CRUISE NEW SHIPS DESTINATIONS LEFT:
Azamara Journey’s
Discoveries restaurant
RIGHT:
Spa suite bathroom
TRIED & TESTED BY AMIE KEELEY
Azamara Journey
Looking at the ocean while sipping a daiquiri in the hot tub, it would be hard to feel more decadent – or smug, for that matter. Yet sitting on the terrace in the newly named Sanctum Spa – a real highlight of the upgrades made to Azamara Journey during a drydock refurbishment in the Bahamas in January – it feels in keeping with the luxurious surroundings. Cruise line bosses have kept the cost of upgrading Journey
and sister ship Azamara Quest under wraps, but big changes are visible across the ship in the light, contemporary decor, new luxury carpets and soft furnishings in cream, coffee and earth tones. Standout features such as the winding staircase in the lobby and painted ceiling in the Drawing Room remain, but overall the ship feels lighter and more 21st century. Richard Twynam, Azamara Club Cruises’ UK and Ireland managing director, says: “When looking at our guest experience, we felt our ships needed to be brought up to the same standard as our outstanding Land Discoveries excursions. We’ve
Big changes are visible across the ship in the light, contemporary decor, luxury carpets and soft furnishings
paid close attention to every detail: from stunning new public areas to luxurious staterooms and suites, no corner of the ship remains untouched.” Two spa suites have been added, featuring rain showers and an outdoor soaking tub. These huge rooms are the most luxurious on board, with free entry to the adjacent Sanctum Spa – connected by private corridor – and direct access to the spa terrace with thalassotherapy whirlpool, luxury loungers and waiter service. Guests also receive a
complimentary ‘Nights in Private Places’ package (usual cost £270), including a private butler, champagne, dinner cooked on a hot-stone grill, plus a bed ‘under the stars’ and breakfast in the morning. All staterooms and suites
LEFT: The ship’s pool deck
have been refreshed with new beds, furniture and fittings, with light fabrics and cream decor. Continental Suites now have built-in TVs, while suites also have new furniture and bathrooms, and half now feature
large showers instead of baths in response to guest feedback. The Patio, formerly the Pool Grill, has had the biggest and most noticeable upgrade: it has been expanded with new lighting and ceilings to offer refined poolside dining in the evening more akin to the restaurants inside, with waiters, tablecloths and candles, and the added bonus of an ocean backdrop. During the day, The Patio
serves fast-food style meals, with a self-service appetiser bar and frozen yoghurt station. Other restaurants – Windows
Café, Discoveries Restaurant, Discoveries Bar and the Living Room – have had facelifts, and Discoveries now has moveable tables to suit different group sizes, while speciality restaurants Prime C and Aqualina remain largely the same.
Other culinary changes include a tapas bar in the newly named Living Room (previously the Looking Glass Lounge), while Mosaic cafe and the Casino bar, now Spirits, have been upgraded. Twynam adds: “Guest
satisfaction levels on the transformed ships are exceeding expectations and we are incredibly excited to show future guests the changes we have made.” BOOK IT: Prices for a seven-night Tuscany & Italy Riviera Voyage on Azamara Journey start at £1,249 cruise-only for a September 23 departure, or from £1,719 with flghts.
azamaraclubcruises.co.uk
9 June 2016
travelweekly.co.uk 47
PICTURES: MICHEL VERDURE
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