Azamara's Big Announcement

[tgg]

I think all passengers can still dine in the specialty restaurant but there is a small $5.00 fee.

 

We have our 6th and 7th Azamara cruises booked. On past cruises, we have happily paid the $5.00pp fee and enjoyed both restaurants many times. However, the word "most" concerns me. If the fee jumps to $30pp, or if the specialty restaurants are no longer available to all the passengers, there will be many very unhappy passengers, us among them.

 

This may be one area that they are still tinkering with.

 

Another might be the Captain's Club (yes, that wording is still on the web site) Elite level perks. The web site says "Includes all benefits of Classic & Select membership, plus Elite level onboard offers". This wording gives them lots of wiggle room. Not a bad idea if you're making lots of changes. However it doesn't give repeat passengers any idea of what additional perks are being given to them.

[kevmoley]

I think many of you are whining for no reason,

Businesses are in business to make money.

Clearly Azamara was not making money at the pricing they were at.

I'm in business and if I were not making a profit, I'd change something

and change it pretty quickly.

We can't expect Azamara to survive on the purse strings of RCI forever.

If they need to raise prices, why not make the customers feel a bit

more special and that they are getting something for the increase.

I don't think things will be that much different. We have 3 future Azamara cruises booked, with one under our belts. Overnights in port are a great idea.

Nobody gets seasick at night, the ones that want to experience local nitelife can, the ones that want to eat on the ship can. Windstar is doing more of the overnights in port and I think they are getting postive comments regarding this. As far as coffee and wine included, their regular coffee was poor at best so this will be a big improvement.

By offering wine, it gives you a bit of inclusive feel without forcing one to drink like a fish just to get their moneys worth. If they went totally all inclusive you would see much more than the 20% price increase.

The only thing I do'nt like is the name of their loyalty program.

It's too late to change that now. Lets give them a chance, if they have

the same quality staff, food, service and destinations I'll stick with them.

Just make the casino pay out a bit more.....(ha ha)

 

I agree 100% with your statement.. it is one of the reasons I booked with Azamara in the first place. The overnight stays open the door for so many different excursions to be explored. I am happy with today's news and I can not wait to hear what is in store down the line.. may I suggest looking at included shore excursions down the line as well.. Azamara is starting to sound more and more like a River cruise without being limited to a short cruising range.. :)

[gosport11]

Just a quick point seeing that the MDR doesnt open on port days will the wine be in the buffet,or will they start opening MDR :confused:

[Redtravel]

To Cruiseguy : I have sailed on many cruises. I like Azamara...it's small, relaxed, and has good service...food is very good. However, I also consider value when I plan a vacation ( and I take a lot of them...all types..not just cruises). I am not loyal to a single cruiseline. While I am Elite on Celebrity/Azamara, I also sail on other lines. I especially like Oceania, Seabourn, and Crystal. I also enjoy cruising on Costa, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. I prefer to not sail on HAL and Norwegian. I've never had a bad time on a cruise, but there are those that are better than others.

The new perks might add up to about $200pp. Let's see how much they increase the prices. Actually, in the past few weeks many cruises have gone up a lot more than that amount.

I'm not down on Azamara, I just don't think the big announcement really amounted to much for me. It may be a big deal for you.

[Andy]

Hi Everyone !

 

Re : Specialty Dining

 

I asked the question to Azamara. Here is their response :

 

When the changes take place, the $5.00 PP Gratuity in Specialty Dining will end.

 

Prime C & Aqualina will be complimentary for Suites, and $15.00 Per Guest for Non-Suites. Also, Non-Suites will be guaranteed 2 nights of Specialty Dining Per sailing.

 

As always, this is subject to change. I hope this helps !

[cannongate]

I have been trying to find out this today on my own with out much success. Non suite traveler that likes the specialty restaurants.

[DrKoob]

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.

 

That Feb 6 cruise could have a $2000 variance depending on where you live. For instance, we are on the Feb 20, 2010 SE Asia cruise (right after) and if you are from about 10 states then your price would be about $2000 less than others. We are traveling with friends from Florida, New Mexico and Arizona. We (in Washington State) and our friends in Arizona got the discount and the others didn't. So we will be in the same cabin (right next door)as our friends from Florida, paying almost $2000 less. I believe to get this price we also had to be 55+. Our veranda stateroom (1A) is going to finalize at around $4500 where it was almost $6000.

[greeneg]

One of the things that we have enjoyed on our three prior Azamara cruises has been the relaxed, comfortable, casual atmosphere. The passenger mix has been something that we also look forward to, people from all levels and ages. So far my initial read on this thread is that this is, in fact, in jeopardy, and the line is pointing its target towards people other than the wonderful mix that we have shared our previous voyages. It isn't clear yet that this is what's going to happen, but I do think that the risk is there. I submit that the Line needs to be very, very careful about deciding what it wants; it might just get it to the exclusion of those passengers who have been very happy with the product as currently presented.

 

I think that Jean (Critterchick) made a very critical observation in her earlier post:

 

" just because something is pricey doesn't make it good. We all want value for our money, after all.".

 

Azamara has represented very good value in the past; depending on how far they move away from that, will determine whether or not we will be in the market for a "new" cruise line. It is possible for them to price themselves out of the market even for people who can afford any price if the perception of value isn't there.

 

Hope that I'm wrong......

[GeorgeL]

One of the things that we have enjoyed on our three prior Azamara cruises has been the relaxed, comfortable, casual atmosphere. The passenger mix has been something that we also look forward to, people from all levels and ages. So far my initial read on this thread is that this is, in fact, in jeopardy, and the line is pointing its target towards people other than the wonderful mix that we have shared our previous voyages. It isn't clear yet that this is what's going to happen, but I do think that the risk is there. I submit that the Line needs to be very, very careful about deciding what it wants; it might just get it to the exclusion of those passengers who have been very happy with the product as currently presented.

 

I think that Jean (Critterchick) made a very critical observation in her earlier post:

 

" just because something is pricey doesn't make it good. We all want value for our money, after all.".

 

 

Azamara has represented very good value in the past; depending on how far they move away from that, will determine whether or not we will be in the market for a "new" cruise line. It is possible for them to price themselves out of the market even for people who can afford any price if the perception of value isn't there.

 

Hope that I'm wrong......

 

It makes me think to the many products on the market that were very well liked....until the manufacturer felt the need to make changes to make them even better.

All I can say is that sometimes "New and Improved" is not always an improvement.

[Jade13]

That Feb 6 cruise could have a $2000 variance depending on where you live. For instance, we are on the Feb 20, 2010 SE Asia cruise (right after) and if you are from about 10 states then your price would be about $2000 less than others. We are traveling with friends from Florida, New Mexico and Arizona. We (in Washington State) and our friends in Arizona got the discount and the others didn't. So we will be in the same cabin (right next door)as our friends from Florida, paying almost $2000 less. I believe to get this price we also had to be 55+. Our veranda stateroom (1A) is going to finalize at around $4500 where it was almost $6000.

 

Is that $4,500.00 total for two people ($2,250.00pp) including pre-paid gratuities and taxes?

[Jade13]

According to the web site, voyages April and after are 50% off. Based on all the prices I looked at, Azamara is saying standard pricing will start at close to 5K for insides through Verandahs on 12 and 14 night cruises.

 

With that pricing, comparisons will need to be made with other lines, and there are luxury lines that include all alcohol for that pricing (actually a number of lines that don't even have inside staterooms).

 

"Celebrate the new Azamara Club Cruises with 50% savings on 2010 and

2011 voyages.

 

Along with our new name come many new surprises, including

complimentary house wines poured with lunch and dinner, gratuities for

housekeeping and dining staff, shuttle bus in port when offered, and

complimentary coffee, soda and bottled water throughout the ship.

 

Explore our 50% savings on 2010 and 2011 voyages starting with the

Europe season in April 2010. For your convenience, prices shown on our

website* reflect your 50% savings."

[Redtravel]

I did not think twice about the $5 suggested gratuity. However, increasing it doesn't sound like an improvement. It seems to be creating a two class system. Free for some, but $15 for others....doesn't make sense. I think that Azamara Club should rethink this item. If they start treating people as second class, they will abandon Azamara.

[wripro]

Redtravel,

 

I don't see how you can say the new perks are not worth more than $200. Gratuities alone on a 14 cruise would be more than that. A bottle of wine a night conservatively would run $40, or $560. Shuttles in port, sodas, water all add to the perks.

 

Obviously Azamara is trying to turn itself into a different product, somewhat different from Oceania. I applaud any company that tries to come up with creative solutions to stimulate business. Yes, they will lose some customers but they will gain others.

[sailaway5]

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.

 

Ditto all of the above. What a pleasant surprise. We had already booked our Asia - 03/2011 trip before the price increase. This is a win-win for us. Thanks Azamara.

[njhorseman]

I did not think twice about the $5 suggested gratuity. However, increasing it doesn't sound like an improvement. It seems to be creating a two class system. Free for some, but $15 for others....doesn't make sense. I think that Azamara Club should rethink this item. If they start treating people as second class, they will abandon Azamara.

 

 

Passengers in higher grade accommodations getting dining privileges in different venues or at no additional charge is hardly unique to Azamara.

 

Cunard always has had different dining rooms for different classes of staterooms. NCL has a private breakfast and lunch venue with enhanced menu choices for suite passengers that is not available to non-suite guests.

 

On many lines suite passengers get butler service and other amenities not available to other passengers. Azamara is removing "butler" service from non-suites.

 

Suite passengers generally get more for their higher fare than just a larger, fancier staterooom.

[feje]

We first sailed on Azamara in January of 2008; fell in love with Azamara and booked another cruise in October of 2008. That cruise was also wonderful and we booked another cruise in August of 2009. Wonderful again and we are booked for a cruise in January of 2010. We are loyal to Azamara -- but is Azamara loyal to us?

 

In all of this new announcement, including the new loyalty program, I don't see anything being done for loyal passengers until April, 2010.

 

What are we? Chopped Liver?

[Jade13]

Redtravel,

 

I don't see how you can say the new perks are not worth more than $200. Gratuities alone on a 14 cruise would be more than that. A bottle of wine a night conservatively would run $40, or $560. Shuttles in port, sodas, water all add to the perks.

 

Obviously Azamara is trying to turn itself into a different product, somewhat different from Oceania. I applaud any company that tries to come up with creative solutions to stimulate business. Yes, they will lose some customers but they will gain others.

 

Does anyone think this will hurt Travel Agents? Right now while RCCL/Celebrity/Azamara does not allow TA's to discount, they do allow perks such as pre-paid gratuities. Azamara was offering pre-paid gratuties on many cruises for most of the first half of this year. However, even if it didn't come from Azamara, one could have found an outside TA to cover them. I would have liked the cola. As it is our cruise is in February. What is the current cost (including tax) of the cola package per day and on a 14 night cruise? What is the value of this perk which starts in April?

[Jade13]

We first sailed on Azamara in January of 2008; fell in love with Azamara and booked another cruise in October of 2008. That cruise was also wonderful and we booked another cruise in August of 2009. Wonderful again and we are booked for a cruise in January of 2010. We are loyal to Azamara -- but is Azamara loyal to us?

 

In all of this new announcement, including the new loyalty program, I don't see anything being done for loyal passengers until April, 2010.

 

What are we? Chopped Liver?

 

I agree. I know they have to start somewhere, but why not January 2010? Besides, on our cruise (Feb 6, 2010) prices are now sky high with lowest Verandah's at 5K with tax.

[floridatravelersforlife]

Time will tell what this all means. I don't see me biting.

 

More overnights means more travel time. On our recent Ancient Empires cruise the average travel time for Egypt and Israel were 6 hours round trip! Sure some ports are near the attractions, but a lot of Pacific and Asian areas are distant.

 

For example, my DW and I did a 3.5 week rental car tour of New Zealand a la carte. We did everything, the Glaciers, mountains, wineries, Hobbit land, Auckland, Bay of Islands and more and it cost under $1.5 k per week at 4star hotels, excluding airfare. And we ate like on the ships.

 

If my calculations are right, two 13 day tours could cost $12-18K and overnight tours from Auckland and Christchurch at the going rate of $400pp per day puts it over $20k plus 20-30 hours of travel by bus/train!!! And one does not enjoy the ameneities when you are off the ship. You are paying twice for food.

 

Pay more for less enjoyment? Even $300k per year people will see this doesn't trade.

[susiesan]

If AZ wants to attract more passengers from South America, Europe, and Asia are they going to relax the strict smoking policies? Many, many people from those areas smoke heavily and will not go on a cruise if they cannot smoke on their balconies or other places inside on the ships like bars and casinos. And if AZ did change the smoking poliy they'd lose a huge chunk of their American customers, me for sure.

[jenhem]

I'm going to go back to the statements I made after my April Journey cruise, yes, it was a nice cruise, but I really think they missed the mark at being an upscale cruise line. On my cruise, we couldn't even get reservations in the specialty restaurants, the food quality was not consistent, it's only 600 passengers, they should be able to excel at the food preparation and presentation. There were lots of other small (and larger) things that added up to me forming my opinion that, yes, while it was a nice cruise, it was not at the level of what I would consider upscale. It's not what you charge, or how much money I make , Azamara Club Cruises, it's what you can deliver, and I don't see that you are delivering that consistent superior cruise product now. I'm hoping the changes improve your overall product to what your vision is, I'll be waiting to see.

Jenny

[darrencantwait]

I've been a faithful supporter of Celebrity, and was hoping to become one of Azamara after our Feb 2010 Asia cruise. However, I think this new, gregarious CEO has failed. Before, Azimara was creating a bridge. You seem to be pulling to the luxury end. Sorry, buddy...FAIL! You can post your URL here:

 

http://failblog.org/

[fPetrarca]

So many of these comments, in my view, demonstrate why Azamara must change if it is to succeed in the long term. A "value" small ship cruise line with two virtually free specialty restaurants, luxury soft furnishings, unique itineraries & "folks just like us" is not going to make money for the company, only save money for the passengers. Sure everyone here likes their sweet deals but no one seems to recognize that these low prices may ultimately mean the end of the cruise line since shareholders demand profits, not losses. I don't think threats by passengers addicted to low fares that they will take their "business" elsewhere will carry much weight. Nor should it.

[critterchick]

So many of these comments, in my view, demonstrate why Azamara must change if it is to succeed in the long term. A "value" small ship cruise line with two virtually free specialty restaurants, luxury soft furnishings, unique itineraries & "folks just like us" is not going to make money for the company, only save money for the passengers. Sure everyone here likes their sweet deals but no one seems to recognize that these low prices may ultimately mean the end of the cruise line since shareholders demand profits, not losses. I don't think threats by passengers addicted to low fares that they will take their "business" elsewhere will carry much weight. Nor should it.

 

I loved my sweet deal on Quest, but would also have been perfectly happy to pay the fare at which I originally booked. The fact that they dropped the price 4 times tells me that even the $300k market wasn't booking, so holding the line on the price would have meant that we would have sailed with even fewer than the 580 or so that we had onboard.

 

I think that raising prices at a time when they can't sell at their current prices (the original ones) is kind of an odd business decision. The enhancements that were announced today are not, to me, sufficient to warrant a 20% increase over the price at which we originally booked ($3300pp, as I recall, which eventually dropped to $1799pp so they could fill the ship). Just MHO.

[meow!]

Perhaps Azamara is trying to emunlate Oceania in pricing -- if Oceania sells better at higher per diem fares, Azamara may as well try something similar, moving up market to take the quasi-luxury niche. Azamara should have one significant advantage, its previous willingness to be flexible, moving down substantially in fares when voyages don't sell. Hopefully, despite change of management, they will continue to be flexible.

 

P.S. critterchick: Is your icon a cat .. meow!