pvkatmom

I completely agree with you. We were very excited about the concept of this Asian alternative venue. It seemed like a good fit to bring some exotic dining options into Azamara's (generally good), but homogenous offerings. However, we loved Azamara before without Kibo, so I know we will still love it. As you said, not everyone can be pleased by everything.

 

While I think it's nice that Azamara listens to its guests, I also think that they are creating an environment of entitled whiny guests who stomp their feet and pout at every little change and expect the cruise line to completely alter their agenda to satisfy. There's a difference between good customer service and becoming a total doormat to people's complaining.

 

Now that the whole Kibo issue is over and done with, I'm really excited about seeing the whole portfolio of changes on board. These have been discussed ad nauseam and I can't wait to finally see each venue and stateroom change. These ships are going to be beautiful and the renovations are a main reason that we are looking to stay strictly with Azamara for the foreseeable future. Before the renovations were announced, we were thisclose to switching over to Seabourn's beautiful fleet, but nothing can really compare with the caring onboard atmosphere of Azamara.

Michael

I don't think Azamara is creating an atmosphere of "entitled whiny guests" at all! Cruise lines depend on, and indeed try very hard to cultivate repeat passengers. The repeat, loyal passengers are essential to any cruise line's success. Any business that doesn't listen to what its loyalists are saying does so at its peril. Those on CC were overwhelmingly (90%+) in favor of keeping the Sunset Bar. Azamara would have been foolish to ignore them, and wisely, did not. The Sunset Bar is not my issue, however-- mine is the TUBS-- the reason I book a Club Continent Suite. Bonnie has said there will be some bathtubs. Will wait to hear about this, as I booked a December 2016 sail in a Club Continent Suite awhile back, when we were assured of a tub. So speaking of Seabourn, we did go on a Seabourn cruise (Adriatic Sea) this May 2015-- lovely--separate shower and tub, great food and service and nice crew, also. That said, we love Azamara (as you said, great crew) and hope everything works out for us to continue with that booking, as the itinerary is just fabulous!

Wonderful pictures! My dad was stationed in Panama as a radio technician during WWII when he was 18-19 years old. He was good with electronics and became an electrical engineer after the war, so the Army put him to work repairing and servicing radios and other communication equipment. He naturally wanted to do the Panama Canal transit years later... my mom hates to fly, so it was one of the first of four cruises he took me, my husband and my daughter on-- HAL Maasdam about 20 years ago. We loved it and being with him! He's sadly gone now and I miss him every day, but he got us hooked on cruising! He also took us on Crystal, Silversea and RCL.

Nah, as in "our" Henry is "the" Henry--- not miserable and grumpy at all. Probably the most fun takes place on the crew decks, 1 and 2, as Henry alluded to. Just like on "Titanic" the most fun (the dance ) was on the lower decks, but this isn't the best movie for anyone about to sail to think about. :)

+1 for Henry. A great guy and an asset to Seabourn.

Yes, Henry is a total asset to Seabourn, he was everywhere and such fun and yes, good looking, although "Henry 2" admits to being good-looking, but claims to be miserable and grumpy, must be our Henry.

You just don't like the fact that you're the only person on deck 1 who doesn't speak Filipino. Up on deck 2 we have a great time :)

 

Henry :)

On our Seabourn Odyssey trip, there was a wonderful drinks server named Henry who was British-- such a lively and fun guy! That you, Henry?

Really appreciate the thought you put into this comparison of the three lines.

 

If I can ask a further question: Was there any significant difference in the demographics on each ship?

So appreciate all the time put into the review! Have sailed a number of lines as we are destination oriented, but we loved Azamara and Seabourn. Think Celebrity also has a nice product, we were on the Constellation (I think, without looking it up) a number of years ago, but prefer the smaller size ships offered by Azamara and Seabourn. Not interested in Oceania (unless they come up with the itinerary and deal of the century) given the reviews on CC as heir ships being not very warm and friendly. Can you eat whenever you want on the Celebrity ships these days (assuming you don't have a reservation for a specialty restaurant)? Being not pinned down to a specific dining time is a huge plus for us, in fact, it's become almost a must. Thanks again for a well-thought out and comprehensive review! Happy sailing!

I agree - we escaped our deck but ended up getting caught in another deck's block party! Not my cup of tea!

We were on Odyssey in May-- we loved the block party -- thought it was a great idea-- and for those that don't like it, they can always stay in their cabins, as some apparently do. We chatted with our fellow passengers for about 20 minutes and then needed to scurry off to a reception.

I have been to NOLA by land for a week and by sea on AZ and will again.. you could spend a day at the french Quarter an another on the tram. I did the zoo, a cermentary and both UN before heading back unto the city. Nola's is still good and many others. there is a small NOLA area under ports of call here.

 

also the last S America cruise i was on the falls was only a long day tour. they never overnight there. i did the falls on a land tour. but the best way is an add on before or after cruise.

 

Thanks to you both so much for your comments and suggestions! No, this NOLA trip will strictly be a land tour. The special event is that my 24 year old daughter will be being proposed to by her 28 year old boyfriend. It was his idea to invite the families to attend (he's a family oriented, very sweet guy-- they both went to USC, where they were just friends for years before this romance developed). We're going out Thursday night in early October, so we can see the sights. But, we have to stay "hidden" in NOLA until Sat night and then we're all having a big family dinner at Commodore's Palace after he's asked her. Wheee!!! Both sets of parents and the fiances -to- be live in Southern California. But the groom's parents met at Tulane med school and lived in NOLA for a while when the groom was a baby. Probably too much info, but we sure are excited, as are the groom's parents as we've been friends for 6+ years and have tailgated at the USC (so cal) games together for years. My daughter is going to be so surprised!!!Laissez les bon temps rouler!:) ( And sorry to others for derailing this thread a bit)

I guess you spent the night at that Sheraton that overlooks the falls. You made the correct choice in this case. When we try to squeeze too much in frequently one of the things suffer and we wouldn't be able to stay awake to enjoy it. I found that after 65 I could not "Hoot" with the owls at night and "soar" with the Eagles in the day. The owl has to sleep and the Eagle can't fly as high.

No scapel, we actually just took the ship's Iguazu Falls DAY excursion-- long day since we were up at 3:00am and didn't get back to the ship until 9:00pm or so-- fantastic excursion and well worth the long day as the Falls are definitely one of the world's top 10 natural wonders. While I try to pack in as much as I can (we usually walk around for 5-7 hours in every port on our own or doing some excursion or trip with a private guide), I totally hear you as there was no way we could get back at 11pm from a tango show and then get up 4 hours later for the Falls trip (which involved a LOT of walking and climbing). I'm a night owl, but become a lark for port visits, so I don't miss the important sights! So, you're from Louisiana-- we'll be visiting New Orleans in October for a special event-- we're so excited, as we've never been there!!! Happy travels!

Yes, you book it the same way you book an excursion. However, if you book it and don't show up they say they will make a charge. On the one I went on I guess they knew I showed up by my card going through the check out and back in. I would definitely try it. I have only been on one and it was very rewarding.

For our Christmas/New Years cruise from Buenos Aires to Rio, when we boarded the ship, basically just our whole boatload of passengers were headed to buses for a tapas and tango show at one of the premier tango places in Buenos Aires. Reports from them were that they LOVED it and it was a well-executed event. The only reason we did not go is that we'd not been in from Los Angeles that long and had spent the day touring Buenos Aires, but more importantly, the event was scheduled to end around 11pm and we needed to be up at 3am for a 4am meeting time next day to go to Iguazu Falls.(So we had a lovely dinner at Aquilina, with the whole place to ourselves, pretty much) Took the ship's Iguazu excursion because of the logistics (need to fly there) and it was brilliantly done. The Iguazu Falls are a must see!!!!

I do shower but take more baths than showers in hotels and ships .. I started in a CC fro the tub and if I need to move i prefer knowing before my winter cruise on a ship that has been updated without a tub. not paying for space but a tub and butler - not butler and tub. if i need a tub i need to know to move now not in Jan. if i have to pay for a large suite then i will but making us wait stupid.

 

I believe few people are going to be as willing as Ellbon is to upgrade still further just to get a tub-- which as I've said was the sole reason for my husband and upgrading to CC suite. I don't care about the butlers. Marinaro said everyone was used to the tub/shower combo, so just put in some grab bars and everyone should be happy. I didn't understand the comment about the bottom of the tub being adjusted to be level to the bathroom floor, since as I recall, it was. I also don't think tub/shower combos or tubs are going to be a relic of the past, so I don't think Azamara would not be "joining the 21st century" by continuing to have them. Also, people have always had specific cabin preferences-- many like to be midship, some enjoy being at the stern, some want portside, etc and choose their cabins accordingly. I can't imagine someone being upset (other than Marinaro, apparently) if they got a tub/shower combo rather than walk in shower, since this is what CC suites have always featured. As I've mentioned, I have a 14 day Indonesia cruise booked for December 2016 and 2 weeks with no bathtub really is not okay with me. Thanks to Bonnie for her patience and keeping us all informed!

I wouldn't use the jets, for sure! I don't even run water deep enough to cover the jets.

This thread isn't about jacuzzi baths, which are not currently, nor projected to be, in CC suites, from what I've read. Current discussion is about a relatively standard shower over tub set-up vs walk-in shower only. As it seems there would be/should be "grabs bars" in both configurations in case of rough seas, it comes down to personal preference. I take only baths, my husband takes a shower in the morning and then a bath after our return from walking around for 5-7 hours in port, so the tub/ shower combo accommodates us both. I'm sure the tubs are thoroughly cleaned by Azamara staff with some kind of bleach or other chemical formula, that more than adequately disinfects/cleans the tub. The tub on our last cruise was immaculate. We both took baths every day, and having the tub was the main reason we chose CC suite. After walking around all day for hours in port, we find it very relaxing to rest our tootsies and the rest of ourselves in a tub. I, in particular don't want to stand up in a shower to get ready for dinner after having already been on my feet for hours all day.

We are booked on the December 2015 Singapore/Bali cruise but we do have a suite for that one. Will let you know how it goes!

Would love to hear about it-- hope you have a terrific cruise and great weather!

On the slightly larger Oceania ships they have a full size tub with shower over PLUS a shower cubicle even in the standard cabins.

 

We love Azamara but those darn shower cubicles and soggy curtains are truly awful!

Agree with soggy shower curtains, as we endured them on Princess. So we paid the extra money for Azamara CC suite specifically so we'd have a tub/shower combo (Sailed just this last Dec/Jan in South America). If future CC suites have no tub, ZERO reason for us to book one. We'll either go veranda if we're in totally in love with the itinerary Azamara offers (but not for a voyage for any long length without a tub) or we'll go Seabourn. We were on Seabourn in May this year 2015, and our spacious cabin cost no more than what Azamara was asking for a similar voyage. We had a SEPARATE tub and shower on Seabourn and double sinks and tons of storage. Loved Seabourn, but they tend to do the "in at 8am, out at 5pm" port visit, while Azamara lets you spend more time and does overnights. We are currently booked on Azamara December 2016 Christmas trip to Singapore, Bali, etc. It's a 14 day trip and think that not having a tub for 2 weeks (and minimal storage, at least from the pix) would be a very unhappy situation and I would cancel (and go for a quasi-similar, but not quite as wonderful, itinerary Seabourn is offering). But lots of time left, so I'm optimistic that Azamara will get it right-- my husband and I LOVE Azamara's friendly staff and longer port stays. (We've also been on Crystal, Silverseas,Celebrity,HAL and other lines, but those experiences are not as directly relevant, as they are older experiences)

There are a few of us who paid a few thousand dollars to upgrade, specifically to get a bath tub. So I honestly don't see where we deserve to be snarked on or accused of just being picky. We could have saved money for other things, and stayed with the veranda cabin with its shower.

Totally agree with Pam. Pam, you can see that I have been posting on this thread (and the other one--sort of annoying that there are two about Azamara's refits, feel like I have to weigh in on both) and then there is utog's shower/bath poll, so that is 3 threads. Anyway, YES, YES, YES-- I upgraded to CC suite SOLELY to get the tub!!!! (you, me, Grandma Gilly, ellbon and others have also said we want tubs) Anyway, all best to you, Pam, and let's hope Azamara gets it right and listens to us!

Poll shows only one of eight voters wanting tubs. With 32 CC suites, that would indicate no more than four or five should have tubs.

As the poll is open until August 23, I think its a bit early to say anything about the numbers yet. But, yhat sais, so far, 6%+ had no preference (shower over tub vs walk-in shower only, which would put the total of those that definitely want a tub and those that are okay with either at 25% (or 8 with tubs). I didn't realize there are only 32 CC suites.

AGREE 100%! Thanks!!!

C'mon tub lovers, there are at least 8 of you that have posted on CC in favor of tubs, so vote for tub's in utog's poll!

I will be disappointed if the newly remodeled suites do not have a tub. it's not the only reason we choose to sail in a suite but it is definitely one of the main reasons. We have sailed in suites on several different lines and they always include a tub and usually two sinks. Love the bathrooms in a Princess suite which have a separate tub and shower. For the cost of a CC suite on Azamara, not having a tub is a big negative for us. Another huge reason to book a suite is space. I do not like a cluttered stateroom. I am very concerned about losing closet and drawer space in exchange for a more linear look. Our next cruise on Azamara is 16 days and we are looking at a B2B for 2017. A long cruise in a suite that does not have adequate storage would be a deal breaker. There definitely needs to be a mirror above the table. If I have to dry my hair in the bathroom that adds more juggling of time for DH and me in the bathroom as we are getting ready. We will not be booking the 2017 cruise until we have completed our Panama Canal cruise in March. Hoping these concerns are for naught.

AGREE 100%! Thanks!!!

If there will be suites with tubs I hope there will be a vertical grab bar at chest height for an adult. The existing tubs are very dangerous in which to shower in rough seas.

Was there a grab bar in the "newly imagined" showers? I don't recall seeing one.

Out of curiosity, I just measured the tub in my guest bathroom; it's 19 1/2" tall. It isn't a standard tub, we upgraded a bit when we built the house.

 

And if I had to choose between tub and comfortable seating/adequate storage, I'd manage with the shower.

 

I forgot to ask; are the electrical receptacles in the bathroom the kind you can plug a hair dryer into? I have only ever seen "razor" receptacles before.

Geez, 19 1/2 " is sure a tall tub-- you said it isn't standard, is it one of the Victorian style tubs with claw feet? Or a Japanese soaking tub? Well, doesn't truly matter, Pam, I think we both like tubs and as I've said no tub in a "luxury suite" for 14 days is a no go for my husband and I.

Haha!! This is exactly what i've been thinking while reading all these posts. I know we're all different, but it creeps me out to think about sitting in a tub where hundreds of other feet and butts have been. I even put a towel down on the shower floor so my feet don't touch it. Sitting in a tub is beyond an ick factor. Having disclosed my OCD, I do think some of the rooms should have tubs for those who are so inclined.

 

Michael

Thank you, Michael, for sticking up for we tub lovers. We've always found ship and hotel tubs to be immaculate, as its not hard to use bleach or whatever cleaning agents on a porcelain tub to make it super clean. I'm surprised you're not more worried about the beds--yeah, they wash the sheets, but unless the mattresses are encased in plastic coverings who knows what's harbored within... Personally, I don't worry about the beds/mattresses or it'd be hard to travel!

That is very harsh, firstly the height is more that 15 inches and secondly I do not consider a spinal malfunction places me in the decrepit category.

I am truly sorry utog, I did not mean to hurt or offend you at all! I just measured the heights of the tubs in my own house and the standard tubs' height is 13" and then one of our larger tubs' height is 15," and candidly I don't recall that the tub heights on Azamara seemed any taller than my tallest tub in my own house. Why do you think Azamara's tubs are taller than 15," given that 13" is the norm (in the US anyway)? I hope that Azamara will accommodate us both by retaining some tubs in the CC suites, as I'm not the only one that upgrades to CC suite for them-- and then putting in showers only in other suites.

Me too when ship is T 16 plus knots.

 

Always take a C C for that reason

It's not a safety issue for us in the tub/shower debate. In Azamara's old shower/tub combo, which is pretty ubiquitous in many US hotels and some other cruise lines, you have a choice, you can take a shower or relax in the bath. My husband could take a shower in the morning and then after walking around for hours in port, we liked to relax in the tub before dinner. Speaking of safety, are some of the commenters essentially saying they feel too decrepit to lift their legs 15 inches to get in/out of a tub shower combo? I don't understand that, as then they then need to STAND UP in the shower for awhile. In a tub, its one quick small leg lift and then you can just sit back and relax. Yes, go Ellbon and go me and the others (Pam, etc) who love bathtubs! I'm NOT going to pay the extra money for CC if there is no bathtub-- will either just cancel, downgrade to Veranda or go Seabourn