Azamara Journey Review
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The chance to take a last minute Christmas and New Year cruise with our adult children round trip to Indonesia from Singapore was too tempting to refuse. What better way than a Christmas Cruise to let our kids know what we've grown to love and appreciate about Azamara and keeps us returning.
Embarkation was a quick process and we seemed to be on board in no time. Initially there had been some inconsistent information circulating prior to the cruise about the location of the departing terminal. Fortunately I'd had a heads up on this through Cruise Critic and had got my information sorted before we left home. Some guests were not so lucky having been advised of the incorrect departure point but in the end no one missed the ship. It was also a little disappointing that the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle was scheduled right on the departure time of 6 pm from Singapore. Again fortunate that someone had experienced this previously and alternate informal arrangements were made for a meet and mingle the following sea day as most people elected to see the sail away from Singapore.
Our initial concerns for our kids about having a younger cohort on board to socialise were allayed when we discovered there were 33 guests in the 18-30 age group travelling either on their own or with their extended families. In my opinion with such a variety of ages (along with some younger family of senior officers) did largely contribute to the festive feel of the ship, particularly when Christmas/New Years is often a family time. We witnessed many new friendships form and even ourselves were re acquainted with guests, officers, staff and crew we'd met on previous cruises. This is what we find wonderful with the small ship experience. I saw many occasions where couples or singles on their own were included in larger groups which we think is fairly 'typical' of type and demeanour of Azamara guests. There is of course ample opportunity to be, eat or relax alone if that's what you choose. The holiday seasons decorations, festivities, activities and food made for a memorable trip.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Singapore
Singapore is easy to do on your own. Cheap taxi's are available.
Lombok
Hot as you would expect. As we were travelling as a family the local information officer who came on board once we docked provided valuable information on getting a local 'authorised' taxi which included getting a receipt. We were able to choose a reliable (not all taxi's were in reliable condition). We were happy with the driver, car, itinerary and cost of the Taxi.
Bali
Used our own private car and driver as there were four of us. Extremely busy this time of year. Make sure you get to UBUD which is a more traditional rural area of Bali.