Travel Advice and Information

This is the third and final blog regarding the Azamara Quest Cruise from Miami to Seville which departed on March 14 th , 2013.   This report pulls everything together, providing a synopsis and touching upon intangibles such as customer loyalty, service philosophy and general reasons to try Azamara Club Cruises. The first blog reviewed the ship itself and activities on board, second was all about Food & Beverage.   If you have not yet reviewed these last 2 blogs, I suggest you do so first and come back to this. In my last blog I presented my credentials and a bit about my 30 + years of experience in the travel industry.   As an international tour director, or as a scout checking out hotels, cruise ships, etc. and from working within a property it was ever so clear that there is a definitive link between how a property was operating, and how happy the staff was to be there.   At both ends of the spectrum, it was instantly recognizable that if staff were ha...

This blog is focused on a focal point of all cruises; Food & Beverage.   This  March 14th 2013 Transatlantic Cruise is the final Azamara cruise sailing under the policy of complimentary wines with lunch and dinner.   Starting on the very next cruise, complimentary wines, beer and spirits will be included and available at all times. The various food outlets include:   Discoveries Restaurant for semi-formal elegant dining offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.   Windows Café open non-stop offering buffet meals, with several cooking and carving stations.   Mosaic Café, open all day and eve offering finger sandwiches and pastries along with specialty coffees and teas.   A poolside grill offering hearty fare in the most casual setting.   The specialty restaurants Aqualina serving mostly seafood, and Prime C serving mostly prime steaks were open for dinners, and an occasional brunch, at a slight upcharge (included for guests in suites).   H...

Ahhhh…..    The sound one makes when content.   Writing to you from on board the Azamara Quest as she makes her way from Florida to Spain into Seville for Holy Week; docking right in the heart of Seville less than 1 mile from the Great Cathedral there.   Carrying a bit less than the 700 passengers she is designed for, it has been fantastic in every way!   Such a joy to have no lines, exquisite cuisine and service, fantastic entertainment and more, all while mingling with a delightful mix of like-minded travelers from all over the world. Check-in was a breeze as we walked right up to one of the attentive reception agents who was immediately available – NO wait whatsoever, a fantastic indication of what was in store for us!   After a quick and efficient check-in we were on board in a few seconds, greeted warmly with Champagne and smiles. This first day Azamara had attentive staff strategically pl...