3/22 Journey Review

[Hlitner]

We just returned to Florida from this cruise (today) and I am pasting a review I wrote while on-board:

 

I am writing this as we at sea along the Brazilian coast, so everything is quite fresh in my mind. To put it simply, this is an outstanding cruise. But, keep in mind that small ship cruising is not a good fit for everyone. This explains some of the major differences of reviews that have been posted regarding Azamara. Let me start by saying what this ship is not! Its certainly not for children or teens since there are very few kids on this ship and there are absolutely no facilities for children or teens. This is also not a ship for those that love the really large mega-ships for their variety, entertainment and activities. This ship does not even have a real theater, but rather is has a single story cabaret with low tech stage. There are no big shows with glitzy costumes, no special effects, etc. The ships’ own entertainment company has 5 talented singers who sing and project their on-stage personalities. On other nights they have other entertainment such as a violinist, singer, etc. There is also a piano bar player, a guitarist, a harpist, and a small 4 piece Brazilian band. There is no indoor pool for bad weather days although the spa does have a small therapy pool (for a price), virtually no PA announcements to tell you about activities, etc. This is a ship targeted to a 50s plus crowd that is content to entertain themselves, make new friends, play cards, read books, etc. In other words, its small ship cruising at its best.

 

Now, let me talk about this wonderful ship an crew. We have a crew of 409 which is a ratio better than 1 crew member for every two passengers. The crew is fabulous and very friendly. We have a Captain who will stop and chat with anyone, and seems to encourage this attitude throughout all levels of his crew. The ship is immaculate, has the best deck chairs afloat (with 4 inch thick cushions) although there would not be nearly enough deck space and chairs if a majority of the passengers decided to sun bathe.

 

The best part of this ship is the food. In fact, its some of the best food we have had on any ship (and we have been on more than 50 different ships) so I am going to take some time and explain. One of the alternative restaurants, Aqualina, is an absolute gem. The menu is varied, the food exquisitely presented, the service impeccable, and the food preparation nearly faultless. The young French chef who handles both alternative restaurants is very talented and it shows! As an example, I ordered a simple cold seafood cocktail appetizer which came with 1 lobster tail, 2 huge shrimp, 2 plump oysters on the half-shell, 2 clams, and two crab claws, all presented on a large bed of crushed ice and served with 3 sauces. And this was just a starter. Aquilina also offers a tasting menu which is paired with various wines for $50 per person. This is a fun dinner (6 of us spent 3 ½ hours doing this wine dinner) but we thought the price was a bit high for the quality of the wines. Keep in mind that you are paying $118 a couple (they add the 18% gratuity) but you do get about 5 glasses of wine plus a martini. The other alternative restaurant (Prime C) is a decent steakhouse although we do not think its quite up to the quality of Aquilina. There is a recommended $5 per person gratuity for these restaurants, and there are some limitations on the frequency you can dine in these two places, but its pretty much supply and demand and possible to get reservations several times during a cruise. In our first week (its an 18 day cruise) we dined at Aquilina 3 times and once in Prime C. The main dining room (single seating) is also better than you will find on most larger ships, and since there is no time pressure (no 2nd seating) service is less rushed and more like real dining. During breakfast, the buffet restaurant has a juice bar where you can get fresh orange juice, custom made fruit smoothies, or even a power drink. There is no charge for this service. The have custom made eggs and will also make fresh waffles to order. At lunch they have a small sandwich bar, nice buffet, and pizza (the dough is disappointing). In the Atrium they have a cart with various snacks and pastries that are also free, but strangely they do charge for coffee or tea at this venue. Its possible to grab a plate of snacks and go up 4 floors where there is 24 hour coffee and tea at no charge. For wine lovers, the ship does have a fair wine list, but the prices are typical Celebrity which means overpriced. Most of the cheaper drinkable wines cost about $35 - $45 plus the 18% mandatory gratuity. Unlike many cruise ships, its easy to get drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, and some juices at anytime of the day. But, if you decide to order a draught beer, be prepared to pay nearly $6 for a typically sized mug.

 

We have heard some grumbling from a few other passengers, but its generally complaints related to the fact that this smaller vessel does not have the amenities they expected from their previous larger ship cruises. In sharing notes with some on-board friends we agreed that the casino design was not an improvement from the old Renaissance vessels. Azamara has slightly enlarged the casino (allowing them to add a large poker table) and removed the piano from the old piano lounge that used to be adjacent to the casino. Now, the piano bar is located in the small atrium (upper level) adjacent to the two ships’ shops. Its not the best atmosphere for a piano bar when you are right outside the brightly lit and open shops (they do not close until 11 pm on sea nights).

 

........

That is what we wrote last week while still on the cruise. Here are a few additional thoughts. I cannot say enough good things about the alternative Aqualina restaurant. During our 18 day cruise we managed to eat in that venue 7 times and it is the best restaurant we have found in more than 50 cruises. The young French chef that supervises this restaurant did leave the ship in Miami today, so we do not know whether this will have an impact on future quality. For those lobster lovers, you can get fine lobster tail (boiled, broiled or thermidor) anytime you dine at Aqualina (it was not served in the regular dining room). Although there are some limitations to booking multiple visits (only imposed the first couple of days) the maitre'd was very accomodating to those of us who kept asking for more reservations.

 

We cannot say enough superlatives about the crew. This would apply to everyone from the Captain down to the deck help. In fact, when we left the ship in Miami this morning, there was the Captain at the gangplank saying goodbye and shaking hands of all passengers.

 

One final thought. As I previously posted, we did hear some complaints from other passengers (we had no complaints until the final breakfast where they could not handle to crowd). We continue to feel that most complaints were related to passengers who booked a small ship and expected it to be just like larger ships. Its a totally different experience that is very "laid back" and not suited to those who want tons of activities, big grand shows, and lots of on-board space. I do fear that there will be problems with next winter's Caribbean cruises when the lack of sufficient deck chairs will cause a lot of problems. On our cruise, even though it was a much older crowd, deck chairs in the shade were generally all gone by 8am. It will be much worse on the Caribbean cruises.

 

Hank

[sailoruk]

Thanks for a wonderful review.

As we have been on numerous river cruises - do prefer small ships - and meeting/speaking to fellow passengers. The idea of open seating , for us, is a bonus. Having been on a number of larger cruise ships and having to make sure we get the seating etc in dining rooms that we require isn't my idea of a good start of a holiday. In my humble opnion, maybe they should class the Azamara ships as "over 18's".

You mention about the lack of shady seating - we have booked a balcony, so can always sit there!

We are counting the days to our cruise in December.

Those passengers who grumbled, should read the blurbs about Azamara, and know before they sail what they are going to get.

[Hlitner]

Keep in mind that the Azamara balconies are pretty small, but do have two chairs and a too-large table and depending on your location you might find the balcony in direct sun. The deck chairs that are in the pool area are simply fantastic. We are talking high priced wood sunbeds with very thick cushions that even have pillows. This is then enhanced by a great deck crew that puts plush white fitted terry covers on the chairs. We found it worth getting up a little early to grab these ultra comfortable seats. There is also some outside shaded space amidships on deck 4, but the Journey has seen fit to not put more than a few chairs on that deck. We heard a few passengers complaining about this issue and I suspect they will add chairs to deck 4. To put it all in perspective, we would happily go back on the Journey tomorrow.

 

Hank

[cruiser stl]

we thought your review of the journey for the 3/22 cruise was very good.we were on that cruise and agreed w/all you said,however we even enjoyed the pizza dough.ha ha:)

[dalebo]

Thanks for a good and complete review.... We are on the Journey in October from Barcelona to Venice.

 

Did you know the name of the Captain... We were on the Celebrity Constellation in April and he indicated he was going on one of the Azamara ships.

[Hlitner]

Thanks for a good and complete review.... We are on the Journey in October from Barcelona to Venice.

 

Did you know the name of the Captain... We were on the Celebrity Constellation in April and he indicated he was going on one of the Azamara ships.

 

Our Captain was Leif Karlsson and the man was quite special. After more than 50 cruises we generally have little interest in Captains since most are busy executives that really do not do not have a lot of interaction with passengers. Captain Karlsson was an exception since he seemed to love being with the passengers. He always had time to stop and chat, would often be in the buffet dining room eating breakfast and lunch with passengers, and was totally charming. However, keep in mind that Captains do rotate tours, so there is no telling who you would get on a future cruise.

 

Hank

[hshowalter]

Hank my wife & I were also on this cruise & I would have to agree with your review. The cruise critic get together was the best one ever. The Captain, Cruise Director , Hotel Mgr,Captians club Mgr. were all present.We were hapilly suprised with complimentary wine & champagne.The entertainment was excellent except for flynn the comedian. It was nice that you did not have to go a half hour early to get a good seat at the shows. I would certainly recomend the Journey. At the CC party we asked for you; but nobody knew where you were.

[Dick in Falls Church]

Must agree with Hank on almost everything. The captain was the most accessible we've seen. Talked to the fellow who gave the enrichment lectures, and he said that the captain was the most around and about he had seen in 20 years of cruising--and he told that to the captain.

 

We heard a few complaints from folks who just didn't like anything about the ship, but very few. Even the crew members who had requested to go back to the larger ships were happy and friendly.

 

Met one couple on their 3rd cruise, but most had had anywhere from 6 to 30 or 40 or more. We met a lot of different folks from a lot of different places.

 

We talked to some of the kids. Even when their parents weren't within earshot, they all said that they were having a great time.

 

We too were very surprised at the Cruise Critic party production. Have been on some other ships where they had a couple hundred members, and the Captain stuck his head in for a bit, but this was a real treat and surprise. Probably didn't hurt that CEO of Cruise Critic was in attendance with a number of his clients.

 

We (a Cruise Critic group of 14) had a private guide for the 2 days in Rio, and that was probably the best choice we could have made. Other than that, Brazil wasn't a place that would lure me back soon.

 

Thought the food in the regular restaurant was best we've had on a cruise.

It was, at least for us, just a small step up to the Aquilina or Prime C. (Well, OK, six decks up).

[katiebeth]

Dear Hank,

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to post such a wonderful review. We are looking forward to trying the "small ship" experience and love the idea of country club casual in the evenings and no set dining times. We love Celebrity and have mostly cruised on the "M' class ships so this will be a new experience for us. Glad to hear how wonderful the food and service is onboard Azamara.

 

I did have a question about shore excursions. As I have posted before, I am disappointed with the limited and not very "inspired" (IMHO) shore excursions being offered by Azamara. We are sailing June 21st on the Turkey and Greek Isles itinerary. I am booking more private excursions, as a result.

 

Did you take any of the ship sponsored excursions? I think that I have read in your prior posts that you mostly tour independently. Did you hear any feedback from fellow passengers regarding their experiences?

 

I am hoping that Azamara will add of few more options prior to our sailing, but I am definitely not holding my breath.

 

So glad to hear that you had a wonderful cruise!!

 

Happy Sailings,

Nancy

[Hlitner]

Nancy, You might have seen that I previously posted a thread about Azamara's poor tour offerings. That being said, we heard only positive things during our Journey cruise when it came to the tours. But, you also need to keep in mind that all of the cruise lines simply "buy their tours" from local operators (most of the cruise lines use the same providers in Europe) so there is no way to gauge Med tours based on what we saw in Brazil. You are correct that we personally seldom take any tour, but based on a lot Europe cruise experience there is a lot of support for using well-established private tour providers vs. the large cattle-herd cruise tours. For those that enjoy being on large buses and going to carefully vetted tourist places the bus tours should be fine.

 

Hank

[Andy]

Hi Hank !

 

Thanks for your excellent review. I am glad you had a great time on Journey. Welcome home !

[travelbosslady]

Hank,

 

Where were you on this cruise? Mr. Bill CEO and I were looking for you. Obviously we never found you. We had high hopes of speaking with you at the cruise critic party, but you were not there. I spoke to Hinda who said she actually met you the first night of the cruise and then never saw you again. Just to let you know that you were missed. I think this is the second time we have been on a cruise together and didn't meet up.

 

I liked your review, I thought this was one of the best cruises I have ever done. The staff couldn't do enough for you and for the most part, they were very happy staff.

 

Leslie

[themirsk]

Hank,

Thank you so much for that excellent review. We love Celebrity but so far have hesitated to try Azamara. After reading your fabulous review, we are finally ready to experience it ourselves. We prefer fine dining, are not the theatre goers and are content with the quiet times onboard. For us, excellent service and food are most important !!!

Thanks again. Will be looking forward to our first Azamara cruise..............

M&M's

BTW........was Helen Jayne on Journey ?

[tgg]

There is also some outside shaded space amidships on deck 4, but the Journey has seen fit to not put more than a few chairs on that deck. We heard a few passengers complaining about this issue and I suspect they will add chairs to deck 4.

Hank

 

I think you might mean deck 5. There were about 10 chairs on each side of the ship. We also wondered why they couldn't bring some of the chairs down from deck 11 that got little use. We were told that the reason is that deck 5 has the lifeboats/tenders and the muster stations. Some of those areas have to be kept open and unobstructed.

 

That is one of our favorite areas on the ship.

[travelbosslady]

Helen Jayne was on this sailing, but she has now left the Journey to return home for vacation.

[themirsk]

Helen Jayne was on this sailing, but she has now left the Journey to return home for vacation.

Thanks for your response.............. She is a delight !!! And some fabulous entertainer to boot !!! Hope you had a chance to enjoy her.

Mel

[travelbosslady]

I did get to see her perform twice, she was terrific. The entertainment in general was very good on this cruise.

[land lover]

Glad to here everyone had a wonderful time..

We will not be leaving on Journey until Oct. 2009.....much will change between now and then, improvements I hope.

 

We have been on the r -class ship twice once to Tahiti and just last Nov. a cruise to the Holy Land on Royal Princess.

 

I am looking forward to a new experience on the same class ship and a new Holy Land Itinerary that I think A has provided.

 

Thank for the detailed review.....OH the rep when I booked told me they have the seasoned bread sticks on A, is this true? because that is one of my favorites on X.

[travelbosslady]

I don't remember the bread sticks being seasoned, but in the Specialty Restaurants they had salt on them and they were really good.

[C 2 C]

We just returned to Florida from this cruise (today)

Hank

 

Hank a great review. Someone who is picking the captains is doing a great job. Carl Smith, the master on an earlier sailing, was also highly complimented. Would you happen to remember the names of the Cruise Director, Hotel Director and the Captain's Club host(ess)?

[Hlitner]

Sorry to be slow in responding, but we are still traveling (now in Italy) and have not had much internet access since March. We do not remember the cruise director, hotel manager, or Captains Club hostess because they were really not important to us on the cruise. To be honest, the Captain had such a strong positive presence it was hard to notice many of the other hard working crew. We recently finished another cruise (20 day Grand Princess Transatlantic) and it was also a great cruise. Guess we are on a roll with 38 days of cruising (out of 41) and not hardly a single complaint.

 

Hank