KVI TRAVEL

m/s Paul Gauguin - French Polynesia, Society & Cook Islands

Hello Scott.  

I wanted to touch base with you and let you know how much Russ and I truly enjoyed the cruise to the Society and Cook Islands. It was a top notch cruise with a superb staff. We absolutely loved it. The food was amazing as well.  

Your suggestions for day rooms and excursions was also a hot tip. Unfortunately weather would not permit us to get to Roratonga or Aitutaki, but we still had an amazing vacation.  

My sister, Kim, loved my photos so much that she would like to contact you to discuss the same cruise next January. 

And again, thank you for a worry free, wonderful vacation!!!   

February, 2020

m/s Paul Gauguin - French Polynesia, Society & Cook Islands

Scott,

Louise and I just returned from 11 days in The Society Islands of French Polynesia, one week of which was aboard the Paul Gauguin.  One word – fabulous.  A dream trip.  Thank you so much for being there to guide us through this and assist us with the booking. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday in the coming week. Our very best….

Bill & Louise

December, 2019

Regent Seven Seas Explorer - The Baltics

Dear Scott,

I just wanted to say THANK You!

The ship was spectacular, as was the suite & the staff, I will only cruise with Regent.

I think we’ll need to upgrade on the next one and be on port side.

Overall it was a wonderful trip.

Thx

Harris & Carol

July, 2019

Regent Seven Seas Mariner - Hawaii, French Polynesia & New Zealand

Hi Scott:
 

I wanted to let you know how great those two back-to-back Regent Seven Seas Mariner cruises we took last November from Honolulu to Tahiti and to Auckland were! Everything about it was outstanding, including the accommodations, restaurants, excursions, etc...So we just wanted to say thanks for coming up with that recommendation. In the end I think we felt that the best area of all was the French Polynesia part of the journey, because of the stunning beaches and waters of that area, particularly Bora Bora. The service on the boat was outstanding.

Thanks again Scott.  

Bob

November, 2018

Regent Seven Seas Voyager - Meditteranean

Good afternoon Scott,

​

Our Regent Seven Seas Voyager 'Med' cruise last September was beyond our expectations in the most positive way.

You prepared us well for what we experienced both before, during and after the cruise. The accommodations were impeccable. The service on Regent was over the top and the quality of food and beverages exceeded expectations.
 

You helped us select the perfect room and location.  It was so convenient to the amenities we used most frequently (restaurant, pool and bar). The excursions were great & we also met some great people from Australia, Spain, Scotland and the US. We had a fabulous time and will definitely do it again.

We were so fortunate to have the benefit of your guidance in so many ways, beyond the price/value factor, but also the cruise line selection, the ship, the intel surrounding room position and so on was extraordinarily valuable.

People we met were shocked we had never cruised before and were amazed we chose Regent for our first experience. Many of them are very experienced cruisers and have tried other lines and have come back to Regent to stay. Their comment to us was that in choosing Regent we had nowhere to go but down!
 

Thank you again for all your help and patience with the rookie cruisers. We definitely made the right choice and you were instrumental in making it a vacation to remember and have us thinking about our next adventure.

Best regards;

Wayne and Deborah Rapelje

September 2018

Paul Gauguin - Society Islands of French Polyesia

Good Morning Scott,

​

Thank you so very much for making our holiday in paradise possible.

We had such a wonderful time. We loved the ship and the staff were amazing. We still cannot figure out how they memorized our names and what we like to drink. Although it was only a seven-day cruise, time went slowly, and we felt it lasted much longer.

​

Thank you, once again with helping and the recommendation of our stateroom.

Cheers,

​

Gail and Gary

September, 2018

Oceania Riviera - Southern Caribbean

Hi Scott,

We had an amazing trip on the December 17, 2017 - Oceania Riviera! The ship is superb with great service and very well-trained staff. Wonderful food. We enjoyed our wine in the suite!

Thank you again,

George & Areta 

December, 2017

Regent Seven Seas Voyager - Italian/French Riviera

Hi Scott,

​

Frank and I want to once again thank you so much for your awesome trip recommendation on the Sept 2017 - Regent Seven Seas Voyager Med Cruise. We just got home yesterday and it was a wonderful trip!!

Looking forward to future adventures. 

Thank you,

Donna & Frank

September 2017

Seabourn Encore - Barcelona to Rome

Scott,

​

We want to thank you so much for helping us plan the Sept 14, 2017 - Seabourn Encore Cruise through the Med!

We had an incredible 25th wedding anniversary. We could not have asked for anything more from a cruise, Seabourn was terrific. The ship was beautiful, the service was outstanding and they went all out to help us with specific dietary requests. We will go on another Seabourn cruise.  I’m not sure how Regent or others could be better. 

We look forward to working with you on our next adventure.  You are really great at your job and I appreciate everything you did for us and leading us in the right direction on what we needed to do.

Best regards,

Bob & Barbara

September 2017

Regent Seven Seas Voyager - Barcelona to Rome

Scott,

​

I want to thank you again for arranging our 30th Anniversary cruise on the Sept 12, 2017 Regent Seven Seas Voyager.

We had an awesome time and it was just like you said.

Hope things are well with you! Take care can’t wait till I get to call you again!

​

Mark and Nancy

September, 2017

Seabourn Quest - London to Montreal

Hi Scott,

Yu and I wanted to let you know that the Aug 19, 2017 - Seabourn Quest (Dover to Montreal) cruise was terrific! 
 

We had been reluctant to sail on Seabourn (which I had not sailed on since the 1990's), thinking they would not offer as much as the somewhat larger luxury ships of Crystal, Regent and Oceania. But the Quest provided a great variety of food, entertainment, enrichment and other activities, very good cabins and public spaces, and high quality personalized service, all combining for a great cruise experience. 

The itinerary was at least as good as we expected with some great off-the beaten path ports and a terrific “exploration team” running the zodiac and kayak excursions and some walks to the remains of Viking settlements.

So, thanks again from us both.  

Best,

​

Mike

August, 2017

Regent Seven Seas Explorer - Rome to Lisbon

"Scott just wanted to share with you that our vacation and especially the Regent Seven Seas Explorer cruise were phenomenal. It was the best holiday we have ever had!!! Many thanks for all your assistance. We are already looking ahead to perhaps South America in January.
 

We do look forward to making many more memories!!!"
 

Best regards,
 

Suellen S
 

April, 2017

Azamara Quest - Miami to Barcelona Trans-Atlantic

Hi Scott,

"Just back from our Azamara cruise. They really do keep getting ever better, Frankly I think they are very close to Seabourn and Silverseas. Food on Azamara is their equal and entertainment probably better!

All told, a truly wonderful cruise and. After our Seabourn cruise next month, there will be a pause till October, then another Azamara cruise from Rome to Dubai."

Kind regards,

David.

April, 2017

Silversea Explorer - Antarctica

"OK you are the best in the business.

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I have referred you to several colleagues at American Airlines/US Airways! It is the best trip I have ever taken on a cruise in my Life. I will never book anything but Silversea and only with you.

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Fabulous, spectacular, stunning are just a few words I can use for my daily activity. I am so glad you are in my travel world."

Kathy H

February, 2017

AMA Waterways

"Thank you for handling all the details of our trip to Europe and the flights. Everything went smoothly for the 3 O'Hare's and we enjoyed ourselves immensely with our extended family (Sheila and family). 

The cruise was amazing and we were very spoiled. We all loved Prague - the sights and the food.

Maybe we will get to do another river cruise in the future and will definitely book through you."

Thanks again,

​

The O'hare's

October, 2016

Oceania Insignia ~ Mediterranean

Hi Scott,
 

"Yes, I made it home!

Wow! What a trip of a lifetime for me! (although disappointed Johns medical kept him home) OCEANIA Insignia is definitely a company and ship I would recommend.

Thank you for all your helps in making my trip the very best."

As ever,

September 2016

Celebrity Silhouette ~ Mediterranean

Hi Scott,

"Thank you so much for all your recommendations and arrangements. Peter and I are thrilled with the Fantail Sky Suite, the ship and all that is provided. Thank you also for arranging the Distinctive Voyages invite to their cocktail party and the Athens tour.

All is perfect - thank you again!"

With kind regards,

September 2016

Silversea Silver Spirit ~ Mediterranean

Hi, Scott,

"I wanted to let you know what a wonderful time Tim, Jenny, Anthony and I had on our Silver Spirit cruise. Everything went like clockwork, not so much as a hiccup from Athens to Monte Carlo. The ship was beautiful, the service impeccable and the ports outstanding. Thank you! We are definitely eager to take another cruise! 

Thanks again for everything!!"

September 2016

Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas ~ Alaska

Aloha, Scott!!

"I’ve been under water with my schedule since returning from our trip, but wanted to give you feedback.

We had a GREAT time………..RCCL was GREAT…….and our rooms were perfect!  I gotta say, coming from the Crystal, it was a shock to be on a ship with almost 4,000 pax.  HOWEVER, given the number of people, the ship was well laid out to handle those numbers, very nicely appointed, food and staff were terrific.

Kudos to you, Scott, for making the recommendation to have separate, but adjoining rooms w/balconies and being able to secure those at an interline rate!  It was the right set-up……gave both us and the kids our space and privacy when we needed it."

Andy & Yim

August 2016

Seadream II ~ Southern Caribbean

Hi Scott: 

"Karen and I got back from our Seadream II ~ 7 Night South Caribbean cruise. I will definitely say that Seadream has won us over!! This was our 23rd cruise together with various trips on Celebrity, RCCL, Princess, Cunard, etc...

Our trip last year was on Seabourn and this is what I expected from them last year. It starts from service and ends with service!  I have never experienced a ship where the entire crew seems to truly enjoy working and interacting with the guests. Upon boarding, served champagne, two people refusing to let us carry our own bags while we check in. We were escorted to our cabin with a full tour of the facilities and features of the room.  Fridge is stocked with soft drinks, beer, water.  We asked if we could have Pelligrino instead.  Within 5 minutes, she brought 3 bottles for my wife and every day, it was restocked so there was always 3 bottles in the room.

You couldn't go three feet without three crew members tackling you to carry your drink or plate. They always address you by name and from the first day they will remember what you ordered. Drinks are plentiful and we spent at least two days recovering:-)...

The food was excellent and always made to order, and if they didn't have it on the menu, the chef would make it for you. The chef (French) made my wife spicy Thai food because she mentioned to the masseuses that she was craving Thai food during a massage.  As a matter of fact, this is the first cruise where you interacted with the chef daily because he is out and about greeting guests and serving them as well!

On the last day, we missed the traditional Champagne/Caviar Splash by about 10 - 15 minutes. The activities director asked us how it was and my wife said it was her fault because she slept in. He then tells the Maitre'd and he and two guys go back to the yacht in a zodiac and return with a special plate just for us so we wouldn't miss the experience.  Enough said... Thank you for all your assistance regarding our trip! I will surely seek your assistance for future cruises and I also given your name to several other pilots at VA who are interested in cruising in the future."

Kind regards,

​

Terry T

November 2012

m/s Paul Gauguin & InterContinental Tahiti Resort ~ French Polynesia

Scott...

"Last night we had dinner with friends & reminisced about the most unbelievable trip we've ever experienced ~ French Polynesia!. You were right, the only bad thing about the trip was, we had to come home.  
 

The entire trip was so much more than I ever imagined. The staff on the boat were amazing. They knew our names by the second day, what you liked to drink in the afternoon. I was wondering where my name tag was?

Fritz and Janice did three dives. They were blown away by the ease of walking to the ships aft dock, stepping on the boat and off to the dive sight.  Larry laughed one morning, asking if the dive was cancelled because they returned so quickly. Fritz said it was the best oiled machine he'd ever seen. When those guys dive on our sailing trips, it takes them an hour just to get their gear together.  

The boat was oh la la. Larry and I LOVED our room on the fantail of the boat!!!  
 

So decadent, roomy and beautiful. I made a point to get up early to watch coming into port. I didn't want to miss a thing. I was amazed how close we were to the "land". The latte on the back of the deck, absorbing the scenery.  

I get goose bumps just reliving through typing this email. We were so happy pool side relaxing and soaking up the sun and scenery. Moorea was our favorite island. I found beautiful black pearls at the "Tahitian Black Pearl Market" in Papeete (reasonable priced & recommended to us from the IC Tahiti Resort). 

The InterContinental Tahiti Resort was again amazing. We LOVED our Overwater Lagoon Bungalow. Every morning, afternoon or evening I had my own aquarium of tropical fish. We were spoiled beyond belief.  I've never experienced a vacation where I got to relax and just enjoy!
 

We met amazing people and made friends at the hotel and on the boat. The entire trip was magical.
 

Thank you thank you for working with us in making our dream come true.  What a wonderful way to experience 30 years of Larry and I being together."
 

Many Thanks,

Barbara

July 2012

Regent 'Seven Sea Mariner' ~ Black Sea

"The second part, Regent SS Mariner - 10 Nt Black Sea (Athens to Istanbul) was very interesting because of the places visited. Regent's 'all-inclusive' amenities were a real bonus and allowed us to do a large variety of excursions to highly unusual and intriguing sights, with historic significance. One example being the "Valley of Death" where the charge of the light brigade rode.

The only downside was that it was extremely hot and that limited our ventures into the great outdoors and into the great cities. 

Thanks again for your very professional help and we shall certainly stay with you in the future and we think that we will be keeping up our adventures into cruising on a regular basis."

June & July 2012

Seabourn 'Sojourn' ~ Norwegian Fjords

Dear Scott,
 

"That SEABOURN SOJOURN cruise was just sensational ! Cruising the Fjords was better than I had anticipated.The scenery was spectacular and as it was into the season of the "white nights" we saw the beautiful views well in to the late, late, hours. Would sit up in the Observation lounge until 1 or 2 a.m. watching the scenery as we sailed. Saw the sunset at midnight !
 

Most cruises,  once you sail from the port of call, the view is all ocean. In this case, you are sailing through the Fjords, with views everywhere. In that regard, I would rank this cruise as one of my top favorites, along with the Greek Isles, New Zealand/Australia and the Baltic.
 

We were invited guests at the dinner tables of FOUR of the ship' s  FIVE officers, except the Captain.(Got the Staff Captain's invite......fine with me)
 

I would recommend the Norwegian Fjords cruise to anyone."

Best Regards,

Katherine

June 2012

Celebrity 'Solstice' ~ Trans- Atlantic / Mediterranean

Hey Scott, 

"Well, we hit another home run on the Celebrity Solstice!! What a fabulous ship!!  An amazing itinerary (Back-to-back sailings that incl; Eastbound Trans-Atlantic & Barcelona Return East Med (Dalmatian Coast & Italy) cruises... And Aqua Class was the Best!!! Steve said it is the only way to go!! The Blu Restaurant was a real winner!! And of course we enjoyed every minute in the included Persian Garden.

Our Celebrity 'Past Guest'(Captain Club) loyalty is starting to really pay off!!  (Elite cocktail parties every night, private breakfasts in the Observation Lounge with champagne and lattes - the best!! We met lots of new friends and saw a few new places.  And of course the two days in Venice were a highlight!! 

Loved every minute of the 26 days!!! Thanks a million, you're the best!!"

April 2012

Azamara 'QUEST' ~ SE Asia & the Orient

"Hello Scott. We are back from our recent sailing January 18 2012 - Azamara 'Quest' cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore. This was our 4th cruise on Azamara, our 3rd on the 'Quest' and she continues to impress. The ship is absolutely perfect within and the entire staff continue to deliver exceptional levels of service!

We feel that Azamara took a 100% shift in service following our first cruise a few years ago with the hiring of Cruise Director (Mr. Russ) and Hotel Director (Mr.Philip Hermann). The Master  of the Vessel  (Carl Smith) is one Captain you can trust. We look very much forward for our next Cruise with Azamara.
 

Similar to Seabourn & Silversea reduced-fare travel, Azamara has started to disburse an 'Azamara Benefits' letter in your stateroom which asks you not to discuss the fare you paid with other guests. The letter also adds that you are still able to accrue sea days towards your Azamara & Celebrity Past Guest Status, but will exclude you from certain on-board amenities & loyalty programs associated with Le Club Voyage. This is also true for parent Celebrity Cruise Line. Though it came with disappointment, we appreciate the reasons for this policy. Then again, the overall experience & fare more than made up for it..."

Thank You Again - Greetings from Ursula

January 2012

Silversea 'Silver Whisper' ~ Southern Caribbean

"Scott ~ I hope you are well. I just wanted to 'Thank U!!! SO much for making a difference for us to sail last month....it was a dream come true!! Sailing on Silver Whisper for our Silver Anniversary was more than we ever could have wished for.
 

I could never begin to emphasize how wonderful it truly was, simply the best!!"

Many thanks and much gratitude to you ~ Stay well

Jane & Steven

October 2011

Celebrity 'SUMMIT' ~ Canada New England

Scott, 

"Thanks again for all your help in planning our September 11, 2011 - Celebrity Summit - Canada/New England Cruise!
 

We had a great trip!!! Leaves were not changing but it was beautiful anyways and I would recommend anyone go to Quebec City as it is like something out of a fairy tale.  I have always wanted to see the Gulf of St. Lawrence & we really enjoyed that Sky Suite & having a butler - it was a first and very much worth the extra money!"

September 2011

Azamara 'JOURNEY' ~ Mediterranean

Scott,

"Thank you SO MUCH for all your help with regard to our amazing cruise to Europe.  My expectations were far exceeded with Azamara's  fantastic service, food and accommodations. 
 

I was a spoiled princess for 9 nights and loved every second of it!  The crew knew me by my first name, they knew what fresh juice I wanted in the morning and had it waiting for me as I walked by, they serviced EVERY request we made including the caviar on the back deck and the escargot in the room waiting for us. 

Again, we truly appreciate your help with the Alhambra tour.  You really kicked into gear and helped us out.  The tour was beautiful and completely memorable. It will be very hard to cruise another line.  I do look forward to revisiting my crew friends on Azamara.  It was sad leaving on the last day...it was like leaving family behind.  Keep us posted on any great deals in the future.  I would love to go to Greece and Croatia."

Many thanks...Jennie Tomita  

September 2011

Azamara 'JOURNEY' ~ Mediterranean

"Scott ... the September 8, 2011 - Azamara Journey Cruise from Lisbon to Nice exceeded my expectations and my expectations were high for this trip.
 

The staff never said no to any request. They always tried to accommodate us in every way and always handled everything professionally and with every courtesy. I was envious of how well the staff was trained, especially being in the hospitality business myself.

Our cabin was very well maintained, comfortable and it was beautiful sitting out on the veranda in the morning having breakfast and cocktails at night.The food was excellent everywhere on the ship. I believe the ship’s staff was interested in hiring our group as entertainment. We were definitely the liveliest group by far! We loved the itinerary and cruising at night.
 

The ports of call were great. We had a fabulous time at each one. I loved France especially. I rated everything a 10 and include your services in this as well.
 

Thank you for everything. It was a trip of a lifetime, thanks to you!We’d like to cruise Italy and Greece next……"

September 2011

Azamara 'JOURNEY' ~ Mediterranean

"Scott... our Sept 8 2011 - Azamara Journey cruise from Lisbon to Nice was amazing! The ports were great and the ship and staff were unbelievable.

We were blown away by the service and food. They never said no one time on the trip, everything was no problem or let me see what we can do, and they responded with no problem. I've been on over 20 cruises and this trip by far was the most enjoyable.
 

Thanks Again Scott for your  recommendation and we'll be booking with you again in the future."

Sincerely,

September 2011

Azamara 'JOURNEY' ~ Scandinavia & Iceland

Dear Scott and Kim,
 

"Ed and I booked the August 17, 2011 - Azamara Journey (Fantail Balcony) cruise mainly out of curiosity. We left home with no expectations! Man were we pleasantly surprised! The Journey is like a Boutique Hotel with beautifully painted ceilings in many of the public rooms.

On previous cruises we see the senior officers at the Captain's Welcome aboard party and not again until the final goodbye. The Senior officers did not hide behind their office doors but often were at the doors to wish us a good time on our excursions and to greet us upon our return from excursions; sometimes with Hot Chocolate and Creame D'cocoa and Creame D 'Butterscotch to add to it (if we desired). They always seemed genuinely glad to greet and chat the passengers up.
 

There was a Senior Officer's Brunch one day and the Senior Officers were the ones serving out portions at the food stations; several other days they were there to serve gelato. Each staff member acted as if they were so proud to be part of the crew.
 

Our Cabin Stewards decorated our cabin for my birthday with balloons, a Happy Birthday banner, a towel elephant and a hand made Birthday card. My assessment is that they took everything that they had learned on Celebrity and ran with it; in other words, Azamara is Celebrity on steroids! They may be small, but they are mighty!

I am looking forward to another Azamara Cruise soon, I hope!"

August 2011

Azamara 'QUEST' ~ Mediterranean

"Hello Scott...
 

We are back from our Greek Island sailing on the September 9, 2011 ~ Azamara Quest and we have only one word to describe our cruise -"Fantastic"!! Outstanding service on-board - absolutely perfect.. We loved the VX (Deluxe Club Veranda) Fantail cabin!"

Many greetings Manfred & Ursula Nischwitz…!

September 2011

Celebrity 'SOLSTICE' ~ Mediterranean

"Hi Scott... Got back from our Celebrity Solstice 'Med' Cruise last Thursday and we had a wonderful time.

The Solstice is a really nice ship. We have been on many of the Celebrity ships, but this is the first Solstice Class. We really like the new deck plans.  Things seemed easier to get to and from and like I mentioned earlier, the customer service stateroom service was one of the best we have ever had.

Great itinerary - saw lots of new and interesting things and places. We did find that the Marriott Renaissance at the Barcelona airport offers free airport pick-up service and for 10 Euros/person will transport you to or from the ship terminal.  Better than a taxi and certainly better than our limo service."

Overall a great trip.  Thanks again for your help and for getting the fantail stateroom for us.

All the best..."

August 2011

Azamara 'JOURNEY' ~ Mediterranean

Hi Scott!
 

"Just wanted to touch base and tell you what a Great time we had on this Med cruise! The Azamara Journey is the same as the 2 smaller Oceania ships and in good shape! Our AFT/Fantail Deluxe Balcony worked great! Larger lanai  and nice views! Private! Other balcony rooms were nice as well and the railing configuration does vary with location, some more enclosed than others.

Younger crowd & food was excellent! Specialty dining was additional $15 but worth it. Great crew! Nice wines served at lunch and dinner, very generous. Nice to have the gratuities included as well!

Overall had a Great time, I would definitely recommend Azamara again!"

June 2011

Oceania 'MARINA' ~ Mediterranean Greek Isles

"Hello Scott, we are back from a 10 days Cruise on the Oceania 'MARINA' ~ which one only could name as a Dream-liner.
 

Fantastic in Interior, fantastic in Cabin size / our Balcony Concierge Level, fantastic in Service and fantastic in Quality of Food.
 

Just the way I like it.!!!!!! We sent you with greetings from a perfect evening on board. Our friends as well named this Cruise line / PERFECT!!!!"

Greetings from Ursula and Manfred

May 2011

Oceania 'MARINA' ~ Southern Caribbean

Scott, 
 

"Kathy and I just returned home last evening from our Oceania 'Marina' 12 Night - South Caribbean cruise.We can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this ship and cruise line. It has replaced Windstar as our favorite.

The Penthouse suite was fabulous as well as the butler services. The food was the best we have had on any ship. The amenities were beyond belief. Oceania Cruises are simply the best.
 

Thank you very much for your services in this matter."

Best regards, 

March 2011

Azamara 'JOURNEY' ~ Mexico, Sea of Cortez

"All wine, bottled water, specialty  coffees, juices and pop were complimentary.....no gratuities...Service was superior ...the crew were so very authentic and genuine....easy off and on in minutes using tenders......great entertainment ...we laughed everyday...

Superior enrichment classes....professional tour operators that were very much on time at each port ....

I felt so confident with the staff and service on this ship...think there were only 600 on-board but think staff was at least 200.
 

High-end comfy lounge deck chairs everywhere...great dining room food and presentation of multiple courses.....or room service served with your wine choice....complimentary self service laundry including the soap.  Afternoon tea and a formal high teas....Guests really dressed appropriately - resort wear."

January 2011

Royal Caribbean 'OASIS' ~ West Caribbean

"My wife and I have completed 25+ cruises on NCL, Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Star Clippers and RCL starting in 1999.

On Jan 22/11 my wife, her sister, brother in law and I boarded the RCL Oasis. The boarding procedure was very fast and simple. We went to the Windjammer Cafe to have lunch which was excellent and then proceeded to our cabins.
 

Scott Leeming of KVI Interline picked deck 8- Cat 'D2'Balcony cabins (Ocean View) and we were very pleased to find that this was the same deck that Central Park was on. The cabin was similar to most other cruise ships and the cabin steward was very friendly, efficient and professional.
 

There are 17 decks, and Central Park is open to the sky with lots of trees and fresh air. On deck 7,the Boardwalk was a large shopping area and an area where they had parades and entertainment for young and old.
 

We selected My Time Dining on Deck 5. I reserved all 7 days for dinner at 5:30-6:00 PM. We had no problem with lines which on average were about 5 couples ahead of us. The food in the dining room was fantastic and the service was very good. For breakfast we went to deck 3 in the main dining room where there was table or buffet service offered.
 

Again the menu offerings and buffet choices were wonderful! Lunch was available at many specialty venues or free food offerings. We chose to eat in Central Park at the little cafe or in the Windjammer. Again the food was plentiful and very good. Three venues offered self service free frozen yogurt every day also.
 

The entertainment was wonderful with most shows sold out. Important: I made reservations for all the shows well before the cruise on line. All reservations including meals are automatically put on the cruise card. When we appeared at the entrance the card is swiped and in we went. Others without a reservation were placed in a stand by line till 10 minutes before ShowTime. Each show usually ran for the week.
 

Viewing for all shows was obstruction free with reservations! The ship has an ice arena, an aqua theater, opal theater, comedy theater, 2 flow riders, a zip-line, rock climbing wall and much more.
 

Did not seem that there was 5500 people , excluding crew, on the ship. Crowds were not a problem. Very large Casino with smoking on port side and no smoking on the starboard side. Could not even smell smoke in starboard side. Must have a great ventilation system.
 

Departure from the ship took about 10 minutes. Extremely fast and smooth. Everything about this ship was awesome. The crew was super, friendly, efficient and professional. At times it seemed that there was another ship beside us as it is so large. The ship its self was well kept and very clean. In my opinion this ship is superior to any other cruise ship on the ocean.
 

On a scale of 1-10 I would give the crew and the ship 10+. The ports were good but I was more interested in the ship. We would definitely go on this ship again."

January 2011

Azamara 'JOURNEY' ~ Sea of Cortez

"Scott we had a great cruise on the January 8/11 Azamara Journey 'Sea of Cortez' sailing! The service was great and the food the best of any ship we have been on.The cabin you recommended was perfect. Not as large as some other suites but very nice. I wish they would leave a ship on the West coast but it looks like they will be all over the world but not the West coast. Thanks again."

January 2011

Azamara 'QUEST/JOURNEY' ~ Mediterranean & Panama Canal

Folks,

"I have just completed 2 cruises on Azamara.  The first was a 7 day Rome to Barcelona on the Quest and the second a 16 day transit of the Panama Canal from Miami to San Diego on the Journey.  No port reviews here as I want to focus on the cruise line itself.  Scott would be most happy to fill you in on the history of Azamara if you are interested. 

Firstly, the ships are identical. Clones if you will.  They have been refurbished and are tastefully done in neutral tones.  All of the common spaces are warm and inviting.  I had a balcony cabin on the Quest and it was of standard size and amenities.  On the Journey I had an ocean view cabin on deck 4, near the Guest Relations desk.  Both cabins were quiet and convenient to all activities on the ship.  The most positive thing about Azamara is the size of the ships.  The max capacity is about 650 passengers. You will never feel crowded on these ships.

In addition, the crew were the most friendly of any ship on which I have cruised.  Since gratuities are included in the price, you might expect less than stellar service but just the opposite is the norm.  Another great feature is that house wines are included at both lunch and dinner. Speaking of food, I didn't have a bad meal.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner was served in both the main dining room, Discoveries and in the Windows cafe aft on deck 9. At dinner, the Windows cafe on the Canal cruise served both Stir Fry and Pasta.  There was also carved meat of various kind along with vegetables, rice and a large salad bar and Ice cream!  The chef also prepared a special lunch for me for something that wasn't on the menu. 
                                                               
The entertainment on board is cabaret style as there is no large stage. For the most part it was first class.  I would not recommend Azamara for children as they have no programs set up to entertain kids. I would say that they cater to a more mature crowd.  I guess you can tell that I am sold on Azamara and will said with them again and often."

December 2010