Grandma Cruising

We got the same email - I’d been hoping to book a few excursions for the next cruise before leaving this one on 23rd. I’d asked the shore excursions team to print me off the list of excursions, but they haven’t yet been able to do so.

The Hotel Director said they had managed to change to berth so we were nearer and therefore didn’t need a shuttle! I’m waiting to see if there’s a shuttle in Madeira, because that is a long walk - other passengers have said there wasn’t one there in October!

The ship was docked in the berth closest to town, with Balmoral just behind us - Balmoral had a shuttle bus, but again we didn’t. It was a fair walk into town, but we managed it as there were plenty of places to sit down along the way. It was lovely in town. There is a park along the seafront with.a large children's play area and there were lots of sporting activities going on including a youth’s wrestling competition that was very well supported by parents and others. When we got back we had lunch - there was a lovely paella in Windows. We’re using the last of our onboard credit on the ultimate drinks package for the last few days and are enjoying the Whispering Angel, as well as the cocktails and malt whisky.

That would be a shame, but Azamara have downgraded the Meet & Mingle since Covid. It used to be hosted by the Cruise Director with senior officers attending and drinks & canapés provided. Now it's only a room that is provided, no servivpce, no hosting.

I think the decision was made for the Onward because it has a lot more CC Suites than the other 3 ships.

With the Patio in the evening, it makes a big difference how many tables are occupied. We ate there twice this cruise & really enjoyed it - subdued lighting, heaters if it’s cold. There were lots of occupied tables and a nice atmosphere.

We had a similar experience both in Athens in October and a few days ago in Rio. Once we got to the port no-one asked us about our embarkation time, just gave us a group number based on how many were ahead of us.

We watched Emily’s show last night too - it was excellent. She has a great voice and a very engaging personality.

I talked to Marcelo, the Hotel Director about the shuttle. He said that Azamara had asked the port authorities for a shuttle and been told none was available - I assume Azamara asked after the other ships, so missed out.

I know that Marcelo started with Azamara in October/November last year on Quest. He was on with Ryszard for his first cruise.

Pursuit Portuguese Pursuit Rio -Lisbon March 7 - March 23 Captain -Antonio Toledo Staff Captain - Kosmas Monas Hotel Director -Marcelo Affonso Food & Beverage Manager - Adell Terassi Cruise Director - Emily Love Assistant Cruise Director - Nicholas Simpson Guest Relations Manager - David Martinez Executive Chef - Nathan Shuunath

On Pursuit now having left Cape Verde last night and now heading for the Canaries. Just did a speed testWifi has been mush better this cruise than previously.

We were very disappointed yesterday. The ship docked in Mindelo, Cape Verde, alongside Fred Olsen’s Balmoral and Oceanis’s Insignia. We were the first there but got the berth furthest from the port gates. We were here on Pursuit in 2019 doing the route the other way round. Then there was a shuttle to take us to the port gates, however this time there was no shuttle available. When we asked about this at Guest Relations we were told it was down to the port authorities. As the port gate was quite a long way and my DH can only walk a short distance at a time without having a sit down, we were unable to get off the ship.

Not all of them, ours aren’t the new ones like those we had on Quest last Autumn, but they don’t cling anyway..

Last nights Destination Cuisine in Discoveries MDR was Thai and it was lovely. I had both the Tom Ka Gai (spicy chicken soup) and Shrimp Pad Thai. They were very very good.

But you can ask Guest Relations to punch a hole in them

Thanks for that, I think you’re right that the ships don’t always do things the same. I’ve added a note suggesting looking at the programme & information in Insight.

Thanks Trish, I’ve amended the sheet

A member raised a topic about dining on embarkation day and Uktog kindly answered that Windows buffet is open from 2-4, snacks are available in Mosaic and tapas are served in the Living Room from 4. I’ve added this to the spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15Deg-GaeZYLml8NN3PVwoh_jUkQ8QmYUe1wxnVAlODE/edit

I agree, much better than it used to be.

Our percussion class is already on the drum teachers instagram page. If you want to have a look search for maestromacambira.

Mis-spelling in my post, it's Tarquinia.

We opted for the Azamara tour that included a percussion workshop. Taken in a minibus to the square at the top of the elevator, then walked gently through the old streets past some beautiful buildings to the drumming school. It was excellent. Two drummers who are, we were Tod, internationally renowned taught us a variety of rhythms on drums and a tambourine, then gave us a demo. Met the transport afterwards & went to a cafe for local snacks and a beer, Caiprianha or soft drink IMG_2537.MOV

They got some Schweppes in Rio, I managed to get it on Wednesday & yesterday

Tarquinius is well worth a visit. There’s a bus that goes there from Civitavechia.