Azamara Journey Greenwich to Copenhagen
We had an outside stateroom on deck 6 which was spacious and there was plenty of storage space. We had a flat screen TV, safe and well stocked minibar. Bathrobes and slippers were provided. There was a bowl of fresh fruit and a vase of fresh flowers. The beds were very comfortable. The bathroom had a shower and white, fluffy towels and Elemis toiletries.
The Azamara Journey is a boutique type cruise ship, 30277 tons, 694 passengers. The advantages of this ship is that vintage red and white wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner, bottled water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees are also complimentary. Gratuities are included and in-room dining is free. There is also a complimentary laundry for guests.
We had afternoon tea on the terrace outside the Windows Cafe on the sun deck, where there is a generous supply of teak sunbeds. Towels and rugs are provided (we did not need the rugs as the weather was perfect!)
The first evening we dined in Prime C speciality restaurant ($15 cover charge but well worth it). The food and presentation was excellent and the steaks were very tender. The service was very attentive, as it was everywhere on the ship. We then went to listen to the band in the Looking Glass nightclub.
The next day was a relaxing day at sea. We had breakfast in the Windows Cafe where there was a good choice of hot and cold options. We also ate lunch here and there was an excellent selection of salads and cooked dishes and a roast of the day. The desserts and ice creams were very good.
In the evening we ate at Aqualina speciality restaurant (cover charge again was $15), which had a Mediterranean theme. The scallops and sea bass was excellent, as was the chocolate dessert that I chose. Wine is included in the speciality restaurants as well.
The next day was Amsterdam. We took the shuttle into the local town and then got a hydrofoil into Amsterdam centre for 8 euros per person return. On returning to the ship at 4pm I had a burger and salad at the Pool Grill. In the evening we ate in the Windows Cafe as it was an Indian themed buffet, which was very good.
The next day was a transit of the Kiel Canal. This was a very relaxing day and the ship went through the canal at a slow speed of 8 knots. The scenery was lovey, with lots of trees, green fields and lovely houses by the side of the canal. The transit started at 9am and we left the canal at 6pm in the evening.
On our last night we met in the Martini bar before having dinner in the main restaurant. Again, you could not fault the food. I had scallops, French Onion Soup and Swordfish steak and another chocolate dessert! There was a wide choice on the menu, including Fillet Mignon.
We went to see a cabaret in the show lounge after dinner, a female singer, who was very good.
I had a look round the well stocked gym and the spa area and went to the hairdressers while onboard. I also tried the Cova Cafe which provides speciality coffees and teas as well as snacks. There were also 2 Elegant Afternoon teas onboard, served in the Aqualina restaurant. This was lovely experience. A harpist played relaxing classical music.
There is a casino onboard and two shops.
This is a very good product. I could not fault the food and service and the extras that are included make it good value for money. It would appeal more to the over 50 age group or honeymooners who want a quiet, relaxing cruise and to those who do not like larger ships. There are no childrens facilities onboard but children are welcome. The itineraries are very good and they often have an overnight stop at a port on most sailings to give clients the experience of sampling a port in the evening