Summary of 31 October sailing - a professional opinion

[Cruisers1975]

Summary

 

 

As we look back now to make only a few basic summary comments, we can say

• While service levels began inconsistently, the improved consistently, and were universally attended by staff who were completely dedicated to making everything perfect, to the point of loaning you their own shaving cream if that’s what it takes.
  
• Food in the specialty restaurants was always a culinary triumph. The buffet was consistently good. The main Discoveries Restaurant, however, was always a gamble, a gamble much like the casino that you were more often to lose. I’d be tempted to budget another $20-$25 a day and eat every meal in Aqualina or Prime C over the next few cruises, although the menu there was not as broad. On the other hand, there were no limits to the number of entrees or sides that you could order in Discoveries; perhaps you should just take your chances and reject anything that is not tasty, ordering a replacement as you do. There are some excellent discoveries in Discoveries. Unfortunately, you just can’t rely on recommendations: no one has tasted it before you. I am sure this will get better.
  
• The basic stateroom with verandah is lovely. A bit small by some standards (Azamara’s are 215 square feet including verandah, the same size as Celebrity; Crystal is 269 square feet with verandah). It is efficiently designed with a nice desk area, but lacks a chair (an ottoman suffices), and the tiny table in the room is too small to use for meals. King size bed (or two twins) is quite firm, and bedecked with top quality linens. It looks great.
  
• The ship itself is incredibly beautiful and perfectly scaled. Plenty of quiet areas, gentle classical music adding to the ambience, small pool but adequate for the passenger load (694 max at double occupancy).
  
• Crew exceptionally talented and dedicated, approachable and resolved to answer any problem or question without delay or argument. Proactive, in fact, rather than reactive.
  
• Entertainment first rate and very varied, with one-night headliners to augment the regular ensemble. Plus pianist, and harpist, and guitar, and poolside band. Plenty of live entertainment. Cruise director and hotel director was the best we’ve ever experienced.
  
• Would we go back? In a flash!

[Jancruz]

Good to hear, I am delighted as I do believe Azamara will continue to improve!!

Jan

*****

[Jazmyn]

Thanks for the update, and your wonderful posts. Take care and have a lovely Thanksgiving!

[Andy]

Hi Cruisers !

 

Thanks for your synopsis, and your updates from Quest. I totally agree with your comments.

[Coco Creek]

Cannot wait to sail with Azamara. Everything about it from the smaller number of passengers, to the relaxed atmopshere and casual dining. to the intineraries, to the smoking policy, says Azamara is for me.

[Napi's Mom]

Your posts were a high spot for me (After the first one that must have shown your frustration at the whole trip to Tampa, bad 1st day period) Balanced, pros & cons, (I had guessed that it WAS a professional report , I don't expect that the Capt. will know what cabin I"M in!!) and gave me a much more relaxed anticipation for our 12/8 Canal cruise. I would say "Happy Thanksgiving," but I know you've already had yours onboard the ship. I did guess wrong in that I'd guessed English not Canadian (Nobody else cares so dearly about Afternoon Teas', or even knows about a "proper " one) Thanks for all the information, and the laughs along the way:D