It was winners’ day. Three lucky prize winners with their respective guests journeyed to Southampton for a visit aboard Azamara Quest fresh from a major refit on one of her infrequent visits to the UK.
Many ships have makeovers, refits and refurbishments but few go as far as to give the ship a totally new ambience. Azamara® have done just that, gone are the wood veneer panels and in are light pastel walls, out goes the Looking Glass Lounge with its leather buttoned settees and in comes the Living Room with white leather together with cream velour settees, dark red comfy bucket chairs, cream bar stools and pale cream carpet turning this lounge into the place to be for that post dinner drink or quiet area during the day when at sea enabling the passenger to enjoy the views from large windows giving a 270-degree panorama.
The Drawing Room, library and card area have not escaped with new thick cream coloured carpets, chairs with their polished wood frames upholstered in cream to match the carpets, modern wall decorations but retaining the beautiful wooden book cases housing books in several languages together with the fireplace that has long been a feature of a ship that boasts itself as a country club.
Staterooms have had a top-to-bottom overhaul with all new furnishings, including televisions. Stateroom bathrooms received a complete revamp, even doors to the cabinets being replaced.
The Sanctum Spa incorporating the gym, salon, treatment rooms, Jacuzzi and outdoor relaxation area have been modernized with new furniture and new colour schemes giving a much brighter feeling.
Moving to the buffet area, Windows Cafe, this is a revelation, totally redesigned with the al fresco area re-named Sunset Bar, new tables, modern comfortable seating protected from the elements by large umbrellas. A welcomed addition, The Patio, serving most types of fast food in an area, which although situated on the open deck is covered. Visit the ‘Swirl and Top’ machines dispensing frozen chocolate, strawberry or vanilla yoghurt, what better for a hot day at sea. Move along the deck, discover the pool, jacuzzis, well-spaced sun loungers topped with thick comfortable mattresses, large grey towels embroidered with the company’s name and logo in white. A stage from where a group entertain, this is the venue of the famous Azamara White Nights of which there is one every cruise.
All too soon it is back to the air conditioned comfort of the Living Room for Tapas and Wine.
This is a ship for the passenger who wants good service, gratuities, drinks, shuttle buses and the like included in the fare. There are many more features to this ship, Discoveries Bar for that pre dinner drink before entering Discoveries the main dining room operating an open dinner service between 6pm – 9pm, tables of 2, 4, 6 and 8, the choice is yours, specialty restaurants Prime C and Aqualina for that special meal. The various grades of stateroom ranging from well-equipped inside to expansive suites all with air conditioning, televisions, telephone, hair dryer, quality toiletries, mini bar, writing table and much more. Finally, Azamara® on each voyage feature an ‘Azamazing Evening’, it can take many forms but is always something to remain with you as a happy memory.
Azamara travel the world to locations, which until now have been a dream but can now become a reality, they pride themselves as offering the best in cruising at an affordable price and it seems their pride is well deserved.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Azamara®
