From Journey on the way into the Amazon

[BillC]

Today, Tuesday marks the halfway point of our trip up the Amazon River on the Journey. Everything about the trip so far has been great, We stayed in Old Dan Juan for 3 nights before the cruise at the Htel Milano, which was very centrally located. One night we took the 3 hour walking tour which stopped at 4 different restaurants for drinks and food at each one. The cost was $80 per person , and well worth it.

Boarding was delayed until after 1 PM since the CDC inspection was being conducted. The grade was 100%. There is a duty free liquor shop in the terminal, which is next to the airport, and not downtown.It was great to see many of the crew that we have gotten to know on past.voyages. The captain is Jason Ikiadis, Scott Daniels is the hotel director, Eric De Gray is the CD, and Chris is the activities director. Juliana who lives in Brazil is the hostess / future cruise sales rep. Many of the Miami based execs and those on Quest or holiday were aboard the first 3 days, and they had very long sessions in private to plan strategies and sales efforts, so we got to see Heike and Philip, as well.Tomorrow we enter the Amazon, and get immigration clearance. Due to environmental rules the hot tubs will not be available but the pool will remain open. There was no White Nights, but rather a Rock the Boat party on the overnight in Barbados. The show featured all the bands and casts, and was fantastic.Last night at the end of the show Eric and company appeared in costumes nd led us to the disco for a Monster Bash. The decorations and costumes were truly fantastic! Today will be the officers BBQ, and I can’t wait for the roasted pig.

There are 3 excellent enrichment speakers on board. Forensics with Ron Brooks, an ex DA from Los An Nigel Marven, a noted naturalist from the BBC and Discovery Channel, and Chuck Richardson who is the destination specialist.

The only negative so far is the new pricing schedules for wines. A bottle of pinot grigio is $51, or $14 per glass. A sauvignon blanc is $41. They no longer feature a daily bottle special that used to be around $20 per bottle.

[uktog]

Thanks for the post and glad to hear you are having a good trip

I presume the included wines continue to be up to standard so we do not need to worry about the paid versions

A

[Christine Frances]

If your hostess is Juliana Charles from Celebrity you will be very spoiled:D We have sailed with her twice and she will be an asset to Azamara.

[Haworth]

Bill, enjoy your trip, we are about to book the amazon for 2013 so we will pick your brains when we meet up (hopefully) in June on the baltic cruise

[California Native]

Buenos Tardes!

Muchas Gracias for your post!

Azamara doesn't have as many "live from" threads as the other cruise lines boards..so it's always a treat when someone decides to do one!

I'm also interested in reading your South America info, since we have a South America cruise planned for 2013 and more than likely another one in 2014 in addition to extended land travel there. We have explored Europe extensively and it's time for a new continent!!!

Smooth Sailing!

Karen

[cpgrneyes]

Thanks for the post, Bill! We'll be on the Quest in 2013 in SA, but not the Amazon.

 

We were disappointed as well that there were no longer wine specials. Have you spoken to the sommelier? We did, and were offered discounts if we purchased 6 bottles (I think 20% but I could be wrong). They put the bottles aside at Prime C, but we were able to have it delivered to Aqualina AND the White Party. Assuming she's still on the Journey, we enjoyed getting to know the Sommelier, Laurentia, last year.

 

Have a great time, and keep sharing if you can spare the internet minutes! ;)

[Andy]

Hi Bill C,

 

Thanks for posting. We look forward to your updates. Enjoy your Journey into the Amazon !

[Andy]

we enjoyed getting to know the Sommelier, Laurentia, last year.

 

Hi Cpgrneyes,

 

We met Laurentia earlier this year on Journey. She was an absolute delight, while offering some great knowledge on Wine, which I previously knew little about. Like so many of their wonderful crew, she is a huge asset to Azamara. We hope to meet her again on a future sailing.

[alcpa1]

Thanks so much for the posting.

You are sailing on one of our dream itineraries....may retirement and enhanced sea days come soon.

Just to clear up a little matter, I think you sailed from the dock next to the OLD airport, not the new airport in San Juan. It's the same pier the X and RCI uses near the new convention center.

[BillC]

Wines are still free with meals, Juliana's last name is Meyer, and she is great.Eric did his one man show last night and it brought down the house.Today King Neptune will hold his ceremony poolside at 1:30 PM. Yesterday we anchored for almost 6 hours to get processed for entry, The weather is hot but clear.

[excitedofharpenden]

Enjoy your trip. I was on Journey last month (my first Azamara cruise) and loved the ship. If bar server Mehmet from Turkey is still aboard say hi. He'll remember me because he got me on the Stoli Elit Russian Vodka!:)

 

Phil

[travelinjudy]

Thanks for the report. We're getting on when u leave. I'm soooo excited! ::D