Company Overview:
Azamara Cruises is separate brand under the Royal Caribbean International umbrella. The two ships in the company were acquired as part of the acquisition of Spanish cruise operator Pulmatur in 2006. The ships are two of the former Renaissance R-ships, of which eight were built (all identical). At first, the ships were assigned to the Celebrity Expeditions branch of Celebrity Cruises (another cruise line under the Royal Caribbean International umbrella), but it was later decided, quite suddenly, to give these ships their own brand name in order to differentiate what they offer from Celebrity.
The Azamara Experience:
As discussed above, Azamara is a spinoff from Celebrity which is owned by Royal Caribbean. Unlike Carnival Corp, where every compnay in the fold is truly independently operated, in this case almost the decision making is done at the very top of the corporate ladder. So, as a brand, Azamara is designed to appeal to the more adventurous traveler who wants the sophistication of the Celebrity ships with the more exotic and adventurous itineraries a smaller ship can offer. Think of a smaller Celebrity ship where every passenger receives suite-like amenities.
This is not to say every stateroom is a suite. The ships each have the usual assortment of inside, oceanview, balcony and suite categories. But the ships themselves (there are only two of them) only carry 694 passengers, and each stateroom comes with butler service, a daily fruit basket, fresh cut flowers, 24-hour room service, a sweet surprise on your pillow each evening, afternoon canapés, complimentary shoe-shine service, a 23" plasma television, personal stationery, Elemis bathroom products, two nights of complimentary specialty dining, new European bedding, and complimentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and plush robes.
People who book suites get, in addition; three nights of complimentary specialty dining (one night in each specialty restaurant), complimentary pressing of their laundry, a 23" plasma television, amenity bar, complimentary in-room nonalcoholic specialty coffees, soda and water, expanded Elemis bathroom amenities, afternoon tea service, a complimentary bottle of champagne and more. All suites have also been updated to include all new carpet and fine furniture.
Azamara focuses on the worldly passenger interested in knowledge and self-improvement. Even on the balmiest afternoon, far fewer fellow passengers are likely to be sunning by the pool than inside listening attentively to a guest expert lecture about destinations, technology, cultural explorations, art, music or design. Topics on tap usually relate to your destination or else cover a topic of more universal interest. Count on lectures on food and wine.
Entertainment options are simple yet diverse musical offerings that range from upbeat dance bands to intimate piano bar entertainers. The showcase theatre features a talented cast of singers and dancers as well as a host of variety entertainers.
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Fellow Passengers: Mostly widely-traveled couples in the 40 to 65 age group looking for good service and unusual destinations. Don't expect to see many if any children at all, especially on longer voyages.
The dress code is always resort casual with no scheduled formal nights. Formal attire is welcomed if the guest desires to wear it. No bare feet, tank tops, caps, bathing suits, or jeans are allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. Additionally, no tuxedo rentals will be available onboard.
Examples of resort casual attire include sportswear, shorts, casual dresses, skirts, and pants in light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine for the women. For the men the line recommends sportswear, golf shirts, shorts, pants, and a sportcoat if desired, (but not required) in light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine.
Shore Excursions:
The focus for Azamara is adventure or intellectual destinations; itineraries will offer the far-reaching corners of the world. Azamara's shore excursions are said to go far beyond an ordinary tour; one must be prepared to be totally and completely immersed in local cultures, cuisines, history and lifestyle.
The brand boasts that each excursion is an experience unto itself solely because the ships visit the ports and cities that larger cruise ship rarely see. Let experienced guides take you down cobblestone streets; or relax in local haunts that far off the beaten path; taste authentic, local cuisine. "Experience life around the world" is part of the new brand identity.
Taking The Kids:
Azamara Cruises will not offer any formal children's programming or have youth staff onboard. If you choose to take your kids, which obviously is not encouraged, you will be pretty much on your own. When in port the shore excursions deemed "easy" are said to be most suitable for families with children. The only other solace kids can look frward to on these ships will be rentals of Sony PSP (Portable PlayStation) units.
Past Passenger Program:
Celebrity's Captain's Club will extend to guests who become loyal guests of Azamara. Captain's Club members on Azamara will receive benefits similar to Celebrity. Reciprocal benefits apply between Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean whose Captain's Club program has been extended to cover the new brand, reciprocity benefits remain unchanged. Azamara guests who are Captain's Club members will be credited on their Celebrity's Captain's Club account.
The rewards program for Azamara Cruises is the same as for Celebrity Cruises, you can redeem credit card rewards points for onboard credits or cruise discounts with the exception of having the ability to redeem points for complimentary upgrades and cruises. If you are using your Celebrity Rewards credit card, you will receive double points for any dollars spent while onboard.
Tipping:
For your convenience, a gratuity in recognition of outstanding personal service of $12.25 per Guest, per day, will be automatically added to your SeaPassSM Account. This covers your Butler & Stateroom Attendant as well as all restaurant staff. Since our ships offer multiple open-seating dining venues and you will likely be served by many different staff members during the course of your stay onboard, the restaurant staff allotment is evenly distributed among them.
Please note that Bar & Wine personnel are acknowledged with the standard 18% of the beverages and wines billed for the service rendered.
