New 2013 inclusive beverage program details

[gosport11]

Im sure the list will be tweaked over time,does the fact that you can buy packages mean that every time you buy a drink you have to present your card but get no slip,also will you get a bill one the final day saying 0,my only experiance of drinks packages was on celebrity where this happened,also had to query the fact that some drinks had been charged,bud and beer should not appear in the same sentence,my only disapointment is no Heinken or stronbow (thats 2 i know) PS thaks for the list its a great help

Edited March 21, 2013 by gosport11

[marinaro44]

Thanks and I know we'll have a wonderful cruise, but at the moment Bill doesn't make me feel like a valued client.

You mean you don't like being described as "cynical" and "skeptical?";) Have to agree that's an unusual way for a company to address its customer set on a public forum.

 

Strange that, other than vermouth, there're no aperitifs on the list. And why any mixed drink mixed with "standard spirits" isn't included (see mojito example above) is a real mystery. The list of "international" beers apparently is Beck's. Short list, I'd say.

 

Guess we'll have to carry a notebook around the ship with us so we'll know what we can and can't order from the bar. This is not going to attract the Regent, Seabourn, and Silverseas crowd. You can be sure of that.

[marinaro44]

Wow, what an absolute shambles. It could take ages to get a drink in the early days, as staff struggle to remember what price drinks are and to identify which passenger is entitled to which drink.

Not according to Bill Leiber's grand announcement of the "standard spirits" package:

 

"Our decision to include select spirits, wines and international beers was to enhance the onboard experience by making the beverage ordering process significantly more convenient, while delivering more value to our guests. Also, it is a common offering in the up-market and luxury sectors of our industry. "

[silkismom]

I had Bombay Sapphire at the AI Iberostar in Cozumel and Larry had Jack Daniels, we also had mojitos. Also at several Sandals resorts, also very good chocolate Martinis (tho not as good as on Regent)

[pacheco18]

You mean you don't like being described as "cynical" and "skeptical?";) Have to agree that's an unusual way for a company to address its customer set on a public forum.

 

Strange that, other than vermouth, there're no aperitifs on the list. And why any mixed drink mixed with "standard spirits" isn't included (see mojito example above) is a real mystery. The list of "international" beers apparently is Beck's. Short list, I'd say.

 

Guess we'll have to carry a notebook around the ship with us so we'll know what we can and can't order from the bar. This is not going to attract the Regent, Seabourn, and Silverseas crowd. You can be sure of that.

 

Nor the Oceania crowd

[marinaro44]

Nor the Oceania crowd

Um...give us the list of spirits included in the fare on Oceania. Oh, wait...it's $34.95/day for the "house select" package. Tell us for which categories of crew are gratuities always included in the Oceania fare. Oh, wait...it's $15/day or $22/day, depending on your accommodation.

 

The Oceania crowd and the Regent, Seabourn, and Silverseas crowds are...well...different crowds. Largely because of very different cruise line policies.

[pacheco18]

Um...give us the list of spirits included in the fare on Oceania. Oh, wait...it's $34.95/day for the "house select" package. Tell us for which categories of crew are gratuities always included in the Oceania fare. Oh, wait...it's $15/day or $22/day, depending on your accommodation.

 

The Oceania crowd and the Regent, Seabourn, and Silverseas crowds are...well...different crowds. Largely because of very different cruise line policies.

 

I don't think you know Oceania cruisers, the o product or how o works.

First, knowledgeable cruisers with good TAs NEVER pay gratuities on Oceania We get them thrown in. I Have never paid for gratuities on an o cruise. There happens to be a promotion now so everyone gets included gratuities

 

Second, Oceania cruisers can bring on as much wine as they want In every port. They don't want it included and they certainly don't want mediocre choices The crowd is fairly sophisticated And there are excellent wine only packages on board <not per day - you buy a selection of bottles of fine wine and they follow u to every dining venue.

 

When Azamara had a better price point they might have enticed o cruisers like myself , but just those who prefer R ships. those who like the newer o class ships with all the dining options won 't consider azamara -- they dont even want to be on o's r ships. With insignia coming back to o, three r ships in the fleet, I doubt you will see many o cruisers gravitating to Azamara --especially when they read these boards.

 

 

O cruisers tend to be foodies. Azamara 's food (which i am sure is fine but not quite up to o) and fee restaurants don't cut it for them. Many o cruisers eat in the specialties a lot --with no extra fee. There is no limit to the number of times you can dine in the specialties, space available

 

I stand by my assessment.

[nordski]

Way back when the original enhancement announcement was made. They were calling the enhancements a bespoke experience. Larry primentel later directed marketing not to use the word. We all had a good laugh

 

So far nothing they have done is remotely bespoke

 

I certainly agree about the "good laugh" and, as you indicate, the point was taken by Larry P.

 

If memory serves, only two elements of the enhancements were described by the unfortunate term "bespoke", the Azamazing Evening and the Nespresso. That's why I was confused by the linking of "bespoke" to "Budweiser".

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[scotpom]

Are the wine packages and wine list available on the website yet please? Can't find them which means nothing as my computer skills are "Flimsy" Looking at the Spirit packages, are those prices inclusive or exclusive of GST? Have to say the new "inclusive wine list" is pretty impressive compared to other Cruise lines basic packages ( $25-$30 per day for two people) which have featured some awful wines that were only good for "Laying down and avoiding"

Scotpom:)

[Bill Leiber]

Thanks for posting the info Bill. Do you have pricing for the wine packages? Can we purchase the various beverage packages at any point in the cruise - say part way through for the rest of the voyage?

 

Hello Mighty Quinn -

 

I'm seeking the price for the wine package from our hotel operations unit and will share that information once received.

 

You will be able to purchase the package any time throughout the voyage and the charges begin the day the package is purchased. Once signed up - then there is no canceling. Answers to similar types of questions will be posted on our website.

 

Please stay tuned for the wine package cost.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

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

[dfishner]

We are happy with the drink package Azamara is offerening also feel the price list for Ala carte drinks if we want a premium brand is resonable.

Edited March 22, 2013 by dfishner

[Spursgirl]

I don't think you know Oceania cruisers, the o product or how o works.

First, knowledgeable cruisers with good TAs NEVER pay gratuities on Oceania We get them thrown in. I Have never paid for gratuities on an o cruise. There happens to be a promotion now so everyone gets included gratuities

 

Second, Oceania cruisers can bring on as much wine as they want In every port. They don't want it included and they certainly don't want mediocre choices The crowd is fairly sophisticated And there are excellent wine only packages on board <not per day - you buy a selection of bottles of fine wine and they follow u to every dining venue.

 

When Azamara had a better price point they might have enticed o cruisers like myself , but just those who prefer R ships. those who like the newer o class ships with all the dining options won 't consider azamara -- they dont even want to be on o's r ships. With insignia coming back to o, three r ships in the fleet, I doubt you will see many o cruisers gravitating to Azamara --especially when they read these boards.

 

 

O cruisers tend to be foodies. Azamara 's food (which i am sure is fine but not quite up to o) and fee restaurants don't cut it for them. Many o cruisers eat in the specialties a lot --with no extra fee. There is no limit to the number of times you can dine in the specialties, space available

 

I stand by my assessment.

 

Good morning Laraine,

 

Having read your latest and previous posts I get that you love Oceania. You are absolutely right their food is excellent and they rightly attract 'foodies'

 

But I believe that you have not yet sailed with Azamara although I think you may have future bookings with the line.

 

If I am correct I am not sure that you are able to express an opinion about the quality of food or anything else if you have not experienced it.

 

It may be after your Azamara sailings you may decide that Oceania suits you better or you may not..................

 

Whatever you decide I hope your Azamara cruises are as wonderful as mine have always been.

[Charleyben]

My wife and I booked our first Azamara Cruise based on personal recommendation. We were told that the quality of wines provided at lunch and dinner were of a very good quality and when we read that the line was becoming all inclusive, we assumed that the bar offerings would be of the same high quality. This was based on the fact that Azamara happily promote their product in the 'luxury' range.

 

I came onto this site to learn more about our forthcoming cruise and we were intrigued to read Bill's post on 16th February. Bill did not promise the information on a particular date but it would not be unreasonable to infer that, as the first all inclusive cruise was only two months away, it was imminent. Otherwise why start the thread in the first place.

 

After a number of apologies for the delay, Bill posts a message on the 14th March when for the first time it is revealed that Azmara was introducing 'value priced beverage packages'. This information is provided less than two weeks before we board the ship.

 

The sad part of this, is that this was the first time that Bill was aware of such packages. What type of organisation engages a chief blogging officer and then proceeds to keep him in the dark about an issue that is clearly of interest to many posters and customers?

 

My expectations of a cruise are primarily commensurate with how much I have paid. When I book a three star line I do not expect luxury, however when I book a cruise that is marketed as 'luxury', I am somewhat more discerning.

 

I have not yet seen the full list of the all inclusive offerings but from what has been published, I am of the opinion that Azamara have provided the bare minimum. I don't wish to get into the semantics of the wording of what has been promised, I am more concerned with the spirit (excuse the pun) of what is being offered.

 

I get the distinct impression that the bean counters have been hard at work and have had second thoughts regarding the revenue stream from bar profits. I note that the liquor on offer in the 'premium package' is not significantly different from that in the all inclusive and that the wholesale cost difference would be extremely small.

 

What I find particularly annoying is having these packages promoted in a way that they are.

 

I am left with the impression that Azamara have gone cheap. The timing and the manner in which this information has been provided is nothing short of a P.R. nightmare.

 

I have every intention of enjoying my cruise and despite my complaints, I shall be looking for positives and have every intention of enjoying my cruise to the full. I am just sad that it has started like this.

 

I mean absolutely no disrespect to Bill but he is the voice of Azamara on this site and therefore he must shoulder their shortcomings.

[gregeol]

While I know there is no way to please everyone the liquor list is very disappointing. The beer selection is atrocious, two tasteless rice beers and one so-so German lager. The worst is that just one scotch is included and that is Cutty Sark a truly rotgut brand. I was hoping Jameson would be included, since I'm an Irish drinker but I did not expect it to be. Looks like I'll still be paying for my drinks. The wines for the most part have always been enjoyable and the staff has always been accommodating if you found one you really liked. So my feeling is that the wine program is good, but the inclusive liquors are a major disappointment.

[beachmudhut]

I would even say more: In Turkey or Egypt a FIVE star All In resort will only offer LOCAL spirits and everybody knows and agree. And now here some people complain about the limited choice but I think what AZ "more inclusive" is offering now is far above all you can get in ALL IN resorts !

 

 

We have stayed in many Sandals resorts and Riu resorts and all inclusive actually did mean ALL main brand drinks although not the really specialised expensive brands. There were good choices of decent beers and single malt whisky and brandy.

 

We are sure we will enjoy ourselves and we will ignore the very mean choice of beverages offered but do feel misled by the advertising. In fact we are now left asking more questions than were answered!

 

We have never cruised with Azamara before but sincerely hope the cruising bit is a whole lot better than the "on shore" management part which has been the worst we have ever known.

[English Tim]

 

We have never cruised with Azamara before but sincerely hope the cruising bit is a whole lot better than the "on shore" management part which has been the worst we have ever known.

 

Fair comment, exactly the same for us.

 

I'm going to the Cruise show on Sunday. It'll be interesting to know what they know!

[norn iron]

We have our first Azamara cruise booked for later in the year, and I have been watching the two threads debating this subject in a before and after scenario.

I have a few observations, and one question (upon interpretation) from experienced Azamara cruisers.

 

My observations, no Irish Whiskey, no dark beer, ale or stout. The Gordon's gin providing its the yellow label 47% proof export brand is quite acceptable, but it would have been nice to have had Tanqueray. No Port for an after dinner tipple. I also hope they offer a better quality Tonic water that the 'Club' brand offered by Celebrity. Lets keep in mind a G&T is 75% tonic water, so a quality Tonic would be great.

 

My question is based around the 19 wines, are there only two (plus rose) available each day? if so surely that does not bode well for food matching.

If there is a wine that is served on day two for example ( which floats your boat) can you re-request the same wine on the follow days?

[uktog]

We have our first Azamara cruise booked for later in the year, and I have been watching the two threads debating this subject in a before and after scenario.

I have a few observations, and one question (upon interpretation) from experienced Azamara cruisers.

 

My observations, no Irish Whiskey, no dark beer, ale or stout. The Gordon's gin providing its the yellow label 47% proof export brand is quite acceptable, but it would have been nice to have had Tanqueray. No Port for an after dinner tipple. I also hope they offer a better quality Tonic water that the 'Club' brand offered by Celebrity. Lets keep in mind a G&T is 75% tonic water, so a quality Tonic would be great.

 

My question is based around the 19 wines, are there only two (plus rose) available each day? if so surely that does not bode well for food matching.

If there is a wine that is served on day two for example ( which floats your boat) can you re-request the same wine on the follow days?

 

They do match the wines to the "chef recommendation" however, you can re request a wine a few days later and if they have a bottle to hand and properly chilled etc they will happily oblige

 

The tonic is the club brand same as on Celebrity or it was in October. As the Gin pouring is generous I always ask to pour my own tonic and add less than I would otherwise do

[MightyQuinn]

Hello Mighty Quinn - I'm seeking the price for the wine package from our hotel operations unit and will share that information once received....

I appreciate your follow-up Bill. I'll watch this space and your website for further info. Cheers & thanks!

[taxjam]

While I know there is no way to please everyone the liquor list is very disappointing. The beer selection is atrocious, two tasteless rice beers and one so-so German lager. The worst is that just one scotch is included and that is Cutty Sark a truly rotgut brand. I was hoping Jameson would be included, since I'm an Irish drinker but I did not expect it to be. Looks like I'll still be paying for my drinks. The wines for the most part have always been enjoyable and the staff has always been accommodating if you found one you really liked. So my feeling is that the wine program is good, but the inclusive liquors are a major disappointment.

 

Completely agree. The beer selection is disappointing and the scotch is correctly characterized as rotgut.

[Cocktail Queenie]

Maybe it's just me but I am very happy with the selection on offer of "free" drinks. I'm looking forward to my cruise, having been on an Azamara cruise before and loved it!

 

Try not and get bogged down with every little thing you see as negative and just look forward to your cruise otherwise you will just ruin it for yourselves.

 

Happy sailing everyone and enjoy yourselves!! Remember how many people in the world can only ever dream of doing a cruise.....and we're lucky enough to be taking an Azamara cruise!!! :D

[NC&KY]

Maybe it's just me but I am very happy with the selection on offer of "free" drinks. I'm looking forward to my cruise, having been on an Azamara cruise before and loved it!

 

Try not and get bogged down with every little thing you see as negative and just look forward to your cruise otherwise you will just ruin it for yourselves.

 

Happy sailing everyone and enjoy yourselves!! Remember how many people in the world can only ever dream of doing a cruise.....and we're lucky enough to be taking an Azamara cruise!!! :D

And of course you are right. Thanks for the reminder.;)

[HudandPug]

And of course you are right. Thanks for the reminder.;)

 

There are! Non USA people on all cruises, and 'gutrot' is not good, however, there are benefits to this.... it's aversion therapy! If you are on a 17 day like I am next year, maybe I will be teatotal by the end. They will need twinnings earl grey for that! Unlikely:p It's abit scary having access to no favorite alcohol for 17 days, in blackout for 8 days not allowed on deck to see the sky, or your balcony, although you paid an arm and a leg for it! Something wrong there! As somebody said earlier 'rotgut' . To be honest someone also said Tesco basic, even that is better than seagrams/cuttysark, because at least its a proper scotch, £8 per litre!! 40 measures. I give up, my first azamara is 4 days so none of this matters. But 17 days is another matter. I would like to think it will all be sorted by then.

 

I just want something that says Azamara is not just a USA focused brand, especially, as many have posted, UK get none of the 'Perks and offers' available to the USA customer.

 

Night all

 

Yvonne :)

Edited March 22, 2013 by HudandPug

[wangeling gal]

We are on the Journey in April - prior to the cruises with the inclusive drinks. If I were to purchase a classic drinks package, would that be similar to the list Mr Lieber posted above? Also the classic package says all beer brands, is that only the 3 mentioned above or the 26 brands offered in the beer package?

It also said on Mr Liebers post that we can look on the website to find out what beers are in a beer package, and go to a FAQ section, but I can not seem to find them anywhere. Can someone please point me in the right direction? Answers to my questions will help determine whether we purchase packages or not.:)

[pacheco18]

Good morning Laraine,

 

Having read your latest and previous posts I get that you love Oceania. You are absolutely right their food is excellent and they rightly attract 'foodies'

 

But I believe that you have not yet sailed with Azamara although I think you may have future bookings with the line.

 

If I am correct I am not sure that you are able to express an opinion about the quality of food or anything else if you have not experienced it.

 

It may be after your Azamara sailings you may decide that Oceania suits you better or you may not..................

 

Whatever you decide I hope your Azamara cruises are as wonderful as mine have always been.

 

I have made no comments on the quality of Azamara or the experience itself. Not one. Reread my posts. I have booked 2 Azamara cruises based on what others have said about the experience -- largely relying on Oceania cruisers whom I know. My comments are about the way Azamara management has handled the debacle with the so-called enhancements that really are nothing more than price increases for the same experience. They have added some cheap booze (which many do not want) and a mass shore excursion (which many do not want) and are charging thousands more. It is the Azamara cruisers who are saying that -- the ones who are abandoning ship.

 

My one comment on the quality of food (which I said was "fine") comes from the many O cruisers who have tried Azamara. I trust their judgment. I do not expect it to be like the Oceania culinary experience -- Azamara is known for its special ambiance that you all rave about -- it is not known for its food -- and I am not likely to waste money on a specialty restaurant as they get mixed reviews even here on these boards.

 

In any event, I can express my opinion about anything, by the way. Anyone can. You can choose to disregard an opinion if you believe there is no basis for it. But there are no "opinion police" on Cruise Critic -- unless you are self-appointed.