Live from the Quest - May 29 - June 9

[Spursgirl]

Unusually I embarked the Quest on Monday with a tiny bit of trepidation. When I started cruising with Azamara all my cruises were on Quest and I had loved them all. For the last 3 years purely because of the itineraries my cruises had been on Journey and of course they had been equally enjoyable.

 

But Quest was my first love and I so wanted it to be as I remembered, and I can report so far so good.

 

Embarkation in Nice was as easy as always and it wasn't long before we were sitting outside at Windows Cafe having lunch with lovely friends we had met on a previous cruise.

 

I was surprised how many familiar faces there were among the crew including the ever smiling Ruby and pianist Max and we felt completely at home before we had completed the unpacking.

 

The Cruise Critic party in the Cabaret Lounge was well attended and it was nice putting faces to names we had been communicating with on our roll call.

 

We had dinner in the MDR on embarkation night and very good it was too - a very well cooked Filet Mignon and one of my favourite puddings, Profiteroles.

 

We missed the introductory show but listened to Max, the pianist for a while before we had what for us was quite an early night.

 

Our first port of call was Monte Carlo and we thought we might take the bus to Menton. However things were a little chaotic because the stands from the Grand Prix had not yet been dismantled so we took the Hop on Hop Off bus instead. We didn't do much Hopping Off because we both know Monte Carlo fairly well. We did make an exception for Casino Square where we whiled away a very pleasant couple of hours at Cafe de Paris people watching and drinking cocktails. Hard work I know but someone's got to do it.

 

Dinner was in Aqualina where we enjoyed a lovely meal. Special thanks go to Chef Fabio for making Lottie A her favourite Goats Cheese Soufflé and me my adored Chocolate Lava Cake even though both dishes are no longer on the menu. I love how Azamara do their utmost to fulfill special requests. They really much prefer saying yes than no.

 

Today we were in Livorno where we took a private tour to San Gimignano and Lucca with our friends, Mrs Miggins and husband, Mike and Sundance Dublin Queen and her sister Ann. While it was a rather hectic day, we all enjoyed it, the Tuscan countryside being as beautiful as ever.

 

Dinner tonight was in The Patio and I must confess that again it rather disappointed me, the service was rather patchy though I thought the food had improved a notch.

 

Tony Markey and his wife, Christine did their Inseparables show tonight which I along with the very large audience really enjoyed. Tony and Chrisine are very talented and we all enjoyed the costume changes, Tony in his red sequinned coat and Christine in her bath robe among the most notable.

 

The evening ended in the Living Room which was very well attended because it was Abba Night. A good bop certainly helps to get rid of all the extra calories.

 

More soon.

[workingtocruise-59]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post from your cruise..I never manage it!

You are, of course, very fortunate to have Fabio and Tony on board.

We are hoping to go to Menton ( from Monte Carlo) when on Quest in October - it is a such a lovely place to wander around.

Quest was also my "first love" and I still remember the trepidation I felt when booking Journey for the first time. However, once on board I enjoyed myself so much that I completely forgot that I wasn't on my "favourite" ship. (Though, of course, Quest will always hold a special place in my heart!)

Abba Night is always popular on Azamara and, indeed, on our most recent cruise was the only night where we didn't "close the bar".

Looking forward to further updates....

[easyboy]

Thank you for checking in. Sounds you're having fun.

I enjoying reading accounts on the Quest as it is one among ships we are choosing for our 2018 or 2019 cruise plans.

Looking forward to your updates.

 

 

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[tango9]

Thanks so much, Spursgirl!! Sounds like a wonderful time.

I can't believe that they took off Goat Cheese Souffle and Chocolate Lava Cake from the menu. My favorites too.

Any good replacements?

[AnnetteSC]

Thank you so much for sharing! We'll be on the Quest in 12 days! It's our first ever AZ cruise and can't wait! :)

[ellbon]

Hazel

 

I really was disappointed in the patio. The fish was bland and the baked pototonwas not cooked, no stsfff member suggested to go to the buffet for a ststter as I am bit in love with the starter.

 

JR was my first ship. Now I can say I spent more time in Quest. Sounds like you never sailed with Jose. We are lucky to have four great captains.

[marinaro44]

Thanks so much, Spursgirl!! Sounds like a wonderful time.

I can't believe that they took off Goat Cheese Souffle and Chocolate Lava Cake from the menu. My favorites too.

Any good replacements?

We were told on Quest that a new menu will be coming to Prime C this summer. And a new breakfast menu was introduced in Discoveries on the May 13 cruise, including middle east and far east offerings in addition to the standard breakfast stuff. A chef now carves fresh fruit at breakfast as has been done at the jazz brunch, etc.

[TrulyBlonde]

Thank you for posting. We had a very enjoyable cruise on Quest enjoying the Dalmatian coast a few weeks ago.

 

We were upgraded to the Owners Suite on Deck 6 and it was spacious and lovely. The new decor is current and very comfortable and loved the very spacious aft deck. The bathroom could use some storage and after cruising in the OS on another R ship, we missed having the 2 bathrooms. Storage in bedroom made up for the lack of it in the bathroom.

 

We tend to like dining al fresco when weather permits, so many evening we enjoyed the Windows Cafe vs Specialities etc. Although we could dine in the Specialites every evening, we preferred being outdoors and when chilly, under the heaters.

 

While sipping my Rose at the outside bar at Windows, we enjoyed Alden, the Jamaican bartender very much. Always prompt with our wines and served with a smile.

I did ask him if he knew Lottie A because I like her on CC and wanted to somehow say hello thru that introduction. He was not sure, so please ask Alden about the lady with long blonde hair that drinks Rose and introduce yourselves. DH bought the package for the Chardonnay because he preferred this wine over what was offered for free. I think Alden will remember us.

 

Enjoy and have fun! We did.

[uktog]

Glad it is going so well.

 

The Patio food the last few weeks on Journey was really good apart from the desserts which we have always found a weakness, but we just pop through to the buffet and have something from there. Yes we have had spotty service sometimes, it all just depends on the waiter but again on Journey we struck very lucky this time. Most of the waiters on the Patio are usually assistants they are developing with a view to being waiters so any feedback good or otherwise is always welcome by the supervisors. Where it is less good it is not about putting down the individual more that the training plan they are still working on needs tweaking.

 

Do keep on enjoying your trip, Journey was great for us I have just done a quick review on the board

[comas]

Hi, we are on this cruise too and have just dined in Aqualina. It was possibly the most enjoyable meal we have ever had on any cruise ship.

Well done to all those who were involved!

Looking forward to our visit next week.

 

Ann & Paul.

 

 

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[Spursgirl]

Thanks so much, Spursgirl!! Sounds like a wonderful time.

I can't believe that they took off Goat Cheese Souffle and Chocolate Lava Cake from the menu. My favorites too.

Any good replacements?

 

Hello Cheryl, how are you?

 

The Limoncello soufflé got the thumbs up from my friends

[Spursgirl]

We were told on Quest that a new menu will be coming to Prime C this summer. And a new breakfast menu was introduced in Discoveries on the May 13 cruise, including middle east and far east offerings in addition to the standard breakfast stuff. A chef now carves fresh fruit at breakfast as has been done at the jazz brunch, etc.

 

There is indeed a new breakfast menu with some very interesting choices. Haven't see a chef carving fresh fruit though

[Spursgirl]

Thank you for posting. We had a very enjoyable cruise on Quest enjoying the Dalmatian coast a few weeks ago.

 

We were upgraded to the Owners Suite on Deck 6 and it was spacious and lovely. The new decor is current and very comfortable and loved the very spacious aft deck. The bathroom could use some storage and after cruising in the OS on another R ship, we missed having the 2 bathrooms. Storage in bedroom made up for the lack of it in the bathroom.

 

We tend to like dining al fresco when weather permits, so many evening we enjoyed the Windows Cafe vs Specialities etc. Although we could dine in the Specialites every evening, we preferred being outdoors and when chilly, under the heaters.

 

While sipping my Rose at the outside bar at Windows, we enjoyed Alden, the Jamaican bartender very much. Always prompt with our wines and served with a smile.

I did ask him if he knew Lottie A because I like her on CC and wanted to somehow say hello thru that introduction. He was not sure, so please ask Alden about the lady with long blonde hair that drinks Rose and introduce yourselves. DH bought the package for the Chardonnay because he preferred this wine over what was offered for free. I think Alden will remember us.

 

Enjoy and have fun! We did.

 

We have indeed come across Alden, portofinoitaly. He is our new best friend. On this cruise he is working at the Pool Bar during the day and at the Prime C bar where we usually see him in the evening. Apart from being friendly and helpful he sure can mix a mean cocktail

[Lottie A]

Hazel and I, with our two friends, have just had another magnificent meal at Prime C and we were so complimentary to the pastry chef that the head chef brought him out to receive our thanks. He was so sweet and looked rather embarrassed but it was nice to thank him in person for his wonderful desserts.

 

Portofino, the wonderful Alden is now working at Prime C bar and busy making cocktails for us. We have introduced him to a Valencia, which he did perfectly and tomorrow he is going to give us his own cocktail that he invented. I think it may contain Myer's rum! He is a lovely man.

 

It was Latin night at the Living Room and a certain Brazilian DJ was throwing some great moves on the dance floor...he sure can dance!

 

Sorrento tomorrow and Chef Fabio is doing Italian Night buffet on deck. He is promising delicious Italian food plus the Italian tenor show which was spectacularly good last August. The weather will be perfect for it.

 

So far the cruise has been wonderful and our little gang are having heaps of fun....and doing rather well at the Trivia. 😄

[tango9]

Hi, Hazel!! and hi to Lottie, too! Long time , but we keep up on these boards. I so enjoy reading your descriptions and adventures. Are you sailing to Barcelona this trip? And getting licorice! I think that was in Barcelona. I was on the Quest in November and had two great meals at Prime C. We all shared many desserts there. I will have to try the Limincello souffle.

I will be on Journey on June 14, sailing out of Lisbon. with the same ladies you met with me ( Liz, Babe and Vickie) You are getting me ready for my next Azamara adventure.

Enjoy the rest of your trip and I look forward to more posts

 

Cheryl

[marinaro44]

There is indeed a new breakfast menu with some very interesting choices. Haven't see a chef carving fresh fruit though

She was stationed straight ahead at the end of the aisleway walking into Discoveries, where you have to turn right or left.. Our waiter wanted to go and get the fruit for us but I wanted to choose the fruit myself. Perhaps so few chose to do this that they now do it in the galley. If so, too bad. I like seeing what looks ripe.

 

Edit: Menu description reads "Selection of A la Minute sliced Seasonal Fruits & Berries with Cottage Cheese or Yogurt." Interpret "A la Minute" as you will.

Edited June 2, 2017 by marinaro44

[Spursgirl]

Hi, Hazel!! and hi to Lottie, too! Long time , but we keep up on these boards. I so enjoy reading your descriptions and adventures. Are you sailing to Barcelona this trip? And getting licorice! I think that was in Barcelona. I was on the Quest in November and had two great meals at Prime C. We all shared many desserts there. I will have to try the Limincello souffle.

I will be on Journey on June 14, sailing out of Lisbon. with the same ladies you met with me ( Liz, Babe and Vickie) You are getting me ready for my next Azamara adventure.

Enjoy the rest of your trip and I look forward to more posts

 

Cheryl

 

Cheryl,

 

You have a great memory, you remember how much we both love Barcelona. In fact, I was there two weeks ago for a short trip just to aid their economy you understand.

 

We had a very late itinerary change and some on our roll call were very disappointed. Due to a snap election in Malta it was decided to drop this location from our cruise and substitute it with an overnight and second day in Barcelona. Lottie A and I were also crying but with happiness! And yes, industrial quantities of liquorice will be purchased there.

 

Give my love to your friends. You were all such fun.

[Spursgirl]

She was stationed straight ahead at the end of the aisleway walking into Discoveries, where you have to turn right or left.. Our waiter wanted to go and get the fruit for us but I wanted to choose the fruit myself. Perhaps so few chose to do this that they now do it in the galley. If so, too bad. I like seeing what looks ripe.

 

Edit: Menu description reads "Selection of A la Minute sliced Seasonal Fruits & Berries with Cottage Cheese or Yogurt." Interpret "A la Minute" as you will.

 

I think you are right Marinaro and that the seasonal fruit plate is now prepared in the galley. Lottie A has had it a couple of times and it has looked delicious.

[Spursgirl]

I love Italy!

 

Yesterday we were in Civitavecchia and many guests obviously chose to visit Rome..

We decided to forgo those pleasures for a visit to Civi market. It used to be so easy to get there when the free port shuttle dropped guests at the port gate. Now however we are taken to the coach station a good 25-30 minute walk away. The tourist lady there though pointed us towards the local orange bus which goes to the station and told us to get off at the Cathedral (cost €2) the mere fact it didn't stop there didn't deter us as we were girls on a mission and we were soon in scarves and bracelets heaven.

 

After making many purchases we set off to search for the orange bus stop for the return journey to the coach park. Yesterday was the hottest day of our trip so far, and we hankered for the air conditioned embrace of Mother Azamara. I spotted a parked police car and decided to ask the policeman if they could direct us to a taxi rank. He looked rather quizzical possibly because there may not be a taxi rank in Civi. However he said he would call a taxi for us, pointed to a bar 10 yards away and said it would be with us in 1 minute. It was and we were back at the ship in a few minutes. Our hero!

 

Today we are in lovely Sorrento for doubtless more adventures and fun.

 

Not much is going to be said about the trivia except to say we currently hold a 100% record. We have very talented team mates but are starting to get black looks from other more competitive guests. Our goal is to get enough points so that Mrs Miggins can take an umbrella home with her but have made a team decision to do other things for the next couple of days.

[AnnetteSC]

I love Italy!

 

Yesterday we were in Civitavecchia and many guests obviously chose to visit Rome..

We decided to forgo those pleasures for a visit to Civi market. It used to be so easy to get there when the free port shuttle dropped guests at the port gate. Now however we are taken to the coach station a good 25-30 minute walk away. The tourist lady there though pointed us towards the local orange bus which goes to the station and told us to get off at the Cathedral (cost €2) the mere fact it didn't stop there didn't deter us as we were girls on a mission and we were soon in scarves and bracelets heaven.

 

After making many purchases we set off to search for the orange bus stop for the return journey to the coach park. Yesterday was the hottest day of our trip so far, and we hankered for the air conditioned embrace of Mother Azamara. I spotted a parked police car and decided to ask the policeman if they could direct us to a taxi rank. He looked rather quizzical possibly because there may not be a taxi rank in Civi. However he said he would call a taxi for us, pointed to a bar 10 yards away and said it would be with us in 1 minute. It was and we were back at the ship in a few minutes. Our hero!

 

Today we are in lovely Sorrento for doubtless more adventures and fun.

 

Not much is going to be said about the trivia except to say we currently hold a 100% record. We have very talented team mates but are starting to get black looks from other more competitive guests. Our goal is to get enough points so that Mrs Miggins can take an umbrella home with her but have made a team decision to do other things for the next couple of days.

 

Thanks for the live trip report! Is it already that hot in Italy? I know the weather has been unpredictable there but was not expecting that it would be that hot end of May/beginning of June. We will be on the Quest for the June 12 cruise and am packing already. After this info, I'll pack more light clothes! :)

[Spursgirl]

She was stationed straight ahead at the end of the aisleway walking into Discoveries, where you have to turn right or left.. Our waiter wanted to go and get the fruit for us but I wanted to choose the fruit myself. Perhaps so few chose to do this that they now do it in the galley. If so, too bad. I like seeing what looks ripe.

 

Edit: Menu description reads "Selection of A la Minute sliced Seasonal Fruits & Berries with Cottage Cheese or Yogurt." Interpret "A la Minute" as you will.

 

Apologies Marinaro, there was someone carving fruit this morning. Perhaps I was half asleep and didn't notice it before

[Spursgirl]

Thanks for the live trip report! Is it already that hot in Italy? I know the weather has been unpredictable there but was not expecting that it would be that hot end of May/beginning of June. We will be on the Quest for the June 12 cruise and am packing already. After this info, I'll pack more light clothes! :)

 

Think temperatures yesterday were in the low 80's - a little cooler today.

 

We were in Italy at the end of last June when the weather was unbearably hot

[marinaro44]

Apologies Marinaro, there was someone carving fruit this morning. Perhaps I was half asleep and didn't notice it before

No problem. Glad to hear that. Half-sleeping on vacation is perfectly acceptable.

[upwarduk]

Thanks for the live trip report! Is it already that hot in Italy? I know the weather has been unpredictable there but was not expecting that it would be that hot end of May/beginning of June. We will be on the Quest for the June 12 cruise and am packing already. After this info, I'll pack more light clothes! :)

 

We were recently in Rome, Florence and Portofino and the weather was wonderfully hot. It became cooler when we called into Marseille and Gibraltar. Apparently they are know to have poorer Spring weather than Italy. We were lucky that we didn't get any rain.

[excitedofharpenden]

Hey Hazel! Greetings from Journey. We passed as ships in the night last night. You from Sorrento on the way to Giardini Naxos and us from Giardini Naxos to Sorrento. Stromboli put on a show for us as we passed.

 

I've been very impressed with The Patio on Journey, but you are right. They should make the buffet suggestion. I know the drill now so always go there for salad and/or dessert.

 

Will see you in Barcelona on the 7th when the two ships finally meet. I'm continuing on to Lisbon now. Don't want to get off!