Azamara Pursuit deck plans are now on our website!

[mare s.]

I thought Azamara got rid of the "crap art" sales? I am hoping that the so-called Art Gallery on the plan is to feature the work of the Artist-in-Residence? On our Baltic cruise last summer we really enjoyed the new approach to art with the Artist-in-Residence doing many "live" paintings, especially of the ports on the cruise and also doing discussions about his approach to his work and answering questions. And at the end all his work he had done on the cruise, along with some of his other painting, were displayed and sold. But they had to kind of set up the work all around the ship in random spaces and it seems like it would be nice to have a small space for this. Or has Azamara abandoned that concept? I thought it was a real positive because it was unique as well as an enrichment experience for guests.

Park Lane and the art auctions are definitely gone (thank goodness!) On our January cruise, the artist in residence had an area across from Mosaic. While his work was not to our taste, we enjoyed talking to him and seeing the paintings he was working on. So I'm ok with having an area on 5 for this purpose. I don't like the idea of having future cruise sales right in the middle of a public area, however. Oceania had their future cruise sales where Mosaic is on Azamara and I found it distracting when we wanted to listen to music or sit and relax and have a drink, and I personally wouldn't feel comfortable talking about possible future cruises and discussing money, etc. while people are sitting or walking nearby.

 

I am also less than happy about the direction entertainment is taking. Although Bonnie assured us that there would be live music everywhere, from some of the comments here, it appears that canned music is being piped in to Spirits. Spirits (when there was a piano man) was our go to for before dinner drinks and Mosaic our usual haunt after breakfast or in the afternoons (when we weren't ashore.) Unlike some others, we rarely went to the Living Room, but I guess that may change on our next cruise. At least that won't be for a year and in that time, I hope things will settle down and for the better.

[excitedofharpenden]

I am sure these decisions have been made using solid data from across the RCCL fleet, on all the recent RC & Celebrity ships we’ve been on the future cruise sales are is in the entertainment zone.

Our first Celebrity cruise was in 2010 on Celebrity Eclipse and I can remember having to hunt for the Captain’s Club/ future cruise area which was in a small area hidden at the back of deck 5 if I remember rightly, nowadays it’s in the heart of the entertainment area. Royal Caribbean have it in the Royal Promenade, on Harmony it was open late into the night and always seemed to be busy.

Obviously this prominent positioning has been successful on the other brands only time will tell if the same applies to Azamara.

John, I think the point many of us are making is that Azamara isn't Celebrity or Royal Caribbean or their ships (which is part of the attraction). There’s much more space on them and the areas are dedicated and easy to bypass if you want to. No chance of that on Azamara. They’ve added OV cabins to the Celebrity M-Class ships, but to all intents and purpose you’d never know. They’ve just used up dead space that the conference rooms took up. Now half of the lovely deck 4 area will be gone on Pursuit for 5 OV cabins there.

 

As regards solid data, well you know where solids should go. Sorry. I couldn’t resist that one. Lol

 

Phil

[Bloodaxe]

I am sure these decisions have been made using solid data from across the RCCL fleet, on all the recent RC & Celebrity ships we’ve been on the future cruise sales are is in the entertainment zone.

Our first Celebrity cruise was in 2010 on Celebrity Eclipse and I can remember having to hunt for the Captain’s Club/ future cruise area which was in a small area hidden at the back of deck 5 if I remember rightly, nowadays it’s in the heart of the entertainment area. Royal Caribbean have it in the Royal Promenade, on Harmony it was open late into the night and always seemed to be busy.

Obviously this prominent positioning has been successful on the other brands only time will tell if the same applies to Azamara.

 

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Never had a problem locating the future sales desk on Azamara, it was in a prominent enough position on deck 4.

[Riocca]

John, I think the point many of us are making is that Azamara isn't Celebrity or Royal Caribbean or their ships (which is part of the attraction). There’s much more space on them and the areas are dedicated and easy to bypass if you want to. No chance of that on Azamara. They’ve added OV cabins to the Celebrity M-Class ships, but to all intents and purpose you’d never know. They’ve just used up dead space that the conference rooms took up. Now half of the lovely deck 4 area will be gone on Pursuit for 5 OV cabins there.

 

As regards solid data, well you know where solids should go. Sorry. I couldn’t resist that one. Lol

 

Phil

 

 

 

Unfortunately the RCCL bean counters probably don’t see the difference and apply the logic across the brands. Hopefully it will be a failure on Azamara but I fear that it won’t and we will be stuck with it, after all we can’t boycott Cruise Again as it’s the only way to get your LCV discount.

 

 

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[Riocca]

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Never had a problem locating the future sales desk on Azamara, it was in a prominent enough position on deck 4.

 

 

 

Neither have we, but if RCCL have seen positive results on the other brands it’s unfortunately inevitable they will repeat it on Azamara. The technique is to keep the sales area in your eyesight when you are relaxed and in a positive frame of mind, going to deck 4 needs a conscious action.

The repositioning won’t make us book anything extra as we have a plan and tend to stick with it. But onboard booking does feature in our plans as the LCV discount make a significant difference in costs so we will have to go wherever the area is located. However we are unhappy that it’s going to be located in such a public area.

 

 

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[oddjob16]

Unfortunately the RCCL bean counters probably don’t see the difference and apply the logic across the brands. Hopefully it will be a failure on Azamara but I fear that it won’t and we will be stuck with it, after all we can’t boycott Cruise Again as it’s the only way to get your LCV discount.

 

 

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Never used it. The idea of sitting in a public area discussing future cruises with a sales person is revolting.

[Travels with Lisa]

I'm not very good at reading plans, but everything looks really bunched up and close together on decks 4 and 5. Let's raise prices, add more cabins and make more areas to sell stuff that no one really wants. Isn't one future cruise desk enough? Unless they plan to add to staffing, it doesn't make sense

[marinaro44]

I'm not very good at reading plans, but everything looks really bunched up and close together on decks 4 and 5. Let's raise prices, add more cabins and make more areas to sell stuff that no one really wants. Isn't one future cruise desk enough? Unless they plan to add to staffing, it doesn't make sense

There have been two cruise sales staff for some tine now, although a couple of defections did leave one ship shorthanded during the holidays. So two desks are needed, and worked fine on deck 4 starboard side.

 

Wrong to have them on deck 5. Really wrong.

[bob278]

I am finding this and otherdiscussions about what is going on recently to be very disturbing. My wife andI are great fans of Azamara and have shown a lot of brand loyalty to RCL,Celebrity and Azamara over more than twenty years. We currently have only 8cruises on Azamara, but 7 of those have come in the last 3 years and wecurrently have four booked (one is next month).

 

At this moment, the one next month and a North Cape in 2019 are the only onesthat are pretty much a lock. Our experience next month on Quest will help usdecide on the fate of a b2b from Tokyo-Seward-Vancouver that may be replacedwith a Celebrity cruise Tokyo-Vancouver.

 

I was planning to book another cruise while on board, but will probably not.Even if we stay on Azamara for Tokyo-Seward, we'll likely either move or cancelthat next leg. Fortunately, that one was booked on board so we have the LCVdiscount that is transferable. But that new one or the North Cape couldpossibly be our last Azamara cruise.

 

The last few years we have been willing to pay about 25-30% more than Celebritybecause we felt the value was there. Our last 3 or 4 cruises on Celebrity havebeen very good and cut into just how much more we are willing to pay for theAzamara experience. Unless things are better than the many posts here frompeople I trust indicate, I suspect we will be moving back to Celebrity. Ofcourse, the parent bean counters probably don't care as long as we spend ourcruise dollars somewhere within the corporate family.

Edited March 26, 2018 by bob278

[SkystheLimit]

I'm not very good at reading plans, but everything looks really bunched up and close together on decks 4 and 5. Let's raise prices, add more cabins and make more areas to sell stuff that no one really wants. Isn't one future cruise desk enough? Unless they plan to add to staffing, it doesn't make sense

 

As an interior designer that worked in the hospitality sector, you are right about decks 4 and 5. The critical eye appealing symmetry is gone plus the spaces appear in plan to be very cramped. The "R" ships were beautifully designed originally. I can understand converting an underused conference room into a better utilized space. But, do not destroy the beautiful space planning of the original design. To reduce the number of public gathering spaces on this smaller vessel is probably going to prove to be a mistake. We had the Pursuit booked for the inaugural in August but have changed our minds. The revamped crowded/lack of interior public spaces on a 12 day Norway cruise at Azamara prices impacted our decision. Will wait and see about the reality of things.

[Grandma Cruising]

Let’s hope Azamara are listening to this debate here and have a rethink - there is precedent for this. Remember the outcry about the re-imagining proposals for the sunset bar. They listened then and changed their minds about planning to put a restaurant where the sunset bar is now.

 

 

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[paremata2]

I am assuming the head offices have done calculations such as the Spirits area brings in x revenue (do most cruisers purchase an upgraded booze or get one included?), future cruises in old location brings in y, and they project future cruises will bring in z in an area with higher foot traffic. I never sit in Spirits but would cut through and I am guessing that I am a customer they want to attract.

 

The unknowable factor is will this actually increase sales or decrease in the areas that are impacted? I noticed that when I sat and lingered in Mosaic I was more likely to pop in the shop afterwards. If there are fewer seats available, I may just take my coffee with me. Same Mosaic transaction but the shop just lost a sale. (Plus I would rather stick pins in my eyes than look at the crap art.)

 

Human behavior studies is a big part of marketing. I am sure that this is not done on a whim. Azamara will tweak the ship plans until it hits the sweet spot for revenue per square foot.

 

However they will never be able to quantify the customer's emotional response to being more blatantly pushed a sale at every corner. One thing I liked about Azamara was the feeling like once I was on board, I could forget about money and budgets and didn't feel like there was a goal to get even more out of my pocket. The amount of shilling for sales was so much less than Holland America. Part of what I am paying the higher Azamara prices for is to be free from sales pitches.

 

 

 

Very well said. I agree 100%.

[Britcruiser]

As I read your posts I become more and more dismayed. This is not going to be the brand we have enjoyed in the past and will no longer be described as luxury. I doubt that the dedication of officers and their staff which is outstanding can overcome all the negatives that have been introduced recently and those proposed on Pursuit

[excitedofharpenden]

Let’s hope Azamara are listening to this debate here and have a rethink - there is precedent for this. Remember the outcry about the re-imagining proposals for the sunset bar. They listened then and changed their minds about planning to put a restaurant where the sunset bar is now.

I'd love you to be right, but I think it's a done deal. Revenue enhancement seems to be the strategy now above everything else. Adding five cabins will do this for them. Even if it ruins the lovely lobby area. Move the other sales areas to deck 5 so that the guests have to trip over them to pass through, just like those awful watch and jewellery sales they have in Mosaic sometimes. Meanwhile the only surveys they send out are asking what extra amenities we would like for the cabins so they can charge more..........

 

Phil

[Bloodaxe]

I'd love you to be right, but I think it's a done deal. Revenue enhancement seems to be the strategy now above everything else. Adding five cabins will do this for them. Even if it ruins the lovely lobby area. Move the other sales areas to deck 5 so that the guests have to trip over them to pass through, just like those awful watch and jewellery sales they have in Mosaic sometimes. Meanwhile the only surveys they send out are asking what extra amenities we would like for the cabins so they can charge more..........

 

Phil

 

 

Sad to say I totally agree.

[teamflames]

Wow, thinking op might now be wishing they hadn’t started this thread

 

 

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[BBMacLaird]

Wow, thinking op might now be wishing they hadn’t started this thread

 

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Hi teamflames,

Thank you for your concern. I thought it was far better for me to be as transparent as possible as soon as the deck plans were released. It is only fair to let this passionate community know what we are doing, rather than find out through hearsay, or worse, board and be surprised at the structural changes to the Azamara Pursuit.

 

Re HGC's thought that we might change our minds, I'm afraid not. Work is going on daily as we speak.

 

As all of you know, some of the changes we inherited: no Casino, no Sunset Bar, and the Mosaic on the starboard side of the ship.

The other changes are ours: the added OV cabins on Deck 4, and the sales offices up where the game tables used to be (on JR&QS), which shouldn't ruin the AZ cruise experience, IMHO. Here's why...

The space forward of the Spirits Bar is very very lightly used right now. I was just on a Cuba cruise on the Quest and while walking to the Cabaret each night I never saw anyone playing at the tables...usually just a few employees hovering, and during the day while in port it is as quiet as a library (which frankly is how the Spirits lounge area seems to be used during the day. There were usually one or two people or couples sitting and reading on the couches.) So having some desks there shouldn't feel much different to the Spirits ambiance at night (empty desks v.v. unused casino tables.) And during the daytime there will be Shorex and Future Cruise people up there, so it'll have a purpose rather than sitting empty. Also, it is a much easier 'commute' for the Shorex personnel on port days since the gathering spot for disembarking tours is in the Cabaret Lounge.

These are just my opinions...I've not been given any talking points from our Operations team, so I should have prefaced this entire pp with 'FWIW' ;)

 

In closing, I'd like everyone to know I value the passion and the feedback of this community, and as always will share it with management. It is my hope that everyone will give the Pursuit a try and judge the changes in person. I know I'm looking forward to this August when she starts sailing as the Azamara Pursuit!

[oddjob16]

:D

Hi teamflames,

Thank you for your concern. I thought it was far better for me to be as transparent as possible as soon as the deck plans were released. It is only fair to let this passionate community know what we are doing, rather than find out through hearsay, or worse, board and be surprised at the structural changes to the Azamara Pursuit.

 

Re HGC's thought that we might change our minds, I'm afraid not. Work is going on daily as we speak.

 

As all of you know, some of the changes we inherited: no Casino, no Sunset Bar, and the Mosaic on the starboard side of the ship.

The other changes are ours: the added OV cabins on Deck 4, and the sales offices up where the game tables used to be (on JR&QS), which shouldn't ruin the AZ cruise experience, IMHO. Here's why...

The space forward of the Spirits Bar is very very lightly used right now. I was just on a Cuba cruise on the Quest and while walking to the Cabaret each night I never saw anyone playing at the tables...usually just a few employees hovering, and during the day while in port it is as quiet as a library (which frankly is how the Spirits lounge area seems to be used during the day. There were usually one or two people or couples sitting and reading on the couches.) So having some desks there shouldn't feel much different to the Spirits ambiance at night (empty desks v.v. unused casino tables.) And during the daytime there will be Shorex and Future Cruise people up there, so it'll have a purpose rather than sitting empty. Also, it is a much easier 'commute' for the Shorex personnel on port days since the gathering spot for disembarking tours is in the Cabaret Lounge.

These are just my opinions...I've not been given any talking points from our Operations team, so I should have prefaced this entire pp with 'FWIW' ;)

 

In closing, I'd like everyone to know I value the passion and the feedback of this community, and as always will share it with management. It is my hope that everyone will give the Pursuit a try and judge the changes in person. I know I'm looking forward to this August when she starts sailing as the Azamara Pursuit!

Bonnie, that was a fair and well grounded response. Let us see how it turns out. I am glad that our feedback are brought to the attention of top shelf, - maybe it is usefull as leverage towards bean counters and their likes. As I said. We vote with our feet. :)

[Bloodaxe]

Thanks for the honest response Bonnie, we may not like it but will have to lump it or move on.

Azamara used to say, you will love where we take you, many people may soon be saying we have loved where you have taken us but goodbye.

[BBMacLaird]

Thanks for the honest response Bonnie, we may not like it but will have to lump it or move on.

Azamara used to say, you will love where we take you, many people may soon be saying we have loved where you have taken us but goodbye.

 

It would be a shame to lose you, Bloodaxe. But if we do, please know you can always come back to us if you find the grass isn't greener elsewhere. We'll always be honored to say "Welcome Home" again.

[bob278]

I think most of those who have posted concerns feel as I do. The overall perception is that corporate is moving to a place that has major negative impact to the overall magnificent product that has been the hallmark of Azamara over the years.

 

I know, speaking for my wife and me, that IF we feel the need to leave, it would be with great reluctance and a feeling of loss. We would also be following threads to see if things get back to "normal" and happily come back. We have gladly paid more for Azamara as the difference was worth it in our opinion. But the recent changes we have experienced as well as what appears to be coming have lessened the experience while maintaining or increasing the difference in cost. We are both looking forward eagerly to our Quest TA next month in the hopes that we still feel the love and can justify the cost differential.

[uktog]

Thank you for posting, your personal views are interesting on this one.

Spirits is a huge disappointment on our current cruise. Of course no one is using it so its the self fulfilling prophecy I now think from your post is what the cruise line may want.

The reason no one is using it is there is no entertainment, garish casino screens flashing at you and from tonight, the LCV staff working in a portion of the lounge.

Every cruise I have ever been on with Azamara, Spirits has been a very busy place much enjoyed by many and great friendships formed with fellow guests over a post dinner drink. Cant do that in the disco, actually can't even hear myself think there, certainly not the ambience for a post dinner/show drink.

OK if thats the direction Azamara wants to take such that there is no place for a relaxing post dinner/show drink, fine. Doesn't fit what we want in a cruise so we will no doubt reduce our frequency of sailing on Azamara. We still love the onboard service, but not at any price, and if we are paying top dollar, it has to be for something that fits with what we like/want.

[MMDown Under]

Looks less inside open space for passengers to enjoy to me. I was wondering where trivia will be played. In December, there weren't enough seats in Spirits, on 5 on Journey, for the number of people who would have liked to have played. The photos show a piano in Drawing Room on 10. Is this going to be in lieu of a piano on 5? My concern would be where do passengers go to be entertained by live music when the seas are rough?

 

When I cruised on Ocean Princess (same design ship), listening, and singing along, to the piano player, on 5, was the place to be after dinner every night.

 

Looking at the deck plans for Pursuit, I can see smart decisions made to enhance the profitability of the cruise line, however I can't see any smart decisions made to enhance the pleasure of paying passengers. The "x" factor, which makes passengers want to try a particular ship, and return time and time again seems to be missing in the redesign.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I'm very confused by the turn in this discussion about how all this is forced on Azamara by the RCI bean-counters. There is no casino! Isn't that viewed as a big money-maker on most cruise lines [especially RCL and Celebrity]? So if the bean-counters were really in charge wouldn't they have told Azamara to figure out how to fit a casino in somewhere?

[MMDown Under]

I'm very confused by the turn in this discussion about how all this is forced on Azamara by the RCI bean-counters. There is no casino! Isn't that viewed as a big money-maker on most cruise lines [especially RCL and Celebrity]? So if the bean-counters were really in charge wouldn't they have told Azamara to figure out how to fit a casino in somewhere?

 

I didn't see many people playing in the casino, nor the slot machines, on my cruise in December.