WHERE DID YOU GO ON HOLIDAY? AZAMARA, OF COURSE?
When the chance came to cruise on Azamara Journey for a week in the Mediterranean
, I jumped at it. Not literally, you understand. I politely walked up the gangplank like everybody else!The cruise started in Venice with an overnight in the famous city. I've been to Venice before but this time I saw a quite different side of it. Once the sun began to set all the day-trippers disappeared. The passengers from the cruise ships that had called in for the day, all left. Suddenly everything was quieter, more tranquil, more what you hope Venice will be. The lights of the restaurants sparkled on the Grand Canal, the buzz of people dining al fresco filled the air. This was the Venice of romance.
There was also an intimate atmosphere on board Azamara Journey. She's smaller than some ships on which I've cruised, being 30,000 tons and carrying no more than 680 passengers. I liked the ambience. The staff were among the friendliest I've ever met at sea. The food was outstanding. The complimentary wine with lunch and dinner - different wines each day - truly complemented every meal.
The entertainment is very different to that of larger cruise ships. The venue is a 'show lounge' instead of a large theatre. This means the shows are more 'acts' rather than shows'. An amazing violinist, Doug Cameron, played a wide variety of music. There was a brilliant guitarist, and the Cruise Director sang and entertained on a couple of nights. The accompanying Azamara Orchestra was outstanding, a highlight in itself.
And what an itinerary! It was really fantastic. That's another advantage of cruising on a smaller vessel. They can manoeuvre into ports that big ships simply can't get into. The first stop, Split in Croatia, was just beautiful. It's a walled city of mesmerising architecture, full of history with the past present in every street and alley-way. And all combined with the hustle and bustle of a street market.
The second stop was Kotor in Montenegro and, feeling energetic, I climbed the 1037 steps up to the old fort. I don't necessarily recommend this. The walk was hair-raising, with missing sections of walls and crumbling steps. On the way up I began to wonder if I had enough holiday insurance. That was nothing! On the way down I contemplated calling for a claims form! Scary! And then some! But it was well worth it. The views from the top overlooking the fjord - actually it's a submerged river canyon - were absolutely breathtaking.
Then came a day at sea to enjoy the pleasures of the ship itself. Or to put it another way, cocktails by the pool in the sunshine!
At Santorini, the next stop, having learned my lesson in Kotor, I took the cable car route up the cliff face rather than risk riding on one of the local donkeys. At the top, I took a bus to Kamaris, a local volcanic black sand beach, set in the most beautiful beautiful surroundings. It was quiet and peaceful despite lots of tavernas serving refreshments and local seafood. Then it was back to Thira, this time for a cocktail on the cliff top, overlooking the ship anchored in the caldera below and watching the sun set - just beautiful. All this and Nauplion and Athens, our final destination, still to come.
I really enjoyed my cruise on Azamara Journey. The food and the itinerary were superb. Azamara Club Cruises offer brilliant value. Gratuities are included so no need to worry about how much to tip. Soft drinks are included so no need to worry about drink charges. Speciality coffees are included. Bottled water is included so no need to worry about buying drinks on shore. Wine with lunch and dinner is included. It's different every day and not rationed! If you don't like the wine offered, there are alternatives you can buy. There are no formal nights, so no evening clothes to pack. You can wear what you feel comfortable in, although no shorts, jeans or trainers are allowed in the dining room. Dining is open seating so you dine when, and with whom, you want. There are two speciality restaurants: Prime Rib specialising in - guess what - steaks; and Aqualina specialising in seafood. Both these restaurants carry surcharges, but for a special occasion why not - they are special!
Obviously, if you are after a lively cruise with lots of facilities and activities then Azamara Club Cruises may not be for you. But if you want attentive service, fabulous food, amazing ports of call and a relaxed easy going country-club atmosphere then it most definitely is. You'll be treated and looked after wonderfully. I loved it!
WHERE DID YOU GO ON HOLIDAY? AZAMARA, OF COURSE?
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