What would you change on Azamara?

[Logos11]

I have just returned from a truly memorable and wonderful one week cruise on the Quest. My opinion of Azamara has not changed - and especially since the internet and laundry have been reinstated. Food was superb, staff were friendly and welcoming, Captain, Cruise director and Hotel Manager still fantastic as ever. However since this is my sixth or seventh cruise little things have changed and changes which I think were not necessary. I would love to hear other opinions which I suspect in many cases would agree with my conclusion.

 

1. Bring back the harpist before dinner and at other times on board

 

2. Do away with Azamazing Evenings as they must cost a fortune and generally mean grabbing a quick snack either before or after the event thus missing a relaxing dinner! They are great in theory, but generally are not worth all the effort by Azamara or the passengers.

 

3. Go back to free wine and beer with meals but pay for your own drinks outside of that. Most of us can afford a cocktail or two each day if required.

Why subsidize those who want a lot more!

 

4. Why in the world bring in Art auctions which seem to reflect all that is worst in cruising. Admittedly it was not in our faces but took up space formerly used by a pianist for our pleasure. Azamara does not need this nonsense and I would doubt if they sold two pieces during the cruise because most of the passengers looked intelligent to me!

 

5. Revert to the old menu in Aqualina!

 

I know these suggestions will be a little controversial but I am convinced the majority would prefer the savings made reflected in decreased fares and returned harpist which could be feasible if the really expensive items were removed. We all loved Azamara when the above suggestions were a reality so why not go back to where we where when our love affair with this great cruise line began?!!

 

Let us know what you think, and especially those who have enjoyed and appreciated Azamara from near the beginning!

 

It would be interesting to hear Mr Pimentals opinion as well!

[marinaro44]

I know these suggestions will be a little controversial but I am convinced the majority would prefer the savings made reflected in decreased fares and returned harpist which could be feasible if the really expensive items were removed.

Eliminating the "really expensive" included liquor would reduce Azamara's costs by about $100 per person for a two-week cruise. Would that really make a difference in whether you booked a cruise or not?

 

Given Azamara's current price point, including liquor is important to be competitive with other lines at that price point. And, given the size of Azamara's ships, it would be impossible to stay in business at a lower price point and still offer the "truly memorable and wonderful cruise"

you just experienced.

 

This passenger looks forward to a new menu in Aqualina. It's probably even a bit overdue.

[Redtravel]

I agree with most of what you wrote. I would also include dining in the specialty restaurants complimentary. Menus in Aquilina and Prime C need changes. The cover charge of $25 is absurd. The upscale lines do not charge for specialty restaurants. They do limit the times so that all guests can have the opportunity to enjoy the specialty venues. I didn't pay extra on Oceania or Windstar.

 

I would also stop the spa girls from pushing papers in your hands. They are very annoying. They are also wasting paper. In this age when being green is popular, sending a ad from the spa to each cabin is terrible.

 

The sale tables outside the shops is ugly. It reminds me of going to a flea market, bargain basement, or a garage sale. I don't go to them on land. Why would I want to sell piles of cheap junky clothing or watches on a table? If I wanted to shop, I would go into the stores. It makes the ship look shabby.

[Spursgirl]

I too have recently returned from an outstanding cruise on Quest.

 

Think it's time the menus in the MDR were changed. I can almost recite them by heart now.

 

Yes I think I too would vote to stop the Azamazing Evenings but not sure that will be happening any time soon. Have opted not to attend the one in Barcelona on my upcoming cruise. My preference is to enjoy the city which is one of my favourites.

 

I'd also,like them to junk the art auctions and return the piano to Mosaic. I hate it that Max is in competition with the slot machines and sometimes the TV too.

[ellbon]

I have just returned from a truly memorable and wonderful one week cruise on the Quest. My opinion of Azamara has not changed - and especially since the internet and laundry have been reinstated. Food was superb, staff were friendly and welcoming, Captain, Cruise director and Hotel Manager still fantastic as ever. However since this is my sixth or seventh cruise little things have changed and changes which I think were not necessary. I would love to hear other opinions which I suspect in many cases would agree with my conclusion.

 

1. Bring back the harpist before dinner and at other times on board

 

yes to the harpist but keepo Narhan around at ngiht in Discoveries from 9 to 11.. works great for me.

 

2. Do away with Azamazing Evenings as they must cost a fortune and generally mean grabbing a quick snack either before or after the event thus missing a relaxing dinner! They are great in theory, but generally are not worth all the effort by Azamara or the passengers.

i go to some and not others. i lkke hte ones i can walk too the most.. no one is making us go -up to us to go.

 

3. Go back to free wine and beer with meals but pay for your own drinks outside of that. Most of us can afford a cocktail or two each day if required.

Why subsidize those who want a lot more!

 

iwish but it will not happpen. i buy drinks at nights as ii lke better booze.

 

4. Why in the world bring in Art auctions which seem to reflect all that is worst in cruising. Admittedly it was not in our faces but took up space formerly used by a pianist for our pleasure. Azamara does not need this nonsense and I would doubt if they sold two pieces during the cruise because most of the passengers looked intelligent to me!

 

again i wsih as it ruins deck 5. .but it will not happen thanks to RCL.

 

5. Revert to the old menu in Aqualina!

never! I am so sick of that old menu.. some things need to go -all over the ship.

 

I know these suggestions will be a little controversial but I am convinced the majority would prefer the savings made reflected in decreased fares and returned harpist which could be feasible if the really expensive items were removed. We all loved Azamara when the above suggestions were a reality so why not go back to where we where when our love affair with this great cruise line began?!!

 

Let us know what you think, and especially those who have enjoyed and appreciated Azamara from near the beginning!

 

It would be interesting to hear Mr Pimentals opinion as well!

larry brought in the evenins and he art so forgeet it.. wish bars on deck 5 stayed open later.

[mare s.]

Another vote for the harpist and bringing the piano back to Mosaic (and doing away with the art auction, or at least putting the table in another area) I'm all for updating the menus in all the restaurants.

 

These are such little things, really, and I hope that Azamara pays attention.

[dln929]

Another vote for the harpist and bringing the piano back to Mosaic (and doing away with the art auction, or at least putting the table in another area) I'm all for updating the menus in all the restaurants.

 

These are such little things, really, and I hope that Azamara pays attention.

 

We found Azamara after the departure of the harpist and frankly I could not understand what all the dismay was about...until I found this video taken on the Quest a few years back. Oh man! Bring back the harpist!!!

[maryann ns]

You cannot be all things to all people but I get the feeling the people at Azamara are trying to do that.

 

I loved Azamara for the things that made it classy:

harp, piano, specialty dining without the too large $25 charge, no art auction, no free booze except wine with meals.

 

I hope they know what they are doing, but if I ever contemplate another cruise (outside of the upcoming one to Antarctica) I may start to look elsewhere.

[mare s.]

We found Azamara after the departure of the harpist and frankly I could not understand what all the dismay was about...until I found this video taken on the Quest a few years back. Oh man! Bring back the harpist!!!

 

Thank you Deirdre! The music was wonderful and contributed so much to the elegant ambience.

[Phxazzcruisers]

Bring back the harpist. It was a nice touch. However we usually eat dinner in the Specialty Restaurants, so it is not a big deal for us.

Aqualina was due for a change. We have not seen the new menu yet, so we cannot comment on the change, juts knew it was time for one.

Free liquor is nice, and as stated above would not reduce the cost of a cruise by much if only available at lunch and dinner

Art Auctions need to GO. Park Lane is not a reputable dealer and it makes the ship look tacky with the art hanging all over like it is.

Get Max back in the Mosaic so he is not competing with slot machines.

Azamazing evenings are, for us, 50/50. We have really enjoyed some, and others, not so much. They will probably keep them, however, as it sets them apart.

Keep the cover charge for non suite guests to eat in Specialty Restaurants, as it would take away a benefit of booking a Suite, as they Specialty Restaurants would always be full.

Just some of our opinions.

[CintiPam]

Bring music back to Mosaic and bring back the harpist.

 

Get rid of the bar on the open outside part of Windows, so more can eat outside.

[pully8]

yet to try azamara but booked to do so. we will not be interested in art auctions. when we chose to buy art we do so with research and at our choosing not on a cruise with limited choice.

 

we not interested in shopping on board either plenty of opportunities at home or ashore. we like to relax and will not enjoy being a captive audience to commercialism. good to be forewarned about current practices however.

 

luckily there is so much choice these days with cruising. we have enjoyed 6 river cruises and have 2 more planned and our 1st azamara. we think a smaller ship will be a good fit for us and have also considered oceania.

 

we like good food and a relaxed environment free from formality.

[Texed]

I have only been on two Azamara cruises. But, I guess ignorance is bless, because I liked it pretty well the way it is. :)

[ellbon]

I have only been on two Azamara cruises. But, I guess ignorance is bless, because I liked it pretty well the way it is. :)

 

Ed, you are s oright. ig i was changin g anyhing is to bring back the harpest and take away Park Lane. The rest is ok with me at this point.

[troywest]

1. Yes, bring back the harpist, and return the piano to the mosaic.

 

2. While I dislike the "art" auctions and the tacky sales tables, they -like the casino- bring revenue to the cruise line from unthinking volunteers, and that revenue benefits all of us.

I'm all for voluntary contributions.

 

3. I think the included beverages are an important part of the Azamara experience.

 

4. The Azamazing evenings need to be tweaked. Some are wonderful e.g. St. Michaels Cave others not so great. It's a wonderful concept, they just need to get the kinks out. I assume some of the cost is recouped by a savings in onboard food costs, and I'm sure the staff appreciates the lighter MDR loads.

 

5. One thing that bothers me: With wine included in the program, why charge me a corkage fee, when I bring my own?

[ellbon]

1. Yes, bring back the harpist, and return the piano to the mosaic.

the second wil lnever happen. .something about hering al ltthose code signels or something. worked for years so why now.

 

2. While I dislike the "art" auctions and the tacky sales tables, they -like the casino- bring revenue to the cruise line from unthinking volunteers, and that revenue benefits all of us.

I'm all for voluntary contributions.

 

not relly- brings money to Park Lane. thry retn he space -i am sure of that.

 

3. I think the included beverages are an important part of the Azamara experience.

 

mix feelings as i buy better vodka etc daily.

 

4. The Azamazing evenings need to be tweaked. Some are wonderful e.g. St. Michaels Cave others not so great. It's a wonderful concept, they just need to get the kinks out. I assume some of the cost is recouped by a savings in onboard food costs, and I'm sure the staff appreciates the lighter MDR loads.

 

on baord food costs- more work as they serve twice- befro4e and after. bug=ffets have tons of wasted food daily- all over the world.. the staff works harder. look again

 

5. One thing that bothers me: With wine included in the program, why charge me a corkage fee, when I bring my own?

 

you are bringing your own-a way to make money. .this is true evrywhere

[Host Jazzbeau]

One thing that bothers me: With wine included in the program, why charge me a corkage fee, when I bring my own?

 

I agree. River Cruise ships don't charge corkage, and when I mentioned something about it to an exec they agreed that they are very happy for you not to drink their wine!

[nordski]

I agree. River Cruise ships don't charge corkage, and when I mentioned something about it to an exec they agreed that they are very happy for you not to drink their wine!

 

Unless there has been a very recent change, at least two lines, AMA and Avalon, were charging corkage fees in public and dining areas. Viking and Uniworld do not.

 

However, those fees seem certainly to be disappearing in the river cruise market.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Unless there has been a very recent change, at least two lines, AMA and Avalon, were charging corkage fees in public and dining areas. Viking and Uniworld do not.

 

However, those fees seem certainly to be disappearing in the river cruise market.

 

AMA does not charge a corkage fee in the dining room, where their own wine is included. They do charge a small corkage fee if you want to open your own bottle in their bar. This is per AMA's official communication on Cruise Critic earlier this year:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2019659&highlight=corkage

[nordski]

AMA does not charge a corkage fee in the dining room, where their own wine is included. They do charge a small corkage fee if you want to open your own bottle in their bar. This is per AMA's official communication on Cruise Critic earlier this year:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2019659&highlight=corkage

 

Thanks for the clarification.

[autumn lass]

Also just returned from Croatia cruise on Quest. Captain Carl, Philip and Russ were excellent but we missed Ryzsard. Lovely ports.

 

We though the area around Mosaic was totally spoilt by the art on display it was really intrusive. Also the sale tables outside the shops intruded on the Mosaic tables in front of the shops. Hard to relax with a cup of coffee when people are crowding round the sales tables and infringing on your personal space.

 

We have experienced a couple of Azamazing evenings and we have not been impressed.

 

Due to allergies I am unable to eat anything on the new Aqualina menu, so that's one dining experience less for us in future. This was a dining experience we have really enjoyed on our previous 6 cruises. But there was a lot of enthusiasm for the new menu.

 

I don't drink and my DH just has wine with his meals so the included drinks are lost on us. It would be nice to have a greater variety of fruit juices included and not just the usual fizzy offerings.

 

However looking forward to being on Journey next month.

[ellbon]

Also just returned from Croatia cruise on Quest. Captain Carl, Philip and Russ were excellent but we missed Ryzsard. Lovely ports.

 

I like a lthe HD's the same .I saw Ryzsard this summer so nect up is Philip.

 

We though the area around Mosaic was totally spoilt by the art on display it was really intrusive. Also the sale tables outside the shops intruded on the Mosaic tables in front of the shops. Hard to relax with a cup of coffee when people are crowding round the sales tables and infringing on your personal space.

I hate the art that is one reason I joined this line as a guest. The tables have always been there but are worse since 2013.

 

We have experienced a couple of Azamazing evenings and we have not been impressed.

 

all of us have mix feelings o nthis. i skip most of hem.

 

Due to allergies I am unable to eat anything on the new Aqualina menu, so that's one dining experience less for us in future. This was a dining experience we have really enjoyed on our previous 6 cruises. But there was a lot of enthusiasm for the new menu.

 

if this a glutin thing or what/ i really love the new menu.. I was so bored with the other menu and only ate one main adn 2 starters from it. i am sorry about this for you. .But you do realize the other menu comes back. so on a 14 or 16 night cruise you wilkl see at least 2 twice.

 

I don't drink and my DH just has wine with his meals so the included drinks are lost on us. It would be nice to have a greater variety of fruit juices included and not just the usual fizzy offerings.

 

i have hated that for2 years.. I rather buy what i want when i want

 

However looking forward to being on Journey next month.

 

your points are right on and very honest.

[baytraller]

My comments could be viewed as Revenue verses Public Space

 

1) No Revenue events in the looking Glass

 

Art Auctions have been mentioned

 

On our recent cruise on the Journey one morning while drinking coffee and reading

 

We were asked if we were there for the Mac Class - No was our reply

 

We were then told (alone with about 6 to 8 other guests) that we would to have leave or pay $10 each

 

When we finally left there were only about 5 guests there for the class - $50 revenue

 

2) No Photographer - The space could be used for extra chairs and tables

 

3) La Boutique - deck 4 area totally wasted

 

This area could be used for extra space for the local travel people

 

Pinup a city map - with an S for where the shuttle stops and D for where we are docked

 

More detailed weather information (including forecasts for the next few days)

 

Also allow more area for passengers while waiting to disembark

[Texancruisers]

How about a NEW larger ship with LARGER cabins!!!

[pickypicky]

How about a NEW larger ship with LARGER cabins!!!

 

Different strokes for different folks...I don't want a larger ship. Give me one more R ship, and I'll be happy!!!