As a consumer, I understand your want to turn over every stone before making a decision about which cruise line to purchase. What will the experience be? How can I be sure in my decision? How can I ensure that my due-diligence is meaningful?
As a cruise vacation “considerer” you’ve probably been overwhelmed by cruise line advertising which although compelling you understand is simply a form of self-promotion. I suspect that you’ve most likely visited the cruise message boards on the internet to gather first-hand opinions from past customers who’ve recently sailed.
To ensure that you’ve thoroughly left no stone unturned in your purchase-decision, I’m suggesting that you consider how pertinent and objective third-party sources have evaluated the cruise line. Usually, third party endorsements are more objective and believable because the specific third party has nothing to gain and operates independently from the cruise line. Here are some examples:
Consumer travel publications that specialize in travel and have asked their readers for their opinions about Azamara Club Cruises:
- Condé Nast Traveler: 2011/ World’s Best – One of the World’s Top 10 Cruise Lines (#5)
- Condé Nast Traveler: 2011 & 2010/ USA August edition – Wendy Perrin’s “Ten Dream Cruise itineraries for 2012” included three Azamara voyages
- Travel + Leisure Magazine: 2011, 2010, 2009/ “World’s Best” Readers’ Poll – One of the World’s Top 10 Cruise Lines
- Porthole Cruise Magazine: 2009/ 11th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards – Best medium-sized ship, Azamara Journey
The CruiseCritic message board in the UK polled their base of cruisers in 2011 and Azamara achieved the following in the UK Cruiser’s Choice Awards:
-Best Overall
- Best for Cabins
- Best for Dining
- Best for Embarkation
- Best for Entertainment
- Best for Fitness
- Best for Public Rooms
- Best for Shore Excursions
- Best for Value
Interestingly, our onboard mix of guests includes not only Americans and Canadians but also an increasing number from Australia and the United Kingdom, which according to guest feedback adds depth to the onboard friendliness and conviviality thereby increasing our global appeal. In fact, in 2010 we received the Danish Travel Awards designation as the “Best Cruise Company, Small Ships.”
At Azamara, we rely on what others are saying about us to avoid falling into the trap of judging ourselves by only our good intentions. We understand that our guests judge us by our product service delivery and onboard and shoreside experiences. For us, paying attention to third-party endorsements serves as a tool to keep us focused on the journey to excellence.
To see the complete list of our Distinctions and Awards, please click here.
Bill Leiber
Chief Blogging Officer*
Azamara Club Cruises
(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)
