Should a Seabourn guy try Azamara?

[Kevnzworld]

Hi board

Would I like Azamara?

I sail on Seabourn mostly, but I used to sail on Celebrity as well before becoming tired of the “commercialization “.

I can’t find an itinerary I like for Fall 2019 on any of my usual cruise choices so I looked at Azamara and saw something I liked on Pursuit.

I’m reticent because of the following :

Small cabins, unless I pay up for a suite

Drink packages. I like better wine and am used to it being included

Extras like specialty restaurants

The food.

Old ship even though it’s a refurbished old ship.

I’m elite plus on Celebrity so that level of loyalty would be accommodated on Azamara.

I know that Azamara has its loyal followers , hopefully those that have also experienced smaller luxury inclusive cruise lines like Seabourn can comment.

[Azamarajunkie]

We’ve just come off our second Seabourn cruise on the Odyssey, we decided on this cruise instead of Azamara because of it’s itinerary, it was 14 days Athens to Venice and back to Athens visiting many places in Greece that AZ didn’t do together with new ports for us in Italy and Croatia. There is no doubt that the Seabourn ships are more modern and spacious compared to Azamara and I have to say we now view Seabourn as our second home at Sea. AZ equals Seabourn as far as the food and service is concerned, and in many cases it’s itineraries are as good. Yes, if you want better wines and spirits you do have to upgrade to a better package, but we find the included drinks sufficient for our humble needs. We were also lucky on our Seabourn cruise to have excellent entertainment, much in the way Azamara used to be before this years changes, we also had a great Cruise Director, Robert Brendan, who could easily fit into Azamara.

 

Whilst Seabourn has relaxed its dress code, it doesn’t quite match Azamara in that there is still a semi formal night, whereas AZ is always smart casual, having said that we always dressed as we do on Azamara, albeit with a jacket on the formal night. Despite this we throughly enjoyed Seabourn and have booked the Odyssey again in the Caribbean visiting ports of call that AZ don’t presently do. But then, we also have 3 Azamara trips booked as well, so I think my CC handle is safe!

 

Officers and crew on both ships interact well with guests and always remember names, although Azamaras Captains are much more visible around the ship.

 

I’m sure you won’t be disappointed in Azamara if you do decide to book with them, there are many similarities, although Seabourn breadsticks win hands down!

[laurieb]

As far as the wine is concerned, you are always welcome to bring fine wine onboard whether from home or from onshore. There is a very small corkage fee in public spaces. We’ve purchased many bottles while in France on our cruises

 

 

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[Kevnzworld]

As far as the wine is concerned, you are always welcome to bring fine wine onboard whether from home or from onshore. There is a very small corkage fee in public spaces. We’ve purchased many bottles while in France on our cruises

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I appreciate that, and I often bring a better wine onboard, even on Seabourn. Two thirds of the itinerary is at sea or in locals without good wine. ( Not Europe )

It’s tough to “ pay “ for better wine after already paying Seabourn prices for a similar sized cabin ( suite ). One of the three sailings i would do does include a drink package. ( The drink package concept is very offputting and doesn’t exist on any other upscale cruise line ).

[ellbon]

I do not pay extra for better drinks as a package. i pay as i go and it costs me less than a package. try a package once i do not drink enough.

 

i would suggest the CC suite. you then get a butler and included speciality every night you want. but you do have to book on the ship.

 

I feel the dress code become more relax on AZ thru the years.

 

Not done Seaborn but have done other lines.

[florisdekort]

We have almost 300 nights on Azamara and still enjoy going back, but ever since our first cruise on Seabourn in 2015, Seabourn has been our first choice. Trying Seabourn made us realise that our main reason for sailing Azamara is it’s people... Captains Johannes / Carl / José, Hotel Director Heike, Cruise Director Eric - who does not want to travel with these amazing, warm, engaging people? They really make ever cruise special.

 

That said, we prefer Seabourn because:

- A Seabourn veranda category stateroom is superior to an Azamara Club Continent Suite. It’s newer, more spacious, has a bathtub and a separate shower, a double sink, lots of storage space, etc. And if you splurge and book a Penthouse Suite on Seabourn (the smallest “premium” category), you’re really in for a treat. I find them superior to Azamara’s Club World Owner’s Suites.

- Seabourn Square, the heart of the ship. What a wonderful venue to spend time and socialise.

- Much better included wines (proper Champagne to start with) and spirits. I realise I now sound like a snob, but the plonk Azamara serves just gives me headaches. In fairness however, many people seem happy with it. Plus, Seabourn has 15+ whites and reds available every day, Azamara only 2. Premiums brand spirits (like Hendrick’s gin) are all inclusive on Seabourn as well. You won’t find long threads on the Seabourn forum discussing “is cocktail such and such included?”.

- Although I would say the food is generally a tie between both lines, Seabourn’s Colonnade is far superior to Azamara’s Windows Cafe, in variety, quality and service. Seabourn’s Thomas Keller Grill is also superior to Prime C, but we always miss Aqualina when cruising on Seabourn. They offer nothing like it.

- Seabourn’s enrichment programme beats Azamara’s. Entertainment is in our option a tie, although we’re not happy with the recent changes on Azamara.

- Officer engagement is also a tie, except for Captains... they are much more visible on Azamara. We do like Seabourn’s “open house” on the Bridge though, when everyone is welcome to just drop in.

- Seabourn Ventures - the absolutely amazing Expedition Team. Whether it’s Norway, Alaska, Antarctica, Canada / New England or New Zealand, the naturalists, guides, zodiac drivers, kayak leads, etc. make for truly unique experiences Azamara simply does not offer.

 

Regarding dress code, people make too much out of this in our opinion. Seabourn’s formal night only requires a dinner jacket for men in the Restaurant (the main dining room) - it’s not more complicated than that. And if (like us!) you don’t want to pack a dinner jacket, there are 4 other restaurants to chose from that evening. (We always book Thomas Keller Grill on formal nights and leave the dinner jackets at home.)

 

Will you enjoy Azamara? I think yes (and we still do as well). Just manage your expectations and don’t expect a Seabourn experience. You do have to book a Club Continent Suite or better however; there’s no way someone who is used to Seabourn real estate can switch to Azamara’s balcony cabins [emoji846]

 

I hope the above is helpful!

 

Cheers,

Floris

[hubofhockey]

I never look at "prices for extras" because they are just a part of the overall price. I'll estimate the cost of the vacation so I'm comparing apples to apples. Got so much OBC for my first AZ cruise (800 non-refundable and 900 refundable) that I know the non-refundable portion is paying for my WIFI, specialty dining package, and some spa. At that, it's more inclusive. It's certainly understandable that some don't like a la carte pricing. I would think OP would be setting himself up for disappointing with a vacation on AZ.

[Kevnzworld]

Thank you Floris, that was helpful.

I’ve been reviewing the various wine and beverage packages Azamara offers.

Essentially it would be about an extra $50 a day to drink something decent by the glass.

It’s not like Seabourn’s included wines are that great either. We generally find something we like by the glass and splurge for something better off the wine list occasionally. Bringing wine back to the ship on a daily basis is a job In of itself and one that I don’t like....

The reviews of the food seem fairly positive, and roughly comparable. Aqualina seems like it is a net positive for Azamara.

Any other comments would be appreciated.

[AllisonJames]

We found the included wines on Azamara to be unfortunately several steps below the ones on SB so if you think those are not that good you will be very disappointed. But on our last AZ cruise we got lucky and they were having a wine sale if you purchased the first day and we were able to get some good bottles (Caymus for one) at half price. So we bought a number of bottles and this was a better deal for better quality wine than the wine package.

 

 

 

 

 

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[travelberlin]

Although I am really exigente about the quality of the wines I drink (life is too short to drink a bad wine), I do not have complaints on the quality of included wines with Azamara. I also find it funny that they offer an “improved drinks package”, but I think that somebody in Royal Caribbean does not really understand that people paying premium prices for a cruise, do not want to be confronted with the “if you pay more, you will have better wines” as if the included wines were not worth it. Bad decision imho.

As somebody said, if you are afraid that you would not like the wine, bring your own or pay by bottle onboard. The included wines at Azamara at much better than those at Celebrity, which I do not like.

Thanks for posting here, because what it has been said about Seabourn seems interesting. I will look at Seabourn itineraries in the future.

[Thelma600]

I agree with travelberlin about having no complaints about the Azamara wines and we are wine drinkers. Is it the best wine I've ever had? No but we certainly enjoy it, and as has been shared on various threads, you can request a previous day's wines. If you particularly like a bottle take note of what it is and ask for it later. We have had great success with this and they are happy to accommodate.

[florisdekort]

If you use the Vivino App on both Azamara and Seabourn you’ll quickly find out that the average bottle of included wine on Azamara retails for $10 - $12, vs. the average bottle on Seabourn for $28 - $30.

 

Price does not always equal quality but this is an indication of what both lines are willing to spend on their passengers.

 

Floris

 

 

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[Riocca]

We have cruised on a number of lines from 6* to 3* although I will admit never Seabourn and see Azamara as a different product. The onboard experience is Boutique Hotel rather than upmarket 5* Hotel, the ambiance is convivial with enough included to make for a relaxed atmosphere. You can upgrade drinks packages or buy better wines if you wish but it’s personal choice and no one will be judgemental. We’ve been on lines where the size of you wine glass is dictated by how much you’ve paid for the bottle, there are no such markers on Azamara.

Biggest difference is the ethos, Azamara is all about the destination with longer stays and more overnights. We look at itineraries and are often disappointed by some of the Premium lines offering no more than the mainstream lines with 8am arrivals and 5pm departures. We will be on Viking Oceans next February and although we are looking forward to the experience the itinerary could easily be done on one of the mega ships.

 

 

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[Bloodaxe]

We found the included wines on Azamara to be unfortunately several steps below the ones on SB so if you think those are not that good you will be very disappointed. But on our last AZ cruise we got lucky and they were having a wine sale if you purchased the first day and we were able to get some good bottles (Caymus for one) at half price. So we bought a number of bottles and this was a better deal for better quality wine than the wine package.

 

 

 

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In April on Quest we did the same thing after being dissatisfied with some of the included wines.

The sale was not just on day one of the cruise, we found out about it after talking with the Sommelier, he said that they were selling off bin end wines.

Not sure if the wine sales are on every cruise.

Edited July 25, 2018 by Bloodaxe

[DrivesLikeMario]

Kevin, have you thought about Windstar's power yachts? They're former Seabourn ships I think. I think they would be a good match for you with the exception of included wines (you'd have to pay for a package).

[Kevnzworld]

Kevin, have you thought about Windstar's power yachts? They're former Seabourn ships I think. I think they would be a good match for you with the exception of included wines (you'd have to pay for a package).

 

I prefer newer ships with bigger veranda cabins and without “ drink packages “. Seabourn is a perfect fit for me, 5 new ships with all cabins over 300sq ft. Not just the suites.

Unfortunately there’s nothing on Seabourn’s fall 2019 schedule I like.

I have the higher level loyalty with Azamara because of my Celebrity days, and they have an itinerary I like....so I’m tempted!

[Grandma Cruising]

Why not give it a try!

 

 

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[excitedofharpenden]

If you use the Vivino App on both Azamara and Seabourn you’ll quickly find out that the average bottle of included wine on Azamara retails for $10 - $12, vs. the average bottle on Seabourn for $28 - $30.

 

Price does not always equal quality but this is an indication of what both lines are willing to spend on their passengers.

 

Floris

Floris, I think it also worth mentioning that in terms of what Seabourn spend on their guests is very much related to the price they charge in comparison to Azamara. From what I have seen they are much more expensive and indeed compete in the luxury market as opposed to Azamara which is premium. Nothing wrong with this, but you pays your money and takes your choice.

 

Currently I am happy with the Azamara product. I don't need champagne and caviar as a standard and if I want better wines and spirits will pony up for a beverage package.

 

Phil

[florisdekort]

Unfortunately there’s nothing on Seabourn’s fall 2019 schedule I like.

 

 

You could wait to see where they send Sojourn between October 2018 and January 2019. There’s a gap in her schedule that still needs to be filled; somehow she needs to get from Los Angeles early October to Miami early January. Some Hawaii perhaps and a Panama Canal sailing?

[florisdekort]

Floris, I think it also worth mentioning that in terms of what Seabourn spend on their guests is very much related to the price they charge in comparison to Azamara. From what I have seen they are much more expensive and indeed compete in the luxury market as opposed to Azamara which is premium. Nothing wrong with this, but you pays your money and takes your choice.

 

 

Of course that is the case. Seabourn isn’t a charity [emoji846] The real estate difference more than justifies the price difference for me, but every person is different and makes different choices.

 

That said, when you compare the price of a Seabourn veranda with an Azamara Club Continent suite, the prices are sometimes very, very close, yet the Seabourn veranda is still nicer (large tub and separate shower, double sink, more storage space, etc.). Seabourn’s additional inclusions than become the bonus. This never used to be the case, but Azamara price hikes in recent years have brought the lines closer together.

 

Floris

[MNgardens]

If the Azamara cruise you are looking at is part of the Experience More promotion, check the prices once the promotion ends. For me, the prices are inflated. I don't want the chef table meal, spa credits, upgraded booze, or shore excursion credits and am waiting until all these extras are stripped out.

[NC&KY]

Unfortunately there’s nothing on Seabourn’s fall 2019 schedule I like.

Like you, we sail based on itinerary. We love Azamara and have another cruise booked with them in 2020. We were on our first Seabourn cruise a year ago and it was a step up from Azamara, so we're cruising with them again this fall in Canada. Both are very fine experiences. As long as you understand you are taking a bit of a step down (but not nearly as far as Celebrity), I think you will very much enjoy the ship. Especially if you like interacting with the officers, you'll find Azamara in a class by itself. You should try it.

[Kevnzworld]

You could wait to see where they send Sojourn between October 2018 and January 2019. There’s a gap in her schedule that still needs to be filled; somehow she needs to get from Los Angeles early October to Miami early January. Some Hawaii perhaps and a Panama Canal sailing?

 

Yes! I’ve delayed booking something for that reason, and I live in L.A.! Hopefully Tahiti round trip ?

The Azamara cruise I like is Barcelona to Buenos Aires. 43 days.

[debcip]

We have cruised on a number of lines from 6* to 3* although I will admit never Seabourn and see Azamara as a different product. The onboard experience is Boutique Hotel rather than upmarket 5* Hotel, the ambiance is convivial with enough included to make for a relaxed atmosphere.

 

Thank you; this is the perfect description; I never quite know how to describe Azamara to my cruisegoing friends. I am going to lift this description and use it liberally!

[tv24]

I think Floris' assessments are right on target.

 

We have had terrific experiences on both Seabourn and Azamara, will be returning to Seabourn this fall, and would happily return to AZ.

 

Kevin: You seem to be a wine enthusiast. Well the included wines on Seabourn beat AZ's hands-down. Personally, I would find the prospect of constantly bringing wines on board to be stressful.

 

Floris is right about the stateroom comparison, that you have to upgrade to a CC suite on AZ to have comparable space to a standard Verandah on Seabourn, and once you've upgraded to a CC suite, the price differential disappears, depending on the cruise.

 

My strongest recommendation for AZ rests with the folks on board. Like Floris I have found the officers to be super-friendly, visible, charming. Fellow passengers are exceptional in their friendliness. And while we had great connections on Seabourn (and have some ongoing friendships), we did run into a little snobbery.

 

Give AZ a try and see what you think, especially if you find the right itinerary.