Compare Azamara Journey to Royal Princess

[MUD]

Am trying to decide between Azamara Journet and Royal Princess. Similar itineraries, similar time of the year. Prices are comparable ($600 total more for the Journey) if we book an outside cabin on Journey and balcony on Royal. What is the differnce we could expect in the crusising experience?

[DrivesLikeMario]

Good question. I'm hoping you get some good answers! I'm anxious to read them too. ;)

[Susan-M]

I haven't cruised with Princess, so can't give a comparison, but dining options, open dining, dress code, specialty dining and smoking policies are likely some of the differences. Also, Azamara's ships were completely redecorated last year when Azamara began...Quest looked brand new when we were on it in October.

[Aussie Gal]

We have cruised three times on the Tahitian Princess and once on the Pacific Princess. We have yet to cruise on Azamara, and will do so next month but we did spend 35 days on Oceania's Nautica last year and as Azamara and Oceania are supposed to be very similar I can tell you some differences.

First of all as Susan has pointed out the most important thing that we found different was the smoking policy. We did not smell smoke anywhere on the Nautica as there are only two areas that one can smoke whereas in September when we were back on the T.P. the smoke throughout the ship was quite overpowering.

Secondly, there is the one wonderful advantage of Anytime dining. Up until we cruised with Oceania last year, we had always had Traditional Dining. We have become converts to Anytime and if ever offered the chance to choose between either we would always choose Anytime.

Thirdly, it was a joy to eat in the alternate restaurants without incurring a huge fee. I know that on Azamara there is a $5 p.p. fee but that is nothing like the $20 or $30 extra that you have to pay on Princess.

Fourthly, we did enjoy not having to lug our evening clothes half around the world. It was just so much easier to pack knowing that my DH could wear a nice shirt and pants to dinner and put on a jacket some evenings. Whereas I took a mixture of skirts and tops and pants and tops and was happy with my selection. Country Club casual was a great way to go and we didn't see any bad dressing on that cruise.

Other than that, when I boarded the Nautica, I did feel at home as the ships are all decorated in the same style. Oceania and Azamara may have changed the furnishings or bedding in the cabins but I believe that the lounge areas, the library, the dining room etc. are still all the same.

They are lovely ships and we always enjoy cruising on them. Whatever you choose, you will have a great cruise.

Jennie

[Vacationv]

Quick question: How do these class of ship handle rough seas? I'm guessing not so well?

[Aussie Gal]

As I have mentioned we have been on these ships 5 times. Our voyage last year on the Natuica was remarkable in that we did not have any rough seas including crossing the normally rough Bay of Bengal. We missed quite a few typhoons both in the China Sea and the area around India by only a day or so. We were extremely lucky.

The first time we were on the Tahitian Princess we cruised from Papette to the Cook Islands. The seas weren't over rough but the ship did bob around quite a bit.

On the Pacific Princess a couple of years ago, we went from Sydney to Vanuatu and we did strike seas of Force 5 and 6 in the Pacific Ocean. Quite a few passengers suffered from sea sickness for a few days.

Again in September, when we were in Alaska, we did have one very rough day and not only passengers were ill but some of the staff as well.

You are correct in assuming that these smaller ships do feel the affect of the larger waves more so than a ship of 70,00 tons. We were on the Regal Princess a few years ago down in Antarctica and went through a Force 11 gale that lasted for over 24 hours. I would not have liked being on any of these ex "R" ships in that type of weather.

Jennie

[susiesan]

Quick question: How do these class of ship handle rough seas? I'm guessing not so well?

On Insignia 2 years ago, June 2006 we sailed to Iceland. We hit a storm in the North Sea. The waves were crashing into our balcony door on deck 7. But we did not get seasick. Most of the motion was up and down from front to back, not rolling sideways, it was actually kind of fun, but I like roller coasters.

[brucedodge]

MUD,

We've been on the Quest twice and the Pacific Princess once, all of them long sailings.

Much of my comments are just opinion, but here goes:

The ships seem very similar (as they should), but Azamara did a much nicer job of refurbishing the ship. The specialty restaurant venues on Quest seemed much nicer, and the suggested tip of $5 pp seemed more than reasonable.

Of course, unless Princess has changed, Quest has anytime dining, and the Pacific Princess had traditional. Another poster has also mentioned the difference in no formal nights on Quest.

I'm not sure why (as the ship's are essentially the same), but the Quest seemed more stable than the PP. However, these ships are only about 30,000 tons, so they're going to be more affected by sea state/wind.

Don't remember the smoking issue on PP, but the absence of smoke on Quest was terrific. One place smoking is allowed on Quest is the aft port side fantail (Breeza).

We had a WONDERFUL time on both vessels, and you will too.

Bruce

[swigso]

MUD,
Don't remember the smoking issue on PP, but the absence of smoke on Quest was terrific. One place smoking is allowed on Quest is the aft port side fantail (Breeza).
Bruce
We have been on the Quest and are going on the Journey in Feb, has the smoking area been moved from the pool area to the back of the ship near the bar at Breeza?
Thanks

[susiesan]

We have been on the Quest and are going on the Journey in Feb, has the smoking area been moved from the pool area to the back of the ship near the bar at Breeza?
Thanks

I hope not. When we were on Quest last year there was no smoking on the aft deck near the bar at Breeza. This is where people eat meals and I wouldn't think they would have smoking there.

[land lover]

We have cruised on the Royal Princess and TP.

Our RP cruise was in 2007 to the Holy Land a few months after the ship was refurbished. It was beautiful.

The staff was exceptional and food much better than average.

We'll be going on the Journey soon, I am counting on a step up I hope I am not disappointed.

[crzfanatic]

I hope not. When we were on Quest last year there was no smoking on the aft deck near the bar at Breeza. This is where people eat meals and I wouldn't think they would have smoking there.
We just got off Quest last Saturday in Hong Kong and they have not moved the smoking areas. It is still starboard side forward on pool deck and port side in the back of the Looking Glass lounge.
As for stability we had quite a bit of rough seas (New Years eve we had 30-40 ft swells according to the captain) and you certainly could feel it. Many people were sick but luckily we are not affected by this. I'm not sure that any ship does well in seas like this as we have certainly felt lots of motion on QM2 in the North Atlantic as well as the Mercury near Cape Horn.
Andy

[shoshona2]

Hi Susiesan,

We're booked in aft cabin 7116 for our Iceland cruise -- Copenhagen to Copenhagen next June 6th. This will be our third cruise in that cabin or 7121. I guess I will be in for some rocking if we hit a storm in the North Sea.

S

[Aussie Gal]

the journey is an old worn down ship with very average food at best. the entertainment is like amateur night.stick with princess you will have a much better experience.


Are you referring to Azamara's Journey. If so I cannot believe it is run down as the ships were only built at the end of the 90's and are all the same age.

We have been on three of them a number of times - Tahitian, Princess and Oceania's Nautica and all have been in good condition.

Also I have read and I believe that the food on Azamara is equal to HAL, Princess and even Oceania which did have a wonderful buffet and great alternate restaurants but we found the food in the dining room was not quite to our taste at night as we found it to be too salty but that could have been due to the Chef on board at the time.

Also, being a small ship, the entertainment is not up to the bigger ships but I have read that is quite good whereas on Oceania is practically zilch.

Anyhow, when one travels one has to weigh up what they prefer. A smaller ship with a more intimate feel and not so many passengers to go ashore in each port or a larger ship with lots of entertainment, etc, but where you are only one of many.

We prefer the smaller ships and if we have to settle for not such a big extravaganza at night for entertainment, then that is a small price to pay for the overall experience.

Just as well we are all different because we would all be clamouring for the same ships, cabins, food, etc. and there wouldn't be enough to go around.

Jennie

[susiesan]

the journey is an old worn down ship with very average food at best. the entertainment is like amateur night.stick with princess you will have a much better experience.

This person is a troll who keeps trying to make ridiculous posts that are being removed by the moderator. Ignore him. Probably a disgruntled former employee.

[sailoruk]

This person is a troll who keeps trying to make ridiculous posts that are being removed by the moderator. Ignore him. Probably a disgruntled former employee.
Agree with you susiesan - we just came off the Journey and had a wonderful time.
I haven't a problem with people giving their opinion but not like that:(

[lonestarsteve]

the journey is an old worn down ship with very average food at best. the entertainment is like amateur night.stick with princess you will have a much better experience.


We have been on Azamara five times with two more trips booked this year. I think it is rather obvious that if the ships were in that kind of condition we would not consider traveling with Azamara and we have cruised with most of the major lines.

The Quest and Journey are a perfect size for our needs with wonderful,unique itineriaries and great service.

[Aussieflyer]

Lonestar Steve, I know you are doing the Caribbean - but where else are you off to this year?? Keep trying for Australia!

[denims]

We have been on Azamara five times with two more trips booked this year. I think it is rather obvious that if the ships were in that kind of condition we would not consider traveling with Azamara and we have cruised with most of the major lines.

The Quest and Journey are a perfect size for our needs with wonderful,unique itineriaries and great service.

Hi lonestarsteve!

We need your picture on our/your roll-call!

(Is this Considered stalking????:D:D)

[susiesan]

Has anyone else noticed the same bunch of us hanging out between the AZ and O boards? Are we all in a rut?? Or do we all just have the same superior taste in cruises and gravitiate to the same trips? I know many of us have also been on Xpedition.

Susie

[Aussie Gal]

Susiesan,

I think it is because we all have a similar tastes in crusing and ships. I am probably in a rut as well as it has been a 3 months since our last cruise and am counting the weeks now until our next one.

Jennie

[Aussieflyer]

Camano, which cruise line do you prefer? We have travelled all around the world, stayed in excellent hotels, eaten in upmarket restaurants and found Azamara very good, remembering that it is bulk cooking for the Main Dining and Buffet areas. We are not paid by Azamara and as we are a well travelled lot on this board, hardly live in caves! We just like the Azamara size and feel. It may not be to everyone's liking as the line is aimed at the well educated, well travelled, older passenger.

[mstrc1]

Camano, which cruise line do you prefer? We have travelled all around the world, stayed in excellent hotels, eaten in upmarket restaurants and found Azamara very good, remembering that it is bulk cooking for the Main Dining and Buffet areas. We are not paid by Azamara and as we are a well travelled lot on this board, hardly live in caves! We just like the Azamara size and feel. It may not be to everyone's liking as the line is aimed at the well educated, well travelled, older passenger.

Well put and right to the point. Thank you:)

[critterchick]

Camano, which cruise line do you prefer? We have travelled all around the world, stayed in excellent hotels, eaten in upmarket restaurants and found Azamara very good, remembering that it is bulk cooking for the Main Dining and Buffet areas. We are not paid by Azamara and as we are a well travelled lot on this board, hardly live in caves! We just like the Azamara size and feel. It may not be to everyone's liking as the line is aimed at the well educated, well travelled, older passenger.

Well, I'm well educated and well travelled....:)

Not to support Camano, who has some kind of unspecified axe to grind (how about posting a well thought out review?), but Discoveries is NOT a bulk cooking experience. They serve about 4-500 people per night (on any given night on our Journey cruise, I'm guessing that 100 people ate in the buffet and another 100 ate in the specialty restaurants), a far cry from the 2-3000 people served on the mainstream cruiselines. Any land-based restaurant can handle that volume as a matter of course and get the orders right. On our couple of forays into Discoveries, they were a mess - the service was chaotic and slow, and the food just wasn't that good, nor was it always as described in the menu, which is standardized (the menus are posted in the galley as "10 (or 12,14, whatever the length) day cruise" menus). If you look at the recent PC reviews, you will notice that nobody was really happy with Discoveries. I'm hoping that our cruise was an anomaly.

[gillianrose]

Discoveries is NOT a bulk cooking experience. They serve about 4-500 people per night ....

...that is still banquet-sized.

I have not been on the ships, and I cannot comment on the quality of the food, but 400 to 500 guests in an evening is still mass production.

[Aussie Gal]

...that is still banquet-sized.

I have not been on the ships, and I cannot comment on the quality of the food, but 400 to 500 guests in an evening is still mass production.

Other than cruising on a few select ships such as Silverseas and Seabourn, perhaps Regent as well, there are very few ships that do not serve at least 400 and up to 3000 guests per night.

Of course we are having more of a banquet dinner but I think that most of the cruiselines do serve up a reasonable and in some cases an excellent meal and as far as I am concerned usually better than a banquet meal.

Jennie

[critterchick]

...that is still banquet-sized.

I have not been on the ships, and I cannot comment on the quality of the food, but 400 to 500 guests in an evening is still mass production.

If they fed everybody at once, I would agree with you, but those people come over a 3-1/2 hour period of time. According to the Executive Chef onboard, everything is cooked to order (other than desserts and pastries, which are prepared ahead of time). I've never had that happen at a banquet!:)