Azamara Onward Deck 7

Embarkation/ Disembarkation – we stayed at AC Iberia Las Palmas the night before which was modern, clean and served the purpose. Left on the main road was shops in walking distance, walking towards the shops, we could see the ship in port but that wasn’t in walking distance, however taxi prices are very reasonable, it was less than €10.00 to the port and the taxis are parked directly outside the hotel.
We are Elite Plus loyalty level and that includes priority embarkation, however when we did the check in on line, it said to arrive at 4pm which is not priority in our opinion, I questioned this with Azamara and arrived earlier. We checked in at the port and left our cases and walked down to the shopping mall which was a few minutes flat walk. Disembarkation was effortless, we took the Azamara shuttle to the airport which cost $50.00 for two. The airport was a bit boring because they do not check in flights until two hours before departure so we we had to sit and wait for several hours, once we got airside we had lounge access so it was more comfortable.

Stateroom – Standard Club Balcony on deck 7 adequate for our needs. Yes, the shower is a little on the small side as many people say but we do not find it an issue. Stateroom was clean and well presented and maintained throughout our cruise, by Jonel who was discreat, professional and very efficient leaving our stateroom spotless everyday. Convenient for the Laundry even if just to use the iron. We did have a dodgy repair to one of our cabinet doors, not sure why anyone would use white filler on dark wood but it didn’t impact holiday but could have done with a bit more attention to detail there.

Ship public areas – Even though the ship is approx. 20 years old it looks good inside, its been refurbished and the ship is very clean and nicely presented. ( Another premium cruise line has the same R class ships as Azamara but we find Azamara to be in better condition and cleaner). The restrooms are very clean with flowers and rolled cotton towels but they are the areas of the ship that look most dated and really need replacing. Our main concern is that there is hardly any seating for two people, most areas were for four, six or more, for couples who just want to sit together the options were very limited especially in The Den and The Living Room.

Service – We found the service in all bars and eating areas, and the pool area to be very good, no waiting for anything and staff friendly and happy to serve you.

Buffet – Small but adequate selection, although we noticed this time that there was quite a lot of plant and vegan choices which is good for some but not for others. The evening buffet has been reinstated which we were very pleased to see as this enables you to eat as little or as much as you want at a time to suit. French night and Greek night particularly suited us.

Speciality Restaurants – Food was ok, the menu is always the same apart from a daily special. The restaurant and food presentation, and the service is excellent but for us it is a lot of food having had breakfast and lunch. It is always problematic getting preferred times but whenever we go to them they are always almost empty so I am not sure why there is an issue booking, perhaps they must be always available for suite guests.

White Night – Always good to be outside for White Night, we felt that whilst the bbq/buffet was still amazing to see, it had been better in previous years, we missed the Lobster.

Azamazing Evening – It took place on board ship, if you want to be at the front get there early or alternatively sit on the upper deck and look down. It was classical music with humour, probably a love or hate thing but we found it different and amusing.

Le Club Voyage and Cruise Again – Disappointing, the top tier loyalty gathering was in our opinion scaled back. Officers and the Captain gathered at the entrance but did not circulate and chat as on past experiences. The Captain did a short speech and the cruise again lady spoke very briefly and they disappeared. The musicians stayed to entertain us whilst we drank our one glass of sparkling wine, it seemed quite rushed.
We went to the future cruise presentation but the delivery was lacklustre and uninspiring. On every cruise we always book a future open passage but there was no mention of this option, when asked, the Cruise Again lady told us that Azamara don’t do that anymore. I subsequently contacted Azamara and found that I was advised incorrectly on board and Azamara do still do Open Passage, however you need to be on board when you purchase one so we missed the opportunity.

Entertainment – as always, Azamara singers and dancers performed shows in the Cabaret Lounge supported by the orchestra, Piano in The Den, Band in The Living Room and on the deck. The cruise director performed his own show, as did the assistant cruise director and all entertainment was enjoyable.

Overall Enjoyment- We have experienced better on Azamara but as with many cruise lines since COVID there seems to have been some cut backs. We still enjoyed the product but it is all relevant to the price paid.