Celebrity versus Azamara

[excitedofharpenden]

And I really dislike the fawning over Celebrity suite guests and then going out around the ship and receive ho hum service elsewhere. It does bring it into sharper focus. 

 

Phil 

[laurieb]

One more thing that we really appreciate, and I don't think it's been mentioned, is that Azamara doesn't have any formal nights; attire is Country club Casual! 

[Dylandude]

1 hour ago, laurieb said:

One more thing that we really appreciate, and I don't think it's been mentioned, is that Azamara doesn't have any formal nights; attire is Country club Casual! 

I think Celebrity have dropped formal nights as well.

If I’m  wrong someone will correct me. I haven’t cruised with them in five years.

[uktog]

10 hours ago, Dylandude said:

I think Celebrity have dropped formal nights as well.

If I’m  wrong someone will correct me. I haven’t cruised with them in five years.

No you are correct, that distinction is no longer relevant 

[GlobalMethod]

On 7/9/2020 at 9:12 PM, tgg said:

 

I did Google Azamara the Movie.  What fun to see Ryszard, Ngawhira, and Captain Carl again.  The movie really does explain what sets Azamara apart.

 

 But I think that Russ Grieve (the Cruise Director) is sorely missed. We were always so happy to sail with him. 

Russ Grieve is tremendously missed! Unfortunately he went to a competitor!

[GlobalMethod]

On 7/16/2020 at 12:51 PM, nordski said:

I agree, and we also prefer the less formal service.

 

In fact, when in a suite we usually eat in the MDR.

Yes ... we do not like a stuffy and formal atmosphere for service ... we can always find someone in the MDR who is fun and has personality!

[excitedofharpenden]

11 hours ago, Dylandude said:

I think Celebrity have dropped formal nights as well.

If I’m  wrong someone will correct me. I haven’t cruised with them in five years.

Now it's clear as mud. Elegant chic whatever that means, but in the Specialties you can wear smart casual. In the main dining room you can dress up, but if you go to the show after or other venues you'll see all sorts. Azamara nice and simple, but you may get very casual in the show lounge and bars too. But it is generally much less of a mish mash. 

.

Phil 

[Covepointcruiser]

We had most folks at least wearing a jacket in the two specialty restaurants on our last two cruises, one to Cuba and one transatlantic.    I would say the passengers on Azamara dress quite a bit better than those on Celebrity.   I also didn’t see any designer (ripped) jeans, overhauls, muscle shirts, shorts or tee shirts in the evening.   We only ate in the Specialty restaurants so I can’t speak for the MDR or Lido.   We loved the friendly atmosphere on Azamara and the way everyone was treated.     We were also glad to have the self service laundries.

[Grandma Cruising]

I agree, generally Azamara cruisers dress pretty smartly in the evenings, including in Discoveries MDR. The only exception we had to that was on a cruise in Costa Rica, where we noticed that some people tended to dress more casually for dinner. We decided that may have been because they had done long excursions during the day, getting back to the ship latish. Never seen a muscle T-shirt in there and shorts and ripped jeans are not allowed. 

[Doubt It]

On 7/17/2020 at 3:00 AM, excitedofharpenden said:

And I really dislike the fawning over Celebrity suite guests and then going out around the ship and receive ho hum service elsewhere. It does bring it into sharper focus. 

 

Phil 

 

Phil, totally agree. One of the main reasons we boycott all things Celebrity, a big thing since we sailed them from 2001.

It is not about the $ because we can afford a Celebrity suite - it is the fawning that we will not tolerate.

[SEA DOGY]

12 hours ago, Doubt It said:

 

Phil, totally agree. One of the main reasons we boycott all things Celebrity, a big thing since we sailed them from 2001.

It is not about the $ because we can afford a Celebrity suite - it is the fawning that we will not tolerate.

I’m noticing there’s some folks around here (Azamara passengers ) that don’t like  suite  class passengers coming from  Celebrity    For this reason I’m canceling my cruise with Azamara 

I’m staying with X at least they still have the Retreat Longe and formal nights 

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, SEA DOGY said:

I’m noticing there’s some folks around here (Azamara passengers ) that don’t like  suite  class passengers coming from  Celebrity    For this reason I’m canceling my cruise with Azamara 

I’m staying with X at least they still have the Retreat Longe and formal nights 

 

If you would be unhappy on Azamara whenever it isn't like Celebrity, that is the right choice.  And if you like formal nights, you will never find them on Azamara [maybe try Silversea].  But I really don't understand why you would want a Retreat Lounge on Azamara:  with under 700 passengers on the entire ship, who are you trying to avoid?  But if you want to feel special, book a CO or CW suite and you will be escorted by your Butler to the 'Best of the Best' special dinner with the Captain and senior officers in the Library – that's the one elite event, and with only 20 passengers invited it is far more special than anything on Celebrity.

[excitedofharpenden]

18 hours ago, SEA DOGY said:

I’m noticing there’s some folks around here (Azamara passengers ) that don’t like  suite  class passengers coming from  Celebrity    For this reason I’m canceling my cruise with Azamara 

I’m staying with X at least they still have the Retreat Longe and formal nights 

Sorry, but that has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've read on this board recently You cancel a cruise because of some anonymous posters on a message board?  No formal nights on Celebrity any longer. It's Elegant Chic. Whatever that might mean.  And it isn't enforced in all the dining venues. 

 

There are some lovely people that go to the Retreat Lounge. There are also some look at me folk who think of it as a very exclusive private club. 

 

Phil 

Edited July 23, 2020 by excitedofharpenden

[Grandma Cruising]

On 7/23/2020 at 1:52 AM, SEA DOGY said:

I’m noticing there’s some folks around here (Azamara passengers ) that don’t like  suite  class passengers coming from  Celebrity    For this reason I’m canceling my cruise with Azamara 

I’m staying with X at least they still have the Retreat Longe and formal nights 

There really is no need for a separate lounge on Azamara. There’s plenty of room in all the venues, the service is excellent throughout the ship with crew members remembering your name and drink choices, drinks are included and passengers are lovely, even when they’re not in a suite!

[Redtravel]

Azamara is not crowded like Celebrity. On Azamara everything is more personal. Azamara cabins are small, but nicely appointed. Shower is tiny.  Celebrity cabins are more spacious especially the bathroom. Celebrity has glitz, casinos, and more activities.  Azamara has no casino. Food is ok on both. Perhaps, a bit better in Azamara.  Azamara has better service. They both do a good cruise.  I prefer a smaller ship with fewer people. I like quiet places where I can watch the sea or read a book. Azamara fares are higher and includes more in the fare like tips and drinks.  Lots of good features on both lines.