Azamara Pursuit Rio to Lisbon 3/7-23

[takemewithyou]

5 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

It was just scheduled that way. And since it was in the library at 10 am, no drinks provided 😂 . I think there were at least 25 of us though! And since boarding day was such a shambles, it was just as well that it was put off until a sea day.

I think it is much better on a sea day at 10 am than on embarkation afternoon!  You were lucky……hope it’s that way on my Pursuit cruise.

[Mackdogmolly]

5 hours ago, oddjob16 said:

Nice to meet you all. I am sure we will have plenty of time to chat during the next two weeks.😁😎

I hope so, @oddjob16. I was sorry not to get to chat with you today!

[brazilgirl]

Had coffee and pastries at the Mosaic Cafe to start the day, which was quite yummy.
 

The Meet and Mingle was very enjoyable, a pleasure to put names to faces. I personally would probably have missed it if it had been on embarkation day, as I like to get unpacked and explore the ship. Having it today was much more relaxing.

 

Warm and humid day here on the Brazilian coast. I quite enjoyed Progressive Trivia and Pub Trivia again. We had lunch in the Discoveries Restaurant which was pleasant.

 

Tonight the buffet was Asian fare, so we opted to do that rather than the Discoveries .

 

Took some photos of the buffet and such as well as the drinks included in the regular fare as sometimes people ask about this.

 

Tomorrow we will visit Salvador, Bahia and will report back on our day.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Interested whether the 'boutique [included] wine list' really continues the former practice of a regularly changing selection of two reds, two whites, one rosé and one sparkling wine each day.  [Actually I don't think the rosé and sparkling ever changed – it was the rotation of reds and whites that made the inclusive wine list worth trying.]

[Baynanno1]

Last month on Quest there were four reds and four whites available each day - no changes except when one red ran out and another replaced it.

 

[uktog]

1 hour ago, Baynanno1 said:

Last month on Quest there were four reds and four whites available each day - no changes except when one red ran out and another replaced it.

 

That was the same all last year on Journey Onward and Quest can’t speak for Pursuit 

Edited March 10, 2023 by uktog

[Mackdogmolly]

6 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Interested whether the 'boutique [included] wine list' really continues the former practice of a regularly changing selection of two reds, two whites, one rosé and one sparkling wine each day.  [Actually I don't think the rosé and sparkling ever changed – it was the rotation of reds and whites that made the inclusive wine list worth trying.]

They don’t seem to be changing , at least so far.

[uktog]

23 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

They don’t seem to be changing , at least so far.

Hasn’t been that way of switching post pandemic. In many ways having four variants each  of red and white is better and far more transparent than the old system.
 

Some used to insist on a wine from the previous day and would get it and others who politely accepted what was given and were from backgrounds where you were taught to graciously accept what you’re offered put up had a wine that they werent so keen on so having everything available all the time is much fairer.  

 

It’s also easier to avoid the “paint stripper pinotage” which a choice of 4. I’d like to see 4 named bottles not who knows what vat this came from. I’d also like wait staff trained FAR better on what wines they are serving and also not be told to tell guests an inferior wine is a better wine especially if they are on a package. 
 

My tip even though it might mean a wait the first few nights if you’re on the package ask to speak to the sommelier before ordering anything . After the first two nights the sommelier will immediately acknowledge you as you arrive and be over with suggestions very soon after. 

[asnaleah]

The wines did not change on Pursuit with the exception of the rose. I think the French rose was finished up and then was switched to another. I cannot speak to the sparkling.

[oddjob16]

We have been satisfied with the included wines. Some decent roses from Cafayate, Argentina and also a very drinkable Chardonnay from Mendoza. Tasted the standard syrah and was OK. Yet to taste the pinotage and merlot. 

They are well stocked with Whispering Angel and even have some Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc left. We are still on the fence for the Ultimate package. Wines are fine in the standard, but they haven't got decent tonics. Just Canada Dry, which is drinkable, but no favourite.

Havin a great cruise.

Edited March 10, 2023 by oddjob16

[Mackdogmolly]

1 hour ago, oddjob16 said:

We are still on the fence for the Ultimate package

I am on the fence about the Ultimate too. DH is not a wine drinker so he doesn’t care.

[Mackdogmolly]

Went on a ships excursion today, “Panaramic Salvador.” It was so so. Large, comfortable bus with about 30 passengers, but the sound system was not great. If you sat in the front, the sight lines were bad and in the rear, the sound was very spotty. We opted for the rear so at least we could see. Hard to say exactly where we went (lol), but we had a nice ice cream stop and a church stop and a kind of tacky market stop! And a fort that we couldn’t hear him identify.

[Grandma Cruising]

2 hours ago, oddjob16 said:

We have been satisfied with the included wines. Some decent roses from Cafayate, Argentina and also a very drinkable Chardonnay from Mendoza. Tasted the standard syrah and was OK. Yet to taste the pinotage and merlot. 

They are well stocked with Whispering Angel and even have some Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc left. We are still on the fence for the Ultimate package. Wines are fine in the standard, but they haven't got decent tonics. Just Canada Dry, which is drinkable, but no favourite.

Havin a great cruise.

They got some Schweppes in Rio, I managed to get it on Wednesday & yesterday

[Grandma Cruising]

We opted for the Azamara tour that included a percussion workshop. Taken in a minibus to the square at the top of the elevator, then walked gently through the old streets past some beautiful buildings to the drumming school. It was excellent. Two drummers who are, we were Tod, internationally renowned taught us a variety of rhythms on drums and a tambourine, then gave us a demo. Met the transport afterwards & went to a cafe for local snacks and a beer, Caiprianha or soft drink

 

 

 

 

 

[Baynanno1]

3 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Went on a ships excursion today, “Panaramic Salvador.” It was so so. Large, comfortable bus with about 30 passengers, but the sound system was not great. If you sat in the front, the sight lines were bad and in the rear, the sound was very spotty. We opted for the rear so at least we could see. Hard to say exactly where we went (lol), but we had a nice ice cream stop and a church stop and a kind of tacky market stop! And a fort that we couldn’t hear him identify.

 

It looks identical to the one we did in 2019 - agreed "so so" or actually disappointing, as the sculptures of the “Orixás” representing the deities of the African – Brazilian religion was advertised as a highlight, but unfortunately our viewing of these striking sculptures was through trees from inside our bus on the far side of the road as we drove past, not on foot at the water's edge as anticipated.

 

From my photos and their descriptions, the fort :

Barra Lighthouse in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil is the oldest lighthouse in the Americas and was completed in 1698, following the sinking of the Spanish Galleon Sacramento some 30 years earlier.
The Bahia Nautical Museum is housed in the complex and features crockery, cutlery and personal belongings of over 400 castaways from the Sacramento galleon.

 

Enjoy the cruise!

[Grandma Cruising]

Our percussion class is already on the drum teachers instagram page. If you want to have a look search for maestromacambira.

[brazilgirl]

Salvador greeted us with warm weather and blue skies.

 

We opted to take the provided shuttle bus to the historic district ( Pelourinho) and to walk around on our own. The bus was punctual and comfortable and the a/c kept it very cool.

 

Salvador is an explosion of color and sounds and the show of Brazil’s deep Afro-Brazilian connection. The historic district is vibrant and very easy to navigate on your own. You can watch Capoeira ( the Brazilian martial art), see the Baiana women in traditional garb, taste acarajé and listen to live music while sipping a Caipirinha or a fresh fruit juice. A visit to the São Francisco Church is also gorgeous.

 

There was an unfortunate incident. A fellow passenger had his cell phone robbed. Caution is indeed called for.

 

Back on ship, we watched a folkloric show and then were treated to a really delicious Middle Eastern dinner on Deck 9 in the pool area. It really was splendid.

 

We are still waiting to leave Salvador.

 

some photos of our day

 

[mchell810]

Thanks to all for sharing your day in Salvador. The pictures and videos are lovely. I am really enjoying following along on your cruise (especially as I am considering this trip for 2024). 

[Mackdogmolly]

Local Destination Show on the pool deck before “scheduled” sail away: Rhythms of Bahia: a Spectacular Display of Drummers and Samba Dancers.

During dinner with a very convivial group of 8 in the MDR, the captain announced that we were awaiting refueling and would probably not depart until midnight. Not sure what time we actually left because I was asleep! 
Attended “Club Crooner” in the Cabaret Lounge after dinner with the talented Signature Singers and Dancers.

 

 

[Mackdogmolly]

Seems a bit early, but we’ve already received the “mid cruise” survey.

[Mackdogmolly]

Sea day brunch with yummy mimosas!

[Mackdogmolly]

3 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

Not sure what time we actually left because I was asleep! 

My friend at brunch said she woke up at 6:00 am and we were still in port. We were scheduled to leave at 6 pm last evening. That’s a lot of lost time to cover!

[oddjob16]

We were 12 hours late out of Salvador as the fuel barge never showed up. I guess the captain has the telegraph on full forward to be in Cape Verde by thursday morning. In the tropics now. Hot and humid, but no rain yet. 

[kirtihk]

On 3/6/2023 at 2:30 PM, Grandma Cruising said:

We arrived in Rio on Saturday evening after 23 hours of travelling! No issues for us, thank goodness. Yesterday we had a great half day tour including Christ the Redeemer, a quick look at the Maracana stadium from the outside as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral. Really enjoyed it. Our guide also said that he could get us tickets to a game at the Maracana stadium later that day with the services of a guide and transport there and back. We took him up on his offer. It was terrific being with about 70,000 Brazilian fans. The atmosphere was wonderful - it was a game between 2 top sides both based in Rio - what an experience.

 

Ipanema beach at 7am yesterday morning.

It was very crowded at the top.

 

View from the top.

Inside the Metropolitan Cathedral.

 

Selaron steps

Some of the wonderful art work in a little street close to the Selaron steps.

 

At the Maracana 

Nice! The beach picture is exactly where we will stay across this Thursday prior to our 12-day Amazon River on Seabourn Venture cruise.  And we will be on Pursuit on the 16-day Norwegian cruise starting in June. 

Edited March 11, 2023 by kirtihk

[brazilgirl]

Sea Day:

 

What gorgeous blue skies and sea we have had today.

We ended up leaving Salvador at around 6:20 am this morning instead of 6 pm last night, the longest delay we have had in our cruising history. There was some kind of fueling mix up, which was mysterious. But, we are on the way ( seems the Captain is putting his foot to the pedal).

 

There was a delicious brunch with live music this morning. I loved the waffles with blueberries and whipped cream. Yum.

 

Progressive trivia is very fun and I am really enjoying it. We also used the onboard laundry, which was convenient. The show in the Cabaret Lounge was two women with powerhouse voices, which we enjoyed.

 

This is our first cruise on Azamara. We have sailed Celebrity, HAL, Crystal before ( as well as a few other cruise-lines). Here are some general comments and thoughts 

 

Things I love so far;

 

Fellow passengers are by far the friendliest I have met on any cruise-line. Approachable and well traveled and eager to interact would be my description. It makes the atmosphere rather like a big house party, which is great

 

Service is attentive and professional and friendly all over the ship. It is very quick as well which is appreciated.

 

The food in the Discoveries Restaurant is lovely. The fish dishes are outstanding. 

 

I really loved the Middle Eastern dinner on the pool deck. Delicious and vibrant. A really great atmosphere.

 

Ship is extremely well maintained overall with soothing decor and nice artwork

 

Things I don’t love as much :

 

Surprisingly, the Windows Café has not been as yummy as I expected. I feel underwhelmed by the food there. However, the service is excellent. I think my biggest issue is the green salad offerings. Could be better.

 

Our ship is sailing at full capacity and it has been hard to find a place to sit at certain hours. That is understandable and it is only at certain peak times.

 

The outdoor furniture on the deck and our balcony could be touched up, lots of wear and tear apparent ( but this does not detract from the cruise at all)

 

Husband thinks the gym could be bigger

 

Overall, things have been extremely enjoyable and we are having a grand time.