Live from Journey - all is well

[TravelBugM]

Captain Johannes - So looking forward to our first Azamara cruise with you October 27th out of Rome. Really excited about sailing past/around Stromboli and through the straights of Messina.

 

See you soon.

[excitedofharpenden]

Well we get off Journey tomorrow, all too soon. We have had a great week and the weather has been fine again today. Warm and sunny. We are docked in Nice as tendering in Monaco today would have been problematic with the sea swell. A good bit of rearranging by Captain Johannes. We will head toward Monaco and dock there later this evening now our space is free.

 

Good to see our Captain posting here. Thanks Johannes to you and all of the crew for another memorable "Journey".

 

Phil

Edited October 10, 2014 by excitedofharpenden

[travelberlin]

What a good thing to have the Captain on this board. Thanks for posting Captain Johannes. We are looking forward to meeting you on the Journey. We will be there for Christmas and New Year. We have convinced two friends of us to join us, so we have a big responsibility, because they are going to be sailing for the first time with Azamara or any of the Royal Caribean Ships.

[Texed]

I knew you wouldn't be able to hold out for long! Have fun and maybe you'll see some pirates again. :D

 

We have had this one booked for quite a while. :)

[excitedofharpenden]

Just booked Quest for next month, Athens to Mumbai. Looking forward to seeing the crew from there again. I'm such a push over for the LCV/Future Sales Hostess!

 

Phil

[Host Jazzbeau]

Taking the last two posts together (out of context...), let's hope excitedofharpen isn't the one to see pirates! :D

[dln929]

Taking the last two posts together (out of context...), let's hope excitedofharpen isn't the one to see pirates! :D

 

My bad! The cruise that we were on with Texed and Jaquie featured pirates at our White Night Party and I thought he'd be seeing them again, but it's not a West Indies itinerary like it was last Christmas. I sure hope there are no pirates in Phil's future!!!! :cool:

[Lottie A]

Just booked Quest for next month, Athens to Mumbai. Looking forward to seeing the crew from there again. I'm such a push over for the LCV/Future Sales Hostess!

 

Phil

 

Just joking......I know you are definitely not "dowdy" in any way Phil! But you are a pushover for another Azamara cruise!

 

However, you might want to read through the " Did Marina spend the day at sea" thread on the Oceania forum if you want a good laugh. There is one post in particular that has me ROTFLMAO! :D

 

I do hope that you find that Quest is not in terrible shape, with stained carpets everywhere, terrible threadbare bedding, awful service, with crew fighting in public, inedible bread and fruit, downscale ambience with little music and bars that never open. And don't forget the MDR that also "never opens for breakfast"or the "dowdy passengers" on board!

 

I wonder, can I have possibly been on a ship like that a month ago and had such a fabulous time? I think the answer is NO.....I have never been on a ship like that.....and it certainly does not describe the beautiful, well kept Quest with it's wonderful and friendly crew, great service and food and interesting, sophisticated and decidedly "non dowdy" passengers! :rolleyes:

 

But I must confess......the post did make me laugh! Tell me, are you absolutely sure that you shouldn't change to an Oceania cruise??? :D:D:D

[Wandering Words]

Just booked Quest for next month, Athens to Mumbai. Looking forward to seeing the crew from there again. I'm such a push over for the LCV/Future Sales Hostess!

 

Phil

 

Lucky you - thanks for posting this thread has been a pleasure to read, can't wait to be back on the Journey in Feb

[ellbon]

Just joking......I know you are definitely not "dowdy" in any way Phil! But you are a pushover for another Azamara cruise!

 

However, you might want to read through the " Did Marina spend the day at sea" thread on the Oceania forum if you want a good laugh. There is one post in particular that has me ROTFLMAO! :D

 

I do hope that you find that Quest is not in terrible shape, with stained carpets everywhere, terrible threadbare bedding, awful service, with crew fighting in public, inedible bread and fruit, downscale ambience with little music and bars that never open. And don't forget the MDR that also "never opens for breakfast"or the "dowdy passengers" on board!

 

I wonder, can I have possibly been on a ship like that a month ago and had such a fabulous time? I think the answer is NO.....I have never been on a ship like that.....and it certainly does not describe the beautiful, well kept Quest with it's wonderful and friendly crew, great service and food and interesting, sophisticated and decidedly "non dowdy" passengers! :rolleyes:

 

But I must confess......the post did make me laugh! Tell me, are you absolutely sure that you shouldn't change to an Oceania cruise??? :D:D:D

I just read the thread on the Marina on Oceania boards. the negaitive ones are the same ones were negative here too.. i ddi one O cruise and found the late night was only so/so. the only speciality resturant I liked was the Asian one.

[pickypicky]

Just joking......I know you are definitely not "dowdy" in any way Phil! But you are a pushover for another Azamara cruise!

 

However, you might want to read through the " Did Marina spend the day at sea" thread on the Oceania forum if you want a good laugh. There is one post in particular that has me ROTFLMAO! :D

 

I do hope that you find that Quest is not in terrible shape, with stained carpets everywhere, terrible threadbare bedding, awful service, with crew fighting in public, inedible bread and fruit, downscale ambience with little music and bars that never open. And don't forget the MDR that also "never opens for breakfast"or the "dowdy passengers" on board!

 

I wonder, can I have possibly been on a ship like that a month ago and had such a fabulous time? I think the answer is NO.....I have never been on a ship like that.....and it certainly does not describe the beautiful, well kept Quest with it's wonderful and friendly crew, great service and food and interesting, sophisticated and decidedly "non dowdy" passengers! :rolleyes:

 

But I must confess......the post did make me laugh! Tell me, are you absolutely sure that you shouldn't change to an Oceania cruise??? :D:D:D

 

You have a great sense of humor, but what a shame that words like "dowdy" would be used to describe any passenger on any cruise line. And the person who posted the statement that the MDR never opens for breakfast has yet to retract that erroneous statement. So glad that your experience was to the contrary! We are looking forward to our Baltic cruise in August!

[dln929]

Hmmmm....I've never been called "dowdy" before. :confused:

I could not believe what I read on that post.:mad:

I think what it all boils down to is that some of us know how to have fun...and some some of us don't. :D:D

[midwestchick]

i think what it all boils down to is that some of us know how to have fun...and some some of us don't. :d:d

 

;) :cool:

Edited October 11, 2014 by midwestchick

[upwarduk]

Just booked Quest for next month, Athens to Mumbai. Looking forward to seeing the crew from there again. I'm such a push over for the LCV/Future Sales Hostess!

 

Phil

 

Looking forward to a 'Live from Quest' pictures.

 

Never having sailed on either Azamara ship, you have given us a great introduction to the brand.

Thanks Phil.:)

[gymfreak]

Just booked Quest for next month, Athens to Mumbai. Looking forward to seeing the crew from there again. I'm such a push over for the LCV/Future Sales Hostess!

 

Phil

 

Can't beleive it Phil. You will surely be getting a certificate for the most traveled passenger on the Suez Canal !

Enjoy x

[Mrs Miggins]

Just joking......I know you are definitely not "dowdy" in any way Phil! But you are a pushover for another Azamara cruise!

 

However, you might want to read through the " Did Marina spend the day at sea" thread on the Oceania forum if you want a good laugh. There is one post in particular that has me ROTFLMAO! :D

 

I do hope that you find that Quest is not in terrible shape, with stained carpets everywhere, terrible threadbare bedding, awful service, with crew fighting in public, inedible bread and fruit, downscale ambience with little music and bars that never open. And don't forget the MDR that also "never opens for breakfast"or the "dowdy passengers" on board!

 

I wonder, can I have possibly been on a ship like that a month ago and had such a fabulous time? I think the answer is NO.....I have never been on a ship like that.....and it certainly does not describe the beautiful, well kept Quest with it's wonderful and friendly crew, great service and food and interesting, sophisticated and decidedly "non dowdy" passengers! :rolleyes:

 

But I must confess......the post did make me laugh! Tell me, are you absolutely sure that you shouldn't change to an Oceania cruise??? :D:D:D

 

I love to keep in touch on the Azamara boards but confess to booking Oceania from Istanbul to Athens. Riviera sounds like a beautiful ship and it was a good deal with inclusive drinks etc.

I have posted a couple of times on the Oceania board and as you can see from my response on this Oceania thread I was unhappy with some of the responses. One was so offensive it had to be removed from the board (I didnt complain so someone else must have done so - not sure how it works) So much so that I very nearly booked an Azamara cruise for next May despite the carpets and dowdy passengers. However, to be fair I suppose I must wait until we get back at the end of October from Riviera before making that choice.

I am therefore expecting my fellow passengers on Oceania to be the glitterati of society, well dressed, well travelled and altogether superior.

I look forward to posting a review. Seriously I am looking forward to the cruise but would love to return to Azamara soon.

[little britain]

Thanks for giving me a laugh on this Saturday as there is hail outside....:eek:

 

Anyway the same lady was recently on Aza and posted how there was no music. Strangely enough a friend of mine was also on board and posted that "We had live music each evening in the looking glass!? The Azamazing in Hvar was fab"

Isn't it strange how people only see and hear what they want to?:rolleyes:

 

Off to check my dowdy wardrobe.....

[mara01]

I love to keep in touch on the Azamara boards but confess to booking Oceania from Istanbul to Athens. Riviera sounds like a beautiful ship and it was a good deal with inclusive drinks etc.

I have posted a couple of times on the Oceania board and as you can see from my response on this Oceania thread I was unhappy with some of the responses. One was so offensive it had to be removed from the board (I didnt complain so someone else must have done so - not sure how it works) So much so that I very nearly booked an Azamara cruise for next May despite the carpets and dowdy passengers. However, to be fair I suppose I must wait until we get back at the end of October from Riviera before making that choice.

I am therefore expecting my fellow passengers on Oceania to be the glitterati of society, well dressed, well travelled and altogether superior.

I look forward to posting a review. Seriously I am looking forward to the cruise but would love to return to Azamara soon.

 

We're also on the Riviera on your cruise - got that same good offer. Our first time on Oceania after 9 cruises on Az. Very relieved I read this thread as I was intending to pack my usual dowdy Azamara clothes. However, no Marks & Spencer for me this time. I'll be the superior, well dressed, glitterati of society you are expecting and you'll recognise me by the tiara and diamonds! ;). To bring us back down to earth though, we have booked the Burma cruise on Quest in January and we think the mould, stained carpets and fighting crew will make us feel at home again!

[florisdekort]

We're also on the Riviera on your cruise - got that same good offer. Our first time on Oceania after 9 cruises on Az. Very relieved I read this thread as I was intending to pack my usual dowdy Azamara clothes. However, no Marks & Spencer for me this time. I'll be the superior, well dressed, glitterati of society you are expecting and you'll recognise me by the tiara and diamonds! ;). To bring us back down to earth though, we have booked the Burma cruise on Quest in January and we think the mould, stained carpets and fighting crew will make us feel at home again!

 

Can someone please award you the price for best/funniest post of the month? :D

 

Floris

[TERRIER1]

Mrs. Miggins, I saw the posts directed at you on the Oceania forum before they were removed and I must say it shows how ill mannered some.....and there are only a few....of the "non dowdy glitterati" are.

 

However, I am sure you will enjoy your Riviera cruise. I have been on her sister ship Marina and I must say I thought she was just gorgeous in decor and facilities. The food was pretty good too.....on a par with dining in Prime C or Aqualina every night. The staterooms are beautiful with full size baths. Afternoon tea is even better than Cunard's.

 

However, and here's the difference between A and O for me, you are just another passenger to them. There is practically no crew interaction and we never saw or heard the Captain at all....he didn't even turn up to the Captains Cocktail Party but the Staff Captain made an appearance for all of ten minutes. If you passed an officer they scurried past with their heads down and didn't even make eye contact. I found that rather strange after the friendliness of the Azamara officers and crew.

The other passengers on Marina were pleasant and mostly not "dowdy".....although there was a delightful lady who joined our trivia team. She was President of a American Bank and in the top suite on the ship, but she dressed like a bag lady. Lovely woman though and I never judge someone by their appearance. A lot of the passengers were quite elderly on my cruise and after a long day touring it seemed that most people went to bed immediately after the show and the ship was deserted after about 10:40 pm, except for the diehards in the Casino. I didn't rate the entertainment at all, apart from an excellent string quartet and the Cruise Director was absolutely dire. To compare him to Russ, Tony or Eric is impossible. He wasn't even in the same league. The music around the ship was there but the piano player was awful and the band played to an empty room most nights.

I was bored on the sea days.....I remember the "highlights" of one day as being bean bag throwing and how to tie a scarf in ten different ways! I couldn't wait to sign up! :rolleyes:

The cruise was enjoyable but had no "spark" for me and despite the glam decor, if it came to choosing Azamara or Oceania with itinerary and price being equal, then I would choose Azamara every time. Azamara ships have a soul I think and while Marina is a beautiful ship, I didn't feel the connection that I have with Quest. That said though, I will probably be going on an Oceania cruise in 2015 because sadly Quest is chartered at the times I love to cruise.

 

What is absolutely certain is when I do cruise on Oceania again, I will approach it with a balanced opinion and do a fair review, as I'm sure you will. As Cintipam has already said, I cannot understand the antipathy that some posters have towards other cruise lines......surely it is a matter of just choosing the one you like best? If someone does a balanced review then that will help people decide if they want to try the cruise line but a hatchet job of unfounded statements helps no one and brings into question the validity of the review in every way.

 

And very sadly, and most definitely to their loss, I don't think that Mr. Miggins as Minnie The Moocher would go down very well on Oceania but we loved him on Azamara. :D

 

I hope you both have a wonderful time on Riviera and I look forward to your review.

 

We went on our first Azamara B2B in June and loved it. We had previously sailed only on Oceania. We actually booked another B2B on Azamara for 2016 but then the cruise line cancelled the cruises (no notification) for charters which left a bad taste in my mouth. We are booked on Oceania for 2015 so you can see we like both lines but they are different.

 

The on board Azamara experience is great. The on board communication is even better. Mrs Miggins will never know why the Marina took a sail day instead instead of seeking an alternative port no matter how valid the reason. This is one of the many differences between the lines. Oceania does not communicate to the passengers. If you ask, you get a lot of smoke and mirrors (just my experience). The Azamara captain goes out of his way to find the best berth, alternative ports, etc. I think this is a strong point of Azamara.

 

And as far as dowdy - I am a very casual person so perhaps I fall into that category. There is no way I am going to dress up on extended holidays to impress others. You have all kinds of people floating around and there are always going to people who are over the top and those who don't care.

 

Mrs Miggins - go enjoy your cruise and hopefully you will make all your ports and the weather will be magnificent. The food is excellent on Oceania but you will be paying a lot for wine, beer and liquor.

[mara01]

Very funny! :D

 

Mara please do remember your Gucci luggage, Hermes scarves, Prada handbags and of course, a little light reading.....perhaps some Proust may identify you as a superior, well travelled member of the "Glitterati" and then you will fit right in. :D

 

Seriously though, most Oceania passengers are exactly the same as Azamara passengers and I'm sure you will have a great time on Riviera.

 

Ha ha, thanks for the suggestions Lottie but if we took your advice, we probably couldn't afford the actual cruise! Will stick with our lovely T J Hughes suitcases (ok, nearing their retirement), TU scarves and bags from the Clarks Outlet ;). Will certainly hide my Mills & Boon under a Proust cover though - that will impress everyone (now, I AM joking!!).

 

Just seen your helpful post uktog - what a shame there's not enough time to procure our fakes before 22nd October!

 

Looking forward to trying 'O' though and have booked our 4 speciality restaurants. No paying for drinks either Terrier1 - we got the same offer as Mrs Miggins with free gratuities, Prestige Drinks Package and room upgrade. Too good an offer to pass up. :)

[ellbon]

I am so happy to be wintering in Asia on my older second home the Quest. I have a great cabin and butler. i have a brand new menu to try.. Plus i rather have the pushy spa ladies over the higher price spa on O. Plus i get Max at night to play music or i can go see Matt or just take a bath and read my book.

Tried O once and lvoed the cabin- the rest was ok.

 

[excitedofharpenden]

Well, I'm glad this thread has provided some entertainment. It certainly wasn't meant to start Marinagate. I'm just back to my hotel in Gatwick after a delayed flight home. I'm tired, Nice airport had poor wifi that was frustrating because I could see the talk here, but then the connection fell over. I will grab myself a drink and sit and have a read.

 

It was sad getting off the ship today. So many of the crew have become really good friends when I'm travelling on Azamara and I'd like to think I brighten their day too. I was on such a downer when the new LCV programme was first announced. I'm glad that is all behind me and I can look forward to a bright Azamara future. If I came away with anything it was a really positive feeling that things are going to happen at Azamara. I might be proved wrong, but the great vibes were there along with a wonderful experience.

 

Phil

[midwestchick]

Well, I'm glad this thread has provided some entertainment. It certainly wasn't meant to start Marinagate. I'm just back to my hotel in Gatwick after a delayed flight home. I'm tired, Nice airport had poor wifi that was frustrating because I could see the talk here, but then the connection fell over. I will grab myself a drink and sit and have a read.

It was sad getting off the ship today. So many of the crew have become really good friends when I'm travelling on Azamara and I'd like to think I brighten their day too. I was on such a downer when the new LCV programme was first announced. I'm glad that is all behind me and I can look forward to a bright Azamara future. If I came away with anything it was a really positive feeling that things are going to happen at Azamara. I might be proved wrong, but the great vibes were there along with a wonderful experience.

 

Phil

 

Phil,

I felt exactly the same last week when we disembarked. :( I was a little angry with myself that I had not booked the week you were on. The itinerary sounded wonderful....but by the time I was ready to make a move, the ship was full.

There isn't one thing I can think of that was negative on our 14 days on the ship. The crew and staff seem to go out of their way to be sure the pax are happy.

Welcome home. Sorry your flight was delayed.

[excitedofharpenden]

Phil,

I felt exactly the same last week when we disembarked. :( I was a little angry with myself that I had not booked the week you were on. The itinerary sounded wonderful....but by the time I was ready to make a move, the ship was full.

There isn't one thing I can think of that was negative on our 14 days on the ship. The crew and staff seem to go out of their way to be sure the pax are happy.

Welcome home. Sorry your flight was delayed.

 

Nancy I didn't read through your thread much with the Internet disappearing fast, but will this evening if I can. Glad you had such a good time too. Aren't the crew on that ship the best?

 

Phil