Azamara Quest Youtube Review, Good but some pretty awful!!

[nordski]

3 hours ago, uktog said:

Whilst we enjoyed the view from our aft cabin we did experience a lot of vibration on Pursuit especially when it was running at higher speeds through the night against a strong current. I guess there’s lots of factors come into play - speed current wind direction wave height so no two cruises are necessarily the same. 
We won’t do aft verandah again, so that frees it up for others!

We had the same experience on Pursuit when it was travelling the longer distances of an itinerary.from Venice to Rome.

Although it was a limited problem, like you we will forgo the rear verandahs on that ship.

[oddjob16]

On 1/21/2023 at 9:48 PM, Hammer61 said:

Apparently, these environmental restrictions were introduced in 2018 and applies to ALL shipping, not just cruise ships.

 

HAL, Princess, RCI etc all seem to have observed the requirements and been cruising NZ as nornal, on the whole its the high end brands being caught out and having to change routes and ports AND get the hull cleaned. 

 

Azamara on the current cruise have changed the cruise to having an extra day in port in Auckland, the departure port! And added Hobart into the schedule, but when Milford Sound is maybe the highlight of any NZ cruise i dont blame those on this cruise for being a bit fed up or disappointed especially when this could have been avoided, Just read through the roll calls for the 2 NZ cruises affected.........

 

The cruise ships operating in Oceania are sailing normal routes and ports as they have had better time to comply with environmental restrictions. Ovation of the seas are one of them. Azamara, Regent, Viking and many others have been thrown curveballs by the Australian and Kiwi governments for the last four months as they have been given new interpretations of the rules many times. Some of the ships have done their hull cleaning as usual and sent documentation to the authorities, - only now to be told they have done it wrong or not at authorized companies,- and often with short time frames to be able to comply. 
I refuse to believe that a number of serious cruise companies are deliberately trying to make things awkward for their own customers.

The environmental authorities must take som of the blame.

Edited January 23, 2023 by oddjob16

[Hammer61]

13 minutes ago, oddjob16 said:

The cruise ships operating in Oceania are sailing normal routes and ports as they have had better time to comply with environmental restrictions. Ovation of the seas are one of them

Ovation arrived from Alaska on 29th October, we got off in Sydney! It then departed around NZ fully compliant with Hull cleaning etc, HAL arrived about the same time, Princess are the only one who have been here more than a few months..........All seemed to have complied and over the past 4 months you would have thought they would have got the same interpretations from Aus and NZ authority's?

 

21 minutes ago, oddjob16 said:

only now to be told they have done it wrong or not at authorized companies

Maybe they should have read the detail and got the cleaning done by the authorised specialist as it appears RCI and HAL did, its like getting the COVID test for cruise last year, we had to get our supervised online test using only FDA approved test kits, not just ones we had with us?

 

26 minutes ago, oddjob16 said:

I refuse to believe that a number of serious cruise companies are deliberately trying to make things awkward for their own customers.

No one has said that and i doubt anyone would believe or think any of these cruise company's deliberately did the wrong thing or didn't bother with the cleaning, but i do think they perhaps didn't do due diligence and check the detail, this requirement isn't just for cruise ships either it applies to all shipping. 

 

If you agree or not, but from what i can see Azamara, Viking and Regent are complacent and accountable for not following the rules, agree there may have been confusion but they should have clarified if unsure? Putting the blame all on the NZ and Australian authorities is an easy option and as far as i know none of the company's have.  

 

[oddjob16]

26 minutes ago, Hammer61 said:

Ovation arrived from Alaska on 29th October, we got off in Sydney! It then departed around NZ fully compliant with Hull cleaning etc, HAL arrived about the same time, Princess are the only one who have been here more than a few months..........All seemed to have complied and over the past 4 months you would have thought they would have got the same interpretations from Aus and NZ authority's?

 

If you agree or not, but from what i can see Azamara, Viking and Regent are complacent and accountable for not following the rules, agree there may have been confusion but they should have clarified if unsure? Putting the blame all on the NZ and Australian authorities is an easy option and as far as i know none of the company's have.  

 

Well, Ovation usually alternates between Seattle and Sydney, but calls Sydney its home port. My intent was to point out that when so many companies are thrown off as non-compliant this season, something is not right. Viking Orion had two days of cleaning in Bangkok and two days in Benoa before two more days after arriving. They still weren’t cleared. 

Edited January 23, 2023 by oddjob16

[alfredo1]

I know that this thread has gone off subject to an extent, however the report highlights an issue that Azamara really has to address where it refers to the lack of any dress code. Over the years we have been cruising with Azamara the dress of passengers onboard has changed from "country club casual" to almost "Gardeners World" and there seems to be no management of any standard during the evening in Discoveries Restaurant and the speciality venues. This was particularly apparent on our last cruise on Pursuit where there seemed to be many passengers who made no effort and one group in particular who frequented the speciality restaurants dressed in shorts and T shirts  in none too clean condition. The casual environment on Azamara is very comfortable and a million miles from the stuffy and strict codes of the past, and in some cases current, but it is nice to make an effort during the evenings when it creates a pleasant environment for all. In the main the immediate competitors to Azamara such as Oceania and Seabourn manage this better, and it is generally disrespectful to the staff who are all immaculate and clean whilst serving, and if allowed to continue will lead to a decline in the public perception of Azamara standards.

[Mackdogmolly]

10 minutes ago, alfredo1 said:

I know that this thread has gone off subject to an extent, however the report highlights an issue that Azamara really has to address where it refers to the lack of any dress code. Over the years we have been cruising with Azamara the dress of passengers onboard has changed from "country club casual" to almost "Gardeners World" and there seems to be no management of any standard during the evening in Discoveries Restaurant and the speciality venues. This was particularly apparent on our last cruise on Pursuit where there seemed to be many passengers who made no effort and one group in particular who frequented the speciality restaurants dressed in shorts and T shirts  in none too clean condition. The casual environment on Azamara is very comfortable and a million miles from the stuffy and strict codes of the past, and in some cases current, but it is nice to make an effort during the evenings when it creates a pleasant environment for all. In the main the immediate competitors to Azamara such as Oceania and Seabourn manage this better, and it is generally disrespectful to the staff who are all immaculate and clean whilst serving, and if allowed to continue will lead to a decline in the public perception of Azamara standards.

On my cruise last summer (Quest), someone in our party was not admitted into Discoveries until he changed into long pants 

[aliaschief]

On our January 5 Onward cruise we witnessed six guest on first night not allowed in Discoveries because they were wearing shorts. Most appeared clueless that there was a dress code.

[marinaro44]

16 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

On our January 5 Onward cruise we witnessed six guest on first night not allowed in Discoveries because they were wearing shorts. Most appeared clueless that there was a dress code.

Same on our two December cruises on Onward.

[lisiamc]

50 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

On our January 5 Onward cruise we witnessed six guest on first night not allowed in Discoveries because they were wearing shorts. Most appeared clueless that there was a dress code.

On the Christmas Onward cruise, there was quite a large sign outside of Discoveries about shorts, flip flops,torn jeans etc. It astonishes me how people can still manage to be unaware that they’re not dressed properly. 

[aliaschief]

20 minutes ago, lisiamc said:

On the Christmas Onward cruise, there was quite a large sign outside of Discoveries about shorts, flip flops,torn jeans etc. It astonishes me how people can still manage to be unaware that they’re not dressed properly. 

In defense of the folks the line to enter Discovery was long enough that folks ahead were blocking view of the sign stating dress code restrictions. I even mentioned to one person, who was in shorts, that they were turning folks away in shorts. The guest  thanked me and raced back to cabin to change. Think there were quite a few new cruisers onboard.

[scotsahoy]

We were on same cruise and heard of that incident. When we attended a brunch in Discoveries hubby did wonder if he could wear shorts, but decided to be safe and wear long trousers. Many turned up in shorts and it was fine at that time of day. Everyone was smartly dressed in the evenings. 

[uktog]

15 hours ago, aliaschief said:

On our January 5 Onward cruise we witnessed six guest on first night not allowed in Discoveries because they were wearing shorts. Most appeared clueless that there was a dress code.

usually they do not enforce the code on the first night (sometimes people have not had access to their cases and in the worst case may have luggage missing) but they usually have a quiet word with "offenders" to clarify the position for other nights.  

I am always surprised when people are clueless about the code - or are travel agents just focussing on selling the cruise not explaining the whole experience and even if it is the former, dont people know to do their homework?

[Mackdogmolly]

3 hours ago, scotsahoy said:

We were on same cruise and heard of that incident. When we attended a brunch in Discoveries hubby did wonder if he could wear shorts, but decided to be safe and wear long trousers. Many turned up in shorts and it was fine at that time of day. Everyone was smartly dressed in the evenings. 

It’s fine to wear shorts during the day in Discoveries. 

[Baynanno1]

If I had responded negatively to the stressful pre-departure problem encountered on our first Azamara cruise, we would not be about to embark on our 31st.

 

Problem solver Ryszard - within 5 minutes of becoming aware of what had gone on all afternoon as Guest Relations batted back and forth with luggage handlers.

 

At that stage I had no idea who he was, but soon became aware and have enjoyed many of our cruises with him as HD.

[Lookyboy]

Where is this cafe on Azamara?

[Grandma Cruising]

8 hours ago, Lookyboy said:

Where is this cafe on Azamara?

Not sure what you are referring to. Eating areas on Azamara are Discoveries main dining room, deck 5 aft, Windows buffet, deck 9 aft (includes sunset veranda seating area (and bar on Journey & Quest)). Patio just outside Windows on Deck 9. The two speciality restaurants are Prime C & Aqualina, deck 10 aft. Then there’s Mosaic cafe on Deck 5 just near the aft elevators which serves hot drinks and a variety of snacks throughout the day, and afternoon tea & early evening tapas in the Living Room on deck 10 forward.

[HalifaxYorksCruiser]

The first VLOG episode of Paul and Carole’s Love to Travel journey on Quest is due to be released on YT tonight at 6pm. According to their Live Chat AZ have contacted them in an attempt to resolve their complaints.

[Hammer61]

26 minutes ago, HalifaxYorksCruiser said:

According to their Live Chat AZ have contacted them in an attempt to resolve their complaints.

And from what they said, Azamara agreed the issues raised were unacceptable and the complaints raised are true and they will be addressing the issues raised, Paul and Carol also said the food and service they had on the Quest is amongst the best they have ever had (well maybe not GR!!) and happy with the way Azamara are handling things. 

 

That to me is a big positive for Azamara, admitting things were done badly and now working to fix them.

Edited January 27, 2023 by Hammer61

[uktog]

It also shows that those who doubted the veracity of the claims were being a little unfair on the couple. 

[HalifaxYorksCruiser]

13 minutes ago, uktog said:

It also shows that those who doubted the veracity of the claims were being a little unfair on the couple. 

I have watched over the last couple of years most of Paul and Carole’s vlogs and the couple come across as very genuine and honest in their cruise experiences.

[rubyclaret]

9 hours ago, HalifaxYorksCruiser said:

I have watched over the last couple of years most of Paul and Carole’s vlogs and the couple come across as very genuine and honest in their cruise experiences.

We too watch with great interest Paul and Carole 's vlogs, they give good honest opinions of the cruises they are on. If there is a particular problem on Azamara, well good on them for highlighting it. 

[aliaschief]

They had a new blog out that was originally a live broadcast that they stated they had been called by Director Of Guest Relations at Azamara’s Florida Headquarters about their onboard experience. Though they didn’t state what the final results of the Directors questioning and response was, they were very satisfied and pleased with Hdqs. handling of the issue. They stated they would discuss more in future vlogs.as it’s finalized.

[Lookyboy]

On 1/26/2023 at 7:38 AM, Grandma Cruising said:

Not sure what you are referring to. Eating areas on Azamara are Discoveries main dining room, deck 5 aft, Windows buffet, deck 9 aft (includes sunset veranda seating area (and bar on Journey & Quest)). Patio just outside Windows on Deck 9. The two speciality restaurants are Prime C & Aqualina, deck 10 aft. Then there’s Mosaic cafe on Deck 5 just near the aft elevators which serves hot drinks and a variety of snacks throughout the day, and afternoon tea & early evening tapas in the Living Room on deck 10 forward.

Sorry, Denise - I have gone right back and read the whole thread.....I think someone was referring to a cafe on a Celebrity ship, and I missed that link initially. Thanks for answering.

[mumcat]

On 1/23/2023 at 10:29 PM, alfredo1 said:

I know that this thread has gone off subject to an extent, however the report highlights an issue that Azamara really has to address where it refers to the lack of any dress code. Over the years we have been cruising with Azamara the dress of passengers onboard has changed from "country club casual" to almost "Gardeners World" and there seems to be no management of any standard during the evening in Discoveries Restaurant and the speciality venues. This was particularly apparent on our last cruise on Pursuit where there seemed to be many passengers who made no effort and one group in particular who frequented the speciality restaurants dressed in shorts and T shirts  in none too clean condition. The casual environment on Azamara is very comfortable and a million miles from the stuffy and strict codes of the past, and in some cases current, but it is nice to make an effort during the evenings when it creates a pleasant environment for all. In the main the immediate competitors to Azamara such as Oceania and Seabourn manage this better, and it is generally disrespectful to the staff who are all immaculate and clean whilst serving, and if allowed to continue will lead to a decline in the public perception of Azamara standards.

We were on Oceania Sirena last month and I was really disappointed with the proliferation of passengers wearing 'Gardener's World' attire in the evenings. In fact they were more 'supermarket shopping' appropriate. 

 

[vtgumby]

12 hours ago, mumcat said:

We were on Oceania Sirena last month and I was really disappointed with the proliferation of passengers wearing 'Gardener's World' attire in the evenings. In fact they were more 'supermarket shopping' appropriate. 

 

AGREED! It’s disheartening to dress nicely for dinner and see people in their swampy clothes, certainly men have a button up shirt somewhere in their closet and if they don’t they should perhaps purchase one.Your trucker hat isn’t suitable for ANY cruise line DR. Stick with the buffet if you don’t feel like putting on decent attire…and flip flops, no one wants to see your icky feet at dinner.

Azamara used to be an upscale line and Oceania definitely is and let me throw Windstar in there also, somehow cruising has become a low class affair.