Cruise of a Lifetime ... the beginning 3/10-3/11

We arrive early for a midday flight from SeaTac, the four of us are ready to go. We have known Nikki & Darrel for over 30 years (OMG, we are old!), Nikki introduced me to John. I'm so happy we decided to do this cruise together.

It was an uneventful journey and we arrive in Miami close to midnight. Wake up to lovely, sunny skies - this was our view from our hotel room (obviously close to the airport).

We then headed to the lobby with our luggage, only to find a nice, long line for the bus transport to the ship (ugh). Seems like there should be a better system, but finally we are on our way to the cruise terminal.




There is our ship, the Azamara Journey!!

Embarkation was a breeze, and soon we were up on the aft deck, enjoying a lovely buffet lunch and martini's with Nikki & Darrel.

After lunch we headed to our rooms to unpack, and prepare for the mandatory emergency evacuation drill. Nice thing about Azamara, they don't make you put the life preservers on.

Then it's time to sail ... 5pm!!! We went back up to the pool deck for the party, and more drinks ... we weren't alone in that idea, based in the line at the bar, hehehe.


Music was playing, the sun was setting and the mood was festive as we said Bon Voyage to Miami. We left with 3 other cruise ships, what a parade we made.


We headed up to the Looking Glass Lounge for a Mix and Mingle cocktail party to meet the officers and others from Cruise Critic message board. We arrived late, most of the appetizers were gone and everyone seemed glued to their chairs. Not too much mingling, lol. Although we did meet a few officers and John enjoyed talking shop with them. We didn't stay long, we wandered over to the Windows Cafe (the buffet) to see what was being served that night (even though we had dinner reservations in the main dining room at 8:15pm). Was thrilled to see stir-fry lobster tails and sushi ... John loves sushi and we both enjoyed the lobster as our appetizers while enjoying drinks on the aft/sunset bar.
Soon it was time for dinner, our first one in the Discovery Dining Room. Oh, how lovely! And the food was amazing ... shrimp appetizer, french onion soup, beef tenderloin, and NY cheesecake. Superb!! No wonder people gain a pound a day on cruises, lol.

After dinner we walked around for a bit, finding out where things were on the ship ... ended up in the casino and left a little money behind. Didn't stay too long, I was tired and needed my beauty rest *wink*

Sea Days 3/12-13

So, we had two days at sea before our first port. It was lovely not having much to do besides explore the ship, enjoy fabulous meals and lay by the pool in the sun. Heaven!

First day we were up early, walked the 5 flights of stairs to the gym (oh my, that was a workout by itself!) and enjoyed a lovely (?) 30 minutes on the eliptical. Let me tell you, it's interesting trying to do that on a moving ship! I have to admit to feeling a little queasy.
Then we went to the Windows Cafe for breakfast - discovered made to order omelets ... that's what I'll be having every morning! It was very windy, and we braved the cooler temps and ate at a table outside by ourselves. My only complaint is that it takes too long for them to bring me coffee!! We then changed into our swimsuits and found chairs by the pool. Several Bloody Mary's later we were having a grand time. Lunch was at the pool grill - bacon cheeseburgers that were to die for, yummmy!!!


Around 4pm we headed to our stateroom to shower/nap before meeting Darrel and Nikki for dinner in Discoveries - but of course martinis first in the martini lounge *wink*

By the time we got seated in the dining room it was fairly busy and we were at a table with an elderly couple from St. Louis. They had cruised with Azamara several times before and told us we were in for a great treat. However, service that evening was extremely slow, I think it's because with the 'open-dining' system everyone comes at the same time and they can't handle the load. Journey is a smaller ship, only 698 passengers - but if everyone wants to eat at the same time, it can be an issue. Our gumbo arrived cold, so we sent it back. But my fire-cracked shrimp and prime rib was amazing, although the mashed potatoes were also cold. By that time we had been there almost 2 hours and I didn't want to send anything back, I wanted to be done! The ship was starting to bounce a bit more than earlier in the day, and Nikki had to excuse herself as she was feeling sick. Poor thing! Thankfully, I felt no ill-effects and enjoyed more cheesecake for dessert. We then went to the Cabaret Lounge for the show - That's Hollywood. I love musicals, so it was right up my alley. And the musicians were so talented, we enjoyed it so much!




Next day was basically a repeat, except we ate our omelet before working out. Coffee service still poor, it has me upset. I saw them serve every table around us, but never asked if we wanted any. So quick to take away our plates, but so slow asking if we need anything. I started to think it was just me, I must look too mean to approach, lol. Thankfully, there is a coffee bar on the ship, so after a few attempts (language issues) they figured out how to make me my perfect coffee ... cappuccino with Baileys.



Since I'd had a bit too much sun the day before, we spent a fair amount of our day on Deck 5, which was fairly deserted. It was the best seat in the house, a lovely breeze and a front row seat to the ocean. What a perfect place to enjoy a book.

We met Nikki & Darrel again for martinis before dinner ... this time Nikki was feeling much better and we thoroughly enjoyed filet mignon and lobster for dinner. And tiramasu for dessert - heavenly. Nikki seemed to think John's lobster was bigger than hers! LOL. My pictures do not do it justice, it was so pretty on the plate. And tasted delicious!


After dinner we went to the casino to watch Nikki play in a poker tournament (she almost won!) and then we headed to the top deck and the Looking Glass Lounge for music/dancing. Ray and Carla were the entertainment, and they were on a break so we ended up talking to Carla for a while. They lived in Shelton a few years ago, and also worked on an Alaska cruise ship out of Seattle. The lounge is quite lovely, the glass art behind the bar is amazing.

Soon it was time for bed ... tomorrow was our first port and I was anxious to get off the ship! LOL

Land ho! St John 3/14

So, after two days at sea ... we were ready to get off the ship. We awoke to see St. John, USVI outside our window, and the tenders being lowered to take us to shore. Weather appeared overcast/rainy, but thankfully it was much better by the time we got outside.

We ordered room service that morning - I think I might have found a solution to getting coffee in the morning! It arrived on time, hot with a fabulous breakfast. I could get used to this!

Getting off the ship wasn't much fun - everyone was anxious and started lining up in the narrow hallway/stairway. I got claustrophobic and overheated, had to get out of there and move to a more open space. We were late getting to port, and even though we had planned on getting off an hour after the masses, we obviously didn't time it right. But we did eventually make it off and tendered into lovely Cruz Bay.

We took a cab to Trunk Bay ... at $6/person and 24 per cab ... they do make money off tourists!


The driver did stop at a few lookout points for photos - so, so pretty!!!

Finally - Trunk Bay .... GORGEOUS!



It cost $4 to enter the area, and I had been warned it gets very crowded. I'm guessing whoever said that hasn't been to Waikiki beach, lol. I thought it was lovely, not too crowded at all. I was so excited to snorkel, as they supposedly had this amazing underwater trail to follow. Well, I was disappointed. The water was clear, but there weren't many fish or coral to look at. John was having issues with his mask, and his hip was bothering him. Nikki & Darrel aren't strong swimmers, so they didn't even want to attempt. I still loved it, even if I only swam for about an hour. I could have been out in the water all day! After about 4 hours we called it a day and headed back to the ship.

But first a stop at Mongoose Junction (a shopping area) to buy $18 sunscreen (!) and a $22 visor (!) (my poor nose was so burnt, even with tons of sunscreen - it needed shade, lol).


Back on ship, we enjoyed a lovely cheeseburger by the pool as it was the only option for food as the buffet and dining room were in-between meal service. And we were starving, all that swimming worked up an appetite!

Dinner was in Discovery Dining Room, with Nathalie, the cruise sales officer, and 3 other couples. We aren't quite sure how we got this special invitation, but we had met her at the Mix n' Mingle party the first night on ship so perhaps she remembered us from then. There was one couple from Vancouver, BC - one from Denver - and one from New Hampshire. Dinner was shrimp cocktail, pumpkin bisque soup, swordfish and creme brulee - fabulous!! Service was impeccable, as you would expect when dining with an officer. After dinner we went to the show - a very funny comedian/impressionist, Joey Van - hilarious. Met up with Nikki & Darrel for a little time in the casino, then in bed before midnight. I am sleeping so nicely - the bed is awesome and the rocking of the ship makes me sleep like a baby!