Breeze1234

So my wife and I just got back from 2 weeks on the Azzurra (Venice to Athens)... The trip went very, very smoothly. This "roll call" really helped me to understand what to expect. Thank you to all who contributed. Since we were on the ship for 2 weeks, we really "got into the groove" (so to speak). The ship is a dream (but small). The ship tends to travel while you are sleeping so you find yourself in port a lot (either on your own or with an excursion). The food was great, the ports were great as were all the people you meet (both cruisers as wells as staff). If anyone has any questions, let me know and I'll try to answer as best I can. (As far as drinks, we paid on average $7 per drink...but I typically drink beer. The prices were reasonable, but there seems to be many times when drinks are being handed out--like at the "sail-away" or at other "special occasions". With beer and wine being offered during lunch and dinner, we found that we really didn't need to purchase too many drinks on board and found ourselves going for a quick drink at the port town.... Hope this helps!) Ron

On Excursions: We had used the PDF that was sent to us when we booked our cabin. (The filename ends in "Tour".) You will notice that there are 1) included excursions (FREE), 2) DiscoverMORE excursions (MUST BE BOOKED AND PAID FOR in advance), 3) DiscoverACTIVE (FREE, I BELIEVE) and 4) DiscoverPLUS (FREE, I BELIEVE). I checked off the ones that we wanted to BOOK and PAY FOR and called to coordinate. The rep. took my credit card information over the phone and then sent me a new pdf file (that ends with "Guest") that shows all the "paid for" items, including the cruise itself....(like an updated invoice). I believe that you have to book excursions 48 hours in advance....so it may not be possible to book while on the ship. (After reading this "roll call", it appears as some many excursions get cancelled because there are not enough people signed up.) Hopefully this helps!

So, I just got off the phone with Emerald to find out that our "backpack" and "wallet" will not be shipped to our house until AFTER we get back from our Emerald Azzurra trip. They are saying that they have none in their warehouse and unfortunately they are unable to get them to us in time for our trip. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but I'm guessing that it would've been nice to get them in time based on other comments I've read on this forum. Any thoughts?

Don & Carole, Did you lose your luggage during travel this year? Can you give more details as to why you've decided to "carry-on" your luggage? Ron

Wow! Beautiful photos.... I believe Sarande has Visit Butrint National Park as an "included" tour (as is the "Mussel cooking demo and tasting in a local restaurant"). There are no other "activities" for that port (even for purchase). Thanks so much! Ron

Thanks so much for the "dress code" info! My bet is that the guys wear long pants and a nice shirt (no tie, no jacket, no shorts). Let us know if this is the case. (I'm guessing I can wear my shorts for lunch.) Thanks so, so much! Ron

Wow! Thank you so, so much for your super comments! They help tremendously! A few last items: Were the drinks at the bar expensive? Is ice available if we want to have a drink in our room? Thanks so much! Ron

Thank you so, so much! Your notes are very, very helpful and give us all some insight as to what to expect. All in all, would you recommend the Emerald Azzurra? Any other thoughts/comments? Ron

I had a few questions for folks that may have traveled on the Azzurra. (I am traveling in late August.) 1. Is there a place to store emptied luggage under the bed (or elsewhere)? 2. Is it ok to have any "extra fee" snacks and drinks removed from the refrigerator? (I'm assuming "yes".) 3. Are COVID tests done daily? (I'm assuming "yes".) 4. Is there any entertainment at all? 5. Is the self-service laundry complimentary? 6. What happens when you are tendered near a port and you don't have an excursion booked? Are you able to be tendered to the port (even at night)? 7. Are the e-bikes available for use when you are in port (and are they complimentary)? 8. Is the pool and jacuzzi open at night? Thanks so much....Ron

Wow! As I've mentioned earlier, you can actually track the Azzurra using the web site above. I've noticed it NOT following any real itinerary.... For the last few days, it's been going back and forth between Athens and Santorini. Please keep us "in the know" as to how they treat you throughout this "diversion" from you regular itinerary. (I'm wondering what the reason is for the "dry dock".)

I've noticed that (for those traveling to Athens from Venice/Dubrovnik) that the ship has not been able to go through the Corinth Canal as it is closed. It stops in Gythion and skips Itea (Delphi). (There is a site at https://www.cruisemapper.com/?imo=9903504 that will show you the actual location of the Azzurra.) I've noticed that the ship hasn't been stopping in Krk at all (and is stopping in Rovinj instead). The places where it "tenders" (and is not docked) include Hvar, Pargo and Cephalonia. You can also see the approximate times that the ship is in port. In some cases, the ship arrives the night before and in some cases the ship will stay until later in the evening. (The Azzurra tends to do most of its traveling during the night.) It's an interesting web site... We were also wondering about the refrigerator in the cabins. It seems I've read that it was stocked with drinks. I wonder what type of drinks are available and if they are complimentary.

Hello, everyone....We are booked in late August from Venice to Athens (Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece)... We are two couples. There are only a few youtube videos on the Azzurra so far. We are very excited. Ron & Becky (Todd & Bonnie)