Archive for the 'Azamara Cruises' Category

I was happy to hear that Larry Pimentel was named president and ceo of Azamara Cruises. Larry, who has headed both Cunard and Seabourn, was instrumental in the success of SeaDream Yacht Club, which ranks among my best cruise experiences ever on the two times I have sailed on SeaDream (search SeaDream Yacht Club for an archive of my coverage).  Read more... (359 words, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)

The cruise lines are all dressed up with plenty of places to go, but they still need some more dance partners. And they are prepared to use all their wiles to get more people to join them out on the floor — er — make that, out to sea.

Azamara, the Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line targeting travelers who want a blend of adventure and luxury, is planning some extended Asian expeditions for the 2010-2011 season. The 694-guest Azamara Quest will be deployed on her third Asian season, with two repositioning cruises bracketing a series of six Southeast Asia trips connecting Singapore and Hong Kong.  Read more... (275 words, 1 image, estimated 1:06 mins reading time)

While true connoisseurs of luxury cruising may not accept a substitute for sailing on a small upscale ship, there are now pockets of luxury on almost every large premium and contemporary cruise ship afloat.

Recognizing that there are many cruisers with a taste for luxury but who appreciate big ship amenities (and often lower rates), or who may be traveling with families or in groups for whom bigger ships make more sense, most cruise lines now offer optional exclusive experiences to passengers.

On some ships it may be concierge service, or a special lounge, a pool deck cabana, or exclusive access to the spa or certain restaurants. On others, entire areas are blocked off for people in some of the ship’s best staterooms to have a private pool and deck area.

“I have many luxury clients who book families on the larger cruise ships because of the activities for their adult children and for their grandchildren,” says Bonnie Childs, a cruise consultant with Seattle-based Cruise Specialists. “This way they can show their families what cruise ships have to offer.”  Read more... (1842 words, 3 images, estimated 7:22 mins reading time)

Act quickly! Azamara is offering deals - for now.

Click here to read a special report featuring Azamara Cruises in digital format.

Given the skewed the valuation between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, it’s unusual to hear the words “Europe” and “good value” mentioned in the same sentence. But those words were in frequent use on a recent 14-night Mediterranean cruise on Azamara Quest.  Read more... (106 words, 1 image, estimated 25 secs reading time)

There is still time left to reap on-board credits and prepaid gratuities for avid cruisers who book 2009 Europe sailings on Azamara cruises. But hurry. The offers expires end of this month.

The shipboard credit amounts to $150 for each ocean-view or veranda stateroom, and $300 for each suite. Also, Azamara will pay standard gratuities for the first and second passengers in each stateroom.  Read more... (83 words, estimated 20 secs reading time)

Given the skewed the valuation between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, it’s unusual to hear the words “Europe” and “good value” mentioned in the same sentence. But those words were in frequent use on a recent 14-night Mediterranean cruise on Azamara Quest.

The reason was twofold: First, a cruise represents a bargain proposition when compared to other modes of travel and accommodations within Europe. The cruise lines’ oft-repeated mantra is that paying in U.S. dollars for goods and services onboard isolates travelers from the higher costs in Euros ashore.  Read more... (1251 words, 39 images, estimated 5:00 mins reading time)

A video snapshot of Azamara Quest’s first port call in Menorca, Spain.

Hear the sounds of the Mediterranean from the balcony of stateroom 8069 on Azamara Quest.

 

Tunis, Tunisia, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

The view from my balcony while docked in Tunis may not be the most picturesque port this ship has seen, but the distant mountains are beautiful as the sun sets, and the capital city itself was full of beauty and surprises on Azamara’s first call in Africa.

Many passengers opted for shore excursions from the ship, but others negotiated with taxi drivers near the modern and clean terminal.  Read more... (233 words, 2 images, estimated 56 secs reading time)