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My blog from Azamara Queste August 9 - 23, 2009

2009-09-01T14:52:48-08:00

I am so glad to be on the ship..
We left our house in Oxnard at 5pm on Friday and with the traffic in LA it took us over 2 hours to get to the airport
The driver kept the air on so high I started to get a sore throat..and the airport was freezing so by the time we boarded I had a full blown sore throat and runny nose I had only a salad on the plane but I must say BC on LH is fabulous!!.. we changed planes in Munich and it was almost impossible to find the gate..needless to say I was not a happy camper..we arrived in Rome right on schedule and the signage was so bad we walked out without going through customs thats a first for me..Our driver was there Fab from All Around Rome and all I wanted was a bed..our room was really beautiful in the Marriott Park..bad location terrific hotel with 2 bathrooms but I was so sick all night with a runny nose…I didnt really get a chance to enjoy it..I am taking vitamin C and sudafed and this morning I took 2 fiorecet and lo and behold I am a new woman!! We had breakfast at the hotel all I had was a roll and coffee for 15 euros….we took a 2 hour tour of Rome ..Fab picked us up to take us on a short tour and to the ship and I am sorry to say..I was not impressed..he talked way to much, was hard to understand and tried to overcharge me by 200 euros..He did email me tonight to confirm I was correct and he was mistaken but it really bothered me we reached the ship at 2pm it was like old home week…. Ship is in impeccable condition and looks better than it did in May..I am in a Sky Suite and I love the room absolutely gorgeous decor..remember these suites are new as on the Ren 6, 7 and 8 there were no suites..luggage was delivered almost immediately!! We then had a bite of lunch.. I was off for a nap and unpacking..weather is gorgeous..warm but not hot..
Dinner tonight in the main dinning room and I had the healthy fish and apricot sorbet both were outstanding we were with 2 other couples and everuyone was relly happy with their meals..I am on a diet with 10 of my nearest and dearest..but of course they are not on a cruise..LOL..it is now10m and we are ready to turn in..tomorrow morning Sorrento and I will continue my story
Please dont hesitate to ask me any questions..

Ah Sorrento..Since Stu and I have been to the area many times we decided to spend the day in Sorrento..what a beautiful town..we took the tender across and then a public bus for 1 euro to the main part of town and it was delightful..getting lost in the side streets is the most fun..so many wonderful little stores with such charming displays..I bought as gifts spaghetti measurers..they are so typical Italy..they are shaped like a small paddle with holes in it to measure spaghetti for 1,2 or 4 persons and they have many different designs..SUMMER SANDALS are all on sale for about 20 to 30 Euros..and huge selections everywhere..some really nice straw hats for about 5 to 10 Euros and white purses with beading for summer for 5 Euros..I could have walked and shopped all day but it was VERY hot and humid and after 2 hours we gave up..and went back to the ship for a shower..
We met at the tender to go bck to Sorrento and to Carusos for dinner at 6:30 (supposed to be 7 of us) but we were missing one couple who we thought would probably meet us at the restaurant at 7PM..
We took a taxi van and were dropped off in front of Carusos Restaurant , we have been there before, it is not only a restaurant but also a Caruso museum..just lovely..
The Maitre d opened a bottle of champangne for us while we were waiting for the other couple and after 15 minutes we decided to order..for starters I had the most fabulous dish..it was Calamari stuffed with crabmeat gratinee..and for dinner I had the homemade spaghtti and meat sauce with olive oil and garlic..for desert was coffee and the restaurant presented us with liminchello and watermelon..this was all topped off with a bottle of local wine..Every one really loved their dinner..but I must warn you it is extremely on the high end of restarants..
After dinner the same driver picked us up to back down the hill to the ship..but as we alighted from the van, I could not pas up the gelato stand that was calling to me..the pistachio was to die for..!!
We returned to the ship after 10 and I came in here to the computer . While in the computer room I ran into the couple who was supposed to dine with us and they told me they had been in Potofino and the ferry to bring them back was 1.5 hpurs late..it is a good thing we were in Sorrento overnight or they would have missed the ship..Everyone should keep in mind the Italians do not keep to schedules !!!
Today, I saw Captain Smith having breakfast with his wife and adorable son and he was very nice to introduce me to them..
It is overcast tody and much cooler but Since I did all my shopping yesterday we will stay on board and read..
Tomorrow Taormina and the Godfather tour we were to tke was canceled..so I think it will be another relaxing day just wandering on our own or maybe look for beach..
Thats it for now..

Press Release Part 2

2009-12-08T21:45:02-08:00

AZAMARA CRUISES BECOMES AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES 3/3

Wellness and vigor will be a core component of the Azamara Club Cruises experience, too, with onboard and land-based experiences designed to help guests feel and look healthier and more youthful. Azamara’s aim in wellness and vigor is to help guests balance their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs through massages, facials and other spa treatments, as well as acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and enrichment programs.
The newly refined brand also is intensely focused on offering an intangible attribute essential to a successful upmarket product: exceptional service.
“Extraordinary service is paramount with Azamara Club Cruises,” said Pimentel. “We know every travel and hospitality organization proclaims it’s committed to great service, so what will make Azamara stand out? First, our butlers will be trained to be true English butlers, to offer that fine balance of anticipatory, pampering, yet non-intrusive service to guests in every suite.” Guests in staterooms will be served by the line’s host of experienced stateroom attendants.
Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest: a specific brand of bottled water offered at no charge throughout the voyage, whether in public venues or in staterooms; specialty coffees and teas; housekeeping and dining gratuities; shuttlebus service to/from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; most meals and room service; house wine at lunches and dinners; and self-service laundry. Specialty dining in Azamara’s intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise.
Cruisers who can’t get enough of Azamara will be invited to join the line’s new loyalty program, “Le Club Voyage,” with specific features and benefits yet to be announced.
For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-877-999-9553, or visit http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com.

# # #

Azamara Press Release

2009-12-08T21:44:21-08:00

AZAMARA CRUISES BECOMES “AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES”
Newly refined brand unveils multiple new attributes for upmarket travelers

MIAMI – December 8, 2009 – Azamara Cruises – the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest – today became “Azamara Club Cruises,” with a newly refined focus, and a series of new attributes designed for upmarket, experienced travelers.
“This isn’t a strategy of going ‘from good to great’,” said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel. “This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional.”
Tapped to take the helm of Azamara Cruises in July of this year, Pimentel spent several weeks talking with travel agents, past guests and press to determine how to make his great-to-exceptional goal a reality. He also tapped a small new team focused 100 percent on Azamara, including VP of Sales & Marketing Edie Bornstein, AVP of Hotel Operations Bert Van Middendorp, Director of Marketing Signe Bjorndal, Director of National Accounts Michelle Nevin, and an eight-member field sales team dedicated solely to Azamara.
Together, Pimentel and team shaped the new Azamara Club Cruises, whose most distinguishing new attributes will be in effect by April 2010.
“Today’s cruisers have incredible new vacation options – like Celebrity’s stunning Solstice Class, and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas,” said Pimentel. “Azamara Club Cruises will distinguish itself by delivering the destination like no other line.”
Azamara Club Cruises will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures. Among the overnight locations are Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy, which offers a host of tour options along the Amalfi Coast and Capri; a full three days and two nights in St. Peters burg, Russia, on Azamara’s Scandinavia and Russia itineraries; and multiple overnight stays in Azamara’s Southeast Asia region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

- More -
AZAMARA CRUISES BECOMES AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES 2/3

“We’re going to slow down the tempo, and allow our guests to not just see the destination, but to live it,” said Pimentel. “Consider destinations like St. Tropez or St. Petersburg, Russia. If you’ve experienced them only by day, you haven’t really experienced them. With Azamara, through more overnight stays and late-night stays, you can.”
The destination focus of Azamara Club Cruises inspired the brand’s new tagline – “You’ll love where we take you” – and will extend to its shore excursions, too, an essential ingredient to allow guests to truly experience a community and its culture.
Azamara has created distinctive two-day packages tailored to the overnight destinations, to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in each location, whether it’s Dubrovnik, Croatia; Odessa, Ukraine; Livorno (Florence), Italy, Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany, or London, in addition to Sorrento and St. Petersburg.
Azamara also will offer experiences such as a two-night package from Bangkok to Laos; an overnight tour from Hiroshima to Osaka via bullet train; a three-night experience from Mumbai including a visit to the Taj Mahal; overnight tours in Israel between Ashdod and Cairo, and a Grand Egypt tour featuring the best of both Luxor and Cairo.
Among Azamara’s specialty tours include a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy; a walk down memory lane in Liverpool with the “In the steps of The Beatles” tour; a private demonstration of chocolate flavors in Dubrovnik; a “Theatre A La Carte” evening in London; Croatian liqueur tasting in Zadar; an Imperial Russian Court evening at Tsarskoye Selo in St. Petersburg; an evening gondola serenade in Venice; and high tea at the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai.
Praised for its dining experience since its founding, Azamara will continue to place a heavy emphasis on fine cuisine, and will expand its focus on wine to include vintages from boutique wineries around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to taste high quality wines that may be unavailable at home, because the selected vineyards produce a strictly limited quantity each year, distributed primarily locally. The featured wines will be offered complimentary at lunches and dinners on every sailing.

- More –

Webinar

2009-09-11T08:11:16-08:00

There was a wonderful Webinar given by Larry Pimentel and Edie Borenstein on Thursday telling about all the new things that are going to be happening in the near future.
First he said to book now as prices will be going up the fourth quarter and first quarter of next year.. Azamara will be built on a very individual basis with a lot of 1 on 1 with the passengers.
More training for the reservations people and much better customer service.
Larry spoke about the how he intends to make the cruise line much more passenger friendly (it is now!!)
He stressed, they will not be accused of copying anyone, Azamara will have its own flavor..and many more overnight stays will be in the itinerarys
He said there will be more to come at the next webinar so watch here for the synopsis here!
Jancruz1

Azamara taps Bornstein as vp sales/marketing

2009-09-02T13:08:10-08:00

Edie Bornstein is joining Azamara Cruises as vp sales and marketing, reporting directly to president and ceo Larry Pimentel, Seatrade Insider has learned. She starts this week.

Bornstein has been with Carnival Cruise Lines for the past four years, most recently serving as vp business development and strategic partnerships. Previous positions were with Cunard/Seabourn and Amadeus.

‘Edie has an impressive 25-year background,’ Pimentel told Seatrade Insider. ‘She’s a pro: intelligent, driven, agent-friendly and street smart. She is also fun, with such a positive disposition and get-it-done mentality.’

At Cunard prior to the launch of Queen Mary 2, Bornstein developed strategic partnerships with brands like Canyon Ranch Spa, Chopard, Dunhill, Waterford and Veuve Clicquot.

Earlier, as vp sales and marketing for Amadeus Global Distribution Systems, Bornstein was instrumental in the implementation of automation solutions across the cruise industry.

Bornstein is the first high-profile executive appointment made by Pimentel since he took the Azamara helm in early July.

In Retrospect

2009-09-01T14:58:16-08:00

In retrospect:
It is hard to believe we are back (almost) in our routine, picked up our dog and it feels like home again!!
The cruise as always was outstanding, this time a bit better because of the wonderful crew..
I wish to thank Captain Carl, Niyazi, Gary, Vlado, Emmy, Ced and everyone else who made this trip so spectacular..We had a few firsts on this trip..first time in the therapy pool..wont travel again without signing up for the whole cruise, lunch in Ravenna at La Gardena thanks to the people at Slow travel who suggested it, first, (but not last) coconut, mango and rice gelato, traveling with Brian and Jean UK.., we MUST do it again!!
and last but not least getting over a cold in 3 days..that was great!!
I am planning our next trip I wish it could be on Quest but I think it will be on Journey..thanks to all of you that wrote to me and liked what I wrote..now I must get back to work !!!!
Regards from a happy person,
Jancruz1

and yet more of Best of Italy

2009-09-01T14:57:13-08:00

First day in Venice, Stu and I left the ship at around 9:00am because we wanted to go to Burano, the one island we hadnt been to..there was a shuttle bus to the vaporetto ($15 per person) which I heard a lot if complaints about because it wasnt that far..personally it was worth it to Stu and I because it was so warm(translated HOT)..
We took a vaporetto to Murano (about 40 minutes) and changed to go to Burano (another 40 minutes) I was glad I had my kindle with me as it helped with the long hot ride..the best value we had was the 12 hour vaporetto pass which was 32 Euros but really worth every cent to us because we were on so many that day!!
We arrived in Burano about noon..and enjoyed walking through all the small shops and stalls..talked to many people who lived there and did not see anyone from our ship..we were there about 2 hours including our lunch and caught another water bus to San Marco and then yet another one to Rialto Bridge..we shopped for quite a while although we didnt buy anything but a charming Murano clock for my office which was only 8 Euros..but a nice memory for me..after all the walking and all the heat (it was 100 degrees) we had a couple of beers near San Marco and took the water bus back to P Roma where our shuttle back to the ship was..I know it doesnt sound like much but it took us over 10 hours as we returned to the ship at 7pm absolutely exhausted!! Showered, rested and 8:30 we met Brian and Jean from UK at the Buffet and had a late leisurely dinner, I almost fell asleep in my sushi..of course the Pino Grigio really helped..

The next day (yesterday) we were in Venice until 1:30 and we were supposed to go back to Rialto..but truth be told we overslept and didnt get off the ship..
Last night we had dinner with Niyazi and just laughed until I thought I would cry..many of the crew had a soccer game the 1st day in Venice and they were telling us about it..we cracked up..
Stu and I decided the crew on Quest is possibly the friendliest we have ever had..and the most fun!!

I decided to try my luck in the casino and played 3 hands of blackjack last night..I had 3, 20’s and the dealer had 3, 21’s..That was kind of an idea of things to come so I figured tonight is another night..
Today is another very hot day (95 degrees) and we went in to town, Dubrovnik..walked around, met some friends and had a beer and decided to return to the ship..Stu and I decided to try theThalassotherapy pool for the very first time and we LOVED it..so relaxing we were in about 15 minutes and then just flaked out on the deck..interesting we were the only 2 people there..kind of like your own yacht!! We paid $19 for the day (we will go back later this evening) but next time for $99 we will buy the pass for the trip..my aching bones loved the relaxation..but my toe ring turned black..so be careful with jewelery in the pool..
Tonght dinner in Prime C with some new friends and tomorrow actually a day at sea..and we do need it!!
They have some really nice Murano jewey on board and I am seriosly looking at a piece..do I need it NO..do I want it..maybe but the prices are very reasonable..
I dont know who the Art people are on board (not Park West) but they and the photographers are really low key and dont bother anyone!!
Off to change..only a few more days for questions from you..this trip is flying by..

Quote:
Originally Posted by uktog
Jan
As we struggle to shut our cases to go and maybe you struggle to do so to leave can I thank you for all your postings from Quest. Whilst our itineraries differ you’ve given me a great flavour of what life on board is like and confirmed that our fantastic experience on board in January was not a one off. We will wave to you on Sunday

Ann

I am leaving you with the best crew I have ever saied with..
I will be thinking of you!!

I will start where I left off ...with our day at sea..very warm so I did some of the inside activities, magic workshop, trivia, shopping..some great stuff at great prices everything was $10..I bought a cute pair of earrings.
At 3PM we went through the straights of Messina and it was so different as there is less than a mile at that point between Italy and Sicily.. the Captain was telling us a fable that was quite interesting..
About 6PM we passed Stromboli and I tell you just as we were passing it belched smoke and fire like it was a show just for us!! So amazing..
Yesterday was Olbia and as hard as I talked I could not get Stu to go to the beach..so we took a toor with the ship of Madalanna Island..it was a long ride 50 minutes..then 20 minutes on the ferry then a ride around the Island to another Island..30 minutes shopping time and the whole thing again in reverse..I was not impressed with this tour..the only thing I liked about the tour was I stopped to get Gelato Coconut, Mango and Rice..out of this world!! It was 2 euro and worth every cent..The weather has been so hot that it has been difficult for Stu and I to do a lot of what we wanted to..
Today In La Spezia we stayed on the ship. did laundry, read and packed until 5pm when we got on to the tender into town..walked a couple of miles and had made a reservation for dinner at a wonderful little family restaurant that was outstanding..I did get their card so if anyone wants the name I have it..I had Calamari Salad and Pasta with tomato and olive oil and it was heavenly..Only problem was it was close to 90 degrees out at 8pm
I just cant believe we only have one more day on the ship..I feel like we have become a big family and I miss everyone on board already..tomorrow we are in Livorno and we will see what the weather is before we decide what to do..if we stay on the ship I know we will be in the pool all day..
More tomorrow night and I will have one last entry after we arrive home!!

More Best of Italy

2009-09-01T14:55:58-08:00

Our day in Taormina was kind of a nothing day..since our tour was canceled we decided to take the shuttle to Taormina ($15 a person) which is at the top of a steep hill..We left the ship at 11am on the tender and I sat next to the Captains wife, Petra and his adorable son Joseph that child will be 4 next week and is so bright it was delighfaul to spend time with them..we then walked a couple of yards to the shuttle..the bus ride to the top was about 25 minutes a bit scary as you get higher..when you get to the top you are in a parking garage and have to take an elevator 7 floors up where you are almost in the middle of town..we stayed and walked for about 40 minutes as it started getting warm and decided to go back to the ship..after we got down and almost back to the tender we saw lovely beaches..and knew what we will do the next time we are here..anyone coming here should do the beach..water was beautiful and clear..
we had lunch at the outdoor grill and it was wonderful..chicken brochette..french fries and salad..
Last night we had the best time..we were invited to the Captains table, (Captain Smith)and the staff had included the other 3 couples we are with so we had a wonderful evening lots of laughing….the Captain is a wonderful host and we learned a lot about him and how he came to Azamara..
For dinner I ordered the Pumpkin soup and the New York steak which was flavorful and juicy and asparagus..and a poached pear in wine for dessert..I bet I could make that at home and it was delicious..
Today is a sea day and tonight our cruise critic party and I understand we have about 50 persons attending..that should be fun..more tomorrow..
ciao,

On Thursday we had an extremely relaxing day at sea..it is interesting that Azamara has so many different activities planned during the day..several lectures,cooking deonstrations, Marguerita tastings and many ,many, more..Stu and I are basically readers so we were on deck reading most of the day..the weather was gorgeous..

Yesterday and today we are in Ravenna and yesterday had a wonderful day walking and looking at the gorgeous mosaics!! Stores had interesting things..(clothes,shoes) but very expensive even on sale..We chose not to take a tour but just to go on our own and enjoyed it a lot..last night was the Italian Buffet on deck and it was spectacular..in addition to being beautiful the food was wonderful from the antipasto to the pasta being made individually..This morning we awoke ant the ship is full of mosqitos all over the verandas and deck 9..they are being sprayed now..but the crew says this is the first time it has ever happened!!

Thee was a dance contest after the buffet and the Captain, Niyazi, and Sue Denning were the judges it was hilarious..

I do believe it is a good thing that next year Azamara is only spending one day in Ravenna as we are hard pressed to do more in the city..we have a reservation for lunch at La Gardela but after that will return to the ship..

Critterchick or anyone on this trip earlier in the year..did you go to a beach in Olbia?? Is there one?

I look forward to answering any questions you may have..

Jan and Stu on Journey

2009-09-01T14:02:56-08:00

Stu and I will be going on the Journey through the Panama Canal on January 03, 2010 and would love to have company..Phillip will be the GM and he is always wonderful..
so come and join us!! The trip is from San Diego to Miami and if anyone wants to tour San Diego or Miami with us we can set it up!!
Jancruz1[

Jan and Stu leave Friday for Italy

2009-08-04T17:19:40-08:00

Welcome to Cruzunlimiteds Azamara cruise board.
Stu and I leave for Italy on the Quest August 9 so watch for my daily posts and be sure to feel free to ask any questions as we sail along
Jan