Rhodes is still one of my favourites.

Unable to go to Lindos this time, I was satisfied and delighted to spend the afternoon with my mom wandering the walled city of Rhodes in Greece. We shopped, laughed, tried on clothes, looked at jewellery and people watched. When mom and I are together, these are a few of my favourite things. (Makes me break in to song like Julie Andrews!)

Ov five cruise lines in port today, Celebrity Reflection, Holland Americas ms Noordam and several smaller ships not sold by us in Canada, likely European brands.

We found great prices for linen items, authentic to Greece. We found post cards and stickers for luggage, proud displays of where we have been with this piece of suitcase.

Also stumbled on another Greek designer, tall, young and creative with cottons and linens. Many folk from the cruise line stopped by and commented. Many women came back after seeing nothing to compare with the quality and beauty of her items. I loved being waited on by the hostess and she has such beautiful things. I could have filled a complete suitcase!

My day started with a two hour Seminar at Sea hosted by Azamara and I am so enjoying the special attention and training provided by this brand. Well done and thanks so much for the opportunity!

Tonight is the White Night Deck Party. A Mediterranean buffet and music will be served on the top outside decks for a party atmosphere. I have something white and flowy to wear on deck.

We will join up with some of our new friends from the United States. We have met so many friendly and wonderfully interesting people on this cruise. I love the ten days, it feels like a good length, still wanting more, but ready to go home. I would love to return again next year. I love the small intimate boutique ships and the over the top friendly and efficient staff we have encountered. As well, the free flowing spirits and wine were served on this cruise ship for the first time and I have to say what a treat it has been. Martini, Margarita, regional white wine daily selection and so much more.

Robes, slippers, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas, fresh fruit in our rooms, a veranda and every day being treated like royalty.

I best get ready for the evening festivities.

Love to all, wish you were here.

Pamela

Haifa in the heat

Early morning sun on the veranda promises a very hot day. Mostly clear skies and sparkling water out our full size window.

We will have some breakfast and venture out for a bit. Most places close from 1-4 pm daily. So we can have some ship time this afternoon, maybe a swim? I love how relaxing cruising is.

Later: we left the ship and walked out on to the street and caught a free shuttle bus laid on by the city of Haifa. An hour and a half with options to get off at the mall, the beach and a few of the tourist highlight areas. We stayed on for the guided tour. Even time for photos! What an interesting and beautiful city. We were so pleased with the value of this trip and the timing. Back at noon we walked trying to find postcards, a flag and sticker for my luggage but alas, nothing! I tried to change money at a money exchange and their machine was down so I ended up going back on the ship without spending one shekel! Fun. The sun was out, so I donned my bathing suit and headed up for a swim in the salt water pool. It was the perfect temperature.

Mom came up, we had a little lunch. Salmon brochettes by the pool. I enjoyed a cool beverage. Then to shower and prepare for the evening. Buffet dining in our favorite window table in Discoveries dining room. After a relaxing and enjoyable dinner, drink and casual conversation, we prepared to head out to the busses.

Wow. What an event. The Azamazing evening arranged by Azamara was breathtaking. Incredible undertaking by the cruise line specifically for us on this cruise and all details were looked after. The first for Azamara Journey. I am so pleased I was here to experience this.

Tremendous. We were bussed out to a two thousand year old roman amphitheatre, hundreds of us. More than 11 buses full, I did not see how many in total. When we arrived after about 40 minute drive, in to a park area in the desert area south of Haifa, we were greeted by young people and many Israeli flags, cheering, fabulous ethnic music being performed by a team of 4 gentlemen. Free wine, beer, soft drinks and water, in several stations. Food local to the area, prepared and set up for tasting all around the theatre, inside. The lighting, torches, even soft pillows for sitting in the arena. There was dancing. An orchestra played and two women sang. I was overwhelmed at times. My breath caught in my throat. Speechless. This is truly a fabulous event.

A few hours went by in a blink. It was now dark and the music came to an end even after a few encores. The evening still very warm. Dancing and fun, more food, desserts, more wine. We had to gather up and head out to the busses. Home almost 11 pm back to the ship.

Up to our wonderful stateroom to talk about it all, and read about tomorrow’s plans.

What an awesome and full day. I think Israel is a fabulous place to visit and Azamara a most amazing cruise line. What innovation, and back to history in a beautiful country. So welcoming. The many people we have met have been super friendly and very fun.

This is an amazing cruise.

Wish you were here.

Love Pamela
Xoxoxo

Azamazing

I have attended on seminar at sea already and a private function meet and greet. I am very impressed with Azamara. The Captain and cruise director also participated with our seminar and shared some great stories of their experiences on this ship. Roger Moore one of the James Bond actors and his wife sailed with this ship not too long ago and we saw pictures.

It is not a brochure outlying the specialness of Azamara …. But rather, a destination guide. “You will love where we take you”. Longer stays, more overnights and night touring. Azamazing evenings are unique, authentic and exclusive. This ship is doing the very first one on the Journey, in Haifa. Lucky us!

Complimentary beverages on this sailing just started this cruise as well. People are really talking about what sets Azamara apart from the rest. Destination immersion is the brand. Average age 56-58 years of age.

The service is outstanding. The maitre d, room stewards, front desk and wait staff are all terrific. I am so pleased with the whole experience. Really memorable.

Fantastic time being had by all. We are having some laughs. Travelling with my mom is a hoot and so good for us both. Great relationship and quality time. Eating together, laughing together and seeing new sites together. Of course, shopping together!

Love to all,

Pamela

It’s going to be hot.

Hey all, heading to Israel tonight and will be there in the morning. We had our sea day and ate way too much food and specialty drinks and wine and so much excess. Phew. Even sat on deck and read a book for a while. Beautiful flat seas.

Tomorrow we have opted for a safe and only half day tour of Jaffa and TelAviv. Once we have done that, there is a complimentary shuttle in to town in Ashdod. We need to find postcards to send to grandsons, and a flag to add to the collection they have of Grammies travels. I also want to get another sticker for my suitcase. Feels like fun to me. No other real shopping necessities but open to whatever we find. Neither of us has been to this country before.

Most people on the cruise are doing tours to Jerusalem and Bethlehem I imagine. 10-11 hour day. There are so many choices and all will be good I think. Ashdod is one of the oldest cities in the world. I can’t imagine what it will be like. So much rich history.

We don’t leave this port till after 10 pm. I wonder about all the exciting new old things we will see and encounter.

Azamara is a great cruise line, fabulous itineraries and night touring, exotic destinations.

Sea day in the Med

I have two hours with Seminar at Sea commencing 830 am. So up early and dressed in business casual clothes. The sea is a bit rocky and we have not seen the sun yet this morning. This promises to be a day for reading and checking out the ship.

Mom and I are going to check out the breakfast buffet and then after my seminar, we will partake in the brunch served in the dining room. The day may centre around food! Well, that is cruising! And of course enrichment seminar on the history of Israel ( where we will be tomorrow) and for two days.

At 330 is the future cruise presentation. And we typically eat again around 630 ish and then join for the entertainment later in the evening. A nice rhythm for this cruise. Only one sea day so it will be nice to relax some and enjoy the sun when it burns through.

Lovely day, wish you were here!

Love Pamela

Kalimera from Crete

Not sure what day it is, second full day of cruise. We are stopped outside this lovely place and tendering in to town today. Last year I was here with Steve, Marilyn and Alex. We wandered through town and bought some olive oil soaps. It was my last port of call before Rome and coming home.

This time, it feels like our holiday has just begun. Walking, chatting, being. We have really enjoyed all our dinner partners and also having room service each morning, eating on the veranda as we watch the entry in to a new port.

There are beaches here however we probably won’t search for them. Just walking and exploring the local fare.

Later: returned from an awesome day in Chania. Wow! Such friendly service, not pushy and with exquisite Greek designer clothes and jewellery. I thoroughly enjoyed Chania as much this time than last year.

We walked along the sea wall, then ventured inland on small uncrowded streets. Sure there were tourist shops that we avoided, and a market that seems to go on forever and then there were delightful clothing stores with spectacular outfits, designer brand names I recognized from my previous visit.

I picked up a few things and still wishing I had picked up more. Light airy, flattering and flowy. Just the way I like it. No bottoms, and I even found a sale rack with 50% off for some great linen and cotton things that just can’t be found where we live.

I see yellow and black / white combinations, some bright coral to orange and vibrant blues seem to be colours du jour. my mom spied an awesome ring for my long fingers, the sign of circle of live /infinity.

We had tendered in and then the ship relocated to a port and we all took the city bus to join the ship at the pier. Up to our room to enjoy the time together and talking about our day.

Dinner of surf and turf. Filet mignon and lobster tail with a great sauce. I also ordered steamed veggies. Shrimp cocktail every night and fabulous soups.

The wine is bottomless but apparently we are not. At one point I had 5 or 6 beverages in front of me. Drinks as well as wine are complimentary on this cruise, however we have yet to enjoy any spirits (yet). The cruise is young and our first and only sea day is tomorrow so perhaps a happy hour may be on the horizon. The red tonight was called the Crusher, I think, merlot. The whites have been great as well, mostly Chardonnay.

Hotter each day and tonight we have howling winds on the seas.

Time to call it a night. I have completed the quick feedback survey and give Azamara an easy 8 out of 10. Looking for a ten before disembarkation.

Heading now to Israel, then Cyprus before we head back to more Greece. I will pick up more postcards for the grandsons.

Good night my peeps, and loving family. Sleep well where you are, and wish you were here.

Love Pamela
Xoxoxoxo