On our way

Day 1 - embarkation 

Well, it looks as though we have body clocks realigned as we woke around 8.00.  Had a good breakfast in the hotel and before we knew it, it was time to check out (although we are back after the cruise).  Unfortunately it had rained overnight and the day was damp & cooler.  We took a taxi to the port and even though we were half an hour early we were greeted by Azamara reps and taken to the embarkation area.  Oooops, so had not only most of the other passengers on our ship but also the entire contingent of 3,500 embarking a MSC ship. 

First we all had to be scanned, then upstairs to our respective check in areas - still a queue of a couple of hundred.  After a smooth check in we thought we we good to go - but no, next is Immigration (or more correctly emmigration) with photo & fingerprints again and finally down to waiting shuttle buses to take us to the ship.  Another queue, but this time for a welcome glass of bubbles and up to our stateroom.

I will go into more detail about the ship later, but the cabin is pretty much the size we are used to but the layout is more efficient and along with lighter colors, gives the impression of being larger.  As our bags had not yet arrived, it was up to the buffet and a quick panini (along with a glass of red - one of the (dis)advantages of "free" drinks.  We sat at the back of the buffet, but first it started to spit but then it was too hot (can't please us), so we moved to the shade.

By the time we'd finished lunch, our bags had arrived and were all unpacked in time for the 4.00 safety drill.  The Captain does the talk personally and it was also explained that as we will be in polar waters, we will each also be issued with a sealed survival kit (think Everest explorers).  Sure hope not to experience having to don one of these things.

5.00 was sail away, with a patchy sky, followed at 5.45 by the scheduled Cruise Critic gathering.  Azamara do this very well, so they actually organise the gathering, led by the Cruise Director.  Drinks & nibbles are provided too.  Around 65 CC members had signed up to the event, representing 10% of all passengers.

Surprisingly, it was then time for dinner - busy, busy!  All meals are open seating, with the majority being 2 person tables, although the tables side by side are only a couple of feet away, so you can enjoy a conversation or not as you choose & certainly don't have to co-ordinate your courses.  The service was superb - efficient and friendly, while the food was very good  so so far we are happy.

I don't mind admitting to being a little tired, so skipped the 9.30 show (too late)  and headed for bed.  Port day tomorrow.


Day 2 - Montevideo 
Damn.  Didn't wake until 8.30 and had a lovely view of a brick wall --- *and rain*.  Yes, it was teaming with rain and not a great forecast either, but we took ourselves down to breakfast just before closing time (good breakfast) and gathered our light wet weather gear.  Although it was wet, the temperature was still in the mid 20s, so that wasn't so bad. 

Armed with a map and the knowledge that town was only 5 minutes away, we took off (umbrellas in hand).  Unfortunately we had to contend not only with rain but the squally winds.  The ship kindly supplies 1 large umbrella per cabin as well as extras by the gangway & I had to smile when I thought of "Hutch" on our World Cruise addressing the dangers of looking like a tourist,  when we are all parading around with "Azamara" umbrellas! 

We walked town, which is mainly a pedestrian zone, up to Constitution Square in the hope and anticipation that the rain would stop.  No, it didn't,  it eased up for about 5 minutes and then returned, even heavier.  In the end we were just as wet inside our coats as outside.  

Uruguay has had an unfortunate history and many of the grand  buildings are now little more than ruins.  Even one of the main Cathedrals has a "For Sale" sign on it.  Vehicles are old, handcarts are common and the people, while friendly, do not display a joy.

Almost back to the port, where we had seen some restaurants earlier, we called into the first one, mainly because I could see that we could use our credit card (I had no desire to change anything into Uruguayan  money).  It turned out to be quite a large restuarant and the staff were great, even though their English was limited but at least far better than our Spanish.

Uruguay  along with Argentina is famous for it's steaks, so we ended up with steak & salad and a small bottle of Tannat (local favourite).  It was very enjoyable and I fear expensive,  but that is not an issue.  In the end the experience was well worth it.  Of course during lunch the rain eased, but as soon as it saw us emerge, down it came.  Ah well, only 5 minutes back to "home", where we had a complete change of clothes.

Vivian had a bridge signup at 2.00 and after that was over we popped downstairs to the Cafe for a cuppa.  Coffee is also free and comes with a biscotti.  It was good and hot, so it looks as though we are going to be happy.

Tonight is a very special night, as we have what is called an AzAmazing Evening, off the ship.  This is a free event too.  Because of this, dinner is a buffet commencing at 5.00, in time for our departure at 6.15.  The buffet was held in both the Buffet (surprising) & MDR.  We of course dined in the MDR, although after our lunch, we had little.  The buffet itself was well laid out and looked really good. 

There was a line up of some 20 buses to take us into the centre of Montevideo for An Evening Carnival at the Sodre National Auditorium.  Well, what a grand spectacle it was too.  The costumes in particular were amazing in their splendour - including some of the girls who had little on, if you get my drift.  The show concluded with a giant party, with more drink, dancing and so on.  Vivian got dragged into the conga, but I was holding both umbrella and glass, so got sidelined 

Vivian with God Nomus

We were fortunate to get one of the earlier buses back to the port and once again crashed.  Of note, Montevideo holds the longest Carnival in the world - 40 days.  Now that is serious partying.  The Carnival this year starts in a couple of weeks, so don't expect go do much business in Uruguay until March!