We have been reading on these boards that Azamara ships are to be used for group bookings more frequently next year and that for nine weeks Quest is already chartered and shows as Full in the calendar.
On this cruise from Athens to Istanbul we learned that around 500 of the passengers were part of a group organised by a Christian organisation called Educational Opportunities to study the second and third missionary journeys of St Paul. The reason we booked this cruise, (independently) was also because of the interesting ports with biblical connections and we chatted to people whenever we could about their classes, visits, lectures etc. Independent travellers were, of course, in the minority and we understand there were approx 50 on board. So, how did it feel to be on board with such a large group? I'll answer that towards the end of my review.
We left the UK a day before the cruise and stayed at the Athens Diamond Hotel, one block back from Syntagma Square, so right in the heart of things. A lovely boutique hotel where we would gladly stay again. We had a top floor suite with a double jacuzzi on the enclosed balcony with views of the Acropolis - beautifully lit at night.
We had an inside room this time - 4034, which is wheelchair accessible, midships on deck 4. It was a huge room with a very large bathroom. The shower could fit 3-4 people standing, so no clingy shower curtain this time. The shower could be in the normal, overhead position, hand held or directed at waist level downwards. The basin could be raised or lowered to accommodate a wheelchair, so it was all very well equipped for wheelchair users. Due to its position, this room is great if the seas are rough. Very quiet with little motion, near to Guest Relations and the Medical Centre and one floor up to the Mosaics cafe, Discoveries Restaurant, shops and Cabaret lounge.