Azamara Journey Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Just back from this cruise, having left early for family reasons. We've done multiple Azamara cruises and this was our third on this itinerary, so we obviously love the line and this itinerary. Halong Bay is a justifiably world heritage area; Marble Mountain and Hoi An (from Danang) are wonderful places to visit; Ho Chi Minh City is a unique experience, if only for crossing the roads; and Bangkok always has something new to show us. With the exception of a boat tour of Halong bay, all the other places can be explored privately, aided by taxis, foot and sky train.
We cruised Quest in April 16, just after the refit, and now have cruised Journey post re-fit. Several improvements are of note. The Pool Grill is a wonderful night dining addition. The Sunset Bar deck is very popular at night (often difficult to get a seat for a drink or meal) - thanks for listening Azamara.
The Living Room (ex Looking Glass) is now a wonderful space, with people gathering together for pre-dinner drinks and chats, with quiet music accompaniment in the background and attentive service staff. Several years ago we enjoyed a cruise in which Eric organised several of the singers to perform solo shows pre-dinner. Didn't happen this time but the cast were on their first cruise. I hope this initiative returns. We did get a Glenn Miller Show from the band one sea afternoon and it was very enjoyable - good band; great drummer. The current DJ, Eddie, is great fun, both in the disco and for various quizzes - he has an effusive personality (other cast members would do well to observe and learn; they unfortunately inject no personality in to the quizzes - I know, they're young and inexperienced but could do better than "the next question is..."). With Eddie and Mario, Azamara have two absolute gems.
Cabin Review
Club Continent Suite
Toward the back of ship on port side. For port, we didn't have the preferred docking view very often. No noise from above. Good space and balcony. Shower pressure and temperature very good. Storage (general and bathroom) very good. felt the ship roll (but surely everyone else did too)
Port Reviews
Hong Kong
Great city. Use a map and walk, take the star ferry, the pedestrian travellator, train to/from the peak
Halong Bay
Previously did Azamara excursion on Halong bay - wonderful. This time, visited their museum - very interesting and about 15 minute walk, along the foreshore, from shuttle drop-off - easy
Bangkok (Laem Chabang)
So many highlights. Take the ship shuttle to Central World shopping centre, walk 10 minutes to Siam Sky Train; catch water taxi to Grand Palace, then walk or tuk tuk to reclining Buddah. Alternatively, haggle taxi price at port to go direct to Grand Palace. Whatever the time, it will be crowded. If you've already done this, there are plenty of good museums and other tourist spots. Azamara excursion to floating market is an excellent option for the last half-day in Bangkok.