What would you change on Quest or Journey?

[nonrev1]

We also love Azamara and will keep coming back.

 

A few changes or suggestions...

Yes, the small shower and friendly curtain keep coming up, so I will add that to my wish list of changes.

The Azamara singers and dancers. A production number does not seem to fit on a smaller ship. The comedian, singers and other entertainers were excellent and their perfromances seemed much better suited for the lounge.

The Cruise Critic get togethers. IMO, they should not be published in the daily schedule that is handed out to everyone. (the other cruise lines do not) We had quite a few people show up at our meeting that had no idea what cruise critic was, but it was on the published agenda and there was nothing else going on at the same time. We are given invitations - so why put it in the daily schedule?

 

Thanks for listening!

 

Lauri

[shoesonfire]

A number of years ago we sailed on Celebrity Galaxy in the Med for 10 days.

They had a wonderful instructor in the computer lab that conducted classes transferring our digital camera shots when we returned to the ship onto discs as well as giving us great tips for photography shots during our excursions on land. Not sure if this is offered currently, didn't see it on the 2 Azamara cruises we took, but it would be a great benefit to amateur photographers making the most of the beautiful scenery on land and on board.

[ocngypz]

I would like all the staterooms (with the exception of the suites) to be the size of N2 and N1... or as close as possible.

 

Would ...make selling against the competion's new-builds easier.

 

That's my business side.

 

Personally.......well.. after all these years sailng R ships, I've perfected washing my hair in those petite showers, but in my dreams.....I'd love a bigger shower.

[Architect]

A number of years ago we sailed on Celebrity Galaxy in the Med for 10 days.

They had a wonderful instructor in the computer lab that conducted classes transferring our digital camera shots when we returned to the ship onto discs as well as giving us great tips for photography shots during our excursions on land. Not sure if this is offered currently, didn't see it on the 2 Azamara cruises we took, but it would be a great benefit to amateur photographers making the most of the beautiful scenery on land and on board.

 

I will say that the woman who ran the computer center on the Journey was worth her weight in gold. I was amazed at her ability to multi-task!

 

About the stateroom sizes: I notice on line after line that the deluxe suites sell out before I can reserve one. On most cruise lines the ultra-deluxe 'penthouse' suites and such are sold out well in advance, and the plebeian cabins go begging. This implies a misconfiguration on the part of the designers & the executives managing load factors etc. (That is, I don't blame the designers but the people giving them orders! Obvious reasons!)

 

Additional explanations include: increasing stratification among economic classes and the very real possibility that the working classes have been harder hit by the economic slowdown than the leisure classes!

 

At any rate, it's hard to book the best suites everywhere I look. This means money is being lost by the cruise lines--just about all of them, near as I can tell.

[little britain]

I'm currently on Quest

Have been told that she is having Major refurb in nov 2012, can there be new bathroom please?

Also been told that there will be a new build ship coming soon with only 410 pax, can't wait

[uktog]

I'm currently on Quest

Have been told that she is having Major refurb in nov 2012, can there be new bathroom please?

Also been told that there will be a new build ship coming soon with only 410 pax, can't wait

 

Good news re a new ship build *pushes into the line to get onto it*

[Lindy028]

We just got back from the Journey's Dublin to Lisbon cruise and we had shower gel in our veranda cabin. What would I change? Not much. We keep coming back to Azamara because it feels like an old friend when we embark.

 

Just to endorse this , we had shower gel on our recent Quest cruise. We too were in a veranda cabin , but I thought all cabins got the same toiletries.

Elemis Sharp shower and bath gel , 100ml , replenished as needed , wonderful!!

[Andy]

I'm currently on Quest

Also been told that there will be a new build ship coming soon with only 410 pax, can't wait

 

Hi little britain,

 

Sorry, but that sounds like a typical shipboard rumor. I wish I had a dollar for every shipboard rumor which proved to be inaccurate :). Yes, I'm hopeful on newbuilds, but 410 Guests ??? Can't see that happening. As for the timeframe of "soon" ? Not likely. From the day a ship is ordered, you are looking at roughly 2 years before delivery.

 

That's why I suggested Azamara take a look at Celebrity Century, which would offer additional capacity and itinerary flexibility - while holding the fort, until newbuilds arrive. If newbuilds are ordered, I'd expect the Guest capacity to be higher than their current ships 670 Guests.

[shoesonfire]

Would like to know exactly how she multi-tasked. The young man on our Journey cruise was helpful to those checking emails or downloading however never saw any classes or instructions that gave other tips on other tasks or computer tips. On Celebrity, it was called a computer Lab and actual instruction classes were held and the visiting Celebrity paid instructor was also available for help outside of these classes.

[Andy]

Hi Everyone,

 

I think this is a great thread, but I've noticed some comments about larger staterooms and bathrooms etc. While I'm not saying it's out of the question... it's a massive undertaking to do that type of construction, and probably not economically feasible. Perhaps it can happen on a smaller scale, by adding Suites. We'll see.

 

Another item to consider: as the current plan for the drydocks are about 2 weeks, there's little chance of a massive cabin rebuild. They would require at least 4-6 weeks, if something that extensive was planned. We should probably dial our expectations down on this item.

 

FYI, Azamara has not shared anything with me about their Drydock plans, but I look forward to hearing about them in 2012.

[Jade13]

 

That's why I suggested Azamara take a look at Celebrity Century, which would offer additional capacity and itinerary flexibility - while holding the fort, until newbuilds arrive. If newbuilds are ordered, I'd expect the Guest capacity to be higher than their current ships 670 Guests.

 

We have enjoyed multiple cruises on Celebrity Century (including last year), but had looked to the ship in the past for some short/cheap Caribbean getaways, basically an additional vacation (I know other Celebrity ships have now taken over the 4,5,5 night runs). But Century is an approx 1,900 passenger ship, I don't think it is a good idea at all, and would never pay the Azamara premium on a ship that is 3 x the size.

[maryann ns]

I agree. Being small ships is a huge part of the appeal to me.

[grayjoh]

I would like to see an alternative pre dinner venue to the Discoveries Bar. Whilst I appreciate that the harpist often plays here most of the time it feels just like a waiting room with people just sitting watching the queue go down. I know also there is sometimes music in the Looking Glass but generally this is poorly attended and therefore too large for pre dinner. The obvious answer to me would be to make more space in the casino bar.

[Andy]

We have enjoyed multiple cruises on Celebrity Century (including last year), but had looked to the ship in the past for some short/cheap Caribbean getaways, basically an additional vacation (I know other Celebrity ships have now taken over the 4,5,5 night runs). But Century is an approx 1,900 passenger ship, I don't think it is a good idea at all, and would never pay the Azamara premium on a ship that is 3 x the size.

 

Century carries 1800 guests at Max capacity. It's also 2.3x the tonnage of Journey and Quest. Nothing says the ship must carry 1800 Guests. I'm not saying it is a *perfect* solution, but it is an option to fill any immediate need.

 

I should have explained in my last post, why I feel Century could work for Azamara. I have an outside the box idea, where Azamara could deploy a larger ship by having it sail destinations such as South America, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Bermuda and Canada/New England. This way, they can introduce Azamara to a larger audience, and give them a taste of what is offered on the smaller ships - which would sail the more exotic destinations. It's an interesting way to expand awareness of Azamara's wonderful product to Cruise guests willing to spend more for an upmarket product.

 

Outside of that, I'm not sure what else can happen until new ships are introduced. Unless Azamara finds a way to acquire Sister ship(s), Century may be their best and/or only option for the next 2-3 years. Perhaps they opt to wait... but standing pat is rarely an ideal option.

 

I can understand not desiring to sail on a ship thats 3x the size (we are fine with it), though it's likely that any newbuilds will be larger than Journey or Quest. Hopefully, Azamara will design a Ship that adds size and guest capacity, while not diminishing the experience many of us are passionate about. BTW, for better or worse, Oceania's new generation of ships have capacity of approximately 1200 Guests.

 

While I can see Century as a worthy intermediate solution, if you don't like my idea... I wouldn't worry about it much, as it's a long-shot at best.

[ljk76]

I also can see Century repurposed as a higher end product. If it only serviced around 1200 guests it could be elegantly spacious, yet it still has a very user friendly,ocean centric basic layout. We haven't sailed yet on Azamara, although we are really looking forward to an upcoming booking. We have sailed the Century twice and found much to like about it. We have sailed Regent so I can visualize an upscale ship with 700 pax. I think I can see Andy 's vision...

[Jade13]

Century carries 1800 guests at Max capacity. It's also 2.3x the tonnage of Journey and Quest. Nothing says the ship must carry 1800 Guests. I'm not saying it is a *perfect* solution, but it is an option to fill any immediate need.

 

I should have explained in my last post, why I feel Century could work for Azamara. I have an outside the box idea, where Azamara could deploy a larger ship by having it sail destinations such as South America, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Bermuda and Canada/New England. This way, they can introduce Azamara to a larger audience, and give them a taste of what is offered on the smaller ships - which would sail the more exotic destinations. It's an interesting way to expand awareness of Azamara's wonderful product to Cruise guests willing to spend more for an upmarket product.

 

We consider Century a big ship so not anything close to Azamara. Btw, our favorite HAL ships are their approx 1,200 passenger S & R class ships, which have wrap around teak promenade decks, but even those are large compared to Quest and Journey, but they are doing something right because every HAL ship we have been on has been completely sold out. In fact, if we wanted to do the same half of Voyage of the Viking next year (17 or 18 nights) the Veranda's start at over $7,000.00 per person with port fees and taxes, and they will be sold out most likely by the end of this year, even though the cruise is not until next summer.

 

Now as far as Century, I'm not sure what would be different than what Celebrity is already doing besides more exotic itineraries since right now Celebrity passengers can pay extra for a soda package, water package, non-alcoholic, or alcoholic etc and make it more inclusive. Overall Celebrity itineraries are short and boring, so another Azamara ship is a great idea in that respect.

[Leibe_]

As a solo traveler I would like to see more offerings of the 125% single rates. It would also be nice to know about them further in advance. Nothing out there for 2012 bookings yet so am waiting to book my early spring cruise.

[eroller]

Also been told that there will be a new build ship coming soon with only 410 pax, can't wait

 

I honestly don't think Azamara is in a position yet for additional tonnage. They are still in their infancy and have not yet proven themselves as a brand. They are relatively unknown in the market and have some work to do in that regard. Until the brand takes off (perhaps like Oceania), I don't see the parent Royal Caribbean authorizing any capital expenditures like additional tonnage. Even Oceania, which is a great success story, took almost 10 years before ordering a new ship.

 

If and when Azamara orders or acquires new tonnage, it's doubtful it would only carry 410 passengers. More than likely it would be something larger, in the 1200 pax range just like OCEANIA MARINA. Better ROI with the larger ship.

 

Ernie

[sarie koekemoer]

Whilst I agree totally with the 'replace all shower curtains', heated swimming pool and less entertainment comments, my biggest wish would be to disembark at a more leisurely pace! Being 'kicked off' the ship at 8am is really such a horrible end to a wonderful holiday. Don't get me wrong, I'm an early bird and it's not the getting up early that worries me. It's the stampede for last breakfast, the overnight hand luggage for the last night etc. Most hotels allow you to check out at a reasonable hour - 11 am or even midday...why can't cruise ships do the same? Is it worth delaying embarkation and sail aways if they need more 'turn-around' time. It would make such a MASSIVE difference to our cruise and holiday experience.

[Lottie A]

On my last Azamara cruise - Quest in July - we were offered the late disembakation deal at $25 each. This meant we could stay on the ship and use the facilities, have a lovely lunch and then we were taken to Rome airport by coach at 12:30 pm.

 

It was very civilised....and I hope an idea that Azamara offers more frequently for the passengers flying home late afternoon/evening.

 

As to how Azamara could improve their product.....well I think it is pretty perfect already. Perhaps the entertainment......I am still hoping that new CD Kirk will be able to make some much needed changes here.

[suec12]

wow, I did not know that was an option but I assume you were out of your room?

[Lottie A]

Hi Sue,

Yes we still had to be out of our stateroom by 08:30 am.....so we went for breakfast, met up with Kirk the CD, who kindly stored our hand luggage in his office for us....and then had coffee in Mosaic cafe and chatted to friends who were staying on for a B2B.

 

At about 11:45 am we went up to Windows for a lovely light lunch....and yes the wine was still complimentary....then at about 12:30 pm there was an announcement that our coaches were ready and we were off the ship in 5 minutes.

 

You do actually have to go through security at about 09:00 am to technically "disembark" - they just swipe your cruise card. This is something to do with customs rules.

 

I think this is an excellent idea by Azamara and hope it is one they plan to do more often.

 

We were informed that this option was offered about 2 days prior to the end of the cruise...and it was on a "first come first booked" basis. We booked it at 11 pm that same night - and were told the places were all taken by the following morning.

 

I hope they will offer this option again on my next Azamara cruise in just over 2 weeks time. :)

[360Guy]

We just were on Quest for a lovely cruise to Croatia r/t from Venice. We loved the informal/casual dress, the food was excellent, service outstanding, etc.

 

The only think I would upgrade are the beds!! HAL did a nice upgrade on their ships a few years ago to pillow top bedding--it was/still is the nicest bed I've slept on when on the sea!

 

:)