azamara cruise brochures

The ultimate guide to Azamara cruise ships and itineraries

Azamara Cruises is interesting. Although it includes more in its fares -- gratuities, basic alcohol and some shore excursions -- than most cruise lines, it's not full-on luxury . However it's not mainstream, like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, either.

It has carved out an industry niche that caters to affluent, well-traveled cruisers who enjoy smaller vessels, a country house ambiance and itineraries that focus on destination immersion.

The ships in its four-vessel fleet are nearly identical, all belonging to the R Class, which was originally developed for now-defunct line Renaissance Cruises. Azamara prides itself on bringing its passengers familiarity and onboard experiences that are similar from ship to ship. You won't find waterslides or roller coasters, and that's exactly how the line's demographic likes it.

One of the line's most notable hallmarks is its focus on longer, later stays in port. Coupled with its AzAmazing Evenings program, which takes cruisers ashore to experience cultural performances in jaw-dropping locations, the experience is a little less superficial-feeling than other cruise excursions.

Here, you'll find a rundown of all the crucial information you'll need to decide if an Azamara sailing is right for you.

3 things TPG loves about Azamara Cruises

• Its ships' smaller size and rich history.
• Later port calls that allow passengers to experience nightlife in several destinations.
• Its upscale yet homey onboard ambiance.

What we could do without

• Its lack of accommodations for solo cruisers.

The Azamara Cruises fleet

Azamara Cruises is one of the cruise industry's smallest lines, with just four ships -- Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward -- at the time of publication. All of Azamara's vessels are R-Class ships, originally built for now-defunct Renaissance Cruises, which folded in 2001, just a couple of years after the vessels debuted.

Azamara has rounded up the ships -- including the most recent, which it acquired from Princess Cruises during the pandemic -- over the years and refurbished them to add the line's signature upscale furnishings. In fact, it did such an impressive job that you'd hardly be able to guess that the vessels are more than 20 years old.

Each of the ships has the capacity for about 700 passengers, which places them in the midsize range -- large enough to provide a laundry list of amenities, but small enough that passengers can still enjoy calls on a number of ports that larger ships can't access.

At just a little more than 30,000 gross registered tons apiece, the ships are about an eighth of the size of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, which is the largest cruise ship in the world.

During 2020's industrywide pandemic shutdown, Royal Caribbean Group, which previously owned Azamara, sold the line to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Azamara's president, Carol Cabezas, told TPG that the firm has plans for expansion. Although Cabezas didn't elaborate, Azamara fans anticipate that new hardware could be in the line's future .

Destinations and itineraries

Azamara's ships sail in several regions, including Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Western Europe, British Isles and Greece.

"They cannot get enough of Croatia, Italy, Greece," Cabezas said. "Those are the kinds of places that people want to sail in, so we've dedicated a lot of the deployment into those country-intensives. That and Black Sea."

Azamara prides itself on being destination-immersive, which includes staying late in port -- often until 10 p.m. or even overnight -- to allow passengers more time to soak in the heritage. On most sailings, the line also offers its signature AzAmazing Evenings, which take cruisers ashore to iconic venues where they can experience local cultural performances. (At the time of publication, the line was offering cultural performances onboard , rather than ashore, due to COVID-19.)

Most itineraries range from a week to two weeks in length, but the line has also offered itineraries lasting more than 100 days, calling on more than 60 ports in more than two dozen countries.

Who sails Azamara Cruises?

Due to its price point, popularity in Europe and lack of short voyages, Azamara appeals to older, more affluent travelers with a surplus of vacation time. The average age can fluctuate from sailing to sailing, but it's common to find most passengers in their 60s and 70s.

The line's demographic is largely well traveled and port savvy, with many passengers forgoing shore excursions in favor of independent exploration.

Azamara also draws a large number of repeat cruisers, many having sailed with the line numerous times.

Cabins and suites

All of Azamara's staterooms , regardless of type or category, include at least one queen bed that can convert to two twins, a desk/vanity with a phone, nightstands with reading lamps, at least one TV that's a minimum of 40 inches, outlets and USB charging ports, a minibar, individual climate controls, closets, a safe, a hair dryer, robes, slippers, umbrellas and fresh flowers.

Each cabin has its own bathroom with towels, bath products, a shower, sink/vanity, storage shelves and a toilet. Additionally, all rooms include daily make-up and turndown services, as well as 24-hour room service, a tote bag, a daily bulletin of activities and turndown treats.

All suites come with complimentary butler service for their occupants.

Accommodations on Azamara's ships come in four types: insides (no natural light, 158 square feet), outsides (windows that don't open, 143 square feet), balconies (small outdoor deck areas with sliding glass doors) and suites (like balcony cabins but larger and with more perks). There are several options within each category, including seven cabins on each ship that allow access for passengers in wheelchairs and scooters.

Options within the balcony and suite categories are:

Club Veranda: This basic balcony-style cabin offers 175 square feet, plus a 40-square-foot veranda with two upright chairs and a small table.

Club Veranda Plus: The same size and general layout as regular Club Verandas, these rooms factor in passengers' loyalty status to determine the level of benefits occupants will receive during their sailing. All passengers booked in Club Veranda Plus accommodations are entitled to complimentary Wi-Fi minutes, one free bag of laundry every seven days, one complimentary meal for two in a for-fee restaurant every seven days, priority embarkation and disembarkation and free in-cabin alcohol.

Club Continent Suites: The smallest of the line's suite accommodations, Club Continent Suites are 266 square feet with 60-square-foot balconies. They include all of the amenities mentioned above, as well as a large seating area with a 55-inch flat-screen TV. Besides the TV and the increased square footage, some Club Continent Suite bathrooms also have bathtubs instead of only a stand-up shower.

Club Spa Suites: These suites are located near the Sanctum Spa on each vessel. In addition to soothing decor, cruisers booked in these rooms can expect healthy snacks to be delivered daily. They can also enjoy in-cabin spa music and their own glass-enclosed soaking bathtub. Additionally, Club Spa Suites have rain showerheads and all of the amenities afforded to veranda cabins but with a larger (55-inch) TV and 414 square feet of space, plus a 60-square-foot balcony.

Club Ocean Suites: These 478-square-foot luxury digs come with 173-square-foot verandas, a separate living room and bedroom setup (each room with a 55-inch TV), marble shower-only bathrooms (except on Journey and Quest, which have bathtubs), dressing rooms with vanities and additional closet space. Further, passengers staying in these suites have access to all of the perks to which those in balcony cabins are entitled.

Club World Owner's Suites: The Club World Owner's Suites are Azamara's most lavish, offering everything afforded to those booked in Club Ocean Suites but with significantly more space — 603 square feet with 233-square-foot balconies. They have marble bathrooms (with bathtubs on Journey and Quest) and separate living room and bedroom areas, each with its own television (55 inches in the former and 40 inches in the latter).

At this time, the line does not offer any cabins for solo cruisers, which means the already pricey fares for Azamara's sailings double if you're traveling alone.

Restaurants and dining

Azamara's dining options, although few, are impressive. Steak and seafood are often in the spotlight, and the quality is outstanding.

The line's ships each have one main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant, that allows passengers to dine at any time during set hours for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. The waiter-served menu there changes daily, and you should plan on spending at least 90 minutes for dinner, especially if you're having dessert.

Windows Cafe is the line's free buffet venue, which appears on all ships and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Previously a self-serve eatery, thanks to the pandemic passengers now simply point to what they would like and a crew member doles it out. For dinner, cruisers are seated and given menus -- which change nightly to highlight differing cuisines, such as Mexican, German and Greek -- and order from a waiter. Although it's sit-down table service, it's still faster than the main dining room. Outdoor seating at the ship's aft offers fantastic views, weather permitting.

Prime C is the fleet's for-fee steakhouse restaurant. Its menu includes several meaty options like steak, chicken, duck and lamb, plus soups and salads. Dining there costs $30 per person, and reservations are recommended.

Aqualina is where passengers will find extra-fee seafood, Italian and French cuisine in a light, airy atmosphere. The menu might feature items like lobster, seared tuna and the catch of the day. Reservations are recommended, and the cost is $30 per person. (Note: At the time of publication, the venue was temporarily closed due to COVID-19-related capacity restrictions, but diners can still order from Aqualina's menu while dining in Prime C.)

Azamara also offers themed Explorer's Dinners for $65 per person, focusing on a different cuisine -- think French and Italian -- each time. Chef's Table is another option. For $95 per person, cruisers can enjoy a seven-course meal paired with wines. During the experience, the chef explains each dish, and the ship's onboard sommeliers go over the wine selections.

The Patio, a gratis poolside venue, puts on a waiter-served spread during lunch hours each day. The menu stays the same throughout each sailing and might include items like spring rolls, nachos, burgers and chicken fingers.

Mosaic Cafe is the cafe found on each vessel in the fleet. It offers free finger sandwiches, cookies and pastries, as well as a variety of specialty coffees, most of which are complimentary. It's a nice place to go if you're feeling a little peckish between meals.

Those passengers who don't feel quite up to a full meal for dinner can head to The Living Room, a bar and lounge area that doubles as the nightclub on each ship. There, sandwiches and pastries are offered in the afternoons, and tapas are available during dinner hours.

For anyone who missed dinner or who finds themselves hungry in the middle of the night, room service is a free option, 24 hours a day. The menu is considerable, providing pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads and a plethora of other options.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment on Azamara is engaging and fun, but not nearly as extensive as what you'll find on ships in larger fleets. You're likely to encounter musicians in bars, lounges and nightclubs, and song-and-dance numbers in the theater, along with an occasional comedian or magician. What you won't find are huge LED screens, acrobatic performances or shows with high production value -- and that's exactly how the line's target audience likes it.

Theaters and shows

During the evenings, there's a piano player in The Den lounge, and the ship's band plays in The Living Room nightclub before a DJ starts spinning dance tunes there late into the night.

As far as theater happenings, you might spot a movie screening on the daily schedule or turn up after dinner to find that there's a boy band performing Justin Bieber hits while dressing like they're part of a doo-wop group. Overall, it's low-key but enjoyable.

Other interior attractions and activities

Hosted activities run the gamut from added-fee wine tastings, scavenger hunts and complimentary deck walks and water aerobics to destination enrichment lectures, dance classes and shore excursion presentations. Also spotted on some daily schedules are coloring, word search challenges and Q&A sessions with officers.

However, one of the most frequent and popular onboard pastimes is trivia. There are multiple rounds offered each day, and they focus on subjects that are often tied to the destinations the ships visit. (Think Greek gods and goddesses or ABBA on Greek Isles itineraries.) Each person receives a grid sheet for stamps, with one stamp given for simply participating and two stamps given to the members of the winning team for each round. At the end of the sailing, passengers tally their stamps to collect Azamara logo prizes.

There's also a number of unhosted activities, such as ping-pong, darts, crossword and sudoku puzzles, board games, book swaps, knitting get-togethers, shuffleboard and LGBTQ, singles and Friends of Bill W. (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetups.

Additionally, one of Azamara's signature activities is its White Night Party, usually found once on each voyage. Passengers are encouraged to dress in white for an evening of dining and entertainment under the stars.

Top-deck attractions

Apart from shuffleboard and a jogging track, there's not much on the outer decks of Azamara's vessels if you're not a sun-worshipper. There's ample deck space with loungers, and a main pool with two hot tubs where passengers can go to cool off -- or warm up. There's a second pool for thalassotherapy near the Sanctum Spa, but it's open only to cruisers staying in suites or those who book passes to use it.

Another one of Azamara's signature offerings is AzAmazing Evenings -- a series of complimentary nighttime shore excursions that take passengers to famous landmarks, such as Ephesus in Turkey or the Russian Ballet, for culturally immersive performances. Currently, due to COVID-19 restrictions, AzAmazing Evenings have been replaced by Destination Celebrations , which involve the ship staying late in port and bringing local talent onboard to perform outdoors.

Children's programs

Although children are welcome onboard, there are no kids clubs on Azamara's ships, and there is no special programming for young cruisers.

What to know before you go

Required documents

You will need a passport for most of Azamara Cruises' sailings. The only ones for which the combination of a birth certificate and photo ID (such as a driver's license) will suffice is on a closed-loop cruise -- one that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port and visits places that include Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada and the Caribbean.

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your travel concludes.

Gratuities are included in all of Azamara's fares. Passengers can choose to leave extra if they wish. Spa services will automatically have an 18% gratuity added.

Azamara's Wi-Fi is some of the worst we've experienced at sea. In addition to being pricey ($19.95 for 60 minutes, $29.95 for full-day access or $19.95 per day for unlimited access for the duration of the voyage), it's spotty at best, especially when the ships are at sea. Azamara officials say the line is planning tech upgrades in the coming years, which hopefully will include a stronger connection.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring your own drinks -- including wine, beer and liquor -- on Azamara's ships for private consumption in your stateroom. If you wish to drink them in public areas or dining venues, you'll be charged a $10 corkage fee.

Smoking policy

Generally, Azamara's vessels are nonsmoking, except for clearly designated areas on the forward port ( left, when facing the front of the ship ) side of the pool deck. Passengers are not permitted to smoke in other public areas or in their cabins, including on their balconies.

All Azamara ships have self-service laundry rooms onboard. They're free to use and include complimentary detergent. The vessels also offer send-out wash-and-fold service, as well as dry cleaning and pressing, all for an added fee.

Electrical outlets

Outlets in each cabin consist of a mix of North American and U.K. options. Standard balcony cabins have two of each at the vanity, and two additional North American outlets can be found just above the minifridge (although one of them is used to plug it in).

Additionally, the line has added USB ports near the beds so you can charge your devices as you're curled up in bed scanning Instagram reels or catching up on the latest episode of "Stranger Things" (Wi-Fi permitting, of course).

The currency onboard is U.S. dollars. Passengers will each link a credit card to their onboard account (or put up a set amount of cash), as all onboard charges are cashless. The room key each cruiser is issued at embarkation serves as a room key, charge card and ID card when disembarking and reboarding the ship in port.

Drinking age

On all sailings -- except for those departing from North America, where the drinking age is 21 -- the legal minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18.

Azamara recommends a "resort casual" style of dress, which prohibits bare feet, baseball caps, tank tops, torn or distressed jeans, bathing suits and shorts in the main dining room and all specialty restaurants. More casual wear is allowed in the Windows Cafe buffet, but shoes are required, and cruisers must wear cover-ups over their bathing suits.

There are no scheduled formal nights onboard, but passengers are welcome to dress up. They are also advised to bring a white outfit for the line's signature White Night Party, held once per voyage.

Azamara Cruises' loyalty program

Azamara's loyalty program, Azamara Circle , has five tiers for passengers to reach, based on the number of points they earn each time they sail. With each new tier, they unlock additional benefits, such as free Wi-Fi minutes, complimentary laundry service and discounts on spa treatments and future cruise bookings.

• Adventurer (1-149 points).
• Explorer (150-299 points).
• Discoverer (300-749 points).
• Discoverer Plus (750-2,999).
• Discoverer Platinum (3,000-plus points).

How much does an Azamara Cruise cost?

Azamara sailings are on the pricier side, with fares for weeklong sailings stretching into the thousands per person, especially for higher-end accommodations. Fluctuations occur based on cruise length, cabin type, itinerary and time of year.

At the time of publication, the least-expensive booking we found was $1,459 per person (not including taxes and port fees), based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin on a seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Rome's Civitavecchia. The price for a suite on the same sailing was $3,349 per person.

However, you'll find less nickel-and-diming on Azamara voyages than you will with mainstream brands, as gratuities and basic beverages -- soda, bottled water, coffee, a couple of daily house wine selections, beer and standard liquor -- are included in the price of the cruise. AzAmazing Evenings are also rolled into the fares.

Passengers can expect to shell out extra for top-shelf spirits, spa treatments, shore excursions, professional photos, Wi-Fi and send-out laundry and dry cleaning services (assuming they don't receive them for free, based on loyalty status).

How to book

Cruisers can book Azamara voyages directly through Azamara, either on the line's website or by calling 833-292-2292; virtually through a third-party online travel agent; or by calling a travel advisor, who can help with all the details for a commission that's usually covered by the cruise line.

Most cruise lines have their own cobranded credit cards, but unfortunately, Azamara is no longer one of them. Passengers used to be able to use cobranded Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International credit cards to book Azamara voyages, but it's unclear whether that is still possible, given Azamara's split from Royal Caribbean Group.

To maximize your spending when you book, use a card -- like the The Platinum Card® from American Express -- that will earn you additional points on travel.

Bottom line

Azamara cruises are a good option if you're looking for an upscale line that offers excellent food and service at the lower end of the luxury price spectrum. You'll also receive a more destination-focused experience, with longer stays in port that allow you to take in the local nightlife.

The ships across the fleet will be familiar to you after just a sailing or two, and their elegant-but-relaxed vibe will leave you feeling like you're simply enjoying a drink in a friend's living room.

Cruise Line Brochures

Welcome to panache cruises.

First a quick message from James Cole

Azamara Cruises Brochure

Browse through the latest Azamara Cruises brochure.

(PDF) Azamara Club Cruise Brochure

Azamara Club Cruises brochure is a destination guide for sailings on two ships: Journey and Quest. It covers the following:

• 2015 Voyager Overview
• Inclusive Amenities
• Destination Emersion
• AzAmazing Evenings
• Land Discoveries
• Special Event Voyages
• Onboard Life
• 2015 Itineraries
• 2015 Journey Voyages
• 2015 Quest Voyages
• About Your Voyager
• Suites and Staterooms
• Floor Plans and Amenities

Disclaimer: we mail all cruise brochures only to established customers.

• Odnoklassniki
• Cruise Line Azama Club Cruises
• Cruise Brochure 2015
• Destinations: worldwide
• Cruise Ships: Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest

How do I get an Azamara brochure???

By Realtor at Sea , July 15, 2011 in Azamara

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Realtor at Sea

Azamara Club Cruises needs a new, more agressive/proactive marketing department. If I worked this slowly in my profession, I would NEVER do any business!!! :eek:

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Bill Leiber

Hello Corinium –

Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion that we need to distribute our 2012 Destination Guide soon rather than later. Andy was correct when he stated that the 2012 Destination Preview was an interim piece to use until our new 2012 Brochure would be released in the North American market, which at this point is mid-September. Keep in mind, that a 2013 Itinerary Preview will be included.

I see that you’re from England and probably from your name, the site where the Romans built a fort after they conquered the Britain. (I remember the name from a history course a long time ago.) Interestingly, because of UK local laws, business customs, and competitive norms, our UK/Ireland office creates their own brochures and maintains their own dedicated website. Actually, there are different rules of engagement in different markets which make it difficult to create a global brochure. Simply – it’s a world of differences.

I will find out for you when their new brochure, specific to the UK/Ireland market, will be released and the most efficient way to order brochures in the UK and get back to you.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about Azamara, you or your travel agent can contact the UK Captains Club for UK & Ireland:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 0844 481 7505

I’m sorry for your frustration and will pass on your comments to the UK staff.

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Thanks for your reply. I was an engineer before I retired so perhaps I don't understand the mindset of the marketing folks !

Your knowledge of history is much better than mine. Indeed you're correct in saying that the Romans built a centre here . They certainly knew how to get things done.

Will be interested to hear your feedback on the UK office.

Hi Bill,   Thanks for your reply. I was an engineer before I retired so perhaps I don't understand the mindset of the marketing folks ! Your knowledge of history is much better than mine. Indeed you're correct in saying that the Romans built a centre here . They certainly knew how to get things done. Will be interested to hear your feedback on the UK office.

Hello Corinium -

I heard back from the Head of Sales in the UK who reported that the Azamara 2012 brochure is available now and that if your travel agent does not have a copy, ask them to contact the Sales Support Team who will arrange for a brochure to be delivered.

I suggest you contact the UK Captains Club and request they send you a copy of the 2012 brochure:

Email: [email protected] / Tel: 0844 481 7505

Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you aboard Azamara Club Cruises!

Thank you very much for your help Bill.

I've just sent an email to [email protected] requesting an Azamara 2012 brochure be sent to my home address.

Do you know when those of us in the US can receive a copy of the 2012

Bill,   Do you know when those of us in the US can receive a copy of the 2012 brochure?   Thank you.

Hello Realtor at Sea -

Our new 2012 Destination Guide brochure for the North American market will be released in mid-September and it will include a 2013 Itinerary preview.

In the meantime, please use the 2012 Destination Preview which you’ve just received.

I’m sorry that the process for obtaining a current brochure has been frustrating for you.

Thanks, Bill! We are really excited with the prospect of cruising with Azamara Club Cruises after all the years we have been loyal RCCL and X cruisers.

• 3 weeks later...

TerryAndDoug

This isn't a complaint, but rather I'm sharing my experience as a new Azamara customer, in hopes of improving the process for others.

I was completely unfamiliar with Azamara until last month, when I stumbled upon the Azamara website and decided to order the two brochures that were offered - the 2011 Destination Guide and the 2012 Destination Preview. A week later I received an email saying that my brochure had shipped. I then received another similar email a day later. Today I received a package, almost a month later, containing a letter saying that the 2011 Destination Guide was enclosed, and referenced highlights on specific pages. The letter also mentioned that a 2012 Preview was enclosed. However, the package I received only had the 2012 Destination Preview, but not the 2011 Guide. (The package was not delayed in the mail, as the envelope shows a ship date of 8/22.)

Luckily, at the same time I requested the brochures, I also discovered the Azamara boards on Cruise Critic and decided to book a cruise based on the many positive comments about onboard experiences. If I had not made a decision based on the boards, my first impressions of Azamara from the slowness in response and incomplete package would have surely kept me looking elsewhere.

Hello Corinium -   I heard back from the Head of Sales in the UK who reported that the Azamara 2012 brochure is available now and that if your travel agent does not have a copy, ask them to contact the Sales Support Team who will arrange for a brochure to be delivered.   I suggest you contact the UK Captains Club and request they send you a copy of the 2012 brochure: Email: [email protected] / Tel: 0844 481 7505   Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you aboard Azamara Club Cruises!   Regards,   Bill Leiber _____________________ Chief Blogging Officer* Azamara Club Cruises (*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

Hi Bill, Thought I'd let you know that the brochure i.e Destination Guide arrived on Monday 22nd August -- only 18 days after I requested it from captains club -- still better late than never !

Thanks to Gemma and Lesley

Cheers, Barry

I am having the same "issues" getting a brochure. About 3 weeks ago I got an email stating the brochure had shipped; needles to say I am still waiting. I guess I only have another week to wait!

The Azamara marketing department (if they have a seperate department from RCI, etc.) needs to be upgraded. Web site is fair at best and getting clear info from calling and speaking to a rep is "iffy" (need to come to this board to get confirmation of what you have been told by a rep).

What a lot of fuss about a brochure. You obviously have access to the internet. The Azamara web site has incredible content. I hope that I don't find this type of reaction from passengers when I take my first Azamara cruise.

Actually no Centrum - I don't think it is a "lot of fuss about a Brochure". Personally I much prefer looking at a paper brochure when planning my cruises. I have 2012 cruise brochures from every company I use - except Azamara - and I did plan on taking at least three Azamara cruises in 2012.

I emailed Az shoreside today and was told that there were no plans for a full 2012 brochure yet, although apparently there is a small brochure with cruises up to March 2012 being sent out to some T/A's. They advised me to use the website to check on cruises after March - wonderful advice when all UK cruisers know that we can't book online or get quotes in sterling. :(

We are still waiting for that "fix" you told us about Bill.

As many others have said - what is wrong with Azamara marketing? We shouldn't have to plead for a cruise brochure - it's your primary marketing tool for goodness sake.

Also as many others have said - it's fortunate that the truly amazing crew onboard compensate for the poor service shoreside. Otherwise Oceania would be getting my custom now.

Bill - still a way to go for your much quoted "seamless" cruise experience to become a reality! But as I love Quest and her crew so much I can forgive it. :)

I'm obviously living in a different decade to some of you here. I don't see the need for a brochure if you have access to the internet. I believe even those of you living in the UK have good interent connections. And I disagree that a brochure would be the primary form of marketing for any company in 2011. I wouldn't waste my money on producing a glossy brochure that is obsolete before it is printed. The web site is current, dynamic and accurate. As one post said, it becomes a coffee table magazine which I am sure is not the intent of the marketing department. Profitability is the bottom line and if the company can save money by not producing a brochure, then all power to them. I chastise them however if they promise to deliver one and fail to do so. In my opinio the marketing department has done an amazing job with the Azamara web site and that certainly was enough to convince myself ( and I'm sure many others ) to book an Azamara cruise.

While I use the computer for many activities including my work, I enjoy the brochures we receive from many of the cruise companies. When looking at a brochure, it is easier to go back and forth looking at itineraries, cabins, pricing in a brochure than on the internet. There are some of us who still like to handle the brochures, place different ones side by side to compare features, etc. I truly do not appreciate being "attacked" for prefering this way to shop and compare!

Hi Doug, BillK400 and others -

I truly appreciate your time and effort in pointing out areas to improve in our service delivery process. Your very articulate message highlights how important it is to “quality-control” each touch-point between Azamara and its current or future guest during the customer’s path to purchase.

As you might already know, we are a proud member of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Family of Cruise Lines. All of our offices, including the US and UK, are responsible to provide services for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd’s three brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. That means that all three brands share the services provided by each functional unit. It is this concept of “shared services” that provides the corporation with cost advantages and marketing economies of scale but at the same time – occasional operating challenges.

Although we have a small and dedicated operational staff in Miami for marketing, sales, itinerary planning, worldwide revenue and inventory management, and our own US/Canada reservations staff which reports to the total US reservations operation that serves the other two brands, we operate by using the ample resources and support services of the corporation. One such service is a centralized brochure fulfillment center which serves all three of Royal Caribbean’s brands.

The solution for improving the turn-around time for consumer brochure fulfillment is not to replace the marketing team. Instead, the challenge for them is to establish an “Azamara application" that can be integrated into the existing fulfillment system. I know they are at work on improving the process and I have passed on your sluggish brochure delivery experiencies to them so that they can deal with the brochure fulfillment center. It is important for that unit to be aware that an incorrect brochure fulfillment to a future or current Azamara guest negatively impacts a customer’s perception of our brand integrity.

By the way, I’m sharing this information with you not as an “excuse” but to illustrate that the improvement will require more time as we work through the system.

Please keep your feedback coming about our processes as it will guide us forward on our journey to onshore excellence. (I will address the UK situation separately.)

Thanks for your patience.

Hello Centrum and Lottie A –

Thank you both for sharing your passionate opinions about the usefulness of printed cruise brochures and a well-designed and intuitive web-site and which one does a better job. I think both your opinions are correct.

Simply, we include funds in our operating budget funds for printed collateral and for electronic media because we realize at this point in time both are needed.

For me, deciding on a cruise vacation is a “studied’ purchase. Like Lottie A, I much prefer looking at a paper brochure when planning my cruise vacation – it provides me with a “map” of the Azamara brand. At the same time, however, I would be mindful that the specific pricing and detailed information might no longer be accurate, since as Centrum stated it’s “obsolete before it is printed.” I would then go to the internet as my “GPS” to get the specifics for my vacation.

I think both of your preferences are generational. Centrum, when you stated, “I'm obviously living in a different decade to some of you here,” it reminded me of a statement I had read in Alvin Toffler’s 1970 book, Future Shock : “change is the process in which the future invades our lives.”

As one from the “baby boomer” generation I am making a conscious effort to adapt and embrace the unprecedented revolution in technology and that endless “change” is the New Normal. I suspect, Centrum, that your cohort is Generation X.

Many of our current and future guests are stuck somewhere in between the parenthesis and Centrum, that explains why your proposed political party “Ban the Brochure” is very much ahead of the time:

(Baby Boomers) (Generation X) (Generation Y) (Generation Z) (Generation NEXT)

Fortunately, regardless of your generation, it’s comforting to know that the Azamara Club Cruise shipboard vacation experience that transcends your (label) and will deliver memories which we hope will last for your lifetime.

Loved the diplomatic reponse and actually giggled a little with your reference to my age ( I'm definitely a baby boomer and a grandparent ). This will be my last post on the subject so I would like to clarify my position. I understand that some people may prefer to read a brochure. I have no problem with that. What I don't understand is why people would whine and moan like a spoilt child like it is the end of the world over a petty issue. If it was so important to get the brochure, a trip to the local travel agent would have been the answer. Wherever the original poster resides ( NJ, I think ) I can almost promise ( read my lips ) that there will be a travel agent located within 10 miles. I hope Realtor at Sea enjoys their cruising and I look forward to sharing a complimentary glass of wine on board Azamara ( thanks to the savings gained by not sending out brochures ). No harm meant and hopefully no harm done by any of my comments.

Actually no Centrum - I don't think it is a "lot of fuss about a Brochure". Personally I much prefer looking at a paper brochure when planning my cruises. I have 2012 cruise brochures from every company I use - except Azamara - and I did plan on taking at least three Azamara cruises in 2012.   I emailed Az shoreside today and was told that there were no plans for a full 2012 brochure yet, although apparently there is a small brochure with cruises up to March 2012 being sent out to some T/A's. They advised me to use the website to check on cruises after March - wonderful advice when all UK cruisers know that we can't book online or get quotes in sterling. :( We are still waiting for that "fix" you told us about Bill.   As many others have said - what is wrong with Azamara marketing? We shouldn't have to plead for a cruise brochure - it's your primary marketing tool for goodness sake.   Also as many others have said - it's fortunate that the truly amazing crew onboard compensate for the poor service shoreside. Otherwise Oceania would be getting my custom now.   Bill - still a way to go for your much quoted "seamless" cruise experience to become a reality! But as I love Quest and her crew so much I can forgive it. :)

Hello Lottie A –

I understand your skepticism about the likelihood of Azamara achieving a seamless guest experience on ship and shore. It will require the continued persistence and determination from both the US and UK management to deliver that level of service to the UK and Ireland markets. That translates into more time and more patience.

As I mentioned earlier on this thread, because of UK local laws, business customs, and competitive norms, our UK/Ireland office creates their own brochures, processes reservations and maintains their own dedicated website. Unfortunately, we're unable to create a "global" brochure because there are different rules of engagement in different markets.

Your comment that there “were no plans for a full 2012 brochure yet, although apparently there is a small brochure with cruises up to March 2012 being sent out to some T/A's” contradicts what I had been told by the Head of Sales in the UK. The report was that the Azamara 2012 brochure is available and that if your travel agent does not have a copy, ask them to contact the Sales Support Team who will arrange for a brochure to be delivered.

Please give me some time to further investigate this misunderstanding about of what actually constitutes a “brochure.” Once I receive an update, I’ll share it with you. Also, I’ll provide a progress report on adding GBP pricing to the website.

In the meantime, here is contact information to reach the “loyalty team” located in the UK who may be able to provide you with a full 2012 brochure, if iundeed it exists:

Loyalty Desk UK & Ireland

Thank you for your loyalty to our outstanding cruise experience and I appreciate your patience as we sort out the process.

Dear Bill   Loved the diplomatic reponse and actually giggled a little with your reference to my age ( I'm definitely a baby boomer and a grandparent ). This will be my last post on the subject so I would like to clarify my position. I understand that some people may prefer to read a brochure. I have no problem with that. What I don't understand is why people would whine and moan like a spoilt child like it is the end of the world over a petty issue. If it was so important to get the brochure, a trip to the local travel agent would have been the answer. Wherever the original poster resides ( NJ, I think ) I can almost promise ( read my lips ) that there will be a travel agent located within 10 miles. I hope Realtor at Sea enjoys their cruising and I look forward to sharing a complimentary glass of wine on board Azamara ( thanks to the savings gained by not sending out brochures ). No harm meant and hopefully no harm done by any of my comments.

I use a computer all day long in work. I am internet savvy and actually compared to some Az cruisers amongst the youngest onboard! Sorry Bill - but in my case it isn't "generational"!

I appreciate the Azamara website - HOWEVER - as I stated before in the UK we cannot use it - other than to admire the pretty pictures. There is no facility to get cruise prices in sterling - or to book a cruise for us. Of course we have T/A's but I would like to be able to browse a brochure in the comfort of my home and compare the cruise itineraries. I have a Kindle too - but I still enjoy reading a "proper" book.

My point was that the travel agents in the UK do not have even the Az brochure that goes up to March 2012 - I have tried four different agents including our biggest - Thomas Cook. I have emailed Azamara shoreside twice in the last month and still no brochure. I am not alone - if I could obtain a few Azamara brochures I think I could make a profit selling them on Ebay!!! :)

And Centrum - I don't think anyone is "whining and moaning" as you said. We are just asking a perfectly legitimate question about why it is so difficult to obtain an Azamara brochure. You might not see the need for a paper brochure - but some Az cruisers definitely do.

One of the lovely things about being on an Azamara cruise is the general air of civility and politeness from your fellow cruisers. We don't "whine and moan". Not a very pleasant comment. :(

Have to say Well Done Azamara ! :):):)

I used the link which was posted yesterday to request a brochure. I explained that I'd requested a brochure 3 times through the website and received none. Had the same problem last year and whoever said just go to your TA, doesn't live in the UK , couldn't get one at all last year .

Well , the post has just arrived and Lo and Behold , an Azamara brochure. Not only that but I got an email reply yesterday saying that a brochure had been popped in the post.

Now that's service !!! :)

Literary Lynne

I am a web editor and therefore am pretty internet savvy, but also love to look at a brochure for all the reasons you lovely people mention. I stare at two screens all day long at work and look forward to poring over cruise brochures, comparing and dreaming, in the evenings and weekends. I haven't been able to get a new Azamara brochure but still hang on to one I picked up on board the Journey a couple of years ago - just as a wonderful reminder! No travel agent here ever has one.

Anyway, I've just sent off a request to the Captains Club Loyalty Desk that you mentioned Bill and hope I get the same response as Lindy028

How's this then. As I mentioned above, I just sent an email to the CC Loyalty Desk (timed 11.53) and received a response from Lesley there, telling me that she was putting a brochure in the post to me today (timed 12.08).

Fantastic service - that's more like the Azamara we love!

Thanks Bill and everyone:):)

I live in the north east of England, plenty of local TA's available, unfortunately AZ brochures are not avialabe - not even 'office copies'.

To cut a long story short, tonight I have sent off my third request via the 'request a brochure' tag on the AZ website, lets hope it a case of 3rd time lucky. Its only 2 months since I sent off my first request for a brochure and I'm still waiting.

I have an Azamara cruise booked, sailing on 10th Sept so it would have been nice to be able to browse through it beforehand, though it now looks likely my 'Journey' will be over before my 'Quest' for a brochure has been fulfilled!

WOW, never thought I'd ever read so many comments about a Brochure. One thing stands out in the many opinions and comments. I don't know of many Cruise Lines that assign a representative to a Web Site such as this to assist wthe everday concerns of fellow Cruisers. My Hats off to Azamara and in particular to Mr. Bill Leiber for weighing in here:)

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