Noggins

I'm a bit slow to come back to this thread.... (Hi Colin!) Don't forget Crystal always charged for the Vintage Room - which provided an upscale menu and included fine wine. Seems to me that Anthology is a version of that where you are not obliged to share a single large table. And, likely, it will feature on a regular / daily basis rather than just occasionally. As has been said, until the wines can be seen value cannot be judged. Adrian

I'm afraid I can't provide any more of a factual answer but I too would speculate that your wife will need to appreciate that radio silence. She will, of course, have the option of watching your track daily using one of the vessel tracking web sites. If I may put in a modest request..... Please look after the ship as we are booked on the first StM to StM trip once you arrive! Have a wonderful crossing - we have done many on larger ships but never with sails. Should be a real experience! Adrian

Goodness - I wonder how many others from the clutch (the collective for CC forumites?) had spotted that cruise as a cracker - even without taking account of the travelling alumni booked onto it!? We could have guaranteed at least 3 at the CC meet and mingle. (subject to paddleboard / spinning / BBQ tasting event / 'Who can eat the most fries' competition / knitting class commitments.)

We were too - I had really been looking forward to that one.... Chucked the paperwork out only a couple of days ago.🙁 Adrian

What?! You too! Beginning to look like April 54 was the fun time to be around. (omitting the consequences for those involved / the world / CruiseCritic etc etc)

Interesting - on a simple count back that was roughly the date I was conceived. I'd like to think it wasn't an entirely boring day for those concerned.... 👀

Colin, I would not take issue with a single word of your detailed review. Well, except for one..... Whilst I did not mount a 24/7 watch I definitely did not see either of you using that jogging track - are you sure you didn't dream that bit?! Adrian

We're recently back from that ship, Keith. Brilliant, quite the party ship - hope you like that sort of thing. Looks like we caused more wear and tear than I thought but the amazing crew will soon sort that. Well, fingers crossed.....

Would you believe it - just to prove me wrong, CC have pushed you back to page 1, Colin. No, no, there's no need to thank me.... 😎

Come along, Colin, you've slipped to page 2 and left us all waiting for more. Stop sunning yourself in the garden and knuckle down to the important things. Please! Adrian

It was never my intention to offer any sort of commentary on this trip - and it may just peter out. We'll have to see how time / inspiration/ encouragement(!?) play out. Overall though I have decided to 'blame' Ivi that I have made this start! 😎 This is a trip that was supposed to have happened in March 2020 - in the Caribbean and on a different ship - Royal Clipper. Multiple new bookings and cancellations since then bring us here - with 4 friends. Most recently our Tradewinds cruise was cancelled and it was rapid scurrying around looking for a cruise that fitted a precise window of dates that led us to Azamara. The sharp eyed among you will notice that masts and sails were to have been involved. Two of our party have never cruised before and were only persuaded to come if there were going to be sails. After all the cancellations I had hoped they wouldn't notice a certain absence of sailing equipment but the internet put paid to that (they spotted a picture of Onward) so I had to engage my best persuasive powers. They have yet to be convinced - so fingers crossed. (My brother has just returned from Onward with some horrific tales, laced with reassurances that 'everything will be alright for your trip' sort of comments. I do hope he is right - and that I will be reporting good things.) As we booked so late there was no question of going to Venice, so we fly to Bologna later with our lives and plans safely in the hands of Mr O'Leary and his blue and yellow planes. Overnight in a hotel near the airport then a van for the hour or so drive to the port. Have we cruised before? Yes, and on many different lines. Big ships, medium ships, small ships, tiny expedition ships. We are very familiar (and fond of) the R ships that Oceania have. We have been on them all, Caribbean, Med and transatlantic. If we are doing any comparing it will be with them. (Crystal had become a favoured home away from home but that has all come to an abrupt stop......) House / pet sitter due anytime so that is all the intro. you're going to get. From now on if you get anything it will be what I would want to read reports of - although I'll try to answer questions too - if anyone is out there with any. Adrian