I have always been partial to small ship cruising, as the ships are small enough to sail right into the heart of the world’s remote ports, yet large enough to deliver unforgettable experiences.

We embarked at the port of Civitavecchia on the Azamara Quest for 14 glorious days of cruising the Mediterranean. We had been to many of the ports , but there’s always excitement in visiting them again and participating in different shore excursions than we had encountered in the past. I can’t say I have a favorite port, but I have always loved Barcelona and will go back again and again.

For this trip, we decided to visit the Cinque Terra while in port near Florence (Livorno). The ship stayed in port 2 nights, which gave us the opportunity to travel to the Leaning Tower of Pisa the second day. Again having extra time in ports is an added feature of small ship cruising.

The Azamara Quest is exquisitely appointed with large cabins and more than adequate closet space for 2 weeks. Your butler delivers morning coffee. The towels are extra thick, and you’ll find fresh flowers in your cabin daily.

The dress code on Azamara Cruises is “Country Club Casual”, which we all enjoyed while spending our evenings in the casual elegance of a boutique hotel. The environment sets the mood as intimately inviting, warm and friendly. The ship’s staff called us by name, which is quite an undertaking with seven hundred passengers.

Over and over again, I have had the question asked about entertainment on the small ships and things to do. We never lacked for something to do. This ship has a wonderful Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment. Classes in aerobics, cycling and yoga are offered complimentary. The Astral Spa offers countless body treatments and acupuncture. The ship is equipped with WI-FI and offers e-connections for the passengers that must stay connected.

Days at sea gave us the opportunity to attend seminars and lectures on the ports we were going to visit and the things we might see, as well as a range of interesting topics offered by onboard experts. The local entertainment is enlightening compared to the mega ships with the tired comedian, magician and Las Vegas Revue they always manage to play up into something better than it really is. Dancing under the stars or listening to live jazz played poolside is a relaxing way to enjoy your evening.

Each meal is a masterpiece with innovative menus from the culinary team. We had many theme dinners, as we visited ports in Italy, Spain, Tunisia , Malta and France. There is open seating throughout to give you the opportunity to share your dining experience with other guests or just enjoy a table for two. Dinners are served from 6 -9 pm, so once again, the choice is yours. The Quest also offers 2 specialty restaurants, the Aqualina, primarily seafood and Prime C for the beef lovers, each serving distinctive cuisine against the backdrop of intimate ambience. Guests receive two confirmed complimentary nights in either specialty restaurant. If you care to indulge during other nights of your cruise, dining is complimentary with seating based on availability.

Each Azamara cruise itinerary allows the experience of what the world has to offer. If I have the opportunity to sail on the Quest or her sister ship, the Journey, I will definitely be ready to do it again.

Now is a great time to book your Azamara cruise with many sailings offering ship board credits and pre-paid gratuities.

Contributed by: Cheryl Kennedy
                                       kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Azamara Cruise Reviews is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Book an Azamara cruise between March 1-22, & receive up to 30% off published brochure prices on select sailings*. Plus enjoy up to $300* onboard credit per stateroom & prepaid gratuities, too.

Azamara is also offering 50% reduced deposits** all on sailings through April 2010. There’s never been a better time to sail Azamara!

Azamara Cruise Deals is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Want to learn more about Azamara cruises in 2009? Azamara is a deluxe cruise line, and was voted one of the World’s Best Cruise Lines by Condé Nast Traveler. Europe. Asia. South America. The Caribbean. Where in the world would you like to go? With Azamara, you can travel to the far reaches of the earth and explore a myriad of ports and cities that most can only dream of. From French Polynesia to the warm waters off the islands of St. Barts, whatever your passion, let Azamara take you there in magnificent style.  Enjoy butler service, the most delectable dining on the high seas, a masterful spa, graceful accommodations, and more.

Guests who travel with Azamara Cruises are explorers, seeking experiences that are richer than those offered by most cruise lines. Many Europe and Asia itineraries will include overnight stays in cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona and Venice. The ability to reach smaller ports isn’t the only advantage of traveling on smaller ships. On both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, 93% of staterooms enjoy ocean views, with 70% offering private verandas. You’ll also discover an intimacy not found on larger vessels, creating a relaxed atmosphere that is far more conducive to interacting with the staff, as well as fellow travelers. The advantages of smaller ships are even evident when you’re in port. Captains can navigate right into the heart of the engaging ports of call so that almost immediately after you dock, you’re free to begin explorations.

Past Azamara & Captain Club members can receive up to $300 off all stateroom categories on the following cruises, when booking Jan 1st – March 31, 2009. Call about these and other Azamara discount offers.

7 Night Europe Mediterranean     
Azamara Journey      
    Apr 25;  May 2, 9, 16, 2009

10 Night Europe Mediterranean   
Azamara Journey      
    Apr 5, 15, 2009
                                                                    
Azamara Quest            
    June 4, 2009

14 Night Europe Mediterranean   
Azamara Journey       
    May 23, 2009
                                                                   
 Azamara Quest            
    June 14, 28, 2009

12 Night Scand/Russia                     
Azamara Journey       
    June 6, 30, 2009

12 Night Caribbean                            
Azamara Journey       
    March 8, 2009

14 Night Asia                                        
Azamara Quest            
    March 14, 2009

16 Night Transatlantic                     
Azamara Journey       
    March 20, 2009

24 Night Asia                                       
Azamara Quest            
    April 7, 2009

Azamara Cruises 2009 is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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