Why I Chose the Azamara Pursuit

I am the vacation planner in our household. My husband has no real interest in where we go…he just happily tags along.  I have to say, I like it that way! Last week we were chatting about our upcoming cruise aboard the Azamara Pursuit and he asked, “With all the different ships and itineraries that are available, what made you pick the Azamara Pursuit for this cruise vacation?”  Here are my top reasons.

There will be under 800 guests aboard the Pursuit and these days a smaller ship really appeals to me. I was aboard the Pursuit last year with girlfriends and I have to say that cruising aboard a small ship creates a sense of camaraderie with the other passengers that you won’t find on larger ships. It’s a warm and friendly environment and it was so easy to meet people and become friendly fast. There are multiple public spaces with comfortable conversation areas in which people gather for pre-dinner cocktails or after- dinner cordials. I look forward to us spending evenings chatting with travelers from all over the world and sharing stories of exotic ports and exciting adventures!

Surviving the Long Flight to Your Cruise

Cruising around Europe is my favorite type of cruising!  I try to plan a cruise to the Mediterranean or to Northern Europe every year.  In two weeks hubby and I head out for a cruise on the Azamara Pursuit (reports to follow when I return) and I am beyond excited! What I’m not looking forward to is that nine hour flight to Athens. Here’s some helpful hints I’ve gathered to minimize the discomfort of a long flight.

Wear something comfortable: 

For me that will be a dark rinse, looser fitting pair of jeans or joggers, a t-shirt and a cashmere cardigan. I will have a light-weight, soft scarf in my tote for extra warmth or to roll up as a pillow. Once I’m seated I will swap out my shoes for a pair of compression socks.  I wear them to keep my feet warm and to decrease the risk of blood clots.   I’m aiming for comfy chic here and I don’t want to look like a wrinkled mess after hours of squirming in my seat trying to catch a bit of sleep.

Two Perfect Days at CocoCay?

Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? RoyalCaribbean doesn’t think so.  The cruise line announced it is adding second call to Perfect Day at CocoCay on nearly 40 sailings, saying that's what people are asking for.  I’m not surprised since those stops at a cruise lines private island have always been a cruiser’s favorite port-of-call.

Royal Caribbean has revealed new, four-night itineraries that now offer two visits to the private island. Itineraries include nearly 40 sailings beginning Sept. 30, 2019 aboard the Navigator and Mariner of the Seas.

Cruising With John Heald

Did I hear somebody ask, “Who is John Heald?”  If you are a loyal cruiser with Carnival Cruise Line then I’m sure you know John!  But if you haven’t sailed with Carnival Cruise Line (and dare I say you are certainly missing out on a great deal of fun), let me fill you in a bit. 

Today John Heald is the Brand Ambassador and senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Lines as well as a blogger for the cruise line.  However, he actually began his career with Carnival in 1989 in the Food and Beverage Department! It became pretty obvious early on that this is not where John’s talents lie and in 1990 he became a Carnival cruise director. By 2004 he was named the senior cruise director of Carnival.

Making the Most of Embarkation Day

People often ask the Direct Line Cruises'  consultants what time they should get to the port on embarkation day.  They unanimously answer, “As early as possible! Arrive by noon to settle in and enjoy lunch onboard!”  Its good advice that I, myself follow…sometimes!  If I’m cruising out of a U.S. port, particularly one that’s driving distance from my home, I often arrive at the pier by noon.  However, if the ship is leaving from a foreign port, I rarely arrive before the mandatory time that the cruise line requires for guests to check-in.

At a minimum, I land in a overseas port the day before sailing.  When there are so few hours in a foreign port it’s important to make the most of every minute. I check into my hotel and then “hit the ground running, trying to see and experience as much as I can without it feeling too crazy.  Then after a good night sleep I’m ready to head out again bright and early.