Done Oceania, now doing Azamara: What differences to expect?

Did South America on Nautica (R Class ship, same as Azamara) 2 years ago, sailing on Journey this summer in the Baltics. Obviously the ports are different, but what will I notice different about:

The ship

The dining

The onboard activities

The onboard entertainment

Anything else to be prepared for?

We loved the Nautica, expect to love Journey as well.

Thanks!

We did one Oceania sail (Nautica) then tried Azamara, and have now done 2 more on Azamara. So you can guess which line we felt "fits us" better.

Ships are nearly physically identical. We found both the crew and some fellow passengers could be a bit stuffy on Oceania. Crew on Azamara just wonderful - Oceania they could have a bit of a "tude". We have made friends on Azamara with several couples that we are now planning future trips with.

Azamara was also friendlier to our pocket book with the included wine and gratuities. I would say that the food on O was possibly a bit more upscale but I actually preferred the Azamara menu. I did miss the sides that were always avail on the O menu tho.

All our sails were Med. itineraries so we had little time for onboard activites or entertainment. I will say that I'd love to sail on one of O's new builds, esp. if it was an enticing intinerary but with A being quite a bit less expensive, it is the winner for me.

We have also sailed on Nautica once but with Azamara 3 times with a 4th booked so you can see we prefer Azamara, the ambience on board is really good, warm & friendly. The officers are very visible and approachable and all staff go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Example on return from a very cold & wet trip in Vietnam the Hotel Director and Food and Beverage Manager were waiting to greet us back on board with brandy laced hot chocolate, for those returning from a very long trip to Hanoi at midnight they had prepared a hot buffet. Service is second to none. Our favourite ship is Quest but that's personal choice, in terms of offerings, food etc they are both the same. Sitting and enjoying a relaxing coffee in Mosaic is a pleasure, the staff will remember what you like. With port intensive itineraries day time activities are what you would expect on a small ship. You won't get big production shows but on our 3 cruises we have had some very good individual performers, violinists, singers etc.

I hope you will love it as much as we do.

After five on Oc. and five on AZ, it's all in "attitude" and service. For example, if a bus breaks down or has no air-conditioning on Oc, "there is nothing they can do". If that happens on AZ, they will work with you to make sure you are happy and know they care. Things happen and when they do, AZ takes care of the problem. They go the extra mile.

So true. When on Oceania the seas were rough due to high winds and Nautica missed 5 ports. Last year on Azamara Journey before we were due to leave Nice on the first day of the cruise Captain Thyssen informed us that bad weather was anticipated in our first 2 ports of call but that they were sorting the problem out and he and Azamara rejigged the itinerary including tours so that we would still call at all the ports on the itinerary just not on the scheduled day. Just another reason why Azamara is our preferred cruise line.

Sailed on Nautica, Regatta , Insignia and Quest. All were outstanding experiences, so choose by ports and price.

To answer your questions:

The Ship

Virtually identical. The Casino is larger on Quest, and there is a large bar on the terrace at the back. Furnishings very similar. I believe Quest gets some updating at the end of this year. All have the same small cabins and bath

rooms.

Dining

High marks to both! Seemed a bit more innovative on Quest, with outdoor events like the White Nights party and Officers Picnic. All have a steakhouse and an Italian speciality restaurant. Quest has a very good casual buffet each night, featuring the cuisine of a different country. In good weather was great to eat out on the terrace. Included wines on Quest were good.

Activities

IMO entertainment was better on Quest. Very well matched to the demographic of the passengers, with some really good soloists.

Service

Excellent on Oceania, and even better on Quest. Service is Quests strong point..outstanding from the most senior officers, to the most junior crewman. You really felt it was happy crew who enjoyed what they do, and this made for a wonderful atmosphere on board. Quest also excellent at the little touches which make you feel special, such as the officers welcoming you back on board at the gangway after a hard days touring.

Comparisons between Oceania and Azamara are given in various parts of this report

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1482473

posting #1 - general

posting #5 - the ship/cabin

posting #6 - the food

positng #9 - the staff/service

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1482473&page=2

posting #27 - discussion

Hope the above helps.

I have sailed on Oceania 4 times and this will be my first Amazara cruise. Friends who have been on Amazara all tell me I will love it. We have sailed on Oceania's new Marina twice and I like the smaller more intimate ships. I can't wait to sail on Amazara's Journey one month from today out of NYC.

Marion

So true. When on Oceania the seas were rough due to high winds and Nautica missed 5 ports. Last year on Azamara Journey before we were due to leave Nice on the first day of the cruise Captain Thyssen informed us that bad weather was anticipated in our first 2 ports of call but that they were sorting the problem out and he and Azamara rejigged the itinerary including tours so that we would still call at all the ports on the itinerary just not on the scheduled day. Just another reason why Azamara is our preferred cruise line.

Could not agree more. First time on Oceania missed 5 ports next time on Az Quest Cpt Carl got us into Mykonos in stormy weather next time on O Nautica missed Mykonos again!!! Agree that crew on Az is more friendly and helpful. AZ wins for me!:)

I have sailed in both. I prefer Azamara because of the service. Otherwise they are quite similar.

I have sailed both Azamara and Oceania and enjoyed both. I think Oceania has the edge for food quality and service, Azamara had a lot of inclusions but then charges for speciality restaraunts which Oceania doesnt. Best to make your own mind up. I will always choose a cruise for the itinerary.

Just got off the Azamara Quest on Monday in Hong Kong so was very sorry to hear of the fire and send my best wishes to injured crew.

We have done several Oceania cruises and loved them.Last month we did our first Azamara Quest cruise.The service was much better on Azamara. The staff were happy.We thought the food was better,more variety.The entertainment was also better.The shore excursions were also great.We are now Azamara fans and are looking forward to many more Azamara cruises.

I just got back from a 21 day cruise on Oceania Regatta, and CAN'T WAIT to get back on Azamara. Oceania has lost it's "edge" as far as I'm concerned.Azamara outshines them in every way, as mentioned by other posters. Even the food on the Regatta wasn't particularly good. Azamara is definately my preferred cruise line.

Sailed Oceania 10 times,and Azamara once.Azamara didn't even compare to Oceania.Food ,Service and overall Cleanliness was much better on Oceania.But I will give Azamara another try due to revamped ships in May of 2012.Sailing back to back Jul and Aug 2012,Black Sea and Greek Isles.Hope I like it. Thanks