Azamara Journey Reviews

We have been on about 9 cruises mainly with Ocean Village. When they went to Australia we were struggling to find a replacement so went totally the other way and went for a smaller ship 694 passengers, but again only 2 ships in the Azamara fleet. We travelled in Sept 2011 slightly concerned whether it would be too intimate or too posh, how wrong we were. As soon as you get onboard to a champagne welcome you are made too feel as if you are part of a family which continues throughout your cruise, nothing is too much trouble if any concerns or problems are sorted usually within the hour. You can book shore excursions before you go as with other cruise lines but not necessary and even if spaces available not announced every five minutes to try and fill them. Great food and choice every meal time in one of the 2 main restaurants and can either be served or the other is a help yourself buffet which we personally prefer but which was equally attentive to the point of carrying your plate to the table and had live stations which cooked whatever stir fry or pasta meal you wante and a roas joint every night. The ship is big enough to find a quiet place but not so big you get lost, no fighting over sun beds even on sea days and little touches like whilst sunbathing staff coming round one day in italy with lemon sorbet, other days fruit on sticks. Children are made as welcome but I feel most would be bored as really for the adult market and if you ever only do one cruise in your life pick Azamara.

We cruised the Baltic in July of this year on the Azamara Journey. We have been on 10 to 12 other cruises using a variety of cruise lines, but this was by far the best. We particularly liked the dining arrangements where you were not allocated to one particular sitting at a set time but could wander to the restaurant whenever you fancied and a table would be found for you with only the occasional short wait in the plush bar. Another attraction was that you were always asked if you wished to share a table with others or have a table for two The itinerary was excellent with the main attraction, of course, being the 3 days in St. Petersburg. Another bonus was that because it was a relatively small boat we were able to dock in the centre - the view from our balcony was a building with a golden dome about 50 yards away- rather than in the 'docks' where other cruise ships had to go. All in all - wonderful.

We love this small ship and its sister Azamara Quest. The atmosphere is intimate and definitely "up market". The attention to detail is breathtaking and nothing is too much trouble. The recently introduced tariff including gratuities and wines is excellent value. They are not mean with the wine and it's not cheap "plonk". The entertainment feels very like a private club at all venues and the cabaret standard is definitely better than most - and we have road tested most of them! It may not be to the tastes of those looking for a floating holiday resort (thank heavens!), but small, intimate and classy does it for us.

Having done the Norwegian Fjords cruise on Journey in August (my 70th birthday), this was an “extra” cruise for our 46th wedding anniversary in September. You can probably tell that we just love the small ship atmosphere of Azamara… I know the wine with lunch and dinner is included, but the welcome onboard with a REALLY free glass of champagne is a great start to the cruise. For you wine buffs out there I can assure you that the “free” wine is really good stuff and flows freely at lunch and dinner. Due to the ambience of the ship we only went to two of the shows – we tended to spend time chatting (and drinking) at the dinner table or meeting our new friends at the Mosaic Café mid ships (where the early evening quizzes were held) for an espresso - or whatever!! The staff are all helpful and friendly. The food is top notch as well. Did you know that eggs don’t just come “over easy” but “over medium” and “over hard” as well?? You learn something new all the time… At the moment Azamara ships are the ones we target!!

We have recently returned from a cruise to the Monaco Grand Prix. We had never been on a cruise before and were adamant that we never would!!! However, this seemed the ideal way to get to the Grand Prix... it was all brilliant! The staff were all without exception... friendly and helpful. The food was AMAZING. Iglu’s organisation was faultless. We will certainly consider a cruise on Azamara again and will definitely book through Iglu! Thank you so much!

My wife and I have just returned from an unforgettable Atlantic crossing on the Azamara Journey.  Our trip started by flying from London to Miami (with a 1 night stay in the Miami Airport Sheraton) and ended in Rome. Everything ran smoothly and to plan from the meet and greet to all transfers. We cast off from Miami port and set sail across the pond. This was a first Transatlantic crossing for us and also a first Azamara Club Cruise for us. On board we met many many cruisers who had both sailed with Azamara before and had made Transatlantic trips before. They were obviously very pleased with their past experiences - and we found out why - everything was just perfect and all our expectations were surpassed by a marvelous cruise.  During the numerous sea days the crew entertained and organised events to keep the travellers happy. All of the crew were most helpful and professional, the entertainment was excellent, the cuisine was magnificent and the ship was splendid. The cruise included a free passenger self service laundry room, free tea, coffee, water, juices and even complimentary wine with lunch and dinner. But alas the time flew past so quickly and we were flown back to London from Rome after one of the best cruises we have ever been on and we sincerely hope to be back on an Azamara Club cruise again.  As a measure of the passenger service standard set by Azamara Club the computer room had some 14 computers for the 600 passengers to use - an excellent ratio. The customer services team even sent out questionnaires mid cruise and endeavoured to resolve passenger problems forthwith. Staff service and attention were superb. AND NO SERVICE CHARGES EITHER.

The cruise from Athens was for my sister's 70 Birthday celebration and was for her the cruise of a lifetime, although we are both frequent cruisers. From the first booking, looked after by Charlie Varrick, ticketing and documentation, and pre cruise hotel and transfer all excellently handled by Iglu. This was our second experience on Azamara, our first was on Quest. Journey was even better, friendly crew, an excellent itinary and entertainment that surpassed Quest's. Dining experiences were superb. Azamara's catering is the best of all cruise lines I have experienced. The enrichment program was really helpful in introducing the history and culture of the various ports of call backed up by the Azamara excursions. Azamara cruise ships are smaller, less formal and more intimate than other cruise lines I have experienced with fine dining and excellent all round. With an itinery to die for I rate this ship as excellent.

From the moment you step onboard, you are on holiday. The food is wonderful, you are so spoilt for choice. The complimentary wine with lunch and dinner is of a superb quality. The crew and staff are so pleasant and welcoming. Nothing is too much trouble for them. I could not find any fault with this cruise line only that the cruise went by so quickly. We have made some very good friends who now meet up on other cruises with Azamara. I would not reccommend this cruise line for young families or for people who want to rock climb. It is a very casual relaxing holiday.

Wow! Best cruise, ever! If I really wanted to be pernickity, I'd say that the Sunday morning interdenominational church service at sea was somewhat disorganised - all over in 9 minutes! - but the minister is forgiven!!!! 10 out of 10 for everything else.