I may rock the boat here!

[liverpoollad]

My wife & I are sailing on the Quest shortly.

 

I read various reviews about the wonderful experience on board etc.,but then reading more & between the lines I now feel I may have picked the wrong cruise for us. We sailed on the Queen Elizabeth last year, wonderful ship & itinerary, although we had a lovely time as we always do on holiday we felt that QE was too staid, for example between 4.30pm to 8.30pm nothing much was happening & the "main event" was ballroom dancing. The QE is classed as one of the upmarket ships & we left feeling that upmarket meant having less fun, so will not sail on Cunard again.

 

On reading reviews regarding Azamara a lot is said about the wonderful crew, on 10 cruises we are yet to have a bad crew, all have been excellent, others have mentioned the Captain & Officers are wonderful. We are not really interested in meeting the Captain as he is there to run the ship, so that won't matter to us. Another the "harpist" if people are not happy about losing this, I worry as surely it would be background music in a bar & not entertainment, likewise pianists.

 

We are retired, we relax a lot, what we want is the cruise with fun, will we get it with Azamara? We are eclectic in our music taste & wonder if there are bars playing rock/popular music or will it be like QE very staid to keep the up market image.

 

To summarize, taking away the above what makes the Amazara Amazing?

 

I await the "Blast".

[uktog]

My wife & I are sailing on the Quest shortly.

 

I read various reviews about the wonderful experience on board etc.,but then reading more & between the lines I now feel I may have picked the wrong cruise for us. We sailed on the Queen Elizabeth last year, wonderful ship & itinerary, although we had a lovely time as we always do on holiday we felt that QE was too staid, for example between 4.30pm to 8.30pm nothing much was happening & the "main event" was ballroom dancing. The QE is classed as one of the upmarket ships & we left feeling that upmarket meant having less fun, so will not sail on Cunard again.

 

On reading reviews regarding Azamara a lot is said about the wonderful crew, on 10 cruises we are yet to have a bad crew, all have been excellent, others have mentioned the Captain & Officers are wonderful. We are not really interested in meeting the Captain as he is there to run the ship, so that won't matter to us. Another the "harpist" if people are not happy about losing this, I worry as surely it would be background music in a bar & not entertainment, likewise pianists.

 

We are retired, we relax a lot, what we want is the cruise with fun, will we get it with Azamara? We are eclectic in our music taste & wonder if there are bars playing rock/popular music or will it be like QE very staid to keep the up market image.

 

To summarize, taking away the above what makes the Amazara Amazing?

 

I await the "Blast".

 

No blast from me, you are very right to test the water and ask - there are certainly bars playing popular music, the upstairs Looking Glass lounge can be very lively indeed. As a Liverpool Lad and of the age I read you are, I think you might feel at home with a lot of the music played :)

 

The nights of the deck parties are another time for a party blast.

 

However, one persons lively evening is another persons staid night, so you may or not align with the thinking of others. Certainly, for us, it is lively enough, not staid, but then as I am to be up for my exploring ashore each morning, I do not keep late nights beyond 11-12 - slipping I know!

[Grandma Gilly]

Oh dear, I'm not quite sure how to answer your worries. We absolutely love the Azamara experience but it is certainly not a 'fun' ship.

Having said that I do not consider DH and I to be old. We are only just 60 and really enjoy life. The music experience on AZ is not outstanding. Musicians from the orchestra do play in the bars and there is a piano player. I think AZ is a more sophisticated experience, along with other smaller lines like Silverseas and Seabourn.

 

However don't give up. Give it a try and I hope you will be converted like us. The only time I will go on a big ship again is with our grandchildren!!

 

On each cruise we have met some great people and had great fun with them.

The deck parties are usually fantastic and very lively.

 

We have also found the age group on board to be very compatible.

 

I hope this helps a bit.

Edited October 14, 2013 by Grandma Gilly

[dln929]

Mr. Liver, I clicked on your name to see if you'd be on the Quest with us in December. You're sailing in less than a month's time! Don't you think you should have been asking questions like this before final payment, if you're that concerned that you won't find Azamara to your liking? Your post is sort of like shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted. Or is it a slow day at the office and you just want to spark a lively debate? :rolleyes:

[Jem 12]

Hi We have only sailed on Azamara once before, we sail again in November, can't wait!!!!!

 

We found on our particular cruise that the disco was the liveliest dance floor of all our many cruises, mostly on 2000 passengers plus ships. The DJ actually played what people wanted to dance to, which you would think is the norm but has not been our experience!!!! on other ships.

 

The casino is fairly small and wasn't that lively on our cruise, but that isn't a big deal for us.

 

We loved the freestyle dining, which meant you could have dinner with whom and when you liked.

 

We met some lovely people, some 10 years or more younger and some older. All great fun, maybe the included drinks oil the wheels a little.

 

There isn't a big theatre but we loved the cabaret style lounge.

 

I hope you enjoy your first Azamara cruise as much as we did.

 

Jean

[beachmudhut]

If you wanted a lively nightlife this is probably not the cruise for you! For us, it was the really friendly fellow travellers we met. If you dine with others you will make so many friends and enjoy so many laughs in the bars etc you won't even need anyone to "entertain" you. Azamara may not have the razzmatazz glitzy night life but it is never ever dull!

 

When you have cruised with Azamara you will "get" what we mean by getting to know the captain and his crew which is different to just "meeting" them. There's no snobbery on these ships.

[wripro]

In general the more upscale a cruiser line is the less they rely on "events" to entertain the passengers. They assume that more sophisticated people are able to amuse themselves and each other. This does not mean that they do not provide entertainment but if you want a "fun" ship you will most likely need to go with one of the mainstream lines.

[Mrs Miggins]

i think you will have a great time. To be honest the thought of the QE2 fills me with dread. You will be getting on Quest as we get off. The passengers on Quest are a lively bunch and I am looking forward to a great cruise. The inclusive drinks on board have certainly made a difference to the ambience later on the evenings.

I found the entertainment enjoyable and much more personal than on the bigger ships who offer a rather soul-less experience.

White night is great fun. We have cruised with two fabulous Cruise Directors and I have no reason to doubt that Tony Markey will also be great.

The bar may need a little restocking before you embark ! I plan to try all the included cocktails!.

[jim in cleveland]

"White night is great fun. We have cruised with two fabulous Cruise Directors and I have no reason to doubt that Tony Markey will also be great.

The bar may need a little restocking before you embark ! I plan to try all the included cocktails!.

 

Hi --- new to Azamara and traveling Panama Canal January 5th. WHAT'S WHITE NIGHT?

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

[ellbon]

"White night is great fun. We have cruised with two fabulous Cruise Directors and I have no reason to doubt that Tony Markey will also be great.

The bar may need a little restocking before you embark ! I plan to try all the included cocktails!.

 

Hi --- new to Azamara and traveling Panama Canal January 5th. WHAT'S WHITE NIGHT?

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

 

outdoor deck party when weather is nice.. suggested dress is white. about half of the guests wear it. live music from about 9 to 11 pm. Tony starts it earlier then the other CD's at 830. lots of dancingto be had.. outdoor buffet too and a crepe station which is yummy.

[little britain]

I had the distinct impression that with the introduction of the more inclusive alcohol offerings, the ships definitely have a more relaxed lively atmosphere...the White Nights are great fun, and the Looking Glass lounge is jumpin' until the small hours. DH is 46 - and this is his favourite cruise line (and mine).

As with Mrs M, you would have to pay me to make me go on one of the Queens:eek:.

 

Please do come and report back and let us know how you found it.

Edited October 14, 2013 by little britain

[Jade13]

If you are looking for a lively night life with entertainment I don't think Azamara is for you. In any event I still think you wil have a good time. Azamara is a destination cruise line.

 

This seems like something you would looked into before booking. You might find Celebrity more to your liking if entertainment and things going on around the ship at night is important to you.

[beachmudhut]

As with Mrs M, you would have to pay me to make me go on one of the Queens:eek:

 

 

Sailed QE once during the week of the Royal Wedding. Dull dull dull. Never again!

 

Please let us all know how much you enjoyed your Azamara cruise.

[Granny DI]

We've been on the QM2 and the Quest. Husband will NEVER go back to Cunard. It was a 24 day cruise and 17 formal nights. We were on the Quest for the British Open Cruise in July...loved the itinerary but not much to do after dinner. We didn't care as we had been out all day either playing golf or sightseeing. We're back on the Quest next month...again for the itinerary...golf and sightseeing. We'll do our thing everyday, have dinner and then go to bed...

[Host Hattie]

I'm a fan of both Cunard & Azamara, although I've only spent 7 days on the Journey. I wouldn't say that Azamara is more lively than Cunard, I hope you enjoy your trip but don't expect wild times.

[Mrs Miggins]

Elbon has been on many more White Nights than I, but the two I have enjoyed have also included guest dancers from the local area. We had a group of Spanish Flamenco dancers in Mahon, very interesting as they did both a traditional flamenco, then a modern version. In June we had a group of Greek dancers who had a great time with the 50 or so Greek Australians that we had on board. The onboard band, singers and dancers all joined in and entertained us enthusiastically. The food and drink flowed and a good time was had by all.

[ellbon]

Elbon has been on many more White Nights than I, but the two I have enjoyed have also included guest dancers from the local area. We had a group of Spanish Flamenco dancers in Mahon, very interesting as they did both a traditional flamenco, then a modern version. In June we had a group of Greek dancers who had a great time with the 50 or so Greek Australians that we had on board. The onboard band, singers and dancers all joined in and entertained us enthusiastically. The food and drink flowed and a good time was had by all.

 

i also have been lucky enough to have guest dancers.. twice this summer.. agree on the food and drinks. .but i was to busy dancing to notice.

[marinaro44]

 

When you have cruised with Azamara you will "get" what we mean by getting to know the captain and his crew which is different to just "meeting" them. There's no snobbery on these ships.

For some reason this seems just impossible to explain to someone in a paragraph or two. It's really frustrating when a doubter refers to this as "meeting the Captain" or "chatting with the Captain.":mad:

 

On what other cruise line does the executive chef lead a party of passengers on a tour of a local food market? Or do the Captain and hotel director lead a hike to a point of interest with a great view overlooking a port city? Or does the Captain invite passengers to join him for a stargazing session on the ship's top deck?

[riandei]

For some reason this seems just impossible to explain to someone in a paragraph or two. It's really frustrating when a doubter refers to this as "meeting the Captain" or "chatting with the Captain.":mad:

 

On what other cruise line does the executive chef lead a party of passengers on a tour of a local food market? Or do the Captain and hotel director lead a hike to a point of interest with a great view overlooking a port city? Or does the Captain invite passengers to join him for a stargazing session on the ship's top deck?

 

I like all of these things....

 

We have just booked our first voyage with azamara today.

 

We sail may 7 2014

 

:)

[Texed]

Mr. Liver, Don't you think you should have been asking questions like this before final payment?

 

Great question . ;)

[2irisheyes]

I would certainly check out a cruiseline before booking particularly when a cruise with Cunard had proved too staid.

 

Liverpoollad - did you not frequent the Golden Lion in the early evening hours. It is usually the liveliest place on the Cunard Queens.

[Spursgirl]

i think you will have a great time. To be honest the thought of the QE2 fills me with dread. You will be getting on Quest as we get off. The passengers on Quest are a lively bunch and I am looking forward to a great cruise. The inclusive drinks on board have certainly made a difference to the ambience later on the evenings.

I found the entertainment enjoyable and much more personal than on the bigger ships who offer a rather soul-less experience.

White night is great fun. We have cruised with two fabulous Cruise Directors and I have no reason to doubt that Tony Markey will also be great.

The bar may need a little restocking before you embark ! I plan to try all the included cocktails!.

 

Hi Pam,

 

You can only try the included cocktails if there are any drinks left on board after we disembark tomorrow. LOL

 

Seriously , I was a bit disappointed that Russ was on vacation for our cruise. Tony M is different but no less fun. White Night last night was fantastic.

 

You will have a wonderful time

 

Hazel

[Mrs Miggins]

Hi Hazel,

Glad that you are having a good time! Have you found things closing down for the winter? How has the weather been?

Can't wait to get on board.

Pam

[liverpoollad]

First thank you all for your replies. I think it only good manners to respond to your posts. I will respond to certain posts & finish with a general summary of posts.

 

uktog......If bars are playing popular music, great, a bit of Led Zed & I'm happy.:rolleyes:

 

GrandmaGilly... I will not give up & I'm sure we will have a good time, we always do on holiday.

 

dln929...I lured in by the superb reviews, I paid my deposit of £600 & would have lost it if I cancelled. You are correct mt thread is somewhat tongue in cheek.

 

Jem12... Prefer cabaret type to the "Broadway" style which we have seen so many, so I'm:) happy.

 

wripro... I am able to entertain myself all the time, so I must be sophisticated.:rolleyes:

 

Littlebrit...I will give my thoughts on my return.

 

Mrs Miggins. We are only social drinkers but the all inclusive will help bring on a party!!!

 

2irisheyes. Yes, we went to the Golden Lion for the quiz at 4/4.30pm then nothing for a few hours & then we had our dinner & then it was quiet again.

 

General.... Re., Captain etc, I agree I will only be able to "get" until after the cruise. Whitenights, maybe it will be diluted, November weather in the Med., can be "iffy", so hope for good night outdoors.

It is good to hear that others agree that the "Queens" are too staid & the Quest will be livelier.

 

Finally, when I say I want fun, I don't mean the wall to wall type, I just want a little here & a little there, if I don't I will have to join the Friends of Dorothy who seem to have a great time on the "Queen" (very apt) & livened up the disco at night.

Will we have a good time, of course we will.

 

"Let's get ready to Rumble".:)

 

Cliff. "News at Ten" Neston, England.

[ellbon]

Hi Pam,

 

You can only try the included cocktails if there are any drinks left on board after we disembark tomorrow. LOL

 

Seriously , I was a bit disappointed that Russ was on vacation for our cruise. Tony M is different but no less fun. White Night last night was fantastic.

 

You will have a wonderful time

 

Hazel

 

after 16 cruises i put Russ on top, then Eric and then Tony. All are good but Russ's energy at "White Nights' is amazing! He also spends more time with guests in general. might be 3 minutes pers cruise but you know he is there.