Azamara Club Cruises was top notch! High marks for staff friendliness, cleanliness, efficiency onboard, service, Captain (from Norway), and entertainment.
Having sailed on Oceania, Regent, and Crystal, I was not sure what to expect because each cruise line develops its own atmosphere, culture and clientele. Cruise guests ranged from aged 25 and on their honeymoon, to those in their 90’s, active, mobile, definitely interesting and highly educated! The service and staff on this ship was evident from the moment we arrived at the port. We were swiftly assisted with our luggage and immediately checked in and boarded without any delay.
Once on board, our cabin was ready, the ship was clean, organized, activities were already ongoing and food service had begun. Our luggage arrived promptly even though the cabin assignment had changed. Our attendants were present and available for anything we needed. I could talk about each area of the ship in great detail, but part of the fun of the voyage was discovering the rooms, lounges, library, bars, coffee shops and decks. There were beautiful chaise lounges with towels or blankets depending on your preference and it was fun walking around, having your favorite drink or eating and visiting the many welcoming areas. Though the cabin was a little tight in the bathroom and closet area, it did not lack storage space and comfort. The beds were terrific, the furnishings modern and new. Some of the special features included two hair dryers, one in the bathroom and one at the vanity for convenience, well sized bathroom amenities, robes and slippers, a large table on the balcony for lazy breakfasts, or a drink and appetizer available in the evenings. The mini bar could be stocked with your favorite sodas or beers, and bottled water was always available with a new one on your bedside every night!
With a port intensive sailing it was a shame to not have more time to enjoy the cabin but everyone talked favorably of the service and the staff. By special mention, I want to say that the buffet which provided three meals a day was by far the nicest I have had on any ship! The selection was always fresh, unique, tasty, well presented, and in some cases nicer than the dining room. There were indoor and outdoor areas to eat and it was always quiet, pleasant and the service was excellent. Activities during the day included the many excursions as well as lots of on board activities. Since many passengers were repeat guests and had already visited some of the ports, they took advantage of the full service spa, hair and nail salon and thallasotherapy pool which was open all day.
Guests were in and out taking advantage of the special private deck and outdoor hot tub only available to spa or suite guests, and those who pay a daily fee, so it was never crowded. The suites offer many extra benefits including ‘no charge’ to dine at the two alternate dining options of Prime C, a terrific steakhouse or Aqualina, for Italian cuisine. They can also use the spa with sauna and pool etc. at any time. Another one of their highlights is when they are treated to a ‘Best of the Best’ private dinner with the Captain in the library (the Drawing Room). Speaking of the Captain, a Norwegian, who lives with his family in the U.S. He was the friendliest, funniest and most approachable Captain I have ever sailed with. The two of us were eating a buffet lunch on the third day when he just asked if he could join our table! His rapport with the cruise director, Eric, was particularly entertaining and there were no boring PA announcements like on most ships. When the Captain spoke, the entire ship stopped and listened. One day when we had to change course to avoid bad weather, he joked that we were off course and he didn’t actually know where we were but he could see ‘land in the distance’. He took a tough situation of having to cancel a port at the last minute because of weather, and kept the passengers informed and entertained. His staff quickly and efficiently rearranged all the shore excursion buses, activities etc. in a matter of hours.
Nightly entertainment was different every night for 10 nights with several locations every evening to listen to talented musicians. The exclusive AzAmazing evening was a special treat, again, well organized and a real treat! The singers and dancers were top notch, with two being international ballroom dancing champions, an absolute joy to watch! This was an outstanding port intensive sailing and it was an absolute pleasure to be on board. Azamara Club Cruises should be recommended to any cruiser, young or old, whether a first time cruiser or a repeat passenger!
Pamela Paterson | VACATION SPECIALIST
Direct 760.479.4330 | Main 760.479.0022
Toll-Free 800.683.1556 | Fax 760.479.1743
1084 N El Camino Real, Suite C | Encinitas, CA 92024
Tags: Azamara Club Cruises, Azamara Journey, Cruise, Cuisine, Europe cruise, Food, Food and wine, honeymoon, Luxury
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