Rare Caroldoll Posted February 28, 2018 #1 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Do they have Butlers Is there a charge for the specialty restaurants? Is it only wine and beer included or also alcohol? If one needs a liquor package, how much is it? We generally cruise Regent, Crystal or Oceania and if anyone has any comments regarding the good parts of Azamara, I would appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Changeofplans Posted February 28, 2018 #2 Share Posted February 28, 2018 If you are in a suite, you have a butler and do not pay extra for specialty restaurants. Believe a limited choice of wine, beer and spirits are included in package..have never done liquor package so don’t have that info. The common areas are beautifully appointed and I believe both the Quest and Journey were refurbished in 2016. I have not sailed on the lines you mentioned so have no frame of reference for comparison . SilverSea was my most recent trip (Barbados to Barbados , Dec23-30, 2017) and it was too small with minimal evening activity for my personal taste. Azamara has a very elegant feel with amazing service as its standout feature , yet its still “homey” if that makes sense. I was on the Quest when it was still owned by Renaissance and fell in love with it back then! They offer lots of activities/demonstrations so it’s hard NOT to find something that may be of interest...I’m certainly not an expert but have thoroughly enjoyed every sailing with Azamara to date. Am particularly excited about my upcoming 10 day Cuba intensive cruise, departing Miami on March 9[emoji41] Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debcip Posted February 28, 2018 #3 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Re: Beverage Packages. The complimentary beverages and details of beverage packages can be found on the Azamara website: Booked>Onboard packages> Experience More Packages > (Link) Premium beverage package > Complimentary Packages (Link Learn More) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Cruising Posted February 28, 2018 #4 Share Posted February 28, 2018 If you are not in a suite the speciality restaurants are $30 a head, but there are good packages that you can buy. https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/sites/default/files/pdfs/specialty_dining_flyer_070516.pdf The included drinks are cocktails, spirits, wine and beer, but only certain ones. Here is a link to the list of included drinks https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/booked-guests/onboard-packages/complimentary-beverages You can also buy upgraded drinks packages https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/booked-guests/onboard-packages/beverage-packages We have never felt the need to buy any drinks outside those that are included. If you don’t like any of the day’s wine offerings, you can always ask if they have any left from a previous day, and they will usually manage to find it for you. If you are in a suite you will get 4 half bottles of spirits in your suite, otherwise you don’t get any free alcohol in your cabin. You have a fridge and any soft drinks in it are included (and you can ask your stateroom attendant to make sure you have whatever ones you want) but any alcohol in your fridge is charged, as is any alcohol that you ask for from room service, of course you can get a drink from the nearest bar and take it to your cabin. Hope this is helpful - happy to try and answer any other questions. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Caroldoll Posted February 28, 2018 Author #5 Share Posted February 28, 2018 We are holding an Owners Suite. Will the specialty restaurants be included for that suite? You are right, the standard spirits are quite enough. Don't feel that anything extra is necessary. I do understand now that there are Butlers in the Owners Suite. I have heard many nice comments about Azamara. I think we will be trying it. The cost is amazing, really. You have all been so helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Jazzbeau Posted February 28, 2018 #6 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Yes specialty restaurants included for the Owners Suite, and you will also be invited to several VIP events including the "Best of the Best" dinner with the Captain. The main dining room food is very good too, as is the buffet (which has a special theme every night -- e.g. Indian food one night). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelBugM Posted February 28, 2018 #7 Share Posted February 28, 2018 While some find it a challenge to navigate, there really is a wealth of information on the AZ website. Here are the Club World Owner's Suite features: https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/en-ca/our-ships/suites/club-world-owners-suite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrulyBlonde Posted March 1, 2018 #8 Share Posted March 1, 2018 Hi Carol, Email me and I will provide info for you. Had the Owners Suite last May for Adriatic cruise. Will give you Pros and Cons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Cruising Posted March 1, 2018 #9 Share Posted March 1, 2018 Just a quick note about booking the speciality restaurants. You need to book tables for them, unlike in Discoveries (MDR). Your butler will be able to book times for you. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare travelberlin Posted March 1, 2018 #10 Share Posted March 1, 2018 The experience on board Azamara ships is excellent. You are right it is costly, but if you are willing to spend that money, give Azamara a try. I do not think you would regret it. Ivi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Post it Posted March 2, 2018 #11 Share Posted March 2, 2018 I've cruised Crystal, Regent, and Azamara in suites with butlers. My Azamara butlers have been excellent - on the same level as Crystal. On the other hand, the Regent butlers have been dismal. I'm a foodie and was quite happy with both the food in Aqualina and Prime C and the specialty buffets in Windows Cafe. The Indian buffet in Windows is quite authentic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takemewithyou Posted March 2, 2018 #12 Share Posted March 2, 2018 I've cruised Crystal, Regent, and Azamara in suites with butlers. My Azamara butlers have been excellent - on the same level as Crystal. On the other hand, the Regent butlers have been dismal.I'm a foodie and was quite happy with both the food in Aqualina and Prime C and the specialty buffets in Windows Cafe. The Indian buffet in Windows is quite authentic. How about the main dining room? Did you like it? JMO.....not our favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Post it Posted March 2, 2018 #13 Share Posted March 2, 2018 We only tried the main dining room a few times. It wasn't memorable but it wasn't horrible either. We preferred the Windows specialty night buffets when we weren't dining in either Aqualina or Prime C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Cruising Posted March 2, 2018 #14 Share Posted March 2, 2018 We always enjoy the food in Discoveries (MDR). One interesting thing about the menu is that there are always 2 specials which are not on the menu. One is the day’s chef’s special and the other is related to the destination. There are also certain dishes that are on the menu every day - prawn cocktail, Escargots, French onion soup, Caesar salad, striploin steak, cheicken, salmon. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excitedofharpenden Posted March 2, 2018 #15 Share Posted March 2, 2018 We only tried the main dining room a few times. It wasn't memorable but it wasn't horrible either. We preferred the Windows specialty night buffets when we weren't dining in either Aqualina or Prime C. It's actually one of the things I like about Azamara that you aren't tied to eating in one place. I've been on some cruises where I haven't eaten in the MDR at all. By the time I do a couple of the Specialties, eat at The Patio, do White Night, go to the Azamazing evening and enjoy perhaps curry night at Windows sitting outside the cruise is nearly over! Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Changeofplans Posted March 2, 2018 #16 Share Posted March 2, 2018 Just a quick note about booking the speciality restaurants. You need to book tables for them, unlike in Discoveries (MDR). Your butler will be able to book times for you. Sent from my iPad using Forums Wish you were on this cruise with us, Grandma❤️ If you are traveling by yourself, is it possible to eat at specialty restaurants with others? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelBugM Posted March 2, 2018 #17 Share Posted March 2, 2018 mmmmmm...... escargots! 23 more sleeps!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Cruising Posted March 2, 2018 #18 Share Posted March 2, 2018 Wish you were on this cruise with us, Grandma❤️If you are traveling by yourself, is it possible to eat at specialty restaurants with others? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Which cruise are you on? I have 2 booked - Quest July 7 2018 & Journey July 1 2019! There are no longer sharing tables in the speciality restaurant, but you and any one you have got talking to can book a table together. There is also usually a ‘solos’ shared table in Discoveries. This is advertised in the daily newsletter ‘Insider’. If you got chatting to people there, you could book a table together in one of the speciality restaurants. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabin1 Posted March 2, 2018 #19 Share Posted March 2, 2018 Which cruise are you on? I have 2 booked - Quest July 7 2018 & Journey July 1 2019! There are no longer sharing tables in the speciality restaurant, but you and any one you have got talking to can book a table together. There is also usually a ‘solos’ shared table in Discoveries. This is advertised in the daily newsletter ‘Insider’. If you got chatting to people there, you could book a table together in one of the speciality restaurants. Sent from my iPad using Forums Grandma That is an awesome idea. I am doing that with one of the ladies on one of my hosted tours who is a solo like me. Good advice. Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseAficionado Posted March 22, 2018 #20 Share Posted March 22, 2018 I've cruised Crystal, Regent, and Azamara in suites with butlers. My Azamara butlers have been excellent - on the same level as Crystal. On the other hand, the Regent butlers have been dismal.I'm a foodie and was quite happy with both the food in Aqualina and Prime C and the specialty buffets in Windows Cafe. The Indian buffet in Windows is quite authentic. Wholehearted agree as our butler on Azamara was the absolute best we have ever had. We gave him a present upon boarding and he returned the favor by giving DW an eagle eye pendant from his country of origin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Post it Posted March 22, 2018 #21 Share Posted March 22, 2018 If you're interested in comparisons between Azamara, Crystal,Regent, and Oceania, I posted my review of my March 8 trip on Oceania Riviera on the Oceania board today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerobee Posted March 23, 2018 #22 Share Posted March 23, 2018 If you're interested in comparisons between Azamara, Crystal,Regent, and Oceania, I posted my review of my March 8 trip on Oceania Riviera on the Oceania board today. I found your Oceania Riviera review's company comparisons very interesting and helpful. It was concerning to read that unlike Oceania, where staff serve the buffet food, Azamara buffet guests handle the serving utensils in common. Maybe Azamara management will read this and make a change? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Cruising Posted March 23, 2018 #23 Share Posted March 23, 2018 Staff serve the buffet food for the first 24 hours, or until the ship’s doctor assures the captain that there are no cases of gastro-intestinal infection on board. Also if there are any cases later in the cruise, as we had on our last cruise after docking in Egypt, the buffet goes back to staff service. There are hand sanitiser machines at both entries to the buffet, and a member of staff making sure everyone uses them. Also at the bottom of the gangplank at each port, and again a member of the crew making sure you use it before you come on board. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marinaro44 Posted March 23, 2018 #24 Share Posted March 23, 2018 I found your Oceania Riviera review's company comparisons very interesting and helpful. It was concerning to read that unlike Oceania, where staff serve the buffet food, Azamara buffet guests handle the serving utensils in common. Maybe Azamara management will read this and make a change? I sure hope not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Post it Posted March 23, 2018 #25 Share Posted March 23, 2018 My main negatives that I didn't care for on Azamara was the very dated cabin interiors (which were fortunately updated in the past few years) and the self-service buffet. Is there a way to take a survey to see how many would like self-serve vs. staff served? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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