Host Andy - Live From Azamara Journey !

[Host Jazzbeau]

Thanks Andy and Riocca for setting our concerns (about you!) to rest. Love the euphemism that you were just "having a good time." Riocca was more honest about the three-day bender ("Included wines have been good so far first day was a pinotage which was extremely drinkable after a long day boarding the ship so much so that I missed the next days."). Whoo hoo! :D:D:D

Edited January 30, 2016 by Host Jazzbeau

[Riocca]

No it's St John VI my mistake.

[Riocca]

Thanks Andy and Riocca for setting our concerns (about you!) to rest. Love the euphemism that you were just "having a good time." Riocca was more honest about the three-day bender ("Included wines have been good so far first day was a pinotage which was extremely drinkable after a long day boarding the ship so much so that I missed the next days."). Whoo hoo! :D:D:D

 

 

Wouldn't say bender only had one glass, but it never seemed to empty!

[editor@cruisecritic]

Thanks for taking the time to post, HostAndy. Am living vicariously through you!

 

Carolyn

 

Carolyn Spencer Brown

Editor in Chief

Cruise Critic

 

 

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm happy to report that we are alive and well, and there's no need to file a missing persons report :)

 

My apologies for the delay in reporting. The main reason is.... we're having a fantastic time. Also, I had some minor issues setting up the Internet (partly my fault), but all is fine now. No worries, I'm taking plenty of notes, and I plan to continue with updates as often as possible.

 

It's been about 4 years since we last sailed with Azamara, but the outstanding service and cuisine, is exactly as I remembered. Even more amazing, is that several of the crew, remembered me right away, and said "welcome home". Yes, I do feel as if I'm home again.

 

Ready, Set, Wait :

 

As reported on Wednesday, we had a delayed embarkation, as we boarded the ship at 5 pm. While there was a fair amount of sour faces in the terminal, I thought Azamara handled things well, offering sandwiches, pasta, beverages, and.... the option to visit the Royal Caribbean cafeteria for a complmentary lunch, as their complex is only a few yards away from terminal J at the Port of Miami. Sure, some would say that may not be the best way to start a cruise, but after the extensive work done to Journey, we had no problem with the brief delay whatsoever. Besides, my excitement level was through the roof, as I knew I'd be onboard soon, so I surely wasn't about to let a small delay upset me.

 

Had something awesome happen in the terminal. I had the opportunity to meet Larry Pimentel, and, the Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, Richard Fain. Larry was extremely gracious to share very kind comments about my work on Cruise Critic with Mr Fain, and I was very proud. It's things like that, along with your wonderful comments, that keep my passion so strong. Larry was smiling from ear to ear. After boarding Journey myself, I can see why he's so happy. He has great reason to be very proud of the reimagined Journey.

 

I also had the opportunity to meet the Le Club Voyage Ambassador, Nicole Lukacs. Not only is she as sweet as can be, but it's so easy to see how much she cares about Azamara, and the guest experience. I'm so pleased that Azamara listened to my suggestion of offering a dedicated Guest Ambassador. Wow, did they ever choose the right person. Well done Azamara & Nicole !

 

First Impressions :

 

In a word ? Wow. I can't imagine that so much work has been done in only 2 weeks. Frankly, I do not know how they did it, especially in light of hearing some of the drydock horror stories, including dismal weather, and several containers of materials being delayed or, never making it to the shipyard. Still, Azamara found a way to put nearly all of the project together by the deadline, and deliver a beautifully reimagined Journey. I think that everyone at Azamara in Miami, and especially their officers and crew - all who worked endlessly and tirelessly, should be very proud of the transformation. Last I heard, the only cabins that are unavailable, are the CW and CO Suites, and the 2 Spa Suites. If I can obtain a status on them, I will be sure to update in a future installment.

 

How Suite it is :

 

We are in a Club Continent Suite (8066), which looks great. I'm very pleased with the updates, and the Suite is lovely and inviting. The only issue our Suite had, was the TV did not work for the first day. Not a big deal. From what I can recall from 4 years ago, it seems most everything in the Suite has been updated. The beds are HEAVENLY ! Our cabin has the shower and a large olive green chair. The shower is wonderful - with both a main shower head, and a hand-held shower head too - Nice. I know there's been a great deal of discussion about the chair, but I like it ! - very comfy, but I can see how some might prefer the small sofa. Just a personal preference I suppose.

 

The toiletries are About Rose. I know nothing about this stuff, (hey, I'm a guy !), but it smells really nice. My Mom says it's "absolutely lovely" - which is high praise.

 

About the carpet in the Suite. Yes, I was someone who really didn't care for it from the photos. When I first walked into the Suite - I still didn't care for it... but ya know what ? It's growing on me. Different for sure... but if that's the worst thing I can say about the Suite, and it is... then it's safe to say that Azamara has done a wonderful job.

 

I'm enjoying the new interactive TV system - several new channels, movies (for a fee), and many ways to get to know the ship, without leaving your cabin. Our Butler, Sooria (his name translates to "Sun") is fantastic, and readily available for whatever we might need. He's another of Azamara's shining stars.

 

Prime C :

 

On Wednesday night (Day 1) we dined at Prime C. I had the Tuna Tartare appetizer, warm water Lobster salad, and 16 oz on the the bone Ribeye steak. For dessert, the mini cinnamon sugar donuts, served with 3 different sauces, (chocolate, vanilla, and caramel). Everything was absolutely wonderful. The Ribeye steak and tuna tartare were the highlights of the meal. As I've said for years, Prime C is the best specialty restaurant at sea, and it certainly delivered big time tonight.

 

Internet :

 

BTW, I think the Internet speed is greatly improved, and, so far, it's staying connected.... which is vastly different from what I experienced on our last Journey cruise. I certainly hope it will continue this way. Tomorrow, I will check out the Internet connectivity on my tablet and cell phone.

 

Final Day 1 Thoughts :

 

Now that I'm online, I wanted to share a few final thoughts for this installment. I just read through some of the comments on this thread, and I'm not in total agreement. I must say that for a post Drydock sailing, Azamara has done an incredible job. Are there little things here and there ? Is there some painting that is warranted ? Is there some work to be completed ? Yes, but nothing remotely enough to be upset or concerned about.

 

If you have any questions, please post on this thread, and I will try my very best to obtain answers. That's all for now. I will post day 2 and 3 insights over the weekend. I will try my best to post on a more regular basis. Please stay tuned !

[bob278]

We stayed in the mocked up room on Quest last month and it certainly had a sofa, its quite small but perfectly adequate

Was that a CC or standard balcony? And was it the semi-circular loveseat in early pictures or a 2-seat sofa? Hi to Charles.

[BillC]

Thanks Andy and Riocca for your updates. I was beginning to worry since we did not hear anything the first few days. Sounds like the hard work and dedication of the crew and contractors has paid off. Enjoy te balance of your cruise, ans " welcome home ",

[Andy]

Thank you Andy, you are travel hero for your dedication to sharing information! Glad to hear you are having a good time! Question/comment: I guess if you only have a chair in a CC suite those of us in regular veranda stateroom I'll also have a chair rather than a small sofa? Have to say that is a disappointment to me as at the Azamara price point it seems a sofa would be a basic -- even in basic balcony category on Celebrity we had a sofa. If you could confirm furniture in staterooms that would be appreciated!

 

Hi Allison,

 

As Uktog, mentioned, the verandas have a love seat. I'm unsure if that's the case, for every veranda, but will ask.

[Andy]

Thanks Andy and Riocca for setting our concerns (about you!) to rest. Love the euphemism that you were just "having a good time." Riocca was more honest about the three-day bender ("Included wines have been good so far first day was a pinotage which was extremely drinkable after a long day boarding the ship so much so that I missed the next days."). Whoo hoo! :D:D:D

 

Hi Jazz,

 

I totally meant having a fantastic time, in every sense of the phrase. Believe me, I rarely drink, and I can guarantee that Azamara isn't losing anything on us, in the Bar dept. :)

 

All the best !

[gazzer159]

whats happened to the reimagined journey photos, from daily updates in dry dock to nothing.

[AllisonJames]

Thanks to everyone who replied on the love seat vs. chair issue. Just seems odd to me that a veranda stateroom would have one and a CC suite wouldn't. I thought CC suites were larger.

[marinaro44]

Thanks to everyone who replied on the love seat vs. chair issue. Just seems odd to me that a veranda stateroom would have one and a CC suite wouldn't. I thought CC suites were larger.

CC suites are 50% larger. Instead of one loveseat that seats two, some have a large wing chair (said by Host Andy to be "very comfy") and a smaller chair with arms--together seating two.

[Pam]

There is another "live on board" thread going, too. They have a verandah cabin.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2308431

[BBMacLaird]

I have posted this, but had addressed it to the wrong recipient.

Please see below:

 

Dear Bonnie and Andy,

 

When are all the outstanding issues going to be addressed? I understand that difficulties may show up during a major makeover like this, but missing furniture, toilet seats and bath plugs? Unfinished suites? Maybe Azamara was too ambitious with the schedule for the dry dock.

I am booked for the upcoming Feb 07 cruise and am rather disappointed that I may be potentially sailing in an unfinished product.

Will Azamara offer any form of compensation for their guests who are currently on board or who will be boarding soon and may be facing the same problems?

There was certainly no discount on the pricing of the cruise to make up for all these inconveniences.

 

Hi mcomd508,

I'm afraid you've aggregated the relatively few issues reported so far and are surmising the ship is not ready for guests. That is not the reality. The Journey by all accounts is beautiful! The reviews coming off the ship via this forum and others are far and away positive.

As for my reporting that the new tables for the Sunset Bar area of the Windows Cafe are enroute - this does not mean there are no tables out there. It simply means new ones are coming.

As for your last few sentences, I am not privy to any plans regarding compensation but I'm confident we will take care of any complaints. We always do!

[mcomd508]

Hi mcomd508,

I'm afraid you've aggregated the relatively few issues reported so far and are surmising the ship is not ready for guests. That is not the reality. The Journey by all accounts is beautiful! The reviews coming off the ship via this forum and others are far and away positive.

As for my reporting that the new tables for the Sunset Bar area of the Windows Cafe are enroute - this does not mean there are no tables out there. It simply means new ones are coming.

As for your last few sentences, I am not privy to any plans regarding compensation but I'm confident we will take care of any complaints. We always do!

 

Dear Bonnie,

 

Thank you for your answer. However, I don't think that I am aggregating all the bad aspects. I am gathering the information form the reviews posted on Cc.

 

Please see post below from another thread started by a cruiser who is currently on board the Journey:

 

We are on the first cruise after drydock. We know that other people have posted but wanted to give our perspective. We have a veranda cabin on deck 7,and the new furniture is very nice along with the carpet. It took a full day to get the TV working. The only complaint is that the veranda is dirty with paint chips and pieces of carpet on the deck. The food has been great with a large selection. Service for the most part has been good with a few hiccups. They finally got one hot tub working today (Saturday). I used it and the jets worked for 15 minutes before breaking down. I along with another person noticed a lot of debris in the bottom and I pulled out pieces of sandpaper. As of last evening the self service laundry is still out of service until further notice . We packed a limited amount of clothing expecting to do some laundry and are now having to send it out. The slot machines are working but do not pay out,you have to contact an attendant to receive yor money and sign on two different sheets. So going from one machine to another is a pain. I guess we are lucky as talking to other passengers who's toilets did not work and suite passengers that were downgraded onboard because their suites were not ready. Others had soaking wet carpets. We had no knowledge of the drydock when we booked and this being our first Azamara cruise and you can imagine what our first impression is. The staff onboard is fantastic and I am sure that it has been a rough few weeks for them.

 

Do you actually think that these are minor issues? dirty verandas, no self service laindry, no working dirty hot tubs, no thalassotherapy pool, toilets not working, unavailable suites?

 

Other than the post by host Andy, I haven't seen any other positive review posted.

I am really disappointed that Azamara charged the passengers top dollar for a cruise when the ship is not ready to offer the services advertised by the company.

[BBMacLaird]

I am really disappointed that Azamara charged the passengers top dollar for a cruise when the ship is not ready to offer the services advertised by the company.

 

I am sorry you are anticipating being disappointed. I truly hope you are not.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Welcome to Cruise Critic, mcomd508. I don't know how much you have been reading before your first post, but the first voyage after a major drydock (like a maiden voyage) will more often than not have lots of work that didn't get finished plus the usual "punch list" process at the end of any construction project. People who book such cruises usually know this, but book anyway because they love that "new car smell" and being the first butt in every seat. Early in our cruising history we ended up on a ship straight out of drydock (Celebrity Summit post-"Solsticization") and luckily we weren't inconvenienced that much. But that was before I learned about Cruise Critic. Since then I have learned to find the dry-dock schedules and make sure to avoid the first cruise. I'm sensing that you are like me in that regard, and should do the same. :)

[mcomd508]

I am sorry you are anticipating being disappointed. I truly hope you are not.

 

When will these issues be addressed and corrected?

no jacuzzis, no thalassotherapy pool, no self service laundry, unavailable suites, floods in carpets, bath tubs that can't be used, toilets that do not work?

how can one not be disappointed? you are making it sound like I am seeing issues that do not exist when these are direct reports from cruisers currently on board the ship.

[mcomd508]

Welcome to Cruise Critic, mcomd508. I don't know how much you have been reading before your first post, but the first voyage after a major drydock (like a maiden voyage) will more often than not have lots of work that didn't get finished plus the usual "punch list" process at the end of any construction project. People who book such cruises usually know this, but book anyway because they love that "new car smell" and being the first butt in every seat. Early in our cruising history we ended up on a ship straight out of drydock (Celebrity Summit post-"Solsticization") and luckily we weren't inconvenienced that much. But that was before I learned about Cruise Critic. Since then I have learned to find the dry-dock schedules and make sure to avoid the first cruise. I'm sensing that you are like me in that regard, and should do the same. :)

 

Thank you for your nice words. What really got me upset was receiving a dismisse answer saying that I was aggregating small complaints. If these are small in Azamara's book, I don't even want to know what they consider big.

Saying that most reviews posted here are positive, are far from reality.

The company should just take ownership of all these issues and not try to sweep it under the rug.

It seems I will be heading back to Regent/Seabourn and the real luxury lines.

 

PS: I'm not even mentioning the fact that Azamara canceled one overnight stay in one of the ports and chopped 2 hours of another port day.

[BBMacLaird]

When will these issues be addressed and corrected?

no jacuzzis, no thalassotherapy pool, no self service laundry, unavailable suites, floods in carpets, bath tubs that can't be used, toilets that do not work?

how can one not be disappointed? you are making it sound like I am seeing issues that do not exist when these are direct reports from cruisers currently on board the ship.

 

Mcomd508, I am not dismissing your feelings, I am saying I do not think you'll be disappointed. Please give us a chance.

You are obviously a soon-to-be first-time cruiser with us, as well as a new poster on CC with only 9 posts, all on this topic.

As such I will point out that I'm not on the forum to be anything but a liaison. I cannot do anything more than reassure you, and occasionally answer questions or direct CCRs to the appropriate email. It's true I'm always reading these threads. But in reality it's your fellow CC community members who can best attest to the onboard experience.

[marinaro44]

Thank you for your nice words. What really got me upset was receiving a dismisse answer saying that I was aggregating small complaints. If these are small in Azamara's book, I don't even want to know what they consider big.

Saying that most reviews posted here are positive, are far from reality.

The company should just take ownership of all these issues and not try to sweep it under the rug.

It seems I will be heading back to Regent/Seabourn and the real luxury lines.

 

PS: I'm not even mentioning the fact that Azamara canceled one overnight stay in one of the ports and chopped 2 hours of another port day.

Sounds to me you should stick to Regent et al given your attitude. Having spent 49 days on Regent, I will tell you there is no "real luxury" there, only trappings of luxury. Lousy flight routings, arrogant and aloof senior officers, captains who avoid passengers...not my idea of "real luxury."

[mcomd508]

Sounds to me you should stick to Regent et al given your attitude. Having spent 49 days on Regent, I will tell you there is no "real luxury" there, only trappings of luxury. Lousy flight routings, arrogant and aloof senior officers, captains who avoid passengers...not my idea of "real luxury."

 

It seems to me that your experience with Regent was different from mine. Maybe I will change my mind once on board, but

However, I do think your snark comment was completely uncalled for.

There is no attitude on my part. I believe there are serious issues going on after the dry dock and trying to dismiss them is not the proper way to address the issue. I have been on over 50 cruises with different companies and I have to say that the reports coming from the cruisers posting here are not very encouraging.

That's all. I'm sorry you took it too personal and felt the need to offend me.

[critterchick]

It seems to me that your experience with Regent was different from mine. Maybe I will change my mind once on board, but

However, I do think your snark comment was completely uncalled for.

There is no attitude on my part. I believe there are serious issues going on after the dry dock and trying to dismiss them is not the proper way to address the issue. I have been on over 50 cruises with different companies and I have to say that the reports coming from the cruisers posting here are not very encouraging.

That's all. I'm sorry you took it too personal and felt the need to offend me.

 

Although I agree with you that the issues you have listed aren't minor, I also think that Host Jazzbeau's point is the key - this is the first cruise after a very aggressive dry dock schedule and, IMO, they rushed it. One more week, or a even a few days, would likely have resulted in all of those issues being fixed. As it is, the first passengers on who are having such problems (and I hope that there aren't many of them) will have to endure the inconvenience, but I doubt that it will last for more than this cruise.:)

[Pam]

The people who are posting from the ship still have many positive things to say, even as they experience issues. I feel sure Azamara will make them whole, I don't think I have ever seen somebody who, after a few Azamara cruises, says "well, I'll never do that again!".

 

Marinaro44 has obviously had unpleasant experiences on Regent; while every cruise we had on Regent may not have been 100% perfection, we still loved it. My first Azamara cruise is coming up in August, and I have been anxious about a few things that have been said, but I'm very much looking forward to sailing on Quest.

[geric26]

We are booked on the April 15th Quest voyage. Booked before we knew about the drydock schedule, so we did not know nor were we informed. Too late to reschedule now. We have gone through the months of trying to find out if we were getting a shower or bath (medically important) but could get no information.

Our booked tour in Colombo has been cancelled, we paid $167 but have been refunded $140. We read of fairly significant issues after the Journey refurb. and see that many people dismiss them as insignificant. We don't think so.

However, we still look forward to the trip, but do you really think we will book another?:confused:

[peter spain]

When will these issues be addressed and corrected?

no jacuzzis, no thalassotherapy pool, no self service laundry, unavailable suites, floods in carpets, bath tubs that can't be used, toilets that do not work?

how can one not be disappointed? you are making it sound like I am seeing issues that do not exist when these are direct reports from cruisers currently on board the ship.

Hello mcomd508, if I understand well you are not onboard at the moment. If so, please stop complaining for others! The passengers onboard are adults.I am sure they can hadle any issues themselves.I sence lots of negativatie!

 

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