It was an OK cruise.....but not for us

[uktog]

For us it was a great cruise as was the one before!

 

We have just returned from a B2B on Journey that we thoroughly enjoyed. But it was strange, on both trips we came across a lot of guests who when we asked as part of opening conversations in restaurants and bars "how are you enjoying your cruise" the response was "its ok" Probing generally produced reasons that said either they were new to cruising but somehow not won over by cruising and/or Azamara service or they were used to much larger ships but had not done their homework. We got this reaction from both US and non US guests (the latter being very much in the majority). So I am not sure if the marketing is not quite hitting the right spot. It seems the guests these two cruises had attracted were not the usual curious travellers we usually find on Azamara - and that included a lack of curiosity onboard - second last day when a fellow guest told us they were disappointed there was no entertainment at night we had to explain where the Cabaret Lounge was and what happened there. Perhaps we can sum up how "just OK" many guests saw life - when it was announced at the Captains Welcome Drink that Pursuits was coming onboard, the response was so muted - felt weird. It was however lovely to see how fired up all the crew were by the news both on the day and for the rest of the cruise.

 

Many repeating guests commented that they will not be rebooking at the current prices and the future cruise sale staff seemed much less busy (even though we were on two shorter cruises) than we saw on the longer Norway, Seychelles and Suez Canal cruises. I wonder if that is symptomatic of the passenger mix or the new prices or both?

 

As ever there have been a few changes even since our July Norway cruise and so this review will focus on sharing these here. I will also pick up on how our off ship experiences worked.

 

There have been some menu changes in the last few weeks, firstly at the Patio at night there is a nightly grilled special as well as the existing menu that has the much loved burgers, steak plus the daily world themed special. The grilled seafood platter was delightful and we also saw some beautiful grilled lamb chops being served one night. The Patio was absolutely buzzing on our cruise - in contrast the buffet apart from on the Indian evening was a lot quieter. We certainly enjoyed the Patio on our visits.

 

Likewise there has been changes in the menus in both Prime C and Aqualina with the addition of nightly specials of an additional appetiser and entree. The appetisers include some old favourites making a welcome one night return in Aqualina - including the phyllo wrapped brie and the cold seafood platter. I had the special entrees in both Aqualina and Prime C - each time I selected them they were fish based - sea bream, Brill and the most outstanding skate wings. All were perfectly cooked and served with the most delicious fresh veg, like mini peas, baby sprouts (think 1/4 inch diameter) and delicious sauces. Aqualina still has its daily pasta and it was more "exciting" combinations than in the past.

 

There is a new photographer business onboard. No embarkation photos or gangway pics and "portraits" are by arrangement so no hawking in dining rooms or en route to the dining room. Instead they focus on casual shots at sail aways, Azamazing, white nights and on excursions if they join them. What is also better is that the the photos sold are smaller (6x4) and cost the princely sum of $5.99 (plus tax if in Spain/Italy) or $23.95 for 5. Unfortunately the photographers are still not quite getting the balance right, we went on an excursion where the photographer was present but she concentrated on enjoying the trip herself and only took three photos which was a shame as we would have bought a photo if one had been taken. The one they took on another occasion was a really nice informal shot.

 

There were no art auctions as such rather a young lady acting as artist in resident doing live paintings based on images of the area being visited each day. Art is something very personal, we did not like the garish but simplistic slightly childish style of what was created on our cruise but we noted one painting had been sold so it was loved elsewhere. A leaflet said guest portraits would be sketched but it seemed the current artist was a painter not a sketcher so that did not happen. So this change is possibly something you will like or possibly you will not.

 

On the cruises, we had quite a bit of onboard credit, so we booked on several land discovery trips. I'm afraid we had the good, the ok/bad and the ugly. The ok/bad were mainly blighted by the size of the groups 30-35 per group and in one case (Mallorca Wine Express) two groups of 26/27 set off but the groups were merged so 53 people are taking part in a wine tasting Could not hear the guide and the pourings got a bit muddled. So the advertised maximum of 25 exceeded exceptionally seemed to hit the exceptional far too often.

 

The really good trips - in Palamos we went on a cooking demonstration and meal based on what the chef demonstrated in a beautiful modern facility attached to the fish market with massive picture windows looking back out to the ship. An excellent chef and a really fun group of 10. Likewise our days in Carcassonne (Cruise 1) and at the Lucca family villa (Cruise 2) were really good.

 

The downright ugly was the History and Wine Tour in Gibraltar and I feel it is right we explain why it was seen as such by us. The tour was advertised as having a special visit to the library archives and a historian would give us an exclusive viewing of documents before we would go wine tasting at the only wine cave on the island. Trip starts and off to the wine cave we go, pleasant enough then we were taken to a shop in town and encouraged to buy some of the wine we tasted, then we realised the bus was returning us to the port. No history which was the reason many had booked the trip. The guide when asked showed us her itinerary, certainly no history on it, her company also knew nothing about it, so we raised our complaint onboard. A refund of 10% (yes 10% - hardly worth the processing cost!) was made. I know a few others expressed their disappointment with this low figure and it was justified as being all the operator had offered to Azamara. After reference to Miami the refund was increased to a final figure of 30%. This was a huge disappointment and did not reflect well on Azamara as the main reason most of us booked the trip over other ones was to enjoy the time with the historian - a 50% refund was the minimum that would have been fair. The issue was handled politely by the ships staff and to the best of their abilities given their remit- their hands were tied, they had no scope to put things right for the customers.

 

We did notice that on all but one of our tours there were no ships escorts on the tours, this is something that seems to have been either reduced or removed.

 

The Azamazing evenings were both very enjoyable but more thought needs to be given by planners - both were "cirque de soleil" type events very similar in their artistic / acrobatic focus. It would have been better if one had been musical to give a different genre and hope the fact that as high as 20% of guests can be b2b is thought about more in the planning processes. Our perfect evening would have been the venue of Cruise 1 in Valencia with the performance of Cruise 2 in Monaco

 

For us, we found the service levels were as high as ever, staff onboard come over as happy and still wanting to do everything they can to make the customer's cruise the best experience ever. We had the most perfect wedding anniversary thanks to the way we were made to feel special that day. Azamara Journey is in great shape!

 

So it was a much more than OK cruise for us and happy to answer any questions about anything relating to the cruise and what we found.

[J.E.C]

Good to read your review.

 

I will be disappointed if there is many over 25 on our ships tours as that was one of the reasons we were swayed me to book with the ship as opposed to doing our own thing.

 

But good to hear that you have left the journey in good shape for us :)

[alfredo1]

Pretty succinct review of how Azamara are losing their way, and how as described in the second last paragraph they still have the tools to get back on track to the Azamara we all love and cherish!!

Here's hoping.

[marinaro44]

Pretty succinct review of how Azamara are losing their way, and how as described in the second last paragraph they still have the tools to get back on track to the Azamara we all love and cherish!!

Here's hoping.

Really puzzles me how someone can read a posting that says "For us it was a great cruise as was the one before!" and conclude that "Azamara are losing their way."

[takemewithyou]

Thank you so much, Uktog, for your review.

 

Your experience with your one poor shore excursion somewhat mirrors an experience that we had on a wine tour in NZ on Journey in March.

 

We also complained once back onboard and believe we received about a 10 % refund, after writing a review onboard and meeting with Shore Excursion Dept Manager. Many others were complaining after the shorex, but no one else bothered to take the time to write a review onboard or meet with the department head.

 

We will not be taking any Azamara Shore excursions on our next cruise.

Edited October 5, 2017 by takemewithyou

[Lottie A]

Thanks Ann for taking the time to do that excellent and detailed review.

 

I agree that there seems to be a subtle change in the onboard experience recently but I can't quite define what it is. The crew are as wonderful as ever and the ships in good shape, but I definitely noticed the passenger mix felt different on our last cruise on Quest in July. At the time I put it down to there being a large group of Spanish people onboard but maybe that wasn't it? Like you, we also had a great time anyway but yes, it was a different ambience.

I don't tend to do ships excursions much now but it certainly doesn't sound like they provided what you paid for. Having to fight for the appropriate refund doesn't sound like the old "Azamara way" either.

 

The changes in the menu's sound promising though. I really miss some of the old favourites like the Goat's Cheese Soufflé, Phyllo wrapped Brie, Mushroom Soup and the Grand Marnier Soufflé and hope to see them onboard on on Journey cruise the week after next.

[excitedofharpenden]

I'd say from personal experience that it's amazing how different one cruise can be to the other. I was on five consecutive cruises on Journey earlier in the year and each one had its own feel. In general the crowds were ok, but the last one was a bit odd and not in a good way. I'm afraid to say that pricing of the cruise has a lot to do with it. The way the Azamara prices are going you'll probably see lots of Lords and Ladies in future. Lol

 

Phil

[Riocca]

Thank you Ann for sharing your thoughts and it sort of mirrors our experience on Quest in September but not in the same way. On the second of our b2b there were probably about 65% of guests new to Azamara but quite a few seemed to be having too good a time especially with the included alcohol. Didn’t actually hear any negative comments but in the main we only seemed to talk to people who had previously cruised with Azamara but there were a few comments regarding the current pricing.

We had two great cruises but we’re not great fans of b2b as Phil says the whole ambience of the ship can change overnight especially this time as there were only 4 of doing it.

Agree regarding the artist in residence, while we’re glad to see the back of art auctions, not sure the new scheme is that much better still too intrusive and not sure why anyone would want to buy the stuff.

Did like the new take on ships photography, Quest’s photographer was excellent we had a photo shoot on our anniversary in Malta and we’re very pleased with the results. Thought the prices were reasonable as well no more $25 for a picture of you eating a meal, 10x8’s were $9.99 and buy 4 get one free, you could also get the shots on a memory stick for $2 per picture.

We are looking forward to meeting all the Landed Gentry on our future cruises Phil[emoji847]

 

 

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[uktog]

But do the gentry wave their napkins. Not being from those echelons I don't know.

I did not mention it in my original post but yes there were several alcohol fuelled incidents on the two cruises one of which I know put first timers testing from Silverseas right off Azamara which was a shame.

 

 

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[Riocca]

But do the gentry wave their napkins. Not being from those echelons I don't know.

I did not mention it in my original post but yes there were several alcohol fuelled incidents on the two cruises one of which I know put first timers testing from Silverseas right off Azamara which was a shame.

 

 

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We also had a guest removed from the ship for not reporting a GI and becoming aggressive when challenged. We also had to report inappropriate behaviour around the pool, can’t give details but we know it upset a number of other guests.

 

And no we definitely don’t wave our napkins [emoji33]

 

 

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[fairbourne]

Thank you for your review but OMG, it doesn't really get any better reading some of this for new cruisers to Azamara.

 

I think we are now at the stage with everything that's going on with our cruise and reading every day of what's happening on board the ships as written above and in previous days, we are somewhat dreading our first Azamara experience. It shouldn't be like that.

 

We were on a Grand Voyage with Oceania and the second half (cruise) was so different in so many ways - it's quite incredible how the atmosphere on board can change so quickly.

 

UKtog - I imagine you still miss the old TogMaster as we do, if I've read your user name correctly. Of course in your part of the world that well known battle cry is oft heard "you'll have had your tea" so I understand totally that you would not know about napkins - waving gentry et al! ;p:D

[uktog]

Thank you for your review but OMG, it doesn't really get any better reading some of this for new cruisers to Azamara.

 

 

 

I think we are now at the stage with everything that's going on with our cruise and reading every day of what's happening on board the ships as written above and in previous days, we are somewhat dreading our first Azamara experience. It shouldn't be like that.

 

 

 

We were on a Grand Voyage with Oceania and the second half (cruise) was so different in so many ways - it's quite incredible how the atmosphere on board can change so quickly.

 

 

 

UKtog - I imagine you still miss the old TogMaster as we do, if I've read your user name correctly. Of course in your part of the world that well known battle cry is oft heard "you'll have had your tea" so I understand totally that you would not know about napkins - waving gentry et al! ;p:D

 

 

 

I would say don't worry because it very much depends on the dynamics of the cruise passenger mix and as we said we had a great cruise. I'm sure you will have a great time and if need be will do as we did and avoid any areas with groups that don't fit what you like as long as you don't say do I come here often ;)

John I am not sure if we had guests disembarked we might have we did hear some (UK I'm afraid) guests loudly boasting by the pool that one person in their group "had to go and see the Captain this morning because of last night". I think the great thing is Azamara has a very low tolerance level for inappropriate behaviour and seem to step in quite quickly and proportionately giving "offenders" very fair early warnings.

 

 

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[florisdekort]

Thank you for your detailed review Ann!

 

When Azamara priced itself slightly above X, Princess, etc. it attracted many first timers for which the onboard experience was a real and exciting upgrade. Now that Azamara prices itself just slightly below Seabourn, Silver Sea, etc. it also attracts first timers from those lines - for which it is a definite downgrade (cabins, bathrooms, what’s included, food, wines, etc.). I think this group forms part of the “it’s OK” crowd.

 

Also, for many Azamara regulars (like myself), it’s the familiarity of the crew and Officers that make the difference. Recently there have been quite a few reviews and comments from first timers who don’t see / experience this. For all of us who have cruised Azamara a lot (and are always receiving a warm welcome back and special treatment), it’s easy to overlook how a first timers’ experience might be somewhat different.

 

Floris

[excitedofharpenden]

Thank you for your detailed review Ann!

 

When Azamara priced itself slightly above X, Princess, etc. it attracted many first timers for which the onboard experience was a real and exciting upgrade. Now that Azamara prices itself just slightly below Seabourn, Silver Sea, etc. it also attracts first timers from those lines - for which it is a definite downgrade (cabins, bathrooms, what’s included, food, wines, etc.). I think this group forms part of the “it’s OK” crowd.

 

Also, for many Azamara regulars (like myself), it’s the familiarity of the crew and Officers that make the difference. Recently there have been quite a few reviews and comments from first timers who don’t see / experience this. For all of us who have cruised Azamara a lot (and are always receiving a warm welcome back and special treatment), it’s easy to overlook how a first timers’ experience might be somewhat different.

 

Floris

Floris, that's a good post. I think with the wide variety of pricing now it is going to attract a more varied crowd too.

 

Phil

[marinaro44]

When Azamara priced itself slightly above X, Princess, etc. it attracted many first timers for which the onboard experience was a real and exciting upgrade. Now that Azamara prices itself just slightly below Seabourn, Silver Sea, etc. it also attracts first timers from those lines - for which it is a definite downgrade (cabins, bathrooms, what’s included, food, wines, etc.). I think this group forms part of the “it’s OK” crowd.

My experience has been it's the Celebrity first-timers who are the "it's OK" crowd. They complain about stateroom size, cabaret-style entertainment and not big cast shows, absence of large ship glitz, etc., and don't seem to care about getting a more personal experience rather than an anonymous one. Sitting at a table at the top tier brunch/breakfast has become a trying experience as Azamara regulars are often outnumbered by the Captain's Club.

[Food galore]

We too are newcomers to this cruise line going on the Journey in March. I spent a long time researching and know that the shower is tiny and entertainment is lacking compared to the larger ships that we have been on before but I loved the reviews that were shown on this forum. Please dont tell me I am going to regret booking this cruise. We have been on 2 Silverseas Cruises which were excellent and am hoping we get the same atmosphere we had on the Journey.

[uktog]

We too are newcomers to this cruise line going on the Journey in March. I spent a long time researching and know that the shower is tiny and entertainment is lacking compared to the larger ships that we have been on before but I loved the reviews that were shown on this forum. Please dont tell me I am going to regret booking this cruise. We have been on 2 Silverseas Cruises which were excellent and am hoping we get the same atmosphere we had on the Journey.

 

 

 

As I said to Fairbourne I would very much hope it will be good in March - we are back on then. They are longer cruises - something tells me the Summer Mediterranean cruises which are 7-9 nights attract a different crowd. The March Journey itineraries are certainly more for the curious traveller

 

 

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[Riocca]

Some very interesting comments on this thread with which we agree wholeheartedly, Azamara is a quite unique product there are those that “get it” and those who never will. At times I’m not sure even Azamara really understand what they have or maybe it’s the Royal Caribbean hierarchy who don’t understand.

As has been already said trying to tempt passengers away from Celebrity thinking it’s just an upmarket version of the same won’t in our opinion work it’s a totally different product. Similarly passengers used to the “luxury” lines may be a little disappointed.

It’s hard to fully explain why we enjoy Azamara, yes the staff are wonderful, we’re not great foodies but we enjoy what’s on offer, the drinks package might not be the best but we manage. Probably it’s the overall package, we are at home from the moment we set foot onboard and are welcomed home, the relaxed atmosphere and the enthusiasm of everyone from the Captain down is infectious.

Like others the current pricing is a concern and we are trying other lines but we are also being constantly drawn back to Azamara.

 

 

 

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[Bloodaxe]

Some very interesting comments on this thread with which we agree wholeheartedly, Azamara is a quite unique product there are those that “get it” and those who never will. At times I’m not sure even Azamara really understand what they have or maybe it’s the Royal Caribbean hierarchy who don’t understand.

As has been already said trying to tempt passengers away from Celebrity thinking it’s just an upmarket version of the same won’t in our opinion work it’s a totally different product. Similarly passengers used to the “luxury” lines may be a little disappointed.

It’s hard to fully explain why we enjoy Azamara, yes the staff are wonderful, we’re not great foodies but we enjoy what’s on offer, the drinks package might not be the best but we manage. Probably it’s the overall package, we are at home from the moment we set foot onboard and are welcomed home, the relaxed atmosphere and the enthusiasm of everyone from the Captain down is infectious.

Like others the current pricing is a concern and we are trying other lines but we are also being constantly drawn back to Azamara.

 

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This sums things up nicely, I feel just the same and had started looking elsewhere.

We have just booked on Quest for spring 2018.

Hopefully it will not be our last Azamara but current price trends are worrying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Spursgirl]

We too are newcomers to this cruise line going on the Journey in March. I spent a long time researching and know that the shower is tiny and entertainment is lacking compared to the larger ships that we have been on before but I loved the reviews that were shown on this forum. Please dont tell me I am going to regret booking this cruise. We have been on 2 Silverseas Cruises which were excellent and am hoping we get the same atmosphere we had on the Journey.

 

Please don't fret about your March cruise. As you have done your research I am sure you will have a wonderful time.

 

Azamara won't offer you everything that Silversea does - you will have to pay for the speciality restaurants unless you are in a suite and lots of drinks are not included in the complimentary list.

 

But as soon as I step on board I feel part of the Azamara family with my fellow guests and the crew. It's very hard to define exactly what it is that makes the difference but hopefully you too will understand once you have experienced it.

[rabin1]

I also have not experienced Azamara but I am not worried except about one thing. I do not go on a cruise for the ship (although I do like the smaller ships been on the R class twice on Princess). I go on a cruise for the itinerary because I want to see things & relax a few days. I also believe the cruise experience is relative. You make your own fun. If you join in to things that is your choice and you meet people. I do not pretty much because I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. I have gotten the jest from what you say with newbies you are feeling a little different experience about the line. However everyone was a newbie at one time. Yes i am sure it can affect the experience if you have some PITA"S on the cruise but ultimately it is their cruise as much as everyone else's and unless doing something not permitted by the line they have that right.

 

Please don;t attack or berate me with what I am going to say is the one thing I am worried about. I am 69 and do not look or act like it. I also have two very bad legs but I do not let it slow me down in any way shape or form (kinda worried about Petra but will handle it extra pain pills..lol). I deal with it. The thing I am worried about is a lot of elderly people with scooters and moving like turtles although I am far from being the hare............lol What is the passenger demographics??

 

Kathy

[Spursgirl]

There are no guarantees of course but think it unlikely that there will be lots of passengers with scooters. I think the most I have seen is one and on most of my Azamara cruises there have been none.

 

However I think if there were a few scooters hopefully their drivers would be the usual delightful, interesting people that make up the majority of Azamara passengers and you would have a lot of fun with them.

[excitedofharpenden]

Very few if any scooters. The demographic tends to be older, but active. My friend and I did Petra in June. She’d broke her foot just before the cruise and was wearing a boot. We walked into and out of Petra at night and the following day we took a carriage there and back out to give her a rest. $50 toundtrip. She was an absolute trooper. Never complained once.

 

Phil

[bob278]

I see many comments here and on other threads about the difficulty in explaining what makes Azamara so special to so many of us. I, too, have struggled, trying to define the service. Many cruise lines deliver good-to-great service but, on Azamara, it is delivered with something extra. I just don't have the words to describe it. Attitude? Elan? Flair?

 

To paraphrase what Jerry Lewis said about why he did the MD Telethons, "If you understand, no explanation is necessary. If you don't, no explanation is possible."

[Lotus Girl]

My experience has been it's the Celebrity first-timers who are the "it's OK" crowd. They complain about stateroom size, cabaret-style entertainment and not big cast shows, absence of large ship glitz, etc., and don't seem to care about getting a more personal experience rather than an anonymous one. Sitting at a table at the top tier brunch/breakfast has become a trying experience as Azamara regulars are often outnumbered by the Captain's Club.

 

As a soon to be first time Azamara cruiser and having cruised to a high level with Celebrity, are you saying that Celebrity cruisers are any more trying than Azamara guests? Also, you state that sitting at the top tier brunch/breakfast Azamara regulars are outnumbered. Do you personally ask each and everyone to find out how exactly they achieved their invite to the event and if they are a Celebrity convert, do you treat them in a different way? We all have to start our cruising life somewhere!