New 2013 inclusive beverage program details

[spw1947]

As the Gin pouring is generous I always ask to pour my own tonic and add less than I would otherwise do

 

This means your G&T is stronger than usual...good idea!

 

I'm disappointed to see that Gilbeys is the 'standard' gin...much prefer Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphie.

 

Is it still possible to take wine and spirits on board? I haven't been able to find out on the website (What a surprise!)

 

Cheers all you gin drinkers,

 

Sue

[BuckGood]

Hello Azamara Inclusive Beverage Followers -

 

I'm pleased to provide you with a summary of the complimentary spirits, cocktails, beers and wines that will be available along with the value-priced beverage packages that will be offered concurrently with the inclusive program. The detailed information will be available shortly on our website.

 

COMPLIMENTARY Beverage Program

Spirits

Finlandia vodka

Smirnoff vodka

Gordon’s gin

Seagram's Seven Crown

whisky

Jim Beam bourbon

José Cuervo Especial Silver tequila

Mount Gay Eclipse Silver rum

Beefeater gin Cutty Sark Scotch whisky

 

Anisette

Apricot Brandy

Blackberry Brandy

Blue Curaçao

Butterscotch Schnapps

Cherry Brandy

Crème de Almond

Crème de Banana

Crème de Cacao Dark

Crème de Cacao White

Crème de Cassis

Crème de Menthe Green

Crème de Menthe White

Kirsch

Orange Curaçao

Peach Schnapps

Peppermint Schnapps

Sloe Gin

Sour Apple Pucker

Triple Sec

Vermouth Dry

Vermouth Sweet

 

Cocktails and Long Drinks

Appletini

Bay Breeze

Bloody Mary

Blue Wave

Cape Cod

Caribbean Sunset

Daiquiri

Gibson

Gimlet

Grasshopper

Greyhound

Kamikaze

Long Island Iced Tea

Mai Tai

Manhattan

Margarita

Martini

Old Fashioned

Piña Colada

Planter’s Punch

Rob Roy

Rum Runner

Salty Dog

Sea Breeze

Screwdriver

Tequila Sunrise

Tom Collins

Vodka Stinger

Whiskey Sour

Zentini

 

Bottled Beers

Budweiser

Bud Light

Beck’s

 

1 Draught Beer

Beck’s

 

19 Boutique Wines (Rotation of One White + One Red each day, plus One Rosé)

Kato Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

Gérard Bertrand Chardonnay Réserve

Spéciale (France)

Caposaldo Pinot Grigio (Italy)

Main Street Chardonnay (California)

Stellenzicht Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa)

Cousiño Macul Riesling Reserva (Chile)

Bogle Chardonnay (California)

Serra da Estrela Albariño (Portugal)

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc (California)

Bulletin Place Shiraz (Australia)

Gérard Bertrand Cabernet Sauvignon

Réserve Spéciale (France)

Melini Laborel Chianti Classico (Italy)

Castle Rock Pinot Noir (California)

Stellenzicht Pinotage (South Africa)

Cousiño Macul Cabernet Sauvignon

Antiguas Reservas (Chile)

The Crusher Merlot (California)

JMF Periquita (Portugal)

Cline Zinfandel (California)

Clos Clementine Rosé (France)

 

* ALL SELECTIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY

 

NEW Beverage Packages

§ In addition to standard complimentary beverages we’re also introducing five high-value beverage packages. From our Premium Water Package and Premium Beer Package to Premium, Top Shelf and Ultimate liquor packages, which willgive you more options for preferred spirits at very attractive pricing on higher end spirits, whether purchased as single drinks or in packages.

 

Liquor Packages

§ You’re likely to have favorite brands for vodka, whisky, tequila, brandy and other spirits, and chances are you’ll find them in our beverage packages. For instance, "complimentary" beverages include 30 select standard spirits.

§ Compare that to 90 brands in the Premium package, 120 in the Top Shelf package, and 140 in the Ultimate package. Beverage packages are all about choice and a customized guest experience.

§ Our new beverage packages are very well priced because the value of a complimentary drink is taken into consideration in pricing for higher-end brands, so you pay just a slight up-charge.

 

Premium Package: $12.95 per person per day; e.g. Ketel One, Bombay Sapphire, Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker Red Label - see website for complete listing. Per drink from $4.50 and varies.

Top Shelf Package: $15.95 per person per day; e.g. Belvedere, Tanqueray No. Ten, Maker's Mark, Chivas Regal - see website for complete listing. Per drink from $5.50 and varies.

Ultimate Package: $18.95 per person per day; e.g. Hendrick's, The Balvenie, Patrón Silver, Rémy Martin VSOP - see website for complete listing. Per drink from $6.50 and varies.

 

Not everyone drinks spirits, so we’ve also created special packages for wine, beer and premium bottled water.

 

WINE PACKAGES

§ Includes all bottles of wine valued at $50 or less.

§ More than 60 wines from which to choose, including 1 Sparkling wine, 30 White wines, 3 Rosé wines, 26 Red wines, and 4 Dessert wines (Based on new wine list, introduced throughout 2013).

 

BEER PACKAGES

§ Beer selections include 26 brands

- 19 Brands @ $2.50-$3.50 per glass

- 7 Brands @ $4.50-$5.50 per glass

§ Premium Beer Package @ $11.95 per person per day.

§ See website for brand names.

 

PREMIUM WATER PACKAGES

§ $7.95 per person per day Premium Bottled Water Package; note includes Single Serving items only

§ Single Serving @ $2.50 for Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino.

 

IMPORTANT: Please note that both the beer and liquor packages include 25% savings on premium wines by the glass. While we offer two complimentary wine selections each day, many more fine wines can be purchased at ship bars. If you love fine wines, that 25% savings means a beverage package can pay for itself!

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prices as shown are per person, per day. Prices subject to change without notice. Packages cannot be shared and are non-transferable (including but not limited to any other guest or sailing), are valid only for the voyage for which they are purchased, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional programs or as credit towards any other purchases, such as selections that are not included in the program. Packages do not include beverages sold in gift shops. Packages will be charged on the day of purchase. Packages may not be cancelled at any time. No refunds for previous or remaining days will be issued. When ordering a selection onboard, you must present your KeyCard bearing the package code or sticker to your server. Not all beverage selections are available on all sailings. Alternate selections of equal value may be substituted at management discretion. Beverage selections are offered for consumption in the dining room, specialty restaurants, the buffet and casual dining restaurants, and bars and lounges. Beverage Package selections are not available for consumption from the in-stateroom Minibar. Selections are limited and subject to availability. Violation of these terms and conditions may result in loss of package privileges and a refund will not be issued.

 

For the sake of good order, please note that all selections listed in the various packages are subject to change and availability.

 

Also, on the website there will be a section with the answers to the most "Frequently Asked Questions" which I'm sure you'll find helpful. Or contact me so that I can track down the answer from our hotel operations team.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

 

Thank You...Thank You...Thank You!!

[uktog]

This means your G&T is stronger than usual...good idea!

 

I'm disappointed to see that Gilbeys is the 'standard' gin...much prefer Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphie.

 

Is it still possible to take wine and spirits on board? I haven't been able to find out on the website (What a surprise!)

 

Cheers all you gin drinkers,

 

Sue

 

Dear Sue a gin drinker !

 

Azamara treats you like an adult, there are no restrictions as to what you can take aboard, so if the list does not appeal, stop by the duty free en route. Otherwise, if you want to drink with others rather than on your balcony, follow the less T and more G route

 

A

[NC&KY]

They have added some cheap booze (which many do not want) and a mass shore excursion (which many do not want) and are charging thousands more. It is the Azamara cruisers who are saying that -- the ones who are abandoning ship.

 

In any event, I can express my opinion about anything, by the way. Anyone can. You can choose to disregard an opinion if you believe there is no basis for it. But there are no "opinion police" on Cruise Critic -- unless you are self-appointed.

Chill. No need to get excited.

 

Fortunately, I am a cheap date. My favorite for a martini is Hendrick's, but my second favorite is Beefeaters! My wife will be aggravated that she doesn't have Woodford Reserve (distillery 7 miles from our house) for her Manhattan, but she'll survive with margaritas or gin and tonics.

 

We're all going to be on a cruise ship in a great part of the world. Smile, be happy. Life is short.;)

[gosport11]

A quick question will the wine now be avalable outside of dining hours,ie if you want a glass as a sundowner before the buffet opens

On our last azamara cruise nothing was included,and we still had a brillant time, that is why we have booked again,the inclusive is a bonus going for the ports :):)

[Spursgirl]

A quick question will the wine now be avalable outside of dining hours,ie if you want a glass as a sundowner before the buffet opens

On our last azamara cruise nothing was included,and we still had a brillant time, that is why we have booked again,the inclusive is a bonus going for the ports :):)

 

My understanding is that the wines of the day (on the rotation list) will be available whenever you want them.

 

If others think differently I am sure they will advise us.

 

Cheers!

[NC&KY]

My understanding is that the wines of the day (on the rotation list) will be available whenever you want them.

 

If others think differently I am sure they will advise us.

 

Cheers!

And presumably the beers and spirits. So when 5:00 comes, you may have your chardonnay, Beck's or martini.

[kiawahdon]

Bill and Andy,

When the AZ web site is updated to reflect the details of the new beverage plan and packages with F Q&A, please let us know; and where to look on the site.

 

While I have been highly critical about the fits and starts in announcing the new plan, I find the spirit offerings reasonable. The 3 beer offerings, though, need 1 or 2 "stouter" additions .

Thanks!

[berkshireboy]

At the Cruise Show today [London] I tried to establish whether all the wines would be available at the bars each day or only those two on the daily rotation. The "off the cuff" response from the lady I spoke to was that they would all be available. However, when she looked at her paperwork it appeared to suggest that only the two wines of the day would be served. [so perhaps you won’t get your Chardonnay every day]. She is going to try to find out and let me know Monday.

 

I said that I was surprised that there was no sparkling wine included [not even Prosecco or Cava] and that even the wine package only included one sparkling. She was unable to give me the price of the wine packages and said that they were still awaiting the information from Miami.

 

She was very helpful but clearly was lacking a lot of essential information - as are we all. :)

 

She did say that the head of Azamara in the UK is at the cruise show tomorrow so anyone visiting then might get more information than I did.

[little britain]

At the Cruise Show today [London] I tried to establish whether all the wines would be available at the bars each day or only those two on the daily rotation. The "off the cuff" response from the lady I spoke to was that they would all be available. However, when she looked at her paperwork it appeared to suggest that only the two wines of the day would be served. [so perhaps you won’t get your Chardonnay every day]. She is going to try to find out and let me know Monday.

 

I said that I was surprised that there was no sparkling wine included [not even Prosecco or Cava] and that even the wine package only included one sparkling. She was unable to give me the price of the wine packages and said that they were still awaiting the information from Miami.

 

She was very helpful but clearly was lacking a lot of essential information - as are we all. :)

 

She did say that the head of Azamara in the UK is at the cruise show tomorrow so anyone visiting then might get more information than I did.

 

I would think that it was only the wine of the day that is 'officially' available at the bars, during opening hours (and not just meal times). However in the past we have always been able to get the wine from another day, if you did not like the daily swill (aka Chardonnay!;)). I wonder how this will work now?

 

Totally agree about the lack of Cava/Proscecco.......this is so much lighter and easier to drink than some of their heavier whites, especially in the early evening or at lunch.

[Dunelm]

I have been reading the posts on this thread with interest. I cannot decide whether the negative comments are coming from people who are really disgruntled or whether they are merely enjoying eliciting reactions from others. It seems to me that the complaints are "Much Ado About Nothing." But, we are all sitting on different seats and so we all have a different view of the situation. I am hoping, though, that on my upcoming cruise on Azamara I will meet other passengers who are positive people. I tend to think that negativism is bad for one's health. So, my thanks to those of you who are valiantly trying to bring a bit of sunshine to this thread, and to those of you who are still upset--pour yourself a drink of your choice--just hope it's premium:).

[English Tim]

At the Cruise Show today [London] I tried to establish whether all the wines would be available at the bars each day or only those two on the daily rotation. The "off the cuff" response from the lady I spoke to was that they would all be available. However, when she looked at her paperwork it appeared to suggest that only the two wines of the day would be served. [so perhaps you won’t get your Chardonnay every day]. She is going to try to find out and let me know Monday.

 

I said that I was surprised that there was no sparkling wine included [not even Prosecco or Cava] and that even the wine package only included one sparkling. She was unable to give me the price of the wine packages and said that they were still awaiting the information from Miami.

 

She was very helpful but clearly was lacking a lot of essential information - as are we all. :)

 

She did say that the head of Azamara in the UK is at the cruise show tomorrow so anyone visiting then might get more information than I did.

 

I'll ask!

[beachseeker]

I have been reading the posts on this thread with interest. I cannot decide whether the negative comments are coming from people who are really disgruntled or whether they are merely enjoying eliciting reactions from others .

We have sailed once (10 day Mediterranean) and have another booked NYE out of San Juan (8 day). We are paying considerably more for 8 nights but we knew that when we booked on board last July. The new enhancements were announced after we had booked the 2nd cruise and we were pleased that for the extra cost per day beer would now be included. DH doesn't drink enough for the beer package but it is a nice perk for it to be included. DH seldom posts on CC but was very disappointed on the three announced beer choices and did post earlier in this thread. So, in this case he was truly disgruntled (disappointed) enough to logon to CC and post.

 

We were very pleased with wines on our first cruise and if I can get my bloody marys, rum and cokes, and margaritas I'm good. I'm not a beer drinker but DH was very, very disappointed in the three choices. So, we are definitely expressing our displeasure and not just stirring the pot.

[hamptonroads]

I am surprised that Pellegrino and Perrier are no longer free. It seems they are forgetting those of us who do not like wine or other spirits. We seem to have to pay for our Nepresso and water!!!

[Raskelf]

I quite agree with Hamptonroads - it seems iniquitous and inequitable that those who choose not to drink alcohol should be required to pay for so-called Premier waters which cost a fraction that of a bottle of wine. It is cheaper for a guest to drink wine than water. A paradox of biblical proportions.

[Dunelm]

I quite agree with Hamptonroads - it seems iniquitous and inequitable that those who choose not to drink alcohol should be required to pay for so-called Premier waters which cost a fraction that of a bottle of wine. It is cheaper for a guest to drink wine than water. A paradox of biblical proportions.

 

I understand your point that the policy seems to be inequitable. Perhaps the "powers that be" think that people who don't drink alcohol or who drink only a little and yet sign up for a mostly inclusive cruise are really not bothered about such perks and are on the cruise for very different reasons. Let's face it--inclusive cruises will always be "inequitable." My husband tends to be a one glass of wine per day drinker and so, on the surface, he is supporting others who like to drink a heck of a lot more. I may drink a couple of glasses. That inequity does not bother us at all. We choose to be on such a cruise and it is not a problem for us.

[Raskelf]

I quite agree with you - the cruise is the thing and there's an end on't and I really don't mean to carp unduly. The drinks are a side issue. I mention them more as a matter of principal than as anything that would, or will affect my decision to sail with Azamara ( actually have already booked a cruise in July ) and I'm sure it will not lessen my enjoyment. The whole package ( ambience, guests, crew and the ship ) is what makes a cruise and had I not believed the Azamara was going to deliver that I would not have spent my hard-earned pennies on our forthcoming jaunt. I look forward to the cruise and meeting fellow CC members and I'm sure it will be a delightful and convivial trip - untroubled by any unquenched thirst.

[norn iron]

They do match the wines to the "chef recommendation" however, you can re request a wine a few days later and if they have a bottle to hand and properly chilled etc they will happily oblige

 

The tonic is the club brand same as on Celebrity or it was in October. As the Gin pouring is generous I always ask to pour my own tonic and add less than I would otherwise do

 

Thanks uktog, apologies for not replying sooner, however internet and power has been out since Friday evening - nightmare!

[English Tim]

I've just returned from the London Cruise Show and Sonia Limbrick, currently the only Azamara UK marketing employee, gave an excellent illustrated talk about a typical Az cruise. She also introduced a lady from an organization called Silver Travel Advisor, who specialise in giving travel advice and writing reviews for the over 50's. This lady and her husband had never been interested in cruising, but was persuaded to take an Az cruise, with her equally reluctant husband and they had a wonderful time. She has written an AZ blog on the website.

 

After the talk we discussed the new AI policy and it transpires that the US marketing team see the new policy as 'more included', but the UK TA's were desperate to have a new thing to market and so called it, 'All inclusive', which to Brit's means just that.

 

They expect to publish all the variations this week, but I see some stormy waters ahead for those new UK clients who suddenly find themselves having to pay for something they thought would be included. I hope Az have their hard hats on.

 

The understanding re wine is that the policy is unchanged, but my interpretation of Bill's last post is different. I suggest the UK & US marketing personnel discuss any future changes before announcing them!

 

It was also announced that every cruise from now on (when the new scheme is introduced) will have an AzAmazing evening.

 

The evening for my June cruise is at Ephesus and interestingly Seabourn were announcing a similar event for their Mediterranean cruises, so maybe it will soon be included on all of the deluxe lines.

 

If anyone has any questions and in case I've missed anything, please ask.

 

Sonia Limbrick is on leave until 2 April, which may be a wise decision!

[HudandPug]

I think that was the lady who wrote the article I quoted, dated Dec, about the all inc plus changes and how all UK TA's had been given extensive update training regarding the new inclusive azamara experience.

 

Still don't care, 56 days to Nice and 59 to Quest :)

 

Yvonne:)

[uktog]

 

 

It was also announced that every cruise from now on (when the new scheme is introduced) will have an AzAmazing evening.

 

 

They announced that at the same time as they announced the included drinks- you will see a thread devoted to this where Andy and Bill have been clarifying timing issues with these events for some time now.

Edited March 24, 2013 by uktog

[English Tim]

They announced that at the same time as they announced the included drinks- you will see a thread devoted to this where Andy and Bill have been clarifying timing issues with these events for some time now.

I thought I'd read on another thread of someone suggesting there was no 'evening' on his June cruise.

 

I assume the UK & US marketing teams are together on this aspect?

 

Even today, the implication was that all but top shelf spirits were included, which we believe to be far from the case.

 

The UK brochure we were handed doesn't mention the all inclusive, so I asume it went to press before the decision was made?

[gregeol]

I quite agree that the cruise is the main thing , and I will have a great time on my next Azamara cruise just as I did on my last one. The main problem as I see it is that Azamara builds expectations by leaking these announcements and then falls short of the expectations in execution. Beer has been an issue in some context with Azamara on these boards for quite some time. The current inclusive beers are an example. It appears to me that the beers were selected by bean counters based on which brewer gave Azamara the best price. It seems logical to me that if a person doesn't like Budweiser then they probably don't like Bud Light either. Unfortunately on my next cruise the ship will be stocked in the US so the Beck's as other people have observed will not be of the same quality as it is in Europe. This is where my frustration comes from. Technically there are three beers to chose from but in reality there are only two. So unless there is a huge difference in cost between similar types of beer it seems that Azamara is creating some disappointment by not offering a wider variety.

My prior comments about Cutty Sark remain the same, it is a low cost, low quality Scotch.

[Mrs Miggins]

I have also been to the Cruise Show, which was much smaller than the one I attended a couple of years ago. I wasn't expecting much but it happened to be on my route to Greenwich. I didn't see the talk referred to by English Tim but did ask the Azamara expert (apparently he has just returned from an Azamara cruise therefore knew more than others on the stand).

Interestingly he used the term "all inclusive" several times, as did the staff member on the desk, when I enquired about available included drinks.

I was shown their one and only written list which appeared to largely co-incide with Bill's list but they could not give me a copy .

I was particularly interested in whether any of the 'included' wines could be requested even if it was not specifically that days offering, during a meal or more importantly from the bar. I was told "yes".

I also asked about the cost and variety of wines in their wine package but they insisted they had not yet received this information from Miami despite requesting it specifically for this Show. I was told that they had had a large number of enquiries specifically on the "inclusive" topic but were unable to answer with their limited information.

For beer drinkers the list I saw did mention one draught beer as well as the three bottled ones but no idea what it is.

I am delighted that regular cocktails are included and the list I saw certainly satisfies me but then we are not spirit drinkers.

The last thing the Rep said was they hadn't even had confirmation regarding whether the inclusive product would be available on its Far East cruises in 2014

Which rather surprised me!

[Andy]

I thought I'd read on another thread of someone suggesting there was no 'evening' on his June cruise.

 

I assume the UK & US marketing teams are together on this aspect?

 

Even today, the implication was that all but top shelf spirits were included, which we believe to be far from the case.

 

The UK brochure we were handed doesn't mention the all inclusive, so I asume it went to press before the decision was made?

 

Hi Tim,

 

That I know of, there's 1 sailing where an AzAmazing evening is not offered, so the *every sailing* comment (at this point) is inaccurate. Whether Azamara will resolve this, is unknown. With all due respect, Azamara should find a way to add an event to the sailing that currently does not offer it. I find it hard to imagine there isn't an easy solution for this.

 

Should Azamara not be able to offer an AzAmazing evening, and that's their final word, they should arrange a special party/event onboard the ship. I realize it doesnt completely resolve the issue, but it would certainly be a welcome gesture.

Edited March 24, 2013 by Host Andy