Azamara Club Cruises become more inclusive
In an industry where past trends have been to low initial prices, but higher add-ons, Azamara Cruises is bucking the trend by including more in the initial price.
As of April 1/2010 Azamara, which added Club to its name last fall, will include sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, wine with meals and gratuities in the fare. This is a welcome change for passengers who in the past have complained of being ‘nickeled and dimed’ to death once on board a ship. Azamara is also considering to offer more time in ports with overnight stays. For example on the 14 night “Best of Italy” cruise on October 2/2010, there are overnight stays in Sorrento, Florence and Venice. Again this will be welcomed by many guests who would like to explore local activities in the evening when many European towns become alive. From personal experience all three towns are difficult to fully explore on a 9am to 5pm schedule. Where possible port shuttle buses are apparently also being considered which again would be a great plus for passengers who would like to return to the ship more often before continuing their onshore explorations.
Suite guests, in addition to English butler service, will also receive complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina.
With these steps Azamara is positioning itself among the ‘upmarket’ more inclusive cruise lines.
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Tags: Azamara Club Cruises, cruise prices, cruises
