Azamara Pursuit deck plans are now on our website!

Thank you for posting, your personal views are interesting on this one.

Spirits is a huge disappointment on our current cruise. Of course no one is using it so its the self fulfilling prophecy I now think from your post is what the cruise line may want.

The reason no one is using it is there is no entertainment, garish casino screens flashing at you and from tonight, the LCV staff working in a portion of the lounge.

Every cruise I have ever been on with Azamara, Spirits has been a very busy place much enjoyed by many and great friendships formed with fellow guests over a post dinner drink. Cant do that in the disco, actually can't even hear myself think there, certainly not the ambience for a post dinner/show drink.

OK if thats the direction Azamara wants to take such that there is no place for a relaxing post dinner/show drink, fine. Doesn't fit what we want in a cruise so we will no doubt reduce our frequency of sailing on Azamara. We still love the onboard service, but not at any price, and if we are paying top dollar, it has to be for something that fits with what we like/want.

Exactly!

Thank you for posting, your personal views are interesting on this one.

Spirits is a huge disappointment on our current cruise. Of course no one is using it so its the self fulfilling prophecy I now think from your post is what the cruise line may want.

The reason no one is using it is there is no entertainment, garish casino screens flashing at you and from tonight, the LCV staff working in a portion of the lounge.

Every cruise I have ever been on with Azamara, Spirits has been a very busy place much enjoyed by many and great friendships formed with fellow guests over a post dinner drink. Cant do that in the disco, actually can't even hear myself think there, certainly not the ambience for a post dinner/show drink.

OK if thats the direction Azamara wants to take such that there is no place for a relaxing post dinner/show drink, fine. Doesn't fit what we want in a cruise so we will no doubt reduce our frequency of sailing on Azamara. We still love the onboard service, but not at any price, and if we are paying top dollar, it has to be for something that fits with what we like/want.

Ditto. Couldn't have said it better myself Ann.

When the entertainment changes were first announced I could see what was about to happen to Spirits Bar. It was obviously Azamara's plan all along. It will spoil the Azamara cruise experience for me if there is nowhere to chat, relax and listen to live music after dinner. They have absolutely ruined the ambience by having the Future Cruise Desk and that horrible gambling screen there. I really don't know why they think that's a good idea? If they had done a poll it would be overwhelmingly rejected. Azamara cruisers will NOT be stopping to book another cruise on their way to the show! If there is no live music this will be a dead area and the lack of seats now will also be a factor.

I am very sad to say that my next Azamara cruise in June may well be my last Azamara cruise. I have already booked two cruises with other cruise lines this year and will probably book a Seabourn cruise soon. This does make me very sad that my favourite cruise line is making such huge mistakes and will be losing so many loyal customers.

I'm very confused by the turn in this discussion about how all this is forced on Azamara by the RCI bean-counters. There is no casino! Isn't that viewed as a big money-maker on most cruise lines [especially RCL and Celebrity]? So if the bean-counters were really in charge wouldn't they have told Azamara to figure out how to fit a casino in somewhere?

Because of Azamara's "destination immersion", meaning longer stays in port and overnights the casino was quite often shut anyway. They have never been revenue areas for Azamara. Rather just there as a token gesture I think for those few who liked them.

Phil

Regarding trivia and seats in Spirits, whenever we have done trivia quizzes they have been in the Living Room - plenty of room there.

It will be interesting to see the response after the Pursuit’s maiden voyage. I hope those who are happy with the changes to Spirits post too. In common with other social media, CC tends to be used more by those who are unhappy with changes etc, than by those who like them.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Regarding trivia and seats in Spirits, whenever we have done trivia quizzes they have been in the Living Room - plenty of room there.

 

It will be interesting to see the response after the Pursuit’s maiden voyage. I hope those who are happy with the changes to Spirits post too. In common with other social media, CC tends to be used more by those who are unhappy with changes etc, than by those who like them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I disagree. I have seen many examples on these boards of people highlighting positives. Indeed I made a comment to a change I liked two days ago. Perhaps you’re seeing more negative comments because that’s how it is. Many people like to enjoy the Living Room as a place to sit - there aren’t over many onboard- hence cruise directors try and avoid scheduling trivia there.

Spirits was ideal for the smaller trivia events, now they’ve reduced its size they’ve very few other options that don’t impinge on others. Spirits was excellent for the visual trivia, there are few other places that can happen.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I've noted a marked reduction in events held in the Living Room now because they are trying to maintain the atmosphere there as it's so much nicer than it was as when it was Looking Glass. The Cruise Critic gathering and progressive trivia have both now moved to the Cabaret Lounge.

I'll be sure to feedback on Pursuit's interior design and furnishings, both positive and negative. I'll get the chance to see it fairly soon.

Phil

Cannot but agree with posters re spirits bar.

It was always a lovely place to spend an hour or two before or after a show.

No more and I do not wish to book a cruise in a public thoroughfare either.

Back of ship dining at lunch or dinner will be a disaster if the waiters have to go to pool bar if you order a drink other than wine.

That bar area was ideal whilst waiting for a table outside if not invited to share and it was also a stairway for staff to avoid carrying trays through buffet area.

Deck 4 just shows REVENUE over customer satisfaction.

Bonnie

When will those of us booked in Ocean suites be informed officially i.e. through travel agent or email re removal of baths

https://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/our-ships/azamara-pursuit/azamara-pursuit-deck-plans

Sill showing bath and refurbished in 2016!!!

Azamara were quick enough to take down incorrect pricing at Pursuit launch but still happy to mislead new bookers.

Shame on your organisation.

. Many people like to enjoy the Living Room as a place to sit - there aren’t over many onboard- hence cruise directors try and avoid scheduling trivia there.

Spirits was ideal for the smaller trivia events, now they’ve reduced its size they’ve very few other options that don’t impinge on others. Spirits was excellent for the visual trivia, there are few other places that can happen.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You are right about Trivia being moved from the Living Room to Spirits. That keeps Living Room a more relaxed place and I respect that. However Spirts was way too small for afternoon trivia on my recent Panama Canal Cruise. No one could see the screen, additional chairs (white night ones) had to be brought in every afternoon. 70-80 passangers were packed everywhere in the small space, all along the bar, all tables filled and filling back to gaming tables and photo studio. So very poor view of the screen.

Also the accoustics for music trivia were abysmal in Spirits. One small speaker by the piano (at maximum volume) was not sufficient. There is no other space on the ship that is viable for trivia, and now half of that will be gone with sales desks.

I will see for myself in September and December.

I've noted a marked reduction in events held in the Living Room now because they are trying to maintain the atmosphere there as it's so much nicer than it was as when it was Looking Glass. The Cruise Critic gathering and progressive trivia have both now moved to the Cabaret Lounge.

 

I'll be sure to feedback on Pursuit's interior design and furnishings, both positive and negative. I'll get the chance to see it fairly soon.

 

Phil

Ah, that explains it. The last time I participated in trivia was 15 months ago.

I look forward to your comments about the Pursuit, Phil.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

This has been a fascinating and informative thread to follow, and it is being contributed to by many posters with significant Azamara experience, whose opinion I respect and value. Furthermore, I find myself agreeing with many of the observations and opinions being expressed. That being said, I detect a familiar trend here between Azamara management and the Cruise Critic community.

After 31 Azamara cruises, spanning 365 days over 10 years, I have observed the periodic rollout of Azamara "enhancements" (almost always accompanied by fare increases), which were inevitably met with widespread criticism, predictions about the likely negative outcome of these enhancements, and often accompanied by assertions that the contributor will not likely book any further cruises with Azamara.

It has been my experience that, after each enhancement (Azamazing evenings, more inclusive amenities, reimagined dry-docks, etc.), the paying public has inevitably absorbed these price increases, occupancy has increased to the point of almost all Azamara cruises sailing full, and the stock price (which this is all about in the end) has skyrocketed. It is no wonder, then, that management has been emboldened by this track record of success, despite being met with a brief wave of resistance to each change.

Yes, indeed, we do vote with our feet and, thus far, there has been almost 690 pair of them on every sailing. It is my feeling that this, too, shall pass, and we will all await the next "enhancement."

This has been a fascinating and informative thread to follow, and it is being contributed to by many posters with significant Azamara experience, whose opinion I respect and value. Furthermore, I find myself agreeing with many of the observations and opinions being expressed. That being said, I detect a familiar trend here between Azamara management and the Cruise Critic community.

 

After 31 Azamara cruises, spanning 365 days over 10 years, I have observed the periodic rollout of Azamara "enhancements" (almost always accompanied by fare increases), which were inevitably met with widespread criticism, predictions about the likely negative outcome of these enhancements, and often accompanied by assertions that the contributor will not likely book any further cruises with Azamara.

 

It has been my experience that, after each enhancement (Azamazing evenings, more inclusive amenities, reimagined dry-docks, etc.), the paying public has inevitably absorbed these price increases, occupancy has increased to the point of almost all Azamara cruises sailing full, and the stock price (which this is all about in the end) has skyrocketed. It is no wonder, then, that management has been emboldened by this track record of success, despite being met with a brief wave of resistance to each change.

 

Yes, indeed, we do vote with our feet and, thus far, there has been almost 690 pair of them on every sailing. It is my feeling that this, too, shall pass, and we will all await the next "enhancement."

What strikes me a different this time is who is saying that they may have reached their limit of patience. We all know many posters who are extremely dramatic and possibly not nearly as invested as some of those who have truly sailed Azamara a lot and have shared experiences and opinions over the years. I refer to Phil, Lottie and Anne in particular whose combined experience is staggering.

None of them have said flatly that they are gone but, rather, have indicated that things are reaching a point where Azamara is no longer guaranteed their business. Indeed, several have booked other direct competitors where, in the past, that probably would not have happened.

It isn't doomsday, but it should generate some questions in Miami of how far they can push their loyal customers.

But as you say, the ships are sailing full or close to it at current rates. I believe more and more of those feet on board are new. So as long as enough new customers come along to replace any that leave, I don't see them pulling back much anytime soon.

We have met quite a few first time cruisers on our last two Azamara cruises and none of them seem very thrilled (to say the least), wiith their cruise experience. Many said they had other cruise lines they preferred and doubted they would return to Azamara.

I realize this is just anecdotal evidence, but it leads me to wonder what happens once the supply of new cruisers to Azamara ends and their loyal cruisers go elsewhere.

The ships are sailing close to full before the upcoming increase in capacity of 50% and with increased fares AND increasing competition (Viking in particular which I found to be a very good experience at significantly less cost and they are bringing on a ship a year which will increase itinerary choices). In my opinion all that means AZ should be careful not to lessen the experience and ambience we all value so much.

Let’s not forget the ships may be sailing full, but often times, cabins are being sold off by consolidators at discounted rates. I have received some of those offers by e mail.

What strikes me a different this time is who is saying that they may have reached their limit of patience. We all know many posters who are extremely dramatic and possibly not nearly as invested as some of those who have truly sailed Azamara a lot and have shared experiences and opinions over the years. I refer to Phil, Lottie and Anne in particular whose combined experience is staggering.

 

None of them have said flatly that they are gone but, rather, have indicated that things are reaching a point where Azamara is no longer guaranteed their business. Indeed, several have booked other direct competitors where, in the past, that probably would not have happened.

 

It isn't doomsday, but it should generate some questions in Miami of how far they can push their loyal customers.

 

But as you say, the ships are sailing full or close to it at current rates. I believe more and more of those feet on board are new. So as long as enough new customers come along to replace any that leave, I don't see them pulling back much anytime soon.

Bob, I can't put my finger on it, but am sensing for want of a better term an arrogance from Azamara's Head Office that I've not experienced before. Their focus has changed. I'm sensing something is up and believe they are being pressured by their ultimate parent who have little appreciation for what makes Azamara special. We will see. I don't throw in the towel easily and always try to remain optimistic. Two years ago I felt I had really found my nirvana in cruising. Now, not so much.

Phil

... and will probably book a Seabourn cruise soon.

Be careful... Once you try Seabourn there’s no going back [emoji846] There isn’t for me anyway.

Bob, I can't put my finger on it, but am sensing for want of a better term an arrogance from Azamara's Head Office that I've not experienced before. Their focus has changed. I'm sensing something is up and believe they are being pressured by their ultimate parent who have little appreciation for what makes Azamara special. We will see. I don't throw in the towel easily and always try to remain optimistic. Two years ago I felt I had really found my nirvana in cruising. Now, not so much.

 

Phil

Sadly Phil,

I believe you are right about their "arrogance".

You will have seen my gripe re Owners bathrooms without a bath.

AZ have known since last October that they have been falsely advertising re these facilities and have done nothing.

If I had not been a CC member I would likely have arrived on the ship to no bath let alone "refurbished in 2016"

Bonnie undertook to get this changed in early Feb.

Enough said.

Two years ago I felt I had really found my nirvana in cruising. Now, not so much.

 

 

 

Phil

Phil we have felt this a few times in our cruising life only for someone who wants to make their mark decide to change things to attract a “new” audience.

Whilst appreciating that things will always evolve, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it[emoji849]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Let’s not forget the ships may be sailing full, but often times, cabins are being sold off by consolidators at discounted rates. I have received some of those offers by e mail.

What kind of discounts are you seeing?

I am on a lot of email lists but I never see Azamara offerings.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Let’s not forget the ships may be sailing full, but oftenAnd times, cabins are being sold off by consolidators at discounted rates. I have received some of those offers by e mail.

And, the marketing emails lately have been coming at a rate of 1 every 2 days for the past month or two with the latest a new program where if you refer someone to Azamara, you get a $300 future cruise credit. That's right, a cash discount for booking your next cruise and not OBC. This along with all of the onboard changes ask the question why?

Now approaching St Georges Channel off S.W. England.

My tracker shows close to Wexford sailing with East Irish coast on port side

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Is Captain Carl nipping home for supplies? Lol

Phil

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Could be , not due Belfast until late Wednesday morning.

Our home overviews Belfast Lough. Would like to get a photo of the sail by but working tomorrow.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

They are just sailing past Peel, Carl's hometown at 1.4kts.

Phil

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk