Arrival on Quest 8/9

[Jancruz]

I am so glad to be on the ship..

We left our house in Oxnard at 5pm on Friday and with the traffic in LA it took us over 2 hours to get to the airport

The driver kept the air on so high I started to get a sore throat..and the airport was freezing so by the time we boarded I had a full blown sore throat and runny nose I had only a salad on the plane but I must say BC on LH is fabulous!!.. we changed planes in Munich and it was almost impossible to find the gate..needless to say I was not a happy camper..we arrived in Rome right on schedule and the signage was so bad we walked out without going through customs thats a first for me..Our driver was there Fab from All Around Rome and all I wanted was a bed..our room was really beautiful in the Marriott Park..bad location terrific hotel with 2 bathrooms but I was so sick all night with a runny nose...I didnt really get a chance to enjoy it..I am taking vitamin C and sudafed and this morning I took 2 fiorecet and lo and behold I am a new woman!! We had breakfast at the hotel all I had was a roll and coffee for 15 euros....we took a 2 hour tour of Rome ..Fab picked us up to take us on a short tour and to the ship and I am sorry to say..I was not impressed..he talked way to much, was hard to understand and tried to overcharge me by 200 euros..He did email me tonight to confirm I was correct and he was mistaken but it really bothered me we reached the ship at 2pm it was like old home week.... Ship is in impeccable condition and looks better than it did in May..I am in a Sky Suite and I love the room absolutely gorgeous decor..remember these suites are new as on the Ren 6, 7 and 8 there were no suites..luggage was delivered almost immediately!! We then had a bite of lunch.. I was off for a nap and unpacking..weather is gorgeous..warm but not hot..

Dinner tonight in the main dinning room and I had the healthy fish and apricot sorbet both were outstanding we were with 2 other couples and everuyone was relly happy with their meals..I am on a diet with 10 of my nearest and dearest..but of course they are not on a cruise..LOL..it is now10:pm and we are ready to turn in..tomorrow morning Sorrento and I will continue my story

Please dont hesitate to ask me any questions..

Regards,

Jancruz1

[SkiCruiser44]

Sounds like once you got on the ship things improved.

 

If you have a chance will you ask around and see if there is any place to go dancing or partying in the evening in Sorrento. We will be there overnight and would like to go out somewhere after dinner.

 

I'm looking forward to your reports - we're on Journey's 9/13 sailing.

 

Kathy

[SkiCruiser44]

Another Sorrento question - how late do the tenders run? Does the ship have a shuttle running from the pier up to town? Any info you could provide on Sorrento - restaurants, etc would be great.

 

Thanks,

 

Kathy

[Marie-Claude]

Hi Jancruz!!

What a way to start your holiday... I hope your sorethroat stays away and that the warm Italian sun rejunevates you!!

 

We'll look forward to read your adventures as we are boarding the Quest on Oct. 31 - if you could find our who will be the Captain and CD, that would be great!!

 

Have a great time!

MC

[tgg]

Jan,

 

So glad to hear that you're feeling better. What a terrible start to a cruise.

 

I know you're on the Quest. Do you happen to know who the CD and hotel manager will be on the Journey cruise departing next Monday from Copenhagen? We're expecting to have it feel like old home week too.

 

Happy, healthy trip.

 

Toni

[Andy]

Hi Jan !

 

Sorry to hear your travel got off to a rough start. Now that you are onboard Quest, things should be great. Have a wonderful Cruise !

[timandnancy]

I had a post on the tenders in Sorrento, and someone said they run all night. Read about an evening dinner show at the Tasso Theatre. Sounds interesting, anyone ever seen it??

[Eileen G]

Thanks for the live on board. I didn't know there were customs in Rome. We sure never found any. But we were really glad all the signs were in English as well as Italian.

[Jancruz]

Another Sorrento question - how late do the tenders run? Does the ship have a shuttle running from the pier up to town? Any info you could provide on Sorrento - restaurants, etc would be great.

 

Thanks,

 

Kathy

 

Tenders run all night..there is no shuttle service, there is a public bus that runs until 11pm that is 1 euro..we ate at Carusos tonight and it was fabulous BUT VERY VERY pricey..I will ask the crew for other suggestions

jancruz1

[uktog]

Hi Jan

Do look after Quest as we come on when you are feeling all cross and grumpy and getting off :( for you :) for me

What suite are you in and who are the butlers? We hope to meet old friends from our January trip amongst the crew though I know people do go on and off all the time

I note you say that you ate in the Main Dining room first night - they used to ask Suites to go to the Speciality first night has that changed?

 

Do enjoy and hope you keep feeling better

 

A

[SkiCruiser44]

Thanks Jan - we have reservations at Donna Sofia for dinner where we are there.

 

Hope you are having a great time!!!

[critterchick]

Jan, I'm glad you're feeling well and hope you have as wonderful a cruise as we did in May!

[Jancruz]

Hi, I know Heike is on Journey now..do not know what CD is over there..

 

 

Ah Sorrento..Since Stu and I have been to the area many times we decided to spend the day in Sorrento..what a beautiful town..we took the tender across and then a public bus for 1 euro to the main part of town and it was delightful..getting lost in the side streets is the most fun..so many wonderful little stores with such charming displays..I bought as gifts spaghetti measurers..they are so typical Italy..they are shaped like a small paddle with holes in it to measure spaghetti for 1,2 or 4 persons and they have many different designs..SUMMER SANDALS are all on sale for about 20 to 30 Euros..and huge selections everywhere..some really nice straw hats for about 5 to 10 Euros and white purses with beading for summer for 5 Euros..I could have walked and shopped all day but it was VERY hot and humid and after 2 hours we gave up..and went back to the ship for a shower..

We met at the tender to go bck to Sorrento and to Carusos for dinner at 6:30 (supposed to be 7 of us) but we were missing one couple who we thought would probably meet us at the restaurant at 7PM..

We took a taxi van and were dropped off in front of Carusos Restaurant , we have been there before, it is not only a restaurant but also a Caruso museum..just lovely..

The Maitre d opened a bottle of champangne for us while we were waiting for the other couple and after 15 minutes we decided to order..for starters I had the most fabulous dish..it was Calamari stuffed with crabmeat gratinee..and for dinner I had the homemade spaghtti and meat sauce with olive oil and garlic..for desert was coffee and the restaurant presented us with liminchello and watermelon..this was all topped off with a bottle of local wine..Every one really loved their dinner..but I must warn you it is extremely on the high end of restarants..

After dinner the same driver picked us up to back down the hill to the ship..but as we alighted from the van, I could not pas up the gelato stand that was calling to me..the pistachio was to die for..!!

We returned to the ship after 10 and I came in here to the computer . While in the computer room I ran into the couple who was supposed to dine with us and they told me they had been in Potofino and the ferry to bring them back was 1.5 hpurs late..it is a good thing we were in Sorrento overnight or they would have missed the ship..Everyone should keep in mind the Italians do not keep to schedules !!!

Today, I saw Captain Smith having breakfast with his wife and adorable son and he was very nice to introduce me to them..

It is overcast tody and much cooler but Since I did all my shopping yesterday we will stay on board and read..

Tomorrow Taormina and the Godfather tour we were to tke was canceled..so I think it will be another relaxing day just wandering on our own or maybe look for beach..

Thats it for now..

Jancruz1

[uktog]

Jan

Thanks for the news - we too will stop in Sorrento where a key and only objective will be to find the wonderful shop that sold the Limoncello ice cream

Sorrento is a wonderful wander about town, a perfect first port of call.

We met young Joe in January and look forward to seeing how he is grown - he is a lovely wee boy

Heike must have done a swap as she and John Howell expected to be on board Quest just now but whoever is on board it will be good!!

 

Do continue to enjoy - sorry I may have more questions as time goes on but my one for now is what are the Captains Club benefits re Internet being applied - I know Azamara is bringing out it's own scheme and is not giving the updated benefits that now apply on Celebrity

 

A

[ptcellen]

Hi Jan,

thank you for your daily updates from the ship. We are on the holyland cruise on Journey on Nov. 8th, but have some of the same ports. Was wondering why the godfather tour was canceled? Was it a private tour or one from the ship? We were considering taking it, but not sure now. Glad you're having a great time.

Ellen:)

[Jancruz]

Jan

Thanks for the news - we too will stop in Sorrento where a key and only objective will be to find the wonderful shop that sold the Limoncello ice cream

Sorrento is a wonderful wander about town, a perfect first port of call.

We met young Joe in January and look forward to seeing how he is grown - he is a lovely wee boy

Heike must have done a swap as she and John Howell expected to be on board Quest just now but whoever is on board it will be good!!

 

Do continue to enjoy - sorry I may have more questions as time goes on but my one for now is what are the Captains Club benefits re Internet being applied - I know Azamara is bringing out it's own scheme and is not giving the updated benefits that now apply on Celebrity

 

A

 

I will have to check for you..I dont think they are doing anything

Jan

[Jancruz]

Hi Jan,

thank you for your daily updates from the ship. We are on the holyland cruise on Journey on Nov. 8th, but have some of the same ports. Was wondering why the godfather tour was canceled? Was it a private tour or one from the ship? We were considering taking it, but not sure now. Glad you're having a great time.

Ellen:)

 

It was from the ship and they only had 4 people sign up..you might want to do it on your own

Jancruz1

[Jancruz]

Our day in Taormina was kind of a nothing day..since our tour was canceled we decided to take the shuttle to Taormina ($15 a person) which is at the top of a steep hill..We left the ship at 11am on the tender and I sat next to the Captains wife, Petra and his adorable son Joseph that child will be 4 next week and is so bright it was delighfaul to spend time with them..we then walked a couple of yards to the shuttle..the bus ride to the top was about 25 minutes a bit scary as you get higher..when you get to the top you are in a parking garage and have to take an elevator 7 floors up where you are almost in the middle of town..we stayed and walked for about 40 minutes as it started getting warm and decided to go back to the ship..after we got down and almost back to the tender we saw lovely beaches..and knew what we will do the next time we are here..anyone coming here should do the beach..water was beautiful and clear..

we had lunch at the outdoor grill and it was wonderful..chicken brochette..french fries and salad..

Last night we had the best time..we were invited to the Captains table, (Captain Smith)and the staff had included the other 3 couples we are with so we had a wonderful evening lots of laughing....the Captain is a wonderful host and we learned a lot about him and how he came to Azamara..

For dinner I ordered the Pumpkin soup and the New York steak which was flavorful and juicy and asparagus..and a poached pear in wine for dessert..I bet I could make that at home and it was delicious..

Today is a sea day and tonight our cruise critic party and I understand we have about 50 persons attending..that should be fun..more tomorrow..

ciao,

Jan

[uktog]

Oh Jan this is so exciting me!! You are right Joe is such a lovely wee character!!

I think I need a crash crash diet now to make way for the wonderful food

[travelsuek]

Hi

We were on the same cruise June 28 and am so enjoying your reports; wish I was there all over again. Since there wasn't too much we wanted to see in Sardinia, we decided to find a nice beach and that we did! Its called Pitalongo Beach. We took the ships bus to town and then found a cab to take us to the beach. It was only about 10 minutes away and I think about 20 euro. There were (8) of us so we just split up the cost of the cabs. We had such a wonderful day there; crystal clear waters, it was just beautiful. You can rent chairs and umbrellas as well.

 

Earlier in the cruise we found another beach the second day in Ravenna. We took the ships bus to town and then walked toward the train station and took the #60 or #70 bus to last stop and walked over to Marina Bay Club & Beach. Again, rented chairs and umbrellas. Much bigger beach, water not as clear but still nice. We had so much fun that day and it was July 4th.

 

Just thought in case you or someone else you run into on board may be interested in finding some nice beaches while on the cruise. I hope Sue Denning is on board....she is a hoot! We absolutely loved the cruise! Enjoy!

Sue

[Jancruz]

On Thursday we had an extremely relaxing day at sea..it is interesting that Azamara has so many different activities planned during the day..several lectures,cooking deonstrations, Marguerita tastings and many ,many, more..Stu and I are basically readers so we were on deck reading most of the day..the weather was gorgeous..

 

Yesterday and today we are in Ravenna and yesterday had a wonderful day walking and looking at the gorgeous mosaics!! Stores had interesting things..(clothes,shoes) but very expensive even on sale..We chose not to take a tour but just to go on our own and enjoyed it a lot..last night was the Italian Buffet on deck and it was spectacular..in addition to being beautiful the food was wonderful from the antipasto to the pasta being made individually..This morning we awoke ant the ship is full of mosqitos all over the verandas and deck 9..they are being sprayed now..but the crew says this is the first time it has ever happened!!

 

Thee was a dance contest after the buffet and the Captain, Niyazi, and Sue Denning were the judges it was hilarious..

 

I do believe it is a good thing that next year Azamara is only spending one day in Ravenna as we are hard pressed to do more in the city..we have a reservation for lunch at La Gardela but after that will return to the ship..

 

Critterchick or anyone on this trip earlier in the year..did you go to a beach in Olbia?? Is there one?

 

I look forward to answering any questions you may have..

Jancruz1

[TERRIER1]

Critterchick or anyone on this trip earlier in the year..did you go to a beach in Olbia?? Is there one?

 

Jancruz1

 

Hi Jancruz. We were not on the Azamara cruise but docked at Olbia in June with Oceania. We sailed at 4 pm so there was not enough time to take the desired private tour up to the Magdelena Islands or out to Tavolo so we just walked around town. There is not a beach that we could find right in Olbia but two couples took a cab up to a beach north of Olbia about 15 minutes. There are many beaches within a cab ride away and there may even be a beach somewhere right in Olbia. They said the beach was lovely and water clear. I certainly regret not hopping a cab and heading to the beach. In June, the buses were not running yet but you can also take a bus to the beach during the high season which is now. Enjoy.

 

Jean

[Jancruz]

Hi Jancruz. We were not on the Azamara cruise but docked at Olbia in June with Oceania. We sailed at 4 pm so there was not enough time to take the desired private tour up to the Magdelena Islands or out to Tavolo so we just walked around town. There is not a beach that we could find right in Olbia but two couples took a cab up to a beach north of Olbia about 15 minutes. There are many beaches within a cab ride away and there may even be a beach somewhere right in Olbia. They said the beach was lovely and water clear. I certainly regret not hopping a cab and heading to the beach. In June, the buses were not running yet but you can also take a bus to the beach during the high season which is now. Enjoy.

 

Jean

 

Jean, Thanks so much for the information I do believe we will go to the beach!!..Today we are in Dubrovnik and it is very hot..but let me start in Venice where I left off....

First day in Venice, Stu and I left the ship at around 9:00am because we wanted to go to Burano, the one island we hadnt been to..there was a shuttle bus to the vaporetto ($15 per person) which I heard a lot if complaints about because it wasnt that far..personally it was worth it to Stu and I because it was so warm(translated HOT)..

We took a vaporetto to Murano (about 40 minutes) and changed to go to Burano (another 40 minutes) I was glad I had my kindle with me as it helped with the long hot ride..the best value we had was the 12 hour vaporetto pass which was 32 Euros but really worth every cent to us because we were on so many that day!!

We arrived in Burano about noon..and enjoyed walking through all the small shops and stalls..talked to many people who lived there and did not see anyone from our ship..we were there about 2 hours including our lunch and caught another water bus to San Marco and then yet another one to Rialto Bridge..we shopped for quite a while although we didnt buy anything but a charming Murano clock for my office which was only 8 Euros..but a nice memory for me..after all the walking and all the heat (it was 100 degrees) we had a couple of beers near San Marco and took the water bus back to P Roma where our shuttle back to the ship was..I know it doesnt sound like much but it took us over 10 hours as we returned to the ship at 7pm absolutely exhausted!! Showered, rested and 8:30 we met Brian and Jean from UK at the Buffet and had a late leisurely dinner, I almost fell asleep in my sushi..of course the Pino Grigio really helped..

 

The next day (yesterday) we were in Venice until 1:30 and we were supposed to go back to Rialto..but truth be told we overslept and didnt get off the ship..

Last night we had dinner with Niyazi and just laughed until I thought I would cry..many of the crew had a soccer game the 1st day in Venice and they were telling us about it..we cracked up..

Stu and I decided the crew on Quest is possibly the friendliest we have ever had..and the most fun!!

 

I decided to try my luck in the casino and played 3 hands of blackjack last night..I had 3, 20's and the dealer had 3, 21's..That was kind of an idea of things to come so I figured tonight is another night..

Today is another very hot day (95 degrees) and we went in to town, Dubrovnik..walked around, met some friends and had a beer and decided to return to the ship..Stu and I decided to try theThalassotherapy pool for the very first time and we LOVED it..so relaxing we were in about 15 minutes and then just flaked out on the deck..interesting we were the only 2 people there..kind of like your own yacht!! We paid $19 for the day (we will go back later this evening) but next time for $99 we will buy the pass for the trip..my aching bones loved the relaxation..but my toe ring turned black..so be careful with jewelery in the pool..

Tonght dinner in Prime C with some new friends and tomorrow actually a day at sea..and we do need it!!

They have some really nice Murano jewey on board and I am seriosly looking at a piece..do I need it NO..do I want it..maybe but the prices are very reasonable..

I dont know who the Art people are on board (not Park West) but they and the photographers are really low key and dont bother anyone!!

Off to change..only a few more days for questions from you..this trip is flying by..

Regards,

Jan

[lonestarsteve]

Hi Jan

 

Glad you are enjoyng the Quest. We just returned from the Greece and Italy cruise and can relate to your wonderful postings. Thanks for keeping us updated on all of the activities and observations.

What a great ship and staff and please tell Niyazi 'hello' from and Kate and Steve.

Hope you have a terrific second half and keep us informed about your adventures.

Regards

Steve

[Susan-M]

Hi Jan,

Your reports have been great...thank you.:)

 

The heat wave in Europe has been in the news here....hope you are enjoying a cool day at sea, and have a nice day at the beach tomorrow!

 

Will look forward to your reports for your last few days of your cruise.