You are not going to believe this!

[nordski]

Yes, Pimentel did say that and Ryszard Gusmann said the same thing when we talked with him on Quest. But that's never appeared in Azamara's PR hype. And here's a quote, buried at the bottom of Bill Leiber's BIG ANNOUNCEMENT here on Cruise Critic:

 

"With the addition of the AzAmazing Evening events and expanded complimentary beverage options, the fares will be increasing on November 1, 2012."

 

Here's another:

 

"With these new amenities added to Azamara Club Cruises, guests are offered an unmatched vacation experience at a tremendous value.”

 

And one more:

 

"We believe that with these new amenities added to Azamara Club Cruises that we are offering our guests a wide variety of unmatched vacation experiences at a tremendous value."

 

No mention anywhere in the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT as posted here about the need for increased revenue in order to attain profitability and stay in business, or anything of the like. And, as far as adding "value," see my posting above.

 

The BIG ANNOUNCEMENT was, as it turns out, the fare increase. The one free shore excursion and included "standard spirits" were distractions intended to turn our attention to something other than the fare increase.

 

 

A/ My source was the first post of Larry P. on October 15 2012.

 

He referenced issues such as "inflation", "popularity increases" and "occupancy" and then stated:

 

"Brands need to adjust to operational costs. Brands also need to be in line with their competitive set....There are many reasons for price increases, prices will go up...While certainly a part of the increase, the inclusive amenities are only a small portion of those rate increases."

(My underlining)

 

He also posted: "Setting prices is based on the above criteria, and to be financially viable"

 

B/ Bill Leiber's posts stating that "With the addition of these amenities there would be a price increase" (My paraphrase) does not, in my mind contradict Larry P's position. "With the" does not, to me, necessarily mean causation but rather correlation.

 

My point is not to defend the new policies, it is rather to suggest that they were defended in a different manner than has been suggested.

 

Whether that defence convinces is another matter. :)

[Sanatee]

Hello Azamara Followers -

 

I've learned today that we will no longer have a harpist on each of our vessels. It was a very difficult business decision for our shoreside operations management team and they realize that it will be a disappointment to many of you.

 

Although the harpists will be absent, I believe you know that you will be served an exceptional onboard experience by our team that performs at consistently high levels.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

 

Bill

 

I know you are caught in the middle, and are often the messenger of bad news because often you're the only "official" way we find out things. So I don't want to shoot the messenger, but all of Azamara management seems to be missing the big picture in this and similar threads. Azamara has decided to raise its price point by including dubious (and often unwelcome) amenities while at the same time eliminating good features like the harpists. It boils down to increasing revenue and decreasing costs. But 's what's next that we'll only find out about on CC or from you?

 

On our recent (and wonderful) Journey cruise, the captain, cruise director and hotel director all commented on how important Cruise Critic is to the company because of the high ratings and positive testimony. Please provide them the strong negative feedback that you're seeing now on CC. Thanks.

[BillC]

Could not agree more with the thoughts expressed by Mike and Carol.

 

To Bill Lieber: I would like to understand the reasoning behind this decision. Can you get the person who actually made this decision to explain the logic that was used? The faceless "shore side operations management team" does not mean anything to me.

 

If you'd like us to start recommending other positions that have little, or marginal value to us, the paying passengers, I'd be more than happy to start a thread that would allow us to make our suggestions

[Glenndale]

If they want to cut costs (ok, only a small snip) they could stop supplying those awful little chocoate cake squares, which they substitute for a pillow chocolate :D

[nordski]

Could not agree more with the thoughts expressed by Mike and Carol.

 

To Bill Lieber: I would like to understand the reasoning behind this decision. Can you get the person who actually made this decision to explain the logic that was used? The faceless "shore side operations management team" does not mean anything to me.

 

If you'd like us to start recommending other positions that have little, or marginal value to us, the paying passengers, I'd be more than happy to start a thread that would allow us to make our suggestions

 

 

Excellent idea.

 

Perhaps, as uktog suggested, we didn't make clear in our evaluations and on this forum how much we prized the harpists.

 

On such a thread, we might be able to suggest services that provide little utility in enjoying the Azamara experience. It might also crystallize what we really appreciate onboard.

[Joecors]

...Jacqueline Dolan performing on the quay at Tunisia surrounded by four camels then dancing North African style with the captain Georgia Theodorou and his wife. She also accompanied us to the Souk which involved the regulatory visit to a carpet shop. She asked the tour members whether they wanted a demonstration and with the answer being "no" marched us straight out of the shop. Not just a harpist but a real character. No idea what her salary was but I'm sure each guest would have forgone one of the "free" drinks to pay it.

 

A quote from Bill, who I do feel sorry for because on this site he is always the one to stick his head above the parapet to take the bullets

 

 

 

Although the harpists will be absent, I believe you know that you will be served an exceptional onboard experience by our team that performs at consistently high levels.

 

 

Bill

Azamara can't expect the "exceptional onboard staff " to always get it out of the mire that its onshore staff seems to lead it into:- no information about free drinks, late decision about an extra cost "DRINK PACKAGE", mess up on AzAzamara etc.

[uktog]

Jacqueline had a particular talent for helping guests avoid carpet factories. She did exactly the same in Kusidasi. Not only was she a delightful harpist but she was one of the best tour escorts you could hope for, far better than any of the shore excursions staff - that is another aspect of an asset they have lost in this cull.

[Lindy028]

If they want to cut costs (ok, only a small snip) they could stop supplying those awful little chocoate cake squares, which they substitute for a pillow chocolate :D

 

I so agree, they really are awful.

[Jade13]

To Bill Lieber: I would like to understand the reasoning behind this decision. Can you get the person who actually made this decision to explain the logic that was used? The faceless "shore side operations management team" does not mean anything to me.

 

 

Where have the harpists slept at night?

 

Assuming the harpists each stayed in a cabin that could be sold to the public, my guess would be that was the logic. An extra $6,000 to $10,000 per cruise for both ships? Double that if they each had the stateroom to themselves. If they stayed in the crew quarters I really doesn't understand.

[HudandPug]

Where have the harpists slept at night?

 

Assuming the harpists each stayed in a cabin that could be sold to the public, my guess would be that was the logic. An extra $6,000 to $10,000 per cruise for both ships? Double that if they each had the stateroom to themselves. If they stayed in the crew quarters I really doesn't understand.

 

Based on what you have been saying about how popular and helpfull they are, I suspect they stepped on too many egos;)

[CintiPam]

One of the highlights of the onboard experience of each of my four Oceania cruises was the delightful hour its string quartets played just before dinner. So I was very happy to enjoy the harp music on my first Azamara cruise last October.

 

This is a sad decision.

[santrah]

Please reconsider the harpists Azamara. They gave the Discoveries dining rooms atmosphere. We are now regretting not applauding the harpist when having our pre dinner drinks (we wanted to show our appreciation but didnt think it was the etiquette!). Azamara would have then known how much they were appreciated. The other areas of the ship where they played gave warmth and sophistication to the atmosphere.

There are many other little things on Azamara that together make more a more upmarket, quality experience....those welcomes on the shoreside with drinks etc, the chocs on the plate at turndown, free laundry, the much discussed coffee arrangements, deck BBQ's, White Night etc.....these are just some enhancements that we take for granted but are what we expect from this grade of cruise line and the whole Azamara ethos.

[HudandPug]

Please reconsider the harpists Azamara. They gave the Discoveries dining rooms atmosphere. We are now regretting not applauding the harpist when having our pre dinner drinks (we wanted to show our appreciation but didnt think it was the etiquette!). Azamara would have then known how much they were appreciated. The other areas of the ship where they played gave warmth and sophistication to the atmosphere.

There are many other little things on Azamara that together make more a more upmarket, quality experience....those welcomes on the shoreside with drinks etc, the chocs on the plate at turndown, free laundry, the much discussed coffee arrangements, deck BBQ's, White Night etc.....these are just some enhancements that we take for granted but are what we expect from this grade of cruise line and the whole Azamara ethos.

 

I hope there is more to Azamara than above, although nicely pleaded, because all the things (apart from laundry) that you mention, we have experienced on NCL, no night time turn down treats on celebrity even though in concierge class. NCL has lovely chocs and sometimes other things everynight and they are a very reasonably priced cruise, with a harpist!

 

I am expecting substantially better than NCL from Azamara :)

[florisdekort]

When I read the title of this topic I thought someone died.

[marinaro44]

A/ My source was the first post of Larry P. on October 15 2012.

Yes, I acknowledged that in the first sentence of my posting.

B/ Bill Leiber's posts stating that "With the addition of these amenities there would be a price increase" (My paraphrase) does not, in my mind contradict Larry P's position. "With the" does not, to me, necessarily mean causation but rather correlation.

My point was that, as things turned out, the most significant aspect of the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT was the fare increase, which received scant, passing mention in an otherwise lengthy posting that was full of hype. And you surely can't disagree that the sentence I quoted tied the fare increase to the wonderful new "enhancements," if not 100% then certainly as a way to justify the increase.

 

My point is not to defend the new policies, it is rather to suggest that they were defended in a different manner than has been suggested.

They were defended in that manner only in the special Larry Pimentel section viewed only by Cruise Critic members who frequent the Azamara board. They were never described as such in any Azamara press release, email, or other communication to the public. As a result, they reached a tiny portion of Azamara's customers, leaving the rest to read only the hype. And that message was completely missing from Bill Leiber's BIG ANNOUNCEMENT thread here on the main Azamara board.

[MightyQuinn]

The move to eliminate the harpists doesn't make a ton of sense. I suspect that they aren't highly paid so any savings would be minimal. Maybe Jade is correct and they will free up revenue-producing staterooms, but that only works if Azamara can successfully sell out all voyages and those rooms sail occupied. Yet the impact of their loss will be greatly felt. The harpists added to our overall cruise enjoyment, in both a tangible and intangible way.

 

It's not the end of the world that there won't be harpists anymore, but it is a whittling away of core aspects of the Azamara experience.

 

Azamara has already raised fares substantially. Now they are taking away signature aspects of the on-board experience. What's next? Sometimes it seems to me that Azamara really doesn't know its target market or really doesn't care about their needs and wants. Or perhaps they are shifting, yet again, to a different market. All I know is it's going to be a tough sell to both increase fares and reduce expenses without having a dramatic effect on customers.

[greeneg]

Two comments: 1) It's ultimately all about value; does removing the Harpists take away something of value on the ship? In my humble opinion, it certainly does. Revenue may have been enhanced, but consumer value most certainly has not been.

 

2) Isn't it interesting that Bill was able to provide a prompt response to the Harpist Question, and still hasn't been able to answer those concerning the details of the beverage "enhancement"?

 

Anyone wonder besides me as to what's next?

 

Ed

[gosport11]

Who or what will take there place,Karaoke maybe,personally i hope its another form of easy listening music either classical or modern i dont mind

[geocruiser]

At this time I believe that there is no replacement for the harpist. If there was Bill would have posted it. No harpist-- just another enhancement for a more upmarket, quality experience....

 

I just visit this board to see what is going on with Azamara. I left Azamara brand last year (after taking two cruises) because I did not find it a good value for my money. I have all taken my cruise dollars else where.

[dfishner]

All I can say is I am glad our next month cruise on Azamara is our last.

I will miss the great service on board but really feel Azamara is going in a questionable direction that I find difficult to understand. I remember Larry P saying something on his post that there are other cruise lines out there and you know what he is right, we are taking his advice.

[docdave]

Agree that removing the harpists will take away from the so called 'bespoke' experience I have come to expect on Azamara. My wife and I also enjoyed when they would occasionally play in Mosaic and found them to be a delightful addition to the 'Azamazing experience'. Azamara has reversed decisions before. Let's hope they are reading this thread and will reconsider a something that added a special feel to the Azamara experience.

[pickypicky]

If they want to cut costs (ok, only a small snip) they could stop supplying those awful little chocoate cake squares, which they substitute for a pillow chocolate :D

 

I "like" this. They go straight into the trash can.

[captainmcd]

Agree that removing the harpists will take away from the so called 'bespoke' experience I have come to expect on Azamara. My wife and I also enjoyed when they would occasionally play in Mosaic and found them to be a delightful addition to the 'Azamazing experience'. Azamara has reversed decisions before. Let's hope they are reading this thread and will reconsider a something that added a special feel to the Azamara experience.

 

It is notable that this thread is followed by Bill Lieber, and he has the connections with the senior management that made the decision. Larry Piementel took the time to come on CC and answer questions. I am sure they are listening, and hope they now know the high regard that their customers have for the harpists. I always complemented the harpist in my cruise evaluation, and applauded them when nearby. Now it is time for Azamara to admit their mistake and keep the harpists.

[nordski]

Yes, I acknowledged that in the first sentence of my posting.

My point was that, as things turned out, the most significant aspect of the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT was the fare increase, which received scant, passing mention in an otherwise lengthy posting that was full of hype. And you surely can't disagree that the sentence I quoted tied the fare increase to the wonderful new "enhancements," if not 100% then certainly as a way to justify the increase.

 

They were defended in that manner only in the special Larry Pimentel section viewed only by Cruise Critic members who frequent the Azamara board. They were never described as such in any Azamara press release, email, or other communication to the public. As a result, they reached a tiny portion of Azamara's customers, leaving the rest to read only the hype. And that message was completely missing from Bill Leiber's BIG ANNOUNCEMENT thread here on the main Azamara board.

 

Thanks for the response.

 

For obvious reasons, I cannot comment on the impact of the "hype" on Azamara's customers who do not frequent this forum.

 

I also apologize that my comments have been tangental to the original topic and may distract from that important issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[nordski]

It is notable that this thread is followed by Bill Lieber, and he has the connections with the senior management that made the decision. Larry Piementel took the time to come on CC and answer questions. I am sure they are listening, and hope they now know the high regard that their customers have for the harpists. I always complemented the harpist in my cruise evaluation, and applauded them when nearby. Now it is time for Azamara to admit their mistake and keep the harpists.

 

We share your hope.

 

We will also use the end of cruise evaluation to emphasize that the harpists are missed.

 

 

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