New booking!

[PSULion]

Well I pulled the trigger on the December 8th Quest trip out of Miami. I have only been on two cruises, both with Crystal, and thought I would give Azamara a try (I cancelled a Celebrity trip out of Turkey in November due to instability in Turkey and the difficulty in securing a reasonable air fare and routing).

 

About the ONLY reason I didn't want to travel on Azamara was the perceived bait and switch tactics on the all-inclusive issue, especially with the drink package(s). I'll comment on that issue in the other treads, but after being on a Crystal all-inclusive, I can't imagine how these four levels of drink packages will work. Four coded drink cards for bartenders who have to memorize what is not and what is included is silly. Also, someone better reconsider not having a sparking wine (even Cava or Prosecco) on the included list.

 

Looking forward to the trip!!!

 

JS

[shoesonfire]

We have been on 3 Azamara cruises and never experienced any bait and switch tactics. In fact we have been talking directly to Azamara since Monday of this week for the Dec. 8, 2013 cruise (will be our 4th)and booked it today. There was no inconsistency in the pricing at any time, even when we were deciding on oceanview or veranda cabins.

[PSULion]

I guess what I am saying is that I was looking at Azamara for quite a long time, and when they first came out with "oh we are going all-inclusive" in their initial marketing materials, I assumed "all-inclusive" meant just that. I really like their pricing relative to the true "all-inclusive" lines, so I'll give them a whirl and I am sure I'll have a great time. Still looking for the sparking wine though :)

 

My comment had nothing to do with their pricing per se (why do I feel the need to defend and explain myself here?).

 

JS

[Phxazzcruisers]

I think you will have a great cruise. We were addicted to Celebrity for a long time and have been very loyal, but Azamara has been very good to us and we love them, as can be seen. Enjoy your cruise !!

[kiawahdon]

Also, someone better reconsider not having a sparking wine (even Cava or Prosecco) on the included list.

 

Looking forward to the trip!!!

 

JS

Don't hold your breath for an explanation on the decision to exclude this popular beverage. I doubt it will ever be coming. Just another example of not listening to their clients and decisions made by Hotel Directors totally out of the loop and don't have a clue what guests want vs their desire to keek sparkling white wine "exclusive" for special occasions.

[BillC]

You give the Hotel Directors too much credit. Miami decides these type of things. There are many things the Hotel Directors can do to make your experience top notch but deciding what beverages are included / excluded is not one of them. Considering the number of bars that there are on the ship, and since sparkling wines have a very limited shelf life, it would make serious logistical problems on Board. Azamara does listen, since last year they included a rose wine each day with a white and red based on feedback on Cruise Critic and surveys completed at the end of cruises.

[Host Hattie]

I'm not sure I understand the point about shelf life. After all it is available for sale by the glass, there would certainly be a higher turnover if it was on the complimentary list.

 

I was well aware of what was available when I booked so I'm not complaining.

[kikki21]

Azamara being more inclusive was definitely one of the reasons why we booked for next year.

 

We are not massive drinkers but I am sure we will make use of what is on offer in the more inclusive drinks and any positive changes will be welcomed by the time we cruise.

 

I'm glad they included rose wines as I like to drink those particularly when it's hot! :)

[marinaro44]

Considering the number of bars that there are on the ship, and since sparkling wines have a very limited shelf life, it would make serious logistical problems on Board.

You can't be serious. Even Azamara hasn't offered anything this lame as an excuse (although the "we're saving sparkling wine for our special on-board parties" ranks pretty high on the lameness scale). Regent and its several peer cruise lines have managed to solve this "serious:rolleyes: logistical problem" without breaking a sweat.

[English Tim]

Not another all inclusive thread ;)

[geocruiser]

Happy to hear that you booked. I was looking at that cruise too. (12 Night Colonial South & Carib Voyage) The price was right when I saw it $1699 for a veranda gty. Now it is to to $1899.

[Jade13]

I don't understand all of these posts regarding "all-inclusive" and alcohol. For those posting the only definition of all-inclusive seems to mean all of the alcohol is included.

 

The only all inclusive cruises we have been on have been in the Arctic (SilverSea) and Antarctica (Swan Hellenic run by A&K). Galapagos (Metropolitan Touring) was inclusive for us although alcohol was not included.

 

These included all of the shore "excursions" in zodiacs and there was nothing to purchase onboard (no bingo or casino). On both SilverSea and Swan Hellenic we had $200 OBC which covered a $50.00 internet package on each and $150.00 for the photographers DVD (both very artistic, not what you find on the mass market or Deluxe cruise lines).

 

Why when talking about "all-inclusive" the only thing that comes up is alcohol?

[English Tim]

Jade, many people find that alcohol is their biggest category of expenditure, so with this included, many can now take a cruise and have a zero balance on their onboard account.

 

It's best for me when alcohol isn't included, as I tend to drink less, not being willing to pay high prices, for a comodity that costs cruiselines very little, being duty free.

[PSULion]

Does anyone know how to find out the earliest and latest boarding times for the December 8th itinerary?

 

Thanks!

 

JS

[shoesonfire]

Does anyone know how to find out the earliest and latest boarding times for the December 8th itinerary?

 

Thanks!

 

JS

 

We cruised on the Journey out of Miami in 2012 and were able to board at 11:30 a.m. However, not sure if this time frame still holds true. The e-docs will provide all the information for the itinerary. We are booked and also looking forward to the December 8th cruise.:o

[PSULion]

Does anyone have any suggestions on what would be the best time to schedule a departure from either MIA or FLL after the cruise on December 20, 2013? As a relatively new cruiser, I have never flown out the day of departure from the cruise and was hoping the experts here can give me some good advice.

 

Thanks, JS

[Andy]

Does anyone have any suggestions on what would be the best time to schedule a departure from either MIA or FLL after the cruise on December 20, 2013? As a relatively new cruiser, I have never flown out the day of departure from the cruise and was hoping the experts here can give me some good advice.

 

Thanks, JS

 

Hi PSULion,

 

I'd suggest the earliest departure of 1 pm from Miami, or 1:30 - 2 pm from Ft Lauderdale, as you have a further distance to the FLL airport. Personally, I'd try to schedule a mid-late afternoon flight if possible.