Azamara Onward still working out the kinks

Item: Azamara Onward
Rating: 4.2
Author: stpaulspot

Azamara Onward Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

stpaulspot

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 64

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

Verified Review

10 Night Greece Intensive Voyage (Istanbul To Athens)

Sail date: July 10, 2022

Ship: Azamara Onward

Cabin number: 6074

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Gorgeous weather (not provided by Azamara ) The ship had abut 500 passengers out of a potential capacity of 670. 500 was plenty. Ship felt crowded around pool and some other common areas. I tested positive for covid the day after disembarkation. I think heath protocols could be much more rigorous.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

this is not Azamara's fault but the new Istanbul Galata port is a nightmare. It's about a mile walk from entering the front door to being able to embark the ship. Cab drivers in town do not know how to enter the port. there are multiple slow downs along the way, and to make matters worse, a required detour through the duty free shop which adds another 5 minutes of walking. How do they expect elderly/infirm people to make this journey. The previous port was much easier!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

I ate primarily in the specialty restaurants and they are very good. I also ate outdoors and there is nothing like a view, regardless of the quality of the food (which was decent)

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

White night was very lively in Santorini.

Entertainment

I did not go to it. Avoiding covid spreading events.

Children's Programs

no kids

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

All good, as always, on Azamara. Just a few training hiccups.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Azamara cabins are small and the bathrooms especially so. There were some issues with my cabin regarding rattling balcony dividers. The ship is gradually fixing all of the details.