Entertainment Reports

[ellbon]

Hoo boy, sounds like fun. Just canceled 6 future cruises on Azamara and substituted 4 on Robin's back up line. Not just because of entertainment but because of the overall downgrade of the product over the past three or four years as prices have increased. Azamara offers some interesting itineraries and great officers and crew so we still sail on them but more selectively.

 

The back up line is new to me as of fall 2017.

 

What I love about AZ is the late nights in port. I alway miss the free laundry and water at the gangway when in another line. But my back up line had separate jetted tubs. More choices in room service . The lack of entertainment on here goes past the evening hours. The classes on the others line even the ones I do not do can keep people busy all day.

[ellbon]

Spirits never had live music during the shows but the LR had Simon and others playing until 22:30. Lack of music after dinner will make me sad,

 

But after seeing pictures of Iwan's buffet today I can say is far better than any back up line

[Kamlee]

Regent holds I think about 700 people. One bar was a total waste as they only had music there pre dinner. Another had pre dinner or post show at2245 for 45 minutes.

 

Cystral has c,over to 1000 guests, several public rooms besides bars with music, so it is a largers ship. Lots to do during the day,

 

Last November we cruised on Silver Whisper (just under 400 guests). There were two pianists and a trio. We had a choice of two lounges with live music both before and after dinner.

[Lottie A]

This is sounding worse every day Ann. Eric and Russ must be so upset when they have worked so hard through the years. I'm sure the new entertainer's are very talented and they must be disappointed at the audiences reactions but this concept isn't working. It seems to me like Journey is deserted at night when pax should be enjoying the shows, music in Spirits, coffee in Mosaic etc like we always did.

 

Fortunately there are enough friends on our June B2B cruise to make our own entertainment. The thought of staying on our balcony or going to bed early and watching TV is NOT what I book an Azamara cruise for and if the entertainment doesn't improve then very sadly, I won't be booking another one. Time to move on.

 

I really hope someone at Miami is reading this thread.

[alanbab]

We are polite Brits....we stay.

 

There were only about 30-40 at the second show. Most hedging their bets sitting in the higher level near the door. There were about 10 guests sitting in the lower level where we were. We found the emptiness uncomfortable and even though we were not enjoying- particularly one piece which reminded us of the sounds of our sons early years viola practicing- but honestly felt to leave would be unfair on the musicians. They were talented but playing the wrong stuff.

 

They seem to have been given a brief to challenge our senses and do unusual things whereas we wanted to be entertained. There’s a huge difference between challenge and entertain. Maybe one piece at the edge of our comfort zone but not 45 minutes.

 

To those dreading an upcoming cruise don’t they’ve got to make changes so it will get better.

 

 

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We too are polite Brits and will stay through the performance no matter how bad - I think it is extremely rude to walk out during a performance. We are not with Azamara until September so hopefully things will have improved by then. Enjoy the rest of your cruise and thanks for all the updates.

[sabbo55]

What prompted the need to change the entertainment? (maybe it's somewhere earlier in this thread, I may have missed it). I would put this under "if it's not broke, don't fix it"

[ellbon]

Lottie..three cryise directors that deal with Mia and the hiring agents.

 

I felt the shows needed updating but not all the entertainment.

 

I do not understand no one sitting in the middle of deck five drinking coffee after dinner or talking. Such a nice space that is being wasted.

 

Seems more people on the JR are writing about the shows vs people on the Quest.

 

Like to hear more reactions on that ship.

[uktog]

Tonight was the second Opera show. They were hampered by the mezzo soprano being unable to perform. It was a better show than the first, based on the crossover between opera and broadway. So some more popular items, but not every song was known.

 

Strangely they ended the show on a far less well known song so there wasn’t that big finish end of show sparkle. The audience response was muted but the applause was more positive than previous shows.

 

 

I’d say swap some songs out, add in a few more better known items and this show could be an ok one.

 

 

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[Lottie A]

Lottie..three cryise directors that deal with Mia and the hiring agents.

 

I felt the shows needed updating but not all the entertainment.

 

I do not understand no one sitting in the middle of deck five drinking coffee after dinner or talking. Such a nice space that is being wasted.

 

Seems more people on the JR are writing about the shows vs people on the Quest.

 

Like to hear more reactions on that ship.

 

Yes Robin, actually four Cruise Directors including the new one Ernest and Tony of course, but as Pursuit is not sailing yet he won't have had the new entertainment experience. It's Russ and Eric who are best positioned to evaluate the success or otherwise of the new entertainment.

 

Actually I very much doubt whether the Azamara cruise directors had much say in the new entertainment choices. If they had, then I think they would have made much better, more informed choices and there wouldn't be an almost empty Cabaret Lounge, Mosaic and Spirits Bar onboard.

 

While Ann is doing a great job in keeping us posted on Journey I agree with you that it would be nice to hear from someone on Quest as to how the new entertainment is being received there.

[Riocca]

Quest is currently on a run of Cuba intensive cruises which possibly are attracting a different customer, also I understand that the internet connectivity is not great when cruising Cuba.

However it will be starting it’s ta on the 7th April with more sea days and possibly a greater number of Azamara regulars we might get some more feedback.

 

 

 

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[gkm]

Bob and I will be on the transatlantic cruise and will certainly let everyone know how things are on-board. We're keeping our fingers crossed that everything is better than it sounds. We leave Friday for Miami and will update things when I can get internet.

 

Garry

[ellbon]

Yes Robin, actually four Cruise Directors including the new one Ernest and Tony of course, but as Pursuit is not sailing yet he won't have had the new entertainment experience. It's Russ and Eric who are best positioned to evaluate the success or otherwise of the new entertainment.

 

Actually I very much doubt whether the Azamara cruise directors had much say in the new entertainment choices. If they had, then I think they would have made much better, more informed choices and there wouldn't be an almost empty Cabaret Lounge, Mosaic and Spirits Bar onboard.

 

While Ann is doing a great job in keeping us posted on Journey I agree with you that it would be nice to hear from someone on Quest as to how the new entertainment is being received there.

 

There is a loyal cruiser on Quest right now but all I have seen is Havana pictures. I think I asked but got no answer. Might try again to see what the cruiser thinks.

 

I know Mia made the choose to change everything but I would hope they talked to all the CD,s about the new plan. My big concern if anyone would get so fed up look for a new cruiseline.

 

Also I understand four CD,s but how can one person give three other people breaks of two months when I thought each contract was onky four months. That would be the same for hotel directors. So I am sure more hiring in the future.

[ikelmay]

It's possible that the entertainment transition on Quest hasn't been so dramatic as on Journey, and not quite such a shell shock to guests.

 

Our very recent Quest Panama cruise featured a selection of 54 Below guest performers, the Shorts on Ships and a Russ solo and an Ernest solo show. We also had a Sasha (band leader) piano solo performance who was covering for a missing guest artist. Sasha's reception was so positive that I understand he is being brought back in house so maybe a permanent option of his performing.

 

I would say that CD Russ was actively seeking constructive input and feedback regarding the new format and entertainment offerings. My sense was that the new subcontractors certainly aren't a done deal if feedback continues to be wholly negative.

 

I am astonished that Azamara is using the automated gaming tables in the casino. They cracked me up on NCL 10 years ago because they were so cheap and tacky. If I recall, the preprogrammed scantily dressed "croupier" periodically leans forward and leers at potential customers and asks if they want to come and join in the fun................... yeesh.

[ikelmay]

the journey casino:

 

[uktog]

Quest is also a month ahead of Journey on its changes. They will have made adjustments I’m sure so reactions are hopefully now more positive.

There are actually 5 CDs we know of as Alicia is taking the same role as Ernest on Journey and I suspect there is a No 6 as yet unnamed for Pursuits.

Look forward to hearing how the quizzes and activities work on the TA - always a challenging time for the entertainment staff

 

 

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[MNgardens]

The photo of the gaming table is appalling.

[uktog]

The photo of the gaming table is appalling.

 

 

 

On Journey this screen isn’t now shown, it’s just a blue menu screen where I presume you chose your games from so maybe feedback has been acted on. However another version of the lady is on the electronic roulette table eyeing you up as you leave a show. That one is slightly easier to keep out of your eyeliner, the merry go round top to the roulette machine with flashing red and white messages and spinning numbers is not easy to avoid

 

 

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[ellbon]

Saw some great pictures from the Quest show tonight on social media, that show looked very good.

[gosport11]

Gaming machine, are Ladbrookes on board now,running the casino .

[CHESHIRE CHEESE]

We did the 9 night Cuba cruise on Quest recently, so here is my summary of entertainment options. We only had one visiting entertainer, Patrice Covington. This was just a straightforward vocal show, not a 54 Below event. On Day 3, we had the first of the Shorts on Ships (10 minute plays ). There were not too many people present at the 9.30 show; we stayed for the first two, then left. No criticism of the actors or the professionalism, but the content just did not appeal to us. A second show was on a few days later. We called in very briefly to the later performance;not many people present .Two actresses were shouting at each other. Not my idea of entertainment ! On the final evening, I understand that another presentation of plays was scheduled, but was 'pulled' at short notice, and replaced by a concert by the Band Leader, Sacha, a pianist.

On the final day at sea, we had a Question and Answer session with Senior Officers. I asked how the Shorts on Ships had been received. The official answer from Hotel Director Phillip Herbert, was , 'Mixed '. However, talking to him later, he said that he had called in at the theatre and, 'there was no energy in the room'.

We spoke to several people about the new concept, and although one lady was enthusiastic, 'We love them !',it was very much a minority view. Speaking informally to a senior person, I got the distinct impression that they will not be around for too long, even though one of the actors told us she has a one year contract. We have a cruise booked on Pursuit at the end of September, and I was assured that the plays will definitely not be present.

I had been intending to book a further one or even two more cruises whilst on board, but I did not, as I really dislike this concept of evening entertainment, and want some assurance that we will not be subjected to it again. During our cruise, we had a show from Ernest Marchain; many of you will have seen him previously as lead singer of the team. He is now Assistant Cruise Director, and did an excellent job. I can see him as Cruise Director quite soon. His show was very good indeed; the room was full, and he got a great reception.

[excitedofharpenden]

Cheshire, thank you for your further report and comments which seems to mirror the general feeling. It's going to be tough on the entertainment team for a little while (and guests!) I think until some decisions are made as to how to proceed.

 

Phil

[Top Tripper]

On Journey now..Azamara as good as ever but the entertainment just isn't working...not a deal breaker for us but many moans and discontent when discussed the following day with fellow cruisers.

We were invited to an officers table to dine and he asked our opinions...Az is aware that there is a lot of fine tuning to be done and it isn't right yet.

[oddjob16]

I posted a video here to show that deck 5 on Quest has not been changed. No changes deck 4 either. My post was removed and that might be because the video itself was of somewhat promotional nature for an american independent TA. Sorry if it broke with guidelines.

Point is: The changes to deck 4 and 5 on Journey has not yet been done on Quest. Can we hope that it will stay that way, - given the feedback in this thread and others like it.

A lot of people are engaged here. Hopefully Azamara will listen.

[excitedofharpenden]

Odd, I didn’t report it, but thought it might be deleted. It’s a shame because the guy makes some nice YouTube videos of Azamara and I’ve wanted to post them here before. It’s a shame he has to self promote his agency so heavily in all of them. Anyway, I caught the video and appreciated the intent of your post.

 

Phil

[Azamarajunkie]

A real breath of fresh air tonight on Journey, we had an excellent Australian/Spanish comedian, Simon Palomares. He performed in the 54 Below spot and was so good we watched his show twice, mainly because we missed the first 15 minutes of the first one, but decided to watch the whole of the second one as well as he was so good. Hopefully we will see more shows like this and less of those we have endured so far.