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Azamara Onward - My Greek Intensive review.

By Solent Richard , December 5, 2023 in Azamara

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Solent Richard

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Good afternoon. I've just published my review of a recent cruise onboard Azamara Onward. It's not all a rosy picture but pretty comprehensive all the same. It also includes the full Greek Intensive itinerary....

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2023/12/05/azamara-onward-truly-a-curates-egg/

Always happy to answer questions.

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The actual review was way, way too long gir me, and including photographs of the food speaks volumes.

But, most notable — for me — was the following:

"…  became painfully obvious that the embarkation order dictated in the Azamara joining letter was being universally abused"

The result is anarchy, and, ultimately, selfishness becomes self-defeating.

Thanks for your review Richard, useful info for us as first time Azamara cruisers. I like the pictures of food and menus 🙂  I’ll hope for some Indonesian dishes on the menu for our cruise.

Aussie Cruise Nuts

Yes, thanks for your review Richard.   I always enjoy reading your reviews and your port reports are very comprehensive, well written and appreciated.    

I receive your cruise reviews direct as I am on your mailing list ✔️

As to your comments on Azamara shoreside and their dreadful IT system, it has been ever thus.     Thank goodness it is a totally different experience when you walk up that gangplank and start your cruise.    Like chalk and cheese 🤣

We will walk up the Azamara Journey gangplank in Port Melbourne on 4 January 2024 for a 17 night trip to New Zealand.    We can’t wait.   👍 👍

Wow!! Solent Richard! What a review! 👏🏻

So much information and fantastic pictures.

Thanks for taking the time to post all of it.. makes me very excited for our upcoming cruise this spring.

IslandThyme

Thank you for an excellent and comprehensive review.

excellent review, the comments on the ships amenities were spot on --enjoyed the Living Room first, then the Den, .then the bar near Discoveries--Atlas is nichey-and worth one brief visit

we were on Onward for Gems of the Medit. nov 6--nov 17. 

this was our first cruise on a small ship--converted from Norwegian and RC--tbh, i feel, there probably is a size between the mega ships and this one that would be perfect

there were 8 of us on board, none in the 'cruiser class' of many cruises, just out for a vacation, and fun-all of us still working wanting to see some of Europe. The ship is designed perfectly for probably a bit older demo than our group--we could've handled perhaps a 7.5/10 'energy' level on the boat--while the Onward is firmly in the 5.5/10. Probably won't return. 

Great review glad you had a good trip, off to Greece next Sept can't wait 👍

Thanks for the review. Filled in a number (of many) gaps in my knowledge of Azamara in particular with regards the entertainment on board, overviews of the various venues and the port of Cannakale. I was thinking of a tour to the Gallipoli sites but not having any OBC find the Azamara tours a bit pricey so good to see there are lots of interesting places to see in the town should I decide on an alternative. Just flicked straight through the food entries as a bit of mystery before we set sail is good but it suggested we will not starve on board!

I expected a bad review....but the bads were essentially about the Azamara Web site and any interactions (or lack thereof) between Azamara and passengers before the cruise.  The reviews of the ship were very positive (I didn't read every word)...and map to our experience earlier this year BCN-VCE....and hopefully again on tomorrow's 10 day Caribbean cruise.

If I notice any differences worth noting, I'll start an Onward 12/12/2023 thread....and I will avoid repeating our similar pre-cruise experience.

A wonderful review. Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise experience with us. 

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REVIEW: Onboard the first AzAmazing sailing of the Azamara Onward

Small enough to fit into the yacht-filled marina of Monte Carlo, yet big enough to offer a variety of venues on board, Azamara Onward is the latest mid-size ship at sea.

At a ceremony held in Monaco in May, Azamara unveiled the 684-passenger former Pacific Princess after a US$50 million upgrade, which added a cocktail bar, refreshed suites and cabins, and four new shows.

The ship was christened at the dockside event led by Azamara president Carol Cabezas, Captain Carl Smith, cruise director Eric De Gray, and godmother Beth Santos, founder of the Wanderful travel community. The new name represents the brand’s growth as an independent brand, since it was sold by parent company Royal Caribbean to a private equity firm, but it could also apply to the wider cruise industry’s effort to move forward from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Following two years of pause, we look forward to pressing onward with new mindsets, new adventures and new opportunities to learn how we can be better travellers,” said Santos.

Exclusive to Azamara Onward is the stylish and intimate Atlas Bar, which features an enticing list of artisanal cocktails and snacks, with suggested pairings. A hit with the first guests to sample the new selection on the pre-inaugural cruise, the handcrafted beverages are prepared using freshly squeezed juices, in-house syrups and the latest techniques, such as smoking domes and nitro-infusions, which are almost as enjoyable to watch as to drink. Inspired by the ship’s travels, cocktails include a London Fog Martini (with earl gray-infused gin), Osaka Spice (with sake and wasabi), Scottish Sour (with two types of whisky) and Date of Cairo (with vodka and Egyptian date sauce). Among the small plates are lobster carpaccio, fois gras terrine, and beef tartare topped with caviar and shaved truffle.

Another new offering is a Chef’s Table degustation in the Aqualina specialty restaurant. The seven-course experience captures the flavours of the surrounding destinations of each itinerary.

Not new to Azamara but completely revamped areas include The Den, a multipurpose space that serves as a shore excursion desk and loyalty desk by day and a lounge with live piano music by night. The Living Room also has plenty of seating, a bar, dance floor, library and floor-to-ceiling windows providing the best vantage point on the ship.

Onward presents four new evening shows, performed by its team of singers, dancers and an expanded orchestra. Club Crooner covers the classics from Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble; Amped Up celebrates 70s rock; Wanderlust is an eclectic mix of music from around the world; and the psychedelic soundtrack of Groove Tonight encourages guests to hit the dance floor. Local entertainers will also be invited to board in select ports of call for a taste of the region’s culture.

Suites have been elegantly refurbished and offer butler service, while the standard cabins (and their bathrooms) are relatively small. Although there’s new carpet, bedding, curtains and USB ports, the built-in cabinets are old and dated.

In line with Azamara’s trademark of ‘destination immersion’, Onward will operate several ‘country intensive’ cruises exploring smaller ports within one country instead of covering the major ports of several countries. Among this year’s options are a nine-night ‘Greece Intensive’ in August and an 11-night ‘Italy Intensive’ in October. For those who prefer more variety, 2022 and 2023 itineraries include Islands of the Med; Central and South America; Bermuda and Canary Islands; Pacific Mysteries (Peru to Tahiti); and the Ancient Trade Routes (Singapore to Dubai).

Onward’s World Voyage is scheduled to sail to 40 countries from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, departing January 5, 2024. This epic five-month voyage includes Australian stops in the Great Barrier Reef, Mooloolaba and Sydney, plus the South Pacific, New Zealand, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Like its sister ships ( Azamara Pursuit, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest ), Onward’s small size allows it to visit world-class ports, such as Italy’s Amalfi and Croatia’s Rovinj, that bigger ships cannot access. Azamara also promises more overnight stays than other cruise lines, as well as late-night departures to allow passengers to enjoy dinner or other evening activities ashore. Fares include gratuities, select beverages, meals in non-specialty restaurants and some land-based events.

For more information, visit azamara.com

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Azamara Onward condition

By crusinbanjo , March 6, 2023 in Azamara

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Hi All:  Mrs Banjo and I are considering a first time cruise on Azamara Onward.  WE are experienced cruisers and have cruised on this ship when she was the Pacific Princess, some years ago.

Can somebody comment on the ship's overall condition? WE are hoping it is in good shape and are looking forward to a B to B on her in January 2024.  Thanks in advance

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It was in fine shape in December and early January.

We sailed on Onward in January in a Club Continent Suite. Everything worked as advertised. In a Q & A with Captain it was apparent they had many challenges to overcome in order to launch last May. All the pipes were replaced. There were areas that flooring had to be replaced.

A passenger on the maiden voyage showed me pictures that showed the ship was not ready to be launched.

Well, the ship looked pretty good on our cruise and they are constantly working on keeping it that way.

Crew was great, food warm and good and this cruise confirmed to us that we will be fine cruising in that same suite for 155 days on next years World Voyage.

Thank you. I think I will book the B to B cruises very soon.   Looking forward to being on board in January 

We were on Onward last week, Feb 12 - Feb 28, Lima to Miami.

I thought Onward was in great condition. The interior looks mostly brand-new .

The assistant cruise director said that Princess basically trashed the interior when they laid up Pacific Princess for Covid. Princess stored all kinds of junk inside the ship. As a result, Azamara had to replace or refinish almost everything you see in the interior.

IMHO, the result looks very good.

A couple of niggles that had absolutely no impact on our enjoyment of the cruise:

1) They painted over the Pacific Princess white hull with Azamara blue. Some of the blue paint is coming off, especially at the waterline,  showing the white paint underneath. Looks like a bad paint job.

2) They replaced the fans on the pool deck, underneath the jogging track. They look like some cheap POS that you might buy from a liquidation store for $20 each - not something I would want on my home, let alone a moving ship. The fans are already broken and inoperative. This fan is supposed to have four blades. It only has three. If you turned it on, it would vibrate so bad as to be a hazard to passengers below.

We were on Onward in October-November..  The ship was still being worked on in a few places then and we had to dodge some workers in the halls, near elevators on upper deck (don't remember exactly where). but I would hope that work has been completed by now.  

We were in a standard verandah and I was somewhat dismayed to see that the desk and mirror and cabinets were not changed out.  Our desk had a broken hinge on one door, but a call got it fixed right away.

FYI - quite by accident, last week I found this article on our cruise with lots of photos done by an online cruise magazine:  

https://www.cruiseturtle.com/cruise-ships/azamara-onwa

Thank you all for the great info!

ChucktownSteve

5 hours ago, the mice said: We were on Onward in October-November..  The ship was still being worked on in a few places then and we had to dodge some workers in the halls, near elevators on upper deck (don't remember exactly where). but I would hope that work has been completed by now.   We were in a standard verandah and I was somewhat dismayed to see that the desk and mirror and cabinets were not changed out.  Our desk had a broken hinge on one door, but a call got it fixed right away. FYI - quite by accident, last week I found this article on our cruise with lots of photos done by an online cruise magazine:     https://www.cruiseturtle.com/cruise-ships/azamara-onwa

Thank you for posting the article. I really enjoyed it.  Makes me feel better about our booked Onward cruise 12/24. I hope it wasn't just a whitewash article but accurate.

7 hours ago, ChucktownSteve said:   Thank you for posting the article. I really enjoyed it.  Makes me feel better about our booked Onward cruise 12/24. I hope it wasn't just a whitewash article but accurate.

One of the better articles I have seen, lots of information with any embellishment, only misinformation was that Onward was Pacific Princess not Ocean Princess. Also didn’t continually use the word luxury as others have done, description was instead boutique which is much more accurate.

I agree that she is in great shape (or was back in December), but there were a handful of minor, relatively inconsequential things like what @Mercruiser  mentioned.  Along those lines, some of the speakers out at the pool weren't working.  Given recent history, we certainly could understand that they would need to take care of such things while at sea and with passengers on board.  That can take a while to run down all the punch list items or little things that pop up.

We had a fantastic cruise and would go back on board Onward without hesitating.

On Onward just now.  Ship is in excellent condition.

Our cabin, CC suite 8020 is in great condition, obviously refitted.

Steward and butler, faultless.

Cruise Director is not De Gray chap as we expected but a Scots guy, Martin ( I think, not exactly sure) . He is ok, not memorable.

Enjoying cruise very much.

takemewithyou

I thought Eric was going to be coming back in March.  Are they giving any idea when he may return to Onward?

I heard that Eric will be back on the 18th.  We are also currently on Onward. At the end of this current cruise, we will have spent 40 nights in same CC cabin since June. And we are booked again, same cabin for Nov. trans Atlantic. Obviously, we are very satisfied with Onward. Our Butler and cabin steward are also faultless. After 18 glorious days this trip, we are sad to leave on Sat.

We like Martin, the CD very much.

Laganlady02

19 hours ago, scottie99 said: On Onward just now.  Ship is in excellent condition.   Our cabin, CC suite 8020 is in great condition, obviously refitted.   Steward and butler, faultless.   Cruise Director is not De Gray chap as we expected but a Scots guy, Martin ( I think, not exactly sure) . He is ok, not memorable.   Enjoying cruise very much.

How was embarkation in Gran Canaria? 

What time did it start and did you have a separate group for suite guests?

Thank you for any information you can provide.

2 hours ago, Laganlady02 said: How was embarkation in Gran Canaria?  What time did it start and did you have a separate group for suite guests? Thank you for any information you can provide.

We were allocated 2.30 pm embarkation. We arrived 1.45 and were aboard in less than 30 mins.  Lines were fairly long but moved quickly and were well organised.

once dropping luggage, there was a separate line for suites.

Cabins were available immediately and luggage arrived very quickly.   

Azamara handled whole process very well

I will sail first time on Azamara 3/25/2023 from Gran Canaria. Is there a daily planner for ship activities? Curious when the times are for entertainment. Thank you.

6 minutes ago, luvkoko said: I will sail first time on Azamara 3/25/2023 from Gran Canaria. Is there a daily planner for ship activities? Curious when the times are for entertainment. Thank you.

The daily planner is called "The Insider" and is left in your room each evening for the following day.

Melissaghoti

I take a picture of ‘The Insider’ schedule to avoid carrying it around all day.

cruiseaholic78

10 hours ago, luvkoko said: I will sail first time on Azamara 3/25/2023 from Gran Canaria. Is there a daily planner for ship activities? Curious when the times are for entertainment. Thank you.

Do pop over and join us on the roll call, we are a friendly bunch. Rosalyn

21 hours ago, Melissaghoti said: I take a picture of ‘The Insider’ schedule to avoid carrying it around all day.

Wouldn't it be easier to fold it up and carry it around in your pocket rather than having to carry your phone around?

18 minutes ago, macmax said: Wouldn't it be easier to fold it up and carry it around in your pocket rather than having to carry your phone around?

Speaking for my DW, she rarely has pockets, but she always has her phone.

Its also a great idea to have a photo of the front page with you when you are ashore so you have access to the port agents details, location name of the dock etc. Bits of paper can get lost!

Host Jazzbeau

1 hour ago, macmax said: Wouldn't it be easier to fold it up and carry it around in your pocket rather than having to carry your phone around?

If you have T-Mobile, you always carry your phone because you always have free text and data coverage.  So then the camera (and camera roll) is also available 

Palms2Pines2Sea

The Onward is in very very fine shape, especially for her age. We enjoyed the recent Transatlantic tremendously.

Some random photos from our crossing.

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