The Best Kept Secret at Sea: Azamara Club Cruises

I was fortunate to take my first Azamara Club Cruise recently. I sailed on Tahitian Princess/Ocean Princess, and really liked the intimate size (the Azamara ships are identical as they were all purchased from Renaissance).

Having just sailed on Silversea Cruise Line this past fall, I had my own ideas of a luxury cruise. I would like to pass on my personal views on the Azamara cruise.

In both cases we had a butler, but the experiences were quite different. With Silversea, the service while very efficient, felt a bit formal and scripted. There was a definite sense of ‘I am here to serve you’. So while I cannot fault anything he did, it was not what I would call personable.

With Azamara, the first difference I noticed is the GENUINE nature of the service. It is sincere, personal and congenial. From every staff and crew member, they make you feel welcome and seem so happy to be there. In fact, after speaking with many of them, that’s exactly how they feel. Most employees came from Celebrity Cruise Line.

The other observation I had is passenger demographic. The average passenger seemed to be the type who worked (or still work) hard for their money, like to spend it on pampering themselves, but don’t want to flaunt it. Everyone is approachable and friendly. Very casual dress onboard; I can count on one hand the number of jackets I saw (my husband was one of them).

The food is top notch. Even the dining room is excellent ~ the hint that it was going to be good was that they served French Onion Soup the first night of the cruise! That could have been the kiss of death. But everything was hot, fresh and so well-presented. And they didn’t blink an eye at requests for substitutions. Even the afternoon buffet is varied, fresh and tasty. Room service has a very extensive menu (available 24 hours) at no charge.

Azamara has 2 specialty restaurants, Prime C (an excellent steakhouse) and Aqualina (a Continental/Italian restaurant) that were excellent. Suite guests can book these at no charge all week.

 

The amenities for suite guests are amazing. Among other things:

  • personal butler plus a cabin steward and assistant
  • set-up of premium whiskey, gin, rum and vodka
  • mini-fridge stocked with your favorite sodas, waters, and mixers
  • Complimentary specialty restaurant dining
  • Afternoon savories served around 4-5PM daily (shrimp and canapés)
  • Invitation to a Best of the Best dinner hosted by the Captain, and was it ever!
  • Priority embark/debark
  • Complimentary use of the thalasso pool area ~ the best place on the ship!

 

Bottom line: I would put Azamara Cruise Line side-by-side with any other luxury line in terms of food, service and onboard entertainment.  Gratuities are included, as well as boutique wines with lunch and dinner (nice wine!). Granted they do not have the suite accommodations in standard categories as many luxury lines do, but they are MUCH LESS expensive than a luxury cruise. By the way, their Le Club Voyage loyalty program has great value as well- lots of benefits starting from the first cruise.

What will differentiate Azamara from others is the extended stays and night touring. No one else offers that, and I think it will be amazing to have illumination tours, evening excursions, and night-time options in port! They are adding new ones all the time.

We sailed from Barbados to Miami, hitting the Grenadines, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Virgin Gorda and St. Martin (French side).

 

Cheryl Oddo for Carefree Vacations

 

Ready to book your Azamara Cruise? Request a quote or call 1.800.CONFIRM (266.3476)

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