Azamara's Big Announcement

[editor@cruisecritic]

Edie gave us an example of the way pricing will change as of next week:

 

For a July 12 Black Sea cruise on Azamara Quest, a 12-nighter, a "club continent suite” is currently selling for $5,449. Starting Monday, the, brochure price (which no one in his or her right mind should ever, ever pay!) will be $12,598. However, for a limited time, there will be a 50 percent off special on that so the real price will be $6, 299. It's about an $850 difference. This price does not include, by the way, taxes and fees.

Also a note that Azamara will be changing the names of cabins so that there's no confusion (or no longer any confusion) with similarly named accommodations on Celebrity ships.

 

Carolyn

[WooKeef]

I am often guilty of stating the obvious. But, here it goes. If they are trying to strive for the 300+ crowd...why are they providing complimentary laundry? I personnally am below that income bracket but will not be doing my own laundry on a ship where I am supposed to be treated like royalty and given my own butler. Something is missing here...I hope those who want it are pleased and maybe I will need it one day and be very happy to have it there, but I doubt it. I will send it out rather than waste my ship time in the laundry room.:cool:

[editor@cruisecritic]

I think I've answered anything I can -- so I'll wrap this up. We'll continue to cover changes at Azamara as new developments and announcements occur (especially with the past passenger club). Pimentel did stress that there will be more to come after the initial April roll-out and that the "new" Azamara will not be in its full, er, glory, until 3rd or 4th quarter 2010. So stay tuned -- and if you hear anything interesting, don't ever hesitate to drop me a note at editor@cruisecritic.com!

 

Thanks.

 

Carolyn

 

 

PS News story that basically sums all of this up in a cohesive way will be launched soon....

[gosport11]

Thats me out i dont earn any where near that amount of money,also how many oaps get that sort of pension,as the majority of the passengers on our last cruise were over 65

Will the sodas be poured as they are at the momement if soda package is purchased and i dont like wine at all,only beer for me i suppose thats because i earn under 300k,at least i will get a brochure if they reach the UK :):):) ps we struggle to get price reductions after booking

[wripro]

It's amazing how people only react to what affects them and not in a general sense to what Azamara seems to be trying to do. First of all, someone said who needs overnights in the Caribbean? Well, most of the overnights will be in ports where there is truly so much to choose from to see that it will be a pleasure to have more time there. Others say Azamara will save fuel costs by staying overnight. Well, port charges are very high and can easily outweigh the fuel costs. Why do you think most cruise lines leave a port by five or six PM? It's because it would cost a fortune to stay longer.

 

Others are complaining that they don't want to do the laundry on vacation. No one is forcing you to do it. The option to send it out still exists. This is merely an extra option. Ignore it if you choose.

 

Others are saying they don't want to pay for drinks that are included. They are not including drinks, only wine at lunch and dinner.

 

AS has been previously posted Azamara attracted a certain following in the past couple of years because it offered an excellent product at a very low price. This was due to both the economy and the fact that it was a new product trying to get customers away from its main competition. They cannot sustain these low prices and stay in business. If it prices some people out of the market (as I know they are aware it will) it will also attract a new customer who wants these extra benefits they are now offering like included gratuities, wine, soft drinks etc. plus the overnight stays.

[fPetrarca]

Bottom Line: Budget retirees should look elsewhere. And I believe that will ultimately help Azamara's "bottom line."

[WooKeef]

It's amazing how people only react to what affects them and not in a general sense to what Azamara seems to be trying to do. First of all, someone said who needs overnights in the Caribbean? Well, most of the overnights will be in ports where there is truly so much to choose from to see that it will be a pleasure to have more time there. Others say Azamara will save fuel costs by staying overnight. Well, port charges are very high and can easily outweigh the fuel costs. Why do you think most cruise lines leave a port by five or six PM? It's because it would cost a fortune to stay longer.

 

Others are complaining that they don't want to do the laundry on vacation. No one is forcing you to do it. The option to send it out still exists. This is merely an extra option. Ignore it if you choose.

 

Others are saying they don't want to pay for drinks that are included. They are not including drinks, only wine at lunch and dinner.

 

AS has been previously posted Azamara attracted a certain following in the past couple of years because it offered an excellent product at a very low price. This was due to both the economy and the fact that it was a new product trying to get customers away from its main competition. They cannot sustain these low prices and stay in business. If it prices some people out of the market (as I know they are aware it will) it will also attract a new customer who wants these extra benefits they are now offering like included gratuities, wine, soft drinks etc. plus the overnight stays.

 

I truly appreciate that you are trying to say we are being self centered in this discussion. However, not quite pleased with delivery. However, I have previously stated as many have that understand that they need to increase their bottom line. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that the changes will be a good thing. I was truly looking forward to having my own butler though:p. but, not for me...sleeping far away from concierge class:p:p. I hope the service stays as good as everyone has said it has been. It is one of the reasons I decided to go with Azamara. Still, the laundry facility thing still seems out of place in this announcement, really what I meant. Does not seem to match with all the other things...hmm.

thanks anyway, sincerely.

[shoesonfire]

It's amazing how people only react to what affects them and not in a general sense to what Azamara seems to be trying to do. First of all, someone said who needs overnights in the Caribbean? Well, most of the overnights will be in ports where there is truly so much to choose from to see that it will be a pleasure to have more time there. Others say Azamara will save fuel costs by staying overnight. Well, port charges are very high and can easily outweigh the fuel costs. Why do you think most cruise lines leave a port by five or six PM? It's because it would cost a fortune to stay longer.

 

Others are complaining that they don't want to do the laundry on vacation. No one is forcing you to do it. The option to send it out still exists. This is merely an extra option. Ignore it if you choose.

 

Others are saying they don't want to pay for drinks that are included. They are not including drinks, only wine at lunch and dinner.

 

AS has been previously posted Azamara attracted a certain following in the past couple of years because it offered an excellent product at a very low price. This was due to both the economy and the fact that it was a new product trying to get customers away from its main competition. They cannot sustain these low prices and stay in business. If it prices some people out of the market (as I know they are aware it will) it will also attract a new customer who wants these extra benefits they are now offering like included gratuities, wine, soft drinks etc. plus the overnight stays.

 

We Couldn't agree with you more. As mentioned previously we are looking forward to our May 2010 cruise and the extras that will be included. Also, hoping that dining at the specialty restaurants will still be available as previously.

[little britain]

Almost afraid to post as our income doesn't reach $300,000pa but anyhow........ I posted that our cruise had shot up by £440pp a few weeks back, and today it has actually dropped a bit to a £395pp increase, which sort of negates what he said.

 

For those that have prepaid their grats, as we have to do in England, will we get this refunded do you think?

 

Is there still the $5 cover charge for the speciality restaurants or is that ditched?

 

Like the idea of different wines every night -so long as it is not Chardonnay!

 

That leaves gratuities, wine and laundry, which for most people will add up to about $300 on a 10 day cruise

Impossible! A bottle of wine costs $40 upwards, the grats are $12pd - we budget at least $100 a day, so this would be a significant saving.

 

Off to berate the DH and insist he earns more......

[MVPinBoynton]

I am thrilled with overnight port stops. I didn't realize this was something new. It was a main reason I chose it for our upcoming SE Asia cruise. Overnight in all ports but one.

 

There aren't any ports in the Caribbean I would want to stay overnight; but lots in other parts of the world.

[Redtravel]

1)I don't drink. Neither does my spouse who is diabetic. A diet soda would be enough to make us happy. The wine that is served at the cocktail parties is usually left behind in nearly full glasses.

2)My butler, Mario, on my last cruise was outstanding...he couldn't do enough. He doesn't need to go to school...he could teach the others how to do a great job.

3) I appreciate the included gratuities and the included shuttle bus which used to be included on Celebrity when they first started cruising.

4) Free selfserve laundry is nice, but real send out laundry would be a nicer idea. I did do some self serve laundry on my last cruise. However, the lines were long. Including self serve laundry probably won't make that wait any better. It'll just save me the $4 it cost to do a wash and dry...no big deal.

5) Overnight in ports usually shuts down the nightly entertainment and the casino. The shops are also closed when the ship is in port. That makes for a very dull time for people who like being on the ship at night. An occassional overnight is nice. I hope it doesn't happen too often.

[cruiseyguy]

Redtravel, you might be happier trying another cruise line since Azamara clearly is not going to be offering what you seek.

[portofrome]

This is the press release on Azamara site:

 

http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/aboutUs/pressDetails.do;jsessionid=0000x--ir4ACzx3eDQIAeXWIRyj:12odfrvug?pagename=press_room_details&event_date=2009-12-08&event_type=press_release&sequence_code=A

[DebsUK]

Are these changes already reflected on the Azamara website? If so can someone tell me where as I don't see them. Thanks.

[Andy]

1)I don't drink. Neither does my spouse who is diabetic. A diet soda would be enough to make us happy. The wine that is served at the cocktail parties is usually left behind in nearly full glasses.

 

Hi RedTravel !

 

I believe Carolyn mentioned earlier in this thread, that Soda will be included, when the changes take place.

[rbach]

I think the changes are nice. The included wine with dinner, soda, coffee, laundry will be appreciated.

I am not a big drinker but will enjoy not having to worry about 'should I or should I try and save the money' at dinner. After a long day shopping in port - the budget can get streched.

The name of the club is just a name and the value will be with the benefits. We will all have to wait and see.

I have not seen info about the specialty dining charge, is this now included too? It was not much as all before, but a party of 2 on a 14 day cruise might spend another $60 for specialty dining.

Thank you Azamara for trying something new.

[Andy]

The name of the club is just a name and the value will be with the benefits. We will all have to wait and see.

 

 

Hi Rbach !

 

You bring up a very good point. While I'm not thrilled with the name of the loyalty club, if it proves to be an excellent Loyalty Program, I can learn to like the name !

 

I'm very curious as to whether Celebrity's Captains Club Members will be grandfathered into the New Azamara Program at current levels, or will Cruises only be counted for past Azamara sailings. I hope Azamara will answer this question for us.

[suec12]

Well I'm pretty pleased, I am currently booked on 2 2010 cruises - I like the complimentary wine - I DO drink and I'm not very picky! I have enjoyed plenty of local and house wines in my travels in Italy and France. I'll be happy to sample some local pours.

 

I like the pre-paid gratuities - they were not comped to me in an OBC by a travel agent - I figure that saves me hundreds of dollars.

 

I like the shuttle buses in ports - in places like Livorno, that should save me around 20E - lunch?!

 

As for laundry - on a two week plus trip I'm really happy to have access to laundry facilites for undies and T shirts - helps for packing light!

 

And overnights in port - one of the reason I picked my Oct. cruise was the two days in Istanbul. So for certain places, I think its a big plus.

 

Le Club Loyal....well. But it would be nice to have an international mix of shipmates, esp. with the open seating format - who knows what new international connections we may be able to make!

 

Time will tell if I will be able to afford future crusies - I'm sure not in the target demagraphic income wise! Maybe I'll end up couch surfing with my new international friends.

[tgg]

I'm still a little confused about the specialty dining restaurants. This is from the Azamara news release:

 

 

"Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest:... most meals and room service. Specialty dining in Azamara's intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise."

 

The bold and italics are mine. Does this mean that Prime C and Aqualina are reserved for suites passengers only? Can others eat there for an added fee? If so, what is the fee? Is there a limit on the number of times non-suite passengers can eat there? Before this announcement ALL meals were included.

[rockysquirrel]

Was there any mention about how previous and future "Passages" bookings will be handled?

 

I understand that not all of the changes could easily be implemented immediately, but the beverage changes for example could be done right away. Why make make everyone who is sailing before April 2010 feel like they are getting nothing from the "enhancements" unless they book another cruise. The same pricing was used for many sailings that are after April 2010 as those that remain before the cutoff date. When I sailed on Quest in Dec 2007, there was a limit of one complimentary speciality dining per cruise and on the next sailing the change was made to make it unlimited.

[Jade13]

300K is average? You gotta be kiddin'

 

And is that 300K before or after we subsidize the new Healthcare plan?

 

Our first w/Azamara is in Feb...It may be last cruise with them.

 

At that point, why would someone not go to SilverSea? They move around the world (if you want itinerary) and have unlimited alcohol. The big difference is the dress code, but I was on PAII and that was all country club casual.

[schmidlapp]

tgg,

I'm glad not to be the only one confused about specialty dining.

I started a thread regarding this..

So if anyone from Azamara who is reading this can clairify are the specialty dining venues for suites only and if not what are the charges?

I would really like to know an answer to this as I have 2 cruises in 2010 and 1 in 2011 booked on Azamara. The first is January so the changes will not have taken place yet. all my bookings are in veranda cabins, not suites.

[GeorgeL]

I'm still a little confused about the specialty dining restaurants. This is from the Azamara news release:

 

 

"Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest:... most meals and room service. Specialty dining in Azamara's intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise."

 

 

 

The bold and italics are mine. Does this mean that Prime C and Aqualina are reserved for suites passengers only? Can others eat there for an added fee? If so, what is the fee? Is there a limit on the number of times non-suite passengers can eat there? Before this announcement ALL meals were included.

 

I think all passengers can still dine in the specialty restaurant but there is a small $5.00 fee. I am assuming that, starting in April 2010, that $5.00 fee will be waved for suite passengers.

I looked over all the other "changes" in today's announcement and I am not sure I like what I read. The inclusions are nice but only if the price doesn't jump way too high to make the whole thing unreasonable. I do not drink so paying a lot of extra money for something that I do not use certainly doesn't make me too happy. I guess we will have to see the prices and then judge.

[Jade13]

Hi, good news: Sodas will be part of the all-inclusive aspects.

Carolyn

 

I wish they would start this in the beginning of 2010. The prices for staterooms on our Feb 6, 2010 Quest are Sky high, as of yesterday $4,900.00pp for lowest category Verandah.

[hallowslady]

Having just caught up with all of the changes (we live on the other side of the world) I'm very happy. The fact that we're booked on the first cruise in April on Quest is exciting and just plain lucky. Was never happy about paying gratuities - staff performance incentives/bonuses should always be a company cost not a customer cost.. Wine with meals is a lovely touch and will add to our experience. Well done Azamara - and thankyou to CC staff who kept members well informed..

 

Therese