August 13, 2023 - Akureyri, Iceland

 August 13, 2023 - Sunday - Akureyri, Iceland

We visited here eight years ago. We decided to forego excursions here and spend some time walking around.

Right near our dock

It was an easy walk from the ship to the city center. Along the way we stopped at Hof, the concert hall and tourist information center. This was an almost new structure in 2015 now it was showing wear. The once nice gift shop had a poor selection of local products. They were poorly displayed and over priced. We spent better time viewing the  art display adorning the walls of the lobby. 

Art constructions in the lobby of Hof

We resumed our walk and soon arrived at the city center. After taking pictures of some of the more interesting things in the square, we walked across the street and looked up the hill to the impressive church that we had admired before. Today, the access from the square was closed.The high stairway leading to the front door was being torn out for replacement. We could only get in by walking up the neighboring street and entering from the back at the top of the hill. We did not do that and returned to the main street.We did some shopping without buying. As we walked we could not help but feel sad over how dirty the streets were now. There were also several empty shops.

We were saddened by this visit. Akureyri is nice but it used to be great. Perhaps without a previous point of reference it would have been impressive.

Tonight we celebrated White Night. This takes place on every Azamara cruise. It is an evening celebration on the pool deck, weather permitting. Everyone dresses in white to the best of their ability. You are not banned if you don't have full white clothing, but there is some encouragement to use the Azamara bathrobe from your stateroom.

This starts with a fabulous dinner buffet. The senior officers participate in the serving. A band plays the whole time. After dinnertime crew is celebrated as they march around the deck. Next, the dancing starts. This usually goes on until 10:00. It is all wonderful fun.

Dinner

Dessert

Officers

Entertainment

Sadly, it was too windy and cold to celebrate on deck. Dining was moved to Windows on deck 9. The party picked up in the Cabaret Lounge, the theater. Officers served dessert there.

This was a good day that had some disappointments but a great party.