Azamara Journey Review
Rating by category
Additional details
My wife and I took our son and his wife on this cruise as it was scheduled at a perfect time for us as well as stopping at ports we have found enjoyable every time. Most of the ports were new to our daughter-in-law which made for a perfect match.
In addition, the Journey left from Greenwich rather than the boring old South Hampton or other extended drive ports out of "London". This also gave us the opportunity to sail out of the Thames which is a unique experience compared to almost all the other cruise lines. We also sailed close to the WWII fortifications in the river known as Maunsell Forts … another unique and interesting experience!
Embarkation in Greenwich was odd as you actually did most of the paperwork on board. After identifying you, your luggage was portered on board and passengers boarded by tender to the ship awaiting us in the river. Much more pleasant than the masses of humanity queueing to get onto bigger ships.
Cabin Review
Club Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
It's a cruise line, not a hotel so expecting slightly cramped quarters we were surprised to enjoy more than adequate space and excellent views from our veranda. The stateroom attendant was on his game: there if you needed him, in and out efficiently when he cleaned the cabin, and never forgetting to refresh/replace the ice (important when the two of you have undergone four knee operations!)
Port Reviews
Antwerp
Having been to Antwerp before, we walked around city center and settled into a Pub Crawl in several places with our son and his wife. Everyone we ran into was pleasant, helpful and happy to have us.
Amsterdam
Another familiar city for us so we simply hopped on and off the trams, enjoying the canals and the flower market (and let's not forget the waffles and fries!)
Copenhagen
Made a quick trip to Tivoli Gardens which is one of our favorite places in the Baltic. Weather was terrific … took a cab to the Gardens (a little on the expensive side) but trained back to the port.
Tallinn
Readers may wonder about us NOT taking excursions. We've traveled to many of these ports before and we, GENERALLY, take excursions only when necessary. Most of the time, we can figure this out for ourselves. Enjoyed the old city in Tallinn and particularly the KGB museum.
St. Petersburg
Overrun at the time of our visit with all the soccer fans in attendance for World Cup.
St. Petersburg
A very nice overview of the city layout from a different perspective.
St. Petersburg
Rasputin history makes this a bit more appealing.
Helsinki
Another lovely city in which to wander around. Sibelius park and the Rock church are favorites, but there is a simple beauty and joy in the area around the pier.