A Journal with 8 chapters. Last posting on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 by RandyJoin us as we explore the new cruise line Azamara Cruises and their first ship, the Azamara Journey. We sail from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to Bermuda on a 7-night roundtrip voyage. Posted on Monday, October 1, 2007 by Randy tagged as azamara cruises, azamara journey, bermuda Stateroom # 6042 |
We're in route to Newark Airport after a 7:30 flight departure from Denver. Expecting to arrive at 1:15, we touch down for an early landing at 1:00. Despite the early arrival (or maybe because of it) there is no Continental ground personal to "guide us in" as the captain anounces. After an additional short delay with the jet-way we deplane. The good news is that we don't have to wait for luggage - our delayed deplaning has given our bags plenty of time to arrive on the carousel.
At the taxi stand, we're told that  Cape " Read full story >> Posted on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 by Randy tagged as azamara cruises, azamara journey, bermuda Prime C, specialty restaurant |
Our first appointment on this day at sea is with the group. We have a brief introduction session, followed by short talks by some of the ship's senior personnel. We meet the loyalty program ambassador, the cruise director Becky, the Food and Beverage manager, the Revenue manger who manages the boutiques and shops and the staff captain, Captain Carl. This is Becky's first week "on-duty", she was onboard for the first time last week observing with the previous director. She hails from the Infinity, a "big-ship" in the Celebrity fleet. The staff captain " Read full story >> Posted on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 by Randy tagged as azamara cruises, azamara journey, bermuda St. George town crier |
We're along-side the pier at St. George's downtown by 8am which is about 2 hours early, causing many of the guests to miss the dramatic entrance to the town through the very narrow "town cut". The captain later explains that we've arrived early due to a medical emergency on board.
Breakfast this morning is in the buffet, Windows Cafe. As is typical for a breakfast buffet, there's a great selection of fresh fruits and cereals. There are also the breakfast "staples", scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage and bacon. In addition there are specialty items such as eggs benedict, a waffle/pancake " Read full story >> Posted on Thursday, October 4, 2007 by Randy tagged as azamara cruises, azamara journey, bermuda Hamilton, Front Street |
Leaving St. George at 6:30am, we are about 2 hours in route to the other side of the Bermuda Islands to the capital and largest city, Hamilton. There are two piers used for Hamilton. The downtown Hamilton dock can accommodate two small ships in the 700/1000-passenger size. The piers at "The Dockyards", also known as King's Wharf, accommodate larger ships. The Dockyards is a relatively new development, with shopping, dining and entertainment venues. It is approximately 25 minutes by ferry service from the Docklands to Hamilton, and approximately 45 minutes to St. George. If you have enough time " Read full story >>  Fairmont Southampton Beach |
Before leaving home, we'd arranged to tour the two Fairmont hotel properties in Bermuda. The Hamilton property was within easy walking distance of the cruise ship pier. We met one of the sales contacts for a brief tour of the hotel. This is primarily a business hotel - with plenty of conference and meeting facilities. The hotel offers two pool areas (one fresh water, one salt water) overlooking a beautiful peninsula on the Hamilton harbor. After our tour we boarded the hotel's ferry to the Fairmount Southampton property across the harbor. Approaching from the harbor, the Fairmont Southampton " Read full story >>Posted on Sunday, October 7, 2007 by Randy tagged as azamara cruises, azamara journey, bermuda Departing Hamilton |
Having skipped a few days checking email and doing any real work, we decide we should check-in to make sure things are OK back home. We've been told of a free internet cafe at a small coffee shop just across the street from the pier. We enjoy a coffee at Common Ground and use their wireless connection for " Read full story >> Posted on Monday, October 8, 2007 by Randy tagged as azamara cruises, azamara journey, bermuda Azamara Journey at Cape Liberty |
This morning dawned with fog, rain and generally colder temperatures. Obviously we've transitioned away from the sub-tropical weather of Bermuda toward the less favorable conditions that are hanging over the US east coast. Read full story >> Posted on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 by Randy tagged as azamara cruises, azamara journey, azamara quest Sky Suite, Azamara Journey |
Arriving back in the New York area to sunny, dry conditions around 6am, the ship is quickly cleared by US customs and the disembarkation announcements begin. As is typical, travelers with early air connections are disembarked first, followed by anyone that happens to be on shore excursions followed by the remainder of the guests. On large ships, this process can take hours and hours. Read full story >>
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