Azamara Club Cruises may not be as well known as parent company Royal Caribbean or sister Celebrity Cruises, but they're carving out a niche for themselves among sophisticated cruisers who want a luxury experience without the premium price tag.
Launched in 2007 when Royal Caribbean bought two 700-passengers vessels from bankrupt Renaissance Cruises, Azamara offers travelers the chance to visit some out of the way destinations and to stay there longer than they would on most cruise ships. In fact, their itineraries include many overnight stays in port.
Unlike the Princess and Oceania ships of the same pedigree, Azamara includes wines with lunch and dinner, tips, butler service, and complimentary self-serve laundry. On longer cruises, this is a thoughtful extra.
Azamara Quest dining.
Cruisers can dine in the Discoveries Dining Room any time they choose between 6 and 9:30PM. And unlike many cruise ships, there's a surprising number of tables for two.
Two specialty restaurants - a steakhouse called Prime C and a Mediterranean-influenced bistro called Aqualina - are fine alternatives. Passengers in all cabin categories may dine in one free of charge, though reservations are required.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet style in the Windows Café, and you can get burgers, chicken, ribs, skewers, or grilled salmon at the Pool Grill until late afternoon. The Mosaic Café serves a nice assortment of tapas in the evening, and coffee drinks, pastries, and other goodies during the day.
In another nice touch, you can order room service from the restaurant menus whenever they're open.
Azamata Quest staterooms.
When Royal Caribbean took delivery of Renaissance 7, they added nearly three dozen Sky Suites on deck eight. These 266-square-foot staterooms have 60-square-foot verandahs, extra services and amenities, and bathtubs. Passengers in suites can dine in the alternative restaurants three times per cruise on the house.
All stateroom categories include butler service, fresh flowers and fruit baskets, and personalized stationery. As expected, they have small fridges, safes, interactive TVs, and small sitting areas.
Azamara Quest extras.
Passengers who want to stay in shape will appreciate the well-equipped fitness center and spa, which offers everything from acupuncture to microdermabrasion. Daily and weekly passes for the thalassotherapy pool and solarium are a good investment.
Sounds like this cruise promising great time. I want to take my family on a long journey as soon as my son grow up a little bit so he can also build some unforgettable memories.
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