This was our second cruise on Azura, the first since the no tipping policy. I did find this confusing as I saw lots of people tipping on the last day and I felt mean then, but perhaps I am! We would certainly go again, overall very enjoyable, but here are my only gripes.
1. Despite announcements about not reserving sun beds, no effort was made to enforce this and I saw many people looking for sun beds whilst they were being left empty with towels on for hours.
2 The internet service is appalling. I understand the limitations of satellite comms, but this should be made clear. I paid £140 for something that I could barely access. Not acceptable.
3. Drinks packages are laughable. Don’t even think about them.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation at Southampton smooth as ever.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The main dining room was superb with very attentive and cheerful waiting staff. The food in my opinion is varied and superb which brings me to the specialty restaurants. Sindhu we had tried before so we thought we would try the Epicurean. Again fantastic service and great food but was it really worth the Near £100 ‘cover charge’? These charges are getting to be borderline value now.
The main reason I haven’t given Azura 5 stars is the buffet. Nothing wrong with the variety or quantity of food, it’s the shockingly poorly designed layout 5hat lets it down. At peak times it is just chaos. I do hope they address this when ship is refurbed.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
My partner enjoyed the choir, yoga and spa, but surely they could come up with a few more male orientated activities? I was looking forward to the Rock Star experience which has disappeared as has the behind the scenes tour. Couldn’t find anything to interest me, but perhaps I’m difficult to please.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The entertainment generally is of a very high standard, particularly the theatre shows which are near on West End quality. No amateur staff shows on this cruise.
Children's Programs
No kids!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Generally a very good level of service. The occasional grumpy one, but very much the exception.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Fantastic. It’s just starting to show its age in a few areas, but still kept very clean. Held off the 5 stars by that awful buffet layout.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Large comfy bed an£ kept spotless by our steward. We opted for the ordinary balcony as opposed to deluxe this time. It’s a little bit smaller but not overlooked. Shower is quite snug though. The tv system is past its sell by date.
Ship tip
If paying the extra for a deluxe balcony, just bear in mind you are overlooked by the whole ship when on your balcony
Booked our own excursion shoreside to tour rain forest and beach. Good value but in a tropical rainstorm! It really is worth packing some of those cheap foldaway ponchos.
Totally agree with your comment regarding the Wi-Fi, absolutely useless and a complete waste of money. Out of each 24hrs probably managed to get about 30mins usage if that
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