We bought a flight inclusive package from London for a cruise out of, and returning to, Rome. Very excited by the prospect of our first 5.5/6 star cruise.
On the Friday before the cruise (which was due to leave Rome at around 6pm on the Saturday), we had to catch a 7 am flight from Heathrow! What on earth for? We then stayed in a very average hotel (Crowne Plaza), exhausted and in no real mood to go traipsing around Rome. The following day we were eventually coached back in the direction of Rome airport (why not stay closer to the port if we must be taken out the day before the cruise itself?) before turning towards Civitaveccia and embarkation (which was relatively painless and expeditious)
Azamara Journey is a 34 year old ship (I was informed) with a capacity of just below 700. It looks its age, has areas of disrepair quite obviously visible (holes in lift walls and in our cabin walls and really drab decor), was not spotlessly clean (as we would have expected) and the welcome aboard was extremely muted - no photographer (when we alighted, although we didn't particularly mind that) and half a glass of cheap sparkling wine each
Cabin 7007 Cat 4 InsideRoomy enough (200 sq ft), large windowAt front of ship on starboardSquashed bathroom, gymnasts will adapt better, sitting on loo requires some skill. Black staining at base of showerUncomfortable bed (like 2 campbeds pushed together)Cheap uncomfortable dirty sofaAdequate cupboard spaceWalls in disrepair in placesTiny flat TVGood plug points (EU and US)Needs total refurbishment