Nothing concrete, but talk of adding to the fleet

[uktog]

There is nothing new or concrete in this article, and indeed it is talking about announcements that are already in the public domaine (Australia) but the line about adding to the fleet is being pushed out again today and has been retweeted by Azamara themselves

 

http://www.maritime-ceo.com/News/Azamara-Club-Cruises:-Ready-to-add-to-the-fleet/3w3c295.html#.UwagLqfG5nA.twitter

 

One day we may know what and when - are you in the if or when camp just now?

Edited February 21, 2014 by uktog

[nordski]

Thanks for the link.

 

It is a repetition from about a year ago, but one can always hope.

 

Off topic, but if they really want to be a "destination immersion" line, then they must deal with issues concerning shore excursions, similar to the one you've encountered, expeditiously.

[uktog]

Thanks for the link.

 

It is a repetition from about a year ago, but one can always hope.

 

Off topic, but if they really want to be a "destination immersion" line, then they must deal with issues concerning shore excursions, similar to the one you've encountered, expeditiously.

 

Indeed - I thought it was interesting it was a tweet by one organisation but that Azamara had retweeted it - Reasons could be

1. the managers of Azamara's twitter account just did it because it was a news article and did not think of the significance of the message

2. Azamara is getting too much flack for being a small line and want to get a holding message out

3. there is something about to happen

 

But yes, and thanks for your concerns about my issue, it is now two weeks since my first contact and one since my second yet apart from the standard acknowledgement (and therefore I know it has been received) but still no response.

 

I was, however, pleased to learn elsewhere today that we are getting both Captain Jason and Captain Johannes on our cruise. Two great captains on one cruise - they are changing over after a few days

[dln929]

I'm not surprised that they should be thinking of adding to the fleet. Viking Oceans is going to give them a run for the money and their new ship will be ready in April 2015. Not far away, really. If they do build a new ship I will still sail the old ships because I like them, small bathrooms and all. I hope they never strip the life out of them like the Solsticizing did with Celebrity's M class. Old has a certain charm and I know it's not valued by some, but it is by me.

Edited February 21, 2014 by dln929

[shoesonfire]

I'm not surprised that they should be thinking of adding to the fleet. Viking Oceans is going to give them a run for the money and their new ship will be ready in April 2015. Not far away, really. If they do build a new ship I will still sail the old ships because I like them, small bathrooms and all. I hope they never strip the life out of them like the Solsticizing did with Celebrity's M class. Old has a certain charm and I know it's not valued by some, but it is by me.

 

We have loved cruising 4 times with Azamara, but after being alerted via your post about Viking Ocean, I took a look at their web site and must admit it looks very appealing. Especially like the entertainment items that describe the extensive movies and lectures of upcoming ports. Really enjoyed seeing the clean design of the ship interiors and King size beds with ample space in all their balcony cabins. Surprised to see that are sold out on many of their 2015 cruises already. Should be getting Azamara's attention. Thanks for sharing Deidre -- always enjoy reading your objective commentaries.

 

Jan

[Texed]

There is nothing new or concrete in this article, and indeed it is talking about announcements that are already in the public domaine (Australia) but the line about adding to the fleet is being pushed out again today and has been retweeted by Azamara themselves.

 

Thanks for posting. :)

[midwestchick]

I'm not surprised that they should be thinking of adding to the fleet. Viking Oceans is going to give them a run for the money and their new ship will be ready in April 2015. Not far away, really. If they do build a new ship I will still sail the old ships because I like them, small bathrooms and all. I hope they never strip the life out of them like the Solsticizing did with Celebrity's M class. Old has a certain charm and I know it's not valued by some, but it is by me.

 

I've been reading more about the new Viking Star. I wonder if the food will even compare to Azamara's though.

[excitedofharpenden]

There is nothing new or concrete in this article, and indeed it is talking about announcements that are already in the public domaine (Australia) but the line about adding to the fleet is being pushed out again today and has been retweeted by Azamara themselves

 

http://www.maritime-ceo.com/News/Azamara-Club-Cruises:-Ready-to-add-to-the-fleet/3w3c295.html#.UwagLqfG5nA.twitter

 

One day we may know what and when - are you in the if or when camp just now?

Thanks for the link and information. My advice to Larry Pimental would be stop talking about it and just get on and do it!

 

Phil

[kathy9]

I've been reading more about the new Viking Star. I wonder if the food will even compare to Azamara's though.

I have read good things about the food on the Viking River cruises, of course an ocean liner will have many more guests.

We will have to wait and see...

[kikki21]

I think Azamara will have to get competitive to match with Viking Oceans and other cruise lines - the Viking Star looks amazing and definitely something to consider in the future. Where is the Century off to?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Jancruz]

My concern about Viking Ocean is they will lose a lot of client base as there is no Casino onboard..

Jancruz1

[LuAnn]

My concern about Viking Ocean is they will lose a lot of client base as there is no Casino onboard..

Jancruz1

 

We don't gamble...(one of the few vices I don't have!!! :) ) but I think having to pay your entire cruise fare over two years out...(I was looking way out) was a deal breaker for me. I appreciate that Viking needs money to "float the boat"...but not on my dime that far out....IMO....LuAnn

[ozark74]

I think Azamara will have to get competitive to match with Viking Oceans and other cruise lines - the Viking Star looks amazing and definitely something to consider in the future. Where is the Century off to?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

The Century is going to become part of Croisieres De France in April, 2015.

Also part of RCCL

[Granny DI]

My question is if Azamara didn't have enough money to completely update the ships during dry dock how do they now have enough money for a new build? Posters on Crystal and Sea Dream are also wondering about new builds. Crystal did spend a lot of money to update their two ships though. I think the economy has to get a lot better before these smaller companies can think about new builds.

[excitedofharpenden]

My question is if Azamara didn't have enough money to completely update the ships during dry dock how do they now have enough money for a new build? Posters on Crystal and Sea Dream are also wondering about new builds. Crystal did spend a lot of money to update their two ships though. I think the economy has to get a lot better before these smaller companies can think about new builds.

I love the Azamara product and once onboard it doesn't take me long to understand why and the "specialness" created by the crew, but you raise a good question. Even though we knew before both Quest and Journey went into dry-dock that things had been scaled back it did't stop Azamara's much vaunted description of what was being done to them. I realised something was up when the majority of the photo updates were either of the newly painted blue hull or the new ceiling lights in the main dining room. My thoughts were born out when I stayed in a cabin post-update that looked exactly the same as it did before. Hence my comment above for Mr Pimental cut through the corporate speak and get on with it rather than promising long and delivering short on the hardware.

 

Phil

Edited February 23, 2014 by excitedofharpenden

[Granny DI]

My concern about Viking Ocean is they will lose a lot of client base as there is no Casino onboard..

Jancruz1

 

I thought the "casino" on the Quest was worthless. I love casinos but spent no more than 30 minutes total in the "casino" on both my Quest cruises.

[kikki21]

The Century is going to become part of Croisieres De France in April, 2015.

Also part of RCCL

 

Thank you for that answer - was kind of wondering if Azamara would get her!

 

Yes the fact that you had to pay all your money upfront on Viking is a big issue for a lot of people - a casino on board doesn't bother me either way but we do enjoy spending a bit of time on the slots! :)

[nordski]

 

Yes the fact that you had to pay all your money upfront on Viking is a big issue for a lot of people :)

 

Agreed! It has led to some speculation as to cash flow issues.

 

Another common criticism is their practice of using seemingly perpetual 2 for 1 sales. However, they are not the only offender in this matter.

[pacheco18]

My concern about Viking Ocean is they will lose a lot of client base as there is no Casino onboard..

Jancruz1

 

 

Hi jan

Hello from cairo

 

You really think the lack of a casino matters.

I have never been on an Oceania or Azamara cruise where there were more than four people in the casino

[Ship's Wake]

My concern about Viking Ocean is they will lose a lot of client base as there is no Casino onboard..

Jancruz1

 

That's a valid concern for some ocean cruisers new to the Viking brand.

 

Viking is counting on marketing their ocean cruises to their vast numbers of repeat river cruisers. Having a casino onboard is not as important to these cruisers, as they did not have one on their river cruise either.

Edited February 24, 2014 by oysterdam

[Ship's Wake]

One of my first thoughts when Celebrity announced that for the 15/16 season all Celebrity ships would have a "ship within a ship" for suites with separate dining room and lounge that RCI has decided not to expand Azamara and instead will use Celebrity as its premium brand.

 

Anyone else think this is where they are headed?

[midwestchick]

Thank you for that answer - was kind of wondering if Azamara would get her!

 

Yes the fact that you had to pay all your money upfront on Viking is a big issue for a lot of people - a casino on board doesn't bother me either way but we do enjoy spending a bit of time on the slots! :)

 

That could be a deal breaker for me too...I was not aware of that.:eek: We don't really gamble either so the casino wouldn't be a factor in buying a cruise.

[Reggiefan]

Legitimate questions are (1) when will Azamara proceed with the full renovation of its two ships, as planned two years ago; (2) whether Azamara has the financial wherewithal and the parent company backing to expand its fleet when for seemingly financial reasons it backed away from the full renovation of its two ships; and (3) whether an expansion of the Azamara fleet would adversely affect the on-board experience about which everyone raves.

 

I know nothing about the Celebrity "ship within a ship" plans. But for a good portion of its market share, I would think that Azamara does not compete against Celebrity as much as it does against other lines, especially Oceania.

[Ship's Wake]

Legitimate questions are (1) when will Azamara proceed with the full renovation of its two ships, as planned two years ago; (2) whether Azamara has the financial wherewithal and the parent company backing to expand its fleet when for seemingly financial reasons it backed away from the full renovation of its two ships; and (3) whether an expansion of the Azamara fleet would adversely affect the on-board experience about which everyone raves.

 

I know nothing about the Celebrity "ship within a ship" plans. But for a good portion of its market share, I would think that Azamara does not compete against Celebrity as much as it does against other lines, especially Oceania.

 

Some details on the ship within a ship:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5728

 

The latest to add to the "ship within a ship" trend is Celebrity Cruises, which will begin featuring a more self-contained and exclusive experience to passengers who book suites.

 

Offering access to a suite-passengers-only restaurant and lounge, the line's "Suite Class" concept -- set to debut on all ships in the fleet (with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition) during the line's 2015-2016 season -- will also provide the most elite cruisers with complimentary alcoholic beverages, free alternative dining, unlimited Internet and the services of a butler.

 

Private restaurant offerings, which won't be available anywhere else onboard, will focus on local cuisine found in the ports of call on each itinerary. In some cases, the ingredients will even be locally sourced. Additionally, courses will be paired with complimentary wines, chosen by Celebrity's head sommelier.

 

Suite privileges for those staying in Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites -- including free premium beverages and gratis dining in restaurants that normally carry added fees -- extend to other restaurants onboard, as well.

 

VIP lounge Michael's Club will offer complimentary food, drink and concierge services for those booked in Celebrity, Signature, Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites.

 

Other amenities included are priority embarkation and debarkation, as well as daily in-suite tea service.

[midwestchick]

Some details on the ship within a ship:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5728

 

The latest to add to the "ship within a ship" trend is Celebrity Cruises, which will begin featuring a more self-contained and exclusive experience to passengers who book suites.

 

Offering access to a suite-passengers-only restaurant and lounge, the line's "Suite Class" concept -- set to debut on all ships in the fleet (with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition) during the line's 2015-2016 season -- will also provide the most elite cruisers with complimentary alcoholic beverages, free alternative dining, unlimited Internet and the services of a butler.

 

Private restaurant offerings, which won't be available anywhere else onboard, will focus on local cuisine found in the ports of call on each itinerary. In some cases, the ingredients will even be locally sourced. Additionally, courses will be paired with complimentary wines, chosen by Celebrity's head sommelier.

 

Suite privileges for those staying in Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites -- including free premium beverages and gratis dining in restaurants that normally carry added fees -- extend to other restaurants onboard, as well.

 

VIP lounge Michael's Club will offer complimentary food, drink and concierge services for those booked in Celebrity, Signature, Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites.

 

Other amenities included are priority embarkation and debarkation, as well as daily in-suite tea service.

 

I can only imagine what type of fares the "Suite Class" will have. :eek: :eek: