Live on Pursuit: Lisbon → Rome

[uktog]

I would speak to the Hotel Director or Chief Housekeeper @cavaaller about the vibration issue in case it is something that has loosened (although unfortunately aft rooms on Azamara ships are prone to vibration issues

[Host Jazzbeau]

12 hours ago, cavaaller said:

After breakfast I found the perfect sunspot: (right by Musterstation B)

 

Thanks for pointing this out.  I never noticed these lovely shaded loungers (at least those on the other side of the ship would have been) – much better than baking in the sun up top!

[voyager1964]

7 hours ago, uktog said:

I would speak to the Hotel Director or Chief Housekeeper @cavaaller about the vibration issue in case it is something that has loosened (although unfortunately aft rooms on Azamara ships are prone to vibration issues

FWIW, there was a discussion on the structural vibrations on which a professional input was provided: 

 

Based on that discussion, I would excpect that

1) The vibrations in the Owners suites should go down as you go up, i.e., the maximum vibrations would be on deck 6 and minimum vibrations - on deck 8. Although anything is possible given the variability in the actual construction.

2) To get out of the resonance, a small change in the propeller/ship speed could be enough. That is, the OP may want to request a minor change in the speed (0.5 knot?) and see what happens. 

[cavaaller]

Edited March 27, 2023 by cavaaller

[nordski]

5 hours ago, voyager1964 said:

FWIW, there was a discussion on the structural vibrations on which a professional input was provided: 

 

Based on that discussion, I would excpect that

1) The vibrations in the Owners suites should go down as you go up, i.e., the maximum vibrations would be on deck 6 and minimum vibrations - on deck 8. Although anything is possible given the variability in the actual construction.

2) To get out of the resonance, a small change in the propeller/ship speed could be enough. That is, the OP may want to request a minor change in the speed (0.5 knot?) and see what happens. 

Thanks for reposting this discussion.

 

Our experience is from 2019 but, as I have previously mentioned on this forum, we encountered more aft noise and vibration than on any other Azamara ship.

 

If there is a unique issue, perhaps there are some dry dock changes that can mitigate that problem.

[cavaaller]

[cavaaller]

At 18:15 we went to the Drawing Room where the Concierge Rafael greeted us by name (already impressed) and introduced us to the Captain and the Chief engineer.   We met the other guests and had a glass of champagne.

After some words we proceeded to the beautifully laid out table. Silver cutlery, beautiful flowers, name tags for every guest.

 

 

Then the Executive Chef (Nathan Shijunath) and the Sommelier (Sachin Raut) introduced the menu they had been preparing for the last 4 days.

 

And then the dinner started with what can only be described as a perfect show. The butlers and some head waiters followed an impressive choreography led by the head waiter (?). Every course was a delight and the wines were impeccably paired. 

[cavaaller]

First Course: Grilled Eggplant and Oxtopus

 

Funbit: When I RSVPed for the dinner I was asked if there were any food allergies to be mentioned. I told them that my DH doesn't eat fish or shellfish.

 

It was nice, that they substituted the fish/shellfish in the menu without further ado.

Unfortunately we did not realize this until after the first course because I had mistakenly gotten DH's chicken substitute so you only see this dish - while he had the octopus.

 

The paired Marlborough was one of the best white wines I have tasted - and I did not think I even likes New Zealand wines... lesson learned: so important to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

 

 

[cavaaller]

Second course: Tomato and Yogurt Gazpacho

 

The Gazpacho was to die for, the shrimp melted in the mouth with just the right amount of spices. 

[cavaaller]

When the third Course Albondigas de Gambas arrived, I was too distracted by the lively conversation and the really funny stories that the hilarious captain Toledo and his friend Mr. Prcan shared that I took the picture when the main character had already been killed:

sorry about that.

 

The captain and his chief engineer have such a nice chemistry and were so entertaining. It was a real treat to listen to them.

[cavaaller]

Palate Cleanser: Orange Cucumber Cava Granita.

 

The Sommelier had helped us at Aqualina the night before and had obviously remembered, that DH does not drink alcohol. His Granita was virgin. I think that is really amazing!

[cavaaller]

Main Course: Wagyu Beef and Lobster Pinchos or Iberia Halibut

 

 

The very charismatic Hotel Director Marcelo Affonso shared a little background on the quality of Waguy beef and how it is often overpriced (as not the real quality) if not bought in Japan - very interesting.

In any case - DH was delighted and really enjoyed the dish.

 

 

The Halibut dish was a little dry but the sauce was marvelous.

 

The last course was Chocolate Cone, Panellets, Leech Frida, Turron and Tocine de Cello served with a Rosé Moscatel 

Although by that time I had eaten more than I usually eat in a day, I still enjoyed the dessert - just to prove that it was really good.

Edited March 27, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

As a really nice bonus, the ladies were offered a rose and the gents were gifted a bottle of Spanish sangria at the end of the dinner and to top it off, the picture, the photograph had taken at the beginning of the event was waiting at our cabin door, when we returned.

 

It was an outstanding event. We had very interesting conversations with our fellow cruisers and with the captain and chief engineer (who were seated in our vicinity). The atmosphere was very cheerful and relaxed - we enjoyed ourselves immensely.

I have to say that imho this is perk, given to the top suite guests is worth much more than gifting them an ultimate / premium beverage package (like they receive on Celebrity) or additional OBC - it shows so much appreciation. 

 

If any Azamara representative should happen to read this:

Very Well Done and thank you so much!

Edited March 27, 2023 by cavaaller

[brazilgirl]

6 hours ago, cavaaller said:

As a really nice bonus, the ladies were offered a rose and the gents were gifted a bottle of Spanish sangria at the end of the dinner and to top it off, the picture, the photograph had taken at the beginning of the event was waiting at our cabin door, when we returned.

 

It was an outstanding event. We had very interesting conversations with our fellow cruisers and with the captain and chief engineer (who were seated in our vicinity). The atmosphere was very cheerful and relaxed - we enjoyed ourselves immensely.

I have to say that imho this is perk, given to the top suite guests is worth much more than gifting them an ultimate / premium beverage package (like they receive on Celebrity) or additional OBC - it shows so much appreciation. 

 

If any Azamara representative should happen to read this:

Very Well Done and thank you so much!

Wow, what a gorgeous dinner and nice event. And you are right…this truly is a “gift” with significance, making unforgettable memories.

Thank you for the review thus far! It is great.

[cavaaller]

 

Although the sea was rather smooth on the way to Barcelona, the very strong winds caused a lot of noise and commotion (again).
When we entered the port (punctual as usual) it was all forgotten though: 

 

[cavaaller]

The forecast promised another glorious sunny day and we were eager to get ashore to explore Barcelona on our own.

 

Transport-Options:

At the ship you can hop in a taxi (there is also uber in BCN), you can rent a bike, you can take one of two Hop on Hop off busses (e.g. city-sightseeing 30E)

Take the Metro (purchase at vending machines T-Casual (replaces the former T10) carnet of 10 tickets Zone 1: 11,35 €). Tipps for the metro. Or OneDayTicket: T-Dia 10,50 €.

See the map on this link for better resolution

 

 

We had seen all the “must sees” ( Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Camp Nou for football fans, Gaudi: Casa Battló/Mila, Picasso Museum, las ramblas, Pard de Monjuïc, Barri Gòtic.) on our previous visits and were looking forward to doing another hike.

 

We were lucky to be docked right in the centre (berth S) so we could head straight up to Mount Mont Juic. Up there you have a beautiful view of the city. 

 

Alternatively there is a cable car at Avinguda de Miramar, 30 (15 E)

Or you can also take the teleferic that departs right beside the ship. This one goes to either Barceloneta or drops you off at the Hotel Miramar on the Mount.

We preferred to walk off some of the calories that were starting to saw my trousers one or two numbers tighter.

 

It was an easy walk. I did map out the route at home (using Komoot) but this was really not necessary as you just keep on walking up. The gardens are really lovely up there.

 

 

 

This is the hotel Miramar, facing the Top Station of the Teleferic departing the port:

 

 

 

We descended and walked to the left side to Barceloneta and Port Vell.

It is interesting that depending on the direction you take in Barcelona you get to see a whole different side and feel a totally different vibe within 20 minutes of a walk.

The beach at Barceloneta is really great. Although it being a workday it was buzzing with people.

Edited March 28, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

 

 

 

 

[cavaaller]

Then we headed back to the ship, had another coffee at Mosaic - resisted the temptation of having a pre-lunch snack

felt very proud and good about this...😉 and went for lunch at Windows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The vegan options are really good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I must try the pizza tomorrow:

 

 

 

 

[itchtocruz]

Absolutely amazing! We sail next month, all 22 of us, and thanks to your amazing postings, we are looking forward to amazing food, amazing service and an amazing Azamara ship! 

[cavaaller]

On 3/25/2023 at 3:45 PM, voyager1964 said:

Thanks for your review!

Could you please clarify - I think you are in an aft suite - what deck is your suite.. Did you notice as much movement in the pool/spa area?

 

TIA

Sorry I am a bit late to respond.

We are on deck 6. The movement is getting worse if you move up a deck (just mho)

[cavaaller]

Some of you recommended, that we should go to breakfast in Aqualina. So of course we followed your recommendation - and a good recommendation it was. You have to bring some time but it is worth it:

 

 

I went with the granola (a little too sweet for my taste)

 

of course the egg Benedict (very good)

 

DH had the omelet (very good)

 

Very good aswell. Service: as usual impeccable. 

Cappuccino was less good than in Mosaic café.

 

In the evening we came back for dinner at Aqualina:

 

 

Greetings from the kitchen: (wonderful! Peccorino and bread with pepper-spread)

 

Chefs special: Shrimps and Pancetta

 

Chefs special II: Spanish Beef stew

 

Eggplant Parmigiana

 

Spaghetti Bolognese

 

Soufflé

 

Crème Brûlée (chefs special)

Edited March 29, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

Today we are docked at beautiful beautiful Nice

 

As a French teacher I should have been so grateful to see Nice on the Schedule. But to be honest, I just thought "OK, at least It is a new port for us".

 

Put my did I underestimate the beauty of this city!
 

Of course it is easy for a city to shine if you have beautiful weather, like we had today!

 

But still - we had such a wonderful time in Nice !

 

Quelle beauté! Quelle ville magnifique! Je suis ravie!

 

We were docked in the best spot again: Right in the old / little harbour:

 

 

 

 

 

We wandered around the bay and climbed the stairs to the Colline du Château (red line).

 

 

usually there is an escalator that departs from the Hotel de Suisse - but right now it is out of order.

Up there it was just serene. So beautiful. So calm. So many pretty sights and panoramas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then descended to the old Ville (la vielle Ville) where we bought some more sunscreen and cherished the lovely Parc (Promenade du Paillon) 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we continued our walk on to the Boulevard des Anglais - a beautiful Promenade. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally we went back on board for a quick lunch and some frozen yoghurt 🙂

 

See the amazing toppings here:

 

 

 

The weather was so beautiful though that we could not resist and took another stroll. This time we went to the right hand side and went up Mont Boron. 

 

It is an easy walk - you just follow the signs and you are rewarded with a stunning view:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We saw amazing houses (of apparently very poor people)

 

 

and we had a wonderful view on our ship:

Edited March 29, 2023 by cavaaller

[aliaschief]

What a great cruise blog. Thanks again. Believe I gained a pound just looking at food porn.

[cavaaller]

I am running a bit behind on my report - sorry about that!

 

Nice - evening: The white night.

We were just AMAZED how much effort every single member of the staff must have put in the organization of this event. The food was amazing, the staff were obviously proud of the wonderful experience they had created  - I wish my English skills could explain how much we and the other guests appreciated the devotion to detail.

The food was out of this world.

I could only take pictures of the dessert because there were so many people around the bbq.

 

 

but desserts are my fav. course anyway 🙂

 

All the senior officers were working (even the head chef was serving the best cuts and the Captain was working the tables)

My favorite dish was the Crêpes Suzette cooked by Marcelo Affonso  (Hotel Director).

It was a real pity that it was sooo cold because everybody was participating (everyone dressed in white) so many beautiful people- the atmosphere was great. You will find plenty of pictures and videos on YouTube and/or Facebook of this event!

 

[cavaaller]

 

We arrived in Livorno a little bit after 8 o clock.

Azamara docks at Porto Mediceo:

 

I really wanted to see Florence - taxi cost about 570 E 

 

The train from Livorno Centrale to Firenze S. M. Novella takes about 1,5 h. You can either take a taxi to central station - that is waiting right beside the ship or the bus. Train Tickets cost around 11 E pP.

 

This is the way from the pier to the train station in google maps.

The distance is 3 km.

It takes about 45 minutes to get there by foot

To take the bus to the train station: just walk out of the port, buy a biglietto autobus (public bus ticket) for €1.20 from any newsstand (tabaccheria) you pass (you could buy the train ticket for 11 E here aswell), and head straight up Via Grande to the first bus stop on your right. Hop city bus #1 to the stazione treni in about 15 minutes.

 

train schedule for 04/23:

 

I had a lot of OBC and until then had not spent any on a tour so I had chosen the shore excursion "Florence on your own".

 

We met in the Cabaret Lounge at 8:15 and were guided to our tour bus about 5 Minutes later. There were 30 people on the bus and our guide Cynthia entertained us while the bus (impressive driving skills: driver Tizziano) led us to a leather outlet factory, used mainly as restroom break. The drive was about 1,30 in total and the drop off in Florence was Santa Croce (red dot)

 

Edited April 1, 2023 by cavaaller