First Time Azamara "Journey" for Celebrity Veteran

[TravelBugM]

Sandi - I can't recall if you ended up getting the upgraded beverage package?

 

I'm assuming if one person gets it, the other one has to as well?

 

Did you feel the $12.95/day was good value?

 

You mention a glass of prosecco which is one of my favs. Is prosecco included in the upgrade?

 

I know I could go back and read an earlier beverage package post, but I glanced at it earlier and found it somewhat confusing (and daunting).

 

Thanks

[librarylady19]

Sandi - I can't recall if you ended up getting the upgraded beverage package?

 

I'm assuming if one person gets it, the other one has to as well?

 

Did you feel the $12.95/day was good value?

 

You mention a glass of prosecco which is one of my favs. Is prosecco included in the upgrade?

 

I know I could go back and read an earlier beverage package post, but I glanced at it earlier and found it somewhat confusing (and daunting).

 

Thanks

 

Yes, we both got the liquor package at $12.95 per day. I don't think both of us had to purchase it though. It is also confusing somewhat onboard. It would be much simpler if they set a $limit per drink rather than compel you to cross reference the list of included spirits. The drinks featured on the bar menus generally were made with liquors that weren't in the package we had. I ended ,sticking with fairly generic drinks like mojitos and GandT or ordering cider. DH mostly had beers. There were no wines, including prosecco, in the package. :( I think there is a wine package but that's for bottles only. I much preferred the wine by the glass selections on celebrity. We generally only drink wine with dinner, so the choice of red or white was ok, just not that interesting.

So...I wouldn't say the package was a poor value, 3 beers and it's paid for that day, but it just wasn't that interesting. I really missed the Molecular Bars inventive cocktails.

Edited June 19, 2014 by librarylady19

[Xport]

I will say, that the sign up process for accessing the wireless network was much easier than on Celebrity where it involves a trip to the iLounge and inevitably dealing with a cocky young IT person (like I don't know how to use an iPad - I teach classes myself!!) who condescendingly tries to explain the process to you.

 

We were given an access code on the benefits letter we received in our room and used this to log in.

 

I posted the following here on 2 June after uktog mentioned the internet sign-up process change on Azamara...

 

"Back in February, I first encountered the simplicity of Azamara's new internet enrollment process and the revised policy allowing roll over of unused minutes if doing consecutive cruises... To my mind, both represented some of the best process improvements I've seen aboard ship in ages and both worked like a charm...

 

Don't know if Celebrity is following Azamara's lead relative to roll over of unused minutes [wasn't cruising consecutively and never had occasion to speak with the onboard IT Rep or visit the iLounge], but you will be pleased to know that Celebrity was piloting the simplified enrollment process when I was aboard Constellation in April... And in some respects, the process was even easier as all one needed to activate an internet package is the folio number from one's SeaPass rather than a special code from the Loyalty Host or Hostess...

 

In a company not known for its technological innovation--and goodness knows they have miles to go--it was nice to see some very positive, guest-focused signs of their emergence into the twenty-first century from a systems perspective..."

 

I'm thoroughly enjoying your review [thank you, Sandi!] and have the sense that--as fellow Celebrity AquaClass cheerleaders--our comparative conclusions are remarkably similar... I'll comment further after you've completed your observations...

 

And finally if you happen to know... There was a wonderfully attentive and anticipatory bar server--usually assigned to the pool area when I was aboard Journey in February--by the name of Wayan... Whenever he saw me, he was always there instantaneously with a Diet Coke and a smile! I'd love to think that it's the same guy who served as your Steward and that he's since gotten a very well deserved promotion; I certainly commended him and know that others did too...

[Spursgirl]

Yes, we both got the liquor package at $12.95 per day. I don't think both of us had to purchase it though. It is also confusing somewhat onboard. It would be much simpler if they set a $limit per drink rather than compel you to cross reference the list of included spirits. The drinks featured on the bar menus generally were made with liquors that weren't in the package we had. I ended ,sticking with fairly generic drinks like mojitos and GandT or ordering cider. DH mostly had beers. There were no wines, including prosecco, in the package. :( I think there is a wine package but that's for bottles only. I much preferred the wine by the glass selections on celebrity. We generally only drink wine with dinner, so the choice of red or white was ok, just not that interesting.

So...I wouldn't say the package was a poor value, 3 beers and it's paid for that day, but it just wasn't that interesting. I really missed the Molecular Bars inventive cocktails.

 

I have never paid a great deal of attention to the Azamara drinks packages as the complimentary offerings generally suited me. But I did miss having a glass of Prosecco and am staggered that it was still unavailable even if you had organised an upgraded drinks package.

 

Azamara, a rethink is required here.

[Iamthesea]

Baynanno1

Cool Cruiser

Join Date: Feb 2013

Location: New South Wales, Australia

Posts: 36

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iamthesea

Enjoying this review. We would be interested to find out if one of the ships goes to England, Ireland and Scotland on the same cruise. We are having difficulty finding a cruise for that type of itinerary.

 

Are there tables for two in the specialty restaurants?

 

We are booked on the Journey on 8 August from Copenhagen to Southampton, calling in at Edinburgh, Kirkwall, Liverpool, Holyhead, Dublin, Iles of Scilly, Dartmouth and St Peter Port before arriving at Southampton on 20 August. We are then going on down the coast to Lisbon.

 

 

Thank you. We were hoping for a cruise during a different season as most seem to be in mid July, which is our beach week. This August 8th cruise would work in another year. We are cruised out until next February and have 3 booked thru February 2016. Perhaps this same itinerary will be available in August 2016.

 

Really enjoying Sandi's review and it is swaying us to try Azamara. :)

Edited June 19, 2014 by Iamthesea

[librarylady19]

I have never paid a great deal of attention to the Azamara drinks packages as the complimentary offerings generally suited me. But I did miss having a glass of Prosecco and am staggered that it was still unavailable even if you had organised an upgraded drinks package.

 

Azamara, a rethink is required here.

 

Hi Hazel,

It was nice chatting with you onboard. Guess we just had to make do with the complimentary fizzy but not the same!

[Christine Frances]

I have mention in a post somewhere that anyone can take a shower in the locker room .the showers are bigger and better shower heads. plus you can use the steam room.

 

i find it interesting the plugs are above the desk on Journey as on Quest they are underr he sesk. .At least in Club Suites.

 

Also we had older but very nice chairs on balcony but were switch out to these. I find it ahrd to read or enjoy the balcony the same way due to these chairs. yes the table too big but 2 people can enjoy eating out there.

 

I knew about the shower/steam room but I keep forgetting about it:rolleyes: darn Thanks Robin

[Sleep7]

Librarylady!

BEST review ever!! I love your details and all your pics.

Keep up the great work.. I'm enjoying every post.

Thanks!!!:):):):):)

[librarylady19]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I hope my port reviews (and the Azamazing evening in Malta) coming up will keep you tuning in.

 

I have attached the room service breakfast menu to this post for those who are interested. We had breakfast on the balcony twice and it was promptly delivered, pretty tasty and still warm. The other mornings (except for Sea Day) we ate in the Windows Cafe.

 

Windows breakfast is a step up from the Oceanview Cafe on Celebrity ships in terms of service primarily. The food selection and quality was comparable for the most part. Notably, the Azamara buffet had an omelette station (Scott said they were very good; I am not an egg fan), both hot and cold meats, fruits, pastries (which I thought were better on Celebrity - and I'm a big carb eater!), various cereals, etc. There was a pancake/french toast station but when I inquired about waffles, they told me they weren't making them (bet they didn't tell Texed that ;)).

There was a juice/smoothie bar where you could order fresh squeezed juices, smoothies made from their recipes or your own concoction (I did see one cruiser ask them to include her protein powder in her smoothie). I am not a juice drinker but others in our group said the OJ was very good. I tried one smoothie but it didn't rock my world (again, smoothies aren't one of my must-have foods).

As mentioned earlier, the coffee - either the regular coffee or the cappucinos or lattes (included in cruise fare) were very good and brought to your table by the very friendly waitstaff.

 

I would still give the edge to Celebrity for breakfast, however - for the breakfasts in Blu.

 

Room Service Breakfast - 1.pdf

 

Room Service Breakfast - 2.pdf

Edited June 20, 2014 by librarylady19

[librarylady19]

On to Santorini.

The tender ride was not too choppy and we were soon at the shore. Coach buses were lined up to transport passengers up to the top of the cliffs through a series of switchbacks.

Our tour was led by two young ladies from Santorini. The tour narrator was quite informative and spoke excellent English. As we drove to our first destination, the Santo winery, she told us about the island, its formation, the people living there and the housing we observed.

 

Our group is greeted by a winery representative who tells us about the unique way grapes are grown on Santorini and the styles they produce.

 

 

We were then invited to sample a red, white and a vin santo (a sweet dessert wine). The winery also laid out plates of tomatoes, greek cheese and bread to accompany the wine, which was very tasty.

 

The winery boasted some amazing views....

 

 

 

We could even see the Journey in the far distance - and an NCL ship that was just arriving in early afternoon.

 

 

 

It continued to be overcast and very windy, as you can see in some of these photos. Bad hair day! Cheers!

 

The winery also had a large shop for purchasing wine, souvenirs and Greek foods (as well as the all important restrooms!)

 

Edited June 20, 2014 by librarylady19

[midwestchick]

Brings back fond memories of Santorini.

Sandi...are those Travelon bags you have? They look like the one I have that is slash resistant.

[librarylady19]

We all piled back onto the coach, and were driven to our next stop, the picturesque village of Oia.

 

We were given an hour (or so) to explore the shops, admire the breathtaking views and take lots of photo to remember it all by....

 

 

Our poor husbands could barely keep up as Deirdre and I ran in and out of the warren of shops, exclaiming at the lovely scarves, shoes, jewelry and more.....and, of course, those views....

 

Rob and Scott - waiting for us.....

 

 

 

 

The iconic blue church dome. Note the couple to the far right of the photo. They were posing for what we think were wedding photos. Odd thing was, she was dressed to the nines, he had on a sport shirt....strange....

 

 

 

Isn't this a great setting for wedding photos! Here's a close up of the bride:

 

Edited June 20, 2014 by librarylady19

[librarylady19]

Its so difficult to choose just a few photos to illustrate the beauty of Oia, so I will post a few more. I think Scott does a great job taking photos!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 20, 2014 by librarylady19

[dln929]

I will agree with you that Scott does indeed take fantastic photos! I liked that shore excursion that we took in Santorini. I think we made the wise choice to take the afternoon excursion rather than the early morning one that Philippa took. Remember how our tour guide said "Drink up! drink up! There's plenty of wine!"? That was because we were the last group and they didn't mind us sampling til the bottles were emptied since they had opened them strictly for the Azamara excursions. Philippa told me that they got one taste of wine from each of the bottles laid out and that was it. I liked our group much better!

[librarylady19]

Agreed Deirdre, it was a very enjoyable excursion!

We reluctantly returned to the coach (we had to be hurried on by our husbands as shoe stores were calling our names....) and were driven to our ending destination - Fira (or Thira) the largest town on Santorini. While it did have windy, quaint streets, it also had much more traffic, shops and restaurants than Oia.

Our coach let us out on the edge of town and we walked toward the cable car station (we had been given tickets earlier for our return).

At this point, we met up with Rob & Deirdre's daughter Philippa who, as Deirdre mentioned, had taken the early morning tour and then hiked miles! (Oh the joys of youth!!).

 

You can see the Journey to the left of Rob:

 

 

 

You can see how high up we were....up in the clouds, practically:

 

 

Fira had some pretty amazing views too:

 

 

 

We were all pretty parched after that arduous sightseeing and Scott was on a mission to try the locally brewed beer - Donkey. Fortunately, the first bar we stopped at had several varieties on offer and we had a marvelous view - and excellent local beers and company too!!!

 

Is this an awesome photo or what!!

 

 

 

To good friends, good beer and cruising!

 

Edited June 20, 2014 by librarylady19

[theopup]

What wonderful photos, and a very interesting review, thanks

[Lois R]

Hi Sandy, awesome photos:D:):D......it is always so neat seeing

pictures of places already visited!....I was in Santorini on Equinox 2

years ago......where has the time gone? I went to the winery as well.

LOVE SANTORINI!:D

[librarylady19]

Hi Sandy, awesome photos:D:):D......it is always so neat seeing

pictures of places already visited!....I was in Santorini on Equinox 2

years ago......where has the time gone? I went to the winery as well.

LOVE SANTORINI!:D

 

Hi Lois,

Time does fly! I remember your review and vowed that I had to get to he Med too!! I'm ready to go back - there is just so much to experience there.

[Redtravel]

I am enjoying reading your postings. As an avid Celebrity cruiser, I am especially interested in your opinions. I will be on the Journey in August. Our previous cruises on the Journey were very nice. Looking forward to your new postings.

[English Tim]

Hi Sandi, thanks for a fantastic review, bringing back many happy memories.

 

Our next holiday is to a favourite mountain resort in Austria, but we expect to take another cruise in August / September, so keep looking at the offers.

 

I loved the Molecular cocktails and the Martini bar on Reflection, upgrading my package for a couple of days. If I'd done so all cruise, I'd have over indulged.

 

We would happily cruise Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, etc if the price and perks were attractive enough and always look for Azamara deals. I think the service, food, etc on any of these is fantastic.

[librarylady19]

After enjoying our beers, we walked around Fira for a while. I had to try a gyro while in Greece, so we stopped at a stand and shared a tasty gyro and chips with a Mythos beer!

 

We found our way to the cable car station (which was well marked) and headed down to the shore for the tender back to the waiting Journey.

 

 

I had some trepidation about this experience, after reading about the long lines and crowds, but we had no issues at all. Probably because there weren't a lot of ships near Santorini that day. I can imagine that it is overwhelmed when there are many ships in port.

 

We did see people taking the donkeys and stairs up or down (Rob was one of them!) but had no regrets for taking the less physically challenging return route.

 

The tender was waiting to transport us back to Journey. We had good experiences with the tenders throughout this cruise, other than some choppy seas which can't be blamed on Azamara. There was never a wait to get a tender and staff were always right there to help passengers on and off the vessel; that was certainly appreciated when the tenders where bobbing up and down! We tendered in several ports - Santorini, Giardini Naxos, and Sorrento.

 

Back on board, we relaxed for a while and then got ready for dinner in Discoveries. The Captain announced at some point, that weather reports indicated rough seas ahead and he was planning to make haste to try to stay ahead of the weather....oh dear, good thing I was taking my Bonine.

 

We enjoyed a delightful dinner and went to the casino to try our luck. The Journey casino is quite compact with a few gaming tables that we didn't visit and some slots and a few video poker machines. I know they accepted US $, didn't notice if they took pounds or euros though. I managed to play for quite a while on $20, which was enough risk for me.

 

We decided to give the Looking Glass another try (didn't need an early night as it was the Sea Day coming up). DJ Mario was hosting an All Request Party which turned out to be a blast! Mario is a delightful young man from Brazil who (we found out chatting with him later) is also a talented photographer and blogger.

He really knew how to get people up and moving, playing a nice mix of newer and older tunes. He got out on the dance floor and showed us some moves:)

He even played some Springsteen for me!!! We met up with Deirdre, Rob & Phil there and really enjoyed ourselves.

[starfruitvj]

All Request night was my favorite night onboard! Mario really got everyone on their feet, we didn't leave the Looking Glass until 2am. I'm thankful we crossed time zones and got an extra hour of sleep!

[Waihekean]

Strange seeing Santorini with subdued colours, but I can see that you still enjoyed the beauty of the place.

Isn't amazing sitting at the top of the cliff and seeing your ship in the caldera when in Fira.

On Celebrity we did the same tour and were in port from 2 - 10pm. So, afterwards we had a sunset dinner at top of the cliff. Just stunning.

[librarylady19]

Strange seeing Santorini with subdued colours, but I can see that you still enjoyed the beauty of the place.

Isn't amazing sitting at the top of the cliff and seeing your ship in the caldera when in Fira.

On Celebrity we did the same tour and were in port from 2 - 10pm. So, afterwards we had a sunset dinner at top of the cliff. Just stunning.

 

I can imagine it is completely dazzling when the sun is shining. I would love to be there at sunset, it must be amazing g. We did enjoy sunset from the ship but it's not the same as the cliff top view for sure.

[cruise kitty]

Thanks for this great report Library Lady! I'm one of those that would love to try Azamara, but the pricing holds me back... especially since we prefer longer sailings in the off season, maybe someday I'll get lucky and come across an amazing deal!