Azamara Quest Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Firstly can I say, I'm baffled by the previous two negative reviews given that we were on the same Mumbai to Cape Town Cruise December 28. I do agree that the on board service was delivered in the usual outstanding way and this included Guest Relations enquiries. We had little or no issue with the unlimited WiFi included in our booking deal. We travelled in a Verandah Plus Cabin on Deck 8 which was a great location. My husband and I, in reflection, agree that this cruise is amongst one of our best as far as itinerary and on board experience was concerned. There was a bit of everything for everyone's enjoyment. Lecturers were terrific. Sure there were a few unavoidable issues, i.e. bad weather for White Night, unacceptable location (chosen by Miami and not visited by them) for AzAmazing Evening and logistic problems with supplies due to port cancellations - due to arrive in Mombasa but air freighted to another port. (I enjoy berries, I asked for them politely and I got them). These issues were clearly explained if the previous reviewers cared to go to the Q & A sessions held on sea days by Hotel Director, Captain Philips etc. Please when you're reviewing do so with all the facts not just the bits you want to support your negative review.
We found the food in all venues to be of a higher quality than the already good food our previous 22 Azamara cruises. We had two lots of 'Foodie' friends travelling for the first time on Azamara and they were impressed also. The security issue with Mombasa was explained clearly to us during the Q & A. The previous reviewer failed to add that in addition to the already known terrorist attack in the north and the known movements south of the said Terrorist Group there was a failed terrorist attack on a shared USA/Kenya Airbase on the outskirts of Mombasa just days before our arrival. We were considered too much at risk of attracting the attention of that terrorist group - I was happy with that decision. I believe the right call was made.
Food, (the previous poster didn't get the names of the venues correct) in Discoveries, Windows, Patio and both specialty restaurants was 'top notch' and the Chef/s should be congratulated. Food, wine is such a subjective topic, you can make good or not so good choices from the menu for the food, we particularly enjoyed the fish, wine was satisfactory for my taste.
Response from BonnieM, CBO - Azamara Club Cruises
Cabin Review
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom
Added Perks came with a successful paid upgrade bid prior to sailing. Location was good, just behind the Senior Officers Stateroom behind the Bridge. There was a housekeeping cart always parked outside our room but it didn't worry us nor did we hear any noise at all. If it worried us we know we could have asked for it to be parked elsewhere, but why when it didn't worry us.
Port Reviews
Kochi (Cochin)
Used a Taxi at the Port Terminal, no issues, cheap for the four of us. Pre arranged Tuk Tuk the 2nd day, taking us to the non tourist backwaters and some other sites. Good value.
Victoria
Victoria, Mahe Seychelles - Did our own thing by Taxi tour. Next day Praslin - not in the CC list. - Pre arranged speedboat was terrific. Didn't worry us that the shops were shut. Circled the Island by boat, swimming, sorkelling, visiting the land turled and beaches. Difficult to do by road, boat is best.
Zanzibar
Following the replacement for a cancelled Mombasa we went to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. not in the list. Private car for 4, great overview of island. Zanzibar, Tanzania (two days) absolutely outstanding Private Tour as ship did not cover all I wanted to see. This is where research is important. Snorkelling, swimming, Prison Island and Stone Town with a local guide.
Richards Bay
Private pre-arranged tour at about a 1/3 of the cost of the ships tour, excellent.