We took our first Azamara cruise in March of 2016 on Quest, on it's last voyage before going into drydock to be refurbished. Because of inconveniences (!!) and the itinerary having been shortened, the company compensated us and also offered incentives for a future cruise. Thanks offer was hard to resist so we chose this itinerary, which fit our schedule.

The Journey's overhaul made huge improvements appearance the worn appearance we'd seen on her sister ship. Still, no amount of new carpet and furniture can make stateroom bathrooms larger or add much-needed storage.

We found the meals on Journey better overall than we'd had on Quest. However, an alarming incident in Windows buffet at lunch on the second day ruined my appetite for some of the food their for the rest of the cruise. At the carving station a whole turkey had been sliced open, and it was found to be very red, so it was taken away. The server told people another turkey would be out soon, that he had called his manager. But to my horror the new turkey was placed on the carving board before the old board, covered in the red juices from the raw bird, was removed. The server proceeded to carve and serve as if nothing were wrong. I flagged down the dining g room manager and quietly told him what had happened. He was very concerned and left to see about it. Read more