Azamara Journey from a Regent Cruiser's perspective

I love Azamara and I will be very interested to hear more of your opinions. I have sailed Silversea, Crystal, Cunard Grills and Oceania but never Regent...yet anyway. It is on my radar though.

However, given the choice and all other things being equal, it would be Azamara for me every time. Both ships are excellent, but Quest in particular, feels like coming home to me.

Looking forward to reading more soon.

See, I shouldn't have even made a statement about booking that cruise. I changed it to the previous one, "European Capitals"; still got a great price just not as amazing as the TA was. But who can resist European Capitals?

See, I shouldn't have even made a statement about booking that cruise. I changed it to the previous one, "European Capitals"; still got a great price just not as amazing as the TA was. But who can resist European Capitals?

Just so!

My apologies for not posting more as our cruise sailed along. My browser kept freezing up on me and would use up my minutes, and even though I was trying to do everything on a word document and then just paste, it just didn’t work.

We continued to enjoy the Journey and we basically had no complaints. The two Sunday brunches were just amazing with anything and everything just about you could imagine from shrimp, mussels, cheeses of all sorts, omelets and eggs cooked to order, eggs Benedict and Florentine, bacon, sausage, carved ham and leg of lamb, waffles, pastries of all sorts, salads, and much more than we could ever eat.

There was a good variety of evening shows and entertainment, and once we reached land they brought on a couple of new entertainers, Tony the CD’s wife was also onboard and she is quite talented, we got into music trivia with Richard every evening during cocktails, we did not attend a lot of shows, but the comments we heard were in general very good. They did a jazz band in the Casino lounge twice, and frankly it was more irritating than pleasant because the space is so small and it was just unbelievably loud in that small space, it was well attended and enjoyed, but it would have been better up in Looking Glass where the room is much larger. Richard Rubin the pianist was very popular both before and after dinner. The guitarist could have been better, he really couldn’t sing well in our opinion n and again if in a small space it got very loud. The White Night party was held in the Caberet and was great fun with live music, the dancers and singers doing both, Tony’s wife Christine singing, a nice dessert buffet and we had a great time at that. Would love to have done it on the pool deck, but it was too cold and windy.

Dining in general was quite good, we at at Prime C probably 4 times, Aqualina 3 or 4, The Chef’s table was fantastic and well worth the money and David the Wine sommelier was very good and lots of fun, and we got to know him quite well. The dining room selections didn’t impress, it was good, but nothing to knock our socks off, except for quick breakfasts and maybe an item or two at lunch we did not eat at the buffet, pool grill was good and always freshly cooked and a nice selection. We had room service breakfast a couple of other mornings, food was always hot, on time and exactly as we ordered it…..nice touch they call before coming so you can at least grab a robe if you are not ready.

Our room attendants were fantastic and fast as lightning, room was kept spotless, the things we asked for in the mini frig were replaced as needed, Angelo kept a good supply of water handy, brought my husband fresh limes when needed. Bed was very comfortable and we had plenty of room for everything. Tub/shower is a little iffy, especially when the ship is rocking, but we had good water pressure and never ran out of hot water and none of the toilet issues someone posted about on a cruise a couple of ones earlier.

The included beverages were just fine for us, although the wine works really weirdly, example, the first day only a Chardonnay was available for the white, and only one selection for the red, second day the featured white wine was a Spanish one that was quite good, and you could get the previous days one if you asked, third day another one, etc. I had to wait for day 5 before a Pinot Grigio was available, and found that a little frustrating. They definitely push the wine of the day selection, and of course you can buy a package, but that didn’t really solve the problem in my opinion and we did not want to do that. I just learned to be a little persistant, with a smile and usually once a wine had been the feature of the day I could get it anywhere……I do think though they should just have all the included wines available all the time, yes feature a special of the day, but not everyone likes the same wines, so basically that would be my biggest complaint and I did note that on the survey I took after we got home.

Bottom line, we had a great time, enjoyed time with our friends, enjoyed the three ports, kept as busy as we wanted to be, found the staff totally amazing, friendly, smiling, Officer’s were very present and friendly all over the ship, we felt so at home and were treated wonderfully. We felt Azamara was a really good value for the money, and we will cruise with them again. Several in our group even did onboard bookings……we didn’t because I am not allowed to book anything new for awhile, as we just need to step back and allow our funds to rebound a bit and we have two other cruises booked, as well as a Disney trip with one of our daughter’s and family, but there is no doubt that we will cruise Azamara again.

If anyone has any specific questions, please ask, will do my best to answer.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review. It sounds as if you had a delightful time. I do have one question...... have you or anyone in your group also cruised on Oceania? If so, was there a preference for one cruise line over the other? I am curious since they are pretty much in direct competition to each other and even have the same ships. Thanks:)

Jackie -

we cruised on Oceania several years ago, on the Regatta, which is a sister of the Azamara Journey (which made it feel very comfortable with the ship layout). We truly enjoyed it, and that was before all or even partial inclusive. We have wanted to try them again, and in fact the Riveira was next to us in Gibralter. I don't know if any of the others have cruised Oceania or not, but if I have a chance will ask.

Thanks so much for your review! I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise and Azamara. I do have a couple of questions.....

How did you find the coffee?

Did you have any enrichment lectures? We are also on a TA and hope to have some speakers as well as entertainers

I noted your Internet and hot water comments, thanks for covering that. We took a transatlantic on the Mariner and seldom had a hot shower. OTOH, we have had complementary Internet on Regent for our last 4 cruises so will miss that a bit.

Crusing librarian -

There were several enrichment lecturer's onboard and lectures were listed in the daily program, although we did not attend any, well actually my husband did go to one, that the cruise director did, telling of his experience on the Seaborun ship when he was CD and it was attacked by Pirates. They also had port lectures on all three ports.

Coffee - drank latte all the time, which is something I have learned on Regent, its so much better than the coffee.

We too have had unlimited internet on Regent for so long, and it was hard trying to use my minutes that came with the suite efficiently. We each had almost 4 hours, but we had our own accounts and mine went faster. :)

Thanks again, Ridolphi! We are really looking forward to our Azamara cruise.

We have met several cruisers who are big fans of the "R" ships on both Oceania and Azamara.

Jo Ann,

Are you the poker winner from the battle of the sexes, two cabins down from me?

I agree that Hilda and Edgar were wonderful, room cleaned quickly and never any intrusioins.

Lisa

Lisa - no I did not play poker. Could have been one of the other ladies in our group though, as she was right next to us. She and her husband both played Texas Hold Um everyday, and might have been in battle of the sexes.

jOh, my, how dreadful to have to have anything in your fridge that you might have to pay for. Heavens to murgatroyd!! The horror of it!

 

Yes, the included alcohols are more extensive on Regent, but the overall experience is not nearly as warm or welcoming. Azamara's officers engage with passengers, unlike the highly-touted Regent General Manager, whose name I won't mention, who "engages" only with female members of his staff. Guests returning from shore are always greeted with a hot or cold beverage, as appropriate, and don't have to corner the GM and suggest this might be a good idea when the temperature is 90 degrees plus. They are welcomed warmly by senior management when returning, not just by surly security staff as on Regent. The warmth of ambiance on Azamara is much superior to Regent. And, oh, there are in fact alcohol brands for which you pay extra on Regent. How awful that must be for you to have to experience,

 

You really shouldn't comment unless you have cruised both lines, something I'm sure will never happen. There are cruise lines that are in ways superior to Regent, let me assure you. And, you would be wise, to restore your credibility here, not to be so defensive of Regent with your condescending responses to posting that praise other lines. Regent is far from a luxury cruise line, whether you admit it or not, and other cruise lines have much to offer people looking for a different high-end experience.

BLESS YOU - I am well over the condescending tone as well!

BLESS YOU - I am well over the condescending tone as well!

To clarify my surprise at having something in the "frig" on Azamara that has a cost associated it.......... Azamara is in direct competition to Oceania. Many people on the Regent board have tried Oceania and understand the differences between Regent and Oceania (other than one is luxury and the other is not). On Oceania, the "frig" contains soft drinks, water, etc. (unlike Regent where it may contain beer and wine in addition to soft drinks and water). Not certain what is "condescending" about being surprised that Azamara would put items that would cost the passenger additional $$$ in the frig. :confused: I made that post a while ago and still am quite surprised.

I was interested in Azamara as we found Oceania a good alternative to Regent (on certain itineraries). I learned from Azamara comparisons on the Oceania board that the officers interacted with the guests as they do on Regent (but not Oceania). Still not clear about included drinks, drink packages, etc. The ships are the same ones as the smaller Oceania ships. We have yet to tour the "R class" ships but hope to do so in November.

Note: 53flygirl, if you feel a comment I make is condescending, please comment on it. I would appreciate having the opportunity to reread my post and either clarify it or apologize. Thanks!

I don't know why they had wine and something else in the frige that were a cost, but it was no big deal. We brought our own wine onboard, traded two of the liquor bottles out for another wine, and got a bottle of Red wine as part of our AMEX amenity. The sodas, juices and water were all complimentary so it was perfect. When on Oceania, we had everything taken out of the frige as everything was additional cost, but then Oceania does not include any drinks as far as I am aware, and many people buy a drink package, which we would do and did on Celebrity.

I also forgot to mention that disembarkation was the smoothest and most relaxed I have ever encountered. You filled out a form and then your luggage tags were sent to you, they made no announcements, everyone was just asked to leave the ship according to the time your tages indicated. We chose a late disembarkation, and walked off the ship at 9:30, into the terminal, there were several people there asking what you tag number was and walked us to where our luggage was and within 5 minutes we were meeting our driver.

Among our group of friends, all Regent cruisers, I don't know of anyone who would NOT sail Azamara again, and as I said earlier, several did onboard bookings or future deposits.

I hope all of you with future sailings on Azamara have as wonderful of a time as we did and enjoy your upcoming cruises.

I don't know why they had wine and something else in the frige that were a cost, but it was no big deal. We brought our own wine onboard, traded two of the liquor bottles out for another wine, and got a bottle of Red wine as part of our AMEX amenity. The sodas, juices and water were all complimentary so it was perfect. When on Oceania, we had everything taken out of the frige as everything was additional cost, but then Oceania does not include any drinks as far as I am aware, and many people buy a drink package, which we would do and did on Celebrity.

 

I also forgot to mention that disembarkation was the smoothest and most relaxed I have ever encountered. You filled out a form and then your luggage tags were sent to you, they made no announcements, everyone was just asked to leave the ship according to the time your tages indicated. We chose a late disembarkation, and walked off the ship at 9:30, into the terminal, there were several people there asking what you tag number was and walked us to where our luggage was and within 5 minutes we were meeting our driver.

 

Among our group of friends, all Regent cruisers, I don't know of anyone who would NOT sail Azamara again, and as I said earlier, several did onboard bookings or future deposits.

 

I hope all of you with future sailings on Azamara have as wonderful of a time as we did and enjoy your upcoming cruises.

Thank you so much for your postings. For years my TA has been trying to get me to book a cruise with Azamara. After reading your reviews and taking notes, I think this may be one to book soon :)

My experience with Azamara was brilliant! I agree with the OP, the food and service excellent. A quasi-all inclusive experience at much less of a fare!

Having cruised on both lines as well as Oceania, agree that Azamara is competing more with Oceania than with the luxury lines. Food & service were wonderful, but the all inclusiveness, better alcohol & larger (non suite) cabins on R make it very enjoyable. Costs & itinerary help us make our choice, but we've really never had a "bad" cruise.

Jo Ann,

 

Are you the poker winner from the battle of the sexes, two cabins down from me?

 

I agree that Hilda and Edgar were wonderful, room cleaned quickly and never any intrusioins.

 

Lisa

Hi Lisa, I'm just now reading this thread for the first time. I'm the daily Texas Hold'em tournament player that also participated in the Battle of the Sexes 2 doors down from you. Small world!

This Azamara cruise was our first (we were part of the group travellng together JoAnn referred to). We have lots and lots of nights on Regent (including 2 World Cruises) and we really loved Azamara. The ship was great, easy to get around and the service was spectacular. It really reminded us of the early Radisson days. We didn't have any complaints about the included wine served, and my husband is pickier than I am. We found several we especially liked so often requested those.

We did do an onboard booking. Quickly chose an itinerary near the end of the cruise knowing that we can choose/change at a later date since Azamara has a very liberal booking policy. Anyway, the Azamara Journey gets a big thumbs up from my husband and me.

Our previous cruises have been on Regent, Silversea, NCL and AMA River Cruises. Several on each. I loved our recent Azamara Cruise May 14-21 on the Journey. I thought the food was great. I loved the room service for breakfast - 6 times (5 on the balcony) as well as for snacks after a long day ashore. I found the staff to be GREAT! Friendly, happy, efficient and engaged. I found the standard room to be just fine. At first I was worried due to the size of 175 square feet plus the 40+ square foot balcony - this was the smallest room I have been on for a Ocean Cruise. The next smallest was the Paul Gauguin in Tahiti and 200 with no Balcony. I found the room to feel roomy and it was very efficient. The bathroom was just fine and the balcony was excellent. We had 4 nights in the Specialty Dining Rooms. They were great - presentation, flavor, service. I think I would have been fine with the standard drink package but opted for the Ultimate. Did not want to have to worry about upcharges. Glad I did it - could have easily gotten by on the standard package. Wines were excellent. Found some whites and reds we liked from previous nights and they were available - all we needed to do was ask.

Would book Azamara again in a heartbeat.

We are Crystal Cruises that have planned a Regent Cruise next year, now you have me worried if I have made the right decision. We were on Azamara Journey in April & quite frankly it was no way as good as Crystal, the food was not as good, the service was terrible. We stayed in a suite & did not see the Butler till half way thru.

We are trying Regent because Crystal stay on the same old routes that we have been already. My TA said Regent was as good as Crystal (any comments?).

At least they don't have formal nights (saves on baggage on long trips).

Cryatal no longer has real formal nights that changed a couple of years ago and is now formal optional. Many people still put on the Tux or dark suit and others just wear a sports jacket and collared shirt. Crystal has reduced greatly the number of formal optional nights and increased casual nights.

If I had a choice I would look again at Regent but it would have to be on the Voyager. When we cruised several year ago we made too many comparisons to our many Crystal

cruises. Reports from friends have told me Regent has really improved over the last few years. I don't think you can go wrong with either line.

Robert G: The way I am reading this thread is that Azamara is a great value with great service. It does not sound like they are trying to compare a luxury cruise line with a premium one. In the past couple of years, some luxury cruise passengers have tried Oceania and/or Azamara as a lower cost alternative to Regent.

There have been several threads done comparing Regent with Crystal - here is a link to a fairly recent one http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2176770&highlight=regent+vs+crystal