Friday, February 21, 2020

February 21, 2020

Azamara Quest Cape Town to Athens 

Cruise Day 1 - Sea Day

Today we will learn what Azamara offers on sea days. We were at breakfast in the dining room by 8:30. After a hearty meal we headed to the theater for the 10:00 presentation of shore excursions. This was well done. It gave us some ideas for ports we had not booked anything for. 

As we walked around the ship we stopped at the craft area to see what they had to offer. Alice was thrilled to find that it was a very nice scrapbooking project. She joined 2 other passengers at the table. I found a comfortable seat in the Living Room. It was quiet. I did some reading. 

In the afternoon I went to a history lecture about the discovery and settlement of South Africa. It was interesting but the presenter was rather dry. I had t fight off sleep. Alice was busy having a good time at Origami. 

After a some time in our room we prepared for dinner and headed up to the Living too. The music is provided by a trio of young ladies from Ukraine. They play keyboard, saxophone and guitar. Their voices are great. There selection of music appeals to our age. They are fun. We enjoy a cocktail as we watch and listen. Shortly after 6:00 we adjourned to Discoveries Restaurant aft on deck 5. Tonight we asked to be seated with Neyon. He was pleased as we're we. He recommended the prime rib. We were not disappointed. We also enjoyed conversation with the couple at the table next to us. They are RVers from sacrament California. They shared some experiences with us. 

After dinner we walked outside a bit on deck 10. This deck has a track that looks down on the pool. It is frequented by walkers and would be joggers during the day. From here we went to the Cabaret Lounge, the theater, for the captain’welcome. 

Captain Magnus greeted each passenger at the door. When it was our turn we mentioned that we are on until Athens. He said he might see us at the airport as he will be going home on leave then. 

We discovered favorite seats in the lounge on the Cuban voyage. They on a raised deck at the back of the room. The sight lines are super, but the seats are avoided because they are near the back. That is fine with us. The bar is also back here. The barman serving this are already members that we like grasshoppers when we come in. And he has only seen us twice. 

We settled in and soon Captain Magnus and his entourage moved to the front of the lounge. He proceeded to introduce each member of his management and officers team. This was flawless and personable. We have never experienced such a warm welcome before. They left after the toast. 

Tonight’s entertainment followed. She was a very capable and personable flutist from Spain. We were glad we stayed to see her. She was well worth our time. 

At 11:00 we were in bed. Tomorrow we have a tour in Port Elizabeth. 

We settled in and soon Captain Magnus and his entourage moved to the front of the lounge. He proceeded to introduce each member of his management and officers team. This was flawless and personable. We have never experienced such a warm welcome before. They left after the toast. 

Tonight’s entertainment followed. She was a very capable and personable flutist from Spain. We were glad we stayed to see her. She was well worth our time. 

At 11:00 we were in bed. Tomorrow we have a tour in Port Elizabeth.