factor30

I just assumed because we are on the Azamara mailing list Rita.

We live 210 miles away in Huddersfield. I would have attended if I could have linked it with a visit to our son's in Surrey, but they were busy last weekend.

( Jackie, Century Hawaii sailing & Rd to Hana tour 2012)

Hi Jackie

We have very fond memories of that cruise and in particular our Road to Hana trip. The cruise was, as you'll remember, memorable for all the right as well as the wrong reasons! We've dined out on the

telling of our Ensenada adventure a number of times!!

Have seen your posts from time to time on the boards and pleased to know all is well. We're back on the Constellation in June.

Best regards, Rita (and Brian)

Curiosity has got the better of me but I just wondered 'What was the qualification required to get invited to this event?'

We have taken two Az cruises this year, and others in years past. We would have

been interested to attend, particularly as we live just a 25 min. tube ride away from

the venue.

Maybe someone could enlighten me.

Rita

Andy

Congratulations on your new appointment and all good wishes.

Thank you for all your help and advice. It is much appreciated.

Rita

The self service laundry is now working.

 

Phil

Hooray!!

We board again (we were on the 1st sailing out of dry dock) on 21 July so it'll be great to have the laundry back in use.

Incidentally, thanks for the beautiful pics of Santorini. Brings back wonderful memories.

So looking forward to returning to the Journey again.

Rita

Bizarrely we have none of the room, I was sure we had!

 

I would say to anyone, do not stress on what the room can hold where, go with an open mind as you would to any hotel that is unknown to you.

 

How did we all cope before this digital age and too much information :D

That's so true. However, we didn't care too much then way back when. What we didn't know, didn't hurt. I now care too much about our creature comforts with the advancing years and the more info the better!

I'm always been told 'we'll find out when we get there'.....

Rita

Verandah stateroom had great shelving

You can see it in the edge of the photos

http://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/blog/reimagine-azamara-see-the-renderings

That photo is not a true representation of the finished article, i.e. Veranda Bathrooom. We were in VX 7121. I can confirm that there wasn't enough room for storage on the shelves. In fact, there was little other storage space.

In our bathroom, the shaver/electric toothbrush point was located near to the top shelf. Too high for me to reach. The towel rails were on the right of the shelving.

As already mentioned, no retractable washing line in bathroom.

No hanging hooks anywhere in bedroom - only on inside bathroom door. Why not? Due to excessive steam build up in bathroom when shower in use, we had to remove bathrobes - but nowhere to hang them in cabin.

I could go on but won't. So much has already been said about the problems

we and others encountered.

Suffice to say, we considered that Azamara bit off more than they could chew in the time they allotted for the dry dock. Even allowing for the bad weather in the Bahamas and the lost palette of equipment, etc. etc. 2 weeks wasn't long enough.

The suite next to our cabin was like a building site inside (and that was only the one we knew about first hand). There was still a lot of 'snagging' and work to be complete throughout the ship by the end of our cruise.

We still have great faith in Azamara, particularly the wonderful crew and ships officers, so much so, that we've booked her again for 12 days next July.

We trust that all the problems will have been ironed out by then!

Can't wait!!

Rita

Hi Uktog,

 

As mentioned in my "Live from" thread, there were a number of technical issues, which hurt the overall presentation, but it appeared that nothing was cut short due to the issues. I have nothing to compare it to, but it probably wasn't one of the better AzAmazing evenings... but I totally enjoyed the Opera singer, and genuinely appreciated the effort that the officers and crew made to put the evening together. On top of that, it was a beautiful night, so we we thought it was good enough. Of course, others opinions will differ.

Hi Andy

Yes, opinions do differ. We were there. Quite frankly, we felt it quite embarrassing and had great sympathy for the performers what with the technical issues, sound problems, etc. We weren't quite sure whether or note the performance (even without the glitches) was meant to be taken seriously or not. We thought that Azamara had been too ambitious in their choice for an Azamazing evening on board ship. As this event is greatly promoted in their sales literature, etc. as being unique to Azamara, for anyone experiencing this entertainment event for the first time (we include ourselves) it was an unfortunate let down.

I would add, we're not new to Azamara - this was our 4th cruise with them, but not since the 'white night' and Azamazing evening were included.

'grandma cruising'; it isn't free - I'm pretty sure the costing is factored into the price of your cruise.

Rita

Continued thanks to you Andy for devoting a large chunk of your valuable time to the CC community. It's so greatly appreciated. As already mentioned, we'll be joining you in 5 days (!!) when we can thank you in person.

Each morning I eagerly go to the PC to see the latest news and pictures. Can't take it all in and believe it'll all be complete by the time we board.

Incidentally, I've just found the photo album (I did that sort of thing in 2009) from our first Azamara cruise on the Quest in Nov 2009 about 3 weeks after she was launched by Azamara Cruises. Talk about nostalgia. It was to the Caribbean and would you believe it - the itinerary included Virgin Gorda, Dominica, St Barts, and USVI. It'll be fascinating comparing photos of the ship 'then and now'. All very exciting.

 

Rita

Oops! Correction.....

The year was 2007 not 2009. I wondered why I looked considerably younger back then!

Thank you Jackie for your good wishes. Haven't we crossed paths on board in the past? Or am I getting confused with advancing years?

Rita

Continued thanks to you Andy for devoting a large chunk of your valuable time to the CC community. It's so greatly appreciated. As already mentioned, we'll be joining you in 5 days (!!) when we can thank you in person.

Each morning I eagerly go to the PC to see the latest news and pictures. Can't take it all in and believe it'll all be complete by the time we board.

Incidentally, I've just found the photo album (I did that sort of thing in 2009) from our first Azamara cruise on the Quest in Nov 2009 about 3 weeks after she was launched by Azamara Cruises. Talk about nostalgia. It was to the Caribbean and would you believe it - the itinerary included Virgin Gorda, Dominica, St Barts, and USVI. It'll be fascinating comparing photos of the ship 'then and now'. All very exciting.

Rita

Johannes posted a video of stripping the flooring from the Sunset Veranda. Here's a link. I'm not sure if you have to be logged into Facebook to see it. If the video area looks blank just click on it:

 

 

Phil

We've been checking out the photos each day and notice that my white cabana is still there on the pool deck. Not quite what I imagined it to look like though!

Joking apart, a big thank you to all concerned for the photos and video. A fascinating and wonderful insight into Journey's transformation. She gonna look great! Can't believe it'll all be ready in 12 days when we board.

It will, won't it?

Rita

Is there a picture of this, and where can it be seen. If they are been installed on Journey, I'd be interested to know how much the charge would be to hire (as on Reflection). Thanks.

Rita

I'm now beginning to feel just a little bit gullible. As an afterthought I looked at the photos on this thread again and noticed the containers on deck included a green one! It must be the change in the weather in the UK - it's now freezing cold.

We're on the Journey in 13 days time so I'll check out the green cabana for you and make a reservation.

Rita

I'm liking it so far -- especially those new pool cabanas [just like what Celebrity did to Reflection] I'll take the green one. :D

Is there a picture of this, and where can it be seen. If they are been installed on Journey, I'd be interested to know how much the charge would be to hire (as on Reflection). Thanks.

Rita

Hi SuiteTraveler

Just felt I had to make a quick response to your post. I wanted to point out that not all guests are gourmet chefs or indeed luxury cruisers. We are on the Journey at the end of this month (our 4th Azamara cruise) and look forward to making our own judgement on the menus offered. We do like the WOW factor occasionally but do not expect, or wish to eat, gourmet food each day as you describe in the MDR. It would probably put Azamara well out of our reach and that of many friends. We're sure that Azamara are aiming to strike a happy medium for all guests regardless of which cabin they occupy.

Rita

During our visit to the Travel/Cruise show at the Excel Exhibition Centre in London today, we had the pleasure of meeting Quest's Master Jose Vilarinho on the Azamara Stand. What a delightful man. He enthusiastically gave us a run down on the refit of Journey, particularly as we mentioned that we'd be

once again on the ship at the end of this month.

We also met (once again) Richard Twynam, MD of Azamara, who told us he'd be on the Journey during the 27 Jan sailing.

As you would expect, all the Azamara staff on the Stand were so friendly, helpful and welcoming which made our visit all the more enjoyable.

After today's visit, we are now even more impatiently waiting and counting the days to Jan.26 when we close our front door and say 'WE'RE ON HOLIDAY" prior to leaving for the airport!

Rita

I'm just a little concerned to see the recent bad publicity surrounding food in the MDR. After 4 cruises in 4 years on Journey, I have to say I too have noticed a deterioration.

 

However, looking at other Fora I notice the same comments about Oceania and Saga.

 

We are looking at Oceania Nautica for next Christmas/New Year as it's Cape Town based, which would suit us well as we can spend a few weeks with family there after the cruise.

 

I would be interested in hearing comments from those that have experienced both AZ and Oceania [the 'R' ships] in the last twelve months. On reading comments on the Oceania Forum it rather looks as though satisfaction levels are down following the NCL takeover.

Having sailed on Oceania twice (Riviera) within the last couple of years, we were not at all impressed with the food offerings on Oceania. The only meals we really enjoyed were in the speciality restaurant 'Red Ginger'. The service, staff and atmosphere were excellent. Elsewhere - nothing special. The main restaurant was mediocre - we felt hurried; food pretentious and nothing to get excited about, often not hot enough. The only saving grace were the staterooms. Beautifully appointed. (We had a Concierge cabin on both occasions). It would have to be a ridiculously discounted price to get us on

Oceania again! Just our opinion - others may feel differently.

Now, we're very excited to be on Journey once again end of Jan 2016 after many years absence. We have the most wonderful memories of our cruises with Azamara in the early days and have great expectations. Hope we won't be disappointed.

Rita

Season's Greetings to you and yours and all at Azamara. We too, are looking forward to our sailing on Journey at the end of January. 35 days today!! Whoopee!

Hi Everyone,

 

Did ya catch the Pointer Sisters hit song reference ? :)

 

I wanted to advise my dear Azamara friends, that Mom & I will be sailing on Azamara Journey's first sailing post Drydock, on January 27th 2016, from Miami. We are both incredibly excited to be sailing on Journey again - with Captain Johannes ! When we board Journey in January, it will have been nearly 5 years since we last sailed with Azamara. Wow, how time flies !

 

I will be posting another "Live From Journey" onboard report, and hopefully... some surprises to come. Please stay tuned for updates as we're closer to sailing.

Andy, we have been following your words of wisdom, valued information and advice for many years and at last, we look forward to the opportunity to meet you on board during the Jan 27 sailing. We are also so excited to be on the Journey once again as our last time was in 2009 - we were also on the Quest just after launch in 2007.

Rita and Brian

Have just read an announcement on the NEWS section of 'Cruise Critic'.

Azamara today announced that the SUNSET BAR will remain! The proposed Asian restaurant will be scrapped '

However, this area will be renovated.

HOORAY!!!

Hi Factor30,

I shall be happy to (attempt to) enlighten you but I'm not clear which subject you refer to? If it's regarding whether you'll be moved, I believe our customer service agent is assuring you that you're not programmed to be moved.

 

If it's regarding whether you'll be aware of work being done behind the scenes, I have been told it should last no longer than 3-5 days at the beginning of the voyage immediately following dry dock. You may see the occasional worker in a jumpsuit. You may hear some noise but I rather doubt it would be very noticeable.

 

Lastly, if it's regarding the grammar and spelling in the response email you received, I can only apologize on behalf of that office. I'm assuming it came from the UK office and I will forward our conversation along to the UK MD. He is very proactive. I'm sure he'll review the situation and enforce a system whereby outgoing communications are proofed by a manager. I can only assume the agent who sent you that message was overly eager to please and unfortunately responded without minimally an auto-spell. Again I apologize.

I would suggest you email the UK MD Richard Twynam, rtwynam@azamaraclubcruises, to allow him to apologize as well.

Hi Bonnie

Thank you for responding so promptly.

Actually, the main purpose for copying the email to the main forum was that I thought it might be helpful to those guests also booked on the Jan 27 sailing who have accommodation on Deck 7(in particular) - there have been some concerns mentioned on the forum re the subject of noise, etc. from Deck 8.

Re the spelling and grammar, I just copied the email from the original received. I didn't think any comment was necessary.

We look forward to receiving further updates as and when they become available.

Rita

I posted the following on the Jan 27 2016 'Journey' thread on Aug 27.

However, I then thought it might be of interest to other Azamara guests on future sailings in the New Year......

As we have a reservation for a VX aft cabin on Deck 7 (booked March 2015), we thought we'd better check the situation re changes by Azamara. On 25 July our TA sent an email to Azamara Customer Services asking them to confirm that our booking for the reserved cabin for Jan 27 2016 was secure, i.e. that we would not be moved to (or offered) a lower grade cabin, etc. This is their reply received three weeks later. I would mention that the grammar and spelling is as it appeared on their email.

"Thank you for contacting Azamara Club Cruises.

We value the time that you have taken to address your stateroom query.

Kindly note that regrettably we did not had enough time to finish the

revitalisation on the Azamara Journey on dry dock, therefore we had to

continue with these changes for the up coming sailing's. We needed to move

certain guests from their cabins that were near the construction area,

unfortunately they were not happy so they decided to cancel.

We only take this action when it is necessary realising that these changes

are unwelcome and we are genuinely sorry that this has disrupted our guests

holiday plans.

However, please take this email as a confirmation in written that you are

not in our list to be moved nor downgraded due to these changes, your will

remain in the same cabin, We guarantee that you will barely notice that we

are working on the ship because all this will behind scenes.

Should you have any other type of enquires, please do not hesitate to

contact our customer service number 0844 493 4016 any representative will

be happy to help you.

Yours sincerely."

According to Customer Services, it appears to give the impression that onboard guests (wherever they are on the ship) will be unaware of any work being carried out .....

It would be appreciated if Bonnie could enlighten us on this subject.

Rita

Thanks for that explanation.

 

At the risk of repeating myself from a much earlier thread, when we first sailed on Azamara the prices were, in our view, artificially low, perhaps to attract cruisers to a different experience. Once the message spread, it was possible to raise fares in order to make Azamara more financially viable.

 

As fares rose, a "more" inclusive product was introduced (including complementary beverages) but, despite the claims made by others, as Larry P. commented on this forum this new policy was only partly responsible for this increase.

 

The success of this approach can be seen in the present plans for refitting the ships, and exciting plans for, we hope, new additions to the fleet.

 

Perhaps my analysis here is too simplistic, and others can clarify, correct, or augment.

Absolutely agree with your second paragraph i.e. 'artificially low prices'. We first sailed Azamara 2 weeks after its launch in 2007 being attracted by the price. We had two further Az cruises - 2008 and 2009 still at very competitive prices, and then the price started to increase considerably. At the time, we thought that the company had underpriced the product but were 'testing the waters'.

Before the news of Journey's refit, we had already booked Jan 27 2016 so are very excited to be taking our first Az cruise since 2009 next year.

Rita

Hi Andy

It's been a long time since I communicated with you via these boards re Azamara as our last Azamara cruise was on the Journey in 2009. However, we're sailing on the Journey in Jan 2016, just after she comes out of dry dock. We're so excited at the prospect of cruising on her once again (also not forgetting the Quest) - we have wonderful memories of both ships.

Could you please ask Larry when we're likely to have definitive news of the decisions for Journey's renovations, etc. after dry dock. I'm following the dedicated thread containing criticisms and suggestions for possible changes, etc. From memory, our particular gripe (in common with a number of other guests) is the plastic shower curtains.

Best wishes

Rita

Dear Celebrity Management:

 

Thanks for the Captain's Club program. I appreciate the perks.

 

I suggest you ignore the complainers. First of all, they aren't very many, the few just keep posting again and again and again about how Celebrity done them wrong and they should get their points before they even take their cruises.

 

My guess is that the vast majority of Captain's Club members appreciate the program.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm with you all the way Linda. These postings have really brought a smile to my face on this very damp, cold, dark and cloudy day; Thank you.

As soon as I saw the announcement of the new Loyalty Programme I checked our status and we're now Elite Plus. I can now hold my head up even higher (and that's saying something as I'm only 4ft.10ins so every little bit helps!). Seriously though, our choice is made with what we like not what we can get extra. If it's offered, great, if not....

Rita

Hi, Rita,

 

Sad to say ... the Hawaii cruise now being my fourth sky suite S1 on the Century ... going back to anything with less room, and a less than stellar balcony/veranda, feels very hard. We almost booked a good deal on an Azamara transatlantic but the cabin looked so small and the balcony so tiny and the bathroom so minuscule ... we just couldn't do it, elegant as it promised to be.

 

Remember when you first get into your cabin, ask your butler for cushions for the lounge chairs. They will bring them in happily and it is a good addition. We are in cabin 1208 (we have been in 1210, 1209, and 1237 in the past). Where are you? You will find these cabins so incredibly convenient to the walking deck, pool, and buffet right below. I can't wait until March 23rd. It's like going home.

 

Fern

Fern.

Thanks for your prompt response. I didn't expect it so soon. Thought I'd take a look just in case.

We're in 1221. Re your advice about the cushions - actually, it had already occurred to me to do just that.... ask the butler as soon as we arrive.

I can understand your reservations about Azamara being so much smaller in every way, particularly cabin size, bathroom, etc. However, we sailed on the Azamara Quest soon after she was launched by Celebrity in 2007 and then had two subsequent Azamara cruises - all three before the prices went sky-high. We absolutely loved it and would sail Azamara again in a heartbeat, if only the cost wasn't so much. Who knows, it might happen some time.

We look forward to meeting you.

Rita

Hi Fern

Just came across this thread and found your very informative description. We're also sailing on March 23 in a Sky S1 in just over 10 weeks time. Thanks for your trouble.

We upgraded recently from a CC (which we usually book) after our TA told us of an offer we couldn't refuse! Our first time in a Sky Suite. It will probably spoil us for future cruises. Our first cruise way back was an outside cabin, then we decided to have a balcony for our next cruise. That did it - there was no going back.

It all sounds great and we're now getting impatient to board.

Incidentally, there is a Roll Call specifically for Century 23 March which you may like to take a look at.

Rita