Just back from an excellent cruise around the western and southern coasts of Australia on the beautiful Azamara Journey. Why do we return to Azamara? - the WONDERFUL Azamara crew who look after us so well and with such enthusiasm.
The ship is in excellent condition, though there are a few issues (gym equipment , elevator indicators) and new carpets in the hallways, and fortunately no further alterations to interior decoration (though we noticed a couple of pictures had been changed). The resident artwork on this ship is wonderful and we always go around the ship revisiting our favourite pieces (atrium stairway sculpture, Michael Eastman photographic prints, etc. etc. It was such a shame that the green marble counter of the Reception Desk was ripped out and replaced with off-white when the original green was so in keeping with the rest of the decor and still in excellent condition. To our mind this was an expensive and unnecessary expenditure.
Our route was from Bali to Sydney with excellent stops along the way. Only Exmouth was cancelled (a town insufficiently equipped to receive a cruise ship) with Bunbury, Kangaroo Island and Melbourne the highlights of our cruise. A similar cruise around the eastern shores of Australia two years ago we found very hot - this cruise was very different with cool temperatures and very strong winds.
Response from BonnieM, CBO - Azamara Club Cruises
Sadly during the last refit the stateroom walls were covered with a grey/silver/blue vinyl covering which makes the staterooms look smaller and darker. The large wall mirror which reflected so much light into the rooms was removed as was the only picture, making the room rather soulless. The dressing table stool was replaced by an upholstered metal chair so heavy it is almost impossible to move. The bathroom looks nice but so much storage has been removed.
We wandered around this old settlement town though there is little to see. Should perhaps have taken an excursion.
Free shuttle provided into the city.