In You Opinion, is the Club World Owners Suite worth the experience vs. the price?

[ChucktownSteve]

Hi,  We've only sailed veranda cabins on AZ.  I found a Greece sailing that I'm interested in but it seems rather pricey.  We've enjoyed sailing an aft facing cabin on other cruise lines and haven't been afraid to pony up for it.  Also we have some Concierge/Penthouse suites on Regent, which we got on promotion that  includes more perks for a lower pp/pn rate.

 

• That being said, have you sailed the AZ Owner's Suite?
• Do you feel the experience justified the price?
• I realize it's got the view and the cabin size is huge compared to the rest of the ship. Which deck level would be the better choice?
• Are there other considerations I'm not seeing?

Thanks

[Dr H]

Okay, I've never purchased one, but was at party guest of a couple who were upgraded to an Owner's Suite. At first glance, they are fantastic, large rooms, separate living/dining area, two bathrooms. However, the couple did complain that being at the VERY front of the ship, almost every motion was noticeable. Like someone who books an inside cabin, they used the Suite mostly for changing clothes and sleeping. To be fair, they did enjoy a few parties there, and in typical Azamara fashion, the crew took very good care of them. Worth the price, honestly, I don't think so. But that would depend upon how you define "worth." If you've got the money and the rent is paid and you want the luxury, I say go for it, you are only going around once. I personally would not. Have a great trip!

Edited August 19, 2021 by Dr H

[btaylor1200]

 

46 minutes ago, ChucktownSteve said:

That being said, have you sailed the AZ Owner's Suite?

My wife and I have done several cruises in Owner’s Suites.  It is the only cabin category we have sailed in on Azamara, so others may have better comparisons. 
 

47 minutes ago, ChucktownSteve said:

Do you feel the experience justified the price?

For us, the price is justified, but everyone needs to make that decision for themselves.  Our first several cruises, I was constrained on the amount of vacation time I had, so spending more on a cabin was an easy choice.  I’m retired now, so it is a different circumstance and I might choose a different cabin and more frequent trips.

 

51 minutes ago, ChucktownSteve said:

I realize it's got the view and the cabin size is huge compared to the rest of the ship. Which deck level would be the better choice?

We prefer deck 6.  

 

Deck 8 is directly below the outside deck of the buffet.  Every time someone moved a chair, I heard it.  

 

Deck 7 is very nice, but we noticed a lot of soot on the veranda.  It didn’t make it unusable, we just needed to be careful of what we touched.  This may have been an anomaly, but we experienced it.

 

Deck 6 is by far our first choice.  I think the veranda is slightly larger, and it is quiet.

 

58 minutes ago, ChucktownSteve said:

Are there other considerations I'm not seeing?

I think having a drink on the veranda during sail away from each port is “priceless”, but just about the same experience can be had for “free” on deck 9.  There are some published perks and some “secret” perks that are nice, but the price of the room is mainly for the extra space.  The “experience” of the cruise is largely the same regardless of which cabin you choose.

 

I hope this helps some.

[uktog]

13 minutes ago, Dr H said:

Okay, I've never purchased one, but was at party guest of a couple who were upgraded to an Owner's Suite. At first glance, they are fantastic, large rooms, separate living/dining area, two bathrooms. However, the couple did complain that being at the VERY front of the ship, almost every motion was noticeable. Like someone who books an inside cabin, they used the Suite mostly for changing clothes and sleeping. To be fair, they did enjoy a few parties there, and in typical Azamara fashion, the crew took very good care of them. Worth the price, honestly, I don't think so. But that would depend upon how you define "worth." If you've got the money and the rent is paid and you want the luxury, I say go for it, you are only going around once. I personally would not. Have a great trip!

Incorrect I think you were in the Ocean suite when you attended the party.

 

The Owners suite is at the aft (back) of the ship and is an excellent location.  For us, Deck 7 is our favourite.

 

To the OP - We have stayed in it a few times and we have enjoyed the splurge for the extra comfort and space and the brilliant balcony.  We have enjoyed beautiful evenings out there having dinner served by the butler - our special memory is doing it whilst docked (not tender) in Monaco, felt just like the experience of the yacht owners we were looking over to.  

 

We also greatly enjoyed the Best of the Best dinner in the library which is only attended by the occupants of the Owner and Ocean suites and is a beautiful evening.

 

However - not sure how price sensitive you are, each to their own as they say

 

 

Edited August 19, 2021 by uktog

[excitedofharpenden]

I guess the answer is it depends how much you are being asked to pay. I've stayed in the CW suite half a dozen times, but never paid full price. They are lovely cabins and it's very nice to go to the Best of the Best meal in the Drawing Room. However the Club Continent Suites are nice too.

 

One of the big benefits as far as I'm concerned is that the bedroom is so quiet with no outside walls. I prefer deck 6 because the balcony is deeper. It's a really good size.  Deck 7 is a little less deep and deck 8 a little less again. It makes a difference as the loungers are totally covered from above.  And the aft view is great. 

 

Phil 

[procter]

Not sure if Best of Best is offered on cruises of 7 days or less now. We have stayed in CW several times and do enjoy the inside space as well as private veranda. Agree deck 6 then 7 and lastly 8 because of noise from above 

[uktog]

8 minutes ago, procter said:

Not sure if Best of Best is offered on cruises of 7 days or less now. We have stayed in CW several times and do enjoy the inside space as well as private veranda. Agree deck 6 then 7 and lastly 8 because of noise from above 

They used to be - have you been told that’s not the case now?  They may not be happening but maybe not due to the length of the cruise but because of officer/guests distancing rules 

[Mackdogmolly]

1 hour ago, excitedofharpenden said:

I guess the answer is it depends how much you are being asked to pay. I've stayed in the CW suite half a dozen times, but never paid full price. They are lovely cabins and it's very nice to go to the Best of the Best meal in the Drawing Room. However the Club Continent Suites are nice too.

 

One of the big benefits as far as I'm concerned is that the bedroom is so quiet with no outside walls. I prefer deck 6 because the balcony is deeper. It's a really good size.  Deck 7 is a little less deep and deck 8 a little less again. It makes a difference as the loungers are totally covered from above.  And the aft view is great. 

 

Phil 

And it it is just an aft cabin you are looking for, there are some veranda plus cabins between the CW suites. The room is no bigger than a veranda, but the balcony is a little bigger. A few extra perks too. 

[ChucktownSteve]

We had an aft V1 cabin booked for earlier this year but Covid prevented that. Plus we wanted to see what the new owners would be like.

 

Thanks all for your input.  This will be our 5th booked suite through May '23.  Even though we've never actually sailed in a suite yet.

 

The Owners Suite comes out to be about $750pp/pn for more than 10 days.  I didn't think that was too bad but it doesn't include air to Europe. However I did change my spending paradigm last year when we did so well in the market the past several years and don't have any kids to leave it to.  So our nieces and nephews will have what's left if any. lol

 

Can y'all expand on the Best of the Best dinner?  I can't seem to find it on the AZ web site.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2021 by ChucktownSteve

[uktog]

It is a six/seven course meal attended by the Captain and usually three or sometimes four other senior officers and the guests in the Owners and Ocean suites.  It is held in the Library and is served by the butlers.  The menu is designed by the exec Chef and is different every time and is served with paired wines.  It is a delightful event  but I do not think it has ever been on the website

Edited August 19, 2021 by uktog

[ChucktownSteve]

2 minutes ago, uktog said:

It is a six/seven course meal attended by the Captain and usually three or sometimes four other senior officers and the guests in the Owners and Ocean suites.  It is held in the Library and is served by the butlers.  The menu is designed by the exec Chef and is different every time and is served with paired wines.  It is a delightful event  but I do not think it has ever been on the website

 

Thanks. We once ordered a 12 course meal in a five star hotel restaurant with paired wines. My DW kept asking when does this end? lol  I thought it was fantastic.  We had eaten there before but not had that special a meal.  So I'm guessing I will enjoy the experience very much.  Hopefully the DW will as well.

[Riocca]

2 minutes ago, ChucktownSteve said:

 

Can y'all expand on the Best of the Best dinner?  I can't seem to find it on the AZ web site.

 

 

 

 

 

Best of the best (B.o.B) is an exclusive dinner for the passengers in the CO & CW suites hosted by the Captain and Senior Officers. The Executive Chefs are allowed free reign to create the meal paired with good wine, here’s a menu from Quest in 2019.

 

 

[excitedofharpenden]

9 minutes ago, uktog said:

It is a six/seven course meal attended by the Captain and usually three or sometimes four other senior officers and the guests in the Owners and Ocean suites.  It is held in the Library and is served by the butlers.  The menu is designed by the exec Chef and is different every time and is served with paired wines.  It is a delightful event  but I do not think it has ever been on the website

And it is really very special. A few steps up from the Specialty restaurants I think. 

 

Phil 

[ChucktownSteve]

Based up the input, I decided to pull the trigger on the cruise in the Owner's Suite and followed the recommendations for deck 6. I appreciate the information.  Now I just hope Azamara is even better than our last AZ cruise which turned out being our best of the best cruise we've ever taken.

 

Is Hotel Director Ryszard Gusmann still with AZ?

Edited August 19, 2021 by ChucktownSteve

[btaylor1200]

Enjoy your cruise!

 

I think Ryszard is currently on Quest. 

[uktog]

14 minutes ago, ChucktownSteve said:

Based up the input, I decided to pull the trigger on the cruise in the Owner's Suite and followed the recommendations for deck 6. I appreciate the information.  Now I just hope Azamara is even better than our last AZ cruise which turned out being our best of the best cruise we've ever taken.

 

Is Hotel Director Ryszard Gusmann still with AZ?

Hope it really works out for you - when do you sail?

[ChucktownSteve]

18 minutes ago, uktog said:

Hope it really works out for you - when do you sail?

Thanks. May '23 Greece Intensive

[Dr H]

4 hours ago, uktog said:

Incorrect I think you were in the Ocean suite when you attended the party.

Okay, how did you know that? Even I forgot we were suite level for that one! But it was not Owners Suite up front, just a (not so) poor man's suite on Deck 8, below the pool. Do you recall who threw the party? Cuz I do! The space is amazing, and if someone else was picking up the tab, I would grab it in a heartbeat. My bottom line is that I saw no difference is Staff and service from suite to veranda to inside room on Azamara. There is a huge price difference, however. Veranda is our sweet spot. Would love to have the larger Ocean Suite, but simply cannot justify the price difference. As for the B. o. B. dinner, I've never heard of it, the menu looks amazing, for the price you're paying for the room, you deserve it, and I cannot imagine it being "better" than either the specialty restaurants or a chef's table. (We've been to two semi-dud chef's tables, a "Japanese" meal (California cuisine with wasabi and California wines), and a French dinner. The French food was spectacular, the wine parings were mediocre, especially compared to the Italian parings. MHO, for a change.  Hey, like I said earlier, if you can afford it and the kids have shoes, go for it! And while I do not speak Greek, I do speak Italian, so if you are in need of a translator, feel free to contact me and take me along with you. I'll sleep on the couch.

[Host Jazzbeau]

5 hours ago, Dr H said:

Okay, I've never purchased one, but was at party guest of a couple who were upgraded to an Owner's Suite. At first glance, they are fantastic, large rooms, separate living/dining area, two bathrooms. However, the couple did complain that being at the VERY front of the ship, almost every motion was noticeable.

 

5 hours ago, uktog said:

Incorrect I think you were in the Ocean suite when you attended the party.

 

43 minutes ago, Dr H said:

Okay, how did you know that?

Because you mentioned the suite being at the very front of the ship.  I was about to reply when @uktog posted.  Club Ocean Suites (CO) are at the front of the ship.  Club World Owners Suites (CW) are in the aft corners.  This thread is about CWs.

[ChucktownSteve]

4 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

 

 

Because you mentioned the suite being at the very front of the ship.  I was about to reply when @uktog posted.  Club Ocean Suites (CO) are at the front of the ship.  Club World Owners Suites (CW) are in the aft corners.  This thread is about CWs.

That's how I found the CW cabin.  I looked at the deck plan, liked the aft facing corner suite and kept looking at each successive suite category until I found that the only appropriate cabins for what I wanted was the CW.  Just before getting there was the identical location but at the bow named CO.

 

DW can't do forward.  Besides we got hooked on the aft view while both sailing and docked. We really enjoyed the Panama Canal aft view.

 

In Bermuda, our aft view had a panoramic view of the island and water.  So I anticipate the docked aft views at all the Greek Isles should be wonderful too.

 

 

[excitedofharpenden]

8 hours ago, Dr H said:

As for the B. o. B. dinner, I've never heard of it, the menu looks amazing, for the price you're paying for the room, you deserve it, and I cannot imagine it being "better" than either the specialty restaurants or a chef's table.

Hard to describe unless you've actually been, but trust me it is. The food is very special with amazing presentation and white glove service and held in the Drawing Room. Photos of some of the dishes. The menu changes each cruise as the Executive Chef has free reign. 

 

Phil 

[excitedofharpenden]

11 hours ago, ChucktownSteve said:

Based up the input, I decided to pull the trigger on the cruise in the Owner's Suite and followed the recommendations for deck 6. I appreciate the information.  Now I just hope Azamara is even better than our last AZ cruise which turned out being our best of the best cruise we've ever taken.

 

Is Hotel Director Ryszard Gusmann still with AZ?

The balcony on six is great. So much space. Forgot to mention that pre-Covid on Azamazing Evening you'd have a VIP meet up in the Cabaret Lounge before being escorted off the ship to be first at the venue (pick the best seats) and there was also a VIP get together at the start of the cruise or sailaway. Not sure how these will be handled going forward. The nice thing was in true Azamara style, no fuss, very discreet and great organisation with drinks and canapés served. 

 

Enjoy!

 

Phil 

 

 

[uktog]

Also again pre Covid automatic invites to bridge, engine room and galley tours.  As you are going in 2023 there’s a great chance all these little specials will be back on then. 

[ChucktownSteve]

3 hours ago, uktog said:

Also again pre Covid automatic invites to bridge, engine room and galley tours.  As you are going in 2023 there’s a great chance all these little specials will be back on then. 

 

That's what I was thinking.  Time heals all wounds as they used to say. With the sailings that have restarted, I'm not hearing a big uproar about outbreaks on the ships either.  So I'm hoping by next year things should be pretty well close to normal.

 

Now our next cruise I'm looking to book is the British Isles.

Edited August 20, 2021 by ChucktownSteve

[ChucktownSteve]

14 hours ago, Dr H said:

 My bottom line is that I saw no difference is Staff and service from suite to veranda to inside room on Azamara. There is a huge price difference, however. Veranda is our sweet spot. Would love to have the larger Ocean Suite, but simply cannot justify the price difference. As for the B. o. B. dinner, I've never heard of it, the menu looks amazing, for the price you're paying for the room, you deserve it, and I cannot imagine it being "better" than either the specialty restaurants or a chef's table.

 

I suspect that people who aren't booked in those suites never see the differences.  I have observed some from the outside even on Celebrity.  I wasn't envious because they paid for that extra. I suspect it's probably the additional little things that add up to the total experience.  It's not usually amongst the general staff.  But then again the service level for all cabin categories is higher than many other lines.

 

I adopted the phrase a year or two ago: I don't want to be wheel chair regretful.  So I began doing things I never thought I would spend the money on before.  When I reach my "sell by date," I understand I can't take it with me.  So I've started enjoying while I can.

Edited August 20, 2021 by ChucktownSteve