Azamara Onward - Spain Intensive (11 nights) semi-live blogging

[Georgeven]

Hi there everybody… Jorge and Stian from Norway and we are back in Azamara and this time for a Spain intensive cruise. 

 

Technically this is our sixth cruise (from 30 cruises) with Azamara, first time on Onward. Booked an inside cabin, happy with it. We decided more cruises less balconies for this year.

 

Flying from Oslo with Tap and spent a night and a morning in Lisboa before boarding. Staying at the Ibis Style Lisboa Centro Liberdade, good location, attentive service, nice restaurant for tapas and wine in the afternoon/evening and a super breakfast. 

 

We had been in Lisboa a couple of times before so this time we just relaxed and went for some shopping in the morning before heading to the port

 

We used welcome pickups for transportation from the airport and to the port, worked perfectly. 

 

Checking inn for the cruise was easy breeze. It took no time and we were already on board, security briefing, staterooms ready, upgraded drinks to ultimate package and three specialty dinners reservations made… then we were ready to go/cruise.

 

Stateroom was as expected, everything in order. We met our room attendant, very nice guy. We just though about the position of the TV on the side of the bed and it cannot be moved… very weird but it’s not like we will watch a lot of TV while in a port intensive cruise. 

 

We had a small lunch at the buffet, everything was delicious. Dinner at Discoveries was marvelous, service on point and a delicious meal all the way. 

 

Went to the Atlas bar, tasted a couple of drinks. Very nice place with an interesting and good “live” entertainment and nice bartenders. think this will be our favorite place for the nights.

Day 2 in Portimao, 

 

Breakfast at Discoveries, perfect… then out. There was a complimentary shuttle bus, but we decided to walk walk and walk our way into the old town and then to the beach (Praia de Rocha), very nice little city with a very local feeling in the center. The beach area is more “touristy” developed with tons of restaurants, hotels, clubs, etc. and Praia de Rocha is the mother of all beaches… beautiful and organized. Back to the ship after some hours for late lunch in the Buffett with some wine. Again delicious food… then it was time for a Power Nap…

 

 

 

 

Later tonight we’ll have dinner at Prime C… looking forward to it

[KY Deb]

We are doing the Spanish Intensive in October on Quest.    Looking forward to following your cruise with you!   

[Vineyard View]

This is one of the itineraries we are looking at about the same time next year. So will happily follow along. Thank you for taking the time. We have not yet sailed Azamara. 

[PaulS]

We were on the Onward in February and Raymon and Aga were the bartenders in the Atlas Bar. If they are still there, you will have a great cruise. Also, ask them if they are going to do their show on the last night.

[WoolworthAdventures]

7 hours ago, PaulS said:

We were on the Onward in February and Raymon and Aga were the bartenders in the Atlas Bar. If they are still there, you will have a great cruise. Also, ask them if they are going to do their show on the last night.

 

P.S. we don’t talk about the show it’s invite only lol 😂 they are two great guys thou 

[Georgeven]

Prime C and Sevilla day one

 

After a deserved Power Nap, we were so ready for our first dinner at Prime C during this cruise. We noticed what looked like some new items in the menu, at least since our last Azamara cruise back in 2021. 

 

But first a short stop, pre-dinner cocktail at the Atlas Bar, again a delicious cocktail. 

 

We went for a conservative steak house menu. All the food was delicious and great, service was on point as the recommendations of wines from

the sommelier to pair with our courses. We’ll be back in some days :-). After dinner we just went down to relax and night night… go early to bed before a planned early morning to see the ship sail through the lock and arrive in Sevilla…

 

So we woke up at 06:00 and went directly out and then to the front of the living room… so nice to see the crossing of the lock and the sunrise.

 

 

 

 

So excited for our first day in Sevilla, we planned a guided visit to the cathedral, tickets to the alcazar and the park and plaza España, all independent arrangements. Craaaaaaaazy amounts of people everywhere because la Semana Santa, but what a beautiful sights and city so far…. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back in the ship after all this to

Have a small lunch so a Power Nap before dinner: Azamazing buffet in Discoveries and Azamazing evening in Sevilla: Carmen a flamenco show… more about that in our next post…. 

[brazilgirl]

What wonderful photos! I am curious about this itinerary as well, thanks for posting

[wjfan417]

Good arrival timing. We’ve done that cruise twice and have had to get up in the middle of the night both times to see that. Seville is beautiful and very easy to get around on your own.

[aliaschief]

Thoroughly enjoying your semi live cruise experience. We will be doing an intensive Spain and France on Journey in June so following closely. Thank you for sharing. Great pictures.

[jegoodman]

Could you please post photos of the room service menu?  I'll be sailing Onward in a few months.

 

Thank you

[ConnieTact]

On 4/6/2023 at 5:55 PM, Georgeven said:

Prime C and Sevilla day one………..

 

. …….

 

 

Back in the ship after all this to

Have a small lunch so a Power Nap before dinner: Azamazing buffet in Discoveries and Azamazing evening in Sevilla: Carmen a flamenco show… more about that in our next post…. 

Great photos! I’m following along. Never cruised with Azamara before but interested to learn more!

[Georgeven]

Post 3 - Azamazing evening and Sevilla part 2

 

The Azamazing evening was exactly that Azamazing…. The logistics of this operation and how smoothly they run it is always incredible. We were drove to the modern side of the city and to a complex where there is a theater. We were by Captain G and Erick and there were traditional drinks to taste, very nice and very strong. 

 

The show was incredible, a flamenco interpretation of the Opera Carmen. Beautiful dance and choreography and the live singers voices out of this world. 

 

Then back to the ship for a late snack and a drink before heading to bed. 

 

Then day two in Sevilla, we woke early again to make the most of the early morning  and believe it was a good  decision cause the city is crazy crowded because of the festivities of Semana Santa. Today we walked off from the ship with a clear plan in mind: Bullring museum / visit and the Seta de Sevilla. We made it to the Maestranza, no people in line so it took two minutes to get the ticket and enter the Plaza de Toros, they have a very interesting exhibition that shows the history and art of this long Andalusian cultural expression. We understand that this is a very polemic cultural expression but independently of what we think it’s important to try to understand cultures from an objective point of view without judgement and learn from it. That is what traveling is about, isn’t it?. The building of la maestranza is a beautiful expression of the Baroque style arquitechture. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we got out the line was starting to get longer and some hours latera, the line was looooong.

 

Then we walked to la Seta de Sevilla and got lost in the old part of the city but it was fascinating to see the locals and tourist (a lot of Spanish tourists) walking around in their best clothes to make it to the churches and processions of the day. Interesting note was the logistics of cleaning the city after a long night of processions in the center to get ready for more processions later in the day. We did some little shopping while lost in the small streets before we got to the Seta. A very peculiar modern intervention in the plaza mayor but beautiful in its own way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then walked back to the ship, lost again in the small streets of the city trying to absorb the particular atmosphere of this place. Loved Sevilla, definitely in our list of places to come back for a land based holiday. 

 

Then back to the ship for lunch, we wanted to eat in the city but the places that were open were already very full and we found no place around. 

 

Dinner was in Aqualina , and again food was great and service on point.  We saw the show with Roy, the assistant cruise director and what a voice, don’t miss it. 

 

 

 

 

Sea you… 🙂

[markpc17]

We are on this sailing with you.  Agree with the details and feedback.  ship is in great shape and the crew couldn’t be kinder.  
 

We did another Azamara April 2022.  I was curious if the food would change now fully under new ownership.  So far I feel it has improved.  On occasion you can see where there might be a small effort to control costs (mostly limiting waist) but quality we believe is higher.  
 

And the internet is night and day improved. We work remotely and have to stay checked in.  The Starlink addition is dramatically better.  So much so it convinced us to book another.  
 

 

[Grandma Cruising]

5 hours ago, Georgeven said:

Then we walked to la Seta de Sevilla and got lost in the old part of the city but it was fascinating to see the locals and tourist (a lot of Spanish tourists) walking around in their best clothes to make it to the churches and processions of the day. Interesting note was the logistics of cleaning the city after a long night of processions in the center to get ready for more processions later in the day. We did some little shopping while lost in the small streets before we got to the Seta. A very peculiar modern intervention in the plaza mayor but beautiful in its own way.

 

 

 

 

 

Then walked back to the ship, lost again in the small streets of the city trying to absorb the particular atmosphere of this place. Loved Sevilla, definitely in our list of places to come back for a land based holiday. 

 

Sea you… 🙂

 

 

 

 

If you plan to go back to Seville make sure you are there for the Feria - it’s amazing. It’s not a tourist event, but is for the local people. It’s a festival where everyone dresses up in local costume, lots of horses etc.

 

 

 

[Georgeven]

21 hours ago, jegoodman said:

Could you please post photos of the room service menu?  I'll be sailing Onward in a few months.

 

Thank you

Here you go 😀

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jegoodman]

29 minutes ago, Georgeven said:

Here you go 😀

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you very much.  I appreciate this.  Looks like you are having a fantastic time!

[Georgeven]

Post 4 - Cadiz 

 

This morning we arrive in Cadiz, and again the only plan was to find the Cathedral cause we got tickets in advance. Early breakfast at Discoveries and we started the day with the best Omelette ever, the special recommendation of the day: Thai Omelette with fried rice on top…. I eat almost everything without problems but if there is anything I am picky is eggs… this is the most delicious piece of omelette I have ever tasted followed very close by some huevos rancheros I had in playa del Carmen some years ago…

 

Done with breakfast and out in the city… again very empty so early morning but watching the city wake up was really  something from

Empty streets to the crowded

Parks, Saturday market in the Mercado Publico with the locals grabbing up some fresh fish, flowers and vegetables, loved it. 

 

 

 

 

First was the Catedral and no lines, beautiful building, you can even go down in the cript and see the sacristy. We walked up to the clock tower to get an aerial overview, just stunning

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then back to the Mercado Público, markets are a very good way to experience local life, smells and tastes.  I couldn’t  resist the temptation of tasting some “chicharrones” (deep fried and crunchy pieces of pork meat) - Delicious and then sitting in a tabenco next to the market with a couple of very very cold beers and jamón ibérico with queso de ovejo and just people watch. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The city got crowded by 13:00, more preparations for Semana Santa and then we decided to walk back home for a lazy afternoon by the pool and a light lunch (after chicharrón and jamón and cheese) in the Patio. 

 

Want to give kudos to Azamara for the way the follow up everything. This morning while having coffee we filled the midt-cruise survey (or something like that) we pointed all the amazing good things and a couple of things that could be better (not that something went wrong) and while having our afternoon tea right now one of the officers stopped by to thank for the feedback and ensure that the things to be better will get better.. 

 

Also after reading some of your comments guys, I would like to comment on couple

Of things: 

1.- the cost cutting in some areas, for sure we have noticed it but we have not felt it has been a negative thing or that in any matter it has impacted the service level or our cruise experience in a negative way. For example: a) the wine selection that is included in the cruise price: Azamara has now its own wines and looks like they have an agreement with a winery to produce these. The wine still rotates during the days, and it makes sense from a business perspective and the quality is OK. We will make the effort and sacrifice to try some to give feedback on that. b) Portions in the main dining room and specialty are a little bit smaller but it’s OK to reduce waste and make cruising more sustainable in the long run. I am a big guy and I Love to eat good food and I felt it is OK and have not gone hungry. 

 

Tomorrow we’ll be in Gibraltar and we are not going out since we have been there several times so I do not think I will be posting updates… plan is to relax and I may try the new internet since I need to get some work done (this hobby called cruise travel needs funding). White night will be tomorrow and we are looking forward to it

 

Questions: just ask 🙂

[Georgeven]

Post 5 - White night, a little bit of Malaga and sea day on our way to Valencia

 

So We are back… enjoying a lazy sea day full of activities in our way to Valencia, ETA kl. 18.00

 

The day in Gibraltar we didn’t go out and I had to work some hours from the ship…. Boring… Stian used the time to sit around the Living room that also houses the library and found some nice books to read. 

 

By the end of the day we had the White night party, Azamara signature event in every sailing… it’s still a blast of good food, dining al fresco in the pool deck and good party music after dinner. There was so much good food that it was difficult to choose. We just noticed that in this sailing (or maybe in all sailings) there was no grilled lobsters tails but instead chicken and lamb chops ( OMG level both), I didn’t miss it though but you could find some lobster in the grilled seafood skewers. I give 10 out of 10 to the food quality and selection. No one but Azamara knows best when arranging outdoor dining for all guests.

 

The party was going on until late before it moved to the living room around 23:00. We are not party people so we finished the night as usual at the Atlas bar…. 

 

 

 

So next day was Malaga, we have been there so many times so we decided for a lazy morning, couple of more hours of remote work for me and two hours of alone time for the husband. We went out for a leisurely walk around the city center, and the beach for some hours… Malaga is always beautiful, nice and lively full of tapas bars in the center and shops if you want ti do some shopping around.

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the ship there was a flamenco local show brought on board at the end of the afternoon, heard it was very nice…

 

We had dinner at the windows cafe, taste of Mexico night… and it was out of this world good… the Fajitas from the live cooking station were priceless, actually everything was very very good. 

 

Then it was show time in the Cabaret Lounge, Club Crooner with the singers and dancers… very very very nice show, recommended. 

 

Today we have sea day until 18:00 when we are expected to arrive for an overnight in Valencia. Lazy day  again, isn’t it lovely? Sleep until late, go for a coffee, then go to late Brunch at Discoveries… then more coffee… 

 

 

We tried the new internet and is very fast. No problem at all. I have a reservation for a haircut at the Spa later today and then we will relax, maybe Bingo, maybe the special event for Azamara Circle members, and the dinner at Prime C and maybe go out to the city in the night. We’ll sea…  

 

[Texter2]

Jorge, 

 

Thank you for taking us along! I feel like I am there with y’all. Your photos are amazing.

 

[floridafolks]

Your blog makes us even more excited to board the Onward again on the 15th. 
 

When you dock in Barcelona on the 14th, would you mention in your blog whether you are docked at World Trade Center or way across the bridge at Moll Adossat. There is some confusion which place we are suppose to board on the 15th- that would really help us. 
 

Keep enjoying the cruise!

[WoolworthAdventures]

11 minutes ago, floridafolks said:

Your blog makes us even more excited to board the Onward again on the 15th. 
 

When you dock in Barcelona on the 14th, would you mention in your blog whether you are docked at World Trade Center or way across the bridge at Moll Adossat. There is some confusion which place we are suppose to board on the 15th- that would really help us. 
 

Keep enjoying the cruise!

 

it’s very clear on the cruise port being at the World Trade Center on the paperwork where it’s getting confusing is when people start saying it’s elsewhere 

 

 

 

[Curious Cruiser 3]

We sailed on the Azamara Quest from Barcelona to Lisboa last June and had no trouble finding the ship in the World Trade Center.  I am especially pleased to hear that the Internet's speed has improved so much since it was a joke and very frustrating previously.  I think the smaller portions are a good thing since you can always order second or third helpings of items you especially enjoy.  I am really enjoying your comments and pictures.  Thanks for sharing them!

[DrivesLikeMario]

Really enjoying your posts!  Please keep them coming!

[Oslo Dutch]

Tusen Takk!

 

This is a great voyage report. We disembarked the Pursuit last Saturday in Athens and seem to have the same opinions about Azamara. The 7 days from Italy to Greece were fantastic!

 

We are looking into a similar itinerary next year for Easter, once again on the lovely Pursuit.

[Georgeven]

Post 6 - Prime C (again) and Valencia.

 

Sea day was relaxing for us, but there was a lot to do for everybody all around. I has an appointment to get a haircut and it was great. Then in the evening we went for our final dinner of the dining package to Prime C, and the food was great but this time the service was totally different that some nights ago. It felt rushed, we got something we didn’t ordered, there was chaos with the wines (until Aldrain took over), then when the orders came it was confusion with who order what (we are just two person). It was chaotic. We decided to send feedback on this and all the other positive things and we got contacted the restaurant manager Gustavo who apologized for this and assure us they will work on improving. We got invited for a new dinner at Prime C for the last dinner of the cruise. 

 

Then Valencia, we didn’t go out at night but there was a shuttle bus from

The ship to the entrance of the port running every thirty minutes until 23:00

 

In the morning there were two shuttles one running every hour from ship to the Puerta de Serrano in the old city; and one from the ship to the port entrance every 30 min.

 

Valencia is a modern and vibrant city with a beautiful old city with incredible history and a beautiful architecture. We decided to walk all we could all around the old city and then walk down to the city of arts and sciences. It was hot hot hot day with temps up to 33 Celsius. We stopped by the central marked… it has to be one of the most beautiful (the building) markets we have ever been… and so much flavors, tastes, smells and colors inside.

 

 

 

 

 

The city of arts and sciences, no words to describe it….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we decided to walk back to the historical center to get some local bocadillos before taking the shuttle back to the ship for some lazy time by the pool. 

 

Greek dinner in the buffet…. Delicious…… 

 

Today we are going out to Palma, we’ve been here a lot but never inside the cathedral, we’ll try that today…