mara01

The buffet is NEVER self service

Thanks for the info.

Our first Oceania cruise is rapidly approaching. We have cruised many times on Azamara and for the first 24 hours of each cruise, the buffet is served to help prevent the spread of any potential Norovirus. Once the 'all clear' is given, the buffet becomes self service, usually by lunchtime on the second day. Is this the same on Oceania or is the buffet never self service?

Most times the Tonic (both standard and diet)on Azamara is the unpalatable 'Royal Club' brand.

It does depend where in the world the ships are, and the subsequent supply chain.

I've always found that once it's mixed with a generous slug of Gin and a slice of lemon it's fine. I guess taste is a matter of personal preference like I can never see any difference between beefeater, Gordon's, Bombay or Tanqueray once they've been mixed with tonic and lemon. It's only when I sniff the neat gin that I can appreciate the difference.:)

We very much enjoyed Terrier1's interesting comparison - we were actually on the 'second leg' of that cruise and also had a wonderful time. After 9 cruises on Azamara we are cruising with Oceania for the first time in October, on the Riviera. Admit we are a bit dubious about a bigger ship, being so familiar with the smaller 'R' ships which feel like home to us. However, the recent offer on O with free flights, upgrade, gratuities and Prestige drinks package made it worth overcoming our reservations and giving O a try. Think we will miss the friendly atmosphere and fantastic, attentive crew of Azamara and can't imagine any other ship having such a welcoming feeling, but are willing to be proved wrong! We are, however, looking forward to having a more spacious suite and bigger bathroom than we have in our usual verandah cabin on Azamara (not that we ever have any issues 'fighting with the shower curtain' that so many people complain about!). Just hope there are no problems with embarkation, shuttles etc. Watch this space after October!

For those on this thread who had wondered about the impact of Saga taking staterooms, I spoke to Saga yesterday as they were packaging an Asian cruise we were interested in with flights and pre/post hotels stays which was attractive. I asked about V 3 Grade staterooms, I was informed that they didn't have a specific allocation of stateroom numbers and had currently only been allocated 5 V3 staterooms. Staterooms would be allocated by Azamara. I didn't enquire about their allocation at other grades. Once you had booked with Saga they told me that we would then continue to manage our reservation as we do now through the Azamara website. We haven't as yet decided on this cruise so haven't taken forward.

 

Hilary

Interesting, the Saga brochure turned up in our post today, so basically they are doing what any other good travel agent can do, except the choice of Stateroom!

Need to sit down and study the brochure!

Never had a problem getting Diet Tonic water on either the Journey or Quest. It is usually served from a small bottle. Essential for diabetics who like Gin based drinks! Pass me the Gordons!(or Beefeater!):p

Daily delivery of newspapers is a suite perk only. Perhaps you were in a suite before?

 

Phil

Err no it's not Phil, we have always had our Daily News delivered in our Veranda Cabins on both ships. I would suggest the inconsistency is due to particular room stewards.

I would agree with marinao44 a simple request to Guest Relations, or even your room steward would sort out any non delivery

Steve

There were newspapers but you had to go and get it rather than it being delivered to your room as usual.

Strange, on the previous Quest cruise (Athens to Venice) the newspaper was always left on our bed to read with the Pursuits. Maybe depends on which Room Steward you have.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

I have been told by various sources that the individual size of the About Rose room spray will no longer be put in the ship cabins. The ships do still have the extra large size bottles for cleaning public spaces. All the other amenities in the About Rose line that you're used to will still be in the cabins: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, lotion and bath wash.

The place to buy any of their products, including the room spray, online is: About Rose Collection

Its a shame Bonnie that its no longer there, was a reason given, or has it fallen prey to the bean counters?:mad:

Ann,

 

It is fascinating that among those of us who love Azamara we each feel an affinity to one of the ships.

 

I had a wonderful cruise on Journey in May but am one of the proponents of the Quest is best gang.

 

And if you asked me why I come to this conclusion it is hard for me to articulate, particularly as I found the food on Journey a smidgin better than when I was last on Quest in October.

 

I am returning to Journey in November and am very happy to be doing so. Yes for indefinable reasons I prefer Quest but consider myself fortunate to have two lovely Azamara ships to choose from.

 

Hazel

I have to agree partly with you, having just come back from the Quest there are small definable differences between the ships which add to the character of each of them. We love both ships, we have an affinity to the Journey, but largely only because in recent times we have sailed more often on that ship. Our very first cruise was on the Quest with Captain Carl and we loved it, similarly this month's cruise on the Quest with Captain Jose was excellent.

My only gripe with the Quest is the way in which they sometimes restrict access to the rear Windows deck for breakfast until 7.30am, something we have never experienced on the Journey.

PS We never had a problem with nibbles or service in The Looking Glass before dinner!

Having sailed with all four of them now, I can safely say they are ALL favourites! Each Captain has his own unique style from Captain Jose's 'tinkling bell' to Captain Johannes and his 'little brother':)

I think it's always sad when the little things disappear that make Azamara unique, perhaps Bonnie can clarify why it has stopped. I can't believe it was due to people complaining about a 'freebie', more likely due to the bean counters like the Harpists.

It is sad also that the Harp is displayed in Mosaic on the Quest, with a 'Do not Touch' label on it, sort of rubs it in!

We have just come back from a lovely cruise on the Quest from Athens to Venice which was up to the usual standard with just one exception.....there was no About Rose room spray. On questioning our room steward he said it was no longer given out, when did this happen? Is it only on the Quest? It was certainly supplied on our Spice Route Cruise in April this year on the Journey.

I know it's only a small thing, but its sometimes the little things that matter:)

We never receive emails either, despite having registered online several times. We too only saw the 'Companion flies free' offer when looking on the website. A shame as we receive frequent emails from Oceania, Seabourn and Regent. Surely it can't be that difficult!

Now that could answer a little conundrum we had on our Quest cruise, it was our 30th anniversary and DH's birthday. We knew we had OBC and how much, but also got a card saying a gift from Krystal at Azamara and $100 OBC.

 

We love Azamara ;)

Congrats on your 30th anniversary - you were lucky to get $100 OBC from Azamara. We will be celebrating our Ruby Wedding anniversary during our cruise on the Quest on the 28th June and would love to receive a gift like that, or a complimentary meal in Aquilina or Prime C, as suggested by Marinaro44. Will keep our fingers crossed!

Really a bit gutted :confused: - just had a phone call from our TA and she is saying that our hotel in Athens has been changed from the Grand Bretagne which we were really happy with and have booked a lunch reservation there to the Hilton Athens!

 

This is for the 21st June sailing and is our honeymoon. I know from our roll call that other people were booked into the Grand Bretagne so don't know why it's suddenly been changed or the reasons behind it - the TA said she would try and find out - I know Azamara also use the hotel next door to the Grand Bretagne so if we had to change to that, it wouldn't be so bad but the location and hotel are totally perfect!

 

Has anyone else had the call/notification?!

kikki21 - did your eDocs still say the Grande Bretagne before you had the phone call from your TA? We are on the 28th June cruise and our eDocs are now up and showing the Grande Bretagne. Just wondered when they might decide to change it!

We're on the 28th June cruise and are also booked at the Grande Bretagne where we've reserved a table for dinner on the night of the 27th. Really hope they don't change it although King George Palace next door (same hotel group as Grande Bretagne) was fabulous when we stayed there the year before last so it wouldn't be bad if we were moved there. We had a lovely room with a little balcony overlooking Syntagma Square and the Parliament building. Don't think they have a swimming pool though (apart from the penthouse suite!)

When we left Journey last week we were told that no feedback forms would be issued on board but could we please complete the e-forms which would be emailed within 5 days. Has anyone received the form yet?

I want to commend the staff for the extra work they had to do plus add my personal thanks to those that went the extra mile.

Anyone know if the forms gave been sent yet or are they available on the Azamara website - I couldn't find them.:mad:

We were told the same when we left the Journey on the 15th April. Nothing yet. Haven't received a 'Welcome to the Discoverer-level gift (shipped to your home after the voyage)' either. Perhaps they've stopped that as well as the onboard feedback forms!

Has anyone got any 'inside information' on the 'team' who will be on the Journey for the 3rd April Singapore to Mumbai cruise?

Hi Good folks, just sorting out the packing for our 14 night cruise 18th February on the quest. wondering if some sort of wrap required for the shoulders in the restaurants and bars in the evening, us Brits not used to the air conditioning lol.

From another Brit who actually doesn't like air conditioning - the only place I sometimes feel a bit chilly is in the cabaret lounge but I usually get used to it and rarely need a wrap or cardigan. I always take one with me just in case though.

Totally agree with all the positive comments. We have cruised several times with Heike and she always welcomes us back like old friends - always has time for a chat and is around the ship all the time. Hoping she is on the Journey for our cruise on 3rd April! :-)

Hello

 

I have sailed with Azamara a number of times in the past and they never have any slimline tonic water onboard or diet tonic water.

 

On my last sailing the barman told me if I was sailing again with Azamara to send an email to Miami with my details and ask for some slimline tonic and they would load some onto the ship in Miami.

 

Does anyone know if this is true and if so what the email is to get in touch with someone to ask if they could do such a request?

 

Thanks for your help :)

 

ZJC

On our last cruise on the Journey in September, Diet Tonic was freely available, certainly at the Pool Bar. We had asked the same question on the Forum and also had an email from the Captains Club confirming it was now on board.

This was Bill Leibers helpful response:

Hello Mara01 and JollyJoyce -

I've learned that there is no special email address for making your request for non-standard items such as diet tonic water. In both the US/Canada and UK markets, it is accomplished through reservations, who will add your special request to your reservation. These type of requests must be made at least 45 days prior to the sailing date.

To ensure that you will not be disappointed, I suggest that you or your travel agent start the process by contacting our Loyalty Desk for the UK & Ireland who will access your reservation. In the meantime, I will have sent them a copy of your request and my response:

Loyalty Desk UK & Ireland

Captain's Club, Crown & Anchor and Le Club Voyage

Email: captainsclub.uk@rccl.com

Tel: 0844 481 7505

Happy and healthy sailing!

Best regards,

Bill Leiber

_____________________

I last travelled on Azamara in 2011. At that time there were many things I liked but also certain aspects I thought strange.

 

Afternoon tea was only available in the Buffet area. The dining room was closed at lunchtime. Hot drinks in the mosaic café were served in mugs with the tea bag hanging over the side.

 

Would appreciate an update if any of this has changed, also if you book an N3on deck eight do you get any noise from the Windows Café above?

 

Any information gratefully received.

I've never experienced tea bags in a Mug in Mosaic! On all our cruises on the Journey and Quest Coffees and Teas have always been served in good quality china!

Bill, thanks very much for finding this out for us. Certainly makes sense to have dinner instead of lunch. Both the long trips sound good - now to decide!

Thanks Bill. Good to know someone is finally taking notice of us! Looking forward to finding out about the excursions in due course.