Thank you for your honesty about the pricing of the Azamara Japan Intensive cruises. Japan is ridiculously popular right now and Azamara knows this. These Japan Intensive cruises that Azamara offers are the most expensive of any cruise they offer over the next 2 years. Other cruise lines are a much better value. Don't get me wrong, I love Azamara and am leaving for the airport in 3 hours for an Azamara cruise to Iceland. Matter of fact, I have 2 more Azamara cruises booked for 2025. Value is always part of the equation.
You are correct. I have seen some price creep as well. There are still deals to be found but you have to look a bit more. Usually booking out as far as possible is best bet. And grabbing book on board offers as well. I have seen some last minute deals that are compelling on Azamara this summer but they are in the more competitive areas (Europe, etc). Have a great time on your cruise! We did an Iceland cruise (on Viking) a few months ago - great place.
Ive heard that Golden Week begins at the end of April which explains the increase in price. Is an October sailing reasonable? You miss the cherry blossoms, but I have a transpacific booked in Sept/Oct and was thinking about adding on a Japan intensive. Great ideas.
Great point on Golden Week. I think October would be a an excellent month to be in Japan. The one time I really don't recommend is middle summer - it is VERY hot there. We've been in Japan in the summer and it wasn't that comfortable. October gets you ahead of the colder weather as well.
Thank you for this intense review. It was very helpful!
Thanks! Hopefully you get a chance to cruise with Azamara in the future.
We are booked Azamara European cruise 2025 and Azamara Japan 2026. Looking forward!
Thank you for your honesty about the pricing of the Azamara Japan Intensive cruises. Japan is ridiculously popular right now and Azamara knows this. These Japan Intensive cruises that Azamara offers are the most expensive of any cruise they offer over the next 2 years. Other cruise lines are a much better value. Don't get me wrong, I love Azamara and am leaving for the airport in 3 hours for an Azamara cruise to Iceland. Matter of fact, I have 2 more Azamara cruises booked for 2025. Value is always part of the equation.
You are correct. I have seen some price creep as well. There are still deals to be found but you have to look a bit more. Usually booking out as far as possible is best bet. And grabbing book on board offers as well. I have seen some last minute deals that are compelling on Azamara this summer but they are in the more competitive areas (Europe, etc). Have a great time on your cruise! We did an Iceland cruise (on Viking) a few months ago - great place.
Ive heard that Golden Week begins at the end of April which explains the increase in price.
Is an October sailing reasonable? You miss the cherry blossoms, but I have a transpacific booked in Sept/Oct and was thinking about adding on a Japan intensive. Great ideas.
Great point on Golden Week. I think October would be a an excellent month to be in Japan. The one time I really don't recommend is middle summer - it is VERY hot there. We've been in Japan in the summer and it wasn't that comfortable. October gets you ahead of the colder weather as well.