Exceptional experience!

Azamara Onward Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 50

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Verified Review
Azamara Onward

11 Night Greece Intensive (Athens Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 11, 2023

Ship: Azamara Onward

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7024

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Azamara provided a wonderful experience for our family which we'll be talking about until our next cruise. This was our first Azamara experience and we were pleasantly surprised. We can't wait to sail with them again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Hassle free!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Excellent food, exceptional service.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Best suited for 40+

Entertainment

3 out of 5
They work hard, but this needs some work.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Outstanding!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Very clean. Easy to move around the ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Small but comfortable. Very clean.

Ship tip

Don't underestimate them. This was our first Azamara, 20th cruise overall with most on Celebrity and Seabourn. We went in with managed expectations and were pleasantly surprised. It was an "Azamazing" experience.

Ports of call

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

5 out of 5
Hot, busy, but a lot to see and great food.

Spetsai

5 out of 5
We'll return. We explored the town and waterfront. Interesting history.

Patmos, Greece

5 out of 5
Beautiful town, one of our favorites on the cruise. We rented a car, drove to the Monastery, then to a local beach for an amazing lunch. The Greek people are wonderful!

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

5 out of 5
Considered the Walmart of Turkey, but we love it. Great shopping, food, nice people. Azamara arranged a private evening concert at a small ancient amphitheater in Ephesus. It was an unforgettable "Azamazing" experience.

Rhodes, Greece

5 out of 5
One of our favorites. We always rent a car here. Drove to a beautiful small beach, then lunch at a beautifully situated Taverna on a cove near Lindos.

Aghios Nikolaos, Crete

5 out of 5
Explored the town, took an eighty minute small train tour, then a glass walled catamaran. Suggestion, sit facing out for the best views.

Santorini, Greece

5 out of 5
Wonderful if you're the only ship, but a mess when you see three or more. Long, hot, disorganized wait for the cable car. We waited for a bit, then opted for the fast boat to Oia. Much better choice, and we Ubered to Cavo Tagoo for a long lunch. Didn't want to leave. Caught the cable car down, but you need to be early, and patient. Cash only.

Souda (Chania), Crete

5 out of 5
Rented a small boat and went to a secluded beach.... only ones there. We love the town but really like the small boat rentals which get you to very secluded locations. Drinks and snacks at one of the many fine Taverna's before going back on board.

Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece

5 out of 5
Beautiful town. We drove to the opposite side and went to a local beach where our sons rented Jet Ski's (first time). One of the high lights.

Corfu, Greece

5 out of 5
Another great town to explore. Rented another small boat. No licence required for the 30hp boats they rent. We anchored off a small island overlooking the old fort.

FUSINA (VENICE), ITALY

3 out of 5
Inconvenient, but the cruise line provided bus transfers to both the Airport, and the former main cruise port terminal. Somewhat slow and disorganized booking a water taxi to your hotel. I'd suggest making transfer arrangements in advance to avoid a long wait. I'd also recommend having $150-200 euros for the ride depending on number of people and bags.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Easy and hassle free.
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5 Comments

javawoody    1 year ago

Thanks for the detailed review

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Great itinerary. Appreciate your detailed feedback, especially about the ports of call.

cruising2004    1 year ago

Glad you had a wonderful cruise. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

Suzie68    1 year ago

Thanks for your review. Might look into this one!!

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