Hi, a huge thank you. My wife and I found this incredibly useful as we are booked for a cruise on the ship but could only find one review. This has put our mind at rest that we have made a good choice.
Great they got rid of the casino and utilised it’s space. Love this ship, very tasteful and stylish 👍🏻 As always a great video and very much appreciated 👏🏻
Much prefer a ship of this size! As the Dowager Lady Crowley for Dowton Abbey quipped ... “I have lots of friends I don’t like” 🧐. Mega ships with 3,000 guests absolutely are a huge turn off to me. To each either own 👍🏻. As always Gary, wonderful thorough review.
Great video Gary? I had an Azamara cruise in mind and watching your video helped us make a decision. We've just booked through Sarah Bolton for the Croatia Intensive cruise in October. Thank you!
Thanks! Appreciate as you know that you are so loyal and keep watching... I always look out for your feedback and comments so hope you keep watching :-)
Good one Gary. We had a look at your video after your comment at the Aug 7 Q&A.. You did not comment on the “small” Verandah bathroom, but it did look cramped. ;-) We had sailed on the Oceania R class ship thirteen years ago and we did not remember the bathroom being small or awkward. We are looking at a Nautica cruise in June 22 and debating between a Balcony stateroom and a Penthouse. (We pushed aside any thoughts about the wake Concierge staterooms because of the steal boxed in look of the balcony.) Of course, there is “slight” difference in the price… $2,000/$3000 difference. X 2 :-)
Great review Gary, there were several moments when I went WOW, I was very impressed. The decor and fittings look very tasteful and classy. It looks as thought it could lure us away from our beloved QE to see how she compares. Comparing to Cunard, would you say she is as formal or not so? As well as the ships, it's the formality of Cunard that keeps us going back time after time.
Thanks. Great to hear you found helpful. I liked the ship. I’m back on for 10 nights in early October. It’s not nearly as formal as Cunard although people do often wear jackets or suits for the specialty dining but mixed for main dining. It’s more what the lines call “country club”...
I was stuck at sea on her for 4 weeks, we were basically stranded at sea off the coast of Chile, (due to circumstances that the ship, in fact had no cases of). Found myself being the youngest person onboard, got so bad to point where, where crew actually thought I was one of them and even passengers thought I was crew. However the crew was fantastic: very friendly and nice. I recommend this ship, however do keep in mind since this is a small ship there's not much to do onboard. Back at home now we arrived in Miami on March 29th, disembarked 30th.
Hello. Please include in your reviews comments and assessments of rooms and facilities related to disabled guests. For example, are there single rooms for disabled people on board? Are there elevators in the central areas as all we see in pictures are stairs. Bathroom facilities for the disabled is seats inside showers etc. As Baby Boomers age, we will wish to travel but more often than not will come with our issues. Please help us...
I have been on Oceana and Azamara and it wasn't even close. Oceana is far more sophisticated, with a better trained staff and better food. Azamara staff were very uneven - some were excellent - but many were surly and clearly hated their job.
Nice looking ship. Do you spend any time at “ home” ? Just kidding this is typically your ongoing excellent reviews. Can’t wait for the next one. Nice to see how you enjoy life. Nice......
It is a great ship. I agree. I am back on at end of the month for 10 nights and really looking forward to having more time to enjoy it all! I have been away a lot but home all this month which is longest stretch this year but then rest of year am away loads. Which is good as means lots of things to be able to make videos about....!
thanks, they are great videos. Did you just start doing reviews and then the lines invite you to come along or is there a more formal process for cruise lines to invite people aboard?
Hi Gary. I love your videos. My sister and I went on the Azamara Journey this fall from Singapore to Dubai. The Pursuit is very similar to the Journey. This was our first Azamara experience (we have each done over 30 cruises), and we were really pleased with the experience. The food was excellent in all dining venues, and the staff are warm and customer focussed. We each had a balcony cabin which was great for one person. My only comment is that the balcony is a bit too small for the table and two chairs. I would have preferred that they get rid of the table and just stick with two chairs and a side table. Not that many people seemed to eat outside. My sister came up with the novel idea of a drop-leaf table on the balcony railing that could be raised for dining and lowered for sitting and watching the world go by. I heartily recommend Azamara for anyone looking for a more intimate product with excellent excursions. By the way, although the ships are older, the Journey was very quiet, vibration free and seaworthy. We have had previous problems with severe engine vibration on both the Queen Elizabeth and the Oosterdam, so I guess it is all about the design.
Thanks for watching and leaving such detailed thoughts about Azamara. Great to hear your experiences. I agree that the balcony is tight with all that furniture! I also found the ship really quiet. I was impressed. I am back on for 10 nights at the end of the month and looking forward to enjoying it all in much less rushed space of time!
Hi Gary, love your cruising tips, I have done many with HAL, Cunard & Azamara. As for the latter they are very good, and have improved since the SP takeover. I have been on Journey and shortly will be o/b Pursuit. A word of caution if travelling in Australian waters. Last Christmas cruise from Singapore to Sydney I noted some appalling dress standards once we arrived in Australian waters. On the first evening out of Fremantle, as we enjoyed a cocktail before dinner, dressed as usual in a collared shirt & a sports jacket, we observed the appalling Australian attitude to dress. Althought it was not yet Christmas, one 'gentleman' came to dinner wearing his santa clause pajamas, several others had santa hats on with flashing lights, others where still wearing their gardening clothes or ripped jeans and dirty sneakers. If, like many others on this cruise, you had joined it from Europe or the UK, then do not expect european standards. Fortunately after that first night we did not see them again for the rest of the 15 day cruise, I have no idean where Azamara put them!
Great video. Thank you. We are booked on Azamara Pursuit Sept 30 (Barcelona to Ravenna/10 days). Do you know if there is a dress code for dinner on Azamara. We have been on two Regent cruises (fabulous) and the dress code was 'country club casual'...ie no shorts, no sandals, no tshirts? I cannot find anything on Azamara's website to indicate...again, thanks so much!
Hi Gary, I've been enjoying your videos! I have a question for you. I've had the pleasure of cruising and have had excellent cabin service. You mention Butler Service. Can you list the kinds of things a Butler does on ship like this.
I’ve been planning to do a video on that topic and so will try and get it done! I have interviewed butlers before about what to ask them to do as when I’ve had one never quite sure. This article I did after talking to a butler should answer your question: www.tipsfortravellers.com/what-10-things-can-you-expect-a-cruise-ship-butler-to-do/
“Crow’s nest” - now I know this wording! Thank you, Gary. It looks, like they have bedazzling panoramic views at many locations. But: why “Crow’s”?.. Passengers are supposed to caw and croak?..
Thank you so much for the informative video. My partner and I are looking at cruising Antarctica on this ship. We will have 3-4 consecutive sea days a couple times throughout the cruise. In your opinion is there enough entertainment? Thank you
Thank you for the thorough review. One question please: can the air con be completely switched off at times ? I know that on most cruise ships this is not possible, all one can do is turn it down to a minimum.
Torn between a cruise on Azamara on the Pursuit or a Viking Cruise on the Star....reading reviews on the bathrooms on the Pursuit, (Veranda) and people complain about the small shower with old fashion shower curtains...and the very small rooms...this would be my price range.
@@tipsfortravellers My wife and I went to Cuba on the Journey and are on the Pursuit this summer for the Dalmatian Coast. Since the shower is so small, I used the one is the Spa area which is available to anyone. It was very comfortable and not used much!
It’s not a great ship for kids and teens as no specific activities and facilities and the passengers would (in my view) be less welcoming. There would likely be very very few other kids so not great for them
Gary, are these the sister R Class ships to the R Class Oceania ships? I’ve noticed Azamara holds more passengers and have a smaller cabin size, so assuming they redid some of the cabins? Just curious because we love Oceania and have been considering Azamara, but the cabins do seem quite a bit smaller Thanks!
Hi, a huge thank you. My wife and I found this incredibly useful as we are booked for a cruise on the ship but could only find one review. This has put our mind at rest that we have made a good choice.
Great they got rid of the casino and utilised it’s space. Love this ship, very tasteful and stylish 👍🏻 As always a great video and very much appreciated 👏🏻
Thanks Gary! Super excited as we just booked to go on a 9 night Southern European voyage in April. D.H.
Thank you for this. I booked Quest's first restart cruise off the back of it, and enjoyed it immensely. Just disembarked in Athens.
Had a fantastic cruise on this ship.🎉
Great to hear!
Great video Gary. We’ve booked this ship for next year so watching this has made us look forward to it even more!
Have fun!
You do SUCH a super job - thank you!
This is indeed a beautiful ship, magnificent ambiences. .
Much prefer a ship of this size! As the Dowager Lady Crowley for Dowton Abbey quipped ... “I have lots of friends I don’t like” 🧐. Mega ships with 3,000 guests absolutely are a huge turn off to me. To each either own 👍🏻. As always Gary, wonderful thorough review.
Great review and information! We're on the Pursuit this coming fall.
Hi have you been on the pursuit yet can you tell me more about it ,, was it a good cruise
Doug DIckeson
How was the cruise would you recommend it
Great video Gary? I had an Azamara cruise in mind and watching your video helped us make a decision. We've just booked through Sarah Bolton for the Croatia Intensive cruise in October. Thank you!
Fantastic!!!!!
Gorgeous ship. We will keep this one on our short list for our next cruise.
I agree. It is gorgeous! Good to hear on your list. I’m heading back in three weeks for a longer cruise and very excited to get back
Great video. You are so fortunate to be able to travel the way that you do. Thanks for bringing us along.
Thanks! Appreciate as you know that you are so loyal and keep watching... I always look out for your feedback and comments so hope you keep watching :-)
thanks so much for this review we are planning 10 Night Cruise from Athens/Piraeus to Venice on this ship
Thanks. Great to hear you found helpful. I really appreciate you watching 😀 Have a great time on Azamara!
Gr8 review. Looks very similar to the Viking Cruise ships 🥳
Great review: succinct but informative
Thanks. Great to hear you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Thanks for watching.
Excellent review
Good one Gary. We had a look at your video after your comment at the Aug 7 Q&A.. You did not comment on the “small” Verandah bathroom, but it did look cramped. ;-) We had sailed on the Oceania R class ship thirteen years ago and we did not remember the bathroom being small or awkward. We are looking at a Nautica cruise in June 22 and debating between a Balcony stateroom and a Penthouse. (We pushed aside any thoughts about the wake Concierge staterooms because of the steal boxed in look of the balcony.) Of course, there is “slight” difference in the price… $2,000/$3000 difference. X 2 :-)
Great review Gary, there were several moments when I went WOW, I was very impressed. The decor and fittings look very tasteful and classy. It looks as thought it could lure us away from our beloved QE to see how she compares. Comparing to Cunard, would you say she is as formal or not so? As well as the ships, it's the formality of Cunard that keeps us going back time after time.
Thanks. Great to hear you found helpful. I liked the ship. I’m back on for 10 nights in early October. It’s not nearly as formal as Cunard although people do often wear jackets or suits for the specialty dining but mixed for main dining. It’s more what the lines call “country club”...
I was stuck at sea on her for 4 weeks, we were basically stranded at sea off the coast of Chile, (due to circumstances that the ship, in fact had no cases of). Found myself being the youngest person onboard, got so bad to point where, where crew actually thought I was one of them and even passengers thought I was crew. However the crew was fantastic: very friendly and nice. I recommend this ship, however do keep in mind since this is a small ship there's not much to do onboard.
Back at home now we arrived in Miami on March 29th, disembarked 30th.
Hello. Please include in your reviews comments and assessments of rooms and facilities related to disabled guests. For example, are there single rooms for disabled people on board? Are there elevators in the central areas as all we see in pictures are stairs. Bathroom facilities for the disabled is seats inside showers etc. As Baby Boomers age, we will wish to travel but more often than not will come with our issues. Please help us...
Very interesting. I wonder what is the best bang per buck between Azamara, Oceana, Viking Ocean, and Windstar.
Great point. I think that it is going to be close but with Azamara and Viking having so many inclusions it may tip that way.
I have been on Oceana and Azamara and it wasn't even close. Oceana is far more sophisticated, with a better trained staff and better food. Azamara staff were very uneven - some were excellent - but many were surly and clearly hated their job.
Nice looking ship. Do you spend any time at “ home” ? Just kidding this is typically your ongoing excellent reviews. Can’t wait for the next one. Nice to see how you enjoy life. Nice......
It is a great ship. I agree. I am back on at end of the month for 10 nights and really looking forward to having more time to enjoy it all! I have been away a lot but home all this month which is longest stretch this year but then rest of year am away loads. Which is good as means lots of things to be able to make videos about....!
Tips For Travellers are you a travel agent? Do you have to pay to go on all these cruises?
I am not a travel agent. I pay for many and get invited on some. If I have been on as a guest then I say that in the video description always.
thanks, they are great videos. Did you just start doing reviews and then the lines invite you to come along or is there a more formal process for cruise lines to invite people aboard?
A mixture. Some approach me and others I pitch them to invite me. I have won some awards and this usually gets lines coming along to ask
Hi Gary. I love your videos. My sister and I went on the Azamara Journey this fall from Singapore to Dubai. The Pursuit is very similar to the Journey. This was our first Azamara experience (we have each done over 30 cruises), and we were really pleased with the experience. The food was excellent in all dining venues, and the staff are warm and customer focussed. We each had a balcony cabin which was great for one person. My only comment is that the balcony is a bit too small for the table and two chairs. I would have preferred that they get rid of the table and just stick with two chairs and a side table. Not that many people seemed to eat outside. My sister came up with the novel idea of a drop-leaf table on the balcony railing that could be raised for dining and lowered for sitting and watching the world go by. I heartily recommend Azamara for anyone looking for a more intimate product with excellent excursions. By the way, although the ships are older, the Journey was very quiet, vibration free and seaworthy. We have had previous problems with severe engine vibration on both the Queen Elizabeth and the Oosterdam, so I guess it is all about the design.
Thanks for watching and leaving such detailed thoughts about Azamara. Great to hear your experiences. I agree that the balcony is tight with all that furniture! I also found the ship really quiet. I was impressed. I am back on for 10 nights at the end of the month and looking forward to enjoying it all in much less rushed space of time!
Or relaxing when reading in chaise longue at the balcony… being able to stretch out comfortably…
Hi Gary, love your cruising tips, I have done many with HAL, Cunard & Azamara. As for the latter they are very good, and have improved since the SP takeover. I have been on Journey and shortly will be o/b Pursuit. A word of caution if travelling in Australian waters. Last Christmas cruise from Singapore to Sydney I noted some appalling dress standards once we arrived in Australian waters. On the first evening out of Fremantle, as we enjoyed a cocktail before dinner, dressed as usual in a collared shirt & a sports jacket, we observed the appalling Australian attitude to dress. Althought it was not yet Christmas, one 'gentleman' came to dinner wearing his santa clause pajamas, several others had santa hats on with flashing lights, others where still wearing their gardening clothes or ripped jeans and dirty sneakers. If, like many others on this cruise, you had joined it from Europe or the UK, then do not expect european standards. Fortunately after that first night we did not see them again for the rest of the 15 day cruise, I have no idean where Azamara put them!
Is Wi-Fi available in the Club Veranda State Room
Great video. Thank you. We are booked on Azamara Pursuit Sept 30 (Barcelona to Ravenna/10 days). Do you know if there is a dress code for dinner on Azamara. We have been on two Regent cruises (fabulous) and the dress code was 'country club casual'...ie no shorts, no sandals, no tshirts? I cannot find anything on Azamara's website to indicate...again, thanks so much!
Hi Gary, I've been enjoying your videos! I have a question for you. I've had the pleasure of cruising and have had excellent cabin service. You mention Butler Service. Can you list the kinds of things a Butler does on ship like this.
I’ve been planning to do a video on that topic and so will try and get it done! I have interviewed butlers before about what to ask them to do as when I’ve had one never quite sure. This article I did after talking to a butler should answer your question: www.tipsfortravellers.com/what-10-things-can-you-expect-a-cruise-ship-butler-to-do/
“Crow’s nest” - now I know this wording! Thank you, Gary. It looks, like they have bedazzling panoramic views at many locations. But: why “Crow’s”?.. Passengers are supposed to caw and croak?..
Thank you so much for the informative video. My partner and I are looking at cruising Antarctica on this ship. We will have 3-4 consecutive sea days a couple times throughout the cruise. In your opinion is there enough entertainment?
Thank you
Thanks. It is much lower key entertainment wise but is a show every night
Hi Gary. About to go on Pursuit. Just looked at what was advertised and what is the actual included drinks package. Very dissapointing.
Thank you for the thorough review. One question please: can the air con be completely switched off at times ? I know that on most cruise ships this is not possible, all one can do is turn it down to a minimum.
Simple luxury
Great point!!
Torn between a cruise on Azamara on the Pursuit or a Viking Cruise on the Star....reading reviews on the bathrooms on the Pursuit, (Veranda) and people complain about the small shower with old fashion shower curtains...and the very small rooms...this would be my price range.
The bathrooms on Azamara on anything other than suites are small. I agree this is the downside of the R-class ships
@@tipsfortravellers My wife and I went to Cuba on the Journey and are on the Pursuit this summer for the Dalmatian Coast. Since the shower is so small, I used the one is the Spa area which is available to anyone. It was very comfortable and not used much!
Do they have any facilities that would be in a thermal suite?
Is is walk in shower ? Could not see on clip
The shower is pretty small and has a shower curtain. Not my favourite!
Thanks for the review! Does the ship have Piano Bar?
Gary,Would this be suitable for a 15 year old and 7 year old with parents?
It’s not a great ship for kids and teens as no specific activities and facilities and the passengers would (in my view) be less welcoming. There would likely be very very few other kids so not great for them
Looks EXACTLY like the Oceania Insignia, Sirena, Nautica and Regatta.
👍👏👏👏
Gary, are these the sister R Class ships to the R Class Oceania ships?
I’ve noticed Azamara holds more passengers and have a smaller cabin size, so assuming they redid some of the cabins?
Just curious because we love Oceania and have been considering Azamara, but the cabins do seem quite a bit smaller
Thanks!
7:03 What's the black stuff on the floor? It looks like you've been grooming a large dog.
That's the design of the carpet 😅
Saw that in another video. Not sure who decided to pick that style!
well no casino not forme. i like to spend some nights gambling