AZAMARA/Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2009

[factor30]

I have just acquired the new version of the Berlitz Guide to Cruising 2009, just published in the UK, which is recognised as the definitive cruising guide. So far, I have only had a chance to have a brief look at it but on first glance, I would point out that as far as the Azamara ships are concerned they have not got their facts right in certain areas. I do appreciate that they have a disclaimer on the 'Introduction' page at the beginning, i.e. 'Although every effort is made to provide accurate information, we live in a fast-changing world, and would appreciate it if readers would call our attention to any outdated information by writing to........'

 

In the general description of Azamara Journey (Quest is on the following page with an abbreviated version as it is identical to the Journey) it states: 'There is also a Michael's Club - a jazz/piano lounge........' This is, of course, incorrect. There is no Michael's Club although I think it was included in the original plans. At the far end of the Casino there is an area with seating, a piano and a Plasma TV on the wall. We think it's a shame they didn't retain the atmosphere of Michael's Club as on the Celebrity fleet.

 

Under the heading 'Alternative Dining Spots'

Aqualina Restaurant: Cost $20 per person, or $50 per person for the special tasting menu including wine. I am not sure about the special tasting menu charge as I did not experience it myself on the Quest.

Prime C: Extra Cost: $25 per person

These venues are given slightly more description in the book. However, the costs as printed are very misleading and give an incorrect picture of the changes that were made much earlier in 2008.

 

I would be interested to know when this publication went to print before final checks were made.

For the benefit of anyone who reads this new publication and is not aware of changes made earlier this year, there is now only a $5 gratuity charge per person (which is not compulsory) in both restaurants. I am not sure about any changes regarding the special tasting menu. Perhaps someone could enlighten us.

 

There may be other inconsistencies throughout the book, which is the norm, but the above 'stuck out like a sore thumb' and are very important errors.

 

Rita

Two cruises already on Quest and due on Journey early 2009.

[Andy]

Hi Rita !

 

Thank you for the information. Regarding Michael's Club : There is a Michael's Club on Deck 10 (across from Aqualina/Prime C) though it is smaller, and includes the library. It doesnt resemble the Michael's Club we know on Celebrity's ships.

 

As for other inaccuracies, one would think a fine organization such as Berlitz would make a better effort to get their information right. Sadly, its a sign of the times.... where too many places simply do not do their homework.

 

Perhaps it is due to the wealth of information available on Websites such as Cruise Critic, which may cut into book sales, and in turn, force them to cut costs/research. With that said, there is no excuse for an inferior prouduct, in any business.

[airlinesteward]

Hi,

 

I just bought the cruising bible too for 2009. Following our last cruise the Aqualina and Pime C were free of charge. They just asked us to pay for the service.

Regarding the new Berlitz guide, they rated Azamara Quest as 4 stars to compare 4 to 5 stars for Celebrity Cruises. We think they got it right. Further to our cruise last February, we found out the service offered onbaord Celebrity Cruises was far better than Azamara. The Hotel Director had no motivation regarding the service offered onboard and also no interest in her staff.

It is a shame as they have a very nice ship.

We are going back in January and we hope to see a difference.

 

 

Alain

[Lobbylin]

Hi,

 

I just bought the cruising bible too for 2009. Following our last cruise the Aqualina and Pime C were free of charge. They just asked us to pay for the service.

Regarding the new Berlitz guide, they rated Azamara Quest as 4 stars to compare 4 to 5 stars for Celebrity Cruises. We think they got it right. Further to our cruise last February, we found out the service offered onbaord Celebrity Cruises was far better than Azamara. The Hotel Director had no motivation regarding the service offered onboard and also no interest in her staff.

It is a shame as they have a very nice ship.

We are going back in January and we hope to see a difference.

 

 

Alain

 

 

Thanks Alain,

 

My next question based on the OP comments was going to be how people thought Azamara rated alongside Celebrity, but you have answered that already.

 

Why would you only give Azamara 4* vs Celebrity's 5*? What was wrong with the service, or to be precise, what did not live up to expectations on Azamara?

 

I have one more question, which is a more general one. Are Azamara trying to position themselves as offering everything that you expect on Celebrity, but with even better standards? That is certainly my take on things, so please someone correct me, if I am going to be disappointed.

 

Thanks:)

[airlinesteward]

Hi,

 

First before Azamara started, they were selling the ships as a higher standard than Celebrity Cruises. After experiencing both brands, we didn't think this was true. Most of the staff come from Celebrity Cruises and after chatting to them, they were not happy on the Azamara ships. I am sure you understand when the staff are not happy, they cannot provide a great service. We also found staff arguing between themselves in front of the passengers. Also a bad sign.

When we boarded the ship around 1pm, nobody was there or available to greet and direct the passengers arriving on board. What we could see were tables full of empty glasses as though we had arrived at the end of a party. One night we went to the speciality restaurant and the waiter came to us and told us she was not feeling 100% as she was sick.

The ship is very well designed, the staterooms are very nice too. The quality of the food is also excellent. After a few days, we were getting a bit tired of the lunch buffet due to the fact that the same food was being offered day after day.

We never experienced this type of service onboard Celebrity, Cunard or HAL

We are giving Azamara a second chance by booking a 14 nights cruise in Asia for January 2009.

[Susan-M]

Hi Alain,

I hope you notice a difference on your upcoming cruise ... we just got off of Quest on Saturday and found the service to be excellent. Heiki (the hotel director) went above and beyond with trying to be sure that everything was in good order and that everyone was happy, and we felt that almost all of the staff went to a lot of effort to provide good service.

 

We've cruised on Celebrity a few times and have enjoyed our cruises with them, but we felt that the food, ship and service were were a step up on Azamara.:)

[tnt10]

Susan-M

Glad to hear that. We've been mostly booking on Celebrity and RCL, with the service having a slight edge on X, suites better ammenities on RCL. We have an upcoming 15 night TA on Journey in December-will be our first time on Azamara. Have heard many positive as of late about them, and a few negatives. The negatives I've heard have to do with the ships smaller size, which is exactly why we booked on AZ in the first place.

Will be able to judge for myself after the Dec cruise.

TnT

[factor30]

Alain, since I started this thread I thought I'd give you the benefit of our Azamara experiences and those of friends (like Susan) who got off the ship in Athens yesterday. Have just received an email from them saying they had the most fabulous time; loved the ship; the service was impeccable; staff couldn't do enough for them, etc. etc. We have been on Quest twice now, the second cruise was in June this year. We loved it, so much so we're going on the Journey in Feb. 09. Excellent service (with a couple of hiccups), beautiful ship, good food.

 

As for the Azamara ratings given by Berlitz, I think they've got it wrong. I don't know what ship Douglas Ward (the Editor) was on when he made his review. Only four stars! It deserves rather more. And for example, to rate it lower (less points) than Legend of the Seas (which we've cruised on but never again) is beyond belief. Please give credit where it's deserved Mr Ward.

The publishers invite readers to correct any errors for future editions - I'll be sending them an email very soon.

 

OK, I've got that off my chest. I feel much better.

Rita

[Andy]

Alain, since I started this thread I thought I'd give you the benefit of our Azamara experiences and those of friends (like Susan) who got off the ship in Athens yesterday. Have just received an email from them saying they had the most fabulous time; loved the ship; the service was impeccable; staff couldn't do enough for them, etc. etc. We have been on Quest twice now, the second cruise was in June this year. We loved it, so much so we're going on the Journey in Feb. 09. Excellent service (with a couple of hiccups), beautiful ship, good food.

 

As for the Azamara ratings given by Berlitz, I think they've got it wrong. I don't know what ship Douglas Ward (the Editor) was on when he made his review. Only four stars! It deserves rather more. And for example, to rate it lower (less points) than Legend of the Seas (which we've cruised on but never again) is beyond belief. Please give credit where it's deserved Mr Ward.

The publishers invite readers to correct any errors for future editions - I'll be sending them an email very soon.

 

OK, I've got that off my chest. I feel much better.

Rita

 

Hi Rita !

 

Good for you. I like your spirit ! I totally agree with everything in your post. Giving Azamara a lesser rating than Legend (as an example), is completely ridiculous. Recent reviews of Azamara, (in most all cases) have been outstanding. I will be sure to send an email to Berlitz as well.

 

BTW, Im hoping to sail on Journey in January of '09 when she sails the Caribbean. I'm waiting to see what my schedule looks like. We will see what happens.

[airlinesteward]

Hi Susan-M

 

It is nice to hear you had a great time onboard.

It is also nice to hear they have sorted things out to provide a better experience.

[factor30]

Andy

 

Thank you for your kind and generous comments. Having looked at a few more reviews of other ships in the Berlitz guide, my comments remain unchanged.

 

We'll look forward to your comments of the Journey after your trip in Jan '09, as we'll be joining her for our Caribbean cruise in Feb '09.

 

We hope you have a great time!

 

Rita