Choose What Counts, Not Discounts

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Most of us focus on large ship cruising for many practical reasons, not the least of which is travel budget. 

 

While priced above mainstream cruises, Azamara Club Cruises happens to provide an excellent example for considering a few principles of value.

 

First, Azamara always includes free pre-paid gratuities.

 

Azamara also provides a beverage package with select wines by the glass, beer, cocktails, specialty coffees, sodas and other drinks which normally cost extra on most cruises.

 

Only you know how much value that represents to you, but regardless of whether you take full advantage or not, you never feel like you're being pampered rather than nickel-and-dimed while on board. 

 

Azamara's two ships --- with a third currently being identically refurbished to join the fleet --- hold only 700 guests.  They never feel at all crowded.  How much is that worth to you?

 

In ports, Azamara always provides transportation from the port to the city center.  Would you find that of value, or do you always take cruise line sponsored excursions in every port, never wandering about on your own?

 

Speaking of ports, Azamara spends more time in ports than most lines, with many overnight and late night stays to allow you to sample the night life there.  Is that a selling point for you personally?

 

 

In addition to longer hours in ports, Azamara tends to call on more ports in their itineraries than mainstream voyages in the same region.  If spending perhaps twice as many hours in ports over the same number of days, count this as another point for Azamara.  If you prefer more sea days, then of course this may be a negative to you.  What counts to you?

 

And one more item regarding ports.  While most of us love the idea of visiting the great cities of the world, our favorite stops often turn out to be small ports to which we had not given much forethought, and Azamara's small ships can fit into ports that simply cannot house large ships.

 

At the same time, Azamara helps guests "Explore Further," with immersive cultural experiences and the authentic service of a boutique hotel at sea as well as "unparalleled destinations," according to their unique marketing proposition.

 

Stated another way, Azamara strives to connect people to people, and that includes connecting guests to our best selves.

 

As with other lines, specials change regularly for Azamara.  The current special  ends on March 31.  It's a great offer, but I predict a new special will become available on April 1.

 

Okay, I don't have a crystal ball.  I learned about it in a seminar yesterday.

 

It's simply called Save or Spend, and once again, it nicely summarizes what many cruise lines do.  You can save up to $3000 on your cruise fare, or have up to $3000 on board credit.

 

By the way, as with most sales, that enticement is somewhat misleading.  Only suites have $3000 ($1500 per person), while ocean views/balconies have $2000 ($1000 pp) and interior $1000 ($500 pp) to save or spend.

 

You may rightly ask what would you spend your money on, if your drinks and gratuities are  already included?

 

How about shore excursions, unlimited internet or upgrade to "Premium Beverage Package" for top shelf booze?  Azamara has bundled some add-on packages that give you, for example, give you $1418 of "value" for $999).

 

Even in their boutique niche, Azamara has competition, including Oceania and Viking Ocean, which also have their unique marketing propositions.  And because all cruise lines watch what works, even mainstream cruises have begun emulating Azamara's approach.

 

What counts to you and which cruise will best deliver that?

 

Let's figure it out together.

 

"Better service leads to better trips!"

 

Wes@CruisePlanners1.com