We selected the Journey for our summer vacation cruise because of the itineraries and that we could sail from Piraeus and return.
We had heard much from travel agents and other cruisers how special Azamara ships and the experience so we took advantage of a special offer and booked the two cruises back to back.
Two of the main things that travel agents and cruisers mentioned as the reason they went on or wanted to go on an Azamara cruise was the tips were included and free wine, beer and liquor.
These were not our reasons for selecting Azamara cruises however.
Things we liked-
The amazing evenings - one per cruise. They were truly special.
Small size ship allowed visits to ports not visited by larger ships.
Small size allowed easy access to all decks and common areas.
Specialty dining rooms- We had at least 6 dinners here. The service was perfect and food delicious. Here we tipped the waiters extra for such good service.
Buffet on 10- When we did not eat dinner in the Specialty dining room we ate here. Most nights were themed and the food pretty good.
Things that could be improved-
Dinner in the dining room- menu not appealing; open seating (no fixed hours for dinner seating).
The buffet on 10 was usually pretty good but some of the ethnic dishes were not prepared properly.
Entertainment- small theater and the acts were performed by mainly English entertainers probable to cater to the majority of the passengers who were British, Scottish or Australian.
Tips included policy-
Since the waiters were going to be paid by the standard tips included in the fare, they looked sad, sullen and put upon since they knew there would not be a chance to earn a bigger than standard tip or extra tip. For example on a regular cruise with fixed seat dining the waiter and asst waiter would get to know the passengers and their likes and dislikes and could earn a large tip at the end of the cruise.
Open seating waiters on the Journey served everyone and did not cater to the likes and dislikes of a diner as them may only serve them one dinner.
Same with bar waiters- prepaid tips no chance for more tips. Plus with free drinks the waiters really worked pouring bottles and bottles of wine at the bar and at dinner.
On a regular cruise on Celebrity the waiter would earn a tip on every drink served.
Free liquor-
Waiters were so busy on the pool deck running around pouring wine it was hard to get one to get us a glass of water or a cup of coffee.
We noticed several passengers who were never without a beer bottle in hand whenever we saw them day or night.
Summary-
I would consider going again on Azamara depending on the itinerary and the fact that both ships will be refreshed/remodelled by June 2016. We saw some drawings of the new common areas and cabins and they look nice.
We had heard much from travel agents and other cruisers how special Azamara ships and the experience so we took advantage of a special offer and booked the two cruises back to back.
Two of the main things that travel agents and cruisers mentioned as the reason they went on or wanted to go on an Azamara cruise was the tips were included and free wine, beer and liquor.
These were not our reasons for selecting Azamara cruises however.
Things we liked-
The amazing evenings - one per cruise. They were truly special.
Small size ship allowed visits to ports not visited by larger ships.
Small size allowed easy access to all decks and common areas.
Specialty dining rooms- We had at least 6 dinners here. The service was perfect and food delicious. Here we tipped the waiters extra for such good service.
Buffet on 10- When we did not eat dinner in the Specialty dining room we ate here. Most nights were themed and the food pretty good.
Things that could be improved-
Dinner in the dining room- menu not appealing; open seating (no fixed hours for dinner seating).
The buffet on 10 was usually pretty good but some of the ethnic dishes were not prepared properly.
Entertainment- small theater and the acts were performed by mainly English entertainers probable to cater to the majority of the passengers who were British, Scottish or Australian.
Tips included policy-
Since the waiters were going to be paid by the standard tips included in the fare, they looked sad, sullen and put upon since they knew there would not be a chance to earn a bigger than standard tip or extra tip. For example on a regular cruise with fixed seat dining the waiter and asst waiter would get to know the passengers and their likes and dislikes and could earn a large tip at the end of the cruise.
Open seating waiters on the Journey served everyone and did not cater to the likes and dislikes of a diner as them may only serve them one dinner.
Same with bar waiters- prepaid tips no chance for more tips. Plus with free drinks the waiters really worked pouring bottles and bottles of wine at the bar and at dinner.
On a regular cruise on Celebrity the waiter would earn a tip on every drink served.
Free liquor-
Waiters were so busy on the pool deck running around pouring wine it was hard to get one to get us a glass of water or a cup of coffee.
We noticed several passengers who were never without a beer bottle in hand whenever we saw them day or night.
Summary-
I would consider going again on Azamara depending on the itinerary and the fact that both ships will be refreshed/remodelled by June 2016. We saw some drawings of the new common areas and cabins and they look nice.
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