The Azamara Difference

It's hard to put into words the many subtle differences between Luxury, Deluxe, and Premium cruise ships. Some can be measured, some are just "sensed" - as the lack of crowds, the eager attentiveness of crew, the ease of getting on and off at ports of call, the quality of finishes and pride of ownership - and Azamara (in the "deluxe" category) scores high on all counts.

Something else sets Azamara apart as well: the incredible value. It is possible to pay twice as much, and still not have as good an itinerary. And knowing that you can save $5000 to $6000 per couple, while still enjoying the luxury that is Azamara, can go a long way in increasing your enjoyment of this vacation!

Please join me!

I am proud to announce that I am Tour-Conducting a group cruise on one of Azamara's most exciting itineraries: Copenhagen, Berlin (Warnemunde), Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn,   Stockholm, Lubeck (Travemunde), and back to Copenhagen, Denmark - . Twelve nights, seven ports, with three overnights to increase your experience!

The Top Ten Reasons

This cruise itinerary has been especially selected for several unique features not found with any other cruise line at any price:

Air-included package available. Cost varies by departure city. Let me arrange that for you as well as you are assured of Azamara's personal service with luggage transfers, and airport to dock transportation. And with Roger's access to deeply discounted Business and First Class airfares on several airlines, you are assured of the best value.

We'll also ensure that you get a complete list of Enrichment Programs, Spa & Salon Services, Specialty Restaurant options and Shore Excursions so you may, if you wish, reserve any of these in advance of your trip, to make sure you can fit everything into your twelve days of cruising.

Pre-Cruise Events

Tuesday, July 23: Copenhagen Shopping and Lemon Drop Inn Reception

Join us a day or two early in Copenhagen. This will give you a chance to acclimate to the time zone and explore Copenhagen's legendary sights: The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, The National Gallery, Kronborg castle, Tivoli Gardens, The National Museum, Strøget street, Round Tower, and The Viking Ship Museum, to name a few.

Details will follow for group rates at quality accommodations, and suggested daytime tours and activities.

That evening, you're on your own for a pub dinner or local haute cuisine - but make it an early reservation because the first of what will be a series of Lemon Drop Inn Receptions gets underway in our suite that evening. Soft drinks and wine available, if you bring them. Purists, however, will stick with The Drop.

Friday, July 24 : Departure from Copenhagen, 5:00 p.m.

We'll transfer this morning to the pier where the gleaming Azamara Journey awaits our boarding.

At 30,000 tons and capable of serving 700 guests, the Journey and her twin sister ship, the Quest, are the total complement in this new line, part of the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity family, launched just last year to fill the void between "premium" and "luxury" cruising. They erred on the side of "luxury."

Drop by the eConections Business Centre to set up your wireless on-board Internet access (with your laptop or theirs), which, combined with regular cell phone service even at sea, means you'll never be out of touch. While there, you may wish to sign up for computer, digital camera, or PowerPoint classes.

Spend some time just enjoying your Stateroom. All staterooms on Azamara come with complimentary butler service, a daily fruit basket, fresh cut flowers, 24-hour room service, a sweet surprise on your pillow each evening, afternoon canapés, complimentary shoe-shine service, a 23" plasma television, personal stationery, European bedding, and complimentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and plush robes; and of course, it has been newly decorated to exceed your expectations. That's just the Staterooms. You should see the extras list for the Suites!

After a familiarization walk around the decks, and a orientation welcome with your personal stateroom "butler," you'll probably be ready to sample the cuisine aboard. You'll have half a dozen choices, but the main dining room, Discoveries, is probably where you'll start. There is no set time, no set table, no dress code. Dine when, where, and with whom you please, every night. And dine superbly, whichever choice you make!

Then catch the first of twelve nights of some of the finest live stage entertainment on the seas in the Cabaret Lounge. Marvel at the talent of Azamara's singers and dancers as you are transported to another world. Soft, comfortable seating and cocktail service highlight this elegant showroom.

Beautiful virtual tour of Azamara Journey

Saturday, July 25: Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany. Arrive 7:00 am, depart 9:30 pm

Warnemünde is a charming old fishing town where they say your chances of catching a fish are just as good as your chances of catching a ride to historic Berlin.

Located in the mouth of the Warnow river in what was formerly East Germany, the two towns of Rostok and Warnemünde are just a few miles apart. Warnemunde is a seaside resort on the Baltic, Rostock lies further inland. Cruise ships dock at Warnemunde and there are easy transport connections, by train or ferry to Rostock

Brick Gothic churches, especially St Peters, and striking gable houses are a feature of Rostock, once the most important member of the Hanseatic League. St Mary's church too, now used as a concert hall, demands attention especially the awe-inspiring astronomical clock but the town square with its fascinating bronze statues is the place to take coffee.

Warnemunde has a very fine and popular beach, colourful shops and houses and its famous Teapot. Great for relaxing, if you just want to leave the ship for a few hours

The range of available shore excursions will amaze you in their unique appeal and broad range. How about an antique steam train ride through the historic cities and towns of the area? Or fulfil yet another dream and take a 12-hr day trip (including the one-hour flight) to Leipzig where you'll be met by a guide and given a tour of the city's historic sites and then, the Porsche factory, for lunch and a factory tour and then - it's your turn behind the wheel of a 350 hp Porsche Cayenne on the factory's own race track! Or, simply catch the provided transfer directly to Berlin for either a guided or on-your-own tour of a city with such a turbulent and exciting history.

Done Berlin? Want to consider something different? Watch for details on a day trip to Wittenberge, home to three important sights related to Martin Luther: his home, his church, and replacements of the famous doors. Exclusive to our Group! Price TBA.

Sunday, July 26: Cruising the Baltic Sea

A day of total relaxation and luxury, or shipboard activities and excitement, awaits you each day at sea. Considered by many to be their favourite days, you will have four of them on this cruise. Seasoned cruisers spend the day at the pool (perhaps with a therapeutic dip in the Thalassotherapy Pool after your spa treatment), or curled up in the Library, prying themselves out for a gourmet coffee at The Cova Cafe, a European-inspired café open all day. You'll find all your favorite coffee drinks and you can order them just the way you like them. We recommend that you slip right into a comfortable seat and sip for a while - you never know who'll walk by.

Expect much more than head-to-toe pampering, for Azamara believes body, mind, and soul are interconnected. Therefore, they offer a world-class spa, with the finest therapists and aestheticians, featuring exclusive Elemis treatments. So whether you prefer aroma stone therapy, body sculpting, an exotic lime and ginger salt glow or a tri-enzyme resurfacing facial, you can treat yourself to a day of relaxation - all in a tranquil setting, or, if you prefer, in-suite spa treatments. For couples, Journey for Two is a wonderful way to lavish yourselves for a few hours, and includes tooth whitening, DermaNew Microdermabrasion and a Swedish massage - for both.

Other onboard fitness facilities include state-of-the art exercise equipment and certified personal trainers, and instructors in yoga, Pilates, spinning.

And tonight, and every night, dance away the hours in the Looking Glass, enjoy the grand piano stylings in Michael's Club, or find us in the Martini Bar.

In fact, why not join us this evening for our first on-board Lemon Drop Inn Reception, a private party hosted by your tour conductors, and at this one, soft drinks and wine and anything else your thirst desires is available, and complimentary.

Monday, July 27. Helsinki, Finland. Arrive 9:30 am, depart 6:00 pm

Helsinki is clean as a summer ice carving, ticking with the precision of a Harrison clock. Wonderful National Romantic architecture imparts a 19th century feel to a very modern city. The Lutheran Cathedral, the Rock Church, the Senate square, the Sibelius monument and the open market can all be squeezed into a busy day.

Occupying a peninsula and several islands, Helsinki's unique location may be overshadowed by the capital city's stunning meld of old and new structures and some of the most spectacular bays you could hope to find. Strolling down broad, tree-lined streets, don't forget to take notice of the stunning neoclassically designed architecture in Senate Square.

Today's optional Shore Excursions include a wide variety of sight-seeing and Finnish-food-tasting experiences. A special feature of the Design & Architecture tour is a visit to Hvittrask and the Design Museum.

Tuesday, July 28 - Thursday, July 30 . St. Petersburg, Russia.
Arrive 8:00 a.m. Two overnights. Depart 5:00 pm.

St. Petersburg was reportedly built to resemble such western cities as London, Paris and Vienna. Although, once you see its regal palaces and many vast public squares, you'll agree there's nothing quite like this lovely city. The sun rises today at 5:30 and doesn't set till almost 11PM - you'll have plenty of time to explore!

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, you'll think that three days are not enough to see all the wonders. Fortunately, Azamara has organized several tour options, including a 4-hour highlights tour. For those of us returning to this city, there are several special interest tours, including Behind The Scenes at The Hermitage, Constantine Palace (residence of the Russian president), Peter & Paul, Church of Spilled Blood, Peterhof Tsars Residence.

Or take advantage of the two overnights, and take an excursion to Moscow - flying there with your guide and spending two nights, three days, seeing all the attractions of the nation's capital. You can also take a flight there and back, including a Kremlin visit and a very special Russian dinner in one 17-hr day trip.

Stay with your Azamara-appointed guide and you won't need a special visa, either!

Friday, July 31. Tallinn, Estonia. Arrive 7:00 AM, depart 5:00 pm

The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well worth the visit here. Gentle Tallinn, capital of Estonia, such a contrast to St Petersburg, captivates by its quiet charm. The Medieval old town is a top attraction but the Kadriorg Palace from the Tsarist period and the wonderful Estonian open air museum should be high on any list

The Estonians may well have coined the phrase "If it isn't broken, don't fix it," as such is the case with the northern coastal town of Tallinn. It has remained remarkably unchanged since its founding in 1154, enabling visitors to enjoy architectural marvels of year past, like the soaring towers of Toompea Castle and the exquisite Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The delightful exception being the pink Parliament building, visible from Palace Square.

Azamara offers several tours, but, as always (except in Russia), you're entirely free to wander the city on your own. Explore the famous coffee-culture of Tallinn, being sure to also taste traditional kvass, a rye bread flavoured drink. One of the specialties of Estonia is marzipan - enjoy! Immerse yourself in another world.

Saturday, August 1 to Sunday, August 2. Stockholm, Sweden.
Arrive 10:00 am. One overnight. Depart 5:00 pm.

No fewer than fifty bridges connect this Swedish capital's fourteen islands to its mainland. Undoubtedly, this was to ensure that the Swedes could enjoy every single inch of this magnificent city steeped in parks, museums, and palaces - the most famous being the 600-room Royal Palace. Make your way through the Gamla Stan, or Old Town, packed with historic buildings, shops and cafés.

We're planning taking advantage of an overnight in this city renowned for its night life, with an escorted pub crawl though this city tonight. Check back later for details.

Monday, August 3: Cruising the Baltic Sea

Ah, another day at sea. The pool, the novel, the casino, the spa, they are all calling. None so loudly, however, as the superb cuisine. By now, you will have enjoyed Prime-C, the steakhouse aboard, featuring tender cuts of prime beef and fresh seafood that have been transformed into epicurean works of art; and Aqualina, a grand fusion of Mediterranean flavors all surrounded by breathtaking ocean views. Go ahead, try them again!

We hope you've also managed to squeeze in a few other of Azamara's Enrichment Programs. From culinary demonstrations to cultural seminars, expand your horizons with a host of onboard experts. Each sailing, Azamara invites a destination expert to enlighten guests in a wide variety of topics, including history, culture, art, food and etiquette, natural sciences, marine wildlife, and maritime history of the area.

Or maybe you, like we, are addicted to the nightly Trivia Contests?

Tonight you won't find us at our normal stools in the Martini Bar - we'll be preparing the second Lemon Drop Inn Reception on board, with complimentary snacks and beverages and a chance to re-group with the group and exchange experiences and memories.

Tuesday, August 4. Lubeck (Travemunde), Germany. Arrive 7 am, depart 6 pm.

With a history steeped in nautical tradition, the "gateway to the Baltic" is more than just a charming seaside resort. Its famous lighthouse, built in 1539, stands as the oldest on the German coast. The legendary "Passat", a magnificent four-masted barque, has been a major attraction since 1960. Meanwhile, slightly further inland, the town centre features gorgeous 1900's villa-style architecture sure to delight any European traveler.

Optional shore excursions today may include a bike ride, an easy but refreshing tour of Travemunde and its surroundings, including the national park of Niendorf. Or take a bus tour of the area en route to the Hanseatic City of Hamburg where you embark your private chartered boat for a scenic cruise on the Outer Alster Lake.

Perhaps you've already enjoyed historic Lubeck? Join us, then, on a Kershaw family odyssey to ancient Bad Fallingbostel, medieval Celle, and a visit to chilling Bergen-Belsen. Exclusive to our Group! Price TBA.

Wednesday, August 5. Copenhagen. Arrive 7:00 am.

When surrounded by a sea of blooming flowers in Tivoli Gardens or while admiring Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue, it's virtually impossible to find yourself in the capital of Denmark without a smile on your face, which makes it an ideal place to say "good bye."

But don't hurry off. Amalienborg Palace, where you can catch the changing of the guards, and Kronberg Castle, the famous setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, are just a few of the many points of interest available to you in this former humble fishing village.