Should a Seabourn guy try Azamara?

[EngSet]

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.

 

Thanks, MNgardens for sharing that thought re: the price of the fares under the current promotion. We have been leaning towards Azamara for a trip next year; but, I missed the last Book and Save promo for a particular sailing. When looking at the current promo, the fares are significantly higher and we just don't need some of the items offered with this fare. I was concerned about waiting, though, for I didn't know if the fares would be even higher after this promo ends. (I think it ends at the end of August.) It would be nice if Azamara always offered a "Cruise Only" fare while other promos are in place. Would make me book much sooner. Would be nice to have that option.

 

Thanks again, -EngSet

[marycruz]

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

 

We have been on Azamara several times but never on Seabourn which I would like to try. The deal breaker for us is the dinner times. Did you find that all dinner venues start at 7:30 PM?

[Azamarajunkie]

We have been on Azamara several times but never on Seabourn which I would like to try. The deal breaker for us is the dinner times. Did you find that all dinner venues start at 7:30 PM?

 

No, on our recent Odyssey cruise, the MDR always opened at 7pm, which I know is later than AZ, but we didn’t find it inconvenient, just gave us a bit longer to enjoy our cocktails in The Club.

[marycruz]

No, on our recent Odyssey cruise, the MDR always opened at 7pm, which I know is later than AZ, but we didn’t find it inconvenient, just gave us a bit longer to enjoy our cocktails in The Club.

 

Thanks. That's a bit better.

[florisdekort]

We have been on Azamara several times but never on Seabourn which I would like to try. The deal breaker for us is the dinner times. Did you find that all dinner venues start at 7:30 PM?

 

 

On our recent Seabourn cruise Thomas Keller was 6 pm, the Restaurant (main dining room) 6:45 pm, the Colonnade (buffet, with table service during dinner times and a stunning outdoor deck) 7 pm and the Patio also 7 pm.

[marycruz]

On our recent Seabourn cruise Thomas Keller was 6 pm, the Restaurant (main dining room) 6:45 pm, the Colonnade (buffet, with table service during dinner times and a stunning outdoor deck) 7 pm and the Patio also 7 pm.

 

Thanks. I suspect the times may be different depending on which ship one is on. Which ship were you on?

[florisdekort]

Thanks. I suspect the times may be different depending on which ship one is on. Which ship were you on?

 

 

Yes it tends to change a little bit based on the region the ship is sailing in. This was Sojourn and Ovation.

[drsel]

Yes, of course! Variety is the spice of life!

[marycruz]

Yes it tends to change a little bit based on the region the ship is sailing in. This was Sojourn and Ovation.

 

Thanks! I'm going to go look for a Seabourn cruise now.