OK.. been looking for a Black Sea cruise since we came off the last sea voyage in Istanbul last year. So... we went on-line and made a tentative commitment (cabin 8063) for this cruise next year.
Azamara Club Cruises is a new cruise line for us... we'll see how it goes... their parent company is Oceania. They're identical in style to Regent, another Oceania line, with which we are very familiar.
...click-on for details and to book
(from August 18th, 2013 to August 30th, 2013)
(from August 18th, 2013 to August 30th, 2013)
Voyage Summary
A terrific opportunity to explore the Black Sea in some depth, with stops along Turkey’s Northern Coast, Georgia, and Russia. It also includes Ukraine and Romania, with optional overland trips to history-rich Kiev and Bucharest. Along your voyage route, join optional Land Discoveries to Safranbolu, a well-preserved Ottoman Empire town, and to the cliff-hanging Sümela Monastry and Kackar Mountains. You’ll also visit the charming resort town of Batumi, and Sochi, the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
There is only one 'at sea' day, and of all the ports to be visited, only Istanbul is one we have previously visited... for us, this is exactly our kind of cruise itinerary... many new & interesting destinations, with minimal at sea time!!
Cruise Itinerary
DATE PORT/ CITY ACTIVITY- ARRIVAL - DEPARTURE
Sunday, August 18 Istanbul - Turkey Embark 5:00 PM
Monday, August 19 Amasra / (Safranbolu) - Turkey Tendered 9:00 AM 9:00 PM
Tuesday, August 20 At Sea Cruising
Wednesday, August 21 Trabzon - Turkey Docked 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 22 Batumi - Georgia Docked 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
Friday, August 23 Sochi - Russia Docked 7:00 AM 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 24 Novorossiysk - Russia Docked 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 25 Yalta - Ukraine Docked 8:00 AM 10:00 PM
Monday, August 26 Sevastopol - Ukraine Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Tuesday, August 27 Odessa - Ukraine Docked 7:00 AM 11:59 PM
Wednesday, August 28 Constanta - Romania Docked 1:00 PM 8:00 PM
Thursday, August 29 Nessebar - Bulgaria Tendered 8:00 AM 4:00 PM
Friday, August 30 Istanbul - Turkey Debark 6:00 AM
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Azamara - 'Journey'
(different cruise... but the video gives an idea of life onboard Journey)
(different cruise... but the video gives an idea of life onboard Journey)
Azamara Club Cruises fleet (Journey & Quest are sister ships) is a new cruising option available to passengers who prefer the boutique-hotel atmosphere of a smaller ship without the luxury-class price tag.
- Seven classes of staterooms are offered onboard Journey. The exclusive experience includes butler service in suites and concierge-style amenities in all categories of accommodations. (Want to book a shore excursion or get a reservation in the special restaurants? Just tell the butler what you want, no forms to fill in or lines to wait in. Want a full dinner from the dining room menu served course by course in your stateroom? The butler will do it.)
- All suite guests receive complimentary chilled soda, bottled water and two bottles of hard liquor at no extra cost. A chilled bottle of champagne is set in the room before embarkation. Complimentary wine is available by room service at any time.
- A self-service launderette (with flat-screen television and upholstered armchairs) is available.
- One pool sits on the center of the ship, surrounded by a designated jogging track on the deck directly above.
- Two specialty restaurants, a main dining room, and a handful of light food and casual dining areas offer a variety of dining options..to include a casual sidewalk cafe-style coffee bar. (The dress code is always resort casual with no scheduled formal nights. No bare feet, tank tops, caps, bathing suits, or jeans are allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants.)
- Wine is complimentary lunch & dinner, coming from a collection of 'boutique' wines from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal. On the rare occasion, should the wine selected not be to the liking of the customer, other complimentary wines are offered. There is also an extensive list of 'special wines' available for an additional fee.
- Seven lounges, a fitness center and distinctive Astral Spa, with an acupuncture suite and expansive relaxation deck with therapy pool.
- Aside from the several lounges that double as nightclubs, there is Casino Luxe, with signature 'Martini Bar.'
Deck 11
Sun Deck
Deck 10
Aqualina Restaurant
If you're in the mood for fantastic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, make a reservation at Aqualina, one of our onboard specialty restaurants. Aqualina will satisfy your taste for sumptuous fare in a relaxed, yet positively chic atmosphere.
Prime C Restaurant
If steak and seafood are on your mind, then make your way over to Prime C. Full of atmosphere and loaded with flavor, this specialty restaurant surely aims to please all who enter. The broad wooden floors and rich paneling are more than inviting and the steaks will melt in your mouth.
Michael's Club
Soak up the sounds of a grand piano as you share an intimate nightcap in this locale. The ambiance is inspiring and the deep, welcoming chairs of Michael's Club make it the ideal place to savor a single-malt scotch or a late-evening cordial.
Looking Glass
Oh the glorious views from the Looking Glass. Of all the locales to relax and unwind aboard, this might very well become your preferred spot. Enjoy your favorite cocktail, admire the Murano glass, and gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows and revel in how good life is at the moment. There's even a telescope so you can see what's waiting on the horizon.
Deck 9
Astral Spa
How will you choose to relax today? Melt your cares away with a 90-minute massage; invigorate yourself with a lime and ginger scrub or indulge in a silky, milk bath. Let our Spa transport you to a whole new world with treatments inspired by rituals from exotic cultures. You'll also find a hair salon, a Thallosotherapy pool, and an assortment of the finest spa products.
Fitness Center
Keep up your fitness routine or embark on a new one with our onboard Fitness and Wellness Center. Take part in yoga at sunset or toning Pilates; our onboard Wellness consultant is there to assist you every step. You'll also find quality apparel and more.
e-Connections
We know that you will want to share your cruise experience with friends and family - even before you return home. eConnections is where you'll find onboard Internet stations to stay in touch.
Windows Café / Breeza
Akin to dining in the comfort of a friend's home, our buffet restaurant is casually elegant with a welcoming atmosphere and spectacular views. Choose to dine inside or out and feast on a lavish display of culinary genius for breakfast, lunch or dinner. While there, be sure to admire the creations of our sugar and chocolate artists; the experience is sure to impress.
Deck 8
Bridge Deck
N1 N2 Suites
Club Continent Suite - (Cabin 8063)
The bedroom of a Club Continent Suite resembles a regular hotel room rather than a stateroom on a cruise ship, with more space to move about the bed and living areas. The cabin bathroom is fairly spacious and well lit and comes with a full-sized tub and marble counters. The balcony veranda is rather large for a two person stateroom. There is room for a table to fit lengthwise, as well as a few chairs.
Features:
326 sq ft cabin (266 SF Stateroom - 60 SF Veranda)
• Two lower beds convertible to queen size
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
• Veranda
• Sitting area with sofa bed
• Bath tub
• Flat screen-television
• CD/DVD player
• Refrigerator with mini-bar
• Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
• Direct-dial telephone and voicemail
• Desk
• In-room safe
• Hand-held hair dryer
Decks 6 & 7
All Suites (and Lifeboats)
Deck 5
Cabaret Lounge/ Theater
Our showcase theater features a talented cast of singers performing some of the hottest shows at sea. Best of all, every seat in the house is excellent and you'll love the long, comfortable bar and excellent service.
Casino Luxe
Whether you're feeling lucky or you just enjoy the adrenaline rush of a casino, step into ours and you won't be disappointed. You'll find all your favorite table games, video slots, and a centrally located bar.
Photo Shop
Come take a peek at the fun and professional photos captured by our onboard photographers. You can also find an assortment of supplies for your own photographic endeavors.
Indulgences
Aptly named, Indulgences will satisfy your desires for the finer things in life. From designer eyewear to sought-after cognac and everything in between, it's the perfect place to window shop or to find that extra special purchase.
The Journey Shop
It's one-stop shopping at The Journey Shop. Apparel, sundries, handbags, candies, cigarettes, souvenirs and lots more await. If you find that you forgot to pack something, chances are you'll find it at The Journey Shop.
Mosaic Café
Our onboard coffee corner may very well become your favorite nook on the ship. You'll find all your favorite coffee drinks and you can order them just the way you like them. We recommend that you slip right into a comfortable seat and sip for a while - you never know who'll walk by.
Discoveries
With open seating and stellar nightly selections, our main dining room, Discoveries, is not to be missed. You'll find all your classic dinner favorites, with a deliciously different twist, like gulf shrimp with cognac and garlic or a filet mignon with black truffle sauce. What's more, open seating provides you the opportunity to dine at your leisure.
Deck 4
Guest Services (& Medical)
Deck 3
Gangway
