I booked a cruise on Azamara Quest departing 13/11 Athens to Istanbul. This cruise turned out to be fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We were met at Athens airport and transferred to the port. Check in area looked small and crowded but we were through quickly and welcomed aboard with a glass of champagne. Assistance was available in getting to the cabin for those that required it.

I had registered for the mix and mingle but had received an e mail stating it was cancelled due to lack of numbers. Azamara take the mix and mingle very seriously and still held one. I was really impressed by this and we met several officers along with the cruise director. I though this was a special touch other lines wouldn't have bothered with and was much appreciated.

The ship carries about 650 pax and is easy to navigate. A popular place was the Mosaic Cafe serving coffee and snacks all day, there are a couple of shops, one for gifts, clothes and essentials you may have forgotten, and the other selling perfume and duty free items, Alcohol and tobacco are available but you must fill out a form and items are delivered to your cabin the night before disembarkation. There is a very well stocked library, the obligatory casino which was never very busy, an internet centre, spa, gym, cabaret lounge and disco. There is also a self service laundry. Read more