Just completed a 7 night Azamara Journey cruise from Barcelona to Nice. The ship is very nice but not yet in that "luxury" category they're aiming for. The cabins were nice, spacious but by no means luxurious. The dining rooms were lovely but not elegant. The one thing we can't say enough about was the service. It was wonderful, from the Captain on down. Everyone on the ship's staff was attentive, warm, helpful and welcoming.
This cruise stopped at a different port every day but if it didn't, I think we would have been at a loss for things to do around the ship. The shopping was sub-par but again, since we were in most ports quite late, there wasn't that much opportunity to shop on board.
The disembarkation process at each port was quick and efficient and in those ports where the ship had to anchor out, the tender process was handled very well.
Beautiful city, lovely architecture, great boulevards, restaurants, transportation. Did the city on our own before the cruise. Will definitely go back.
We took an independent tour and saw Cannes, Mougins, The Rhone American Cemetery and a small bit of St. Tropez. Only 6 people and it was quite lovely.
Again took a private tour with only 8 people to Eze, and Monaco. Very, very crowded because of the Grand Prix. It would have been better at another time. Did find the best chocolate shop near the Palace.