Live on Pursuit: Lisbon → Rome

[cavaaller]

When we came back to the ship, Osvy had left us a little snack:

The weather was still lovely so it was nice to snack this on our balcony:

 

 

 

 

 

[cavaaller]

After our snack we walked a little on the empty ship. 

 

 

There are so many lovely spots - it is a sophisticated atmosphere - for lack of a better word.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

And then we headed to dinner. 

We found a very nice spot on the veranda in front of the windows café. It was English Night. DH had hoped, that the Bread Pudding, which had become his all time favorite dessert when we were sailing on the Celebrity Ecplipse, and which had been announced as a dessert in Discovery Restaurant would be available in the buffet swell. But alas... no Bread Pudding 

 

🤕

 

The choice was fabulous none the less. There was of course Fish&Chips, Shepard's Pie, a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala (spicy). And what stood out was this dessert (forgot the name): Also half a Pastel de Nata and a little toffee Pudding... I LOVE desserts!

 

I tried the included Pinot Grigio (was OK). 

 

 

 

 

[cavaaller]

The distance between Gibraltar and Malaga being insignificant, the captain could slow down which made our night much nicer. There was practically no noise until we reached Malaga the next morning.

I will be back with our day in Malaga.

[cavaaller]

I forget to mention that we saw dolphins on our way to Gibraltar:

 

 

can you spot them?

Edited March 25, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

 

Today was one of those days when you think, yesss you have made all the right choices. 

 

I had been in Granada on a field trip with my students a couple of years ago and have been blown away by the Alhambra. That is why I was so disappointed that Azamara did not offer an excursion to go there. I so wanted to show it to my husband. 

The private excursion I could have booked was really expensive and I knew that I would have been stressed out fearing not to be back on the ship in time so I chose to stay in Malaga instead.

 

And that was THE best decision. I had no idea how beautiful this city is!

 

We went ashore soon after the ship had been cleared. The streets were empty. It was so serene.

We made our way to the Cathedral (you can see it from the ship)

 

 

 

and then on to the Alcazaba which had only just opened (9 o clock).

Tickets 3,50 € (or 5,5 combined Alcazaba and Gibralfaro) Seniors 1,5/2,5 E.

Vending machine (again: no Amex!)

 

 

Our guide had stated:

“The best option would be to visit the Alcazaba during the morning and the Castle of Gibralfaro during the afternoon or vice-versa, so you can have a break and do not visit them altogether. To go to Gibralfaro you can go by bus (number 35) from el Parque de Málaga or you can go walking and the walk is approximately 35 minutes.“

 

We were the first visitors and it was amazing. I won't bore you with details because it is easier and more interesting to watch/listen to the guides so I post the links in case you are interested.

But let me show you some pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gibralfaro

(Audioguide)

 

Download your audioguide for Alcazaba and Gibralfaro here

 

 

 

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by cavaaller

[voyager1964]

On 3/24/2023 at 5:29 AM, cavaaller said:

The night was rough, as I already mentioned. And -because the captain was going at full speed - it was incredibly loud in the cabin. 

Thanks for your review!

Could you please clarify - I think you are in an aft suite - what deck is your suite.. Did you notice as much movement in the pool/spa area?

 

TIA

[cavaaller]

It had become really hot and it was time for a break - given that the ship practically docks right beside the Alcazaba, it was so convenient to walk back.

We did so via the Paseo del Parque. 

 

Getting back on the ship is as easy as walking back into your hotel room. We haven't yet seen any queue - this is totally new to us. You just show up and go on board. 

 

 

Is it always this easy? I don’t know. But we love it!

 

[cavaaller]

Since it was already time for lunch we went to the Patio. I had the greek burger and DH had the azamazing burger - both very good.

 

The salad bar is great too. They not only offer the "usual" lettuce, carrots, tomato etc. but really high-quality (sic?) produce. Fresh pepper, pumpkin-seeds, avocado ...and the dressing is quite good too.

 

Of course, the best is the view: You can sit outside but sheltered by windows and in cold weather there are heaters and you even get attentive table service.

I also had to try the frozen yoghurt. Today it was Banana-Day. The toppings are what I like best - I may have used more topping than yoghurt but why not, right? There are sprinkles, cookies, dried fruit, chocolate, I think I also saw M&Ms the other day.

When we got back to our cabin, Osvy had left these:

 

Did I mention that I love desert?

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by cavaaller

[Grandma Cruising]

1 hour ago, cavaaller said:

It had become really hot and it was time for a break - given that the ship practically docks right beside the Alcazaba, it was so convenient to walk back.

We did so via the Paseo del Parque. 

 

Getting back on the ship is as easy as walking back into your hotel room. We haven't yet seen any queue - this is totally new to us. You just show up and go on board. 

 

 

 

Is it always this easy? I don’t know. But we love it!

 

 

Yes it is, only time there are queues on Azamara is occasionall to get a table in Discoveries in the evening

 

[cavaaller]

Tonight was our first night in Aqualina.

We had picked the early seating and were shown to a wonderful twotop in the back of the ship. The view from this spot was amazing. So was the service  - but this is our third day on the Pursuit so we are no longer surprised by this level of service.

 

First "course" was different choices of bread with garlic oil and battered butter:

 

then we ordered from this menu:

 

there were several "chef specials" not on the menu - one of them was the port belly that DH ordered.

 

This was the "greeting from the chef" the parmesan was to die for - the pea pure was OK.

 

 

First course was Caprese

 

 

and Eggplant Lasagne  

 

Second course was the porc belly

 

and the filletto di manzo

 

both very good.

 

As dessert we went with the crème caramel (chef's special)

 

and the tiramisu

 

again both very good.

We also had an espresso (which was not so good).

 

New to us is the way the check is handled: They come around with a tablet. There you can "close" the check and/or chose to leave a tip 10% 15% 20% or more and then you have to sign.

 

 

Our waiter (Antonio) and sommelier (Sachin) were very attentive and we had a really lovely evening.

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

2 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said:

 

Yes it is, only time there are queues on Azamara is occasionall to get a table in Discoveries in the evening

 

that is good to know, thanks @Grandma Cruising

[Host Jazzbeau]

Did you not bring a Visa or Mastercard?  I don’t have any experience with Amex in Europe because with so many reports that it isn’t ‘widely’ accepted, I don’t even bring them. 

[cavaaller]

We had left our VISA card in the safe - in hindsight a stupid mistake of course. But I honestly thought they would take Euros…

 

We have never had any problems with our Amex but there is a first for everything.

 

This is the current staff on board: 

 

Celebrating the People of Azamara.pdf

[Host Jazzbeau]

I was going to suggest some terrific free Visa cards for travel, but I then noticed that you are in Germany and these are US cards.

[cavaaller]

Thank you @Host Jazzbeau.

 

We had another very noisy night. There is a very strange humming sound in the suite - it is very loud and constant. I will try to find out if the other Aft-Suite guests experience the same noise or if we are just overly sensitive.

 

This morning we slept in plus the clock has been turned one hour forward for the second time so we were quite late for our breakfast at our (already) usual spot in Windows Café. I love the muesli and the fruit and the view and the service and....

And despite the relatively late hour: still not crowded.

 

This made me think of our last cruise on the Apex. Due to ongoing Covid it was only sailing at 40% capacity but it did not feel emptier than the Pursuit does. I will ask how many guests are on board during the BOB tonight.

 

Let me attach a copy of the insiders thus far:

INSIDER Days 1-4.pdf

 

After breakfast I found the perfect sunspot: (right by Musterstation B)

 

 

again: Where is everybody 😅

 

 

 

Edited March 26, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

Before returning to our suite we stopped by Mosaic café. 

I may have already mentioned that I am unfortunately a bit of a sweet tooth so when I heard/read in the marvelous review by "Emma cruises", that the cookies on Azamara where one of the few things that left to be desired food-wise I was a little disappointed. 

Of course I had to find out for myself (for research purpose only).

I had a chocolate cookie that was better than the Starbuck's ones (imho). Delicious!

 

There have been some questions about the Internet Speed. I am happy to report that it is very good thus far. Today - being a sea day - it is a little slower but still operable:

We just did a speed test:

 

 

 

Edited March 26, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

After having spent some time on our balcony:

 

we headed to the shops to spend some of our hard earned OBC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 26, 2023 by cavaaller

[cavaaller]

For lunch we ordered club sandwiches and enjoyed the sea and the calm on our balcony

 

[roberts2005]

Since you are in a suite, have you  not tried breakfast in Aqualina?

[cavaaller]

1 hour ago, roberts2005 said:

Since you are in a suite, have you  not tried breakfast in Aqualina?

No, do you recommend it?

[roberts2005]

Yes. Great place.  Love the blueberry pancakes

[NKS50]

Absolutely, yes!  A wonderful way to start your day, again with the very personalized service and delicious choices…

[Twiga]

I love the quiche for breakfast in Aqualina!

[aliaschief]

Great pictures and live review. Food porn is making me hungry and yearning for next cruise. 
Thanks for sharing.