Springtime Wonders on the Azamara Pursuit

Boarding in Athens and disembarking in Venice, it is an opportunity to visit these two beautiful cities. Azamara offers a pre-and post-cruise option, but this can also be done on your own. The boarding procedure in Athens is very efficient. As soon as you arrive with the taxi at the designated location at the port of Piraeus, a representative will be there to collect and tag your luggage. They go with you to check in and a quick bus ride to the ship. In all, it must have taken 15 minutes.

My cabin was ocean view and spacious with a sitting area, enough closet space and storage for the suitcase. I enjoyed the window-box-like seating area by the porthole window, which was a very good size, to enjoy the view. Or sit and read a book or write in my journal. The bedding was very comfortable and the bathroom amenities were plenty.

There are so many common areas to choose from, that you never feel like there are 700 passengers aboard. From the lounge to the library, the card room, café, corner, pool deck, running deck, spa, seven restaurants etc..There is something for everyone and the atmosphere stays intimate.

The entertainment onboard is of a good variety and the crew are true professionals. Starting at 5 pm and ending around midnight, live music of different genres and performances could be found throughout the ship on different locations. They are not happening simultaneously, so when one ends, you could go to the next one or take a break. Fitness classes, trivia games, lectures on different topics are offered daily early afternoon. Although there were some children onboard and several multigenerational families, this is not a cruise that will cater to small children as there are no kid clubs.

The dining options are varied with specialty dining and international offerings with themes that change daily at the main restaurant buffet. The quality was good. The staff is very friendly and attentive to the guests, remembering how you liked your morning coffee or evening cocktail.

The highlight of the 10-day cruise with Azamara is the White Night, which I highly recommend. On this particular cruise, it was the day we anchored in the bay of Kotor, Montenegro. What a spectacular scenery and backdrop for this special event! The pool deck and all upper decks are set up with tables of various sizes, a delicious buffet is offered and live music plays throughout the night. All passengers are encouraged to wear white, but it is optional, of course.

Before the festivities start, the entire crew, holding their respective nations flags, parade on the decks and receive standing ovations from all passengers. They truly do an amazing job and make this experience memorable.

The shore excursions have different activity levels, strenuous, moderate and mild, and are well-organized. Keep in mind they are not included and should be booked in advance. There is always a free shuttle into town when needed should you want to explore on your own or hire tours independently. At some ports of call, you just walk off the ship or the tender and the city is a few minutes walking distance.

On this voyage our ports of call were Athens, Mykonos, Chania, Olympia, Zakynthos, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Sibenik, Zadar and Venice. Each destination is rich in culture as well as options for adventure seekers or beach goers.

I recommend the Springtime Wonders itinerary because it offers an exceptional combination of scenic beauty, cultural richness and immersive experiences during one of the best times of the year to visit Europe. Azamara caters to couples, friends, multigenerational families. There is truly something for everyone at their own pace.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Venice. In need of further inspiration? Check out Alyssa Cohen’s guide, All You Need for A Visit to Venice, Italy.