Azamara Journey

Sept 19 - Oct 3 b2b. We are veteran ( 20+) cruisers with a wide range of lines from NCL to Regent. Our favorite has become Azamara Club Cruises. This was our 4th and 5th week on The Journey and in our opinion they are really getting it down. Our pre cruise involved a too lengthy UAL flight from Chicago to Rome. Too lengthy Due to the poor and unfriendly sky service of some flight attendants that either need to Find a happy face or retire. This was true on our return flight from Munich as well. When we arrived in Rome FCO, we discovered we were missing one of our 2 bags. It turned out it never made it on the plane in Chicago even though we had a 4 hour connection there. Our one night pre-cruise hotel was the hotel Borgo Del Mare, it used to be the Bramante in Chivitivechia. The same friendly staff greeted us there as on our previous stay. It's an excellent option for pre cruisers that do not want to tour Rome. I was on the phone with the airline a number of time along with the hotel trying to get our bag delivered before we embarked but to no avail. Alitalia was handling the lost baggage for UAL and they really did not want to admit that our bag was arriving Sunday morning on the next UAL flight. They said I should go to the airport and look for it. NOT!! They also wanted to try to deliver it to Naples and on to Sorrento. Sunday the hotel provided a free shuttle to the pier and embarkation was very quick and easy (still minus our bag) We were welcomed onboard by Monico one of the waiters We remembered from our previous voyages on the Journey. As soon as we boarded, I went to guest services where they told me to see the concierge about our bag. Well she took this job on and got it done. An hour before sailing we received a call saying our bag would be delivered shortly. No more stress so off to Aqualina the first night and Ivo and his fine staff did their usual great job. Dining overall was very good to Excellent with preparation, variety and presentation all top notch. I've read some reviews commenting on crowds in Windows cafe and not liking the themed buffets. Well there were some crowds at peak times but we never had a problem Finding a table and many offered to share. Breakfast had good variety and about the only thing I avoided were their pre made scramble eggs. It was worth a short wait at the egg station to get fresh cooked to order. The breads, cheeses, fruit etc were fresh and of high quality. Windows cafe in the evening was a great option always with sushi, stir fry's, Pasta, etc. White tablecloths good included wines, casual with a flair. I'm not sure how they can keep offering such a variety with such fresh ingredients. Discoveries restaurant in the evening was always good, sometimes very good to Excellent depening on what was ordered. Hint listen to the waiters, they know what to recommend. The veal chop there was as good as any I've had. After one night of not so quick service we had a table Philbert's section and after that always requested him. He is so friendly, quick and efficient. Big gold star for him. Specialty dining was just that, very special, Both Ivo and Mario took such good care of us and our group the second week. You cannot get a better meal on any ship at any price. Many gold stars for Azamara Specialty dining areas Aqualina and Prime C. Favorites were of course the sea bass, veal chop, rack of lamb and the filet in Prime C with a double order of foie gras on top. The $15 cover charge was well worth the price!!!

Pool grill was a good option for a quick off meal time snack. The burgers were great, The cooks there so friendly and helpful. Poolside BBQ's ... what a fun option with high quality and great variety. Read more