Booked my first AZAMARA CRUISE!

[Lois R]

Hi everyone, I have been away for the holiday...…..thanks for all the replies. Back to work today......siggghh……...

 

Anyway, My cruise is in April...…...and no, no blog from me. I don't blog and most times I don't even go on the net when I am on a cruise anymore. 

[lovecruzin]

Hi Lois, You probably went to Bermuda on X on Horizon or Zenith and docked in Hamilton? Thats one other nice thing about Azamara is that you will be in Hamilton vs Kings wharf! 

Have a great time, Journey was our first Azamara ship and we were hooked, but unfortunately our budget keeps us mainly on X.

[Lois R]

I thought I posted a reply......weird!   Yes, I sailed on SUMMIT to Bermuda...…..we docked at the Naval Yard in Kings Wharf. 

So this should be nice...…..I really enjoyed Hamilton.

[Lois R]

On ‎11‎/‎21‎/‎2018 at 12:40 PM, dabear said:

• Hello Lois;  your name rings a bell as we also are frequent cruisers on Celebrity. With that said, We also enjoy cruising on luxury or near luxury smaller ships such as Regent, Oceania and Azamara. The food and service are better and you actually see other pax more than once. There may be less or toned down amenities but that has not bothered us. True that the r class ships have smaller cabins and the annoying shower curtains, but overall we hope that you will enjoy A.

Hi.....is it Sue? We chatted many years ago......hope you are doing well and I am looking forward to trying Azamara!

[dabear]

2 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi.....is it Sue? We chatted many years ago......hope you are doing well and I am looking forward to trying Azamara!

 

 

No it's Michael and DW would be shocked if I went by Sue!

 

[Lois R]

4 minutes ago, dabear said:

 

 

No it's Michael and DW would be shocked if I went by Sue!

 

Oh....I am sorry...….forgive me please!   I have been away and got home late last night.....must be having a Sr moment.

[dabear]

8 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Oh....I am sorry...….forgive me please!   I have been away and got home late last night.....must be having a Sr moment.

 

no problem. Enjoy Azamara.

[Lois R]

Thanks

[Cool Fool]

5 years ago, DW and I gathered our pennies (LOTS of them) and went on our first cruise together (on Regent), calling it the trip of a lifetime. I guess we’re cats (although we’re both allergic) because it was the first of 3 wonderful sails. Now we’re headed to Azamara/ Perry Golf for links golf and the Open Championship. It should be the trip of a lifetime!

 

[Grandma Cruising]

11 minutes ago, Cool Fool said:

5 years ago, DW and I gathered our pennies (LOTS of them) and went on our first cruise together (on Regent), calling it the trip of a lifetime. I guess we’re cats (although we’re both allergic) because it was the first of 3 wonderful sails. Now we’re headed to Azamara/ Perry Golf for links golf and the Open Championship. It should be the trip of a lifetime!

 

Have you seen the sticky thread ‘ Tips for Azamara Newbies’ - lots of useful information.

[Cool Fool]

I’ve seen it and repeatedly referred to it. Very helpful. Thanks!

[crazyman3]

17 hours ago, dabear said:

 

 

No it's Michael and DW would be shocked if I went by Sue!

 

 

Didn't J.Cash perform a song 'A Boy named Sue'?

[Lois R]

36 minutes ago, crazyman3 said:

 

Didn't J.Cash perform a song 'A Boy named Sue'?

Yes, he did LOL

[dabear]

5 hours ago, crazyman3 said:

 

Didn't J.Cash perform a song 'A Boy named Sue'?

 

Look where he is at today!!!

[hiccups]

21 hours ago, Cool Fool said:

5 years ago, DW and I gathered our pennies (LOTS of them) and went on our first cruise together (on Regent), calling it the trip of a lifetime. I guess we’re cats (although we’re both allergic) because it was the first of 3 wonderful sails. Now we’re headed to Azamara/ Perry Golf for links golf and the Open Championship. It should be the trip of a lifetime!

 

 

We did this cruise in 2017 and enjoyed it very much.  My husband decided he wasn't a fan of the links courses, but enjoyed having the chance to play them.  This year we took the Iberian Peninsula PerryGolf cruise, and next year will take one in the Mediterranean.  While the golf option is expensive, my husband is very pleased with PerryGolf.

[Cool Fool]

Hiccups, thanks for the feedback. The fact that you are doing your third Azamara/Perry cruise gives us great hope for a wonderful experience. 

[Lois R]

On ‎11‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 11:41 AM, cruisemom42 said:

Hi Lois, I also am trying out Azamara -- on a short cruise to Cuba leaving on Tuesday!  I'm hoping it will be another 'small ship' option for me and as you know I'm also a solo traveler most of the time. So far I like what I've seen and heard -- love all the overnights and the focus on destinations.

Cynthia, hey...…..how was your cruise?

[cruisemom42]

5 hours ago, Lois R said:

Cynthia, hey...…..how was your cruise?

I enjoyed it. It was just a short cruise and I went with my son (mid-20s) -- I had been slightly worried that it would be too quiet for him but there were a lot of families onboard due to the Thanksgiving holiday and the short cruise, I imagine.

 

The cabin was on the smaller side (I had an ocean view), particularly the bathroom, but similar to what I've had on other small ships. The ship was beautifully decorated throughout with a sort of classic but modern look. It looked like it had been recently updated or refreshed.

 

Getting on and off the ship was a breeze. All the staff and crew we interacted with were very friendly and helpful. I especially enjoyed the MDR -- plenty of seating for two available but also asked if we wanted to share (which I usually do when I travel alone); also there was breathing space around the tables, it wasn't loud, and the wait staff seemed to not be overwhelmed. 

 

Other positives:  I enjoyed having a lecturer onboard (his talks focused on marine life); we both enjoyed the special Cuban singer who was brought onboard for one evening performance; the sailaways were fun; and there was usually good availability of seating both around the pool (in the sun) or on the broad, covered promenade deck (in the shade).

 

We didn't try any specialty restaurants on such a short cruise, especially given that one night was a special Thanksgiving deck party (in lieu of the White Nights party, I think).  The food was good in the MDR but didn't really wow us except for a couple of things. We ate breakfast in the Windows buffet daily and appreciated the ability to have omelets or Eggs Benedict made to order and brought to your table -- plus it never seemed really crowded. Never tried room service and didn't use the casino. The Living Room was a very pleasant place to relax but since the weather was good I was more often wanting to sit in a comfy lounger outside.

 

Cuba was handled well in my opinion, and having a day and a half in Havana was perfect.

 

Our quibbles were few and hardly worth mentioning -- we did wish there was more free in-room entertainment such as greater availability of movies or shows to watch -- they have some recent movies but they aren't free. And my son sometimes was a little annoyed by the fact that most bar staff seemed unable to understand that there is a difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero (for him they are not interchangeable!).  As I said, very small things!

 

I'll definitely consider Azamara for future cruises, given the right itinerary and timing. I hope they will continue to offer some options for solos with reduced single supplement. 

[ptrpanpens]

There usually are not too many cruises with reduced single supplements but there are alot of other specials. Sometimes you can get really good deals by booking at the last minute in a guarantee. Plus be sure to check the quarterly Le Club Voyages which are 10% off. Booking onboard gets a 300 OBC plus a percentage discount depending on what level loyalty you are at. I am aure you know that Celebrity and Azamara numbers for loyalty programs are the same and you earn points on both cruises simultaneously. 

 

I lucked into a great deal for a cruise I booked next April in the Med. i originally had booked an oceanview cabin but asked how much a veranda would cost wih the double upgrade special. I was able to keep my onboard credit and booking discount, plus they had added the itinerary to the Le Club voyage sailings after I originally booked, so I got that too. Bottom line, with the upgrade and because of all the discounts and deals, I actually saved a few dollars on a veranda by rebooking at the current discounts! So always good to monitor closely!

 

With the prices Celebrity is charging on their 2020 cruises, it is actually costing me less per day on Azamara in April but I know this varies by itinerary.

 

I also cruise alone and have found that Azamara is the most welcoming cruise line I have ever been on for solo travelers. The way the tables are setup, even in the buffet area, is very conducive to meeting other people IMO and I met more friendly and interesting people on Azamara than I have ever met on any other line.

 

hope this helps.

 

 

[Lois R]

7 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

I enjoyed it. It was just a short cruise and I went with my son (mid-20s) -- I had been slightly worried that it would be too quiet for him but there were a lot of families onboard due to the Thanksgiving holiday and the short cruise, I imagine.

 

The cabin was on the smaller side (I had an ocean view), particularly the bathroom, but similar to what I've had on other small ships. The ship was beautifully decorated throughout with a sort of classic but modern look. It looked like it had been recently updated or refreshed.

 

Getting on and off the ship was a breeze. All the staff and crew we interacted with were very friendly and helpful. I especially enjoyed the MDR -- plenty of seating for two available but also asked if we wanted to share (which I usually do when I travel alone); also there was breathing space around the tables, it wasn't loud, and the wait staff seemed to not be overwhelmed. 

 

Other positives:  I enjoyed having a lecturer onboard (his talks focused on marine life); we both enjoyed the special Cuban singer who was brought onboard for one evening performance; the sailaways were fun; and there was usually good availability of seating both around the pool (in the sun) or on the broad, covered promenade deck (in the shade).

 

We didn't try any specialty restaurants on such a short cruise, especially given that one night was a special Thanksgiving deck party (in lieu of the White Nights party, I think).  The food was good in the MDR but didn't really wow us except for a couple of things. We ate breakfast in the Windows buffet daily and appreciated the ability to have omelets or Eggs Benedict made to order and brought to your table -- plus it never seemed really crowded. Never tried room service and didn't use the casino. The Living Room was a very pleasant place to relax but since the weather was good I was more often wanting to sit in a comfy lounger outside.

 

Cuba was handled well in my opinion, and having a day and a half in Havana was perfect.

 

Our quibbles were few and hardly worth mentioning -- we did wish there was more free in-room entertainment such as greater availability of movies or shows to watch -- they have some recent movies but they aren't free. And my son sometimes was a little annoyed by the fact that most bar staff seemed unable to understand that there is a difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero (for him they are not interchangeable!).  As I said, very small things!

 

I'll definitely consider Azamara for future cruises, given the right itinerary and timing. I hope they will continue to offer some options for solos with reduced single supplement. 

 

Good morning, thanks for the re-cap sounds like it was a good trip!  Glad you enjoyed yourselves!  Nice to know I will be asked if I want to sit with other folks for dinner and that the service was so good as well.

 

I am still researching hotels in NYC...….omg, there are so many choices LOL...……..

 

[Grandma Cruising]

7 minutes ago, Lois R said:

 

Good morning, thanks for the re-cap sounds like it was a good trip!  Glad you enjoyed yourselves!  Nice to know I will be asked if I want to sit with other folks for dinner and that the service was so good as well.

 

I am still researching hotels in NYC...….omg, there are so many choices LOL...……..

 

You don’t need to wait to be asked. There’s a desk at the entrance to the MDR where you go to be seated - just say you’d like to join a shared table.

[BBMacLaird]

7 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

I enjoyed it. It was just a short cruise and I went with my son (mid-20s) -- I had been slightly worried that it would be too quiet for him but there were a lot of families onboard due to the Thanksgiving holiday and the short cruise, I imagine.

 

The cabin was on the smaller side (I had an ocean view), particularly the bathroom, but similar to what I've had on other small ships. The ship was beautifully decorated throughout with a sort of classic but modern look. It looked like it had been recently updated or refreshed.

 

Getting on and off the ship was a breeze. All the staff and crew we interacted with were very friendly and helpful. I especially enjoyed the MDR -- plenty of seating for two available but also asked if we wanted to share (which I usually do when I travel alone); also there was breathing space around the tables, it wasn't loud, and the wait staff seemed to not be overwhelmed. 

 

Other positives:  I enjoyed having a lecturer onboard (his talks focused on marine life); we both enjoyed the special Cuban singer who was brought onboard for one evening performance; the sailaways were fun; and there was usually good availability of seating both around the pool (in the sun) or on the broad, covered promenade deck (in the shade).

 

We didn't try any specialty restaurants on such a short cruise, especially given that one night was a special Thanksgiving deck party (in lieu of the White Nights party, I think).  The food was good in the MDR but didn't really wow us except for a couple of things. We ate breakfast in the Windows buffet daily and appreciated the ability to have omelets or Eggs Benedict made to order and brought to your table -- plus it never seemed really crowded. Never tried room service and didn't use the casino. The Living Room was a very pleasant place to relax but since the weather was good I was more often wanting to sit in a comfy lounger outside.

 

Cuba was handled well in my opinion, and having a day and a half in Havana was perfect.

 

Our quibbles were few and hardly worth mentioning -- we did wish there was more free in-room entertainment such as greater availability of movies or shows to watch -- they have some recent movies but they aren't free. And my son sometimes was a little annoyed by the fact that most bar staff seemed unable to understand that there is a difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero (for him they are not interchangeable!).  As I said, very small things!

 

I'll definitely consider Azamara for future cruises, given the right itinerary and timing. I hope they will continue to offer some options for solos with reduced single supplement. 

 

I’m so glad you and your son enjoyed your first cruise with us. Thanks so much for choosing Azamara!

And thank you for your great comments here. If you haven’t done so, there’s a place on CC to post this review for the Journey. It’s under Write A Review. 

[cruisemom42]

5 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

 

I’m so glad you and your son enjoyed your first cruise with us. Thanks so much for choosing Azamara!

And thank you for your great comments here. If you haven’t done so, there’s a place on CC to post this review for the Journey. It’s under Write A Review. 

 

Thanks Bonnie -- I plan to submit a review this weekend when I have a little time.   

[Lois R]

I booked my hotel AND I got my ticket for Broadway staying at The Beekman and going to see "BEAUTIFUL".....cannot wait as I LOVE Carole King....should be a fun evening

[Cyber Kat]

Hello!

We are on this cruise also!  Here is a link to the roll call - hoping to have a few people to enjoy chatting with!  We've been sailing with Viking lately but we were looking for something in the spring that we didn't have to fly to!  This cruise popped up in my search and I loved it!  Small ship sailing from NYC, couple of sea days, a new port - Charleston, a favorite destination - Bermuda (and docking in Hamilton!) - what's not to like!  I called my TA and said, sign us up!

Now she has gotten us $500 OBC AND I just found out that the Azamazing Evening is a USO show on the USS Yorktown - how cool is that! 

Here's the link to the roll call!