I think that what stood out about this cruise was the genuinely welcoming atmosphere throughout the ship. Staff and Crew, no matter their positions, made passengers feel like they were truly grateful they chose to sail on the Journey. We opted for the airport transfers offered by Azamara to the pier. After claiming our luggage and clearing immigration the Azamara rep was waiting in the arrival hall. We were lead to motorcoaches that went directly to the port. Upon arrival at the pier, luggage was tagged as we left the bus and we were left with only those items which we wanted to carry onboard. Check-in was open to everyone, there was no differentiation by cabin as had been indicated by notices sent prior to sailing. The ship was cleared to new guests by 11:30am and despite the inability of guests to pre register due to the new reservation system guests were being welcomed onboard before noon. Our cabin, 7054, was midship category V1. This position on the ship offered quick access to all venues. The four ship elevators, two forward two aft, were easily reached and never seemed busy. The cabin was decorated in soothing tones and beiges and grays. The bed was configured as a King and there was a curved love seat, table and desk near the balcony door. The balcony had two chairs and a table. There was adequate closet and drawer space. The bathroom is small and the shower has an angled rear wall. Although small there was storage offered in wall shelving, on the counter and the under sink shelf. Soaps, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotions were supplied. I was on as a Signature Host on the cruise, the group onboard was coordinated through the Concierge, Marta. As there single contact for everything group related, this admittedly made my onboard responsibilities very easy. Our group Meet and Greet was held in the Drawing Room as were all the private functions I observed over the course of the cruise. The ship offers the same dining venues as its Azamara sister ships. The main dining room, Discovery, was open for breakfast and dinner everyday and lunch/brunch on sea days. The buffet, Windows Cafe was open for breakfast, themed lunch and themed dinner everyday. The food in both locations was very good. Visiting the buffet did not offer guest a lesser food experience. The smoothie bar offered during the morning hours transformed into a bar for lunch and dinner. Meals in either location included your choice of four red, four white, a rose and prosecco wines at each sitting. The Patio Grill was open everyday. Although most days did not offer favorable weather for outdoor dining, the menu items (Burgers, hot dogs, fries) could be ordered and the meals were then brought to guests dining in Windows Cafe. Swirl On Top, the frozen yogurt station, was open everyday and available for those wishing to self serve. Prime C and Aqualina offered Steakhouse and fine Italian dining. The Chef's Table, located in Prime C, offers a unique dining experience for twelve guests. Hosted by the Sommelier and Head Chef of the House, this six course meal with wine pairings was a highlight of the cruise. Although the meal was wonderful, it was the time spent with the other guests that made the evening so enjoyable. Mosaic Cafe offered specialty coffees, teas and hot chocolate from 7am - 11pm. Light breakfast, sandwiches and pastries was offered in the morning and a light lunch of finger sandwiches and small desserts was offered throughout the afternoon. A great place to stop if you were out on a shore excursion that ran past the hours of the dining room or buffet. After dinner, cheeses and chocolates were available. Entertainment on board was extremely good especially considering the size of the venues. The Azamara staff provided varied experiences from intimate solo performances to full stage productions. There was open interaction between the performers and the guests onboard. The Aazamazing Evening was held onboard ship instead of onshore. The guest performer, Greta Salome, an Iceland born violinist, shared an evening entitled Fire and Ice. Other guest performers during the cruise included a comic from London and Celtic vocalist. The White Night was celebrated indoors due to weather conditions along the Arctic Circle. Festivities were spread throughout the ship. The "Crew Wave" was held in the Cabaret. The Living Room offered guests a morning to late night venue for both live entertainment and dancing to DJ provided music. This forward facing venue on deck ten offered a lovely place to view scenery as we sailed, a full specialty coffee bar, a full bar, and numerous "snack" options throughout the day including Tea, Tapas and After Dinner Treats. The live band was able to accommodate requests and played a wide variety of music to dance to. Two of the fjord stops in Iceland were missed due to weather conditions. High winds prevented the ship from docking and tendering. The ship did sail into each port as far as possible allowing everyone onboard to view the area. Shore excursions outside of the port "city" or very small town as was the case in Iceland were offered by Azamara. Most included a "warning" that walking over uneven, possibly wet, surfaces would be required. The destinations throughout Iceland are very scenic and can be very remote. Iceland has built a well maintained road system when considering the number of people living throughout the country. For guests arriving in Reykjavik with time before or after a cruise renting a car is a very realistic option. There are rental car returns within walking distance of the pier. In Belfast a private car and driver is a better option than the shore excursions offered by Azamara (or any cruise line) . The costs are similar and guests are not held to the schedule of a large motorcoach tour. Debarkation went smoothly. Because of the size of the ship Azamara ships are able to dock at Terminal 3, Berth 18, the most "intown" Dublin of the piers. Bags are moved off the ship to a tented area in order of the disembarkation number on provided luggage tags. All Azamara transfers were off the ship and out of the port before other transfers arrived. Those with pre arranged private transfers have their divers waiting for them as they exit the ship. Taxis must wait outside of the port until contacted for a fare.
Pros: Crew & Staff (can't say enough), itinerary, food (all venues), entertainment
Cons: Bathrooms are small for this level of ship but the space available is used as best they can
