Hi, Donna....

I just returned from the Panama Canal on the Quest in January. The maiden voyage for both the Quest and the Journey were a little rough - lots of grumbling about food/service. By the time I was on in January, the Quest had it down perfectly! The staff was so concerned about the maiden voyage cruisers, that they bent over backwards to please people. That being said, I still wonder why anyone would want to take a maiden voyage - there are surely things that need to be worked out on a new line and a "New" ship. Celebrity calls this a Deluxe line. I call it about the same as Oceania. The only thing that could improve both Azamara and Oceania is to go all-inclusive, like Regent and Seabourn. I've cruised with them all. I've been looking for another Quest cruise for 2009, but the Quest spends a lot of time in Asia, which is not my cup of tea.

I have been taking many cruises close together while I have such capable help in my business. My assistant always stays at my house and babysits my 5 lovely little girl dogs. So far, I still like Celebrity, Oceania, Regent and Seabourn. I also like Princess, only if it is on one of their 3 "R" ships. RCCL ships are too big and NCL has the worst food, and HAL makes the weakest cocktails I have ever had.

So if you are considering Azamara - try it. I really enjoyed myself. Take care and have some fun today. Jini