A Memorable Journey with Azamara

Nov 8, 2021azamara, elite ocean cruise, azamara journey, greek islands

It's safe to say that pretty much all of us at Panache have had an amazing summer getting back on board some of our preferred partners' brilliant ships - some of them brand new - and got that taste of post-pandemic cruising we have all been craving for so long. Last month, our lovely assistant Anita escaped our wet British autumn and enjoyed the last of the summer sun in Greece on board Azamara Journey. Here's what Anita had to say about her fantastic cruise with Azamara...

"At the beginning of October my fiancé Paul and I were fortunate enough to be invited on board Azamara Journey, for a 5 night shakedown cruise sailing around 3 Greek Islands; Patmos, Crete, and Mykonos.

We flew from Manchester and the airport was surprisingly quiet. Although I had booked the fast track through security we really didn’t need it as we sailed straight through.

Our check in time to arrive at Piraeus Port to board Azamara Journey was 2pm, we had chosen the time during the online check in process prior to travelling. Pre booking the check in and Covid test times meant that the process was fast and efficient with no waiting. The test itself was conducted my medical experts in a designated area close to the port terminal and within 15 minutes we had our results and were then ready to board.

Boarding Azamara Journey

As we embarked, we were greeted by some of the Azamara crew and were escorted, with around 6 other guests embarking at the same time with a glass of fizz in hand, to our muster station where we were given the usual safety instructions straight away. With the safety formalities over we were then escorted to our V3 Club Veranda Stateroom (number 6060). The stateroom was a good size with a nice seating area including a coffee table and separate dressing table/mirror. The comfortable seats and large table outside on the Balcony were a real plus.

Once we had unpacked, we went on a tour of the ship, we headed to deck 9 where we were shown around the Spa and the Sanctuary. Entrance to the Sanctuary is an additional charge and can be purchased by the day or for the duration of the cruise and this includes use of the plunge pool, hot tub, and private sun deck area. The spa itself offers a variety of treatments and we made good use of the well equipped gym, which also offered complimentary classes such as yoga, spin classes etc.

The Drawing Room on Deck 10 is the ship's library and makes for a cosy setting with dark wood panelling and a marble fireplace. As you would imagine there are a wide variety of books, boardgames and puzzles to borrow.

Club Veranda Suite and Sunset View

Being a smaller ship with fewer people, it never felt crowded. The ship is easy to navigate, and was always quick to get to the places you wanted to. We could easily find a free sunbed or cabana during the day. It is the small things you notice such as the quality of furnishings, the deep cushions on the sunbeds and the boutique feel that sets Azamara apart from some of the larger more mainstream cruise lines.

Room service is available 24 hours a day, including breakfast. The room service breakfast menu was the best we’ve seen so most mornings we had our breakfast delivered and ate outside on our balcony. We ate in the main dining room ‘Discoveries’ most evenings where the menu was varied and although some choices remained each evening, different choices were added and changed each night. The waiters and waitresses were very attentive and they always remembered our wine preference and advised us of their recommendations each night. There were two specialty restaurants onboard: Prime C Steakhouse and Aqualina, both featuring everything from Chef’s Table meals to five-course menus. Both restaurants require you to pre book and carry a cover charge of just $30 per head.

Beautiful Dining On Board

There was a good selection of bars on board and one of our favourite spots after dinner was The Living Room on deck 10 where we enjoyed listening to the band and a cocktail (or 2) as we chilled out on the comfortable sofas.

The pool and deck area is where Azamara usually host their popular ‘White Night’ party. This has currently been modified to comply with current health protocols and will temporarily be called ‘Bright Night’ (you can still dress all in white if you wish). Their signature event is being held in either two or three venues depending on the ships capacity and all of the entertainment is fun, lively, and enjoyed by all.

Pool Deck

A PCR test was required prior to disembarking the ship and was provided free of charge by Azamara whilst on board, the process was seamless and very well organised.

From start to finish, everything went smoothly, and we felt really safe and relaxed throughout the entire cruise.

We have some lovely memories from our cruise on Azamara Journey and from the islands we visited, the crew were all so lovely and attentive. This with the small Azamara touches, it really does make your holiday extra special.

Thank you Azamara!"

Panache in Crete!