Yasemin Kasif

Age: 43
Occupation: Fashion Design
Number of Cruises: 2
Cruise Line: Festival Cruises
Ship: Azur
Itinerary: Eastern Mediterranean

We were a family of four (children aged 19 and 13) travelling aboard on the Azur during their winter. This did not bother us as the weather was acceptable except that the swimming pools were empty, of course and that you could not really spend too much time on the decks. Antalya, Turkey was removed from our itinerary for our cruise due to tourism safety but I believe was reinstated for the next cruise. In lieu of this, we were informed that we would spend two days in Egypt instead of one (just as well we did because it definitely was the highlight of our cruise.

Embarkation

We arrived in Venice from Australia a day before and stayed in a hotel overnight and then made our own arrangements to board the Azur the next day. Venice was fabulous that time of year, the weather being cold but sunny. We organised a water taxi (50 euro)from just outside our hotel which was near the train station and it took us right to the ship where we had our luggage taken by Azur staff and where we entered the station to check in. There was welcome coffee, tea and cake for everyone and we then entered the ship being welcomed by staff dressed as animals who made the first impressions quite fun. We were escorted to our suites and then attended the Welcome Lunch Buffet.

Our cabin

We had two suites (24 & 26)next door to each other (one for the children) on the restaurant level. They each had extra large double beds, two large portholes, a large mirrored dressing area with several drawers, TV and minibar. The wardrobes were very large and deep with enough room to also store luggage. The bathroom was also good with separate bath, shower large basin area and plenty of light and room for storage of toiletries etc. The water pressure in the shower was adequate and the toilet was a bit slow in disposing of waste but it did the job eventually.

Our room steward was good but I felt that he could have supplied extra toiletries and more towels than he did, daily, especially as we were in suites.

Other cruise members

The majority of the cruise were german, then french, about 10 spanish (who were a lot of fun), some italian, about 10 americans, 10 Australians and then small numbers of other nationalities. The german and french were by far the most boring, never participating in anything and just sitting there smoking 24/7. This would have to be biggest complaint (especially as we do not smoke). You could not escape the smoke anywhere on the cruise except in the restaurants. You would smell of smoke all the time.

The animation team were a team of 3 cuban boys and two brazilians. They really tried their best to liven up the ship and I have to give them credit for this. We became good friends with them and my daughter and myself participated in all the dancing, karaoke, bingo, talent quest and attended the disco nearly every night (whilst my son and husband slept). It is really what you make of it. The ship is not very big and therefore you get to know the fun people very quickly.

The ship

The ship itself is quite adequate for its size and apparently we did not have a full cruise so it was never overcrowded. The evening shows were comfortable (except for the smoke) and the outside decks, chairs etc. were used sparingly because of the weather.

We had quite a few really rocky nights in the suites and I was sick at the very beginning and then at the very end because of motion. Many others were also. I think the motion had a lot to do with the time of the year we sailed but the best thing to do was to stay out of the rooms and just get around the ship.

The english movies showing daily were very poor and old. I cannot comment about the movies in other languages.

Food and bars

The food was pretty good, especially the evening meals. Breakfast was consistent but I have to complain about cordial being offered as juice.

The lunch was good in the ala carte restaurant but not always that great at the buffet.

We requested our table for just our family and were happy with that. Our waiters were great and so was the wine steward, always friendly and happy and never any problems (probably due to the initial tip given to them by my husband to look after us).

Never went to the midnight buffet because we were so full from dinner (about 6 courses).

The ports of call

Dubrovnik

We all paid 6 euro for a bus into the old town and unfortunately it was raining that day so we did not have a comfortable walk around but it is very pretty and interesting but made our way back quite early and had lunch.

Olympia

The ship attempted, but failed to port in Olympia. We watched the captain attempt this several times but was pushed back again and again. I really do not understand why we did not have a pilot to lead us in and anyway the captain announced that we would not be porting there. We were all very disappointed especially as we also missed out on Antalya.

Egypt

Cannot explain just how awesome this port of call was.

For 249 euro each, we stayed overnight in Cairo and it was worth every cent.

This entailed being taken to Cairo from Alexandria by private bus with security on board together with police escorts in front and behind the whole 3 hour bus ride into Cairo. Once in Cairo, we went directly to the Egyptian Musuem, visited the Mohammed Ali Mosque and then taken to our hotel (Le Meridien, Pyramids, Giza) for a fabulous buffet lunch and then asked to rest in our hotel rooms (we could see the pyramids from our hotel rooms)for about 2 hours before being taken to the laser and light show at the Pyramids where we had a fabulous show. Next we were police escorted by bus to the Nile River to board a floating restaurant for dinner where we had a buffet and belly dancer and then back to the hotel.

The next morning buffet breakfast and then out to see the pyramids and sphinx together with the step pyramid at Sakkhara. The weather was warm and the day was absolutely extraordinary. You could enter one of the pyramids if you wished. We also went to the Papyrus Institute where we bought a painting on papyrus. We were then again taken back to the hotel for another delicious buffet lunch and packed and headed back to the ship by police escorts and security which had by this time moved onto Port Said.

Limassol, Cyprus

We have a cousin in Cyprus so he met us with his wife and child and we travelled around Limassol together, had coffee and lunch and then returned back to the ship.

Rhodes, Greece

We did not participate in any of the excursions. The old city is a 2 minute walk and is very pretty and historic with lots of shopping. We hired a car for 50 euro for the whole day and drove around the whole island and saw the sights that the bus trips were doing anyway. Much cheaper than the 49 euro per person for the bus trip. The island was quiet because it was winter but the day was good and we enjoyed our drive.

Athens, Greece

Other than the Acropolis ruins there is not much to see in Athens. The city was a mess and we could not work out how they would be ready for the Olympics in eight months time. They have a huge parking problem and we had to be dropped off about 500 metres outside the ship terminal on our bus tour because of parked cars in the way of the bus. The tour was about 49 euro per person. I would suggest you pay a taxi driver to take you to the Acropolis and then drive you around the city etc. instead of the tour.

Corinth Canal

After leaving Athens, we started our transit through the Corinth Canal. We were all on the decks in our coats but had drinks and had fun.

Overall conclusion

You have to have an open mind and understand that this is not a 5 star ship but for its size, I thought everything was adequate. To complain about every petty thing would be unreasonable, especially taking into account the cost but the itinerary is the reason we chose this ship. Overall, we walked away with many great memories.

Ask a Question About Festival Cruise Lines

Here is something new from Google
Click on the Keywords you are interested in and then
follow the links for more information about Festival Cruises.
(Use Your "Back" Button to Return)