Post Journey Answers here:

Hello to all future (and now past) Journey cruisers.

As many of you know, those of us awaiting upcoming cruises on the Journey have heard reports, rumors and other reliable or unreliable sources say what they know or thought they knew about the Journey. Over the past few weeks, future Journey crusiers have gathered together questions that we would like to have answered by those getting off of the early cruises. These questions were posted on the "old" celebrity" board . Below are the questions.

I would like to ask those posting to only post from first hand experience - not second hand accounts from what they read, what they were told by a travel agent or heard from their brother-in-law's next door neighbor who saw the ship pull into Bayonne.

To those of you getting off the first couple of sailings and can contribute one or more answers to our questions, we thank you greatly...

Cruising and the ship in general:

1. How smooth were the embarkation & debarkation processes?

2. Does the Journey handle well in the Atlantic?

3. Is there anything special about coming in to port in either Hamilton or St George? Is it worth setting an alarm to get up early in the morning to see coming into port?

4. Are we docked in close to downtown Bermuda? (Hey, someone asked the question...I just put it on the list )

5. How does quality of service compare with M-class ships? Crew/staff attitude and expertise?

6. Are any of the crew from the original crew or are they all new? Names of Captain's Club host/hostess, future Sales Director, CD, etc.

7. Number/type of onboard shops

8. Does the ship feel as though it just had a multi million dollar retrofit? What were the 3 most impressive things about the Journey compared with other cruise ship that you have been on?

9. What 3 things would you do differently if returning on the Journey

Food and Drink

10. Was there a Captain's cocktail reception? Which night? How formal was it?

11. I assume there are no formal nights, like on Oceania. Am I correct in this?

12. Dining Room: Organization of open seating in dining room - crowded times, can you request a specific waiter or time for entire cruise?

13. Tipping experience for waiters- do you tip the waiters if you don't have the same one each night?

14. How is country club casual interpreted? How did folks dress for dinner?

15. How easy is it to make "friends" if you are not sitting with the same folks each night?

16. What are the menus for each night (so people can choose the right nights to try the alternative restaurants) Do they serve lobster one night?

17. The specialty restaurants:

a. How would you rate experience (cost, food, service)? Sample menus? What will be the price points and or upgraded choices?

b. any half-price nights? How easy or difficult is it to get reservations, and can Captain Club members make them in advance?

c. What are the best nights to go to the specialty restaurant on a 7 day Bermuda cruise

18. Where is the equivalent of the Martini Bar?

19. Cost of drinks onboard

20. I am curious to know if they are going to allow smoking in Michaels Club

Cabins

21. Did the verandah cabins feel roomy? What was storage space like? Can the partitions between balconies of adjoining stateroom be opened? What kind of furniture do they have on the verandas?

22. For the forward Royal Suites and SV cabins - Is the balcony very windy when the ship is actually sailing?

23. For the aft Penthouse Suites and SV cabins on Deck 8 - Can you hear noise from the restaurant above?

24. Comfort of the bedding

25. Since everyone has butler service, is it anything special? If you didn't use the butler is the tipping still expected? Do you tip both the room stewart and the butler? How does the butler service in a suite compare to that in an M or C class suite? We often stay at sandals resorts with fantastic butler service, can anyone compare land to ship butler service?

26. Perks for suite passengers? DVDs in suites? New sky suite, if anyone stays in one, please let us know comments and pics if possible.

27. Is there a self service laundry on board?

28. Is the Journey accessible for wheelchairs?

Entertainment and activities

29. Entertainment? Ballroom Dancing venue? Big Band Night?

30. Is there a disco on board? (oh please say YES!)

31. Aerobics classes in fitness center? fee and no fee?

32. Any Spa experiences? Was there a steam room? Nice Showers? How was the massage?

33. Any yoga classes on board, free or for a fee.

34. Was there a craps table in the casino and, if yes, what are the minimums and odds?

35. Just read on the Quest post that the library will only be a bar at night and still used as the library during the day. Is smoking allowed in that room then? If so, did it reek with smoke during the day?

36. What kind of activities do they have on sea days? What are some activities, places on the ship not to miss?

37. Kids program. Do they have one? Is there any kids designated lounge or activity area? (Counterpoint – Are kids annoying in this cruise?)

38. Swimming pool hours? Are there enough chairs by the pool for everyone? How was the pool area during the day as far as stupid intrusions go, i.e. daft games!!! Hopefully they leave folks in peace apart from...do they still do a sorbet parade?

39. Is the pool / whirlpool accessible for physically challenged individuals?

40. How were the shore excursions?

41. Any and all information about the golf program for Bermuda on board?.

Some of the answers can be found here

http://www.azamaracruises.com/07/azamara/about-azamara/faqs.htm

13) Tipping is auto tip added to your S&S card

Smoking only 2 areas 1 on the pool deck & one area in the Looking Glass Lounge

I'm leaving for Bayonne in 1/2 hour, so I'll print this version of the questions to make sure I've got your most current list. Kind of cool to be the first on a brand-new cruiseline!

LHT28

We have seen the website, but there are a lot of questions as to whether all of what is written about the Journey will apply to the first cruise season to Bermuda. That is why we are asking for first hand accounts from the folks on the first couple of sailings to provide the answers.

3. Is there anything special about coming in to port in either Hamilton or St George? Is it worth setting an alarm to get up early in the morning to see coming into port?

4. Are we docked in close to downtown Bermuda? (Hey, someone asked the question...I just put it on the list ) board?.

Coming into the bay you will pass King Wharf on the right (starboard) side. You may see another cruise ship docked.

When docked in Hamilton you cannot be any closer to downtown. As you get off the ship and walk througfh the terminal you will be standing on Front Street which is downtown.

In St. George it is about a 1 to 3 minute walk to downtown, depending ay which pier the ship docks at, although the whole town is about 2-blocks wide and four blocks long.

Every day at 12-noon they have a dunking in the centers square area. If you get a chance you will enjoy it and its free.

Getting into St George is worth getting up for, the channel is so small you can "almost" touch the trees on each side. Beware; if it is too windy the ship may not go into St Georges but stay in Hamilton

I don't have much time at the moment, and I'm afraid I can't answer the comparison questions, this being my first cruise -- but let me try a few for you while I can. Reporting live from Hamilton...

Cruising and the ship in general:

1. How smooth were the embarkation & debarkation processes? Pretty smooth, but it's hard to tell since we all checked in the day before. On Sunday, when we actually departed, it was very smooth.

2. Does the Journey handle well in the Atlantic? Well, we didn't sink. I heard several more experienced cruisers say it was difficult.

3. Is there anything special about coming in to port in either Hamilton or St George? Is it worth setting an alarm to get up early in the morning to see coming into port? Unfortunately, we weren't able to visit St. George due to the condensed cruise. We arrived at Hamilton at 9 this morning, so I thought it was worth seeing. There are some islands pretty close on either side.

4. Are we docked in close to downtown Bermuda? (Hey, someone asked the question...I just put it on the list ) Yes, at passenger terminal 6, right in the middle of everything.

5. How does quality of service compare with M-class ships? Crew/staff attitude and expertise?

6. Are any of the crew from the original crew or are they all new? Names of Captain's Club host/hostess, future Sales Director, CD, etc.

7. Number/type of onboard shops I believe there are 3. One right at the entrance on deck 4 (selling jewelry from the Sarah Ferguson collection, e.g.), and two on deck 5, "The Journey Shop" and "Indulgences"

8. Does the ship feel as though it just had a multi million dollar retrofit? What were the 3 most impressive things about the Journey compared with other cruise ship that you have been on? Yes, it does feel like it has had a large retrofit - though one that is still in progress, including the carpeting which has been replaced in most staterooms, but not all the public areas. The upholstery and new carpets look great, though. The bedding seems upgraded and is especially comfortable.

9. What 3 things would you do differently if returning on the Journey

Food and Drink

10. Was there a Captain's cocktail reception? Which night? How formal was it?

11. I assume there are no formal nights, like on Oceania. Am I correct in this? Yes. Here are the rules from the day's program: "Azamara Journey's ambiance is always elegant casual; there aren't any formal nights. However, please note that jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, swimsuits, robes and bare feet are not permitted in restaurants and indoor bars at any time."

12. Dining Room: Organization of open seating in dining room - crowded times, can you request a specific waiter or time for entire cruise? I only visited the dining room once. It was pretty crowded at 7:30 PM our first night. But there was some restaurant confusion and people were just getting the hang of things, so I'll be able to give you a better idea on the next post.

13. Tipping experience for waiters- do you tip the waiters if you don't have the same one each night? They will automatically add a gratuity for all service staff to your account, at the rate of $12.80/person/day.

14. How is country club casual interpreted? How did folks dress for dinner? See above. Most people seem to be adhering to the rules; several are still dressing formally.

15. How easy is it to make "friends" if you are not sitting with the same folks each night?

16. What are the menus for each night (so people can choose the right nights to try the alternative restaurants) Do they serve lobster one night?

17. The specialty restaurants:

a. How would you rate experience (cost, food, service)? Sample menus? What will be the price points and or upgraded choices?

b. any half-price nights? How easy or difficult is it to get reservations, and can Captain Club members make them in advance?

c. What are the best nights to go to the specialty restaurant on a 7 day Bermuda cruise

18. Where is the equivalent of the Martini Bar? It is still the Martini Bar, and it is located at Deck 5, next to Discoveries Restaurant (the main dining room)

19. Cost of drinks onboard

20. I am curious to know if they are going to allow smoking in Michaels Club. No, "Azamara Journey has two designated smoking areas. They are located in the aft section of the Looking Glass Lounge, port side, and on the starboard section of the Pool Deck." From what I can tell, people are complying with the rules.

Sorry that's all I can do now, but I hope it at least gives you all a glimpse! I may not be able to post pictures until I'm back, but will try to do so Saturday.

I don't have much time at the moment, and I'm afraid I can't answer the comparison questions, this being my first cruise -- but let me try a few for you while I can. Reporting live from Hamilton...

 

Cruising and the ship in general:

1. How smooth were the embarkation & debarkation processes? Pretty smooth, but it's hard to tell since we all checked in the day before. On Sunday, when we actually departed, it was very smooth.

2. Does the Journey handle well in the Atlantic? Well, we didn't sink. I heard several more experienced cruisers say it was difficult.

3. Is there anything special about coming in to port in either Hamilton or St George? Is it worth setting an alarm to get up early in the morning to see coming into port? Unfortunately, we weren't able to visit St. George due to the condensed cruise. We arrived at Hamilton at 9 this morning, so I thought it was worth seeing. There are some islands pretty close on either side.

4. Are we docked in close to downtown Bermuda? (Hey, someone asked the question...I just put it on the list ) Yes, at passenger terminal 6, right in the middle of everything.

5. How does quality of service compare with M-class ships? Crew/staff attitude and expertise?

6. Are any of the crew from the original crew or are they all new? Names of Captain's Club host/hostess, future Sales Director, CD, etc.

7. Number/type of onboard shops I believe there are 3. One right at the entrance on deck 4 (selling jewelry from the Sarah Ferguson collection, e.g.), and two on deck 5, "The Journey Shop" and "Indulgences"

8. Does the ship feel as though it just had a multi million dollar retrofit? What were the 3 most impressive things about the Journey compared with other cruise ship that you have been on? Yes, it does feel like it has had a large retrofit - though one that is still in progress, including the carpeting which has been replaced in most staterooms, but not all the public areas. The upholstery and new carpets look great, though. The bedding seems upgraded and is especially comfortable.

9. What 3 things would you do differently if returning on the Journey

 

Food and Drink

10. Was there a Captain's cocktail reception? Which night? How formal was it?

11. I assume there are no formal nights, like on Oceania. Am I correct in this? Yes. Here are the rules from the day's program: "Azamara Journey's ambiance is always elegant casual; there aren't any formal nights. However, please note that jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, swimsuits, robes and bare feet are not permitted in restaurants and indoor bars at any time."

12. Dining Room: Organization of open seating in dining room - crowded times, can you request a specific waiter or time for entire cruise? I only visited the dining room once. It was pretty crowded at 7:30 PM our first night. But there was some restaurant confusion and people were just getting the hang of things, so I'll be able to give you a better idea on the next post.

13. Tipping experience for waiters- do you tip the waiters if you don't have the same one each night? They will automatically add a gratuity for all service staff to your account, at the rate of $12.80/person/day.

14. How is country club casual interpreted? How did folks dress for dinner? See above. Most people seem to be adhering to the rules; several are still dressing formally.

15. How easy is it to make "friends" if you are not sitting with the same folks each night?

16. What are the menus for each night (so people can choose the right nights to try the alternative restaurants) Do they serve lobster one night?

17. The specialty restaurants:

a. How would you rate experience (cost, food, service)? Sample menus? What will be the price points and or upgraded choices?

b. any half-price nights? How easy or difficult is it to get reservations, and can Captain Club members make them in advance?

c. What are the best nights to go to the specialty restaurant on a 7 day Bermuda cruise

18. Where is the equivalent of the Martini Bar? It is still the Martini Bar, and it is located at Deck 5, next to Discoveries Restaurant (the main dining room)

19. Cost of drinks onboard

20. I am curious to know if they are going to allow smoking in Michaels Club. No, "Azamara Journey has two designated smoking areas. They are located in the aft section of the Looking Glass Lounge, port side, and on the starboard section of the Pool Deck." From what I can tell, people are complying with the rules.

 

Sorry that's all I can do now, but I hope it at least gives you all a glimpse! I may not be able to post pictures until I'm back, but will try to do so Saturday.

EPH thank you so very much! this is more than generous! Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip! can't wait for your review! Thanks again and happy cruising!

13. Tipping experience for waiters- do you tip the waiters if you don't have the same one each night? They will automatically add a gratuity for all service staff to your account, at the rate of $12.80/person/day.

When you get a chance, can you confirm this? The FAQ on the Azamara web site states $12.25 pp/pd.

I want to make sure the tip calculator is correct!

Thanks!

Theron

THANK YOU FOR YOUR POST SO FAR. HOPING YOUR CRUISE IS FUN AND EVERYTHING GOES SMOOTHLY.

MY DH AND I ARE GOING ON THE JOURNEY TO BERMUDA ON 6/16/07, SO ALL THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE IS VERY APPRECIATED BY US!

HOPING THE SHIP IS ALL IT'S SAID TO BE. ONE LAST NOTE, WILL THE BUTLER MASSAGE MY FEET?:)

MELINDA

"SEASONED LIKE A PRIME RIB - LOTS OF CRUISES TAKEN, TOO MANY TO LIST"

Do they have Afternoon tea?

thanks EPH...enjoy yourself and keep em coming!

Thanks EPH for taking the time to do this! I'm curious if the 'no jeans anytime' is just at night or daytime too?

on Oceania it was just no jeans at night.

Wonder where the answers are to the long list of questions for which this thread was started? No Internet cafes or Internet access onboard? Or so busy having fun, no time to post? Heard the weather has not been good in Bermuda this week, so....should be some loss of beach time to share with us. Pleeeeze!

another quick reply, as I'm heading out to enjoy the last day in port...

Craps - I'm not sure what craps at sea is supposed to be like, but there is no real table in the casino. However, there is a table with screens that might appear to be an electronic version, if that makes sense to you. The casino is closed while we are in port, so I'll try to pay attention on the way home.

Jeans - I've gotten away with them during the day; I haven't even tried at night. I'll pay closer attention these next two days. Dress code is really running the gamut. Fortunately, people seem to be looking fairly nice at night.

Specialty Restaurants - my party had a wonderful dinner last night at Prime C, so I'd recommend it. Be sure to make reservations as soon as you get on the ship; it booked up early and many people were disappointed not to get it. It's fairly small, but that made for a great dining experience. I'd definitely recommend doing it during a port night, as I heard several tales about people not enjoying it due to rough seas.

Tipping - yes, it's $12.25. I was getting the wrong info.

General - the crew is trying extra-hard to make this a great experience for everyone. Their quarters are still being improved as well, so they are all doing double-duty with some pretty difficult passengers. Our TV just got working last night, but then stopped again. We got our Guest Services Directory yesterday, so things are coming together. Hopefully we've worked out the kinks for the rest of you, and everyone's trying to make the best of it!

Sorry I can't do more at the moment...

I wondered about the Journey doing Bermuda. Oceania Regatta was a great ship but it moved ALOT- even if fairly calm water. I especially felt the movement or use of the stabiliers at night in the specialty restaurants. In fact, I really didn't like sitting at the very back of the specialty restaurants because of the movement. I made me not want to eat.

None of us got seasick (queasy) but it was hard to manuever around the ship at night because of the movement.

I do not recommend Journey to anyone with limited mobility. It isn't an easy ship to walk around while in motion.

I wondered about the Journey doing Bermuda. Oceania Regatta was a great ship but it moved ALOT- even if fairly calm water.

We didn't have a problem with Regatta only when the seas were a bit rough....the motion doesn't bother us.

If you have a problem with motion sickness I would advise either to take medication, patches etc...or do not go on the small ships.

It can all depend on the waves, how high, how far apart, what angle they are hit the ship etc....

We had friends on a 70,000 ton ship going to Bermuda and the wife spent all day clinging to the bed ...so you never know

I wondered about the Journey doing Bermuda. Oceania Regatta was a great ship but it moved ALOT- even if fairly calm water. I especially felt the movement or use of the stabiliers at night in the specialty restaurants. In fact, I really didn't like sitting at the very back of the specialty restaurants because of the movement. I made me not want to eat.

None of us got seasick (queasy) but it was hard to manuever around the ship at night because of the movement.

 

I do not recommend Journey to anyone with limited mobility. It isn't an easy ship to walk around while in motion.

You must have been on a cruise with nasty seas for any type of ship. We have been on three cruises on Oceania - all in aft cabins below the far end of the specialty restaurants. Not once did we feel any undue movement and actually thought it handled some of the rougher seas much better than some of the larger ships we have been on.

We were not in rough water. At night, it was especially noticeable because they tend to go faster. But it was noticeable anytime we were at sea. I could not, for example, change out of my wet bathingsuit in the locker room at the front of the ship without having to hold on to something. The pool at the bow of the ship was completely useless. The wind nearly blew you away and then the water sloshed around.

At any rate, I loved the cruise. None of us got seasick and the motion was just noticeable. I don't think I would like to be on the ship in the Atlantic of Pacific. This was just my experience and I have been many ships now.

The Disney Wonder and the Radiance of the Seas were the smoothest vessels I've sailed. They aren't my favorite ones but they were the smoothest.

When we are on Ren, they had one table that served for Craps, Roulette, etc. they would only run one game at a time, depending on what the casino crowd wanted. The table was multi-gaming. With a few quick changes, it could go from craps to roulette to cards. Happy Sailing!

Thank you for taking the time to post what you have. I'll take any info I can get on the line and the ship as I am trying to decide whether to book or not on the 'new' line vs. staying with what I know.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise. I can't wait to see your pictures when you're back.

Here are some initial pictures - hopefully you can all check them out via the link below. I've put 23 to get you started, but will try to post more to this same album later.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=dcrqh0c.k51y4e4&x=0&y=-9cirds

(Just click the "View Slideshow" button; you don't need to log in.)

While we were admittedly off to an unauspicious start, I feel that Celebrity/Azamara worked to make the most of it. The crew was fantastic. I still had a great time and would sail with Azamara again. More soon...

Journey looks beautiful!

Eph,

Thanks so much for the pictures and for taking the time to report in. Hope some of your cruisemates join you in sharing their experiences but we're thrilled to hear from you.

Journey was indeed a beautiful ship, and I'm pleased to report that the return voyage was very smooth. We all experienced a little bit of everything! OK, off to lunch...