Hello from the Journey

We boarded the Journey on Saturday 7/28 in Edinburgh. This is our second cruise with Azamara, and our first time on Journey. Here are a few impressions of our trip so far. The ports have all been fantastic, but I’ll concentrate on the ship here.

Travel to the ship – We used ChoiceAir from Atlanta, and our main reason for using them was the cruise credit offered. We arrived as scheduled, but others had plane delays from the US that caused them to arrive after the ship had left. Because they used ChoiceAir, Azamara put them on a bus to meet the ship the next morning. Knowing that this type of service is provided when there are travel issues makes us more likely to use ChoiceAir again. I do have to mention that although we were only in Edinburgh for a short time before boarding, the local people we encountered were extremely friendly – from the immigration officers to our taxi driver, who gave us a narrated tour from the airport to the ship. We’ll definitely want to visit here in the future.

Cabin – This time we are in a veranda (V1) and last time were in a Suite (N2). Before the trip, we were curious about the difference in space and service that would be provided, but we would not hesitate to stay in a veranda again. Our stateroom attendant (Dustin) is among the best we’ve ever encountered. Yes, the shower is small, but it’s not a big deal. For those who follow the “About Rose” debate, although the name doesn’t appeal to us, there is no rose scent, and the shampoo, shower gel and air freshener are fine. I can’t report on the conditioner or body lotion.

Food – Last time, we ate in Aqualina or Prime C each night, since they were included with our Suite. This time we have eaten in both of them again and also Windows and Discoveries. Food in all of them has been fantastic. We have also had breakfast from room service some days and in Windows on others. Both options have been good. Don’t miss the Smoothie Bar in Windows! Mosaic Café has also been great for a beverage before dinner.

Cruise Critic Meet and Greet – This was well attended, and many officers were there. We were surprised to see Larry Pimentel there, and he spoke to the group for a few minutes.

Captain – We are lucky to have Johannes Tysse as captain again this cruise. He is highly visible, as usual, with his great sense of humor. We were lucky enough to have him join our table at dinner in Windows one evening.

Hotel Director – We are getting to experience Heike Berdos this cruise. All the wonderful things we have heard, and more, are true. She seems to be everywhere on the ship, from visiting passengers during dinner to handing out water as we leave the ship in port. We had one problem during a meal, which I won’t detail, because all is well now. However, within ten minutes of leaving the restaurant, she had heard of the problem and tracked us down elsewhere on the ship to apologize. She truly cares about the passengers, and it’s apparent that problems on the ship are not hidden, but shared with the officers. The service truly is outstanding.

Future Cruise Presentation – Claudius Docekal, the new Destination & Deployment Specialist, is also on board, and spoke at the end of the presentation. His knowledge is impressive, and I think is a great fit for the job. Later in the cruise, he will be speaking about 2014 itineraries.

Fitness Center – Last cruise we did not use the center, but having most of the day at sea today, went for the first time. All of the equipment seems to be in good working order, and there was a good variety of equipment for a small ship. Bottled water and towels are also provided.

Ship Tours – Today we were able to take a tour of the Bridge. It was very interesting, and staff there were very happy to explain the various equipment used there.

The Bad – Internet service. We haven’t used internet service on prior cruises, but have done so this time, since time is included for past passengers. Like most cruise ships, service has been very slow, and has been down completely each time we’ve tried to access in the last day. If you are reading this, service has been restored!

We are currently in Dublin and are looking forward to a second great evening on shore tonight.

Doug

Great review so far thanks for sharing and get it coming! Our first cruise was on the Journey and we loved it.

Hotel Director – We are getting to experience Heike Berdos this cruise. All the wonderful things we have heard, and more, are true. She seems to be everywhere on the ship, from visiting passengers during dinner to handing out water as we leave the ship in port. We had one problem during a meal, which I won’t detail, because all is well now. However, within ten minutes of leaving the restaurant, she had heard of the problem and tracked us down elsewhere on the ship to apologize. She truly cares about the passengers, and it’s apparent that problems on the ship are not hidden, but shared with the officers. The service truly is outstanding.

Heike is a treasure. She is charming, energetic, and knows how to make things happen. When a new group of passengers board, people who has sailed with her before want to give her a hug, because they feel so happy to see her again. After six or seven cruises with her, it feels like coming home when we see her. For my husband and me, Heike is the face and heart of Azamara.

So glad you made is safely and that our city sent its best ambassadors out to look after you!. We did wave to you as you pulled out of the lock at Leith, we were very very soggy though!

Not to defend the ships IT but the internet is really not the greatest in Kirkwall and Portree so glad you have it restored now

You have a great team on board and we look forward to seeing many of them in October. Heike cares so much about her guests - does she ever sleep - and her eyes and ears are everywhere. Captain Johannes is also a star

I am really excited as to what the 2014 itineraries might offer

Enjoyed your review and read with interest about the plane delays from US as bbamacruiser (mark & melinda) from Alabama also on this cruise might have been affected. If you should meet up with them, tell them we send our best wishes and continued safe journey. Jan & Frank/TX

Hey Doug, thanks for checking in. Glad to hear your cruise is going well and keep enjoying!

Phil

Thank you for taking the time to post. I'm trying to read everything I can about the Journey. Enjoy the rest of your trip. As far as the Internet, I only plan on using it to print up our departure boarding passes for the airlines.

I'm so looking forward to this cruise and the ports we will be visiting. :) :)

Hi Doug,

Thanks for reporting from the ship. Nice to hear that you are sailing with Captain Johannes, Heike, and Claudius on your voyage. IMO, they are amongst the very best at Azamara. It's a huge bonus to have Larry Pimentel onboard too !

Also, thanks for sharing the experiences from the Guests who used Choice Air. Always reassuring to hear this.

Glad to hear you are having a great time, and we look forward to your updates.

have met and talked with Claudius and his wife. .counting down to buying 2014..

tell him Robin from thr Britianna dinner says hi.. wish iwas on board to meet Larry. lucky you.

Heike is the best! We were on the Journey at the end of May sailing the same British Isles. We thought the ports were great and had good weather although a bit cool. The ship was good but I really look forward to seeing it after the refit. After cruising so many times that I have lost count, I can state that the staff on the Journey is one of the best in the industry. And, I would give Heike five stars as being the best of the best. I thought she was taking time off after our cruise so maybe she is just getting back... Or I have her dates confused. Please tell her hello from Michael and Nancy Yoffe.

i just forward to Julianna the second Hieke review. last one made her day!! I miss her and the A team.. like where is my room cleaner and butler now.. laundry to get put away.. nevr ends.. wel, in Jan i wil lbe on the Quest having my room and laundry done and i can enjoy floating around S America for weeks.

Robin

So glad you made is safely and that our city sent its best ambassadors out to look after you!. We did wave to you as you pulled out of the lock at Leith, we were very very soggy though!

 

Not to defend the ships IT but the internet is really not the greatest in Kirkwall and Portree so glad you have it restored now

 

You have a great team on board and we look forward to seeing many of them in October. Heike cares so much about her guests - does she ever sleep - and her eyes and ears are everywhere. Captain Johannes is also a star

 

I am really excited as to what the 2014 itineraries might offer

We missed you as we left Leith! We just left the ship a couple of hours ago. What a great trip!

Doug

have met and talked with Claudius and his wife. .counting down to buying 2014..

tell him Robin from thr Britianna dinner says hi.. wish iwas on board to meet Larry. lucky you.

We ran into Claudius and his wife many times during the cruise. They really are great, and he is a true asset to Azamara with fantastic knowledge!

Doug

We ran into Claudius and his wife many times during the cruise. They really are great, and he is a true asset to Azamara with fantastic knowledge!

 

Doug

they are nice people. glad i had a chance to meet them.

Our last two cruises were on the Journey. Heike is the main reason things run so smoothly. Next three cruise on Celebrity S Class. I know I will miss the small ship and great ambieance of Azamara. Heather

Our last two cruises were on the Journey. Heike is the main reason things run so smoothly. Next three cruise on Celebrity S Class. I know I will miss the small ship and great ambieance of Azamara. Heather

Hi Maggie,

Totally agree on Heike. We've had the pleasure of knowing Heike for many years, dating back to her time with Celebrity. She's an incredible asset to Azamara, and we hope to sail with her again in the future.

We ran into Claudius and his wife many times during the cruise. They really are great, and he is a true asset to Azamara with fantastic knowledge!

 

Doug

Hi Everyone,

Claudius Docekal is one of the most fascinating individuals I've ever met, with an incredible knowledge of Worldwide Destinations. I could listen to him talk for hours at a time. I refer to Claudius as the "Human Encyclopedia of Destinations" :). Azamara is fortunate to have him, as their Destination Guru.

If you would like to learn more about Claudius, here's a link to his Destination videos : http://www.youtube.com/user/azamaravoyages?feature=results_main

Hi Everyone,

 

Claudius Docekal is one of the most fascinating individuals I've ever met, with an incredible knowledge of Worldwide Destinations. I could listen to him talk for hours at a time. I refer to Claudius as the "Human Encyclopedia of Destinations" :). Azamara is fortunate to have him, as their Destination Guru.

 

If you would like to learn more about Claudius, here's a link to his Destination videos : http://www.youtube.com/user/azamaravoyages?feature=results_main

Hello TerryAndDoug -

I'll be sure to pass on your and Andy's very positive feedback to Claudius Docekal, Azamara's itinerary planner and thank you doing so!

I was so pleased that you and others could see for yourselves that we "walk the talk" when we state on the "forum" our commitment to listen to your itinerary suggestions. Further, Claudius also met with the officers, shipboard management and some staff as well as our port agents and ground operators to gain their input and perspective, especially with respect to destination-immersion - longer stays, more overnights, night touring.

The itinerary planner position is tasked with assimilating your suggestions along with those from our executive team and global office management and then evaluating the impact of the various scenarios on the total Azamara Experience which is a function of the variables of tides, speeds and distances. In turn, the recommendations are then evaluated by our revenue maximization management staff to determine a forecast of their likely revenue performance based on past load factors, net per diems, air-lift potential, etc. Simply, our mission" is to exceed our guests' expectations profitably."

Following a tedious review process with port officials and our captains, the itinerary planner then has the formidable responsibility to make the final "recommendation" before seeking executive approval. When it's accepted - it's a "given" and becomes the "frame" upon which the Azamara experience it crafted. It's the starting point.

I hope that you're eyes aren still open after reading my message and that you've found it useful. I thought it might make sense to "punctuate" the point that our deployment is not created in a vacuum and to illustrate that there is a process in place.

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

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Azamara Club Cruises

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