Azamara's Big Announcement

[editor@cruisecritic]

Okay, instead of tweeting bits and pieces as they're announced, how about if I cover the announcement (which should start any minute) right here? Jump in and ask questions as you think of them as I have a chat afterward with Larry Pimentel (mind you it's not a long chat so I can't ask a million things but happy to weigh in with what's on your mind if I can!).

Carolyn

Carolyn Spencer Brown
Editor in Chief
Cruise Critic

[MVPinBoynton]

Sounds good. We are anxiously awaiting any news.

[Host Andy]

Okay, instead of tweeting bits and pieces as they're announced, how about if I cover the announcement (which should start any minute) right here? Jump in and ask questions as you think of them as I have a chat afterward with Larry Pimentel (mind you it's not a long chat so I can't ask a million things but happy to weigh in with what's on your mind if I can!).

Carolyn

Carolyn Spencer Brown
Editor in Chief
Cruise Critic

Hi Carolyn !

That would be great ! I'm staying online, awaiting your comments. Thank You !

[editor@cruisecritic]

Someone on the boards called this one!

Edie Bornstein, VP of Sales and Marketing for Azamara:



"The brand begins with a name and logo." (Remember that the folks who created the line actually made up the name). "We're keeping something of the Azamara component. Going forward the new name is Azamara Club Cruises: You’ll Love Where We Take You"






Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

33 percent passengers hail from outside U.S. and Canada. Sounds to me like Azamara's looking to expand its appeal internationally --

Carolyn

[Our Passport Stamps]

I like this format much better!

Question..

They have begun changing some 2010 itineraries to reflect the idea of more overnights in ports (St. Barts and Black Sea cruise)

When will all itinerary changes for 2010 be complete?

Specifically the sailing of Nov 3rd, 2010. Will Port Said be dropped for a overnight in Alexandria.
A few cruisers on the 2009 Holy Land cruises
mentioned that AZ staff onboard reported this could take place.

Question

When will any Captain Club changes and/or upgrades be listed on the website IN WRITING for all of us to see..
we've heard reports of hit and miss increased benefits.
I hope he will make the Elite benefits VERY competitive to my Elite benefits on Princess.
Let him know at this stage of my long cruising career my loyalty is for sale.

Thanks

K.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Larry:

More people on two Oasis lifeboats than on an entire Azamara ship!



Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

"multi dimensional message" OY, lots of marketing gobbledygook!

Now Larry's hyping the brochure. Who out there loves cruise brochures? I do! Great for armchair dreaming. This one sounds stunning.

Carolyn

[Our Passport Stamps]

"multi dimensional message" OY, lots of marketing gobbledygook!

Now Larry's hyping the brochure. Who out there loves cruise brochures? I do! Great for armchair dreaming. This one sounds stunning.

Carolyn


Cruise brochures/atlas' to me are equivalent to the Sears Toy Catalog when I was little

[Host Andy]

Hi Carolyn !

We have been hearing for many months about updates to Captains Club on Azamara.....

I'd like to know if Azamara plans to have their own version of Captains Club or will it continue to be an extension of Celebrity's Captains Club. Also will Celebrity Captains Club Members continue to recieve recriprocal benefits, as they do now.

When do they expect to Roll out 2011/2012 itineraries ?

Lastly, Any plans for Newbuilds, OR moving ships from Celebrity or Royal Caribbean's fleet to Azamara ?

[editor@cruisecritic]

Four key pillars:

*Destination immersion. As we already reported, more overnights (not just in embark ports but also in really interesting places like St. Tropez, St. Barth, Sorrento). Hanoi, Bombay, Kyoto among others.

Larry: We are slowing down the ships rather significantly

Dramatic changes will show in 3rd, 4th quarter of 2010.



Carolyn

PS hoping that the other three pillars are forthcoming!

[MightyQuinn]

1) I love cruise brochures & have been eager for Azamara for a while now. When will they be mailed?

2) Any plans to increase the fleet, either by purchase or new builds?

[editor@cruisecritic]

*2nd pillar: "extraordinary service"

Do y'all feel like Azamara has already a good service tradition?







Carolyn

[Our Passport Stamps]

I'm sailing on B2B in 4th quarter for 24 days...please get specifics on what he means by that

[editor@cruisecritic]

*3rd pillar: Food and wine (this is sounding a lot like Oceania in this regard!)

Standard wine at lunch and dinner is going to be included in tariff from April onward!

Carolyn

[Host Andy]

2) Any plans to increase the fleet, either by purchase or new builds?

Im very curious about that too. I asked the question above. I hope they answer !

[comcox]

I love the idea of more overnights. We are headed off for an 18-day Southeast Asia Azamara cruise with all overnights except one port which is great. What I want to know is if the itineraries will be more unique that the other cruiselines? The 2010 lineup was awful with just the same-old stuff the other ships do. Please go to more out-of-the-way places.

[editor@cruisecritic]

*4th pillar: wellness and vigor.

They'll refine and enhance going forward. Partnerships to be announced soon, stay tuned, Larry says. Think Canyon Ranch? Won't that be a conflict with Oceania?



Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Onboard activiites will have themes:

activity track
cultural track (dining)
shopping and collecting track


Carolyn

[MightyQuinn]

Larry: We are slowing down the ships rather significantlyHopefully the ships won't slow down so much that folks won't know they're on a cruise. As Hondorner noted on another thread, if we wanted destination immersion, we'd all do land trips! Tricky balance needed here.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Azamara gets its own past passenger club (wow, after 2.5 years, pretty quick)! Starts April, I believe. Called Le Club Voyage.

Carolyn

[Host Andy]

*2nd pillar: "extraordinary service"

Do y'all feel like Azamara has already a good service tradition?



Carolyn

Hi Carolyn !

On my 2 Azamara sailings, I thought the service was outstanding. It will be interesting to see what they have planned for "extraordinary service", as they already do a fantastic job.

[TERRIER1]

Will you be able to bring wine and spirits on board or still be limited to 2 bottles at embarkation?

[editor@cruisecritic]

More stuff is included (major kudos for that), including:

comp shuttle buses in ports
gratuities for housekeeping and dining
free beverages (coffee, tea, bottled water)
self service laundry



Carolyn

[Host Andy]

Azamara gets its own past passenger club (wow, after 2.5 years, pretty quick)! Starts April, I believe. Called Le Club Voyage.

Carolyn

Hi Carolyn !

I figured that would be the plan. Can we find out if Celebrity's Captains Club Members will be grandfathered in ?

[Our Passport Stamps]

Azamara gets its own past passenger club (wow, after 2.5 years, pretty quick)! Starts April, I believe. Called Le Club Voyage.

Carolyn




Question...

If we are Elite with Celebrity and Diamond Plus with RCCL does it carry over to AZ...as it does now..or do I start from scratch???

[editor@cruisecritic]

Don't dare let the word "luxury" pass your lips when speaking of Azamara. Bornstein says "we're the upmarket baby boutique cruise line".

I kind of like the term "luxury lite" for lines like Oceania, Azamara...what do you think?

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Pimentel: "Prices will go up" (to accommodate the inclusive stuff). What do you think the free DIY laundry will add to your fare? :)


Carolyn

[tgg]

So glad our September cruise is already booked. I can't wait to see what all this is going to cost.

[MightyQuinn]

Standard wine at lunch and dinner is going to be included in tariff from April onward!I like this! Will the April transAtlantic be included? Methinks not....

[editor@cruisecritic]

Butlers will go to school! No more glorified cabin stewards, Pimentel says, noting that they'll go to buttle school in England.



Carolyn

[Our Passport Stamps]

More stuff is included (major kudos for that), including:

comp shuttle buses in ports
gratuities for housekeeping and dining
free beverages (coffee, tea, bottled water)
self service laundry



Carolyn

Question...

Fancy coffee drinks included? Such as a Latte or Mocha?

[Host Andy]

Question...

If we are Elite with Celebrity and Diamond Plus with RCCL does it carry over to AZ...as it does now..or do I start from scratch???

Hi Where2 !

Im wondering about that too. If they make the Celebrity faithful start from zero, they are going to have some very unhappy Cruisers on their hands. Hopefully, Carolyn will have an answer for us.

[Host Andy]

What do you think the free DIY laundry will add to your fare? :)


Carolyn

2 Dollars per load :)

[Our Passport Stamps]

Pimentel: "Prices will go up" (to accommodate the inclusive stuff). What do you think the free DIY laundry will add to your fare? :)


Carolyn

Marketing ploy will add about 50 bucks to fare and it's less than a roll of quarters...big whoop!

I would be VERY impressed if it was free laundry that THEY did for us

[Host Andy]

I like this! Will the April transAtlantic be included? Methinks not....

Never say never !

[comcox]

Pimentel: "Prices will go up" (to accommodate the inclusive stuff). What do you think the free DIY laundry will add to your fare? :)


Carolyn

I don't mind the DYI laundry bit, but I will not be pleased if I have to pay an increase for alcohol which I do not drink.

[TERRIER1]

[quote=editor@cruisecritic;22269024]Pimentel: "Prices will go up" (to accommodate the inclusive stuff). What do you think the free DIY laundry will add to your fare? :)

They will need to add more washers and dryers to make it feasible.

[Redtravel]

Their standard wine is awful. More overnights means less fuel used. A few name changes doesn't make any impression. Lots of hype, too little outcome. I'm truly not impressed.

[cannongate]

Any charge for those now or is the "suggested gratuity" included?

[Host Andy]

Marketing ploy will add about 50 bucks to fare and it's less than a roll of quarters...big whoop!

I would be VERY impressed if it was free laundry that THEY did it

Hi Where2 !

On Celebrity, they are now giving Elites 20-30 pieces of complimentary laundry (20 or 30 depends on itinerary/water restrictions) per sailing. IMHO, Azamara should certainly do the same.

[jeremybe]

So the "Big announcement" is:

1 - We'll save money by cruising slower
2- Include Wine at lunch and dinner and give you free water and coffee other times
3- Let you do your own laundry
4- Actually train our Butlers...


SO why is this such a big announcement??

[cannongate]

When will their website be back-up and reflecting the changes?

[Host Andy]

I don't mind the DYI laundry bit, but I will not be pleased if I have to pay an increase for alcohol which I do not drink.

Hi Comcox !

As an non-drinker, I'm with you on this one. I'd hate to see prices go up dramatically, due to unlimited Alcohol being offered. I have many reasons for this, other than me being a non-drinker, but the main reason is, I'd rather not pay for something I will not take advantage of.

I still feel that a reasonbly priced alcohol and/or wine package is the best way to go.

[WooKeef]

Their standard wine is awful. More overnights means less fuel used. A few name changes doesn't make any impression. Lots of hype, too little outcome. I'm truly not impressed.

Honestly, I am not impressed either...what is this big announcement??? what a bunch of hype.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Now they're taking questions. First up:


why tweak the brand now after 2.5 years?

Larry: “Brand needed to be tweaked. Our corporation has been very innovative with new tonnage. Celebrity intro’d new Solstice class, perhaps the sexiest ships anywhere. And of course Oasis is out there. Richard Fain decided he wanted the upmarket line – and called on me. The timing is right. I also believe that upmarket clients are coming back in 2010. In 2011 the floodgates will be opened.

[editor@cruisecritic]

When will Azamara build a new ship?

Larry:

"We’ve been able to fill the ships pretty well – but at the wrong rates." Notes that 20 percent increase in fares.

"We will build new ships. We will be growing in a smaller ship category, small ships that can go to unique destinations where the big boys can’t go.”


He does say that prices will go up as of Monday (hint? book this week for "old" fares?)




Carolyn

[MVPinBoynton]

What a shame - an underwhelming announcement. :( I understand now why there wasn't much info about this leaked, since there really isn't much to leak.

[Sprit]

When will the website be back online, so we can actually book for the "older" prices ?

When will Azamara build a new ship?

Larry:

"We’ve been able to fill the ships pretty well – but at the wrong rates." Notes that 20 percent increase in fares.

"We will build new ships. We will be growing in a smaller ship category, small ships that can go to unique destinations where the big boys can’t go.”


He does say that prices will go up as of Monday (hint? book this week for "old" fares?)




Carolyn

[nikless]

the big announcement is a better bottom line...cutting costs, and increasing revenue.....basic business economics. Didnt need a Harvard MBA to figure that out.

[editor@cruisecritic]

The question about similarities to Oceania got an evasive answer from Bornstein, who noted that the only thing that's similar is the hardware (Oceania has the same style of ships). "That's where it stops," she says.

Well, we'll see.

Still -- she emphasized one difference will be the ship's multi-national passengers and that impact on the ambience.

"Something magical happens when you get this mini-United Nations group on board."

Comment from Larry re Oceania:
"The globe is ¾ water. There’s room for both of us."

[editor@cruisecritic]

Who is your target demographic?


Bornstein: "Ideal world, household income 300K, 45 – 60 years old. But in the real world we’re going after anyone and everyone"


Glad we could narrow that down :)


Carolyn

[WooKeef]

What a shame - an underwhelming announcement. :( I understand now why there wasn't much info about this leaked, since there really isn't much to leak.

I agree...I am so dissappointed in this whole announcement:confused:...I do not want to do my own laundry...I am on vacation for crying out loud. and staying in ports longer saves them money and WE have to pay more??? totally confused that they expect us to not see this. I am completely confused by the big news???

My question is: "what is the big announcement???"

[editor@cruisecritic]

Are you concerned about impact on Azamara when you raise fares?

Larry: "Please took a look at the competition. We will offer extraordinary value. We are under-priced. We’re bringing a different skill set to Royal Caribbean that is very wwelcome. We don’t think the the rising fares will hurt us."




Carolyn

[DrKoob]

As an Azamara guest who is sailing them in Feb I have seen no definitive answer about their Captain's Club (other than the April "Le Club Voyage"--could they have picked a worse name???:p). Will I, as a Celebrity Elite, get the current X elite benefits when I sail on Azamara this Feb?

And when will they publish what the complete info on the new Le Club Voyage (I REALLY HATE TYPING THAT)? Right now their website is in total screwed-up redirect mode. When you type in azamaracruises.com it redirects to azamaraclubcruises.com which redirects to azamaracruises.com and on and on and on. Ask him when that will get fixed. :p

[editor@cruisecritic]

Any plans to upgrade ships?

Bornstein: "They are already beautifully done vessels." That would mean no :)

"No massive overhauls or changes to the physical plant."

The ships will get regular drydock treatment....

Carolyn

[TERRIER1]

20% increase in fares is unfortunate since the lower fares were what made Azamara attractive to begin with versus Oceania. I would imagine that either people will stay with Oceania and perhaps Azamara cruisers will now look into Oceania given the price point. Wait and see what the prices are.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Will the ships still be a child-friendly haven?

By and large, yes. There are no plans to add facilities and programming.

Bornstein: "December holiday Panama Canal cruise has 20-plus kids, and there will be counselors brought onboard but that's an anomaly."

"Think of this product as a product for couples. It's an adult product"

Just a reminder :) -- Azamara won our "best ships for couples" award this year!



Carolyn

[Host Andy]

Hi Everyone !

I'm surprised that Azamara would go to so much trouble, when on the surface, not much has changed. Could it be the details will be more interesting ? I was truly hoping for a New Ship, or some other Major News from Azamara. To call these announcements "Major" is curious.

[comcox]

Who is your target demographic?


Bornstein: "Ideal world, household income 300K, 45 – 60 years old. But in the real world we’re going after anyone and everyone"


Glad we could narrow that down :)


Carolyn

If that's their ideal world demographic they just lost these two passengers:confused:

[DrKoob]

20% increase in fares is unfortunate since the lower fares were what made Azamara attractive to begin with versus Oceania. I would imagine that either people will stay with Oceania and perhaps Azamara cruisers will now look into Oceania given the price point. Wait and see what the prices are.

The real question is, can they fill the ships at that price point. We just saw our Feb cruise drop by almost $1000 per person days after final payment. The ship is nowhere near full. If they can't fill the ships now and they are reducing prices (only in certain states and age groups) then how will they fill them at a higher price.

With X going to bigger ships I really want Azamara to become our new favorite line but I can't see paying that much more. We don't drink that much. Sorry.

[Soccer Mom 96]

I am booked on the April 1 sailing of the Journey. Will that benefit be included on this cruise?

Thanks,
Soccer Mom

[Druke I]

I think you have been paying too much for your rolls of quarters!

[editor@cruisecritic]

Several big announcements, new name, new destination focus, primarily.

Carolyn


I agree...I am so dissappointed in this whole announcement:confused:...I do not want to do my own laundry...I am on vacation for crying out loud. and staying in ports longer saves them money and WE have to pay more??? totally confused that they expect us to not see this. I am completely confused by the big news???

My question is: "what is the big announcement???"

[editor@cruisecritic]

Lots of time spent on how Azamara will interact with travel agents -- seems to be a big priority. This isn't my field but curious to hear from agents: has Azamara been hard to work with before this? Or is this just a ramping up?


Carolyn

[Host Andy]

Hi Carolyn !

Any word on if Celebrity Captains Club Members will be Grandfathered in to Le Club Voyage ?

Add me to the list of those who feel this is a poor choice of name for a Loyalty Club.

[MightyQuinn]

I have seen no definitive answer about their Captain's Club (other than the April "Le Club Voyage"--could they have picked a worse name???We're brand new Azamara cruisers with no past pax status or Captains Club membership. But I so agree that Le Club Voyage is just a tad pretentious & kinda tawdry all at once! :p:p

[Our Passport Stamps]

deleted

[editor@cruisecritic]

What specifically is more inclusive?

Espresso, cappuccino everywhere, even at the Cova Cafe (that's nice).

Larry: "Our objective is not to deal with nickles, dimes and pennies. I'm convinced we've taken the right road."

Carolyn

[WooKeef]

Hi Everyone !

I'm surprised that Azamara would go to so much trouble, when on the surface, not much has changed. Could it be the details will be more interesting ? I was truly hoping for a New Ship, or some other Major News from Azamara. To call these announcements "Major" is curious.

Yes, Andy, you are correct. It does seem to be a lot of "hoopla" about very little change. I am staying objective and hoping my May cruises will be more interesting as far as the details. And a trained butler? Will he rub my feet after a long day in port???:D...makes me think of Mr Deeds. I am thinking my household salary is below their demographic...sorry to hear that too. I wait in anticipation. The changes should be in swing by the time we hit the seas.

[DrKoob]

We're brand new Azamara cruisers with no past pax status or Captains Club membership. But I so agree that Le Club Voyage is just a tad pretentious & kinda tawdry all at once! :p:p

Just imagine that Inspector Clouseau is saying, Le Club Voyage. That's good for a laugh. Anything that's Le just sounds beyond pretentious and begs derision. Can you imagine being "Elite in Le Club Voyage." Say that with a French accent and try to keep a straight face. :p

[LHT28]

Hard to follow all this chopped up thread on perks etc,,,sound more like Oceania than different
Time will tell

If their ideal demographic is 300K that leave a lot of past passengers out :eek:

[Our Passport Stamps]

I think you have been paying too much for your rolls of quarters!

I was guessing...

I haven't paid for laundry in a very long time...

So, really I have no clue

I get it free when I sail on Princess, which is my primary cruise line

but since I love the Pacific, Royal, and Ocean...

AZ did get my attention and we are now booked for 24 days

[comcox]

Carolyn,

Will you be writing this up after the announcement is over so we can see it all together? Hope so. Thanks.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Pricing increases a hot topic on the conference -- and here! Larry: "Our obligation is to have the triple win: customer, travel agents and corporation (with shareholder return that's necessary in today's market"). Snore.

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

What will be new destinations?

Larry: "South America, Pacific Rim, Australia. We need to mix up the destinations. Less time spent in the Caribbean over time. But when we are in the Caribbean you’ll see different types of deployments (Amazon, Lesser Antilles). Delivering destinations uniquely."


Basically what he's saying is that the cruise line will go to these new places but also -- importantly -- it will source marketing, meaning reaching out to Asian travelers, South Americans, and most definitely Aussies!


Carolyn

[WooKeef]

What specifically is more inclusive?

Espresso, cappuccino everywhere, even at the Cova Cafe (that's nice).

Larry: "Our objective is not to deal with nickles, dimes and pennies. I'm convinced we've taken the right road."

Carolyn

Oh, boy. I will be hyped out on caffiene! I agree that would be nickle and diming to continue to charge for this stuff. I may be bouncing off the bulkhead from all those free cappuccinos:eek:.

[editor@cruisecritic]

When will the new website be online?


Bornstein: "If you click on Azamara Club Cruises as we speak…."




Anybody having luck with this?



Carolyn

[MVPinBoynton]

I wonder what cruise line Azamara wants me to go to now that I am over 60.:rolleyes:

[SeaPeaInn]

These people think 300k is an average income. This is the thinking of those making decisions in corporate America and government.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Did you bring the club concept over from SeaDream? (Pimentel was president and creator of SeaDream, the luxury yacht-style cruise line)

"This idea did not come from SeaDream but from listening to passengers when I was onboard (Azamara). A club is a group of people with a common interest. In this case it’s culture and destination."






Carolyn

[Sprit]

Nope, still " site under maintenance"

When will the new website be online?


Bornstein: "If you click on Azamara Club Cruises as we speak…."




Anybody having luck with this?



Carolyn

[Our Passport Stamps]

I;m not getting any message
the website won't even load

[cluso]

They are screwing it up! We already did our own laundry on Azamara. The price increase will keep people away. They chose Azamara over Oceania--pricing was a key factor. We don't want a butler, and have never used one when provided.

[Host Andy]

Yes, Andy, you are correct. It does seem to be a lot of "hoopla" about very little change. I am staying objective and hoping my May cruises will be more interesting as far as the details. And a trained butler? Will he rub my feet after a long day in port???:D...makes me think of Mr Deeds. I am thinking my household salary is below their demographic...sorry to hear that too. I wait in anticipation. The changes should be in swing by the time we hit the seas.

Hi WooKeef !

I agree. I want to make it clear, that I remain very optimistic about Azamara's future. I'm just disappointed in the fact, that Azamara and the industry has been hyping this day for a few weeks, and I truly expected more.

I'm also concerned that Azamara will add new amenities, create an updated image, and move the pricing up to a point, where it may provoke passengers to look elsewhere. I feel they should tread very carefully here, especially as I feel the economy will not have a major recovery in 2010. This is not a time to alienate passengers !

While I'm disappointed about today's lack of meat with the potato, I will be over it by tomorrow :)

[Moose Tracks]

This new site is up and running...

http://www.azamaracruises.com/captainsclub/home.do

[Ma Bell]

We're on our first Azamara cruise in February and I was hoping to really fall in love with the product.

We go cruising because we love to cruise. It sounds as if they just want to be a hotel.

It seems that this is just an opportunity to raise prices. Staying longer in port is cost saving in many ways. Service, entertainment, food are all diminished when people spend more time in port.

My idea of luxury is not doing my laundry. LOL

[DrKoob]

I;m not getting any message
the website won't even load

I do websites for a living and the programmers have it stuck in a loop back onto itself. Azamara.com to AzamaraClubCruises.com and back again forever. It's probably there but you can't get to it because of this. Programmers may not even realize it from within their server.

Looks like someone figured it out. About time!

No they didn't. The previously posted page is the only one that can be accessed.

[nikless]

300K is average? You gotta be kiddin'

And is that 300K before or after we subsidize the new Healthcare plan?

Our first w/Azamara is in Feb...It may be last cruise with them.

[comcox]

Did you bring the club concept over from SeaDream? (Pimentel was president and creator of SeaDream, the luxury yacht-style cruise line)

"This idea did not come from SeaDream but from listening to passengers when I was onboard (Azamara). A club is a group of people with a common interest. In this case it’s culture and destination."


Carolyn

Azamara was a great cruiseline. Pimental needs to go back to where he came from and take his 300+K income with him!

[Host Andy]

When will the new website be online?


Bornstein: "If you click on Azamara Club Cruises as we speak…."




Anybody having luck with this?



Carolyn

Hi Carolyn !

I just checked. I cannot connect with www.azamaraclubcruises.com or www.azamaracruises.com, neither website appears to up at the moment.

[Sprit]

Why all that negative about the 300k ? He just said that't the dream world.......in my business I also would like to have the ultra rich only......but like he said....it's the dream. Reality means everyone that can and will afford it !

[SeaPeaInn]

Frank Del Rio just posted and it said only "RFLMAO"

[comcox]

This new site is up and running...

http://www.azamaracruises.com/captainsclub/home.do

That only gets to the club page; it will not go to cruise planning though.

[Host Andy]

This new site is up and running...

http://www.azamaracruises.com/captainsclub/home.do

Hi Moose !

Thanks for the link. Was able to get to that page, but nothing beyond it.

Looks like their Web team are behind the curve again.

[MVPinBoynton]

It doesn't look like Larry is getting much love from this announcement. I am sure that they will read and listen to comments and fine tune what they plan on doing. After all they are customer service oriented and they want their customers to continue to want to use their product. It is a shame that it seems like they over hyped this announcement.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Yes, absolutely! An item will launch sometime after lunch (not that I'm going to lunch but it will take me an hour or so)

Carolyn


Carolyn,

Will you be writing this up after the announcement is over so we can see it all together? Hope so. Thanks.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Just to throw in a bit of perspective -- there's no question that Azamara values its loyal passengers and I think the new Le Club (LOL re all your comments) is an effort to show that. I'll hopefully get more details during my chat.

But I think where it's going with all this new stuff -- is reaching outto people who haven't cruised before because, to reprise the infamous Arthur Frommer, when you cruise you don't see anything.

Carolyn


Hi WooKeef !

I agree. I want to make it clear, that I remain very optimistic about Azamara's future. I'm just disappointed in the fact, that Azamara and the industry has been hyping this day for a few weeks, and I truly expected more.

I'm also concerned that Azamara will add new amenities, create an updated image, and move the pricing up to a point, where it may provoke passengers to look elsewhere. I feel they should tread very carefully here, especially as I feel the economy will not have a major recovery in 2010. This is not a time to alienate passengers !

While I'm disappointed about today's lack of meat with the potato, I will be over it by tomorrow :)

[editor@cruisecritic]

I thought the comment about "ideal customers" and the 300K mark was a little bit condescending and certainly unrealistic in this day and age -- so don't take that too personally. I think it was just showboating.

Carolyn

[Host Andy]

Azamara was a great cruiseline. Pimental needs to go back to where he came from and take his 300+K income with him!

Hi Comcox !

I feel its very premature to use the words "was a great cruiseline". They are still a wonderful Cruiseline.

While the 300+K comment does not please me, Keep in mind, they can convey this upscale image, but the reality is, pricing has, and will continue to depend on factors such as the economy, and supply and demand. If the economy remains weak, prices will remain reasonable. They can talk the talk to their heart's desire.... but, like any other Cruiseline, they need to fill their ships too.

[Spursgirl]

Do they really expect past Azamara cruisers to be delighted with this very underwhelming announcement.

I have been on the Quest three times - the last time one month ago and I loved the product as it was. A 20% uplift in prices will just drive me back to Celebrity and Princess.

[Redtravel]

I am booked on a cruise in April. I just called Azamara to find out whether my cruise is affected by these changes. I spoke to a man who said that I could buy a water package or wine package , but that they " were not giving it away." He then put me on hold, and eventually hung up. So what gives, Azamara doesn't seem to know what's happening.

[Our Passport Stamps]

I thought the comment about "ideal customers" and the 300K mark was a little bit condescending and certainly unrealistic in this day and age -- so don't take that too personally. I think it was just showboating.

Carolyn

Carolyn.

My DH and I would be considered riff raff by those standards...and yet we are the demographic they need to tap into for long term growth

We are in our early 40's, no kids and passionate about travel...In fact our financial planner thought he read our numbers wrong when he realized how little we spend elsewhere in our budget and then came across
the travel column figures...

We want a small ship experience that we can return to each year for extended cruises...

K

[nikless]

He may have been setting it up to be sold in a few years.

And it was certainly condescending...as if he were saying that the current clientele was not satisfactory, so they are making changes to upgrade the demographics, not to make Azamara more appealing overall....

[hondorner]

Let's see -- what are they offering that Oceania does not? Free standard wine at lunch and dinner. Free DIY laundry. "Trained" butlers at all levels. A new brochure...

I said a few days ago that they had basically failed so far, because they blatantly set out to copy Oceania, yet they could never attract the price point that Oceania gets -- probably because they never really understood what it is that makes O special. Now, they're trying to boost the prices by trying to surpass Oceania in insignificant ways, yet it appears they still don't actually "get" it.

[DrKoob]

I am booked on a cruise in April. I just called Azamara to find out whether my cruise is affected by these changes. I spoke to a man who said that I could buy a water package or wine package , but that they " were not giving it away." He then put me on hold, and eventually hung up. So what gives, Azamara doesn't seem to know what's happening.

Don't worry about that. It's just typical corporate America. I would bet that 90% of the people who work there didn't hear about these "changes" before we did. And that would include almost 100% of those who answer the phones (who I might add will never be able to afford an Azamara cruise.)

[TRIANDA]

Any mention of Azamara "Passages" now being made available to EVERY Nationality?

[susiesan]

It's going to be back to O for me after 3 AZ cruises. Overnights in the Caribbean don't impress me. And like others said, I'll do land trips in Europe if I want to stay overnight somewhere there.

[WooKeef]

Carolyn.

My DH and I would be considered riff raff by those standards...and yet we are the demographic they need to tap into for long term growth

We are in our early 40's, no kids and passionate about travel...In fact our financial planner thought he read our numbers wrong when he realized how little we spend elsewhere in our budget and then came across
the travel column figures...

We want a small ship experience that we can return to each year for extended cruises...

K

My husband and I fall into the same category. I spend three times on vacations than I ever would on anything else. Travelling is my life. To say that they are gearing towards 300K+ is a statement he better retract...and quick, we are all getting a bit ticked.

[shipsoul]

I am booked on a cruise in April. I just called Azamara to find out whether my cruise is affected by these changes. I spoke to a man who said that I could buy a water package or wine package , but that they " were not giving it away." He then put me on hold, and eventually hung up. So what gives, Azamara doesn't seem to know what's happening.

So, for those of us who booked early (at full price), how are they going to know that we are the "package" clients? Does that package add up to the 20% increase. The devil will be in the details.

[Our Passport Stamps]

Res agents are always the last to know..

Sad, but true..

I worked for Larry when he was at Classic Hawaii in VIP reservations....

Everyone (outside and inside the company) knew more than we did and it always ticked us off that we came across as idiots, especially since we were the 1st contact
people had with the company

Also, keep in mind these agents are monitored all the time..

They don't want to risk their job by saying something inaccurate or against what they were told to reveal,
if they do know more

[Host Andy]

So, for those of us who booked early (at full price), how are they going to know that we are the "package" clients? Does that package add up to the 20% increase. The devil will be in the details.

Hi Shipsoul !

This is strictly a guess, but I would think those who booked early will recieve the same amenities as everyone else. I cant see them drawing a line in the sand.

[schmidlapp]

I think many of you are whining for no reason,
Businesses are in business to make money.
Clearly Azamara was not making money at the pricing they were at.
I'm in business and if I were not making a profit, I'd change something
and change it pretty quickly.
We can't expect Azamara to survive on the purse strings of RCI forever.
If they need to raise prices, why not make the customers feel a bit
more special and that they are getting something for the increase.
I don't think things will be that much different. We have 3 future Azamara cruises booked, with one under our belts. Overnights in port are a great idea.
Nobody gets seasick at night, the ones that want to experience local nitelife can, the ones that want to eat on the ship can. Windstar is doing more of the overnights in port and I think they are getting postive comments regarding this. As far as coffee and wine included, their regular coffee was poor at best so this will be a big improvement.
By offering wine, it gives you a bit of inclusive feel without forcing one to drink like a fish just to get their moneys worth. If they went totally all inclusive you would see much more than the 20% price increase.
The only thing I do'nt like is the name of their loyalty program.
It's too late to change that now. Lets give them a chance, if they have
the same quality staff, food, service and destinations I'll stick with them.
Just make the casino pay out a bit more.....(ha ha)

[1westover]

Being new to Cruise Critic and traveling on Journey Baltic June 6, I would appreciate some clarification.

I am correct that the laundry facilities will remain.
Yes or no?
Beverages will not be included. Wine? Has the 2 bottle limit to bring on the ship changed?

Thank you so much.

1 westover:) (brener@bellsouth.net)

[shoesonfire]

Everything I've read (whine, whine, mostly) doesn't affect the reason we booked and chose our Quest 5/15/10 cruise. The price was good (as compared to Oceana) the itinerary was fabulous (unlike Oceana's continuous port days) sufficient sea days to recoup plus overnight ports to enjoy the culture and smaller number of travelers to interact with (unlike the 6,000 + passengers on the newest ship). The announcement of a few enchancements is welcome. We were happy with the choice we made for our spring cruise and still are! Can't wait for May 15, 2010. Thanks Azamara!!

[LHT28]

Frank Del Rio just posted and it said only "RFLMAO"
Where was that?

[Host Andy]

Hi Everyone !

I wanted to say a special thank you to Carolyn, for keeping us "up to the minute" with the Azamara news conference. I'm not into Twitter, so this was a fantastic way for us to learn the details !

I am a big fan of live chats. Hopefully, some of you remember when I was one of the Cruise Cafe Hosts for Cruise Critic, on AOL many years ago. I hope we will have more live chats in the future !

I will keep checking this thread for any updates or questions, but I have to get back to work :)

[hondorner]

Where was that?
I'm pretty sure PNickle was joking...but there's a grain of truth in all great satire...

[Paulchili]

Unfortunately I did not hear the one thing I was hoping for - free sodas (club soda specifically). I am fine with tap water - as they serve it at dinner, it should be just fine on shore excursions in a bottle. As a non drinker, free wine doesn't do much for me. Maybe sodas are included but were not mentioned specifically?
We'll see.
Count me in those who are underwhelmed.
PS My primary reason for trying Azamara in the first place was their price. Now that incentive seems to be gone. I might still choose them for the "perfect" unique itinerary, but maybe not for the same itinerary that O (or even Princess) offers at same/lower prices. We'll see.

[MightyQuinn]

Res agents are always the last to know..Sad, but true..A few months back I e-mailed Azamara to request 2010/2011 brochures. I got a personal e-mail reply from an Azamara CS rep saying nothing was available but she'd put me on a list. So after learning of the big announcement today, I e-mailed a reminder for my brochures. But mail daemon intercepted & I got a bounce-back as "undeliverable". :eek::eek:

[Ma Bell]

Everything I've read (whine, whine, mostly) doesn't affect the reason we booked and chose our Quest 5/15/10 cruise. The price was good (as compared to Oceana) the itinerary was fabulous (unlike Oceana's continuous port days) sufficient sea days to recoup plus overnight ports to enjoy the culture and smaller number of travelers to interact with (unlike the 6,000 + passengers on the newest ship). The announcement of a few enchancements is welcome. We were happy with the choice we made for our spring cruise and still are! Can't wait for May 15, 2010. Thanks Azamara!!

Did you read about increasing prices 20%? Did you read about more days in port?

Sounds like they are changing two of the things that attracted you. Fortunately your cruise is already booked but it may affect your decision to book another.

I think this is called feedback, not whining. Everyone will decide if this is a good thing sometime in the future when they see what the changes really entail.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Just off the phone with Larry Pimentel and Edie Bornstein, am posting answers to your questions as fast as I can!


Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Okay, so at this point all Azamara's really decided re the past passenger club is to start one for Azamara passengers. Otherwise, there are no specifics on Le Club Voyage (by the way, Larry said the name was chosen more to reflect the line's drive for international expansion).

"On purpose," he said, "we will use more international verbiage."

He made a point to single out Cruise Critic and its members, and said that he follows the forum very closely and really tries to accommodate suggestions. I'd suggest someone write an "open letter to Azamara" on this forum, and put in specifics about what you want to see in a past passenger program.

Timing wise, Azamara will announce more details on or around April 1. I can't honestly imagine, though, that it would throw out any cruises you accrued before but we'll just have to wait and see.

Carolyn

As an Azamara guest who is sailing them in Feb I have seen no definitive answer about their Captain's Club (other than the April "Le Club Voyage"--could they have picked a worse name???:p). Will I, as a Celebrity Elite, get the current X elite benefits when I sail on Azamara this Feb?

And when will they publish what the complete info on the new Le Club Voyage (I REALLY HATE TYPING THAT)? Right now their website is in total screwed-up redirect mode. When you type in azamaracruises.com it redirects to azamaraclubcruises.com which redirects to azamaracruises.com and on and on and on. Ask him when that will get fixed. :p

[djr7879]

PS My primary reason for trying Azamara in the first place was their price. Now that incentive seems to be gone. I might still choose them for the "perfect" unique itinerary, but maybe not for the same itinerary that O (or even Princess) offers at same/lower prices. We'll see.

Yeah, I'm kind of in the same boat :) as you. We have yet to set sail on A (26 days to go!!) but we will continue to pick cruises based on itenerary, pricing, reviews and recommendations. We really don't have a lot of brand loyalty, and would never choose a particular line based on frequent cruiser perks.

I think a wine package for purchase would be nice, but being "forced" to drink whatever wine they choose to offer is not very appealing. We'll see. It does seem that they need to differentiate the brand in order to attract more revenue. I have no problem with that. May be for us with the new product, or it may not be.

[critterchick]

If their ideal demographic is 300K that leave a lot of past passengers out :eek:

True. I worry that a 20% price increase will drive off the people who have sailed on and enjoyed Azamara at a lower price (like DH and I who fit the age, but not the income, demographic). Then they're starting over again, to some extent, at least.

Both of our cruises had significant price drops after final payment - we ended up paying about half of our original booking price on the Quest Best of Italy trip in 2008. So I'm not seeing how the modest changes justify a 20% increase. It seems like a very 1980's strategy - the stereotypical yuppy wouldn't buy anything that wasn't expensive and was less concerned about quality than price. Today's consumer is more savvy, I think - just because something is pricey doesn't make it good. We all want value for our money, after all.

[cruiseyguy]

Many of the posted complaints so far deal with price increases. Some people seem to want upscale cruises at bargain prices, which is unrealistic and simply not going to happen over the long term. It was made clear in the conference call that the decision to go in the new direction came from the head of the corporation who hired Larry P. to implement his decision. The corporation (RCL) wants Azamara to make money for the shareholders, not to simply fill ships at low prices. I like the way they are taking Azamara and I believe these seasoned professionals will make it even more successful than it is. Some who post here may find that Azamara no longer fits there needs. So be it. At the same time, Azamara & RCL may be better off not having ships filled with low net revenue passengers.

[pratzert]

More stuff is included (major kudos for that), including:

comp shuttle buses in ports
gratuities for housekeeping and dining
free beverages (coffee, tea, bottled water)
self service laundry



Carolyn

What ? No free Soda included as on Oceania ?

[MVPinBoynton]

Carolyn,
Thank you so much for keeping us informed during the announcement. That is not easy to do and it is appreciated.

This was a much better way to do it than using twitter. I was receiving a bunch of Tweets from another site and it was driving me crazy.

Job well done!

[MightyQuinn]

This was a much better way to do it than using twitter. I agree. CC trumps Twitter for this "live" announcment. Thanks Carolyn.

[WooKeef]

Carolyn,
any mention about there being Sodas included as well?...some people do not drink wine...my poor MIL only drink Diet coke...poor thing, it will be her luck that they have pepsi products.
I think you are right about there being specific letter posted to Azamara, it will be the true test to if the listen. I am wondering who they WERE listening to? I agree that they do have to make money, it is a business after all. but these are odd announcements in my view. And are they snubbing U.S, and Canadian passengers by saying they are trying to attract people of other nationalities??? I certainly take it personally and I think that it is pretentios to use lingo that will attract the Europeans. The French will not be amused...of that I am certain. I live in France.

Also, one quick clarification request. Are you saying that gratuities are included in the price?

[cpgrneyes]

Another thank you to Carolyn.

I'm booked for a 14 day cruise in August, and free wine, water and coffee, plus included gratuities works for me. It doesn't sound like the earth shattering announcement we'd been waiting for, however.

As far as the $300K comment, it sounds like it was an answer to a specific question. Clearly, anybody who is going to cruise on a line such as Azamara, even before the upcoming increase, has disposable income. I think it was an unfortunate choice of words, but since Az doesn't ask for tax returns when we book, I'm not going to spend any energy getting aggravated by that particular response!

[dkjretired]

Here's an article from another source...

http://www.cruise-community.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1646:azamara-club-cruises-reveals-its-distinguishing-features&catid=910:featuredstories&Itemid=69

[pratzert]

It figures !!!

We are currently booked on "O" for a 14 day Med in September, 2010.

The other couple has had a slight change in work commitments and can now open up her travels dates.

I have been talking to our T/A about switching to Azamara since we have more to choose from.

But this 20% increase shuts the door for us to sail with Azamara.

But WHEN does this price increase take affect ? If we have time to book NOW before the 20% increase, we will start decding right now.

I can't even log onto the Azamara site to see what is offered.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Ok. Itinerary changes for 2010 are 95 percent complete and will be finished "in about 10 days," Larry said. Anyone who's on an affected voyage has been contacted already.

More exciting: the 2011/2012 itineraries will be announced around the end of December/early January.

Carolyn



I like this format much better!

Question..

They have begun changing some 2010 itineraries to reflect the idea of more overnights in ports (St. Barts and Black Sea cruise)

When will all itinerary changes for 2010 be complete?

Specifically the sailing of Nov 3rd, 2010. Will Port Said be dropped for a overnight in Alexandria.
A few cruisers on the 2009 Holy Land cruises
mentioned that AZ staff onboard reported this could take place.

Question

When will any Captain Club changes and/or upgrades be listed on the website IN WRITING for all of us to see..
we've heard reports of hit and miss increased benefits.
I hope he will make the Elite benefits VERY competitive to my Elite benefits on Princess.
Let him know at this stage of my long cruising career my loyalty is for sale.

Thanks

K.

[pratzert]

Here's an article from another source...

http://www.cruise-community.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1646:azamara-club-cruises-reveals-its-distinguishing-features&catid=910:featuredstories&Itemid=69

Thanks for that link. And THANK YOU to Carolyn for all the information !

According to that, the prices are going up Monday, Dec. 14th.

Not enough time for us to make a decision on a sailing... especially since we can't get to the web site.

[editor@cruisecritic]

The cruise brochure will be mailed next week. But here's something that may be controversial. Brochures will only be sent to Azamara past passengers who have cruised two or more times, or at least once in a suite.

Great question re newbuilds, answered it already....

Carolyn


1) I love cruise brochures & have been eager for Azamara for a while now. When will they be mailed?

2) Any plans to increase the fleet, either by purchase or new builds?

[editor@cruisecritic]

What's interesting is how candid Pimentel was -- almost brutally honest -- about the kind of traveler Azamara wants to attract. He told me today that "we expect to lose some clients who got in at the low end of the arena [back in Azamara's early days], who paid next to nothing to get on. That's not who we're interested in. We're not where we should be [in terms of pricing, meaning the product is getting too low of a rate] and that's part of the reason for retooling."

Carolyn

Another thank you to Carolyn.

I'm booked for a 14 day cruise in August, and free wine, water and coffee, plus included gratuities works for me. It doesn't sound like the earth shattering announcement we'd been waiting for, however.

As far as the $300K comment, it sounds like it was an answer to a specific question. Clearly, anybody who is going to cruise on a line such as Azamara, even before the upcoming increase, has disposable income. I think it was an unfortunate choice of words, but since Az doesn't ask for tax returns when we book, I'm not going to spend any energy getting aggravated by that particular response!

[meow!]

True. I worry that a 20% price increase will drive off the people who have sailed on and enjoyed Azamara at a lower price.For percentage increases, it depends on what basis price you refer to -- the bottom price at the peak of the economic tsunami or the price today. As for average income of $300,000, cruise lines like to inflate themselves by claiming high income passengers. There are simply not enough people of such income to fill so many "luxury ships" from so many different lines. And with the R ships, other than "sky suite" and up, most cabins are standard mass market, despite the better food and service, on a smaller ship of course. The market will decide the eventual real pricing!

[Jancruz]

Good Morning Carolyn,
I just got on to see the announcement..thanks so much for keeping us up to date..you did a great job..
Hope to see yopu soon
Jancruz1

[editor@cruisecritic]

Redtravel, I addressed your comment about the wine. Here's what Edie Bornstein said: "There is no 'standard' wine onboard, there's no house wine. I don't know where the comment is comfing from. We do have an extensive wine list."

One of the details that came out of this part of the chat is that Azamara will "is not trying to be American centric," Pimentel said. "We'll be sourcing our standard pouring line from around the world." What he means is that every night wines from different regions will be showcased. "It could be that Monday night is South African, Tuesday is Chilean, Wednesday...Australia or New Zealand."

These will be the complimentary pours.

There will also be an upgraded wine list.

Another teaser: Azamara will be announcing a collaboration with a major food- and wine-related partner. I jokingly referenced Bon Appetit (since it's got a partnership with Oceania) and got a pretty stark "no comment". Since Pimentel is one of the more candid cruise executives out there, and since he replied to my nearly identical question re spas (will you also be turning to Canyon Ranch to manage your spas -- as is Oceania) completely honestly (answer: no, Azamara will stick with Steiner but will tweak and upgrade offerings) I'd say there could be something to the Bon Appetit relationship.

He and Edie both strongly made the point that they're not aware of what Oceania is doing and won't compete with Oceania but I don't buy it. You have to be aware of what your competitors are doing to compete in any marketplace.

Redtravel, if you have more specifics on why the wine was inferior, I'd love to hear about it.


Carolyn

Their standard wine is awful. More overnights means less fuel used. A few name changes doesn't make any impression. Lots of hype, too little outcome. I'm truly not impressed.

[hondorner]

Here's an article from another source...

http://www.cruise-community.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1646:azamara-club-cruises-reveals-its-distinguishing-features&catid=910:featuredstories&Itemid=69
Thanks, Don. Some of the highlights from that source answer some of the questions here. Sodas will be included in the cruise fare, the included wines are described as "boutique", gratuities are also included, and the newly trained butlers will be limited to the suites as is now the case on Oceania, instead of calling the room stewards "butlers" in the lower categories. So, strike one from my previous list of differentials -- the butlers and concierge service will be the same as O, as well as the sodas and bottled water. That leaves gratuities, wine and laundry, which for most people will add up to about $300 on a 10 day cruise

I found it interesting that Bornstein said that Oceania has few international passengers. I have personally met Canadians, Brits, Germans, Swiss, Argentinians, Aussies and Brazilians on board O. They were all interesting, but I didn't feel the "magic"...:rolleyes:

Please don't think that I'm carping about Azamara. As Bornstein said, it's a big ocean and there is room for everyone. I will continue to look at the Az itineraries. I will probably sail on Az sooner or later, regardless of the price (unless it gets up to luxury levels). I'm just amused that the more they try to make themselves different than O, the closer they come...

[Ma Bell]

Carolyn,

Thanks so much for your up to the minute reporting.

I wish Mr. Pimentel good luck with his ideas. Unfortunately I think his timing is poor. I think even those of us who may be able to afford to take a true luxury cruise are interested in value for money. The economic future for many has most of us thinking about what's truly important and where we will spend our resources. I'd rather take a more reasonably priced cruise and use the money to help family and friends who may need it.

It's going to take a while before the days of conspicuous consumption return. I think there's been a definite change in attitude that reflects in people's spending habits.

[Host Andy]

He made a point to single out Cruise Critic and its members, and said that he follows the forum very closely and really tries to accommodate suggestions. I'd suggest someone write an "open letter to Azamara" on this forum, and put in specifics about what you want to see in a past passenger program.

Carolyn


Hi Carolyn !

Can you ask Mr Pimentel if he might consider posting on the Azamara board, as Mr DelRio occasionaly posts over at Oceania. I am sure he's extremely busy, but as Mr Pimentel says he follows this forum, it would be nice if he would say hello, and share his thoughts from time to time.

Regarding suggestions to Azamara, We did something similar back in July, though more comprehensive. Here is a link to the thread : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1025013

I have countless ideas for Le Club Voyage. I'd love to share them with Azamara at some point. For now, they should consider adding some of the items Celebrity recently added to Captains Club, as they are welcome upgrades.

[WooKeef]

Redtravel, I addressed your comment about the wine. Here's what Edie Bornstein said: "There is no 'standard' wine onboard, there's no house wine. I don't know where the comment is comfing from. We do have an extensive wine list."

One of the details that came out of this part of the chat is that Azamara will "is not trying to be American centric," Pimentel said. "We'll be sourcing our standard pouring line from around the world." What he means is that every night wines from different regions will be showcased. "It could be that Monday night is South African, Tuesday is Chilean, Wednesday...Australia or New Zealand."


Carolyn
This sounds awesome, I love this idea and love wine from all around the world.

[brickis]

Another thank you to Carolyn.

I'm booked for a 14 day cruise in August, and free wine, water and coffee, plus included gratuities works for me. It doesn't sound like the earth shattering announcement we'd been waiting for, however.

As far as the $300K comment, it sounds like it was an answer to a specific question. Clearly, anybody who is going to cruise on a line such as Azamara, even before the upcoming increase, has disposable income. I think it was an unfortunate choice of words, but since Az doesn't ask for tax returns when we book, I'm not going to spend any energy getting aggravated by that particular response!


Hello overthere, Sweden calling.

Many thanks to Carolyn , it was great to read everything what was said in the "big" announcement.

We are also going to cruise Copenhagen - Barcelona, 14 days in august.


We booked in the end of october for the "lower" price, so I hope thats free wine/beer and water are included to us to.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Hi, good news: Sodas will be part of the all-inclusive aspects.

I want to urge y'all -- re Azamara's interest in expanding beyond a North American audience -- to understand that every company in cruising is doing the very same thing. It's not about thumbing their nose at U.S. travelers but more that for these lines to survive building more and bigger ships (Azamara, at least for the moment, excepted) they have to find new ways to fill them. Costa and Royal Caribbean are genuine pathfinders when it comes to moving into regions and reaching out to new-to-cruise types -- they're both doing it in Brazil, the Middle East, Asia, Australia. Cruising is definitely becoming hotter globally and that's just the way it is.

I have long wanted to write a story on this (never seems to get done) -- on how onboard ambience on many cruise ships is changing because the passenger make-up is much more international in the past. I think the most international cruise I ever took was Sapphire Princess in Asia; there were groups that ranged from Barbados to Argentina and from S. Korea to England. It was neat.

Carolyn


Carolyn,
any mention about there being Sodas included as well?...some people do not drink wine...my poor MIL only drink Diet coke...poor thing, it will be her luck that they have pepsi products.
I think you are right about there being specific letter posted to Azamara, it will be the true test to if the listen. I am wondering who they WERE listening to? I agree that they do have to make money, it is a business after all. but these are odd announcements in my view. And are they snubbing U.S, and Canadian passengers by saying they are trying to attract people of other nationalities??? I certainly take it personally and I think that it is pretentios to use lingo that will attract the Europeans. The French will not be amused...of that I am certain. I live in France.

Also, one quick clarification request. Are you saying that gratuities are included in the price?

[WooKeef]

Thanks Carolyn, for your work at keeping this feedback coming. I certainly have no problems with the international community (or I would not be living in Paris), I am very interested to read that article...please do find the time...I am eager to read.

Great news about the sodas! My MIL will be soooooooooooooo pleased;)

[editor@cruisecritic]

I think we'll just have to wait and see (question for DrKoob -- if the price dropped that signficantly after final payment do you get compensated in any way?).

Pimentel was blunt about the pricing when we chatted earlier. He said that "we started going up about a month and a half ago and have been rising about 2 percent a week. As of today, that represents an increase of about 20 percent in this period.

"As to future increases, one week from yesterday – Monday, December 14 – there will be another price increase. It will be substantial, between 6 – 12 percent depending on the voyage (duration, season, location).
"The Mediterranean peak season will have the highest price increases (July, August, September). You’ll also see increases in the Asia going forward."


Carolyn






The real question is, can they fill the ships at that price point. We just saw our Feb cruise drop by almost $1000 per person days after final payment. The ship is nowhere near full. If they can't fill the ships now and they are reducing prices (only in certain states and age groups) then how will they fill them at a higher price.

With X going to bigger ships I really want Azamara to become our new favorite line but I can't see paying that much more. We don't drink that much. Sorry.

[editor@cruisecritic]

It's great to hear from you, Sweden!

Yes. As of April 1 on Journey and April 9 on Quest, the inclusive aspect of the enhancements will be in place and available to anyone. It doesn't have anything to do with what you paid for the cruise or when you booked. Larry made an interesting point about gratuities -- this policy also speaks to a more international passenger base cause tipping is not as, er, popular around the world as it is in the U.S. Tips for cabin attendants and waitstaff are included in the fare; tips for cocktails are included in the price (no need to add one on).

The other aspects that will be available as of April are the complimentary shuttle buses in ports that need them and of course the laundry. Good point -- whoever made it -- about needing more machines. Could be a nightmare :)

Carolyn

Hello overthere, Sweden calling.

Many thanks to Carolyn , it was great to read everything what was said in the "big" announcement.

We are also going to cruise Copenhagen - Barcelona, 14 days in august.


We booked in the end of october for the "lower" price, so I hope thats free wine/beer and water are included to us to.

[DrKoob]

(question for DrKoob -- if the price dropped that signficantly after final payment do you get compensated in any way?).

Carolyn,

Due to the folks finding out it through CC at least 10 of us on the SE Asia cruise going on Feb 20 got more than $700 each back. It was a direct credit to our credit cards we had used to pay for the cruise, not OBC. A two week Singapore to Hong Kong for residents of certain states dropped by more than $1500 per cabin (depending on the type of cabin you had). My TA got it all back for us. Amazing.

Thanks for all you have done here and for all that Cruise Critic is. I love this site.

Jim

[editor@cruisecritic]

Edie gave us an example of the way pricing will change as of next week:

For a July 12 Black Sea cruise on Azamara Quest, a 12-nighter, a "club continent suite” is currently selling for $5,449. Starting Monday, the, brochure price (which no one in his or her right mind should ever, ever pay!) will be $12,598. However, for a limited time, there will be a 50 percent off special on that so the real price will be $6, 299. It's about an $850 difference. This price does not include, by the way, taxes and fees.



Also a note that Azamara will be changing the names of cabins so that there's no confusion (or no longer any confusion) with similarly named accommodations on Celebrity ships.

Carolyn

[WooKeef]

I am often guilty of stating the obvious. But, here it goes. If they are trying to strive for the 300+ crowd...why are they providing complimentary laundry? I personnally am below that income bracket but will not be doing my own laundry on a ship where I am supposed to be treated like royalty and given my own butler. Something is missing here...I hope those who want it are pleased and maybe I will need it one day and be very happy to have it there, but I doubt it. I will send it out rather than waste my ship time in the laundry room.:cool:

[editor@cruisecritic]

I think I've answered anything I can -- so I'll wrap this up. We'll continue to cover changes at Azamara as new developments and announcements occur (especially with the past passenger club). Pimentel did stress that there will be more to come after the initial April roll-out and that the "new" Azamara will not be in its full, er, glory, until 3rd or 4th quarter 2010. So stay tuned -- and if you hear anything interesting, don't ever hesitate to drop me a note at editor@cruisecritic.com!

Thanks.

Carolyn


PS News story that basically sums all of this up in a cohesive way will be launched soon....

[gosport11]

Thats me out i dont earn any where near that amount of money,also how many oaps get that sort of pension,as the majority of the passengers on our last cruise were over 65
Will the sodas be poured as they are at the momement if soda package is purchased and i dont like wine at all,only beer for me i suppose thats because i earn under 300k,at least i will get a brochure if they reach the UK :):):) ps we struggle to get price reductions after booking

[wripro]

It's amazing how people only react to what affects them and not in a general sense to what Azamara seems to be trying to do. First of all, someone said who needs overnights in the Caribbean? Well, most of the overnights will be in ports where there is truly so much to choose from to see that it will be a pleasure to have more time there. Others say Azamara will save fuel costs by staying overnight. Well, port charges are very high and can easily outweigh the fuel costs. Why do you think most cruise lines leave a port by five or six PM? It's because it would cost a fortune to stay longer.

Others are complaining that they don't want to do the laundry on vacation. No one is forcing you to do it. The option to send it out still exists. This is merely an extra option. Ignore it if you choose.

Others are saying they don't want to pay for drinks that are included. They are not including drinks, only wine at lunch and dinner.

AS has been previously posted Azamara attracted a certain following in the past couple of years because it offered an excellent product at a very low price. This was due to both the economy and the fact that it was a new product trying to get customers away from its main competition. They cannot sustain these low prices and stay in business. If it prices some people out of the market (as I know they are aware it will) it will also attract a new customer who wants these extra benefits they are now offering like included gratuities, wine, soft drinks etc. plus the overnight stays.

[fPetrarca]

Bottom Line: Budget retirees should look elsewhere. And I believe that will ultimately help Azamara's "bottom line."

[WooKeef]

It's amazing how people only react to what affects them and not in a general sense to what Azamara seems to be trying to do. First of all, someone said who needs overnights in the Caribbean? Well, most of the overnights will be in ports where there is truly so much to choose from to see that it will be a pleasure to have more time there. Others say Azamara will save fuel costs by staying overnight. Well, port charges are very high and can easily outweigh the fuel costs. Why do you think most cruise lines leave a port by five or six PM? It's because it would cost a fortune to stay longer.

Others are complaining that they don't want to do the laundry on vacation. No one is forcing you to do it. The option to send it out still exists. This is merely an extra option. Ignore it if you choose.

Others are saying they don't want to pay for drinks that are included. They are not including drinks, only wine at lunch and dinner.

AS has been previously posted Azamara attracted a certain following in the past couple of years because it offered an excellent product at a very low price. This was due to both the economy and the fact that it was a new product trying to get customers away from its main competition. They cannot sustain these low prices and stay in business. If it prices some people out of the market (as I know they are aware it will) it will also attract a new customer who wants these extra benefits they are now offering like included gratuities, wine, soft drinks etc. plus the overnight stays.

I truly appreciate that you are trying to say we are being self centered in this discussion. However, not quite pleased with delivery. However, I have previously stated as many have that understand that they need to increase their bottom line. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that the changes will be a good thing. I was truly looking forward to having my own butler though:p. but, not for me...sleeping far away from concierge class:p:p. I hope the service stays as good as everyone has said it has been. It is one of the reasons I decided to go with Azamara. Still, the laundry facility thing still seems out of place in this announcement, really what I meant. Does not seem to match with all the other things...hmm.
thanks anyway, sincerely.

[shoesonfire]

It's amazing how people only react to what affects them and not in a general sense to what Azamara seems to be trying to do. First of all, someone said who needs overnights in the Caribbean? Well, most of the overnights will be in ports where there is truly so much to choose from to see that it will be a pleasure to have more time there. Others say Azamara will save fuel costs by staying overnight. Well, port charges are very high and can easily outweigh the fuel costs. Why do you think most cruise lines leave a port by five or six PM? It's because it would cost a fortune to stay longer.

Others are complaining that they don't want to do the laundry on vacation. No one is forcing you to do it. The option to send it out still exists. This is merely an extra option. Ignore it if you choose.

Others are saying they don't want to pay for drinks that are included. They are not including drinks, only wine at lunch and dinner.

AS has been previously posted Azamara attracted a certain following in the past couple of years because it offered an excellent product at a very low price. This was due to both the economy and the fact that it was a new product trying to get customers away from its main competition. They cannot sustain these low prices and stay in business. If it prices some people out of the market (as I know they are aware it will) it will also attract a new customer who wants these extra benefits they are now offering like included gratuities, wine, soft drinks etc. plus the overnight stays.

We Couldn't agree with you more. As mentioned previously we are looking forward to our May 2010 cruise and the extras that will be included. Also, hoping that dining at the specialty restaurants will still be available as previously.

[little britain]

Almost afraid to post as our income doesn't reach $300,000pa but anyhow........ I posted that our cruise had shot up by £440pp a few weeks back, and today it has actually dropped a bit to a £395pp increase, which sort of negates what he said.

For those that have prepaid their grats, as we have to do in England, will we get this refunded do you think?

Is there still the $5 cover charge for the speciality restaurants or is that ditched?

Like the idea of different wines every night -so long as it is not Chardonnay!

That leaves gratuities, wine and laundry, which for most people will add up to about $300 on a 10 day cruise
Impossible! A bottle of wine costs $40 upwards, the grats are $12pd - we budget at least $100 a day, so this would be a significant saving.

Off to berate the DH and insist he earns more......

[MVPinBoynton]

I am thrilled with overnight port stops. I didn't realize this was something new. It was a main reason I chose it for our upcoming SE Asia cruise. Overnight in all ports but one.

There aren't any ports in the Caribbean I would want to stay overnight; but lots in other parts of the world.

[Redtravel]

1)I don't drink. Neither does my spouse who is diabetic. A diet soda would be enough to make us happy. The wine that is served at the cocktail parties is usually left behind in nearly full glasses.
2)My butler, Mario, on my last cruise was outstanding...he couldn't do enough. He doesn't need to go to school...he could teach the others how to do a great job.
3) I appreciate the included gratuities and the included shuttle bus which used to be included on Celebrity when they first started cruising.
4) Free selfserve laundry is nice, but real send out laundry would be a nicer idea. I did do some self serve laundry on my last cruise. However, the lines were long. Including self serve laundry probably won't make that wait any better. It'll just save me the $4 it cost to do a wash and dry...no big deal.
5) Overnight in ports usually shuts down the nightly entertainment and the casino. The shops are also closed when the ship is in port. That makes for a very dull time for people who like being on the ship at night. An occassional overnight is nice. I hope it doesn't happen too often.

[cruiseyguy]

Redtravel, you might be happier trying another cruise line since Azamara clearly is not going to be offering what you seek.

[portofrome]

This is the press release on Azamara site:

http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/aboutUs/pressDetails.do;jsessionid=0000x--ir4ACzx3eDQIAeXWIRyj:12odfrvug?pagename=press_room _details&event_date=2009-12-08&event_type=press_release&sequence_code=A

[DebsUK]

Are these changes already reflected on the Azamara website? If so can someone tell me where as I don't see them. Thanks.

[Host Andy]

1)I don't drink. Neither does my spouse who is diabetic. A diet soda would be enough to make us happy. The wine that is served at the cocktail parties is usually left behind in nearly full glasses.


Hi RedTravel !

I believe Carolyn mentioned earlier in this thread, that Soda will be included, when the changes take place.

[rbach]

I think the changes are nice. The included wine with dinner, soda, coffee, laundry will be appreciated.
I am not a big drinker but will enjoy not having to worry about 'should I or should I try and save the money' at dinner. After a long day shopping in port - the budget can get streched.

The name of the club is just a name and the value will be with the benefits. We will all have to wait and see.

I have not seen info about the specialty dining charge, is this now included too? It was not much as all before, but a party of 2 on a 14 day cruise might spend another $60 for specialty dining.

Thank you Azamara for trying something new.

[Host Andy]

The name of the club is just a name and the value will be with the benefits. We will all have to wait and see.


Hi Rbach !

You bring up a very good point. While I'm not thrilled with the name of the loyalty club, if it proves to be an excellent Loyalty Program, I can learn to like the name !

I'm very curious as to whether Celebrity's Captains Club Members will be grandfathered into the New Azamara Program at current levels, or will Cruises only be counted for past Azamara sailings. I hope Azamara will answer this question for us.

[suec12]

Well I'm pretty pleased, I am currently booked on 2 2010 cruises - I like the complimentary wine - I DO drink and I'm not very picky! I have enjoyed plenty of local and house wines in my travels in Italy and France. I'll be happy to sample some local pours.

I like the pre-paid gratuities - they were not comped to me in an OBC by a travel agent - I figure that saves me hundreds of dollars.

I like the shuttle buses in ports - in places like Livorno, that should save me around 20E - lunch?!

As for laundry - on a two week plus trip I'm really happy to have access to laundry facilites for undies and T shirts - helps for packing light!

And overnights in port - one of the reason I picked my Oct. cruise was the two days in Istanbul. So for certain places, I think its a big plus.

Le Club Loyal....well. But it would be nice to have an international mix of shipmates, esp. with the open seating format - who knows what new international connections we may be able to make!

Time will tell if I will be able to afford future crusies - I'm sure not in the target demagraphic income wise! Maybe I'll end up couch surfing with my new international friends.

[tgg]

I'm still a little confused about the specialty dining restaurants. This is from the Azamara news release:


"Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest:... most meals and room service. Specialty dining in Azamara's intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise."

The bold and italics are mine. Does this mean that Prime C and Aqualina are reserved for suites passengers only? Can others eat there for an added fee? If so, what is the fee? Is there a limit on the number of times non-suite passengers can eat there? Before this announcement ALL meals were included.

[rockysquirrel]

Was there any mention about how previous and future "Passages" bookings will be handled?

I understand that not all of the changes could easily be implemented immediately, but the beverage changes for example could be done right away. Why make make everyone who is sailing before April 2010 feel like they are getting nothing from the "enhancements" unless they book another cruise. The same pricing was used for many sailings that are after April 2010 as those that remain before the cutoff date. When I sailed on Quest in Dec 2007, there was a limit of one complimentary speciality dining per cruise and on the next sailing the change was made to make it unlimited.

[Jade13]

300K is average? You gotta be kiddin'

And is that 300K before or after we subsidize the new Healthcare plan?

Our first w/Azamara is in Feb...It may be last cruise with them.

At that point, why would someone not go to SilverSea? They move around the world (if you want itinerary) and have unlimited alcohol. The big difference is the dress code, but I was on PAII and that was all country club casual.

[schmidlapp]

tgg,
I'm glad not to be the only one confused about specialty dining.
I started a thread regarding this..
So if anyone from Azamara who is reading this can clairify are the specialty dining venues for suites only and if not what are the charges?
I would really like to know an answer to this as I have 2 cruises in 2010 and 1 in 2011 booked on Azamara. The first is January so the changes will not have taken place yet. all my bookings are in veranda cabins, not suites.

[GeorgeL]

I'm still a little confused about the specialty dining restaurants. This is from the Azamara news release:


"Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest:... most meals and room service. Specialty dining in Azamara's intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise."



The bold and italics are mine. Does this mean that Prime C and Aqualina are reserved for suites passengers only? Can others eat there for an added fee? If so, what is the fee? Is there a limit on the number of times non-suite passengers can eat there? Before this announcement ALL meals were included.

I think all passengers can still dine in the specialty restaurant but there is a small $5.00 fee. I am assuming that, starting in April 2010, that $5.00 fee will be waved for suite passengers.
I looked over all the other "changes" in today's announcement and I am not sure I like what I read. The inclusions are nice but only if the price doesn't jump way too high to make the whole thing unreasonable. I do not drink so paying a lot of extra money for something that I do not use certainly doesn't make me too happy. I guess we will have to see the prices and then judge.

[Jade13]

Hi, good news: Sodas will be part of the all-inclusive aspects.
Carolyn

I wish they would start this in the beginning of 2010. The prices for staterooms on our Feb 6, 2010 Quest are Sky high, as of yesterday $4,900.00pp for lowest category Verandah.

[hallowslady]

Having just caught up with all of the changes (we live on the other side of the world) I'm very happy. The fact that we're booked on the first cruise in April on Quest is exciting and just plain lucky. Was never happy about paying gratuities - staff performance incentives/bonuses should always be a company cost not a customer cost.. Wine with meals is a lovely touch and will add to our experience. Well done Azamara - and thankyou to CC staff who kept members well informed..

Therese

[tgg]

I think all passengers can still dine in the specialty restaurant but there is a small $5.00 fee.

We have our 6th and 7th Azamara cruises booked. On past cruises, we have happily paid the $5.00pp fee and enjoyed both restaurants many times. However, the word "most" concerns me. If the fee jumps to $30pp, or if the specialty restaurants are no longer available to all the passengers, there will be many very unhappy passengers, us among them.

This may be one area that they are still tinkering with.

Another might be the Captain's Club (yes, that wording is still on the web site) Elite level perks. The web site says "Includes all benefits of Classic & Select membership, plus Elite level onboard offers". This wording gives them lots of wiggle room. Not a bad idea if you're making lots of changes. However it doesn't give repeat passengers any idea of what additional perks are being given to them.

[kevmoley]

I think many of you are whining for no reason,
Businesses are in business to make money.
Clearly Azamara was not making money at the pricing they were at.
I'm in business and if I were not making a profit, I'd change something
and change it pretty quickly.
We can't expect Azamara to survive on the purse strings of RCI forever.
If they need to raise prices, why not make the customers feel a bit
more special and that they are getting something for the increase.
I don't think things will be that much different. We have 3 future Azamara cruises booked, with one under our belts. Overnights in port are a great idea.
Nobody gets seasick at night, the ones that want to experience local nitelife can, the ones that want to eat on the ship can. Windstar is doing more of the overnights in port and I think they are getting postive comments regarding this. As far as coffee and wine included, their regular coffee was poor at best so this will be a big improvement.
By offering wine, it gives you a bit of inclusive feel without forcing one to drink like a fish just to get their moneys worth. If they went totally all inclusive you would see much more than the 20% price increase.
The only thing I do'nt like is the name of their loyalty program.
It's too late to change that now. Lets give them a chance, if they have
the same quality staff, food, service and destinations I'll stick with them.
Just make the casino pay out a bit more.....(ha ha)

I agree 100% with your statement.. it is one of the reasons I booked with Azamara in the first place. The overnight stays open the door for so many different excursions to be explored. I am happy with today's news and I can not wait to hear what is in store down the line.. may I suggest looking at included shore excursions down the line as well.. Azamara is starting to sound more and more like a River cruise without being limited to a short cruising range.. :)

[gosport11]

Just a quick point seeing that the MDR doesnt open on port days will the wine be in the buffet,or will they start opening MDR :confused:

[Redtravel]

To Cruiseguy : I have sailed on many cruises. I like Azamara...it's small, relaxed, and has good service...food is very good. However, I also consider value when I plan a vacation ( and I take a lot of them...all types..not just cruises). I am not loyal to a single cruiseline. While I am Elite on Celebrity/Azamara, I also sail on other lines. I especially like Oceania, Seabourn, and Crystal. I also enjoy cruising on Costa, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. I prefer to not sail on HAL and Norwegian. I've never had a bad time on a cruise, but there are those that are better than others.
The new perks might add up to about $200pp. Let's see how much they increase the prices. Actually, in the past few weeks many cruises have gone up a lot more than that amount.
I'm not down on Azamara, I just don't think the big announcement really amounted to much for me. It may be a big deal for you.

[Host Andy]

Hi Everyone !

Re : Specialty Dining

I asked the question to Azamara. Here is their response :

When the changes take place, the $5.00 PP Gratuity in Specialty Dining will end.

Prime C & Aqualina will be complimentary for Suites, and $15.00 Per Guest for Non-Suites. Also, Non-Suites will be guaranteed 2 nights of Specialty Dining Per sailing.

As always, this is subject to change. I hope this helps !

[cannongate]

I have been trying to find out this today on my own with out much success. Non suite traveler that likes the specialty restaurants.

[DrKoob]

I wish they would start this in the beginning of 2010. The prices for staterooms on our Feb 6, 2010 Quest are Sky high, as of yesterday $4,900.00pp for lowest category Verandah.

That Feb 6 cruise could have a $2000 variance depending on where you live. For instance, we are on the Feb 20, 2010 SE Asia cruise (right after) and if you are from about 10 states then your price would be about $2000 less than others. We are traveling with friends from Florida, New Mexico and Arizona. We (in Washington State) and our friends in Arizona got the discount and the others didn't. So we will be in the same cabin (right next door)as our friends from Florida, paying almost $2000 less. I believe to get this price we also had to be 55+. Our veranda stateroom (1A) is going to finalize at around $4500 where it was almost $6000.

[greeneg]

One of the things that we have enjoyed on our three prior Azamara cruises has been the relaxed, comfortable, casual atmosphere. The passenger mix has been something that we also look forward to, people from all levels and ages. So far my initial read on this thread is that this is, in fact, in jeopardy, and the line is pointing its target towards people other than the wonderful mix that we have shared our previous voyages. It isn't clear yet that this is what's going to happen, but I do think that the risk is there. I submit that the Line needs to be very, very careful about deciding what it wants; it might just get it to the exclusion of those passengers who have been very happy with the product as currently presented.

I think that Jean (Critterchick) made a very critical observation in her earlier post:

" just because something is pricey doesn't make it good. We all want value for our money, after all.".

Azamara has represented very good value in the past; depending on how far they move away from that, will determine whether or not we will be in the market for a "new" cruise line. It is possible for them to price themselves out of the market even for people who can afford any price if the perception of value isn't there.

Hope that I'm wrong......

[GeorgeL]

One of the things that we have enjoyed on our three prior Azamara cruises has been the relaxed, comfortable, casual atmosphere. The passenger mix has been something that we also look forward to, people from all levels and ages. So far my initial read on this thread is that this is, in fact, in jeopardy, and the line is pointing its target towards people other than the wonderful mix that we have shared our previous voyages. It isn't clear yet that this is what's going to happen, but I do think that the risk is there. I submit that the Line needs to be very, very careful about deciding what it wants; it might just get it to the exclusion of those passengers who have been very happy with the product as currently presented.

I think that Jean (Critterchick) made a very critical observation in her earlier post:

" just because something is pricey doesn't make it good. We all want value for our money, after all.".


Azamara has represented very good value in the past; depending on how far they move away from that, will determine whether or not we will be in the market for a "new" cruise line. It is possible for them to price themselves out of the market even for people who can afford any price if the perception of value isn't there.

Hope that I'm wrong......

It makes me think to the many products on the market that were very well liked....until the manufacturer felt the need to make changes to make them even better.
All I can say is that sometimes "New and Improved" is not always an improvement.

[Jade13]

That Feb 6 cruise could have a $2000 variance depending on where you live. For instance, we are on the Feb 20, 2010 SE Asia cruise (right after) and if you are from about 10 states then your price would be about $2000 less than others. We are traveling with friends from Florida, New Mexico and Arizona. We (in Washington State) and our friends in Arizona got the discount and the others didn't. So we will be in the same cabin (right next door)as our friends from Florida, paying almost $2000 less. I believe to get this price we also had to be 55+. Our veranda stateroom (1A) is going to finalize at around $4500 where it was almost $6000.

Is that $4,500.00 total for two people ($2,250.00pp) including pre-paid gratuities and taxes?

[Jade13]

According to the web site, voyages April and after are 50% off. Based on all the prices I looked at, Azamara is saying standard pricing will start at close to 5K for insides through Verandahs on 12 and 14 night cruises.

With that pricing, comparisons will need to be made with other lines, and there are luxury lines that include all alcohol for that pricing (actually a number of lines that don't even have inside staterooms).

"Celebrate the new Azamara Club Cruises with 50% savings on 2010 and
2011 voyages.

Along with our new name come many new surprises, including
complimentary house wines poured with lunch and dinner, gratuities for
housekeeping and dining staff, shuttle bus in port when offered, and
complimentary coffee, soda and bottled water throughout the ship.

Explore our 50% savings on 2010 and 2011 voyages starting with the
Europe season in April 2010. For your convenience, prices shown on our
website* reflect your 50% savings."

[Redtravel]

I did not think twice about the $5 suggested gratuity. However, increasing it doesn't sound like an improvement. It seems to be creating a two class system. Free for some, but $15 for others....doesn't make sense. I think that Azamara Club should rethink this item. If they start treating people as second class, they will abandon Azamara.

[wripro]

Redtravel,

I don't see how you can say the new perks are not worth more than $200. Gratuities alone on a 14 cruise would be more than that. A bottle of wine a night conservatively would run $40, or $560. Shuttles in port, sodas, water all add to the perks.

Obviously Azamara is trying to turn itself into a different product, somewhat different from Oceania. I applaud any company that tries to come up with creative solutions to stimulate business. Yes, they will lose some customers but they will gain others.

[sailaway5]

Well I'm pretty pleased, I am currently booked on 2 2010 cruises - I like the complimentary wine - I DO drink and I'm not very picky! I have enjoyed plenty of local and house wines in my travels in Italy and France. I'll be happy to sample some local pours.

I like the pre-paid gratuities - they were not comped to me in an OBC by a travel agent - I figure that saves me hundreds of dollars.

I like the shuttle buses in ports - in places like Livorno, that should save me around 20E - lunch?!

As for laundry - on a two week plus trip I'm really happy to have access to laundry facilites for undies and T shirts - helps for packing light!

And overnights in port - one of the reason I picked my Oct. cruise was the two days in Istanbul. So for certain places, I think its a big plus.

Le Club Loyal....well. But it would be nice to have an international mix of shipmates, esp. with the open seating format - who knows what new international connections we may be able to make!

Time will tell if I will be able to afford future crusies - I'm sure not in the target demagraphic income wise! Maybe I'll end up couch surfing with my new international friends.

Ditto all of the above. What a pleasant surprise. We had already booked our Asia - 03/2011 trip before the price increase. This is a win-win for us. Thanks Azamara.

[njhorseman]

I did not think twice about the $5 suggested gratuity. However, increasing it doesn't sound like an improvement. It seems to be creating a two class system. Free for some, but $15 for others....doesn't make sense. I think that Azamara Club should rethink this item. If they start treating people as second class, they will abandon Azamara.


Passengers in higher grade accommodations getting dining privileges in different venues or at no additional charge is hardly unique to Azamara.

Cunard always has had different dining rooms for different classes of staterooms. NCL has a private breakfast and lunch venue with enhanced menu choices for suite passengers that is not available to non-suite guests.

On many lines suite passengers get butler service and other amenities not available to other passengers. Azamara is removing "butler" service from non-suites.

Suite passengers generally get more for their higher fare than just a larger, fancier staterooom.

[feje]

We first sailed on Azamara in January of 2008; fell in love with Azamara and booked another cruise in October of 2008. That cruise was also wonderful and we booked another cruise in August of 2009. Wonderful again and we are booked for a cruise in January of 2010. We are loyal to Azamara -- but is Azamara loyal to us?

In all of this new announcement, including the new loyalty program, I don't see anything being done for loyal passengers until April, 2010.

What are we? Chopped Liver?

[Jade13]

Redtravel,

I don't see how you can say the new perks are not worth more than $200. Gratuities alone on a 14 cruise would be more than that. A bottle of wine a night conservatively would run $40, or $560. Shuttles in port, sodas, water all add to the perks.

Obviously Azamara is trying to turn itself into a different product, somewhat different from Oceania. I applaud any company that tries to come up with creative solutions to stimulate business. Yes, they will lose some customers but they will gain others.

Does anyone think this will hurt Travel Agents? Right now while RCCL/Celebrity/Azamara does not allow TA's to discount, they do allow perks such as pre-paid gratuities. Azamara was offering pre-paid gratuties on many cruises for most of the first half of this year. However, even if it didn't come from Azamara, one could have found an outside TA to cover them. I would have liked the cola. As it is our cruise is in February. What is the current cost (including tax) of the cola package per day and on a 14 night cruise? What is the value of this perk which starts in April?

[Jade13]

We first sailed on Azamara in January of 2008; fell in love with Azamara and booked another cruise in October of 2008. That cruise was also wonderful and we booked another cruise in August of 2009. Wonderful again and we are booked for a cruise in January of 2010. We are loyal to Azamara -- but is Azamara loyal to us?

In all of this new announcement, including the new loyalty program, I don't see anything being done for loyal passengers until April, 2010.

What are we? Chopped Liver?

I agree. I know they have to start somewhere, but why not January 2010? Besides, on our cruise (Feb 6, 2010) prices are now sky high with lowest Verandah's at 5K with tax.

[floridatravelersforlife]

Time will tell what this all means. I don't see me biting.

More overnights means more travel time. On our recent Ancient Empires cruise the average travel time for Egypt and Israel were 6 hours round trip! Sure some ports are near the attractions, but a lot of Pacific and Asian areas are distant.

For example, my DW and I did a 3.5 week rental car tour of New Zealand a la carte. We did everything, the Glaciers, mountains, wineries, Hobbit land, Auckland, Bay of Islands and more and it cost under $1.5 k per week at 4star hotels, excluding airfare. And we ate like on the ships.

If my calculations are right, two 13 day tours could cost $12-18K and overnight tours from Auckland and Christchurch at the going rate of $400pp per day puts it over $20k plus 20-30 hours of travel by bus/train!!! And one does not enjoy the ameneities when you are off the ship. You are paying twice for food.

Pay more for less enjoyment? Even $300k per year people will see this doesn't trade.

[susiesan]

If AZ wants to attract more passengers from South America, Europe, and Asia are they going to relax the strict smoking policies? Many, many people from those areas smoke heavily and will not go on a cruise if they cannot smoke on their balconies or other places inside on the ships like bars and casinos. And if AZ did change the smoking poliy they'd lose a huge chunk of their American customers, me for sure.

[jenhem]

I'm going to go back to the statements I made after my April Journey cruise, yes, it was a nice cruise, but I really think they missed the mark at being an upscale cruise line. On my cruise, we couldn't even get reservations in the specialty restaurants, the food quality was not consistent, it's only 600 passengers, they should be able to excel at the food preparation and presentation. There were lots of other small (and larger) things that added up to me forming my opinion that, yes, while it was a nice cruise, it was not at the level of what I would consider upscale. It's not what you charge, or how much money I make , Azamara Club Cruises, it's what you can deliver, and I don't see that you are delivering that consistent superior cruise product now. I'm hoping the changes improve your overall product to what your vision is, I'll be waiting to see.
Jenny

[darrencantwait]

I've been a faithful supporter of Celebrity, and was hoping to become one of Azamara after our Feb 2010 Asia cruise. However, I think this new, gregarious CEO has failed. Before, Azimara was creating a bridge. You seem to be pulling to the luxury end. Sorry, buddy...FAIL! You can post your URL here:

http://failblog.org/

[fPetrarca]

So many of these comments, in my view, demonstrate why Azamara must change if it is to succeed in the long term. A "value" small ship cruise line with two virtually free specialty restaurants, luxury soft furnishings, unique itineraries & "folks just like us" is not going to make money for the company, only save money for the passengers. Sure everyone here likes their sweet deals but no one seems to recognize that these low prices may ultimately mean the end of the cruise line since shareholders demand profits, not losses. I don't think threats by passengers addicted to low fares that they will take their "business" elsewhere will carry much weight. Nor should it.

[critterchick]

So many of these comments, in my view, demonstrate why Azamara must change if it is to succeed in the long term. A "value" small ship cruise line with two virtually free specialty restaurants, luxury soft furnishings, unique itineraries & "folks just like us" is not going to make money for the company, only save money for the passengers. Sure everyone here likes their sweet deals but no one seems to recognize that these low prices may ultimately mean the end of the cruise line since shareholders demand profits, not losses. I don't think threats by passengers addicted to low fares that they will take their "business" elsewhere will carry much weight. Nor should it.

I loved my sweet deal on Quest, but would also have been perfectly happy to pay the fare at which I originally booked. The fact that they dropped the price 4 times tells me that even the $300k market wasn't booking, so holding the line on the price would have meant that we would have sailed with even fewer than the 580 or so that we had onboard.

I think that raising prices at a time when they can't sell at their current prices (the original ones) is kind of an odd business decision. The enhancements that were announced today are not, to me, sufficient to warrant a 20% increase over the price at which we originally booked ($3300pp, as I recall, which eventually dropped to $1799pp so they could fill the ship). Just MHO.

[meow!]

Perhaps Azamara is trying to emunlate Oceania in pricing -- if Oceania sells better at higher per diem fares, Azamara may as well try something similar, moving up market to take the quasi-luxury niche. Azamara should have one significant advantage, its previous willingness to be flexible, moving down substantially in fares when voyages don't sell. Hopefully, despite change of management, they will continue to be flexible.

P.S. critterchick: Is your icon a cat .. meow!

[uktog]

OK my twopence worth
I am really happy with the changes - for the time being at least. That is because I have a cruise booked for 2011 that is already showing an additional cost of $1400 per person at todays prices - I booked it the day the brochures came out in May
Will I cruise on Azamara again - never say never in my mind
For us the savings on our 2011 trip will be
Gratuities 16 nights $384
Wine average $50 a day (one bottle at night and one glass each at lunch) $800
We are lucky to be in a suite and usually dine in Aqualina/Prime C 5 times a trip $50
Shuttle - ok to make the maths easier 1 port $16
So we are looking at now seeing $1250 included in our costs

Now for the future, it is all going to depend on the pricing in comparison to Celebrity - I actually expect their prices are also going to rise so we will look at differentials to decide what is better for us - yes and I know I am not comparing like for like, I like Azamara for different reasons to why I like Celebrity

[WooKeef]

OK my twopence worth
I am really happy with the changes - for the time being at least. That is because I have a cruise booked for 2011 that is already showing an additional cost of $1400 per person at todays prices - I booked it the day the brochures came out in May
Will I cruise on Azamara again - never say never in my mind
For us the savings on our 2011 trip will be
Gratuities 16 nights $384
Wine average $50 a day (one bottle at night and one glass each at lunch) $800
We are lucky to be in a suite and usually dine in Aqualina/Prime C 5 times a trip $50
Shuttle - ok to make the maths easier 1 port $16
So we are looking at now seeing $1250 included in our costs

Now for the future, it is all going to depend on the pricing in comparison to Celebrity - I actually expect their prices are also going to rise so we will look at differentials to decide what is better for us - yes and I know I am not comparing like for like, I like Azamara for different reasons to why I like Celebrity
An excellent job of breaking down the costs...I started out a bit underwhelmed by the "BIG ANNOUNCEMENT", but as the past 24hrs has gone I have become a bit more excited. Now I am wondering if Beer is part of the inclusive deal and if my cruise, booked for second quarter, will have any of these benefits.

[TERRIER1]

We are new to cruising and have been on two Oceania cruises with our third booked for January 2010. We are very happy with Oceania but are exploring Azamara given the (up to now) excellent price point and itineraries. We were really looking forward to trying two 7 day B2B cruises on Azamara in 2011. Embarassing enough, the only thing holding us back booking AZ was the fact only two bottles of wine are allowed at embarkation. We like to drink wine and sip scotch on the verandah when we sail. The other drawback was that the main dining room is closed for lunch on port days.

The new prices and voyages for 2011 are not yet posted but with a forecasted 20% price increase at AZ Oceania may remain our preferred choice but we have to wait and compare. Some of the reasons that I think Oceania will still be our choice given the new announcements from AZ:
- We have always gotten OBC's and pre-paid gratuities so that cost (to date) doesn't get factored into the comparison. Prepaid gratuities and OBC's aren't a given so this could make a difference when comparing a specific cruise.
- We get a credit from O for the unused "free" airfare (nothing is really free).
- We bring unlimited wine and spirits onto the ship at any time and the house wine on O which is very good is $5.95 plus 18% gratuity so this is not a big cost to us.
- AZ and O ships are identical and both sorely lack in the number of washing machines and dryers available so free laundry is a non-issue unless you want to wait on line to do your wash on vacation.
- Paying $30 pp for specialty dining turns me off and is tacky creating a class system in a public venue. I don't know why this bothers me but it does since the overall cost doesn't amount to much.
- Shuttle busses are great but to date we haven't had an issue at any ports with O so I can't comment.
- Our previous two cruises with O have been a great mix of American, British, Australian, New Zealand and lots of countries where I didn't speak their language so I really don't relate to the new AZ "international" mix.

I think anyone who is already booked with Azamara will get a great deal given the new changes. However, anyone who will be new booking 2011 may well wish to explore other options.

What I have yet to figure out is how and why Azamara constantly changes their prices? I feel like it is a full time job tracking the changes. The fares change from week to week and from what I can see the ships still aren't filled even after final payment. I would think AZ would sell out in a heart beat at the low fares. How will AZ sell cabins at this new price point if they can't fill the ships at the lower cost? I would think that price increases will be greater than the sum of the new included amenties.

All businesses need to make a profit and personally I thought AZ fares were too low to even breakeven. The question now is will the increased prices bring enough value for money for both current and future customers given other options and their niche competition. I guess we will all have to wait and see.

[gosport11]

Just a quick thought,will the wine be poured if so by whom i cant see bottles being placed on tables,so either a lot more staff or slower service,or really large wine glasses :D:):)

[GeorgeL]

- Paying $30 pp for specialty dining turns me off and is tacky creating a class system in a public venue. I don't know why this bothers me but it does since the overall cost doesn't amount to much.

I totally agree. It really has nothing to do with the extra cost which is quite negligible considering the total cost of the cruise but rather with the message it sends to the non-suite passengers. Is it truly the message the cruise line wants to send?

[greyhound101]

I have been reading posts on the various Club Cruise message boards, appears to me that Azamara may just lose it's "fan" base if they are not careful. Also I don't appreciate being charged up front for Wine and/or beer considering I don't drink. I think Wine and Beer should be treated like soft drinks, buy a package when you board ship. I chose my June 2010 cruise because Azamara was one of the few lines to offer overnighters in several cities. When I took Princess to NZ and Aus, I got off in Sydney looked around and felt like I saw very little of the places I had been to. With 3 overnighters I will at least get to see something on this cruise. But on the other hand Azamara may have priced me out of future cruises. Only time will tell.
Greyhound101

[Rotterdam]

We just booked our first Azamara cruise - it should be interesting...the cruise is a 16 day Panama Canal in January 2010.

One idea crossed my mind as to the new Azamara....apparently former management from Seadream may be also promoting the NEW Azamara as a corporate product - book the entire ship or most of it - perfect for conferences for companies that want something smaller....at Seadream Yacht there was many cruises where small groups were the mainstay of a cruise - the non group passengers aboard at the same time were not happy campers...is Azamara going teh same way???

[schmidlapp]

Funny thing about whole ship charters, we were looking at November
2010 a 2 weeker from rome to athens, that is now changed to 2 1 weeker's due to a whole ship charter.
Whatever they can do to make money without damaging the product too much is ok with me.
You do need to show a profit to survive. There are a lot of posters on this thread that do not realize this fact.

[Bosscat]

I'm still struggling to understand why they've decided to raise the price of speciality dining from $5 to $15. I was on Azamara Journey only a few weeks ago and staff told us that they'd dropped the price to $5 because...so few guests were eating in Aqualine or Prime C. Even then, on our cruise there were nights when the maitre d' at the main dining room was asking people if they'd like to go upstairs to one or other of the speciality restaurants - because they were so under-used. This makes no sense to me at all. We're booked on Journey again next November and may well not bother with speciality dining because (a) it's not good enough to justify an additional $30 a visit and (b) we enjoyed the main Discoveries restaurant so much.

[Our Passport Stamps]

Kalimera Bosscat

Are you on our Nov 3rd sailing?

If so, we have a roll call here....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=977089&page=2 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=977089&page=2)

[Redtravel]

We had the same experience on our last cruise. The maitre'd seemed to be working at convincing people to dine in the specialty restaurants....and our butler kept suggesting that he should make us a reservation. I understand the attempt to spred people out into the various dining venues to evn out the load on the different kitchens and staff. By added $15pp to dine in one place versus no additional in the MDR or Breezes, they will be fewer people dining upstairs. So my 2 complimentary specialty dining experiences now comes with a price tag.....in my experience complimentary means without a fee....or has the suggested gratuity just gone up for the 2nd class people. Count me in the 2nd class and see you in the MDR.

[little britain]

OK my twopence worth
I am really happy with the changes - for the time being at least. That is because I have a cruise booked for 2011 that is already showing an additional cost of $1400 per person at todays prices - I booked it the day the brochures came out in May
Will I cruise on Azamara again - never say never in my mind
For us the savings on our 2011 trip will be
Gratuities 16 nights $384
Wine average $50 a day (one bottle at night and one glass each at lunch) $800
We are lucky to be in a suite and usually dine in Aqualina/Prime C 5 times a trip $50
Shuttle - ok to make the maths easier 1 port $16
So we are looking at now seeing $1250 included in our costs

Now for the future, it is all going to depend on the pricing in comparison to Celebrity - I actually expect their prices are also going to rise so we will look at differentials to decide what is better for us - yes and I know I am not comparing like for like, I like Azamara for different reasons to why I like Celebrity
I echo what is said above
Our cruise has gone up $1280 since we booked on first day of sale
We'll save $360 on gratuities
We'll save $600+ on wine
We'll save 18% on tips on an other drinks
So we too are running at over $1000 worth of savings

I'll happily settle for $15 charge in the speciality restaurants as the downside:D

[wripro]

Losing some of its current fan base is exactly what Azamara may want. This fan base was attracted to an upscale product at a bargain price. This kind of business plan cannot be sustained. If those who moved up from mass market lines due to A's low prices now refuse to sail that will be a loss I think A is ready to accept in the hopes of attracting a new fan base that is willing to pay market value for a product they want.

[pratzert]

Losing some of its current fan base is exactly what Azamara may want. This fan base was attracted to an upscale product at a bargain price. This kind of business plan cannot be sustained. If those who moved up from mass market lines due to A's low prices now refuse to sail that will be a loss I think A is ready to accept in the hopes of attracting a new fan base that is willing to pay market value for a product they want.

Lines will increase prices to whatever the market will sustain.

They may have been watching "O" and noticed that many of "O's" sailings have been totally sold out at a higher price than "A" was charging.

They may be losing money and are trying an experiment to try to stop the bleeding.

If it works for them.... great... if not, they may revert to the old pricing with a more modest increase.

I'm still not convinced that trying to lure a "High-end, High-Income, Big Spender" passenger will truly result in increased bookings or more profit for them. I personally think that a Pax of that income level would choose a true All-Inclusive line to sail on.

I know "I" would.

[Bosscat]

Kalimera Bosscat

Are you on our Nov 3rd sailing?

If so, we have a roll call here....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=977089&page=2 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=977089&page=2)

Kalimera yourself! Though as it's 10pm here now, it's more like kali nichta!

No, we're on the 15th November transatlantic voyage from Rome over to Miami. We did the Azamara Journey to the Holy Land from 24th Oct to 8th Nov this year (Rome, Sorrento, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Limassol, Antalya, Haifa, Ashdod, Port Said, Alexandria, Chios, Athens) so if anyone has any questions - if some of the ports are the same - just let me know.

[Bosscat]

We had the same experience on our last cruise. The maitre'd seemed to be working at convincing people to dine in the specialty restaurants....and our butler kept suggesting that he should make us a reservation. I understand the attempt to spred people out into the various dining venues to evn out the load on the different kitchens and staff. By added $15pp to dine in one place versus no additional in the MDR or Breezes, they will be fewer people dining upstairs. So my 2 complimentary specialty dining experiences now comes with a price tag.....in my experience complimentary means without a fee....or has the suggested gratuity just gone up for the 2nd class people. Count me in the 2nd class and see you in the MDR.

I agree entirely, Redtravel. As a matter of fact, we didn't think the speciality dining was that much better than the main dining room - we found the food in Discoveries fantastic, so I can see little chance of us forking out $30 a time to go upstairs. Prime C wasn't as good, actually.

[djr7879]

We just booked our first Azamara cruise - it should be interesting...the cruise is a 16 day Panama Canal in January 2010.

One idea crossed my mind as to the new Azamara....apparently former management from Seadream may be also promoting the NEW Azamara as a corporate product - book the entire ship or most of it - perfect for conferences for companies that want something smaller....at Seadream Yacht there was many cruises where small groups were the mainstay of a cruise - the non group passengers aboard at the same time were not happy campers...is Azamara going teh same way???

Rotterdam...come join our roll call...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=845835

[gosport11]

We had the same experience on our last cruise. The maitre'd seemed to be working at convincing people to dine in the specialty restaurants....and our butler kept suggesting that he should make us a reservation. I understand the attempt to spred people out into the various dining venues to evn out the load on the different kitchens and staff. By added $15pp to dine in one place versus no additional in the MDR or Breezes, they will be fewer people dining upstairs. So my 2 complimentary specialty dining experiences now comes with a price tag.....in my experience complimentary means without a fee....or has the suggested gratuity just gone up for the 2nd class people. Count me in the 2nd class and see you in the MDR.
hi you are spot on,when Azamara 1st launched the couvert charge was 30$ and the MDR couldnt cope and there was a lot of complaints,on the other sister ships (not azamara) the dining is fixed which means no queing in might be wrong :D:):)

[c-legs]

[quote=nikless;22269611]He may have been setting it up to be sold in a few years.

quote]

You're bang on !!:eek:

This has been my toughts as well. Pimentel's appointment might very well have been the forst of many more moves to come towards setting up AZ for a spin-off.
IMO, and strictly IMO., RCI may have lost the will or the ability to carry AZ, even as an ''upgraded'' and totally '' independent'' brand...:rolleyes:
Cheers

[MVPinBoynton]

[quote=nikless;22269611]He may have been setting it up to be sold in a few years.

quote]

You're bang on !!:eek:

This has been my toughts as well. Pimentel's appointment might very well have been the forst of many more moves to come towards setting up AZ for a spin-off.
IMO, and strictly IMO., RCI may have lost the will or the ability to carry AZ, even as an ''upgraded'' and totally '' independent'' brand...:rolleyes:
Cheers

Anything is possible and companies are always "for sale" at the right price. RCCL's board's mission is to increase shareholder value. This can be accomplished through increased earnings or increased value through an eventual sale. It appears to me that they are now trying to make AZ what their original intention for this line was, a true upscale cruise line. The moves they are making are increasing their fixed administrative costs as well as gambling that they will be able to increase price per passenger per day. If it works, they will keep AZ. If not, it can certainly be put up for sale. A competitor might buy the ships, but there would be no reason to pay a premium over the ship value for the AZ name if it wasn't successful. We already saw this happen with Renaissance.

I wish Mr. Pimentel the greatest success, but since I am too old for his target market, I probably won't be on AZ again after our Feb cruise.

[Our Passport Stamps]

oops

[Our Passport Stamps]

I wish Mr. Pimentel the greatest success, but since I am too old for his target market, I probably won't be on AZ again after our Feb cruise.

and we're too young :D

My mom jokingly said maybe she could write a letter of recommedation for us...(dh and me)

She would explain that we are very well travelled. We tend to be very quiet, though capable of conversing on a wide variety of subjects.
We might not have the financial pedigree he would like, but we are well mannered and most welcoming of the diversity that surrounds us.
As a customer we would not embarass the product name, in fact he would be lucky to have us for the next 30 years..

[MVPinBoynton]

and we're too young :D

My mom jokingly said maybe she could write a letter of recommedation for us...(dh and me)

She would explain that we are very well travelled. We tend to be very quiet, though capable of conversing on a wide variety of subjects.
We might not have the financial pedigree he would like, but we are well mannered and most welcoming of the diversity that surrounds us.
As a customer we would not embarass the product name, in fact he would be lucky to have us for the next 30 years..

I love it! Best of luck on your acceptance to the CLUB. :D

[pratzert]

and we're too young :D

My mom jokingly said maybe she could write a letter of recommedation for us...(dh and me)

She would explain that we are very well travelled. We tend to be very quiet, though capable of conversing on a wide variety of subjects.
We might not have the financial pedigree he would like, but we are well mannered and most welcoming of the diversity that surrounds us.
As a customer we would not embarass the product name, in fact he would be lucky to have us for the next 30 years..

And I don't make enough money !!!!

[gosport11]

We wash behind our ears,can we join
PO cruises next year wil have one of the sister ships,it will be intresting to see what they do with it upmarket maybe or mass market ?????;);):)

[susiesan]

We wash behind our ears,can we join
PO cruises next year wil have one of the sister ships,it will be intresting to see what they do with it upmarket maybe or mass market ?????;);):)

Which ship is P&O getting from whom? Will it be only sailing in Europe?

[critterchick]

Which ship is P&O getting from whom? Will it be only sailing in Europe?

I believe it's the Royal Princess, but I don't know where she'll be sailing.

[irapbmd]

[quote=c-legs;22307811]

Anything is possible and companies are always "for sale" at the right price. RCCL's board's mission is to increase shareholder value. This can be accomplished through increased earnings or increased value through an eventual sale. It appears to me that they are now trying to make AZ what their original intention for this line was, a true upscale cruise line. The moves they are making are increasing their fixed administrative costs as well as gambling that they will be able to increase price per passenger per day. If it works, they will keep AZ. If not, it can certainly be put up for sale. A competitor might buy the ships, but there would be no reason to pay a premium over the ship value for the AZ name if it wasn't successful. We already saw this happen with Renaissance.

I wish Mr. Pimentel the greatest success, but since I am too old for his target market, I probably won't be on AZ again after our Feb cruise.

How profitable can a cruise line be if they have only 2 ships of 700 passengers? Either they grow the company with a bigger fleet and fill those ships, or they sell to someone who can fill those ships (such as Oceania).

[irapbmd]

We first sailed on Azamara in January of 2008; fell in love with Azamara and booked another cruise in October of 2008. That cruise was also wonderful and we booked another cruise in August of 2009. Wonderful again and we are booked for a cruise in January of 2010. We are loyal to Azamara -- but is Azamara loyal to us?

In all of this new announcement, including the new loyalty program, I don't see anything being done for loyal passengers until April, 2010.

What are we? Chopped Liver?

I wrote to Captain's Club last month to ask them to explain why Azamara Captain's Club has inferior benefits to Elite members than on the Celebrity ships. This is what I was told:
"Because the Captain's Club program was established prior to the creation of Azamara Cruises, Azamara Cruises offers a different experience from Celebrity Cruises. Therefore, the benefits between Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises are different. In an effort to remain consistent and provide a unique onboard experience, the new Captain's Club benefits will not be extended to Azamara. We regret any inconvenience this may cause."
I then questioned how they can have a loyalty program that has the same name, and the same telephone number, but on a deluxe cruise line, the benefits are inferior, to which the response was:
"This is interesting and thank you, for taking the time to write and share with us your comments. We certainly make our guest's comment a factor of consideration. Your points are very helpful and we will certainly look into this."

Lo and behold: the new Azamara. I guess they looked into it. Plus they now put the disclaimer on the website:
"Captain's Club onboard benefits vary between Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruises"
At least now they make themselves more clear. Too bad I get the same old Elite benefits on my Quest cruise Dec. 22/09.

[gosport11]

Yes its coming from princess,where its going to and from is a subject of great rumour,personally i hope its a european fly cruise itenary(new ship on PO)

[Host Andy]

I believe it's the Royal Princess, but I don't know where she'll be sailing.

Hi Jean !

Yes, it is Royal Princess. She is moving to P & O in May 2011, and will be renamed Adonia. She will go into service in June 2011, after a Drydock in the Bahamas. Itineraries will be announced this Spring.

On a related note, Im curious if Azamara or Oceania tried to pry her away from Princess.... but its possible that the Carnival / Princess Managerment, did not care to sell the ship. Had Azamara succeeded in acquiring a Sister ship ? That would have been a Major Announcement.

[gosport11]

It would have beaten free wine as an announcement lol ;):):)

[cruiseyguy]

I can't see Oceania purchasing any more "R" ships from anyone. As their new super sized, super luxe ships go into service the "R" ships will seem increasingly out of place, given their small cabins and far less than luxe bathrooms.

[Our Passport Stamps]

I can't see Oceania purchasing any more "R" ships from anyone. As their new super sized, super luxe ships go into service the "R" ships will seem increasingly out of place, given their small cabins and far less than luxe bathrooms.

I chuckled at this statement....

It's all about your barometer

We did a 3 week immersive land vacation this past May on our own of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria for 22 days ~ which was fantastic!!!

except for one little thing...

On day 4 I came down with severe food poisoning, compounded with a reaction to Cipro, and then the bottled water throughout Greece and Bulgaria added Magnesium to it (we didn't discover that part until almost the 2nd week)

By day 20 my doctor was ordering me home as the only thing that I could handle was coca cola and very salty potato chips

So this is how I feel about your comment on less than luxe bathrooms


ANYTHING that isn't a hole in the ground ...which I had for 3 weeks straight outside of our hotels/few restaurants ...let me emphasize WITH FOOD POISONING

is palatial to me...

the R ships bathrooms have a porcelin toilet that you sit on and toilet paper

that is truly all you really need and really at one point

praying to the porcelin god took on a whole other legit meaning!

and now AZ will give us free bottled water ...

it's as if I hit a Triple 7 jackpot compared to my last adventure

[floridatravelersforlife]

I chuckled at this statement....

It's all about your barometer

We did a 3 week immersive land vacation this past May on our own of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria for 22 days ~ which was fantastic!!!

except for one little thing...

On day 4 I came down with severe food poisoning, compounded with a reaction to Cipro, and then the bottled water throughout Greece and Bulgaria added Magnesium to it (we didn't discover that part until almost the 2nd week)

By day 20 my doctor was ordering me home as the only thing that I could handle was coca cola and very salty potato chips

So this is how I feel about your comment on less than luxe bathrooms


ANYTHING that isn't a hole in the ground ...which I had for 3 weeks straight outside of our hotels/few restaurants ...let me emphasize WITH FOOD POISONING

is palatial to me...

the R ships bathrooms have a porcelin toilet that you sit on and toilet paper

that is truly all you really need and really at one point

praying to the porcelin god took on a whole other legit meaning!

and now AZ will give us free bottled water ...

it's as if I hit a Triple 7 jackpot compared to my last adventure

Ditto from us. Four of us in our party and many in a bus of 40 were food poisioned in Cairo during a lunch time stop on a recent Equinox cruise.

it sets your priorities.

[mjz]

We set sail on a 10 day cruise on March 30th, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. out of Hong Kong? Since that's not technically April, does that mean we won't get to enjoy the additional perks?

[c-legs]

Which ship is P&O getting from whom? Will it be only sailing in Europe?
Ex- Tahitian Princess.
Already gone thru drydock for '' adjustments'' and re-naming.
Cheers

[Our Passport Stamps]

Ex- Tahitian Princess.
Already gone thru drydock for '' adjustments'' and re-naming.
Cheers

Hi,

This information is not correct..

The Tahitian Princess was renamed the Ocean Princess. Not to be confused with the OLD Ocean Princess
(sister ship to the Dawn, Sun and Sea)that was much bigger and was transferred out of Princess' fleet years ago.

The Tahitian Princess was renamed the Ocean Princess, because it had originally been dedicated
to just the French Polynesian runs.but times have changed with the relationship with the Tahitian goverment.

The Royal Princess is being sent to P&O it will stop sailing in March 2011 with Princess and then enter drydock ..
the April 2011 sailings have been cancelled

In April 2011 Princess will have 2 R ships. The Pacific Princess and the Ocean Princess.

If you would like to see extensive photos I took of the Pacific Princess
you can view them at the link below, just scroll to the bottom of the page

http://ourpassportstamps.com/Pacific_Princess_Alaska.html (http://ourpassportstamps.com/Pacific_Princess_Alaska.html)

[JennAngel9]

I'm a bit behind on this announcement-- but I wanted to chime in that even though we are slightly below the income (and just over half the age) targeted by Azamara Club cruises, we found the food and service in Discoveries last year to be a disappointment. What concerns me about the announcement is that by making specialty dining free to all suites (does that include the minis on 8?) it will be much harder to get in/make reservations for those of us who prefer a standard balcony. I'm surprised to hear that the speciality restaurants have not been full lately, because on our cruise, you had to be extremely flexible to get ADR bookings after about the 4th day of the cruise.

I personally believe there is not that much room between Celebrity and Azamara in terms of everything except service (and also size, but we don't care about that as much). Unless we just had a terrible off cruise (and I doubt it) we would never be willing to pay 2x for Azamara what we pay for Celebrity.

[alidor]

Nothing wrong with Celebrity, but my husband and I prefer smaller lines - no mass market stuff. Just prefer the more personalized atmosphere of a smaller line, less waiting, etc. Last mass market cruise was about 7 years ago and we haven't and won't do another one. We know many people, also, who will not go on a mass market line despite possible lower costs.

Different strokes...

[greyhound101]

In June 2010 I have booked a Baltic Cruise on Azamara. I keep seeing where there are comparisions here between Azamara and Celebrity, but allow me to point out, Azamara gives you 2 days in Warnemunde (Berlin), Celebrity gives you 1. Azamara gives you 2 nights and 3 days in St. Petersburg, Celebrity gives you 2 days and 1 night. Azamara gives you 2 days 1 night in Stockholm and Celebrity gives you 1 day. This means thanks to my Azamara cruise I get to go to the opera/ballet and see Folk dancing in St. Petersburg, I get to enjoy a Caberet in Berlin, and I get to go to the opera in Stockholm. Could not do that with a Celebrity Cruise. Cost difference aside, cabin size aside, bathroom aside, food aside, who is offering the better cruise experience, I say Azamara.

Art

[JennAngel9]

I agree with the last 2 posts on the fact that Azamara has had better itineraries. Baltic itineraries on Azamara tend to be much better than X, and itinerary selection is how we ended up on Az for the first time. I guess since the unique itineraries are one of the things Az is currently marketing, I would consider paying a premium for that part of the product-- BUT a lot of the stuff we saw for 2010 looks like basic Med (which we have done by ship and land several times) and the Azamara repo had fewer stops from Singapore to Athens (iirc) than any other line! I will be curious to see how much Az Club revamps itineraries, because that is something I would pay more for.

[Redtravel]

Having taken both Celebrity and Azamara, I would compare the intineries in deciding which cruise is better for you. Keep in mind, that all cruises alter times and ports as they seem fit. I did a Baltic on Celebrity and loved it. It stayed in St. Petersburg overnight. The ballet was a third rate performance done just for the cruises. If you live anywhere a city, you can easily see a much better ballet for less money. 2 days in St. Petersburg were enough. We overnighted in Stockholm and Copenhagen. Both were nice. I've been back to Copenhagen. The 2 days in Copenhagen were really enough. I would have enjoyed more time in Tallin...we arrived late due to sea conditions and only had about 4 hours....that can happen on any cruise. So both are nice. If what you like is seeing a bit of more places take Celebrity. If you really like longer stays, Azamara may be a good choice. Either way, your cruise will be a great choice. Ports are nice, but always secondary. Often the ships vary the printed schedules. If there is a port that you really want to see, fly in and stay on land. That's the only way to really experience it. Other than that, on a cruise you just get a small taste....which may be just right for some places. There have been some ports that I really liked and went back again to really see. I could spend a month in places like Amsterdam and Paris. I've stayed in both several times on land and also on a cruise...and I keep going back for more...both cities have so much to offer me. However, that's a personal choice which may not work for everyone.

[Jade13]

I actually think in general that the limited amount of ports is a negative for the age demographic that Azamara wishes to attract (I believe those still employed, not retired).

Yes, I like the idea of an overnight at the beginning and end of a 12 or 14 night cruise, which is great for those still working or anyone with limited time. I also like the idea of an overnight somewhere in the middle where one may wish to leave the ship overnight, BUT, as I mentioned before, our 14 night Asia cruise only stops in 4 ports between the first and last, and that will not work for us in the long run in most areas of the world.

With the price increases we will be looking at SilverSea as an option. Although there would be 3 Formal nights on a 14 night cruise, one could always do other dinning on those 3 nights if they did not wish to bring formal wear.

[cruiseyguy]

I'm sure Azamara & RCL management did very careful market research before they embarked on these changes.

[TravelingProf]

I like the idea of less ports and more time in each port. My partner/wife and I have actually had the discussion "if we could design our own cruise line" and the number one priority was more time in ports. Many people I know who do not cruise cite the "don't want to rush back to the ship" reason as well as "want to experience places at night."

On our recent BO Italy cruise, the overnights were the highlight of the cruise. We loved being able to leisurely dine in places such as Sorrento and Venice.

Azamara might have struck gold here (IMHO) in that while they may lose some customers who want more ports and lower prices (so many will go to the mother ship!), they might tap into an entirely new market and draw clientele from those who would take a land tour or tour independently.

Am I happy that the prices have jumped so high--No! Do I understand that they (hopefully) will be offering a unique product for the price--yes!

But as others have rightfully said, that's just my preference.

[greeneg]

I think that JennAngel9 makes a very good point about the actual spread between Azamara and Celebrity not being exceptionally broad at this point. We actually do prefer Azamara for the smaller-ship experience, and more creative itineraries, but the level of service, quality of food, and overall experience ( we consider both to be very high on both lines) are not sufficient to justify the proposed increases.

I wonder if the net result here is going to be to make Azamara less, rather than, more competitive.

Just musing.....

[meow!]

Have you folks thought of the plausibility that the new management (from Seadream) is trying to make Azamara into a Seadream? Carnival has Seabourn, RCCL does not have any luxury division, so it may be an attempt to create one out of Azamara by making it quasi-luxury-specialty?!

[wripro]

Would two days be enough in Paris, London or New York? Of course not, and neither is it enough in St. Petersburg. IMO, the best thing about the new Azamara agenda is the overnights in more ports.

[cpgrneyes]

Isn't today the date when the big new prices were going to be announced? The last increase on the cruise I booked in October occurred the date of the announcement, 12/8. When do the price increases generally happen?

So far, the 14 day cruise has increased $1,000 per person, not counting the OBC we received from Az during their sale. I'm starting to look at the cruise like an investment going up in value!