The wrong choice?

We have booked to cruise with AZ on Quest on 01-05-2015 . The following day I discovered that both ships are going in for refit before our cruise removing many aspects on Quest , the dark wood etc, for a similar X look. For those who have cruised with AZ before does the dark wood and existing features add to the ambiance and character of the ship or does it make it tired and old in today's cruise market. We are just wondering if we have made the right choice?

We have recently cruised with X and we did notice that portion changes had been made to the menu and there were less staff and thus less onboard activities. Has this filtered down to AZ at this time or is it scheduled for next year?

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We will be on Quest for the New Year cruise before yours. We really love Azamara and travel on her because of the staff. They are the friendliest crew we have ever sailed with. We do not really care of there is dark wood, or i they make changes to the look. As long as the crew remains we will enjoy the cruise.

I agree with Phazzcruisers. You have definitely made the right choice. The dark wood is fine, although I am looking forwards to seeing the more modern refit. But, and it's a huge but, is what makes Azamara unique is the crew and the fantastic, friendly, service ethic that every single crew member has, including the officers. The ships' ambience is all down to them, not the surroundings (although the surroundings are very nice).

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The current decor is very nice although ready for a facelift and the pictures we have seen of the refurbishment look stunning.

However, as others have said the decor is secondary to the welcome we get from the crew and how nothing is ever too much trouble for them whether it is your first time with Azamara or your 20th.

We booked a late deal yesterday and cruise on Journey on November 1st. We are so happy to be returning to our favourite line and can't wait for our trip.

I am sure you have made the right choice

A good decor always adds so much pleasure for me personally and I too had hesitations about what the ship must look like now that they are scheduled for the renovation. Just returned from the Journey and rest assured it is quite a beautiful ship and still in very great shape. Nowhere was anything threadbare, broken, or torn.

I'm excited about the new prestigious up-scale decor as it appears very sophisticated. But I'd love to buy a couple of the elegant Discoveries Lounge sconces from whoever is dismantling the ship come January.

As for food portions, there was ample to eat and never a hesitancy to serve more or seconds when requested by my friends who had some definite favorites. In fact, I saw Executive Chef Fabio take over the risotta prep on Italian night at Windows Cafe and add MORE lobster and more lemon zest to suit his taste. No scrimping there!

There still remains about 650 guests to a crew of almost 400. As for activities, there were sometimes two different activities going on at once, so you had to choose what to do.

No need to second-guess your booking decision!

Enjoy.

We have booked to cruise with AZ on Quest on 01-05-2015 . The following day I discovered that both ships are going in for refit before our cruise removing many aspects on Quest , the dark wood etc, for a similar X look. For those who have cruised with AZ before does the dark wood and existing features add to the ambiance and character of the ship or does it make it tired and old in today's cruise market. We are just wondering if we have made the right choice?

We have recently cruised with X and we did notice that portion changes had been made to the menu and there were less staff and thus less onboard activities. Has this filtered down to AZ at this time or is it scheduled for next year?

 

 

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I find the Azamara ships a lot more comfortable than Celebrity. The loungers and chairs are more comfortable and you don't have to compete with the music on Azamara. Modern luxury = a constant attack on your ears according to Celebrity, sometimes more noticeable in certain areas than others. I love both Journey and Quest. The service is a step up than on X. Looking forward to the extensive changes, but no hesitation to cruise on them beforehand.

Phil

IMHO AZ is a HUGE step above X. While I enjoyed my time on Celebrity, and found it a good buy on the whole, I was way more comfortable on AZ because of the way better food, higher level of service, more beautiful and up-to-date ship (in spite of the dark wood), and more subdued atmosphere. It's almost like apples and oranges.

I find the Azamara ships a lot more comfortable than Celebrity. The loungers and chairs are more comfortable and you don't have to compete with the music on Azamara. Modern luxury = a constant attack on your ears according to Celebrity, sometimes more noticeable in certain areas than others. I love both Journey and Quest. The service is a step up than on X. Looking forward to the extensive changes, but no hesitation to cruise on them beforehand.

 

Phil

Completely agree with you Phil.

The Martini Bar almost became a no go area on my last Celebrity cruise because of the incredibly loud music.

For me sitting and chatting to new friends in Mosaic while enjoying a coffee or with the pleasant music of Ed or Max in the Casino Lounge is far more preferable