a drink package, add a coffee package, build your own personalized adventure, but please don't put lipstick on the pig and tell me it's Miss America!

[dfishner]

I just purchased a Nespresso machine for myself for Chanuka - as I write this, I am enjoying a lovely bespoke espresso and it is quite yummy. Or is "yummy" not the word a BE-spoken individual would use? OK - it's "divine". BETTER? Now can we get back to our old beloved Azamara?

 

A small group (7 cabins) of Azamara cheerleaders will be travelling to the Baltic on Oceania (first time for all of us) because they had AZAmazing pricing (sorry folks - couldn't stop myself) that had Azamara beat! It doesn't include all the new amenities but for the $50.00 that we can pay to have drinks included we are still paying less per diem in larger cabins then on AZ.

 

These "inclusions" to me seem strange. I would prefer to be able to choose to have some of these "amenities" added at a price, then have them given ad hoc to folks who may not even use them.

 

All in all I just want my old Azamara back. Add a drink package, add a coffee package, build your own personalized adventure, but please don't put lipstick on the pig and tell me it's Miss America!

 

ROFL this is way to funny

[cindilouwho]

Thanks Dale -

 

I am, for the most part, silently watching the machinations on this AZ site and feeling badly that AZ seems to be struggling with it's identity. None of us really know why. Understandably, with this soft economy, all luxury good sellers need to explore methods to increase sales. From my "cat-bird seat" I can understand changes but it seems to me that in AZ's efforts to increase revenue, they have somehow forgotten that they attracted an enormously loyal base who were very happy with "status quo".

 

We didn't like being nickle and dimed but probably would have been very happy to be presented with a precruise "menu" of products and services. We could order drinks, coffee, sightseeing etc to complement our requirements. A small increase in fares would have been graciously tolerated because we are not stupid and understand anything good is worth paying more for as situations dictate.

 

It just seems that the "powers that be" are trying way too hard to make something over that should just possibly be "tweaked".

 

All this drama is making me nervous......I need a vacation --- OH I HAVE ONE COMING UP!!! :p >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

Sorry Azamara ---- call me when you are grown up!

[Jancruz]

I must be looking at the wrong sites:eek: Every Regent cruise I have looked at is at least two, usually three times more than Azamara!

 

You have to see whats included..even all the tours!!

Jancruz1

[uktog]

Azamara Club Cruises have just posted on their Facebook page a re confirmation that Nespresso is being introduced and charged for

So.....the "we listened" ....maybe has been overturned by procurement who said we are too committed to this deal

Pity Mr P did not issue an update, even through Bill for those he had said otherwise to last month

 

So we do have the old logic issue back, the gin is free but not the coffee, having just done my homework on buying a Nespresso machine I know the capsule costs, so it's not a case the gin is cheaper if you have a wholesale deal on the capsules

[pickypicky]

Azamara Club Cruises

 

 

We appreciate all the feedback on the new upgrades to the Azamara Quest. A few of you have mentioned the Nespresso coffee on the ship. Our complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and water will remain as is, and will continue to be complimentary. The Nespresso coffee will be available in addition to our current offering, and will be the only coffee available at a charge for guests that are interested.

[corpkid]

WOW - this seems very odd for a near-luxury line to include beer, spirits and wine, but not nespresso coffe. Heck, I have one of those machines at home and certainly don't consider it a "luxury" but more a nice coffee/espresso I, and many of my friends, enjoy daily.

 

Either way - Never cruised Azamara before and I'll reserve further judgement until I embark 12/18 in Rio. When the prices went up for 2013 we decided to go with Oceania for our Baltic adventure next August. From all I've seen, I can't understand the new pricing (and this is just fuel to the fire). It's OK, as long as the drinks package is still $40pp in Dec. I'm sure I won't care much. :D Not 100% sure I'd cruise Azamara again based on this new pricing structure, but again, reserving (most) judgement until I take this cruise in a few weeks and can see for myself.

[cindilouwho]

HEY - I finally figured out how I can afford my next Azamara cruise!!!!

 

I will bring along my nespresso machine, set it up and charge 50% less that the Mosaic. I can even provide room service for a small fee. With the tips and the money collected - it should easily offset the 64 cents it costs to make it and provide enough profit to make up for the huge increase in price of the cruise!

 

I will have to nab some sugar and milk from the kitchen though.....:eek: ;)