Arriving at the pier at noon, the height of the rush hour, I expected a few lines and the opportunity to meet my new shipmates! WRONG! Two minutes in line by myself and onboard within 10 minutes of stepping out of my taxi. I purchased transfers from the airport to the pier and there was a bit of a delay and some confusion about the transportation but - hey - this is Barcelona! I met a wonderful couple who were so much fun that we became friends for the entire cruise! My luggage was whisked away and I didn't see it again for several hours until I was onboard and ready to unpack and settle in. Welcomed aboard by a warm hello and sorry for the cabin not being ready, followed by a few glasses of champagne as my carryon was whisked away to be put in my room while I had some lunch, made me feel like I was home immediately! A few moments later, as I was happily yakking with my new friends, I was told that my cabin was now ready and could I follow them upstairs to see if all was in order. :-)
And boy was it in order! Fresh flowers, fruit, wine, clean, fresh and sunny! I was in heaven! My butler arrived to welcome me and ask if he could unpack - I have died and gone to heaven I think as I pinch myself repeatedly - but no thank you I would never be able to find anything if he did. My new friends were waiting and I had to go for lunch with them. I am already busy. I travel solo - and love it! I am not shy and I always meet wonderful people to play with! Maybe it's karma, or maybe it's my sunny personality and charm LOL !! Either way I was already having way too much fun. Lunch was wonderful outside in the warm Spanish sun. The service was great and everyone seemed genuinely happy to see and serve you!
The best part of the this cruise line is the staff and crew. They strive to exceed expectations in every way. I could comment minutely on every detail of the experience - which others have already done - but that is not the way I would like to post this review. Your experience on Azamara should be taken in as a whole. Of course there were some lags in service and some things not picture perfect - get over it! The drinks are little pricier than the rest but I had perfectly lovely bottles for around $40 and glasses for $7.00. You are on vacation on a quality cruise line so "suck it up" LOL! It is nothing in terms of the big picture. I loved having a butler and I don't care if some of you think he was not a butler -- he was MY butler and he made up my room every day for me, brought me coffee and treats and offered to pack and unpack for me. He pressed my clothes and returned them to me and was there for me with a happy smile at daybreak and a lovely welcome home when I came back from port! Maybe you all have a butler at home who you are used to - but I do not. For these 10 days, I had a BUTLER and I was the Principessa Contessa! And I loved it!