PSULion Posted June 26, 2013 #1 Share Posted June 26, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoesonfire Posted June 26, 2013 #2 Share Posted June 26, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSULion Posted June 26, 2013 Author #3 Share Posted June 26, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phxazzcruisers Posted June 26, 2013 #4 Share Posted June 26, 2013 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 !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiawahdon Posted June 26, 2013 #5 Share Posted June 26, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillC Posted June 27, 2013 #6 Share Posted June 27, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Hattie Posted June 27, 2013 #7 Share Posted June 27, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kikki21 Posted June 27, 2013 #8 Share Posted June 27, 2013 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! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marinaro44 Posted June 27, 2013 #9 Share Posted June 27, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare English Tim Posted June 27, 2013 #10 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Not another all inclusive thread ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geocruiser Posted June 27, 2013 #11 Share Posted June 27, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jade13 Posted June 27, 2013 #12 Share Posted June 27, 2013 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare English Tim Posted June 27, 2013 #13 Share Posted June 27, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSULion Posted July 3, 2013 Author #14 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Does anyone know how to find out the earliest and latest boarding times for the December 8th itinerary? Thanks! JS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoesonfire Posted July 3, 2013 #15 Share Posted July 3, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSULion Posted July 11, 2013 Author #16 Share Posted July 11, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted July 11, 2013 #17 Share Posted July 11, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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