Why You Should Cruise Azamara Now

Friday, June, 13, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Given the skewed the valuation between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, it's unusual to hear the words "Europe" and "good value" mentioned in the same sentence. But those words were in frequent use on a recent 14-night Mediterranean cruise on Azamara Quest. The reason was twofold: First, a cruise represents [...]

Menorca, Spain

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

A video snapshot of Azamara Quest's first port call in Menorca, Spain.

A 30-Second Break From Real Life

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Hear the sounds of the Mediterranean from the balcony of stateroom 8069 on Azamara Quest.

Tunis, Tunisia

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Tunis, Tunisia, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. The view from my balcony while docked in Tunis may not be the most picturesque port this ship has seen, but the distant mountains are beautiful as the sun sets, and the capital city itself was full of beauty and surprises on Azamara's first [...]

From The Bridge

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Departing Barcelona with Captain Theodore Mitropoulos on Azamara Quest

Dining At Prime C

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

In 2007, Celebrity Cruises tapped Las Vegas-based culinary consultants Blau & Associates to work with the Celebrity and Azamara fleets. Elizabeth Blau and her team are credited with helping transform Las Vegas into the culinary destination that it is today. My first dining experience aboard Azamara Quest was at Prime C. [...]

Barcelona

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Barcelona, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. Azamara Quest is nicely positioned in Barcelona, docked beside the World Trade Center. In the accompanying photo, taken from the al fresco section of the Windows Cafe, you can (barely) make out the Columbus monument, which marks one end of Las Ramblas, the famous, broad tree-lined [...]

Mosaic Cafe

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Mosaic Cafe, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. Azamara Quest's Mosaic Cafe is where Starbucks meet the sea. Well, not quite, but this cozy cafe on deck 5 serves up the goodies, such as cafe latte, cappucino and Americano (a tad pricey at $4 plus 18 percent gratuity). You could pay less ashore in [...]

Sweet Life: Azamara Quest’s Sky Suite 8069

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

All staterooms on the 694-passenger Azamara Quest (and on sister ship Azamara Journey) feature butler service and upgraded amenities such as European bedding with duvet and pillow-top mattress; 100 percent Egyptian-cotton bathrobes; umbrella; binoculars; bottled Evian water; welcome fruit basket; fresh-cut flowers; pillow menu and more. Suites come with all of [...]

Dining Destinations At Sea

Wednesday, April, 23, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

As new ships launch this spring, summer and fall, the trend continues to turn cruise ship food outlets into dining destinations. Spa Dining -- Both Celebrity and Carnival will feature optional 'spa cuisine' on their newest ships. Celebrity will do so in Blu, a 130-seat restaurant where dining is complimentary [...]

Dining Destinations At Sea

Wednesday, February, 13, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

In 2008, the trend continues to turn cruise ships into dining destinations. Here are some of the latest trends and developments. World-class master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu"Matsuhisa (pictured) will travel aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony this spring to officiate the opening of two new restaurants. Silk Road and [...]

Cruising Into 2008

Wednesday, February, 6, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

From overland odysseys to the Himalayas to the icy realms of Antarctica, cruising in 2008 not only will cover the globe but also will offer a variety of experiences never before available from -- or on -- a cruise ship. Here are some of the highlights. [...]

‘Quest’ For Perfection

Thursday, October, 25, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

MIAMI - Following the introduction of its first ship Azamara Journey this past May, Azamara Cruises strives to get it right with the launch of its second ship this week in Miami. I'll be reporting on my experience aboard the newly revitalized Azamara Quest, but I also [...]