We've had the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) islands on our radar for quite some time but just never found the right cruise to take. Azamara altered their Fall 2019 itineraries earlier this year after cruises were banned from Cuba, and one of those new itineraries visited the ABCs. The cruise was a late addition to the schedule and I presume wasn't very popular as prices kept dropping. In mid September we found a pricing oddity where it was the same price for a Club Continent Suite as for a Balcony Cabin. We asked friends and family who wanted to join and one nephew and his wife were in. So we booked two adjacent Suites for a bargain fare. We used American Express Platinum card benefits, with each cabin getting $300 in onboard credit; a premium bottle of champagne; and tours of the Bridge, Engine Control Room, and the Galley. So our good deal got even better.
The cruise departed and returned to San Juan with stops on St. Maarten, Curacao, Bonair, and Aruba. There were two days at sea on this seven day voyage. We found nice things to do at all of the ports.
We've sailed on Azamara once before, visiting the Black Sea and the Crimea peninsula before Russia annexed the Crimea. So we sort of knew what to expect, though we'd never had suite privileges. Our expectations are fairly high. This cruise was good but not great.