Outside Cabin advice Azura please

[Scriv]

Any recommendations please for an Outside Cabin on Azura in a quiet spot and advice on the respective decks.

 

I know there is another thread but it was started in 2013 and things change.

 

Many thanks.

[Scriv]

Still researching unobstructed outside cabins on Azura - they only seem to be on decks E and P.

 

Does that mean that you all normally go for balconies on Azura?

[P&O SUE]

I've only been in an inside cabin on Azura - but I have looked for my next cruise and you are right - they are only on decks E and P. So P is right down low, near the art gallery so I would think quiet but I've also heard you can hear noise when docking being so low.

E deck is the level where the lifeboats are - so either part obstructed by them or in the gaps between!

[Scriv]

Yes, there really do not seem to be many without obstructions. I was surprised.

[john watson]

Still researching unobstructed outside cabins on Azura - they only seem to be on decks E and P.

 

Does that mean that you all normally go for balconies on Azura?

 

The modern ship designers are trying to eliminate "Outside Cabins" because people are willing to pay more for balcony cabins. Having said that sometimes the outside cabins are advertised at higher prices than balcony cabins. I think this is because there is a shortage of available cabins. All the outside cabins on Azura are on E and P decks.

 

I think you can get a balcony cabin very similar price to outside and choose the location with a lot more available. If you focus on price you can get very close to outside prices with a balcony.

 

Regards John

[Scriv]

Thank you John and Sue. Yes, I was beginning to think along the lines of going for one of the balconies and to see if there is much of a price difference.

 

Having said this, is there anything I should know about where to choose a balcony? We are looking at Iceland in June 2016, so it will not exactly be a sunbathing holiday and for most of the views, we will be up on deck.

[Sumdumgi]

We are looking at Iceland in June 2016, so it will not exactly be a sunbathing holiday and for most of the views, we will be up on deck.

 

There is every reason to have a balcony on a northern waters cruise. We've done Iceland on Ventura and Azura as well as the North Cape and Svalbard on Grand Princess and had a balcony each time, it's well worth it.

 

On each occasion the weather has been fine - especially on shore - and sea conditions good but on the top decks and open areas when the ship is sailing can be cool if you are not sheltered from the wind. Also remember that in June it will be almost 24 hours daylight. We spent quite a bit of time sat on our own balcony on sea days scanning the sea with binoculars and regularly saw porpoises, dolphins and whales so there is a distinct advantage to have access to your own balcony and if the price is anywhere near an outside cabin you would be mad not to consider it.

[john watson]

Thank you John and Sue. Yes, I was beginning to think along the lines of going for one of the balconies and to see if there is much of a price difference.

 

Having said this, is there anything I should know about where to choose a balcony? We are looking at Iceland in June 2016, so it will not exactly be a sunbathing holiday and for most of the views, we will be up on deck.

 

If I were looking for a cheaper Balcony Cabin on Azura; my choices would include Lido Deck L201 - L312* This is a very high deck, forward which is unpopular due to movement of the ship. I find these great for the pool area and when you disembark a small pile of suitcases as the cabins do not run full length of ship. The most forward either side are "overlooked" by any officers in the bridge wing above but they sometimes wave back to you.

 

Riviera Deck R746 - R749 inclusive. These are high deck cabins overlooking the stern of the ship. You can observe the wake but at this height the wake "whoosh noise" is very much quieter, note Azura has a wake suppressor (Ventura does not) . Sometimes these are marketed as "outside" because of small balcony set up. Makes them "budget" and what I have booked this year on one of my cruises.

 

Emerald Deck E101 - E119* These are the lowest (closest to the sea) balcony cabins which are going to be inexpensive due in part to the steel fronted balcony. They are well forward again and a small, very hard to spot access door either side of ship by the most forward of each run lets you step through to that elevated section of the promenade deck running round the bow. Not many people know this is available for passengers.

 

*Not ALL cabins in the number range have a balcony as "inside" cabins fall within the numbers quoted.

 

Anyway these are my selections for cheaper balconies which are interesting, to me.

 

Regards John

Edited April 7, 2015 by john watson

[Travellingtaff]

Thank you John and Sue. Yes, I was beginning to think along the lines of going for one of the balconies and to see if there is much of a price difference.

 

Having said this, is there anything I should know about where to choose a balcony? We are looking at Iceland in June 2016, so it will not exactly be a sunbathing holiday and for most of the views, we will be up on deck.

 

Just a few notes on cabin location.

In general the nearer the centre of the ship your cabin is located the less movement there is. Conversely, the further aft or forward you go the more you will feel the ship's movement. This is why prices tend to be dearer for midships cabins. We aren't bothered by the ship's movement so see no point in paying more for midships cabins.

We always have a balcony cabin. Once we had one immediately below the Lido deck and were disturbed by noise from staff moving furniture in the early morning. Nowadays we tend to go for the cabins with the larger balconies on C Deck, especially if travelling with friends because there is more space for get-togethers for pre-dinner drinks etc. Next month we have booked adjacent cabins on C Deck as we are travelling with family. The larger balconies are part covered and part open, meaning that the open area is overlooked from above. The balconies on the cabins above C Deck are fully covered.

If you intend using the buffet restaurant for breakfast or other meals it's handy to be located towards the aft.

Hope this helps.

[Scriv]

Thank you all very much indeed. That has been very useful with some most interesting observations. I will mull it all over with a copy of the deck plans - and the price list when we get it.

 

So far, all the balconies are at one price but bookings open next Wed the 15th for it. The balcony price is currently abt £200 more expensive pp than the Outsides on B and P which is not very much really when you weigh it all up.

 

And we really do not fancy an Outside in the depths and front of P or between the lifeboats on E.

 

PS Do I need to think of where the smoking areas are on Promenade deck as regards smoke drifting up?

Edited April 7, 2015 by Scriv

[Travellingtaff]

Thank you all very much indeed. That has been very useful with some most interesting observations. I will mull it all over with a copy of the deck plans - and the price list when we get it.

 

So far, all the balconies are at one price but bookings open next Wed the 15th for it. The balcony price is currently abt £200 more expensive pp than the Outsides on B and P which is not very much really when you weigh it all up.

 

And we really do not fancy an Outside in the depths and front of P or between the lifeboats on E.

 

PS Do I need to think of where the smoking areas are on Promenade deck as regards smoke drifting up?

 

Not from our experience.

[john watson]

Smoking is permitted on Azura on Open Decks on Starboard side. I do not think it's a problem. You could favour opposite side but it is pretty academic.

 

Regards John

[Scriv]

Once again, thanks all!

[groovechick]

Any recommendations please for an Outside Cabin on Azura in a quiet spot and advice on the respective decks.

 

I know there is another thread but it was started in 2013 and things change.

 

Many thanks.

 

In 2013 we got upgraded from an inside on Azura to a midships outside on P deck (the Atrium level). On the whole it was absolutely fine. A little noise from the decks below us from time to time, but nothing that kept us awake or was disruptive, apart from when we docked at Southampton, because from about 5a.m. the crew were shunting around and unloading luggage, etc. As we had to be up early anyway and it was at the end of the cruise it wasn't a major problem.

 

As we were at the end of the corridor nearest the Atrium there was occasionally a little subdued noise from music in the Atrium, which usually ended well before midnight. The cabin was, however, very convenient for getting off ship at ports, getting lifts up to buffet and top decks and for accessing the MDR and entertainment venues. Was very disappointed to find there are no outsides on Britannia.

[Wiz201]

I'll be staying in a balcony cabin on Ventura in just over two weeks. I think a balcony is nice if you want your own space.

[Scriv]

Yes, I think it does add that extra bit of 'own space' :)

 

I am really excited about it now especially as I have pre registered for a balcony on Lido deck towards the front which are, I think, the category which John Watson was recommending and which was also recommended to me by my Personal Cruise Specialist who had also stayed in one. Thanks ever so much for this John.

Edited April 8, 2015 by Scriv

[Scriv]

To John Watson

 

We were allocated E118, but are now in L250. I was a bit worried that the covered steel balconies might make it a bit dark. I understand Lido is partly shaded - did that matter to you?

 

Thanks for all your info, John. :)

Edited April 16, 2015 by Scriv

[john watson]

To John Watson

 

We were allocated E118, but are now in L250. I was a bit worried that the covered steel balconies might make it a bit dark. I understand Lido is partly shaded - did that matter to you?

 

Thanks for all your info, John. :)

 

L250 is fairly near middle of the run; it is treatment rooms side and not gymnasium side so one of the best. If you had have been most forward there is a wall one side of the balcony, not an aluminium divider both sides. If you were last cabin/s and nearest the lido pools the proximity has advantages and disadvantages. The "overhang" above does not extend that much in my opinion. It makes your balcony more private and not overlooked. I love these cabins and am surprised that they market them at the budget end of the market.

 

Bon Voyage John

Edited April 17, 2015 by john watson

[Scriv]

Thanks John. We are really looking forward to it. Our friends in a linked booking are next door which is also great.

 

We have made sure that we have not registered for an upgrade lol!!!!!

 

Thanks so much for all your help.

Edited April 17, 2015 by Scriv

[Holiday Planner]

We have had obstructed cabins on Azura twice. We did not miss the balcony because they are on E deck and so provided you are able only a quick run down 1 set of stairs to the prom deck. If you are forward it's also good to go through the very unadvertised door at the front of deck 8 onto the raised section of prom deck only available from deck E.

There is a section on the P&O website which shows photographs taken from the windows of each obstructed cabin - I can't providea link from my tablet but will when I'm on the laptop!

[Holiday Planner]

Too late! Just realised you've now booked a balcony. How lovely - enjoy😀

[Scriv]

Aw thanks Holiday Planner for your interest and willingness to help me. :) Yes, sorted now thank you. And it is very interesting to know about that little door to the promenade deck!!!

Thanks again.