Live from the Quest

[tgg]

Can you find out when Captain Carl is coming back from vacation?

Thanks,

Jancruz1

 

I spoke to him this morning and asked your question. He is uncertain about part of February right now but will be onboard for March and April.

[tgg]

Richard, the Hotel Director, asked what I thought about the Azamazing Evening. He told me that the evening used to start at 7:00 (we went starting at 5:00) and returned at 11:30. He said that people were unhappy about getting back so late - so they changed it. I think all these kinds of programs have to be fine tuned, so it's nice that customer feedback counts for something.

 

Today was a glorious day in Barcelona with temperatures in the 70s, no humidity, and a cloudless sky. Both Windstar and a Silversea ship are here as well as the Crystal Serenity. We are docked in a very convenient spot near the Trade Center. Captain Carl said that it was secured because Richard speaks Polish. Long story are very amusing.

 

We spent time enjoying the parks and architecture today because we've spent some time here before and have seen all the Gaudi and the museums. Just strolling here is lovely. I even managed to find two very reasonably priced pair of espadrilles. Another perfect day.

 

Everyone who has been seasick is fully recovered and the white "sickness" bags and the plates of ginger have disappeared. Nice to be able to walk in a straight line and not hold onto the wall.

[Mparis184]

What amounted to two days of misery for many passengers and crew has ended. After pitching and rolling and not eating or sleeping very well, people are back to enjoying their cruise. We arrived in Barcelona this morning to bright sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. Captain Carl told us that he had sailed around the storm and ahead of it to avoid even rougher seas. For many, this was rough enough.

 

The Azamazing evening just ended with a 45 minute bus trip back from the winery where we had a film, short tour, and tapas and a flamenco show. Nicely done, although I think the 45 minute bus ride in each direction was offputting for some people. There was a guide on the trip there who explained about the city and suburbs. I'm glad we went.

 

ANOTHER GRIPE. The piano needs to be put back in the Mosaic. It's now competing with the large screen television - and losing the battle. Although Max di Faz was supposed to be playing after a recent show, he was not allowed to turn the TV off because 12 people were watching US football. Max can easily fill the room. NOT RIGHT. This needs to be fixed and Miami has to do it.

 

The contrast between Italy and Spain is amazing. The littered streets and gutters of Castelalmare and Naples have given way to a city where people don't throw their "stuff" into the streets. Same goes for the subways. I Love Barcelona. And happily we have another day here tomorrow.

 

Why are they fixing things that aren't broken. The Mosaic was one of the most peacful spots on the ship. I don't think it will be as enjoyable with a TV blasting in the background - I can get that at home. Mosaic WAS a great spot for meeting with friends, having coffee or reading a book.

 

Marion

[audobon_tx]

I cannot believe anyone with ACC thinks that Max vs. TV is a good idea. Just move the piano. How hard can that be?

[nordski]

Why are they fixing things that aren't broken. The Mosaic was one of the most peacful spots on the ship. I don't think it will be as enjoyable with a TV blasting in the background - I can get that at home. Mosaic WAS a great spot for meeting with friends, having coffee or reading a book.

 

Marion

 

Unless a major change has taken place, the TV's were not in Mosaic but rather in the area now called Club Luxe or something like that. That area was adjacent to the Casino.

 

That is also where keyboardist Mike was set up, with obvious potential for problems in competing for attention.

[Spursgirl]

Nordski you are right.

 

The piano and Max (on Quest) is now in Club Luxe as are the competing TV's

[nordski]

Nordski you are right.

 

The piano and Max (on Quest) is now in Club Luxe as are the competing TV's

 

 

Thanks for clarifying.

[tgg]

A great day in Valencia. Temperatures in the low 70s, sun shining. Took the Azamara shuttle bus to the center of town and wandered until we got to a tourist office, where we got a guide for an almost three hour walking tour (cost 16 euros). We had only 6 people so it was like a private tour. The guide spoke accented but very easy to understand English. The pace was perfect and the information he gave us was comprehensive. We saw things we would not have found on our own in that amount of time. The price included an admission and a snack.

 

Architecturally, Valencia is magnificent. I could have spent the day just looking at buildings. The central market is great fun; I love to see varieties of fish that I'm unfamiliar with.

 

Tonight is the White Night party. And after walking our legs off today it will be nice to have a sea day tomorrow.

 

The shows have been good. Azamara has upgraded the entertainment over the years. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it suits many of the passengers. The singers and dancers are all good, particularly the couple from Ukraine who are fabulous ballroom dancers.

 

I noticed that someone has started a "Move the Piano" thread. I hope that everyone who reads this will help convince Miami management that a mistake was made when the piano was moved to the big screen TV and casino area (Club Luxe).

[tgg]

I've tried posting and have been mysteriously logged off. I'm done trying. Sorry I couldn't do more but I'm out of time.

[Mparis184]

Thanks for keeping us aware of what's happening on the Quest. We arrived in Sevilla yesterday and really love this city, so happy we had the opportunity to spend some time here. I have blisters on my feet and hope I can walk another 6 hours tomorrow to cover everything we want to see.

 

Marion

[tgg]

Thanks for keeping us aware of what's happening on the Quest. We arrived in Sevilla yesterday and really love this city, so happy we had the opportunity to spend some time here. I have blisters on my feet and hope I can walk another 6 hours tomorrow to cover everything we want to see.

 

Marion

 

Hi Marion,

 

Because you're already here, you know how lovely the temperature is here in Seville. What a surprise to have day after day of temperatures in the 70s. I wish you smooth seas, certainly smoother than we had those two miserable days.

 

Best,

Toni

[Mparis184]

Thanks Toni. I wish we had a few more days here in Seville but we are looking forward to

being back on Azamara.

 

Safe travels home and enjoy Seville

 

Marion

[dln929]

A great day in Valencia. Temperatures in the low 70s, sun shining. Took the Azamara shuttle bus to the center of town and wandered until we got to a tourist office, where we got a guide for an almost three hour walking tour (cost 16 euros). We had only 6 people so it was like a private tour. The guide spoke accented but very easy to understand English. The pace was perfect and the information he gave us was comprehensive. We saw things we would not have found on our own in that amount of time. The price included an admission and a snack.

 

Architecturally, Valencia is magnificent. I could have spent the day just looking at buildings. The central market is great fun; I love to see varieties of fish that I'm unfamiliar with.

 

Tonight is the White Night party. And after walking our legs off today it will be nice to have a sea day tomorrow.

 

The shows have been good. Azamara has upgraded the entertainment over the years. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it suits many of the passengers. The singers and dancers are all good, particularly the couple from Ukraine who are fabulous ballroom dancers.

 

I noticed that someone has started a "Move the Piano" thread. I hope that everyone who reads this will help convince Miami management that a mistake was made when the piano was moved to the big screen TV and casino area (Club Luxe).

 

We were in Valencia with our children, on the Navigator of the Seas, the same day as the Quest! As we drove out of the port area we saw her. I noticed that she was parked a lot closer to town than we were. ;)

 

Funny that you mention the piano because we ran into much the same scenario on the Navigator. There's a long central promenade and one of the venues on it is the British style pub. Canned music. One day my daughter was in there having an ale. About the same time a quartet set up in a slight alcove near the pub and began playing. Sweet music...which was ruined and overshadowed by the canned music blaring in the pub. My daughter left because her ears were going crazy with the discordant sounds. If that's what's happening on the Quest and Journey, I have to say I agree with you about moving the piano to a more appropriate place where it can be fully enjoyed.

[Spursgirl]

We were in Valencia with our children, on the Navigator of the Seas, the same day as the Quest! As we drove out of the port area we saw her. I noticed that she was parked a lot closer to town than we were. ;)

 

Funny that you mention the piano because we ran into much the same scenario on the Navigator. There's a long central promenade and one of the venues on it is the British style pub. Canned music. One day my daughter was in there having an ale. About the same time a quartet set up in a slight alcove near the pub and began playing. Sweet music...which was ruined and overshadowed by the canned music blaring in the pub. My daughter left because her ears were going crazy with the discordant sounds. If that's what's happening on the Quest and Journey, I have to say I agree with you about moving the piano to a more appropriate place where it can be fully enjoyed.

 

Deirdre,

 

I know that you are shortly to enjoy your first Azamara cruise.

 

Yes, the piano issue is irritating but I don't think it will detract from what I am sure will be a wonderful vacation.

 

Christmas on the Quest in the sun sounds heavenly to me

 

Hazel

[dln929]

Deirdre,

 

I know that you are shortly to enjoy your first Azamara cruise.

 

Yes, the piano issue is irritating but I don't think it will detract from what I am sure will be a wonderful vacation.

 

Christmas on the Quest in the sun sounds heavenly to me

 

Hazel

 

Thank you Hazel. We're really looking forward to our first Azamara experience. It was actually kind of exciting to see "our" cabin as we passed the Quest in Valencia. We went on a walking tour in the city and two of the Quest's passengers were in our group and they remarked that they were having a wonderful time on board. They couldn't stop raving about how gracious the service was, even in the stormy seas that Toni mentioned. That's pretty neat.

[tgg]

Thank you Hazel. We're really looking forward to our first Azamara experience. It was actually kind of exciting to see "our" cabin as we passed the Quest in Valencia. We went on a walking tour in the city and two of the Quest's passengers were in our group and they remarked that they were having a wonderful time on board. They couldn't stop raving about how gracious the service was, even in the stormy seas that Toni mentioned. That's pretty neat.

 

What sets Azamara apart from other cruise lines which have the same Renaissance ships are the officers and the crew. You'll notice this on your first cruise - but you'll be amazed on your second cruise. Why do I say that? Because on your second cruise, you'll be greeted by a waiter who will say "welcome back" and a cabin attendant who will say "I remember you. You were my passenger last July." Everyone who works on the Quest and the Journey greets you with a smile. Not one of those plastered-on smiles. These are happy ships, and it comes from the top down. Officers share meals with passengers, either prearranged or spur of the moment. The Hotel Director might stop at your table at lunch and ask to join you. The Captain is around the ship and doesn't mind answering questions or hearing comments.

 

When you sail on Azamara, you feel like family. And it's tough to convey in words. But you'll feel it. And then you'll understand why there are so many repeat passengers. And you'll want to be one too.

Edited November 15, 2013 by tgg