Azamara Quest
Enter the World of Deluxe Cruising
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Deluxe Ocean View with Balcony
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Part Two
Azamara Quest Accommodations
Total occupancy was cut slightly by converting 48 standard staterooms into spacious Sky Suites and the updated decor throughout features all new carpets, wall coverings, and upholstery. Staterooms have a fresh boutique hotel look with deep-toned drapes and bed coverings. The beds themselves are plush European style mattresses piled high with duvets and pillows. Added amenities include a small refrigerator, hair-dryer, Elemis toiletries, a bottle of Evian water, stationery, tote bag, slippers, fresh flowers, fruit basket, and the use of robes, binoculars, and an umbrella during the cruise. Of course, all accommodations are served by a butler.
About that butler... just what is his purpose? According to Azamara, butler service includes:
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Assistance with unpacking/packing
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Daily news delivery
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Full breakfast
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Afternoon tea service
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Lunch & dinner service
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Evening hors d'oeuvres
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Complimentary cappuccino & espresso delivery
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Shoeshine service
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Booking assistance with spa, shore excursions, & specialty dining
Stateroom attendants work in teams and routine stateroom cleaning is done by an assistant steward, much like on other cruise lines. So, is the butler simply a glorified cabin steward? Well, that depends your expectations and whether you want the butler to do things you'd normally take care of yourself. It isn't possible to evaluate service to any degree of accuracy during a two-night cruise, but my butler was very cordial--he introduced himself shortly after my arrival and always asked if I needed anything when he happened to see me. The evening hors d'oeuvres he delivered were delicious. The only thing he couldn't do for me was beyond his control. In my closet were slippers that would likely fit most men, but were too large for me. Smaller ones were unavailable and my butler was very apologetic.
Service
Again, on a two-night cruise it's somewhat difficult to determine what the service will be like on a 'normal' sailing. However, Azamara strives to offer passengers pampering and personalized service and they are certainly off to a good start.
Public Spaces
Azamara has hit a home run in terms of comfort and style. Interiors are brighter with the addition of light, neutral carpeting throughout and splashes of bold color in the upholstery and drapes. Contemporary artwork that complements the decor further enhances the spaces.
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Poolside "Patio"
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By far, my favorite spots on Azamara Quest are the covered "patio" area near the pool, furnished with comfortable oversized loungers and seating, and the relaxation area forward of the spa that also includes thickly-padded loungers and seating, plus a thallasotherapy pool. There is a $99 per cruise charge for unlimited use of the relaxation area and therapy pool.
While there's little glitz, there's a lot of glamour to be found on Azamara Quest. More upscale than premium lines, Azamara doesn't quite hit the luxury mark, yet the worldwide itineraries reflect those of a high-end product at a more affordable price.
The Azamara Experience
While at sea during our two-night cruise, Azamara Quest's captain announced that Cape Canaveral was within view from our port side and we were in count-down mode for the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Everyone on board was thrilled with a once-in-a-lifetime experience--to see a brilliant shuttle launch from a cruise ship at sea. That's only an example of what Azamara hopes to offer their guests--exclusive experiences that are truly special.
What you WILL find:
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Well-designed, comfortable staterooms and suites
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Concierge-style amenities
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Fine dining
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Resort casual lifestyle
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Enrichment programs: lectures on finance, design, history, and the culture of regions visited; cooking, technology and photography classes; wine tasting
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Cabaret style entertainment
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An aesthetics suite offering acupuncture treatments
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Suggested gratuities are $12.25 per person, per day
What you WON'T find:
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Smoke filled public, or private, spaces (smoking is limited to a designated area of the Looking Glass Lounge and the starboard section of the Pool Deck)
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Formal nights
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Rigid schedules
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Facilities for children and teens
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Stress
Wherever you want to go in the world, Azamara Cruises is prepared to take you there.
Back to: Azamara Quest, part one
Azamara Quest's Maiden Sailing... check out this amazing sight from the ship and browse through Cruise Diva's Photo Tour with more than 50 images. Read the Azamara Cruises Cruise Line Profile and get the ships' Fun Facts.
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