AZAMARA SHIPS GETTING MAJOR UPGRADE

One of our favorite cruise lines -- Azamara -- is giving their two ships a major upgrade.

Here's the announcement:

"Azamara Club Cruises announced that its two ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest – will undergo 'major upgrades' while in dry dock in early 2016, reinvigorating the onboard guest experience. The mid-size ships that accommodate up to 686 guests will be outfitted with new venues, public spaces and technologies to bring fresh services and amenities to guests. From bow to stern, there is no area on the line's ships that will be untouched. The upgrades include all staterooms and suites, dining, spa and entertainment.

The Azamara Journey will enter dry dock in January 2016 in the Bahamas, and the Azamara Quest in April 2016 in Singapore.

You can read about our trip on the Azamara Quest here.

YOUR BLOGGER AT WORK

When your job is to write about a cruise, you not only need a

 good work space, but also a setting that provides some inspiration as well.

 Here I am working on my daily blog posts on Azamara Quest.

 It is a tough job, but someone has to do it. (Photo by Pam). 

TRUNK BAY DESERVING OF HIGH RANKING

TripAdvisor's readers have selected their Top 10 Islands in their 2013 Reader's Choice survey. Trunk Bay on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands came in second. Since we were both on that beach just a few weeks ago as part of our Azamara Quest voyage, I'm not sure how the beach on Belize topped it. Part of the National Park there, its sands are indescribably white and soft, and matched with the deep aquamarine colors of the Caribbean Sea, it's a picture postcard everywhere you look. In fact, since it's Friday, let's take a little stroll on the beach ... -- Gerry

You can a nice overview from the road above ...

There is a small admission charge ($4) to use the beach ...

Pam is loving walking on the sand ...

While I try to figure out how we can never leave!

MEET TANJA, MASTER OF THE MARTINI

Tanja at the Casino Luxe Bar (Photo: Pam)

If you are ever on the Azamara Quest, and love a good martini (and who doesn't?), you should go straight-away to the Casino Luxe Bar on deck 5 and see Tanja from Macedonia. Besides being a true martini master, her friendly, accommodating service creates a relaxing, glad-you-are-here experience.

One of the specialties there is the "Martini Flight" -- a sampler of five different martinis for $15. Of course we had to try it. It added to the fun that Tanja let us help pick the five flavors she would prepare. But before we got started, she excused herself for a quick trip to the kitchen.

When she returned, she had prepared for us a selection of olives and cheese to accompany our tasting. Very impressive!

Choosing the first one to try was easy: Our personal fav, the French Martini. Tanja prepared it perfectly, mixing the Grey Goose, Chambord and pineapple juice so it had just the right amount of foam on top.

So on we went, one to another, Tanja taking the time to explain what was coming next and giving us a chance to vote as well. Let me tell you, they were all superb, including the piece de resistance, the Chocolate Martini, which was last.

For her friendliness, mastery and customer service, Tanja is the newest member of the Cruising Squared Martini Hall of Fame! -- Gerry and Pam

THE 12 DAYS OF AZAMARA QUEST

Azamara Quest (Photo:Gerry)

Pam and I spent 12 days on the Azamara Quest on a cruise to the West Indies in March, 2013. Here are the links to our coverage of the voyage:

Day One:
It’s the first day of our 12-night “Virgin Islands and Frenchmen Voyage” to the West Indies on Azamara Quest, departing from the Port of Miami. This voyage is our first on Azamara, and my wife and I have been eagerly anticipating cruising on a scale that is both smaller and “up.”

Day Two:
This is the first of two “at sea” days as we head to our first port of call, St. John in the Virgin Islands. Last night we experienced a lot of motion as the ship navigated stout waves and wind. By daylight it had moderated somewhat, but best to keep the Dramamine close by.

AN 'AZAMAZING' COINCIDENCE ON QUEST

St. Thomas at sunset (Photo: Gerry)

On our recent cruise on  Azamara Quest, storms in the Atlantic forced a change in our itinerary. Instead of going to our last stop, Virgin Gorda, the captain, after much deliberation, decided on a stop at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the seas were more friendly. Later he told us of one unexpected result of that choice. In what has to be classed as an "azamazing" conicidence, there was a couple on the ship who were married in St. Thomas, 10 years to the day we were there. What are the odds? -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY TWELVE

Captain Stig mans the ribs station at the
poolside BBQ on the last day of the cruise (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY TWELVE – And so it comes to the last full day of our “Virgins Islands and Frenchmen Voyage.” By tomorrow morning we will be back at the Port of Miami, where some of us will say goodbye and others will continue to new adventures as Quest makes sail to Europe.

As “newbies” to Azamara Club Cruises (and there were a decent number of first-timers joining us), time for some overall thoughts about our experience:

     The Ship: The size is just right if you seek a more intimate, personalized setting for your cruise vacation. You can pretty much get to any place you want to go in short order. It isn’t adults only; children are certainly welcome. But it clearly caters to adults, which is a positive for several we spoke with. As noted earlier, there was one child on this voyage and outside the pool and ice cream, not a whole lot kids would find interesting.

     Attire. It’s pretty much all resort casual, all the time. Of course the ladies enjoy dressing up for the evening meals, as do many of the gents. But guys, you don’t have to pack your tux for this ship. There are no “formal” nights, and speaking for myself, I found the laid back dress code a real bonus. It added to the relaxed vibe for the whole trip.

    The Food. Uniformly very good or excellent. Whether you opt for the main dining room, Discoveries, or the more casual Windows Café for the buffet, we found everything to be high quality. There are also the two specialty restaurants: Aqualina and Prime C. We tried both and were impressed by the level of food and service. Another good option is the Mosaic Café on 5, a boutique sandwich, dessert and coffee bar with a more upscale motif.

     The Guests. Definitely mostly an older demographic of well-seasoned travelers, many making return visits to Azamara (for one couple, their 10^th trip). Again, it’s very much a family vibe among guests and crew. Relaxed, quiet and maybe a throwback of sorts to old-school cruising back in the day.

  

     The Entertainment. The main show room is the Cabaret Lounge on deck 5, adjacent to the casino. The Azamara singers and dancers perform there as an ensemble and individually, along with a few other select acts. Not flashy or Las Vegas, but certainly enjoyable and well suited for the various venues around the ship.

Pam is in love with coffee machine

    The Amenities. On Azamara, the price of the cruise includes all gratuities, red and white house wines (which change every day and are very good, by the way) at lunch and dinner, bottled water, sodas and the self-serve laundry. No doubt in the end the cost is comparable with other cruises that charge a la carte for these things, but just having everything included makes life so much simpler, without that feeling of being “nickeled and dimed.”

      Getting Around. As we noted in earlier posts, expect the stairways to be narrow and the elevators smaller. But it’s almost just as easy to walk if you are located anywhere mid-ship. One thing to note if you are physically challenged: The ship is probably not as wheelchair-friendly as you would find on newer, larger vessels.

      The Spa. It has one, along with a fitness center and a jogging track.

     The Pool. There is a small heated pool and adjacent hot tubs. But the headline here are the wonderfully luxuriant and comfortable deck chairs, which seem brand new. They also enforce the rules for not reserving lounges when the occupant is gone longer than 30 minutes.

     The Staterooms. You will find them on a smaller side, as you might expect, but with very comfortable bedding and serviceable balconies on most. There are suites as well. A word to the wise: If you have personal electronics or other devices that require plugs, throw in an extension cord or two. We have yet to go on any cruise where the staterooms had a sufficient number of plugs conveniently located.

Danijel from Brazil at the Sunset Bar

      Random Notes. Room service is available 24/7, and during lunch and dinner, they note you can order anything served in the dining rooms for your stateroom. We didn’t test it, but that’s a nice touch … Pam fell in love with their hi-tech coffeemaker with creates a Cappuccino in a flash, as well as other assorted coffees … the gelato in Windows is more my style – new flavors every day … our two favorite spots were Looking Glass on deck 10, with its panoramic views and dance floor at night, and the Sunset Bar on deck 9 (where Danijel from Brazil took good care of us), a great place to enjoy a drink or a meal any time of day … there is E-Connections if you want to hook into the Internet, or you can connect and use the ship’s Wi-Fi with your own devices at the published rates. The connection was surprisingly good throughout our voyage (as the daily updates verify) … a shout-out to Errol in Land Discoveries, whose soothing admonitions to “walk with love and care” sent us out on our shore excursions … kudos to Nathalia in Guest Relations and Philip, the hotel manager, for all their help and kindnesses … praise for Tanja from Macedonia in the Casino Luxe Bar for her martini mastery – best on the ship … and special thanks to Capt. Stig, who expertly guided us through the choppy seas to calmer waters.

      Overall: We had an excellent time, and particularly enjoyed the “scaled down” size of the ship, the friendly, efficient service, the variety in the ports of call (we’ll take a rain check on Virgin Gorda), meeting new friends and the camaraderie between crew and guests. Not to mention the five-star meals and wines. If you are looking for more relaxation, more quiet and a more personal cruise experience, Azamara Club Cruises will more than meet your expectations. -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY ELEVEN

Sunset at St. Thomas (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY ELEVEN – It is our next to last day at sea, and the captain has plotted us a new course. As he explained it, storm swells have caused havoc up and down the Atlantic, and affected a number of cruise ships in the region, including Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, which was buffeted by both high winds and waves. To skirt those issues, we will be returning to Miami via the Old Bahamas Channel, which should provide a smoother ride.

The captain also pointed out this voyage had set a record for him in the number of bow lines broken. In yesterday’s post we talked about the two lines that snapped in St. Maarten. Altogether, a total of six lines were actually torn loose at that port.

The crew bids a "Fond Farewell"

While we were more fortunate than Explorer, there was still considerable motion during the night and into mid-morning. So much so we decided to forego the “Abba Dance Night” in Looking Glass for an extra dose of Dramamine, as did others. Too bad – Abba always gets the party going.

Last night, after a spectacular sunset as we departed St. Thomas, the crew staged a “Fond Farewell” for the passengers, where individuals representing all the various departments introduce themselves and their country of origin. The level of service and attention has been topnotch throughout our voyage, a sentiment echoed by many of the guests we spoke with.

This afternoon I joined a group touring the bridge, which occupies the front of deck 8. Alongside the computers, screens, GPS guidance systems and all the other assorted technology that keeps us safe and on course, the old school paper charts still play a prominent role, as our guide explained. Someday it will no doubt be all electronic, but that day isn’t here yet on Azamara, which is actually strangely comforting.

The self-serve laundry

After 11 days at sea, we are starting to run short of clean clothes in a few areas. No problem! There is a self-serve laundry on deck 7. The machines may have coin slots, but your money is no good here. They’re free to use, first come, first serve. We spoke with one couple who took a 43-day cruise on Princess but it didn’t qualify them for free laundry on board. It’s the little things, right?

Speaking of little things, while our stateroom’s veranda is a big snug, the oversize table is a welcome touch. It’s sturdier than most we’ve experienced and perfect for room service or use as a desk for authoring this blog while the sea breeze blows through your hair. And if you thinking of taking Azamara, definitely opt to spend extra for the veranda. Totally worth it.

Paper charts still have their place on the Bridge

Because this is cruising on a smaller scale, don’t expect a flashy, Las Vegas-style casino. It features the expected assortment of slot machines, blackjack and roulette, all the usual suspects in terms of how to lose your money. I even tried my luck on the free bingo game. Lost again.

With the next two days at sea, there is a full slate of activities on tap, including gelato by the pool, a Greek buffet, tango lessons, a lecture on the rum trade, a jewelry fashion show and late night, 50s and 60s dance music. Only one day to go, so I’ve got to get busy trying everything so I can relax. --Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY TEN

A glorious day in St. Thomas

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY TEN – While we still feel the disappointment of missing Virgin Gorda, it is a glorious (and calm) day dockside in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. High swells forced a change in our final port of call, and we had evidence of those on the way over last night with some major rocking (not coming from the disco dance floor, either).

Two lines snapped in St. Maarten

If we needed further evidence of the unruly seas, while in port at St. Maarten we saw two of the heavy braided ropes that hold the ship in place snap like rubber bands, forcing harbor security to over-zealously route passengers from other vessels away from the vicinity of our ship, just in case.

St. Thomas is of course one of the most heavily traveled islands in the Caribbean, greeting over 1.5 million tourists every year. On any given day that are usually several cruise ships here, and today is no exception. Joining us in port at Havensight are two Carnival ships and at the adjacent Yacht Haven Grande, a gathering of what has to be some of the largest privately-owned ships in the world, along with an upscale shopping mall.

Of course there are beautiful beaches and historic sites, but in St. Thomas it’s always been about the shopping. Most passengers disembark directly to waiting taxis for the short trip to the downtown shopping district, and we were no exception. But rather than navigate the close quarters and charming alleyways of the traditional downtown shops, Pam headed for the blue tents of the vendor area next to the post office, where you can do some serious bargain hunting for clothes, jewelry and knock-off purses.

Looking for bargains on St. Thomas

But a few words about the shopping experience: Expect to be relentlessly solicited for tours and shopping specials. It can get very annoying in a hurry. We also heard several complaining how the big new commercial malls have detracted from the downtown experience as well.

Maybe we were there too early in the day, but unlike other trips here, we returned empty handed. It seemed no one was in the mood to bargain. So we are left to enjoy this sunny, picture-perfect day, watching the “privileged class enjoy their privileges,” to quote one of our favorite movies, “The Philadelphia Story.”

Alex Mac's tribute to Michael Buble

Last night we decided to check out the entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge, featuring two of the Azamara Quest Singers, Amanda Poulson and Australian Andrew Perry, who each performed a set of their favorite songs. Later, up on the pool deck, ship DJ Alex Mac donned suit and tie for his tribute show to Michael Buble. Mac, a native of West Yorkshire, got an enthusiastic reception, especially from his fellow Brits in the audience.

We are here until 6 p.m., when we say farewell to the last island on our tour of the West Indies and head back to Miami. Here’s hoping the seas cooperate and the final leg of our journey is smooth sailing. -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY NINE

Frontstreet in Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY NINE – Might as well start with the news update from the Bridge: We won’t be going to Virgin Gorda, the last stop on our cruise and the one probably most anticipated by many, including myself. Sigh. Unexpectedly high waves have compromised the use of the tenders, and as we learned from the earlier mishap in Nevis, safety must come first. We will instead head to the protected harbor of St. Thomas, where Quest can dock safely.

And so Virgin Gorda and The Baths have to remain on our bucket list.

The water taxi is a bargain

Today we are docked at Philipsburg in St. Maarten, the island with the split personality: Half French, half Dutch. Having experienced the French side on a previous cruise, we opted to take the water taxi over to Frontstreet and the main shopping district. If you plan to remain in the immediate Philipsburg area, the water taxi is a great option -- $7 for a day pass and all the trips you want to make, and they come every 10 minutes.

A short walk past Frontstreet is – yes, you guessed it – Backstreet. A few blocks away is the Philipsburg Tourist Market, where vendors sell all manner of clothing goods, hats and specialty items. Ratchet up your bartering skills; prices are negotiable.

Afterwards, take a stroll along the beach that Frontstreet fronts. Pick a bar and enjoy something cool to drink while soaking up the scenery: White sands, palm trees with boats and yachts dotting the turquoise water stretching off to the horizon. Wi fi is readily available at many merchant locations. One vendor advertised a beach chair, umbrella, bar service and wi fi, all for $7.50.

Pam shopping in the tourist market

There is much to see on this small island, including 17^th century forts, a butterfly farm and lots of beautiful beaches, including a few where you can go au natural if you so choose. We didn’t.

We had some excitement onboard early this morning, when Capt. Stig came on the P.A. system at 2 a.m. and informed us to ignore the emergency signal that was sounded accidently. While we did wake up and hear the captain’s announcement, we totally missed hearing the signal. Not good.

Also noteworthy: Max, our keyboardist in Looking Glass and other venues around the ship, has regained the voice he lost somewhere in South America and is now singing his ballads as well as playing them. We can also look forward to “Sunday Sundaes” on the pool deck tonight. Not a bad way to end a relaxing day in St. Maarten. -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY EIGHT UPDATE

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, UPDATE -- This just in. Capt. Stig has just announced we have permission from the authorities in St. Maarten to proceed to Philipsburg, ahead of the expected wave swells coming our way. Only 15 nautical miles away, we should be dockside there by 7 p.m. And more good news: The casino and shops aboard have special permission from St. Maarten to remain open. We should be arriving there just in time for tonight's Italian Buffet. -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY EIGHT

The harbor at St. Barts (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY EIGHT – You don’t have to be rich and famous to come to St. Barts (or St. Barths, or Saint Barthelemy – you’ll see all variations of the name), but definitely being the former will help. This way station for the jet set features the highest of high end shopping (in the market for a Louis Vuitton hammock?) set amid its charming Swedish and French roots.

We were originally scheduled to be here for almost 24 hours, but the captain has told us we will be leaving instead at 5 p.m. for our next destination, St. Maarten. A weather front is approaching that could result in waves of 2-4 meters, so the rest of our itinerary is now somewhat in doubt. We’ll get further news on the situation later this afternoon. Yikes.

Unlike Dominica, St. Barts is more arid, with much less rainfall. In fact, it hardly ever rains. Except today, when it followed us all around our morning tour of the island. But it passed, and Pam was able to get her shopping done afterwards in the stores along the main street in Gustavia, the hub of commerce. I’m fairly convinced everyone who lives on this island owns at least two cars; they are everywhere. This is also somewhat surprising since a gallon of gas goes for around $8.

Grilled artichoke with potato at Aqualina

There are some nice beaches, and plenty of restaurants. Speaking French is an asset, but if you stay very long, make sure you have plenty of room left on your credit card.

Last night we dined at Aqualina, one of two specialty restaurants on board the ship. I can honestly say it was as good a meal as we’ve enjoyed anywhere. The service was superb and each dish expertly prepared and flavorful. Pam opted for the pan fried Dover sole, while I had the filet mignon. We both had to end the meal with the Grand Marnier soufflé. Four stars.

The White Night Party by the pool

Afterwards, we had to check out the “White Night Party” going on by the pool. Attired in white, party-goers danced, twirled, sipped cocktails and enjoyed live music and dancing under the Caribbean stars. A few brave souls even tried to master the limbo bar. A few of us were still dancing even as the staff packed up the decorations and moved the chairs out.

So tomorrow I’ll be filing from St.Maarten – maybe. We’ll know for sure later today. Stay tuned. -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY SEVEN

Sunset off Dominica (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY SEVEN – It’s early Friday morning and we are anchored off the small island of Nevis (pronounced KNEE-vis). Nearby is its larger counterpart, St. Kitts. The waters here are very still and quiet, and of course, deeply blue. The forecast is hot and sunny; with more hot and sunny into the foreseeable future.

One note from yesterday: As we departed Dominica, one of those beautiful Caribbean sunsets was in the making. So passengers on both sides of the ship might enjoy it, Capt. Stig made a 360-degree turn in the water before heading out. Well done, sir.

Nevis is a tender port

Nevis is a tender port, and today we’re letting the shore excursion groups get on their way before doing a little exploring on our own. A good number of other passengers had the same idea, as we see them collected near the drop-off point in Charlestown. There to greet us was a steel drum musician to set the mood.

Among the leading attractions here are the Alexander Hamilton Museum (the distinguished American statesman and face on the $10 bill was born here); Pinney’s Beach, if you want sand and sea; the Botanical Garden, with a large collection of orchids and the Four Seasons Resort, where you can practice your golf game.

T-shirt shop on Nevis

While some of our cohorts teamed up to share cabs, others opted to return to the ship, disappointed there wasn’t more shopping or things to see nearby. Unless you have a definite game plan, or opt for a tour, you may want to temper your expectations for this port.

On our return trip to the ship, Azamara personnel were offering cold lemonade and ice water as we boarded, providing welcome relief from the heat. There was also an unfortunate incident. A woman with a cane slipped and had a very nasty fall that required medical attention back at the ship. You can’t underscore enough that despite the fairly calm conditions, tenders do rock and everyone should use extreme caution.

We are here in port until 10:30 p.m., giving everyone plenty of opportunity to sightsee. Tonight is “White Night,” a traditional cruise activity where everyone is invited to wear something white and party by the pool. The buffet de jour is Mediterranean, followed by “Crepes Suzette under the Stars.” We however will be paying a visit to one of the two specialty restaurants on board, Aqualina. More on that in tomorrow’s report.

The next time I check in, we’ll be Gustavia, on the island of St. Barts. Has it really been one week since we set sail from Miami? -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY SIX

Quest docked at the city of Roseau (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY SIX – We awakened this morning dockside at Roseau, on the island of Dominica, “the nature island of the Caribbean.” Sandwiched between Guadeloupe and Martinique, this former British colony, independent since 1978, is almost 300 square miles in size, much of it dense rainforest.

We are here just for the day, so we opted for a three-hour tour to take a look at the place where just over 70,000 people call home.

Our first point of interest is the Botanical Garden, featuring numerous species of trees and an aviary housing four rare Jaco parrots, an endangered species whose numbers have dwindled to 1,500. Large green parrots with a red neck, they took the occasion to erupt in what appeared to be a domestic squabble. But it passed quickly. Since they mate for life, best to kiss and make up.

Damage caused by Hurricane David

The most dramatic part of the garden would be the school bus crushed by an African baobab tree. Thankfully, no one was in the bus at the time. Our guide explained it was donated but never used due to the winds from Hurricane David. So it sits here as a reminder of that storm’s fury.

Our bus quickly climbed the steep roads into the interior, where we got views of the volcanic mountains that dot the islands, including the tallest, Morne Trois Pitons, at over 4,500 feet, as well as a diverse array of vegetation and fruit trees. We learned there are plants with medicinal uses for just about any ailment you can name.

A highlight was a stop at one of the many waterfalls found on the island, Hibiscus Falls. Unlike some of the other falls, you can see it by walking only a few feet from the tour bus. But for those who don’t mind the exercise, you can negotiate 57 steps and see it up close and personal. Since we are both waterfall junkies of a sort, we enjoyed spending time in the coolness of the rainforest by the falls’ clear pool.

Hibiscus Falls

While you there, don't pass up the chance to sample the grapefruit juice prepared by Linda. We are not particularly fans of grapefruit juice, but this was easily the best we've ever had.

If you are into Nature, this is just the ticket. There are a number of other, more spectacular waterfalls to be seen, as well as hiking to exotic places like “Boiling Lake.” The effects of the island’s volcanic origins are in evidence throughout. I have to give kudos to our guide, “Angel,” who gave us an excellent and knowledgeable overview of the island she calls home.

Back on board, the staff is preparing a special French Dinner Buffet this evening (yesterday it was a British Buffet, and the night before, Spanish). We’ll check that out for you. There was a decent turnout for last night’s movie under the stars, which was “Papillon.” We opted to just enjoy the stars themselves as the night sky dazzled with a brilliance we city folk have never experienced.

At 6 p.m. we leave this beautiful place and set a course for Charlestown, Nevis, as our tour of the West Indies is already half over. It’s going by much too fast! -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY FIVE

Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY FIVE – Yesterday we were drenched with rain; today, drenched with sunshine! Yes, at long last the sun has made its appearance, just in time for our stop at Iles des Saintes in Guadeloupe. A grouping of eight tiny islands, with the emphasis on “tiny,” many travel guides call them the Caribbean’s hidden gem. We will anchor off the largest of them, Terre-de-Haut. Another great example of places the 

Azamara can take you that other ships can’t.

Before our arrival, passengers are treated to a jazz brunch in Discoveries, the main dining room. There are all the traditional serving stations, offering everything from omelets-to-order and waffles to a towering ice wall of shrimp. In the background, a trio entertains with live jazz music as the captain prepares to anchor us in “The Saints.”

The jazz brunch ice tower of shrimp

We are now 1,200 miles from Miami, and in contrast to rainy St. John, temperatures are in the low 90s. The waters around these islands are crystal clear, and as we approached a school of dolphins followed us briefly, some swimming up to the edge of the ship before traveling on their way.

Sightseeing on Terre-de-Haut is limited. There are some nice beaches, but not with the same amenities as Trunk Bay. Most of the shopping appears to be concentrated in the area of the pier. The language spoken here is French, but it’s no barrier when it comes to buying jewelry, as Pam ably demonstrated. One thing you want to check – some shops do close during the day and reopen in the afternoon. And the currency as you might expect is Euros.

There is also Fort Napoleon, built in the 19^th century, atop a nearby hill. I was going to make the trek but found out it’s only open from 9 am to noon. So I opted to find something cool to drink instead. The town itself is quaint and colorful, and life here is the opposite end of the spectrum from islands like St. Thomas. You can rent scooters or just use foot power; either way the distances to anywhere aren’t that great.

The shopping area on Iles des Saintes

We will be here until 10 p.m. tonight, when we up anchor and head for the rain forests of Dominica. Until then, we are soaking up every drop of this wonderful scenery and sun. As one staffer told us: “It doesn’t get any better than this.” -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY FOUR

A table setting for afternoon tea (Photos: Gerry)

 ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY FOUR – Day four in our quest for sunshine, and still hardly a ray in sight. In fact, anchored just outside Cruz Bay on the picturesque island of St. John, we awoke to rain showers, which have continued on and off throughout the day. Still, it is the tropics, and rain is a daily occurrence most of the year. Plus, a little rain wasn’t going to keep us from revisiting the place where Pam and I had our honeymoon.

But before we get to St. John, a few words about how we concluded day three.

One of the scheduled events in the afternoon was tea time (not “tee” as in golf but “tea” as in Earl Grey). It was staged in the Looking Glass lounge, and featured all the accoutrements a “high tea” deserves: fine bone china, finger sandwiches, luscious desserts and of course, scones, complete with jam and clotted cream, with a harpist providing background music. The scones were a tad hard, but now I’m quibbling.

Last night we had the honor of an invitation to the Captain’s Table for dinner. The master of the Quest is Captain Stig Nilsen, who calls Norway home. Actually, we learned when he isn’t commanding the Quest, he makes his permanent home on a boat as well, a Swedish minesweeper he restored himself. Or did, anyway. At dinner Capt. Nilsen informed us he had officially completed the sale of the boat that very day, a bittersweet moment for him. So we all raised a glass to toast his good fortune, and the new boat he acquired, a rescue boat, which will also serve as his home.

Knowing our time in St; John was short, we signed up for the “Panoramic St. John” shore excursion. Luckily, it was one of the ones that didn’t get canceled due to the inclement weather. Tendered to Cruz Bay, our group was greeted by the tour host, a cheerful woman with a British accent. As we all know, the Brits are renowned for “keep calm and carry on.”

The dazzling beauty of Trunk Bay

And carry on we did, jamming into an open-air minibus for a ride around the island. Question: Since the Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory, why do vehicles drive on the left? Can somebody look that up for me? Despite the rain, it was great to enjoy the magnificent beauty of this mostly unspoiled paradise, three quarters of which is designated as a national park.

The highlight, as it usually is, was an extended stop at Trunk Bay, which makes most travelers’ lists as one of the world’s top 10 beaches. It’s a breath-taking stretch of the purest white sand and dazzling, turquoise waters. And lucky for us, the rain stopped during the whole time we were there.

The Annaberg sugar plantation ruins

We weren’t quite as a fortunate by the time we reached the sugar plantation ruins at Annaberg. It was pouring. Regardless, a handful of us pulled our umbrellas out and made the steep hike up to the ruins. When we got back to board the bus, we had a little surprise waiting. No bus! Apparently the driver had to move it to the main road. Okay – extra hiking in the rain!

But I have to say our group mostly took it in stride, with very little grumbling or complaining. I was impressed!

Back at Cruz Bay, Pam wanted to sample some of the shopping nearby. (Rain never interferes with shopping, don’t you know.) While there may be bargains to be had on the island somewhere, she didn’t find them in the port area.

Returning to the ship, we grabbed a late lunch and enjoyed a last look at St. John with a glass of wine in the Looking Glass. Now we are headed for our next destination, a little group of islands called Iles Des Saintes in Guadeloupe. And according to the latest weather reports, sunshine is finally in the forecast. --Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY THREE

Learning about the islands at a lecture (Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY THREE – We are now 700 miles from Miami. As we continue on toward St. John, we can’t seem to escape the clouds. A gray overcast with temps in the 60s has been the order of the day so far. Hopefully we’ll encounter sunnier conditions once we arrive in the islands.

On board, the disposition of the ship’s crew seems to always be sunny. Everyone we’ve encountered greets you with a smile and is anxious to help in any way they can. A special shout-out to Nathalia, who untangled my Internet connection. She is excited that we are making a stop at her home island of Dominica.

Last night we enjoyed our first dinner in Discoveries, the main dining room. Except for the first night, it’s open seating, which is great for us since we like our schedule to be flexible. Going into the restaurant, we did observe one passenger scolding the wait staff when his party couldn’t be seated immediately. It is after all “open seating,” not immediate seating. And come on everybody, it’s a cruise – time to relax. Isn’t that one of the main reasons we’re here? The food by the way is excellent, with lots of options from which to choose.

Late night found us back in the Looking Glass lounge, enjoying French martinis (in a very stylish glass) while enjoying smooth jazz and pop instrumentals from Max Difaz, who informed us he had lost his voice somewhere during the last voyage when Quest sailed to South America. That was followed by DJ Alex Mac’s Motown Party, and let me tell you, you don’t have to be in the twenties to still shake that booty.

The Sunset Bar

This morning we enjoyed breakfast alfresco at the Sunset Bar, adjacent to the Windows Café on deck nine aft. It provides the perfect setting to sip coffee and watch the endless blue waves that stretch to the horizon. Later we sat in on the Destination Enrichment Series lecture by geologist Jack Thomas, who gave an overview of the history, culture and topography of the islands we will soon visit. Since many of the ports on this voyage are new to us, it’s good to get the backstory before we arrive.

Random factoid: The nationality breakdown of the guests onboard is: United States (384); United Kingdom (101); Canada (97); Germany (9); Switzerland (8); Norway (6); Denmark (5); Sweden and Belgium (3); Netherlands, Greece and Romania (2); Austria, Belarus, Bermuda, Dominica, Honduras and Poland (1).

Lunch was a poolside BBQ

The featured attraction for lunch was a poolside BBQ. Given my Texas roots, I rarely pass up a chance to sample BBQ. The meat from the charcoal grills was very flavorful – I sampled pork chop, chicken and swordfish. But there were a few items missing you find at most Texas BBQs: Mainly, the fixins’. No BBQ sauce, baked beans or peach cobbler in sight. Note to self: Speak to the chef.

Later today, there’s afternoon tea (the perfect complement to my poolside BBQ), then dinner at the Captain’s table tonight before we reach St. John. Send some sunshine our way. -- Gerry

AZAMARA QUEST, DAY TWO

The pool area on Azamara Quest (Photo: Gerry)

ABOARD AZAMARA QUEST, DAY TWO – This is the first of two “at sea” days as we head to our first port of call, St. John in the Virgin Islands. Last night we experienced a lot of motion as the ship navigated stout waves and wind. By daylight it had moderated somewhat, but best to keep the Dramamine close by.

As we get acquainted with our new home for the next 12 days, one thing that stands out whether you’re in the main dining room or by the pool: It’s so quiet. Even where lots of people are gathered, you won’t find the hectic tempo prevalent on larger ships. And it’s pretty much all adults; we’ve only seen one child so far.

For the most part, these passengers are seasoned travelers, renewing old acquaintances or trading war stories from their years of globe-trotting.

The Drawing Room 

Two areas we found inviting were both on deck 10: The Drawing Room and Looking Glass.

The Drawing Room is your classic old English library, complete with over-stuffed chairs and a fireplace. Find yourself a good book to read and enjoy it here or take it with you. No need to check it out; we’re all on the honor system.

Looking Glass is the lounge at the front of the ship. It’s an elegant setting for a panoramic view. One area is earmarked for games, such as dominos, checkers or cards. In the evenings, it’s music and cocktails.

A word about getting around – since this is a smaller ship, so are the stairways and elevators. In fact, the stairs are remindful of what you might find in an upscale Parisian hotel.

What about the Internet? We all know today’s travelers expect to be connected 24/7 by phone, tablet and computer. If you are reading this, then you know the connection works. Yes, it is slower, and not always available. You choose a package that ranges from 43 cents a minute on a low end to 65 cents on the high end (the more you buy, the cheaper it is). Planning to Skype? Don’t. They tell you, “Our system does not support Skype, VOIP, Remote Access and other high bandwidth programs.”

I wouldn’t plan on much live streaming.

Time to sign off and head for deck 11 – the Sun Deck. There’s a chaise lounge waiting for me with my name on it. -- Gerry