One of the World's BEST Destinations | On A Luxury Ship!

[@ritzytravelguide]

If you enjoyed the video, please do drop us a comment, we'd love to hear from you! You can watch Part One, about Azamara here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIbXpHhsjbtpj68si=0Tre3n_T4OCQZ_Rw

[@joanfreestone1707]

What a wonderful cruise. I think the older, smaller ships are so much better for many reasons. Thank you for sharing the lovely destinations.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks for watching Joan

[@laughremixsquad]

26:05 😂😂😂 Bill, you had us roaring with laughter at your social media comment. Great video as always.

[@ritzytravelguide]

So glad you enjoyed it, many thanks!

[@jeanwhite7822]

Your personality is so enjoyable!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much!

[@Rose-qr4xn]

Has to be one of the best videos I’ve ever seen. Perfectly executed.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's really so kind of you to say, thank you very much!

[@Rose-qr4xn]

@@ritzytravelguide Hi Bill, unfortunately my husband has already passed. Do you think traveling solo on the Azamara would be too lonely? I like the idea of being on a smaller ship to enjoy the access to the ports. Or do you think a solo traveler would have a better experience on a larger ship like the Edge? I would like to take a cruise to the Italian Riviera because my late Father was born in Italy. 🇮🇹!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

I think as a solo traveller you would have a lovely time on Azamara, as its size lends itself to discovering new friends and striking up conversation. We met several solo passengers and they we loving it. The 2 bars aboard are so intimate and comfortable, it makes them sociable, and easier to meet people. Likewise the Cabaret Lounge. Its smaller seating, in the half round is ideal for making friends. The events such as Azamaze, and White Night are tailor made for socialising and meeting people

[@Rose-qr4xn]

@@ritzytravelguide They you for your time to respond! I feel encouraged.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@Rose-qr4xn 😊

[@stevewilson6390]

Wow! Wow! Wow! A delight to watch and listen to. A smile on my face from start to finish. Outstanding.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you very much! So glad you enjoyed it

[@Mrmusicisthecure]

The positive vibes you give from these videos is brilliant! Thank you for lifting my spirits.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you very much, that is so kind of you to say!

[@thegreenbaby9365]

Watching on TV bigger screen as this vlog deserves more than thumbs up … really enjoyable to watch. Detailed & so well made that almost 50 mins simply flew by!

[@ritzytravelguide]

So glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@BrummieNik]

Although I have never done an ocean cruise (we have done river cruises), I have thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos since I came across your site a few weeks ago. Informative, with a witty and dry sense of humour (“listerine martini” - 😂). When we eventually arrange an ocean cruise, I think Azamara will be a definite option for us.

[@ritzytravelguide]

It really did taste of Listerine! That aside, I think Azamara could be a great choice for you

[@posapie]

Watch lots of cruise videos - the two of you are adorable. Your sense of humour and eagle eye for detail are delightfully informative and entertaining. My absolute favorite cruise channel !

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much, really kind of you to say!

[@bethmarquez865]

Just discovered your channel. Loving all I've seen so far. Never boring, no need to fast forward, as i have with so many other's videos. Very professionally done!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much, that's very kind of you! So glad you're enjoying it!

[@tonymarshall4164]

We have been fortunate to have done many cruises with several cruise companies…Azamara certainly looks very nice…Not only was this video extremely informative, we also actually found it very enjoyable..and will watch many more..thank you.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, what a lovely message to start off the day! Thank you so much. We certainly did enjoy our time on Azamara.

[@tonymarshall4164]

@@ritzytravelguide Exceptional presentation 👍

[@aaronpat123]

This is how Cruising videos should be done!Wonderful Experience watching a Great cruise with you and your Lovely Wife.I talked to my Wife about the experience and we will be booking this line!Thank you for your dedication and Knowledge.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. Hope you have a fabulous time if you book it.

[@aaronpat123]

@@ritzytravelguide Thank you Sir!My Step Father is from Wales trying to get him along with other family to go on a Cruise which I am passionate about.While there is life time left.

[@fantasticdude7091]

I was sold with white night, tablecloths, music and food, all outdoors on a stunning evening and everyone engaged, what ever their ability. The service you received throughout was exemplary, food was first class and weather/destinations fantastic .Thank you very much 😁❤🚢⛱

[@ritzytravelguide]

You're very welcome!

[@rob_lightbody]

A collapse of Costas? Loved your video and love the look of Azamara! Can't wait to try them out, I don't care that the ships are older, that's part of the charm.

[@ritzytravelguide]

A Collapse of Costas!

[@TheHendoncat]

Great vlog …we love Azamara , a beautiful balance of passengers / crew …the staff are fantastic and the smaller buffet and aft dining area are magnificent..so relaxing. Collective noun for Costa ships is a “Dose” of costas…

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's a brilliant collective noun for Costa. Could also have a 'Clod' of Costa, Clowns of Costas....

[@cruiseforever1281]

A fabulous vIdeo, both in your filming and narration. You’ve created a unique style. Job well done.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you very much!

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I love a good piano bar. It's a pretty amazing piano player that knows the Andrews sisters. I never get to hear the golden oldies any more. Give me Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn any day.

[@ritzytravelguide]

We love a good piano bar too!

[@jport3707]

Great video thank you. We are think of an Azamara next year.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hopefully you will enjoy it, as we did

[@stephenhoyle2241]

I love cruising but don’t get to go as often as I would like so it’s great to be taken along on your cruise stories. Very well made videos full of interesting facts and locations on your trips. I like the variety of content also with the different cruise lines, ships, large and small. Some are possibly outside our budget but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the content. You also have similar tastes to us when in port and I can see my wife and I doing those same things at a destination. Good job!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Stephen, lovely to hear from you. There's such variety with cruising, and something for everyone. Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@pw-sz6ds]

Great capture of that Italian wedding. Beautiful ❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

We were so delighted to come across it 😊

[@AngelaKHarrell]

NEW SUBSCRIBER: Thank you so much for showing Azamara. When I first began looking at cruise ships, Azamara was one of the ones I really liked. I'll be a first-time cruiser on the Sun Princess but I'm very interested in sailing on Azamara as it does remind me of what I used to think of when it came to cruising when I was younger. I guess that's the same reason why I feel as if the Princess cruise line feels "comfortable and familiar" although I've never sailed befoe (simply best on watching the Love Boat for many, many years). I enjoyed your other video on Azamara and can't wait to watch more from you. Great videos!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Angela, great to hear from you. Have a fabulous time on Sun Princess! Then perhaps compare it with Azamara. Let us know what you think!

[@daisycharles440]

Oh wow, this is on my list, both the cruise line and the itinerary…..😊 what a lovely vlog thank you

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you, you're very welcome!

[@billybrent1]

Brilliant video! Many thanks thoroughly enjoyed it. I have seen a few negative vlogs on Azamara, but yours has reinstated my confidence in booking an Azamara Cruise.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Billy, great to hear from you. Yes, for us Azamara was a delightful experience

[@MichaelWalker-t2j]

Picked up an Azamara cruise in Hong Kong, onward to Viet Nam, Thailand and Singapore. 10 days of wonder and positive experience. Smaller ship, nice to be less crowded. There were no lines. Luxurious accommodation, a step up from Celebrity, the buffet wasn’t 24/7, but room service was. Smaller ship gets you closer in to destinations. It’s also faster than the bigger ships. (For those in the know, the Saigon Slalom at sunrise is a thrill). Onboard, the personal service of the staff: Excellent all around. Medical staff rates a 10 (Injured my ankle). I’d give the experience a 10 out of 10.

[@ritzytravelguide]

The Asian Itinerary you took must have been magical. Such amazing destinations. Yes, a smaller ship is absolutely ideal for getting closer up to places such as that

[@MichaelWalker-t2j]

@@ritzytravelguide It was a great trip. A cruise line that offers a ship with about 700 people versus 5,000 is a world of difference. The personal attention from the staff was a breath of fresh air.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@user-wm5qb1nt2z Absolutely!

[@chak06880]

Your chapter on the White Night was so inviting and that experience looked authentic. Like you said, no “forced fun” just everyone doing what they want and looking good at it. Those cabins are a turnoff for me though. For those prices, I’d go for Grills on Cunard with similar personal service and larger suites. Another excellent video!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks so much

[@StuartSelip]

Thanks!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Cheers Stuart! Thank you very much!

[@karstenklein1607]

Got the point! 👌🏼 Just got back from the Pursuit, it was my 4th cruise with Azamara in row. Loved it as much as the first three and already booked the next. Love the ships, the quality of food, the top-notch service and really do love the exceptional (!) crews and the friendly, sophisticated atmosphere.

[@ritzytravelguide]

A real Azamara fan! Where is the next one you have booked going to?

[@karstenklein1607]

​@@ritzytravelguide If you've been sailing Azamara - how couldn't you love it?! 😊 Next will be Eastern Caribbean in december (once again) - Hope to cu then!

[@ritzytravelguide]

You might well do! Have a fantastic time!

[@yvonnepanks3998]

Another Superb vlog, we love that part of Italy and the walk from Santa Marguerita to Portofino, I agree, is stunning , can’t wait for the next videos 😊

[@yvonnepanks3998]

Oh and I agree regarding the Grasshopper, never again 😂

[@ritzytravelguide]

It's an absolutely gorgeous stroll 🙂

[@ritzytravelguide]

🤣

[@caronbeesley]

Fantastic review, thank you Bill. Love your videos and your charisma.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Caron!

[@TheMoegig]

New to cruising, we've been on two Viking River cruises (Danube and Rhine) and recently the Viking Midnight Sun cruiese--all very enjoyable. Excellent review of the Azara. Will check into it. Thanks.

[@ritzytravelguide]

You're very welcome, glad it was helpful!

[@Donszee]

Thank you for the amazing video. You have pushed me closer to booking an Azamara cruise. We're cruising with Oceania next month I hope we both have a positive experience. 😀🚢

[@ritzytravelguide]

Have a great cruise with Oceania. Please let us know afterwards how it went for you, we'd love to hear!

[@legend6463]

Top quality vlog I'm 39 and you are getting me into cruising

[@ritzytravelguide]

Glad to hear it! The average cruising age is getting younger

[@dellara100]

I've just come across your channel and promptly subscribed to it. Very enjoyable to watch with great observations. Look forward to more. If you feel like going on Disney (I am and it's way out of my comfort zone) I'll definitely watch your review. All the best.

[@ritzytravelguide]

By coincidence we are scheduled to go on Disney in 2025! We'll be big kids, harking back to our childhood!

[@dellara100]

I'll be watching out. We may try later 2025 or 2026.

[@jandelani5376]

Waiting for the next videos, as we cruise the reverse of this one in October. Thanks for sharing…

[@ritzytravelguide]

Have a glorious time in October. Weather will be marvellous then.

[@madameyong2765]

Your wife is sooo stylishly dressed all the time 😊 Must have to pack quite a bit of luggage! I plan to cruise once annually but I do use a Walker. European cobblestones is not great for people using Walkers 😮

[@ritzytravelguide]

She'll be so pleased to read your comments, I'll pass it on to her!

[@paulkeay5032]

What a bizarre incident with the Coast Guard, sounds like palms needed to crossed with silver. Great video, We've only been with Celebrity but I'm trying to persuade my wife to give a smaller ship a try and I like the look of Azamara

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Paul, it was very bizarre. I'm sure a 'donation' behind the funnels was involved! We would heartily recommend smaller ships!

[@jeanwhite7822]

Beautiful couple

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much, such lovely comment to wake up to!

[@sgillespie2004]

Marvellous review and enjoyable to watch. Azamara now on our list. Thankyou for sharing.

[@ritzytravelguide]

You're very welcome. Azamara goes under the radar a little, and is well worthy of taking a look at

[@joeyellis5036]

love your videos! creating and fun

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Joey!

[@ToddRileyRealEstate]

Azamara is a Solid Luxury Boutique Cruise Line!

[@ritzytravelguide]

We really enjoyed it!

[@loumello8813]

Really enjoyable video and I love the small ships like Azamara, Oceania, Viking. We will be seeing many of these ports in a couple of weeks as we are doing a 20 day cruise on the new Oceania Vista from Athens to Malaga with only one sea day.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Lou. Have a great time on Vista. That will be a delightful itinerary

[@loumello8813]

@@ritzytravelguide I think so, we are excited for it.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@loumello8813 I bet!

[@michellnav]

I'm thinking I need to book for of these cruises. I love the Edge ships but I think this size might be the perfect size. Thanks!

[@ritzytravelguide]

They are great, for differing reasons, and we have a soft spot for both . Azamara is so good at the building socialable, warm hearted cruises, with lovely themes and ambiance aboard

[@carolinejameson3038]

Sadly Azamara doesn’t depart from the UK. Great videos Bill.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you Caroline

[@hendrikdevries9725]

Nice playful video!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks!

[@robertspalmsprings]

Beautiful ports of call-it reminded me of a similar cruise I took with Silversea many years ago. I do wish that the staterooms of the old Renaissance ships were a bit larger-that was my main issue with the older Oceania sisters as well-but thank you for another wonderful , funny and intelligent video!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Robert. Delighted that you enjoyed it. Yes, the cabins, and the bathrooms are a little small on the Renaissance Ships.

[@jonathanbaxter2895]

We were on a large ship Grand Princess and it docked in Monte Carlo back in 2010

[@bcarol2484]

New subscriber because you make me laugh at the foo-paws that always happen on every cruise!! Not real keen on people self serving from the buffet tho- that one lady picked a shrimp with her fingers!! Boo-hiss!!

[@jonathanbaxter2895]

We were on the Ascent at the same time we couldn’t go ashore as the coastguard said there was a meningitis case and we couldn’t go on land. There was no problems but when they eventually allowed people on they had to hall wear masks in case

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very strange wasn't it! Wasted quite a lot of time. When we got to Portofino, we saw the Ascent tenders arriving right in the centre of town. We have a soft spot for the Ascent. We would have enjoyed going back for a few hours, just to say hi again to the ship!

[@michaelgore115]

you should do a PRICE comparison of what you actually get for your money between premium ships and the luxury once next

[@ritzytravelguide]

Agreed. It would be a very interesting comparison

[@kiddlesk]

8, not 7, R Class ships. Four with Azamara and 4 with Oceania. Onward was the last to join Azamara, previously with P&O.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

Bill! I always wanted to ask you this, but everytime I forgot while commenting on another funny thing from your videos.. 😆 Is your wife originally from Philippines? Cos mine is. Or from somewhere in the neighborhood there? Great video again. Thanks a lot! 🤗🙋‍♂️

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there. No, she's Hawaiian decent!

[@jorgschwantje1239]

@@ritzytravelguide That's interesting! Very similar! Regards to both of you! 🙋‍♂️

[@ritzytravelguide]

And to you both!

[@BradWillis]

What was the date that you were in Portofino? We were there last week on Ascent. BTW, Portofino was crazy hot and quite expensive. Guess the price for one bowl of vanilla gelato (2 small scoops), 1 liter of water, one buratta cheese appetizer and 2 Aperol Spritz? If you guessed 115 Euro or $126 USD, you guessed correctly.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, early July. Yes it was very busy!

[@BlaineShire]

Have y'all done the Explora? I am thinking about it for my 70th in 2026..

[@ritzytravelguide]

Not yet Blaine. Perhaps in the Spring

[@BlaineShire]

@@ritzytravelguide Cool..

[@faithmoore7520]

Did they have beef bacon? or beef Salami?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, to the beef salami!

[@ToddRileyRealEstate]

Oops you missed Cinque Terre - the unesco world heriitage site

[@ritzytravelguide]

We could have taken a little ferry to Cinque Terre, but decided to look at Porto Venere, which is on the outer ring. All are delightful and so picturesque

[@alg1457]

Nice video but no info on the costs?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, it does vary, depending on itinerary and time of year. It would likely be $170 and up, per person per night

[@muravi8167]

Bill, your uxorious errrr.... doting n devoted feedback to wifey had me in splits !

[@ritzytravelguide]

Uxorious. What a fabulous word, I had to look it up! Which feed back to my Wife are you referring to?! I must check whether I acquitted myself OK!

[@rosiedaydream7040]

Have you tried Virgin Cruises yet?

[@stephencollicoat1226]

A Murder of Costa Ships..

[@ritzytravelguide]

😂

[@stevenvater8720]

Where have you been lately bill?!!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Steven! As we speak in Stavanger, Norway 🇳🇴!! But yes, back with a new series of videos from Azamara!

[@stevenvater8720]

@@ritzytravelguide Just completed a 2 week cruise on queen Anne....... I'd love to see what you think of her after a trip on board.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Just on her now. Day Two.

[@stevenvater8720]

@@ritzytravelguide we disembarked on Sunday, have a great time and I hope the engines don't break down!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Did they for you 😳

[@spacedriver24]

Great video. I believe your presenting style is equal , if not better that famous travel presenters from the past. You know who I mean😉

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very kind of you to say Alan, thank you. Do you mean AW?

[@spacedriver24]

Of course AW but I was also thinking of JC as well😊​@@ritzytravelguide

[@spacedriver24]

😮 keep up the good work 👍 👍 ​@@ritzytravelguide

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much

[@HAPPYDOUKIE]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@PK-hc8wu]

In which world is Azamara classified as a LUXURY cruise line? Sorry, absolutely not ...

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello. Do you not think so? Did you have a disappointing experience with them?

[@PK-hc8wu]

@@ritzytravelguide Azamara has gone downhill since it was bought by Sycamore. But even before the ships were outdated: Cabin size, public facilities and food in the MDR far from LUXURY. Yes, the ships are small/medium sized which creates a more relaxed travel experience but you couldn't honestly state that Azamara play in the same league with Silversea, Regent, Hapag-Lloyd or Seabourn, for example. Calling Azamara luxury is just not accurate... Also, to be fair, they are much cheaper.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@PK-hc8wu The problem is there are no defined or agreed industry wide standard definitions of how luxurious a cruiseline is. There now seems to be broad use of the following : Ultra luxury, luxury, premium, then it gets more complicated, such as family, mass market. Nobody of course wants to call themselves budget. The lines are blurred about agreed ratings.

[@PK-hc8wu]

@@ritzytravelguide I understand that. But in all honesty, I find it misleading to call Azamara a luxury cruise line. I really like their ships for the quiet atmosphere and the good vibe during the deck parties - but look at how brilliant Oceania keep their R class ships in shape... It's very clear that there is a huge difference just between the two. On the Journey we have seen several maintenance issues both inside and outside (loose doorbell buttons on penthouse suite doors, floor on the sun deck in terrible shape, so bad you couldn't even use the shuffle board, leaky and squeaky balcony doors...). That is something you would never see on Oceania, let alone on the older Regent ships or the aging MS Europa (Hapag Lloyd) for example. Nowadays, the food and the dinner service on Azamara is only "premium" in Prime C and Aqualina. The quality and the value (!) of the products in the MDR and buffet are just "average" to "good" (lot of chicken and cheaper meats, deep fried products). Included drinks are not the best quality either but on the other hand the premium drinks package is really cheap. All in all i would say they are (at best) a premium cruise line... but mainly because of their activities and the size of the ships.

[@ronaldboonstra4834]

Well you got us! This vid made us to book our first Azamara cruise june 2025 to the Britsh isles.😀

[@ritzytravelguide]

So pleased for you. Very exciting!

[@ronaldboonstra4834]

@@ritzytravelguide That would be very nice indeed!

[@ronaldboonstra4834]

👏👍

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you

[@ronaldboonstra4834]

@@ritzytravelguide make no mistake...your vids are top notch. I follow a lot.. so thumbs up

[@ritzytravelguide]

@ronaldboonstra4834 Much appreciated Ronald 🙂🙏