Live from my second home - Journey

After a wonderful pre cruise day in Rome, staying at the gorgeous boutique hotel, Lunetta, Lottie A and I set out for Civitavecchia to board Azamara Journey.

We were looking forward to meeting up with our cruise buddies, excited of Harpenden (Phil), Sundance Dublin Queen (Mary) and Ashcroft100 (Louise).

Two of Phil's friends, Helen and Caroline are also on the cruise so we are a merry band of 7.

We were fortunate enough to board early and so our designated meeting place, the Sunset Bar was relatively quiet.

The weather was glorious and so it was a perfect place for us to chat, have a few drinks ( the new bubbles are so appreciated) and then to have lunch.

The Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle after muster was well attended and hosted by our warm and genial CD, Tony Markey.

This cruise is somewhat unusual in that we will have two Cruise Directors. Tony is with us for the first half of the week and then leaves for Canada where he will join Quest. He will be replaced by the super talented Eric who will be returning from his well deserved vacation.

So we have a sort of BOGOF of Cruise Directors.

We chose to have dinner outside at The Patio as the weather was so good. When I was last on Journey in June this venue was below par IMO. The service was very slow and the food only distinctly average. Last night though things had returned to the usual Azamara standards. Service was excellent and we all enjoyed our dinner. I had Tilapia and it was excellent.

Our embark day ended with a bop in the Living Room and a quick pit stop in Spirits bar to hear the pianist, Lora from Bulgaria.

More soon.

Thank you for sharing your pre-cruise and embarkation experience.

Looking forward to your updates.

Enjoy your cruise!

Our first stop was Portoferraio on the pretty little island of Elba. As it was only our second visit to this place we decided to take the Hop on Hop off bus which we could embark just across the street from our excellent docking spot.

Most of the passengers on the bus were from the ship and were as amused as us at the idiosyncratic nature of the route, which seemed to bear no relation at all to that highlighted on the brochure. The included stops were a little bizarre too including the outside of a spa and a panoramic stop which wasn't desperately panoramic. Probably the only place worth visiting was Napoleon's house but we decided against it as we realised we would have to wait 2 hours to be picked up. In fact we wondered if this were the only Hop On bus in town!

Recognising a particularly picturesque part of Portoferraio , we asked if we could get off and we enjoyed a stroll along the gorgeous waterfront before stopping for lunch in one of the numerous and attractive harbour side restaurants. Considering it was a Saturday, the town was not heaving with people and the weather was perfect for wandering.

HD Heike had recommended a bag and jewellery shop to us but as we were unable to locate it we ambled back to the ship at about 3 after a very amusing and enjoyable visit.

Dinner in the MDR this evening which we all agreed was excellent and then we went to the Cabaret to see the incomparable Bruce Parker who followed Captain Johannes' toast and his introduction to the Senior Officers.

Most of us had seen Bruce before but it didn't matter at all. He is a fantastic performer and had the enthusiastic audience eating out of the palm of his hand earning a standing ovation after his lively set.

We again ended our evening in the Living Room where DJ Marcio's choice of music ensured that the dance floor was busy most of the time.

Tomorrow we were scheduled to be in the quaint Italian town of Portovenere but for operational reasons we have been switched to the town of La Spezia instead.

During a chat with Captain Johannes he told us it was easy to get to Portovenere by bus or ferry if we wished from La Spezia which we may do. Alternatively, as our cruise does not include a sea day, some of us may decide to stay on board for a relaxing sun bathe.

We shall see what the morning brings.

Hi Spursgirl

We left Journey a few weeks ago and had enjoyed two evening meals at the Patio so hopefully you will find it improved from your last visit.

How luck are you to get Tony and Eric on the one Journey :D.

Looking forward to reading more about your trip, have a good one.

Glad you are all have a fantastic time on our favourite ship. It was lovely meeting LottieA in August and looking forward to meeting Phil in April next year. Have fun, we are sure you will.

Ps give our regards to Tony and Lee

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I loved Portovenere, it's well worth a wander. A shame you aren't tendering there though! I loved Elba too, had the best gelato I have ever eaten there! I'm enjoying reading about your cruise it's bringing back lovely memories!

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It is great to get your daily updates. Looking forward to read more. Big hugs to everyone, but especially to Caroline and Helen. :):)

Sounds like a perfect trip so far - make sure you leave some bubbles on board for Friday :D

I loved Portovenere, it's well worth a wander. A shame you aren't tendering there though! I loved Elba too, had the best gelato I have ever eaten there! I'm enjoying reading about your cruise it's bringing back lovely memories!

 

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Fortunately we have visited Portovenere before and agree that it is a lovely little town.

But we are girls who try to make lemonade from lemons so we are not too disappointed that we didn't get there this time.

It is great to get your daily updates. Looking forward to read more. Big hugs to everyone, but especially to Caroline and Helen. :):)

Will do. They are two lovely ladies and we are having enormous fun with them

Sounds like a perfect trip so far - make sure you leave some bubbles on board for Friday :D

Can't promise Ann. Think there may have to be some serious restocking when the ship gets back to Civi.

Thanks committing to this thread.

We hope to be soon visiting these ports, and this helps with our planning

Today has been the hottest day of the cruise so far. 5 of us opted to stay on board and two of our number decided to take the ferry over to Portovenere. It seemed to be an easy 30 minute boat ride and the boats were fairly frequent even though it is Sunday. I did note though that the timetable changes in the first week of October.

We are all looking forward to White Night. As we don't sail until 10pm sure everyone will enjoy the party and it will be a pleasant balmy evening.

Tony Markey's wife, Christine is on board at the moment and we have been promised that she will provide some of the entertainment tonight. Several people have told me that she has a wonderful voice and I am looking forward to seeing her.

Tomorrow we are in one of my favourite Ligurian towns, Santa Margharita. More news then.

Santa Margarita is a wonderful old fashioned Italian resort, ideal for people watching. Have a wonderful day there and look forward to hearing all about it.

Today has been the hottest day of the cruise so far. 5 of us opted to stay on board and two of our number decided to take the ferry over to Portovenere. It seemed to be an easy 30 minute boat ride and the boats were fairly frequent even though it is Sunday. I did note though that the timetable changes in the first week of October.

 

We are all looking forward to White Night. As we don't sail until 10pm sure everyone will enjoy the party and it will be a pleasant balmy evening.

 

Tony Markey's wife, Christine is on board at the moment and we have been promised that she will provide some of the entertainment tonight. Several people have told me that she has a wonderful voice and I am looking forward to seeing her.

 

Tomorrow we are in one of my favourite Ligurian towns, Santa Margharita. More news then.

Hello Hazel

Sounds like you are having a good time as usual!

We have heard Christine sing a couple of times and think she is the best singer we have seen on AZ. She has performed alone, with Tony and with the Jazz Band - all excellent.

Diane & Alan

Hello Hazel

 

Sounds like you are having a good time as usual!

 

We have heard Christine sing a couple of times and think she is the best singer we have seen on AZ. She has performed alone, with Tony and with the Jazz Band - all excellent.

 

Diane & Alan

Morning B****cruiser:):):),

We are really having the most fantastic time, eating and drinking too much of course.

The weather is being very cooperative. Wish you were both here. May 2017?

Hello .... thanks for your posts; I'm enjoying reading them.

Have you tried any alcoholic coffees for me yet? Nightly research may be needed! :)

Hello .... thanks for your posts; I'm enjoying reading them.

Have you tried any alcoholic coffees for me yet? Nightly research may be needed! :)

I am on the case!

White Night was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to be having a ball.

The food was the best I have ever had. Huge kudos to Chef Monica. I do not like lobster but those who had it said it was excellent. The coconut chicken and veal were gorgeous and Heike did a wonderful job on the crepes station.

Woke to a spectacular sunrise and it is another gorgeous day. We are at anchor but as Azamara regulars know, tendering is trouble free with no queues. IMO Santa Margherita is simply stunning. Apart from us there were very few tourists around adding to its charm.

We had a little wander stopping for coffee and Prosecco and those that know me well will smile when I tell you that the liquorice shop was open and I was able to stock up on supplies. (It's not as good as Sloshi's in Barcelona though but that's another story)

Two of our friends took the boat to Portofino. This couldn't be easier. The ticket office is about 5 yards from where the tender pulls in. As usual Azamara had a local tourist expert on board first thing this morning so they were able to obtain maps and timetable information.

We are having dinner in Aqualina tonight and tomorrow we will be in Livorno.

We are having a wonderful time so far....had a lovely time in Santa Margherita this morning and Hazel and I are now sat outdoors in beautiful sunshine at Windows after lunch with Phil, Helen and Caroline and having a free Kir Royale....what could be better? :)

White Night last night was great....I danced my feet off! Great music from Tony, Christine, Briona, Ward and the band.

I have to say the food last night was simply superb...wonderful grilled lobster, veal, mussels, etc and the Living Room was hopping until about 1:30 am, thanks to DJ Marccio.

An overnight in Livorno next, with the three tenors Azamazing Evening in Livorno...we have been before and it's highly recommended, even if Opera is not your thing. Going to Lucca on Wednesday....can't wait, love it there.

I too am thoroughly enjoying reading along. You have captured the experience so brilliantly I almost feel I'm back onboard! Thank you for the live review :)

We all had a get together in Phil's suite last night....good fun was had by all. The brilliant Bruce Parker was there too, proudly showing pix of his beautiful baby daughter. Then a great dinner in Aqualina with friends and I had a bit of a flutter at the Casino...And this time actually won! :)

Lovely day in Livorno today and it's Azamazing Evening tonight ....one we have seen before. The Three Tenors in the beautiful Goldoni Theatre, it's a great night and I'm looking forward to it. Then we are all going to Lucca tomorrow. I may be forced to buy a handbag! :D

Luna is a cutie!

Luna is a cutie!

She most definitely is! :)

Hello .... thanks for your posts; I'm enjoying reading them.

Have you tried any alcoholic coffees for me yet? Nightly research may be needed! :)

While I haven't yet tried a liqueur coffee, the guys in Mosaic tell me that if the alcohol in the liqueur coffee you order is on the complimentary list the coffee will be free. So, an Irish coffee will be free but one containing Cointreau or Baileys won't be.

Hope this helps