Azamara vs Seabourn?

Our last 3 cruises have been with Seabourn, all of which we loved. I've taken the plunge and booked Azamara Quest for September. Are there any major differences we should be aware of? I know that not all drinks are included, but is it correct that Az charge for water? What happens if I order a cocktail not on the included list but it has the included ingredients - will I still be charged? How does the food compare?

Also, we have unfortunately booked the Black Sea itinerary so I know it will be changed. Can I expect any OBC for the inconvenience? TBH I would prefer to cancel but I paid 50% deposit including club class flights and I would lose it all.

Thanks for any advice/feedback.

Hi Casper. I can help on a few things having sailed both lines. The biggest difference are the state rooms.

If you have booked a club continent suite it won't be too bad but the standard cabins are small and the bathrooms tiny but adequate.

Food is always subjective, bit IMO far superior on Azamara and I prefer Azamara for the friendliness of the crew. We also found the service to be much better on Azamara. I would travel on both again although have two cruises booked on AZ but none on Seabourn but this is due to itineraries.

Water is included and if your cocktail ingredients are on the 'free' list, you won't be charged. At the back of the bar menus is a list of included cocktails.

There is always bottled water in your cabin as well as in a cooler as you leave the ship. These are both abundant and included. However, if you order San Pellegrino or similar in the restaurants, there is a charge.

You will probably be unhappy with the standard balcony cabin. The club continent suite is half again as large and there is a bathtub in the much large bathroom. Coming from Seabourn, you'll find the standard cabin very small.

As I'm sure you know, customer satisfaction is based on perceived value per dollar (or pound) spent as well as how well something meets your expectations. I hope you find Azamara a good value and a pleasant experience that meets your expectations.

We just returned from our first Seabourn cruise and we have been on Azamara twice. We prefer Azamara due to friendlier crew and better communication from Azamara. Food was great on Both. Rooms were bigger on Seabourn. My wife loved the double sinks on Seabourn. But we are never in are room except to sleep. All in all we would sail Seabourn again if price was right. Azamaras crew and Officers are what puts them over the top for us. They make you feel like family. Always smiling and saying hello. The Captains on Azamara are always the friendliest. Bottled water is available everywhere all you have todo is ask for it. You will have a lovely time. We booked an open passage last time we left Azamara and we are looking forward to are next Azamara cruise whenever that may be.

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Thanks Everyone. I shall warn my husband about the size of the stateroom but other than that, they sound pretty similar.

Can you tell me about the Specialty restaurant on Azamara? Is it worth booking and is it hard to get a reservation. We are sailing over our anniversary but I'm not too concerned which day we try it. I believe there is a cost of $25 pp, is that right?

Much as we love Seabourn, I wante to try something different this year and the itinerary looked great. it's not Azamara's fault about the situation in Ukraine but I am hoping that they at least acknowledge that many passengers only booked for those 3 ports. We shall see because at present nothing has been announced so I'm still going to Sevastapol along with the Russian fleet!

Can you tell me about the Specialty restaurant on Azamara? Is it worth booking and is it hard to get a reservation. We are sailing over our anniversary but I'm not too concerned which day we try it. I believe there is a cost of $25 pp, is that right?

There are 2 specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina. You can see the current menus on the main Azamara website at http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/life-onboard/dining-and-wines. Yes, the charge is $25 unless you're in a suite where they're free.

Both are excellent in our opinion, but food is always subjective! The MDR is also very good, but if want a treat like a better steak or dover sole or lobster etc etc, give them a try. You should be able to get a reservation if you see one of the servers or maitre d's who will be stationed on deck 5 or at the entrance to the Window Cafe buffet on the first few cruise days. Normally they try to have 2 seatings....one around 6-6:30 and one around 8-8:30. Enjoy!

Watching one of the skillful servers in Aqualina debone and serve the whole Dover Sole is a treat. And the taste, of course, is the bonus. Sublime!

Can you tell me about the Specialty restaurant on Azamara? Is it worth booking and is it hard to get a reservation. We are sailing over our anniversary but I'm not too concerned which day we try it. I believe there is a cost of $25 pp, is that

We think both speciality restaurants are special. We have really enjoyed the food there on both ships. We have never had any difficulty booking but we do prefer to eat later, after 8.30 pm.

I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

We have been fortunate enough to have sailed with Regent, Seabourn and Azamara.

We have returned to Azamara and are shortly going again, but wouldn't hesitate to cruise with any of them if the price was right.

True, the Azamara cabins / bathrooms are much smaller and fewer beverages are included, but as others have said, the service and friendliness of the officers and crew is second to none. I haven't been the easiest of customers, but I have always been treated with the utmost courtesy and professionalism.

I have never had a problem with the food on any cruise that I have been fortunate enough to have taken.

Those of us that have experienced life on the ocean waves, have been extremely fortunate.

Thanks Everyone. I shall warn my husband about the size of the stateroom but other than that, they sound pretty similar.

 

Can you tell me about the Specialty restaurant on Azamara? Is it worth booking and is it hard to get a reservation. We are sailing over our anniversary but I'm not too concerned which day we try it. I believe there is a cost of $25 pp, is that right?

 

Much as we love Seabourn, I wante to try something different this year and the itinerary looked great. it's not Azamara's fault about the situation in Ukraine but I am hoping that they at least acknowledge that many passengers only booked for those 3 ports. We shall see because at present nothing has been announced so I'm still going to Sevastapol along with the Russian fleet!

Casperthecat, we are also waiting to see what Azamara's intentions are regarding the Ukrainian ports as they are a key part of the Black Sea cruise for us too.

In fact if they delete them we will be cancelling. The problem though, is that decision has to be made by mid May and the situation doesn't look like settling down by then.

My friends tell me that we are mad to be even still considering going there but I see it as part of the adventure!!

Do join the roll call ( assuming that we are both talking about the 20 August sailing) and we can have further discussion on the situation as we await Azamara's intentions.

Darryl

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Thanks All. What a lovely friendly forum this is, I found the Seabourn one to be a bit pretentious so I didn’t post very often. I’m now imagining a whole dover sole on a plate in front of me while I should be concentrating on my work!

Darryl, we are actually on the 1st September sailing and unfortunately we don’t have the luxury of cancelling without penalty from the UK. If we do, I will lose everything I have paid so far including the club class flights that I have paid for in full. I would still like to sail with Azamara, just not to Greece and Turkey as we have done this frequently. I can’t get my travel agent to tell me what has happened on prior sailings that have been altered, she said I just have to wait and see what Azamara offer (if anything) as an incentive to take the new itinerary. Please could you post on here as soon as you hear anything and I will do the same.

Casperthecat, we are also waiting to see what Azamara's intentions are regarding the Ukrainian ports as they are a key part of the Black Sea cruise for us too.

In fact if they delete them we will be cancelling. The problem though, is that decision has to be made by mid May and the situation doesn't look like settling down by then.

My friends tell me that we are mad to be even still considering going there but I see it as part of the adventure!!

Do join the roll call ( assuming that we are both talking about the 20 August sailing) and we can have further discussion on the situation as we await Azamara's intentions.

Darryl

 

 

 

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I've just returned from a TA on Quest. At the Q & A session with Captain Carl, he was asked about the situation regarding the Black Sea cruises. He replied that the ports have been changed for the June cruise, but, at present, no decision has been made regarding the cruises sailing later in the year.

having sailed both Azamara and Seabourn, there is no comparison. Seabourn is far superior. Staff know your name and your drink of choice when entering the bar. Food on Seabourn far superior.

tom

 

Water is included and if your cocktail ingredients are on the 'free' list, you won't be charged. At the back of the bar menus is a list of included cocktails.

thanks for asking this, i was wondering the same thing :)

I disagree with Seabourn being far superior. The rooms are nicer and that's about it. Everything else is comparable. That's an honest opinion. Azamaras crew is a lot friendlier. Never once did I encounter an unhappy crew member on Azamara. I encountered 3 or 4 on are Seabourn cruise last week.

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having sailed both Azamara and Seabourn, there is no comparison. Seabourn is far superior. Staff know your name and your drink of choice when entering the bar. Food on Seabourn far superior.

 

tom

Don't want to start a food fight, but..... I do not totally agree. First, there is no question that SB's 3 newer ships are, from a physical perspective, far superior to AZ. But, after 30+ cruises on almost every line! the visibility and friendliness of AZ's officers and crew is the best in the industry.

As far as food, I view it a draw. AZ' 2 optional restaurants are superior to SB's one limited menu offering in Restaurant 2.

The staterooms on SB's newer ships are far superior to anything AZ offers. But one needs to consider the age of AZ ships and the desperate need for updating.

One thing AZ trumps the industry on is their overnights in ports and special evenings.

Bottom line is that both lines have their pluses and minuses.

Thanks All. What a lovely friendly forum this is, I found the Seabourn one to be a bit pretentious so I didn’t post very often. I’m now imagining a whole dover sole on a plate in front of me while I should be concentrating on my work!

 

I am coming to the conclusion that I'm in the minority on Seabourn and Azamara boards, in that most posters aren't too bothered about how much they pay, so long as the product is good.

I give high priority to what I perceive as value for money, usually cruising the Mediterranean, as it very important to us to get warm sunshine.

I am coming to the conclusion that I'm in the minority on Seabourn and Azamara boards, in that most posters aren't too bothered about how much they pay, so long as the product is good.

 

I give high priority to what I perceive as value for money, usually cruising the Mediterranean, as it very important to us to get warm sunshine.

Wow, what a blanket statement....our next cruise on Seabourne is on a free upgrade to veranda and is costing within a few dollars per night what a comparable Azamara cruise would cost. Considering our cabin size, verandah size, my husband's Johnny Walker black being included, and my nightly caviar delivery included, I think we got a pretty good deal!

Wow, what a blanket statement....our next cruise on Seabourne is on a free upgrade to veranda and is costing within a few dollars per night what a comparable Azamara cruise would cost. Considering our cabin size, verandah size, my husband's Johnny Walker black being included, and my nightly caviar delivery included, I think we got a pretty good deal!

With respect, that's irrelevant.

My statement wasn't about whether or not one gets value for money, more that I believe many posters don't think that cost is a significant factor in their choice of cruise.

That is because SB is a luxury line which attracts people who are not as cost conscious as those who sail on mass market lines. It doesn't mean that SB passengers don't care about the cost but it's not always the main consideration in choosing.

Interesting article here that might blow all our perceptions on the "value" some put on given cruise lines

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/which-brands-do-us-affluent-cruise-with-most-answer-may-surprise.html

Interesting article here that might blow all our perceptions on the "value" some put on given cruise lines

 

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/which-brands-do-us-affluent-cruise-with-most-answer-may-surprise.html

Does this mean I might have to reassess some of my stereotypes? :)

Does this mean I might have to reassess some of my stereotypes? :)

Now that IS the question :D

Interesting article here that might blow all our perceptions on the "value" some put on given cruise lines

 

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/which-brands-do-us-affluent-cruise-with-most-answer-may-surprise.html

I am not surprised given some of the large properties that my Carnival FB friends live in and their bar / casino bills.

I am not surprised given some of the large properties that my Carnival FB friends live in and their bar / casino bills.

LOl

Never judge a book by it's cover;)

Agree, we have come across some very wealthy people indeed onboard NCL ships who are not worried about spending money, but hate to feel ripped off.

I have no idea why they pour money down the proverbial in the casino, but they do. Also those art auctions... why?

Maybe that is why I like Azamara, nobody talks about the art auctions, if they exist and the casino is not a major priority or they would not be on Azamara.

Oh well it takes allsorts and everyone we have ever met on any cruise, has been lovely.

Yvonne