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Newsletter Archive
November 3, 2007
Azamara Quest Review
It’s the little things which make all the difference.
Which stand out in your mind and turn an ordinary ship into an
extraordinary experience. Things like indulgent towels, unexpected offerings on a
buffet, thick pads on teak loungers and attentive, personal service.
All these and more were part of what I enjoyed aboard Azamara Quest
inaugural October 22 from Miami. Yes,
this beautiful ship only accommodates 694 passengers, but beyond the intimacy
these smaller ships provide, it’s the attention to detail which has earned
this new Deluxe line my respect and recommendation.
You’ll immediately be able to tell that this line is
related to Celebrity, but from the moment you step onboard, there are subtle
differences which put it a step above, firmly in the “Deluxe” category
instead of Celebrity’s “Premium.” The
first aspect you’ll notice is that the champagne on embarkation isn’t just a
glass of champagne – it’s been upgraded and there’s a lovely piece of
fruit in it. No, that’s not
enough to change lines or command the higher pricing, but we’re just getting
started here and it’s an indication of things to come.
When you arrive in your cabin, you’ll notice similar
details, especially if you’ve sailed in Concierge Class or above on Celebrity
recently. One of my few
disappointments in this ship is they’re using the same, albeit good but not
great, bedding as they’ve recently added to their upper Celebrity cabins.
The pillows seemed a different quality, and there are custom Azamara
accent pillows as well, but I expected just a tad better.
At this level, and to keep up with Oceania, I expected to be able to sink
onto the mattress with an “aaaaaahhhhhhh” of satisfaction, especially in a
never-slept-upon bed. While the
sheets and duvet were quite nice (though why they would tuck the duvet in so
much at the bottom that I can’t pull it up under my chin is beyond me), the
mattress I believe is identical. Think
about upgrading one more step, Azamara, as I wanted and expected an “oh my
word where can I buy this bed” experience and came away just a tad
disappointed.
But that was a tiny quibble, as the beds are quite nice, just
not better than Celebrity. Elsewhere
in the cabin were items which did make me almost swoon, especially the towels.
Here I got my “where can I buy this” moment, as the Turkish cotton
towels from Baltic Linen Company out of Valley Stream, NY are simply amazing. The softest most indulgent towels I’ve ever experienced.
Many times better than my top-of-the-line Egyptian towels at home.
I’ve never had such a washcloth experience where my face was softly yet
thoroughly cleaned without being abused, and the larger-than-oversized bath
sheets which can wrap fully and comfortably around my fluffy-sized body with
plenty of room to spare. Hello? Baltic Linen Company? Where
can I order some for myself?
The other touches such as the fresh flowers, Elemis bath/body
products, Grohe shower heads, binoculars (more about how they came in handy
shortly) and umbrella are straight out of the amenities offered in the upper
cabins on Celebrity, but were quite nice and made a statement as they’re in every
cabin on Azamara. Afternoon canapés
of a nice quality served by the butler set the tone for dinner, while the
turndown chocolate was presented on a pretty triangular clear glass plate on a
pedestal on the bedside table – no more waking up with melted chocolate in
your hair or on your skin. The
chocolates on the two-night sailing also were varied, one night a nice truffle
the second a chocolate strawberry. Great touch!
Color scheme was pleasant and soothing, but contemporary, as
is the flat screen TV. Interactive
features on the TV were nice, though I really wish Azamara would invest in a
remote which could access the TV’s sleep timer function.
There’s a blue “night light” at the bottom of the TV.
Some cruisers will love this, light sleepers may not – I couldn’t
find a way to turn it off. But thus
ends my list of quibbles for the ship. Yup,
that’s it. In toto.
Pretty impressive for a ship in her inaugural.
For the rest of the ship, if you’ve been on any of the
former Renaissance ships, now sailing for Oceania, Princess or now Azamara,
you’ll immediately feel right at home. While
Azamara put more than $20 million into renovation of their two ships, and it
shows in the furnishing and quality throughout the ship, the physical structure
of the ship remains identical. The wonderful and underutilized Library on Deck 10 outside
the specialty restaurants. Beautiful
forward lounge on Deck 10. Comfortable
pool area. Intimate Cabaret Lounge.
Stunning double staircase in the lobby.
But it’s the little things again which make the difference.
Starting in the spa. The
normal Steiner elements are here. But
they’ve carved out a wonderful relaxation space, enclosed but open air, at the
front facing the bow. Included in
this area is the thallossotherapy pool. While
a fair-skinned person such as myself might hope for a bit more shade, I know
when I sail her on a regular journey, I’ll be gladly purchasing the $99
unlimited package. Great loungers, open air, quiet atmosphere.
Perfect relaxation space!
The shipboard lounges all have very comfortable seating.
From the Looking Glass Lounge 10 forward (the night club at night) to the
Cabaret Lounge, Mosaic Café (atrium lounge) and Discoveries Lounge (martini
bar), you’ll have no problem finding a place to relax and have your
“spot.” I’d like a chair rail
at the bar in Discoveries Lounge, but someone taller than my 5’ stature
probably wouldn’t even notice it’s lack, so it’s not included in my list
of refinements to make this ship perfect.
But far and away the best seating is around the pool.
The pool loungers are incredible! All
teak, with thick cushions which are then covered by fresh towels (no, not rolled
towels for you to position, but already freshly spread out by the pool staff).
Plenty of chairs in both sun and shade, with a nice pool bar.
The best pool area I’ve experienced on any ship.
Period. I’m not a pool person, so for me to be raving about this
space is quite a statement. Structurally
no different than the other former “R” ships, but the details of the
loungers and pads and towels put it in a class above.
In addition to not being much of a pool person, I’m not
generally big on buffets. But
again, Azamara really raised the bar. Lovely,
bright room with dual main serving lines. Of
course pizza/pasta and in the evenings sushi and stir fry, but beyond the
basics, the food quality was quite high, the seating comfortable, and the little
touches sublime. For example, since
I was dining alone, I was a bit concerned when I finished my first plate and
went back for dessert that my plate would be removed.
Well, it was, but it was replaced with my napkin being decoratively
refolded on the table, my iced tea refreshed, and silverware replaced.
Nice! Then there was the
cheese station. If you’ve dined
in a fine restaurant which offers a cheese course, cut at your table, you’ll
understand why this is so impressive. Azamara
has brought the contents of their specialty restaurant cheese cart up to the
Windows Café, and made it a permanent installation along the aft wall, between
the salads and desserts. All the
same, high-quality choices, from creamy to sharp reside here, with the server
just waiting for you to indicate which you’d like.
Of course accompanied by your choice of crackers, grapes, etc. This is not merely a Deluxe touch, but actually exceeds what
I’ve experienced on Regent, my previous gold standard of ship buffets.
Well done Azamara! There’s also a nice ice cream cart there with a server
waiting to scoop out your selection of home-made flavors (I seem to recall there
were 8 on offer), and various other choices.
I’d gladly eat in this buffet daily.
The Discoveries Dining Room is the main dining room on Deck
5. Comfortable, with a nice variety
of 2-tops, 4-tops and larger tables, it’s perfectly designed for open seating.
Having just disembarked the Norwegian Pearl before this sailing, it was
nice to reaffirm the difference between “Freestyle” dining and open seating.
While both offer flexible timing, that’s where the similarities end.
This is true dining, with no compromises made to quality, just as at your
favorite high-end restaurant. While
the wait staff still was refining their service, getting used to each other, the
smaller ship, etc., and some service issues need to be ironed out, the food was
terrific and varied, already exceeding Celebrity’s fare.
In time, I believe the dining room will far exceed Celebrity in every
way, but still allow for the casual elegance of open seating with resort casual
dress.
For my single travelers, wanted to highlight one service
detail the Maitre d’ staff did exceptionally well, and that was handle my
request to dine with others. Sometimes,
especially at the beginning of a sailing with open seating, solos have
difficulty in getting seated without feeling like they stick out like a sore
thumb while awaiting others to be seated at their table.
This staff handled the situation perfectly.
I went up to their podium a few minutes before I wished to be seated, and
informed them I was dining alone and would like to be seated with others.
I said I’d be in the Martini Bar and just to let me know when a table
was formed which would accommodate me. So
instead of sitting alone in the dining room, I could socialize in the Martini
Bar (great pear martinis, by the way), then be escorted in to a table already
seated. The Maitre d’ (oh la la)
and his staff checked on me every few minutes to let me know the status, as
it’s not always easy, especially on a sailing like this with several small
groups, to get the right table together. But
both nights, they placed me perfectly at lovely tables with enjoyable
companions. This is a true test of
a Maitre d’ staff, and they handled it to perfection.
Unfortunately, wasn’t able to experience first hand the two
specialty restaurants, Aqualina (serving Continental Cuisine) and Prime C (Steak
House), but those who did were extremely pleased.
The two restaurants are side-by-side aft on Deck 10, just above the aft
bar, and are beautiful rooms which benefited from the renovation by Azamara.
I took a peek at the wine “cellar” for Prime C, and I’m quite
impressed. There were some
limited-release labels there I rarely see even in most fine restaurants.
I’m looking forward to sailing again and indulging in a couple bottles
from this extensive selection.
If you love fantail decks on ships, you’ll find a home in
the aft bar on Deck 9, just outside the Windows Café. Great views, nice sun deck, though be prepared as it’s
mostly uncovered so it can get a bit warm out there, or windy at full speed.
But it’s a nice, aft space to spend time enjoying a libation and
watching the wake.
The final refreshment venue is the coffee bar.
Celebrity fans are used to the Cova Café, but on Azamara, it’s been
rebranded as the Mosaic Café. Nice
space with a pianist in the evenings, but it didn’t seem to really hit its
stride during this shortened sailing. Excellent
selection of nibbles available, but the service didn’t seem quite in synch
yet. It’ll get there, and will be a nice space to enjoy the
comings and goings in the afternoon or after dinner for a quiet chat.
There are several unusual aspects to Azamara which deserve to
be commented upon. Most notably,
that this is essentially a non-smoking ship.
No smoking in cabins, on balconies, or most anywhere on the ship except
the aft portion of the Looking Glass Lounge on the port side and the starboard
side of the pool deck. Hooray!
That means, for example, you aren’t walking through a smoke-filled
casino on your way from dinner to the Cabaret Lounge.
What a difference! It also
means the Casino Bar is a good place to gather at sea or in the evenings for
drinks and conversation.
The other notable difference between this and most other
lines is that Azamara offers no children’s programming.
That doesn’t mean that children aren’t permitted, but without the
formal programs, and with the longer itineraries, there likely aren’t going to
be many, if any, onboard.
Onboard activities are likewise a bit different.
There was an Astronomy Session late one night poolside (then adjourning
to Deck 11 with the ship turning off all her lights to facilitate star gazing).
Entertainment is more low key than the mainstream lines, but still a
couple offerings each night. And on
the port-intensive itineraries, probably better suited for this type of sailing
as well. Lots of shopping venues,
especially for such a small ship, and a well-appointed spa and fitness center
round out the options.
The question I get most asked about Azamara (and Oceania) is
what is the difference between Deluxe, Luxury and Premium cruises?
Let me see if I can explain. Like
Premium cruises, tips, alcohol and other beverages are still additional (though
Azamara includes a bottle of Evian, complimentary, in your cabin).
But unlike most Premium cruises, the smaller ships focus on improved and
personalized service (Azamara offers both a butler and a cabin steward for every
cabin, including insides), mostly longer and more unusual itineraries, and
overall quality in food and amenities which exceed the premium lines.
And the Deluxe lines can offer an exceptional value as opposed to the
Luxury lines, with a relaxed atmosphere onboard. Azamara’s experience is beginning to border on that of
Regent, the most similar of the full Luxury lines, but the price point may be
more attractive to you.
Who should consider Deluxe cruising?
Those who feel that lines such as Celebrity and Holland America no longer
offer what they’re looking for, whether it be itineraries (Azamara offers
overnight port calls on many itineraries, for example), service or amenities.
Or they’re looking for a more relaxed experience on smaller ships.
Longer sailings. Better
food. Nicer pricing than the Luxury
lines, without sacrificing quality.
Azamara will still go through adjustments this next year,
I’m sure, as she refines her service and amenities. But she’s off to a great start, especially with this new
ship, and I know she’ll continue to improve.
Oh yes, and one more thing.
Azamara is striving to offer a unique experience.
Azamara is a created name, from Romance languages, which they say means
“Shining Star Upon the Blue Sea.” They
list the Azamara Experience as “Infinitely adventurous.
Delightfully indulgent. Discovering
the hidden corners of the world, one sea at a time.”
They call their shore excursions “shore immersions” and are putting
together offerings which are a bit different than the usual.
Of course there are enrichment opportunities onboard as well.
But as I mentioned, their itineraries themselves are more unusual, with
them looking to place the ships for unique experiences, like Carnivale in Rio,
for example, or as on our 2-day sailing to nowhere, in the path of the Space
Shuttle’s launch.
We were not given notice of anything unusual, just told by
our Captain as we sailed out of Miami that we’d be sailing north toward Port
Canaveral and perhaps farther up to Jacksonville. Okay, a bit odd for this type of sailing, but figured it was
for weather. I awakened in the
morning (a bit late, I’ll admit I slept in a tad) to a Blackhawk military
helicopter off my balcony. Hmm,
this is unusual, especially since we were no longer moving.
Wouldn’t be a medical evacuation, not with land in sight.
What’s going on? A few minutes later the Captain came on and gave us 10
minutes’ notice of the launch. We
were the closest ship allowed to the launch, and we could see the launch
facilities through the binoculars supplied in our cabins (I told you they were
important, didn’t I?).
Launch went off as scheduled, and we saw everything, from the
ignition to lift off through the separation of the solid fuel rocket boosters
just beyond our ship. The shuttle
went right overhead, and was spectacular! I never dreamed the flames extended so far out behind the
shuttle into the smoke trail, and no matter how many times commentators on TV
said that it takes off at the speed of a bullet out of a gun, you can’t get
the sense of just how fast that is for such a huge vehicle until you see it in
person. The oohs and aaaahs from
all the open decks were unanimous, and Azamara even gave each of us a photo of
the shuttle above us as a gift. Impressive!
But this is exactly the type of experience, and location, that Azamara
will be seeking to provide on its itineraries.
Taking advantage of unique situations to offer something extra to their
clients. Well done!
If this all sounds intriguing to you, contact me now to book
before everyone catches on! You’ll
find me aboard as often as I can, as I’m completely enamored with this ship
and line.
As I said, the little things make all the difference.
And this ship and crew will make all the little things add up to an
extraordinary experience.