Loyal Royal, sometime Celebrity cruiser tries Azamara for first time

After 15 cruises with RC (on different classes) and 5 on Celebrity (3 different S class and Millennium twice) – and following encouragement from friends who are fans of Azamara – we decided to finally try ACC. There were some very competitive prices on offer a few months ago so we booked ourselves on an Athens to Venice 7-night cruise on Quest. Since our favourite cruise this year to date had been a week on Allure we knew we were in for a very different experience, but are open to new experiences and, having been to all but one of the ports before, we liked the itinerary.

I don’t intend to attach any pictures as these were done beautifully by dln929 whose review I greatly enjoyed in preparing me for what to expect. Likewise I was interested in the observations made by her friend librarylady and interested to see how our experience would compare.

If I had any concerns prior to boarding it was that the ship would just be too small, with too little to offer in the way of entertainment/variety. This was also the first time we’ve sailed in an Oceanview, having always had a balcony before and we weren’t sure how we would feel about the lack of balcony.

I’ve decided to break my observations down into categories:

Ship Overall – very impressed with the standard, having read comments about it being an ‘older’ ship and showing signs of age. There was generally an air of elegance about all public spaces, pool decks were an oasis of calm and order, rather than the scrum we’ve experienced on some ships (both X and RC). Lovely padded loungers and never any need to seek out a place because of chair hogs. Some venues were small compared to their equivalent on X and RC – eg casino, cabaret lounge, gym – but didn’t impact on our enjoyment. The gym was small but it was nice (for once) to have free exercise classes at reasonable times of day. The running track is also small, but not cluttered with sun loungers. The age demographic onboard surprised us, with a proportionally younger demographic than any Celebrity cruise we’ve taken. On this sailing there were more UK guests than US guests and a mixture of many other nationalities.

Stateroom – our Oceanview cabin was as spacious as some balcony cabins we’ve had on other ships. The large window had a nice deep sill (a window seat!) and felt more light and airy than expected. Storage was adequate – and certainly better than the C1/AQ cabins on S class with the awkward overhead storage and frustrating sliding wardrobes. The bathroom was small and storage limited compared to our other cruises and yes, the curtain was clingy and shower an awkward shape. Not a deal-breaker and not nearly as bad as we’d been led to believe.

Service was excellent. I’ve rarely had poor service on any cruise and often had excellent service. Whilst I wouldn’t say dining/bar staff or others around the ship were any better the feeling of being valued definitely came through. This was particularly noticeable with the effort made by officers to interact with guests, and genuinely spend time (rather than quickly pass time). Captain Jose and Russ really made an effort with everyone – and not just past guests. I can't imagine many cruise lines where the Captain, Hotel Director and Cruise Director would lead a walk up 1350 steps in Kotor - giving up a good part of their day to do so. Little touches like waiters bring round iced water, iced coffee, cooling spritzes on hot sea days were much appreciated.

Drinks: Having ‘stalked’ the Azamara boards for some time before we actually booked, I’m not sure why there was such a debate about which drinks were included and which were not. There’s a very clear page at the back of the drinks menu which states which drinks are included. We felt that the beer choice was limited – surely they can buy beers other than Becks and Bud at the same wholesale price. I’ll also add my voice to those who can’t understand why a Prosecco or Cava can’t be included in the wine choices. Generally we liked the wines on offer and, on occasion when we didn’t, an alternative was found. The thing we really liked was not having to go through the rigmarole of signing for drinks, even when on a package, and then receiving pages of nil-value items on the bill.

Dining: Obviously a subjective issue, but I can’t see how anyone cannot believe that Azamara is a cut above Celebrity (which is in turn a cut above Royal Caribbean). The food was far superior in the MDR – probably comparable with Blu – although we felt the choice of appetisers (at 3) a little limited. The healthy option and the entrée salad options were a nice addition. The ambience of the dining room is superior to the MDR on both and, whilst not so ‘cool and stylish’ as Blu, there was generally a calmer more polished feel to the service and the atmosphere. We commented often on the fact that everything felt so relaxing and unhurried, unlike our experience on other ships

The buffets were a revelation and I seriously do not see how there is any remote comparison with the buffet on Celebrity or RC. I am speaking of dinner buffets here. We tend to have a small breakfast and all 3 cruise lines provide more than enough for our needs, lunches looked as good as I’ve seen on all lines (with much better sushi on Az) but I have limited experience since we were off the ship for lunch most days. But the dinner buffets…..Wow! We had intended to try the buffet on a few nights but ended up eating there more than planned. On our way through to the bar at the aft for a pre-dinner cocktail we always took a peek at what was on offer and couldn’t resist eating there for the Turkish night, the Indian Night and the Asian night – all the food was superb and bore no comparison to the offerings on Royal or Celebrity (which I feel has the worst dinner buffet offerings of the 3 lines). I agree with Littlebritain on another review on here that we would never normally eat dinner in the buffet but the standard of food, the table settings, the waiter service and the general ambience and calm atmosphere meant that it didn’t have the cafeteria feel like the Windjammer and Seaview Café.

Entertainment: My concerns were unfounded. We’re not small lounge type entertainment fans and we don’t dance (in the ballroom style anyway ;) ) nor do we choose to listen to a piano player in a lounge, so unfortunately can’t comment on this style of entertainment. My husband likes to play blackjack and, although the casino is small – with only 2 blackjack tables – he found a game whenever he wanted. Our cruise was probably a little different in that the World Cup was still in the qualifying stages so we spent some time on some evenings watching games in the casino bar – a great atmosphere with a multi-national crowd onboard.

On a 7-night cruise we saw 3 shows with the excellent singers and dancers – less dancers and in a much smaller venue than RC or X, but no less talented and no less enjoyable. A comedian/magician amused us on a couple of nights (although not sure whether his ironic British sense of humour was lost on some ;) ). But - and this is where Azamara excelled – we had 3 nights, the likes of which we have never experienced on any other cruise. The Azamazing night on the harbourside in Crete, the white party in the bay of Kotor and opera on deck in Venice by the very talented Amanda Polson – were 3 of the best evenings’ entertainment I’ve experienced on a cruise.

Loyalty benefits: As D+/Elite members we automatically gained Discoverer level. On a short cruise I would say the only real benefit is the very generous internet minutes. There were no special parties which I believe take place on longer cruises, laundry wasn’t that much of a perk when travelling for one week. We did participate in each of the tours (Engine room, Galley and Bridge). It was interesting to see the control room (not actually engine room) and one of the highlights was the bridge tour. Having done this on several other ships, we have never been given the tour by the captain himself but Captain Jose gave up an hour of his time and entertained us with a very informative and amusing tour.

In summary: I make no secret of the fact that we’re Azamara converts – the definite feel of a ‘step-up’ from Celebrity, the longer days in port, the ability to visit places larger ships can’t get to, the general feeling of being made to feel special but…..but….. oh the pricing! We booked this cruise at a very competitive – discounted – price. We wouldn’t hesitate to sail with Azamara again and on my return I just took a look at pricing for next year. We have an 11 night cruise booked on Reflection in September next year – drinks package included (and I believe the X drinks package is superior to the included drinks on Azamara). A very similar itinerary (10 nights) on Azamara will cost us almost double the price we’re paying for Reflection.

I truly loved Azamara and would love to sail with them again (no, I WILL sail with them again) but I love to spend as many days cruising as I can - and I’m afraid 2 cruises with RC or X would have to win over 1 cruise with Azamara, despite the enhanced experience onboard. Still, never say never – and I’ll eagerly be watching out for those offers next year.

Thanks for the report. We are doing a similar test cruise on Crystal in 2016.

We too were on this cruise and agree with all you have said. It is our third cruise with Azamara so we are already converts. Keep an eye open for offers as we are back on board Quest next month in an ocean view at less than £80 per night, cruise only, but the offers on that one have now gone! Can I ask where you sign up for the galley, engine room and bridge tours as I missed those but hope to catch them next time.

Rob

Thanks for taking the time to do such a comprehensive review. It's nice to see Azamara through fresh eyes.

Can I ask where you sign up for the galley, engine room and bridge tours as I missed those but hope to catch them next time.

 

Rob

These were offered to us via the letter we received as Discoverer level members of the Loyalty Scheme. However, there were also people on the tours who were first-time cruisers, so they are not just open to Discoverer level. Perhaps more experienced Az cruisers may be able to answer.

These were offered to us via the letter we received as Discoverer level members of the Loyalty Scheme. However, there were also people on the tours who were first-time cruisers, so they are not just open to Discoverer level. Perhaps more experienced Az cruisers may be able to answer.

Go to Guest Relations on deck 4 and ask. These tours are generally not advertised.

What a fantastic review! We are first time Azamara cruisers, sailing 27 July on Quest. This will be our 23rd cruise and I can't wait to see how Azamara compares. Thank you. :)

So glad you enjoyed your first Azamara cruise. We think Quest is fabulous.

Agree that some of the pricing is ridiculous but there are good deals to be had from time to time. They don't hang around for long though. They are snapped up by those of us who love this cruise line

Wonderful that you enjoyed the Azamara experience, and you certainly did your homework prior to the cruise. This really added to the value of your review.

Interesting that ACC paid the high fee for showing the World Cup. Not all cruise lines made that commitment.

Bobal,

I enjoyed your review and your open minded point of view. We took our very first cruise in 2012 and it just happened to be on ACC, after receiving an E-mail from our TA....actually had a two week Caribbean vacation booked just a few weeks from our return from the cruise. But....when I saw the itinerary and pricing, I showed it to DH, because of the ports and we knew we could not turn it down.

I remember people warning me...."you've booked your first cruise with the best and nothing will compare to your experience".

Our second cruise we did X, Silhouette and I echo many things you said about ACC. Our X cruise was not bad, but your comparisons are spot on, in my opinion.

Last Sept., we had just returned from X's cruise and again...had an E-mail from ACC about the double upgrade and Choice Air credit. After convincing DH, we grabbed it and I'm so glad we did. I can't wait to return to the Journey and very happy Captain Johannes will once again be our Captain. :D

Thank you for taking time to write your review.

We will be on our third Azamara cruise at Christmas/New Year's. So, thanks for posting. :)

I'm so glad my report helped pave the way for your wonderful Azamara experience! I really enjoyed reading yours. I see the same thing happened to you as it did us: those theme buffet nights (Turkish in particular) stole us away from the dining room several nights! And we're not "buffet" people either. Thanks for telling us about the behind-the-scene tours you went on. I had no idea. I have enjoyed similar tours on RCI and X though so I'll be sure to ask about it when we're on the Journey in September.

We're having a hard time, too, with the full price Azamara fares (still paying tuition for two kids ;)) so I keep an eagle eye out for any good promos and/or price drops. I check the website regularly and a few online travel agency sites as well. Like you, I DO plan on more Azamara. We had a marvelous time on the Quest--we love Captain Jose--and that's where we want to be!

Thanks for the info. I will be trying Guest Relations once we get on board to see what they can do for us.

Rob

Thank you for a very fair review Bobal - we feel the same and we'd be happy to sail again on Azamara but when a cruise on Azamara costs double than that on Celebrity then we have to draw the line and that's why it looks like we'll be cruising on Celebrity next year but we will keep an open mind to any price drops and offers! :)

Thanks so much for your review.

A lovely review

I could not agree more with what you say about Aquaclass vs Azamara, there is no comparison. I am only in the shower a short time so am more interested in the other space especially storage

The food is as you say in a different league. I am currently on Quest. Last night we were served local seafood at the white nights cooked a la minute. That's the sort of memorable event that mass brands like X do not do. I suspect if you are comparing basic food products they are similar but the minute you talk about the additions, the buffets, breakfast juices and fruits there is no comparison.

Our next trip is on X Aquaclass New England. Only X because Azamara does not offer that trip. Interestingly the per day cost for Aquaclass on that trip is more than our per day rate for this Azamara in a balcony. Our current cruise was not a last minute purchase or at a special rate

So Bobal has the comparisons spot on, thank you for such a balanced review

If I had been going to write feedback on my first Azamara cruise this is the review I would have written.

Very accurate and true.

We just returned from this cruise as the back end of a B2B. We are converts from Oceania and booked another cruise for 2016. We will continue to sail with Oceania based on itinerary and price points but we really loved the atmosphere, service and going the extra mile on Azamara.

Thanks for the review.

Now I am looking even more forward to my next cruise - It might be the only Azamara cruise, I can afford, so I really will enjoy it as much as possible.

Wow! Great review. Thanks for getting all of us Azamara newbies excited about the product. As I've said on here before, my partner is sold on Celebrity. I, however, am itinerary-driven (and I book our trips =), so Azamara has great appeal to me. He rolled his eyes when he saw Azamara is a small ship, but there are so many benefits offered that surpass what Celebrity (which I also love) offers on its cruises. After I made my payment for our upcoming cruise, I started having buyer's remorse, but the more I hear in reviews like this one, the more I think I made a good choice.

Now if only we could get X Captain's Club points for sailing on AZ...... =)

Michael

Now if only we could get X Captain's Club points for sailing on AZ...... =)

 

 

 

Michael

You do!

Glad you had such a great time on Quest as your first foray on Azamara and your thoughts mirror mine too.

I've just spent 26 nights on Journey using one of those showers and lived to tell the tale! :) Those bathrooms are really just fine for me. Small, but perfectly formed. New carpets in the stateroom and replacement TVs would work wonders, but the rest of the cabin is just fine as far as I am concerned.

The sticker prices of the cruises are high, but you can find some better priced ones out of season and the re-positioning or keeping an eye out. I do a mixture. Sometimes I splash out and sometimes I get an absolute bargain to redress the balance. Love Azamara though. Last few cruises more often than not we had the best docking place in town. A huge plus.

Phil

You do!

Are you sure?? I was told by some Cruise Critic people on my last cruise that we won't. Hmmmm....that would be great if it's the case!

Michael

RECIPROCAL REWARDS WITH THE ROYAL CARIBBEAN FAMILY

Azamara Club Cruises offers Le Club Voyage members reciprocal reward benefits in the Captain's Club loyalty program on Celebrity Cruises and the Crown & Anchor Club on Royal Caribbean International. See Terms and Conditions for details.

Thank you for your review. It is nice to read a review that is detailed and informative. I am a newbie to Azamara from HAL and your review makes me not feel so bad about cheating on HAL. :D