11 days on Reflection or 8 on Az Journey

[Cruise Junky]

It's our 20th anniversary next year. There are two itineraries (med) we have our eye on. Azamara is total $500 us more but is three days less. For anyone that has sailed both, do you think it's worth it? Comparing balcony cabins on both.

[uktog]

It's our 20th anniversary next year. There are two itineraries (med) we have our eye on. Azamara is total $500 us more but is three days less. For anyone that has sailed both, do you think it's worth it? Comparing balcony cabins on both.

 

Are the itineraries identical? You may find Azamara are at lovely smaller ports, may be docked as opposed to Celebrity tendered and may well be longer in port each day.

 

How important is included drinks, tips etc. Azamara tips are included, the wines are included and are really good as are a range of beers and spirits albeit limited. To buy a better spirit costs a lot less on Azamara (I guess they have factored in you are not drinking s free one.)

 

You have access to unlimited bottled water on Azamara including huge vats (take as much as you want) when you are going ashore

 

The two speciality restaurants are $25 a head and I think Aqualina is far better than Tuscan.

 

Does entertainment matter? The entertainment on Azamara is lower key, very good but different.

 

The casino on Azamara is tiny, so if this matters it's Celebrity for you

 

The rooms on Celebrity are better appointed so if your room matters to you a lot it's Celebrity for you.

 

We find the staff on Azamara are happier, more service focused and the smaller number of guests generally also seem happy - never been trapped with a moaner in the elevator.

 

There are plusses for both lines, it really comes down to what matters for you, we are now 10% X 90% A for next year, that's personal itinerary driven choices. We also prefer the smaller ship - it's smaller not small by the way!

[Cruise Junky]

Itineraries are completely different. Azamara does spend some really long days in port, which is great. My nightly entertainment is the martini bar on X :) Both would include drinks. We booked Reflection while on board Connie and got drinks and $500 OBC. The included tips on A would be a benefit. There is quite a bit of tendering happening on the A cruise, but I'm thinking that's not really an issue with so few people.

Edited June 2, 2016 by Cruise Junky

[need2cruisesoon]

If the ship is half the destination then X, if you are into overnights and want to see different ports then AZ.

If AZ then take the other 3-4 days and include a land tour in Italy.

[uktog]

Itineraries are completely different. Azamara does spend some really long days in port, which is great. My nightly entertainment is the martini bar on X :) Both would include drinks. We booked Reflection while on board Connie and got drinks and $500 OBC. The included tips on A would be a benefit. There is quite a bit of tendering happening on the A cruise, but I'm thinking that's not really an issue with so few people.

 

Tendering is never an issue on Azamara, you are often greeted onto the tender by the Captain or hotel director. The evenings can also involve a run back ashore. The Europeans are great evening walkers and strolling around promenades with them is great fun. You can have a drink ashore or wait until you are back onboard.

 

One thing we notice on Azamara, staff are never looking for additional tips and they give everyone really great service, you don't get the dollar flasher at the bar hogging the bar tender.

[richstowe]

I'm sure either option would be wonderful . Having said that I always give the same advice - Arrive several days pre-cruise . Give yourselves a few days to enjoy your departure city and adjust to the time change . Vancouver is a long way away . It's a great way to start your anniversary cruise .

[Cruise Junky]

I'm sure either option would be wonderful . Having said that I always give the same advice - Arrive several days pre-cruise . Give yourselves a few days to enjoy your departure city and adjust to the time change . Vancouver is a long way away . It's a great way to start your anniversary cruise .

 

No worries there. We are frequent Europe travelers in one form or another.