? for those who have sailed on both X and Azamara

[TomBeckCruise]

Not taking cost into consideration which one do you prefer? Based on cost I would expect more people to answer AZ. I am not asking which is the best value.

 

Which main dining room food do you prefer?

 

Which buffet do you prefer?

 

We have been on about a dozen X cruises, and we are considering Azamara.

[brunello22]

Not taking cost into consideration which one do you prefer? Based on cost I would expect more people to answer AZ. I am not asking which is the best value.

 

Which main dining room food do you prefer?

 

Which buffet do you prefer?

 

We have been on about a dozen X cruises, and we are considering Azamara.

 

I enjoy both Celebrity and Azamara, and there are pros and cons of each. I find the food to be comparable between both brands, but I like the entertainment onboard Celebrity over Azamara.

 

But overall, I prefer Azamara for a number of reasons:

 

- smaller ships and less than 700 passengers.

- smaller ships can call into ports that many of the larger ships cannot.

- unique itineraries.

- longer stays or overnight stays (although Celebrity is now offering this in some ports).

- select wines, beer, and spirits are included.

- very few kids or none at all.

- no annoying announcements for bingo, pool games, casino, etc.

Edited August 10, 2016 by brunello22

[gosport11]

Weve also done both lines,find they both have strong points,Azamara,smaller ship,intresting ports,and good food.

Celebrity,better entertainment,more bars and lounges,larger cabins and bathrooms

Would go on either if the price and itenary are correct,in fact its now itenary we look at and not cruise line :):):)

[bottomfeeder]

On balance, if price were not an issue, I would choose Azamara. More staff per passenger means friendlier, less busy staff. Smaller ship means they are more likely to know your name (in fact they must ask crew to memorize the names of some passengers because there is no other way they would have known my name.) I think the food is better, though not a whole lot better. Most alcoholic beverages are included and I could drink the sodas from my minibar without paying extra. And smaller ships mean more options for ports, and easier embark/disembark. I also think the atmosphere is just a bit more relaxed and relaxing, maybe because the ship is less crowded--not that Celebrity ships feel crowded most of the time.

 

The cabins are nicer and bigger on Celebrity. There is more entertainment, and the venues are better--Azamara's ships don't have a real theater and sight lines can be a major issue for the evening shows. If you are a casino person, the casino on Az ships is tiny. And my Az cruise was a transatlantic and I spent several days mostly in bed because laying flat was the only way to not be seasick (even with seasick meds)...but I am not sure how much of that was due to weather and how much was due to the smaller ship being more vulnerable to waves. Generally I take seasick meds on my cruises and have never had much of a problem with nausea on other cruises.

 

Unfortunately I haven't seen an Az cruise since at a price point that works for me--I admit to being cheap! So I've only been on the one Azamara cruise so far.

[DrivesLikeMario]

I think this is like asking people "if price didn't matter, which would you prefer? A Toyota or a Mercedes?" :D It's pretty obvious that people will choose the Mercedes.

Edited August 10, 2016 by DrivesLikeMario

[Harrieta]

We've been on both Celebrity (a few times) and Azamara (B2B in December last year). While I enjoyed having less people on the ship I found that the ship itself was just a bit too small, there were fewer different places to go while onboard. So I think I prefer the smaller X ships, still not too many people but a bit more of a better overall experience.

By the way, we booked two short Azamara cruises when they had a balcony stateroom for the price of an inside sale, this meant that the price per day for our balcony stateroom worked out to be in a similar range to that of X balconies. So if you'd like to try Azamara but don't like their prices it could be worth waiting for one of these sales!

Edited August 10, 2016 by Harrieta

[Hlitner]

We do think its a bit like comparing large peaches with a small plum :). While both can be delicious, they are just not the same product. Azamara is a wonderful small ship line with much higher prices when compared to similar cabins on X. If money were no object, and the itinerary was right we would always choose Azamara over Celebrity (where we are Elite Plus). But money is normally an object and there are times when we prefer a large ship (love the Solstice Class) for its extra amenities and options.

 

Hank

[Project_gal]

I think this is like asking people "if price didn't matter, which would you prefer? A Toyota or a Mercedes?" :D It's pretty obvious that people will choose the Mercedes.

 

I beg to disagree. Of course it depends on which Toyota or Mercedes you are speaking of (and I am not familiar with the brands sold in the US) but if you want the car for high-mileage, long distance travel you would want a different vehicle to what you would want if you want if for regular, local fishing trips, for example.

 

In my opinion, Azamara and Celebrity produce very different products and you need to decide what you want from a cruise ship. There are many differences between larger and smaller ships. Everyone is looking for something different from a cruise. You have to start from understanding your needs/wants/desires.

 

In our case, it is not price that keeps us with Celebrity.

[bigbenboys]

We have cruised many times with Celebrity and only once on Azamara. Azamara is nice, but the ships are to small. Just not much to do on the ships. The staff onboard seem very nice, but disingenuous. So my vote is Celebrity.

[Project_gal]

Azamara is nice, ... The staff onboard seem very nice, but disingenuous. So my vote is Celebrity.

 

Your post really hit home for me. Thanks. It perfectly explained what I have felt ever since our second Azamara cruise but been unable to put into words.

Edited August 11, 2016 by Project_gal

[J.E.C]

Azamara gets my vote, I felt even on a trans Indian Ocean that there was enough to do and i really like the fact that the staff seem to have time to talk and get to know you.

 

Yes there are fewer venues, but we always found it enough. Having said that on Celebrity (so far) it has never seemed crowed and we have always been able to find a quiet spot.

 

At the end of the day it is the destinations that count (and lets face it the cost) and I like that fact that Azamara can get to the smaller ports and often spends longer there.

 

Both are great :)

[gowilk]

I think this is like asking people "if price didn't matter, which would you prefer? A Toyota or a Mercedes?" :D It's pretty obvious that people will choose the Mercedes.

 

Actually a more appropriate comparison is would you rather have a junior suite on celebrity or an inside room on azamara....that about makes the price equal. Then we can all go back to the never-ending comparison of princess versus celebrity.

 

Only booked azamara once and it was fabulous but then so is seaborn....I need to join the 1 percent quick to be able to afford this extravegence....but then I'd probably just blow it on first-class air.

[excitedofharpenden]

On balance, if price were not an issue, I would choose Azamara. More staff per passenger means friendlier, less busy staff. Smaller ship means they are more likely to know your name (in fact they must ask crew to memorize the names of some passengers because there is no other way they would have known my name.) I think the food is better, though not a whole lot better. Most alcoholic beverages are included and I could drink the sodas from my minibar without paying extra. And smaller ships mean more options for ports, and easier embark/disembark. I also think the atmosphere is just a bit more relaxed and relaxing, maybe because the ship is less crowded--not that Celebrity ships feel crowded most of the time.

 

The cabins are nicer and bigger on Celebrity. There is more entertainment, and the venues are better--Azamara's ships don't have a real theater and sight lines can be a major issue for the evening shows. If you are a casino person, the casino on Az ships is tiny. And my Az cruise was a transatlantic and I spent several days mostly in bed because laying flat was the only way to not be seasick (even with seasick meds)...but I am not sure how much of that was due to weather and how much was due to the smaller ship being more vulnerable to waves. Generally I take seasick meds on my cruises and have never had much of a problem with nausea on other cruises.

 

Unfortunately I haven't seen an Az cruise since at a price point that works for me--I admit to being cheap! So I've only been on the one Azamara cruise so far.

Considering you've only done one Azamara cruise that is a good sum up!

 

Interesting to see comments made on comparative price. If you look around there are some very good deals to be had on Azamara. If you are a solo traveller and find a 125% single supplement deal (of which there have been quite a number this year) then Azamara are actually cheaper in many cases. Couple that with the deals which are on general offer and percentage savings tiered according to your loyalty status if you book another voyage onboard and pricing gets closer when factoring in the included selected alcohol.

 

I know I answered your question on the other thread you started on the Az, but as the OP asked about the food in particular and not many have answered that I'll say that the MDR food I have found to be better on Azamara and the atmosphere not so busy. The waiters seem to have more time to engage, although I've noticed this less over recent times. The buffet on Azamara is smaller with less choice, but for me that is a positive because you don't end up walking so far with your plate. The service for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is better on Azamara. No need to get your cup of tea at breakfast. It's always brought to you. Much more personal. I mentioned the burgers (Mast Bar vs The Patio). The burgers during the day there are better on Celeberity, but The Patio in the evening with a change of menu is really good. Azamara now do tapas in the evening in the Living Room and it's excellent. I'm not a sushi lover so can't compare. Perhaps someone else can.

 

Both I have found to be very nice cruise lines, but the benefits of a smaller ship being able to dock rather than tender, docking nearer to the centre of places and going to ports the big ships can't has me smitten with Azamara. Coupled with the great service onboard.

[reilly1]

We have cruised many times with Celebrity and only once on Azamara. Azamara is nice, but the ships are to small. Just not much to do on the ships. The staff onboard seem very nice, but disingenuous. So my vote is Celebrity.

 

 

Exactly our opinion too! We found the Azamara ship too small and were quite bored. On a 12 day cruise we had 5 tender ports, so still a lot. The included wines were not great and very limited in choice. The premium package on Celebrity offers a massive selection. As for food, a very subjective matter, we much prefer Celebrity. The MDR's are absolutely beautiful stunning rooms and the food is as good as Azamara. The buffet offers a huge choice compared to Azamara. Azamara has themed nights which do not suit everyone. We met a couple on our only Azamara cruise who do not like spicy food, so the Indian,Mexican and Thai nights were not suitable at all. With Celebrity there are themed areas and more general areas. In the evenings steaks, fish etc are cooked to order as well. In the buffet there are staff going round with mobile carts to offer drinks alongside the self service element.

 

We find the speciality restaurants on Celebrity much better and, of course there are more to choose from. A dining package offers great value.

 

The ships do have a lot more people on board, but as they are also a lot bigger with lots of space, you never feel crowded. There are many nooks to hide away if you want a quiet place. Also the Solarium pool is adults only, with no music so a real haven.

 

I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

[BrendaJ]

I've been on 3 Azamara cruises and many Celebrity cruises.

 

Azamara's service was really stellar and the small ship meant you got to know people because you saw the same folks every day.

 

I recall the food being very good, but I'm also quite happy with Celebrity's food. Celebrity's entertainment is definitely more appealing to me.

 

The main draw for Azamara for me is the ports. If the itinerary were identical and the price not a factor, I think I'd probably choose Celebrity, just because Celebrity's S-class ships have lots of activity and variety. Azamara was just a little too quiet for my taste. On a port-intensive itinerary, that's fine, but I'd be bored on an Azamara transatlantic. If Azamara ever did a new build, I might change my mind. Currently, you can nearly sail in a suite with all four perks for what the cheapest balcony on Azamara goes for on some itineraries. The suite experience on Celebrity knocks an Azamara balcony out of the water, in my opinion.

[TomBeckCruise]

Thanks for all of the replies. They have been helpful.

 

We will most likely book the Azamara cruise. Not that much difference in price on an 11 night Adriatic cruise in a balcony cabin.

 

On the other hand we are still looking at a Med cruise on Constellation.

 

FWIW, there are those who prefer X regardless of price. See the previous two post.

[A Sixth?]

A few have mentioned Amazura specials are a good deal.... do they have a "Tuesday Special" sort of link like "X" and Royal?

 

Here's Celebrity's http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Exciting_Deals/XcitingDeals_cel_tues.pdf

 

Royal http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/rci_sales_event.pdf

Edited August 11, 2016 by A Sixth?

[excitedofharpenden]

A few have mentioned Amazura specials are a good deal.... do they have a "Tuesday Special" sort of link like "X" and Royal?

 

Here's Celebrity's http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Exciting_Deals/XcitingDeals_cel_tues.pdf

 

Royal http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/rci_sales_event.pdf

 

No.

[wallie5446]

Not taking cost into consideration which one do you prefer? Based on cost I would expect more people to answer AZ. I am not asking which is the best value.

 

Which main dining room food do you prefer?

 

Which buffet do you prefer?

 

We have been on about a dozen X cruises, and we are considering Azamara.

 

This review from 2014 by Library Lady, I think, will provide wonderful insight, as she answered all these type questions very well.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2058078&highlight=library+lady

[excitedofharpenden]

This review from 2014 by Library Lady, I think, will provide wonderful insight, as she answered all these type questions very well.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2058078&highlight=library+lady

But be careful because this review containing lots of pictures was done before the extensive dry dock earlier this year and some areas of the ship have also changed use. I was on this cruise with Sandi and we had a great time.

 

Phil

[dub345]

I have cruised twice on Celebrity (Summit) and once on Azamara - all three cruises were in the Caribbean. On all three I cruised solo, and on two of the three I had inside cabins (including Azamara).

 

Your preference will likely depend on what you are looking for in a cruise, and where you're going. While I don't want non-stop parties, I found Azamara to be a little quiet, with not a lot of choice of activities. And though it was great to get free wine and drinks (I've never had a drink package), personally I prefer the food on Celebrity and like the larger selection at the buffet.

 

If you are on a port-intensive itinerary though, the more relaxed atmosphere and smaller size of the Azamara ships might be nicer.

[bottomfeeder]

Interesting to see comments made on comparative price. If you look around there are some very good deals to be had on Azamara. If you are a solo traveller and find a 125% single supplement deal (of which there have been quite a number this year) then Azamara are actually cheaper in many cases. Couple that with the deals which are on general offer and percentage savings tiered according to your loyalty status if you book another voyage onboard and pricing gets closer when factoring in the included selected alcohol.

 

The sales on Azamara may well put them close in price to a non-sale Celebrity cruise, and they do have some good deals on inside cabins when they do sales, but I always book Celebrity cruises on excellent sales AND I can't bring myself to book an inside cabin...not to mention that I don't drink very much at all so the free alcoholic beverages are not that useful to me in terms of savings (though I will have a couple of drinks a day if they are no-extra-charge, but I get that now that I'm Elite on Celebrity as well.) So for me, particularly as a solo traveler, Azamara is still too expensive to feel like a good value to me.

 

Maybe some day I'll be less of a cheapskate! Though it's doubtful at this point. :) I'm sure that for others who don't have quite the same "requirements" for a cruise as I do, Azamara has great sales.

 

I'll definitely keep checking their sales though...just like I will keep looking for a great deal on an Aqua Class cabin on Celebrity...maybe one of these days I'll find just the right deal.

[wallie5446]

But be careful because this review containing lots of pictures was done before the extensive dry dock earlier this year and some areas of the ship have also changed use. I was on this cruise with Sandi and we had a great time.

 

Phil

 

The main thing I liked about her review were the comparisons on the cabins, dining, and activities. Tween the two of you a very good picture of what to expect is given.

EW

[sollan]

Not taking cost into consideration which one do you prefer? Based on cost I would expect more people to answer AZ. I am not asking which is the best value.

 

Which main dining room food do you prefer?

 

Which buffet do you prefer?

 

We have been on about a dozen X cruises, and we are considering Azamara.

 

Personally I prefer X in both cases! Azamara was a very nice experience but the food was quite a disappointment to us. Maybe our expectations where to high?

 

But it's difficult to advice, because of personal preferences/expectations combined with the quality of the head chief....

[bigbenboys]

I've been on 3 Azamara cruises and many Celebrity cruises.

 

Azamara's service was really stellar and the small ship meant you got to know people because you saw the same folks every day.

 

I recall the food being very good, but I'm also quite happy with Celebrity's food. Celebrity's entertainment is definitely more appealing to me.

 

The main draw for Azamara for me is the ports. If the itinerary were identical and the price not a factor, I think I'd probably choose Celebrity, just because Celebrity's S-class ships have lots of activity and variety. Azamara was just a little too quiet for my taste. On a port-intensive itinerary, that's fine, but I'd be bored on an Azamara transatlantic. If

Azamara ever did a new build, I might change my mind. Currently, you can nearly sail in a suite with all four perks for what the cheapest balcony on Azamara goes for on some itineraries. The suite experience on Celebrity knocks an Azamara balcony out of the water, in my opinion.

 

Our last cruise we booked a suite. The Suite Class on Celebrity with all 4 perks is reeeeealy nice. So much so that our next 2 cruises we booked suites.