Toronto Guy

Several times they had live on the pool deck on my last sailing.

I think I do remember this from either the Quest or the Journey now...just along the front next to the glass right? I for sure didn't see on the Onward the last few times....the last time on Onward they had put in those two big oval covered daybed things on each side up there but I didn't see anything further along the deck. That comfy style seating is all I'm talking about --- wish they had more of that up there.

I think they are like double doors that split down the middle so access in an out would be easier I think. My friend sailed on O Regatta (?) I think.... and said he thought they did a good job with what they had to work with, but who knows... he thought it was an improvement over the reno they had done on Onward....but everybody is going to have different opinions on that i guess.

Yes you absolutely are. I fail to understand why you're so concerned about me sharing mine. Anyway, I don't think I'm doing that. I've been sailing with Azamara since the first year the line was introduced. Things were very different onboard then, and I'm sure they will continue to evolve. Things change based on feedback from customers, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Suggesting I am seeking "mass market sensibilty" is not true. A bit better entertainment, some background music from the last decade in the venues and some nicer deck furniture - for sure. That doesn't make me mass market. Initially I didn't like the idea of the Atlas Bar, would have preferred they kept the library as it was my favourite room on board. Then I gave it a chance and tried it, and i like it. Problem is I find it a little too quiet at times and not a fan of the video wall they have to substitute a live performance. So a piano/singer in there, or some contemporary music to liven it up a bit would be a good idea in my opinion. Without it I find that you end up having to listen to the loudest and perhaps drunkest person sitting at the bar all night. 😉

How did I not see this? On the Onward as well???

I'm not familiar with EXPO, what is it? I think there is a balance they can try to achieve - offering a few more activities and entertainment that appeal to a slightly younger crowd - without going full Celebrtiy. Don't know how they possibly could do that with such smaller ships anyway. The lack of entertainmet options drive me a little bit batty so there are definitely times that I'm bored to tears. But then I'm an extrovert and like current music. I guess that's considered a bad thing by some on these boards, but I just can't listen to the same old cruise ship songs over and over. I love the ships and the itineraries and the crew so I keep coming back. I don't think the food is necessarily any better than the other lines but that is probably just personal taste. The lack of shuttles lately has definitely been annoying though.

Do they have sofas up there? I've never seen them on my sailings.

Yeah I don't care about cabanas, and I wouldn't be interested in renting one....but if they wanted to put some up there it would be the best spot for them. These ships need to bring in more revenue obviously, so I wouldn't be upset if they did it. No skin off my nose. Plenty of room for both better furniture and them as well. Great views, not far from the bar below. Would be a win-win for everyone. I'm at least glad they don't have a putting green like Oceania as the forward facing views with the glass enclosure are great.

I'm pretty sure they're not listening to me, so I think you're safe Jazzbeau. I'm not sure why you are spending so much time discrediting my thoughts and opinions on three separate threads now. I'm fully entitled to my opinion.

No I'm not, and I don't have the power to do that unless you know something I don't. There are things I like and dislike about both lines. I think it's just an underutilized space that could actually be used much better than it currently is.

Interesting. I swear I still have the bruises from hitting the grab bar put in the worst spot possible in the shower of the Onward's CC Suite. Shower was huge....but worst design ever.

I always wait. Unless it's a really unique itinerary the prices drop like a rock on most sailing dates once you get about 9 months out.

I don't necessarily disagree, but the ships are what they are. What I take more issue with is the obvious cheap-outs they did on the renovation of the Onward both in the standard cabins and in some public areas. The spa locker rooms weren't even touched, broken fixtures and missing tiles etc., and the banged up cabinets and mismatched furniture and finishings in the staterooms stand out. If only they had refurbed the cabins like Oceania's R-class ships, they did a gorgeous job. Even got rid of the shower curtains. But then again, prices are well below Oceania (at least in my market). I think Azamara did a much better job on the main public rooms with the decor however.

Does anybody else think the Sun Deck would be really great if they just added some more comfortable outdoor furniture up there and made it more welcoming? It seems to be such a wasted space. Would be nice to have an outdoor place away from the pool area that is more of a sanctuary type area like the Princess ships have - nothing that elaborate is needed, but it could easily be done. Heck throw some cabanas up there even and they could get more revenue to pay for it.

It's a good thing we don't all think alike or we would all be in the same places at the same time. Different strokes for different folks.

I think the Atlas Bar is a great addition, I just wish it had a little more life to it like Celebrity's martini bar with some current music. If I hear Abba or Neil Diamond one more time on board, I'm going over the rail.

Oh I have. They can't explain it. They claim everything is fine on my rez and in good order....but apparently it's my job to send them screen shots to prove what I"m seeing. Not going to happen until I start receiving a paycheque from Azamara. Reminds me how they always make me send them a copy of the invoice they have previously sent me to figure out what I'm entitled to. Huh? They don't even keep records of our invoices. Made me do the same 3 times last year during that fiasco. It's just nuts. If the onboard product wasn't so good I would just ditch this cruise line entirely.

Yep I was right!. Logged in to webisite just now and $420US in OBC has just disappeared again. This company is absolutely incompetent.

Yes same here. Mine disappeared this week after it was showing on the website following final payment on Saturday. A two hour phone call with a poorly trained CSR on Tuesday was infuriating. They are no better at this than they were a year ago. It is finally showing again but I'm sure it will disappear again and than all the hassle onboard trying to get it fixed for the 800th time I'm sure.

If you call Azamara an agent can email you the shore excursions for your cruise with prices. I had same issue.

Same for me. Not that I really care.....but cutbacks were obvious

Apologize if this has been answered elsewhere recently, but how are upgrades being handled now? Last year I was able to bid once onboard and was successful bidding from the cheapest inside to a Club Continent suite. I'm sure that won't happen again, but are they still doing the onboard bidding for unfilled cabins? I think the online bidding pre-cruise is back now based on other threads I've read....but also not sure if that is working well or not. I'm a bit disappointed that the price has gone up on the ultimate drink package upgrade....but what doesn't cost more these days.

I have sailed 3 Celebrity and 3 Azamara post-pandemic. All 3 Celebrity had better food and service than Azamara. I like both ----but to say Azamara is lightyears ahead of Celebrity is a total head scratcher to me.

Perhaps they could now turn their attention to fixing up the disgusting locker rooms that they didn't touch in the refurb.

Did anybody else get an email today trying to sell them shore excursions for their upcoming Rio Carnival cruise? I'm doing the Med next week, but for some reason Azamara thinks I'm booked to go to Brazil........