My new favourite cruise line
After embarking on over 30 cruises, my recent voyage with Azamara completely changed my perspective. I knew I had discovered a new favorite when I stepped foot on their ship. In this blog post, I will share the reasons behind my newfound love for Azamara and delve into the distinctive aspects of my cruise experience.
Cabin Accommodations & Ship appearance
One of the first things that struck me about Azamara was the ship’s size. Azamara offers a more intimate and comfortable setting, unlike larger vessels that often feel overcrowded. With only 700 passengers onboard, there was an immediate sense of ease and plenty of room to move around. The cabins were modern and well-appointed, featuring twin beds that could be joined together, ample storage space, a mini fridge, and a safe. The balcony was surprisingly spacious, with comfortable chairs and a table for enjoying meals. Although compact, the bathroom was the only minor flaw in an otherwise exceptional cabin experience.
Smaller Ship Experience
Navigating the ship was a breeze, thanks to its smaller scale. It only took moments to retrieve a forgotten item from my cabin or traverse from one end of the ship to another. The crew members quickly became familiar faces, providing personalized service and making me feel valued as a passenger. The ship never felt crowded, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The lounges and bars were bright and modern, offering a pleasant ambiance for socializing and unwinding. The LivingRoom, located at the top front of the ship, provided breathtaking 180-degree views and delightful treats like warm scones and afternoon coffee. The ship even anticipated our need for refreshments when it rained during our sail into Montenegro, bringing us coffee and muffins to enjoy. Additionally, the ship featured a library with real books, a well-equipped pool area with comfortable loungers and a saltwater pool, and a poolside bar for ultimate relaxation.
Food and Beverage
If there’s one thing that stood out above all else during my Azamara cruise, it was the outstanding food. The dining experiences onboard were nothing short of exceptional. Although smaller than larger ships, the buffet offered a wide array of culinary choices. From themed meals like seafood, Asian, Greek, and Italian to standard fare, the buffet catered to every palate. Including a gelato bar, with no extra charge, was a delightful surprise. The dining room provided a more traditional experience with daily-changing menus and impeccable service. The Patio, located adjacent to the pool area, differed from your average burger and hot dog joint. It offered a diverse menu with options like gourmet burgers, sausages, beef, lamb, and an array of wraps. The salad bar and daily local cuisine added to the impressive offerings. For those seeking a more exclusive dining experience, Azamara had two specialty restaurants: Aqualina, specializing in Italian cuisine, and Prime C, offering delectable steak and seafood dishes. I enjoyed dining at Prime C, and the appetizers and perfectly cooked steaks exceeded my expectations. Even in the Mosaic café, a wide variety of coffee, tea, sweets, and small sandwiches was available. The consistency in service across all dining venues was commendable, with staff promptly attending to guests’ beverage needs. Furthermore, the room service was fast, delicious, and served hot, enhancing the exceptional culinary experience onboard.
Entertainment and Activities:
Azamara’s entertainment offerings were diverse and captivating. The Signature Singers & Dancers, accompanied by the talented cruise director, put on nightly shows that spanned various genres, from ABBA to opera and Broadway themes. In addition to the ship’s performers, top-rated guest entertainers, including comedians and musicians, graced the stage, ensuring a variety of enjoyable performances.
AzAmazing Evening: During my cruise, the ship hosted an AzAmazing evening, a unique cultural event that immersed us in the local culture. Due to inclement weather, the planned outdoor concert venue had to be moved onboard. However, the a capella group Pwepetuumjazzile (Vocal Ecstasy) amazed us with their incredible performance. Upon entry, the ship even provided champagne and served a buffet lunch with local Slovenian meats and cheeses.
White Night: Another unforgettable event was the White Night, transforming the pool deck into a stunning dining venue. Tables adorned with white tablecloths replaced loungers, and the pool area was illuminated with twinkling lights and balloons. Guests and crew alike donned all-white attire for this magical evening. The buffet featured an extensive selection, including grilled steaks, lamb, pork chops, kabobs, chicken, salads, cheeses, bread, seafood, and delectable desserts. A live band played, and the dance floor was filled with guests enjoying the festivities. Additionally, a brunch was hosted in the dining room on a sea day, offering a lavish spread of sushi, eggs cooked to order, pancakes, waffles, lunch dishes, and an impressive dessert bar. Jazz music played throughout, creating a delightful atmosphere.
Brunch: On one sea day per cruise, the dining room hosts a complimentary brunch that surpasses all expectations. Like the White Night event, the variety and quality of food are outstanding. The choices are endless, from freshly cut sushi, tuna, salmon, and ham to a wide range of egg dishes like Eggs Benedict, eggplant with eggs, and made-to-order omelets. Made-on-the-spot pancakes, waffles, and a selection of cold cereals are available, along with a tempting assortment of lunch dishes such as curried chicken, rice, shrimp, beans, spaghetti, and a salad bar. The fruit area offers personalized fruit cutting, and the dessert bar is a haven of delectable treats like cookies, tarts, and Bananas Foster. Bottomless mimosas, Prosecco, and Bloody Maries are served to accompany this feast. A live jazz band sets the perfect mood throughout the brunch, creating a delightful ambiance.
Excursions
Azamara’s dedication to immersive experiences is evident in its thoughtfully curated excursions. The smaller ship size opens doors to ports off-limits to larger vessels, providing guests with intimate and unique encounters at each destination. The wide variety of excursions caters to diverse interests, ensuring that every passenger can find an experience that resonates with them. Furthermore, Azamara’s commitment to reasonable pricing ensures exceptional value for the unforgettable adventures that await. Embarking on an Azamara excursion is not just a tour; it’s an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of each destination, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Outstanding Crew
The wait staff in the food and beverage area proved to be true professionals, consistently delivering exceptional service. Our captain, one of the finest I’ve ever sailed with, was highly visible around the ship and made a point to be present on the dock or tender launch area at every port. He provided daily updates on our sailing route and informed us about weather-related issues that might affect our port arrivals. It’s worth noting that one such weather incident caused a delay in our arrival in Slovenia, resulting in the cancellation of all excursions. However, the crew promptly refunded the excursion fees, eliminating the need for any visits to guest relations. Speaking of which, the guest relations staff were friendly and efficient, readily resolving any account issues or inquiries that arose.
Other Amenities
Laundry: The ship provides the convenience of self-serve laundry facilities with approximately eight washers and dryers. Alternatively, a laundry service is available at prices significantly lower than those on larger ships.
Spa: The onboard spa offers standard services, including massages, manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling. I enjoyed an excellent deep-tissue massage at prices comparable to those on larger ships. The spa also features a steam room and sauna, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate. However, like larger ships, the staff may suggest additional products and services for purchase.
Shops: Surprisingly, the ship boasts two delightful shops. One offers a selection of clothing, including ship-branded items, cosmetics, and accessories such as purses, sunglasses, and costume jewelry. The other is a fine jewelry and watch store. Additionally, guests can purchase alcohol bottles to bring home directly from the bar.
I was genuinely pampered throughout my time on the ship and eagerly anticipate my return for a six-week journey in 2024. The outstanding crew and the remarkable events and amenities make Azamara an exceptional choice for an unforgettable cruise experience.
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