Heading South

Day 3
What a difference a day makes - we woke up to a sunny morning, but as we are on starboard, no direct sun.  We decided last night that this would be the morning we have breakfast on the balcony (before it gets too chilly).  5 minutes before breakfast was due (8.00) we got a phone call to say that breakfast was on it's way.  A nice touch.

Breakfast menu on Azamara is effectively the normal breakfast from MDR, so we had poached eggs, bacon, sausage & hash browns etc.  Pleasingly the food was both well prepared & hot.  It was pleasant sitting at our table on the balcony, but I don't think we'll be able to do it again, at least not until we are well into our return journey.

After breakfast we decided to get some exercise, so up to Deck 10 - where it is 14.5 times around (so you can imagine how small the circuit is).  We have of course done this before on the old Ocean Princess, but had forgotten how boring it is.  We were amazed at the number sunning themselves on the Pool Deck below. Making hay while the sun shines.

Lunch is not until 12.30 and we had yet again a great window table.  After lunch it was time for Vivian's bridge, while I work on getting this blog up to date.  

Just an advance warning, we have been told that as we get to the bottom of Argentina we will lose satellite connection, so it it highly likely that the "interesting " part of our journey will not appear until nearer the end of the cruise - if that makes sense.  I will however be keeping it up to date off line.

Green tea after bridge and then dinner at 6.30, as we want to go to the early show at 8.15.  As it turned out we didn't need to rush as they keep the theatre doors closed until 15 minutes before a show, to avoid "hogging" of seats.  Tonight it was a Tango show by 2 award winning tango dancers from Buenos Aires.   It was excellent and we don't feel the compulsion to go to another one when we are back in Buenos Aires. 

After the show, another green tea and we called it a day, not going to the Captain's Welcome Toast.  We sleep very well.

Day 4
Yes, we did sleep very well, in fact so well that we didn't wake until 8.00, which meant that for the 4th day running we haven't had an early morning cup of tea.  

After breakfast we had time to fit in a lecture on Antarctic explorers through the ages - by a most engaging and interesting American Professor.  The usual coffee (memo to self, don't try to get coffee straight after a lecture - because so does everyone else) and then up to the "mouse" track.  

OK, so we only did 9 laps today, which is 1 kilometre.  Funny, there were few around the pool today and most had rugs to keep them warm.  Speaking of which, it is a sunny day and just a little choppy, but the temperature has dropped to mid teens, so at this rate it will be the end of shorts & t-shirt tomorrow.

Just a few general comments about he ship etc.  

Azamara purchased the P&O Adonia in March last year and spent GBP50 million refitting her to reflect the brand.   Most obvious are the public areas and the stateroom interiors (including all new bathroom fittings).  

What has not been addressed is the exterior, even the "new" repainted hull from white to black just 10 months ago looks wanting.  Balconies, particularly the railings have also missed out during the refit.  This is a pity so it detracts from the excellent points, but it must be remembered that she is an 18 year old ship, with a number of different brands/owners.

The passengers are a good mix, predominantly US & UK but with a surprising 10% Australian and New Zealanders.  I think about 2 dozen kiwis.  Vivian thought it was an older age group, but on the other hand we too have reached that milestone.   Compared with last year's World Cruise, fellow passengers are spring chickens.  Also, if I may be so bold, I expect to see more whales in the sea this time😄😄

The staff are without exception pleasant, efficient & friendly.  Our Cabin Steward is highly efficient,  and apart from the first day we have not even seen her.  Dining room staff (& here I am only able to comment on the MDR) are literally running and the food is hot, even if the menu lacks proper vegetable options.  

Mosaic Cafe is similar to the International Cafe on Princess,  but there is no waiting for either the service or indeed the coffee.   There is plenty of lounge space all over the ship.

The Captain & Cruise Director are both British (although Captain Carl Smith is a Manx) and are informative & friendly without being over the top.  So yes, this far anyway we are happy.  

Oh yes, the majority of the passengers are dyed in the wool Azamaraiacs, almost to the extent of being evangelical.  Having said that, they are the ones most likely to complain at some small slip up or considered snub by "their" staff.  Well, that is my impression anyway.  But overall a very friendly bunch on board.

I have decided that I will publish this entry now, as I doubt that we will have internet tomorrow.  Even as I write this I keep getting the "you are not online" message.  

Finally, while the sun is shining into the cabin,  the swell has increased considerably and looks like snow clouds to the west, so we're in for an interesting couple of days.