Air transportation and pre- and post-cruise hotel arrangements may be orchestrated by Roger Kershaw, without service fee, for all participants in this group. (that's another $300/couple savings!)

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 nine days of cruising.

Pre-Cruise Events

Join us a day or two early in Istanbul. Nothing concrete planned yet, but you know, if we're there, it'll be a party. So don't miss it. or your chance to explore this exciting ancient and modern city straddling two continents!

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

Wednesday, June 1: Istanbul at leisure and Lemon Drop Inn Reception

Our ship will arrive in the European (north) part of Istanbul. The Galata bridge spans the Golden Horn which divides the city in the European and Asian sides. The old city, Eski Istanbul, with the most important sights lies on the Asian part (south). If you are limited in time put Eski Istanbul at the top of your list. Head for the Sultanahmet Square where you will find the Topkapi Palace, the Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Archaeological Museum and the Hippodrome, all within walking distance of each other. Get there early and spend there the whole day.

As you rest on the European shore of the Bosporus at sunset and look at the golden evening light reflected on the windows of the houses on the Asian shore, or as you stand on the Asian shore and watch the sun setting behind the elegant minarets of old Istanbul, you immediately appreciate why, so many centuries ago, people chose to settle on this extraordinary spot. Indeed there will be times you feel Istanbul is really one of the most glorious cities in the world.

This evening, you're on your own for a quick dinner or local haute cuisine - but make it an early reservation because the first Lemon Drop Inn Reception gets underway this evening. Soft drinks available. Purists, however, will stick with The Drop.

Thursday, June 2: Departure from Istanbul, Turkey, 7:00 pm.

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

Spend some time just enjoying your Stateroom. All staterooms on Azamara come with complimentary butler service, a welcome 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!

Drop by the eConnections 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.

After a familiarization walk around the decks, and a orientation welcome with your personal stateroom attendant, 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 nine 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 Quest

Friday, June 3: Nessebur, Bulgaria. Arrive 8:00 am, depart 5:00 pm.

Nessebur is known as the old town (about 9000 years old) on the peninsula. The largest number and best known buildings date from 11th to 14th centuries, almost all of them churches in the so-called "picturesque" style: walls intersected by pilasters and lunettes, with stone, brick and ceramic ornaments and arches along the cornice.

Today the old part of the town has regained its original romantic atmosphere: narrow cobblestone lanes, tiny squares, two-storeyed period houses with stone-built ground levels and wooden upper floors jutting above the streets and external staircases, gift shops, pubs, tavern and lovely flower gardens.

The town greets you with its cafes,where you can take a rest under the shade of the trees before you start with your shopping marathon. Here you will see 2 streets: one left and one right. Take the left if you want to visit the endless shops and souvenir vendors, and the right if you want to take a walk through the old houses and beautiful Renaissance architecture.

Nessebur isn't very big and you can actually go everywhere on foot. However, if you don't feel like it, there are cute little trains that will take you from one part of town to the other in less than 10 minutes.

A boat ride from Nessebur to Sunny Beach can also be a lot of fun. There are different boats located at the dock in the old part of Nessebur. Some are more upperscale and will offer cocktails and drinks on board.

Azamara offers a large list of value-priced shore excursions for all passengers. The selection is generally available about 3 months prior to sailing, and we will add a link here (and of course send it directly to you) when it's available. Examples from last year include:

Ancient Nessebur & Wine tasting ... 4.5 hrs ... $C 68
Scenic Nessebur & Folklore Performance ... 4.5 hrs ... $C 56
Cooking Bulgarian Style ... 4.5 hrs ... $C 76

Saturday, June 4: Constanta, Romania. Arrive 7:00 am, depart 6:00 pm.

Situated at the crossroads of several commercial routes, Constanţa lies on the western coast of the Black Sea, 185 miles from the Bosporus Strait. An ancient metropolis and Romania's largest sea port, Constanţa traces its history some 2,500 years. Originally called Tomis, legend has it that Jason landed here with the Argonauts after finding the Golden Fleece.

The second largest city in Romania, Constanţa is now an important cultural and economic center, worth exploring for its archaeological treasures and the atmosphere of the old town center. Its historical monuments, ancient ruins, grand Casino, museums and shops, and proximity to beach resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism. Open-air restaurants, nightclubs and cabarets offer a wide variety of entertainment. While in the area, you can visit traditional villages, vineyards, ancient monuments and the Danube Delta, a bird-lover's paradise.

Constanţa is more than just the entry point to the Black Sea coast. It is a place with a long and interesting past, attested by its many Roman vestiges, historic buildings, facades and mosques that color the Old City Center.

Azamara offers a large list of value-priced shore excursions for all passengers. The selection is generally available about 3 months prior to sailing, and we will add a link here (and of course send it directly to you) when it's available.

Constanta is a new port for Azamara, so we can't give you any examples of last year's shore excursions.

Sunday, June 5: Odessa, Ukraine. Arrive 8:00 am, depart Midnight.

Cruise ships dock at the port of Odessa. The distance to the city center is approximately 1.5 miles. If you decide to climb the famous Potemkin Steps, it will take only 15 minutes to reach downtown.

Note especially the late departure! Time to enjoy the night scene, and perhaps some opera.

Cosmopolitan Odessa, the largest port on the Black Sea, doubles as an area of heavy industry and as a thriving resort with beaches, special saline baths and a mild climate. Once the playground of Russian royalty and the home to famous writers, Odessa retains a vital role as a major cultural center.

Past historical events include the revolutionary activities of 1905, which had the support of the mutinous battleship Potemkin. When the Russians established their control over the city, they began with the development of a bustling seaport. During World War II, Odessa suffered major damage when it came under heavy siege by the Nazis. In recognition of the inhabitants' valiant stand against the enemy, Odessa was proclaimed the "Hero City." Fortunately, many of the 19th-century French-style buildings survived, adding greatly to Odessa's numerous attractions. A stroll along Primorsky Boulevard usually ends at the historic Potemkin staircase, which numbers 192 steps and extends 455 feet. The pride and glory of Odessa is its neo-classical Opera House where musical events conducted by Tchaikovsky and ballets featuring Anna Pavlova were held.

Thanks to a temperate climate and miles of prime beaches, Odessa and its surrounding resort areas are popular tourist destinations. Scores of visitors flock to the Riviera of the Black Sea, taking the waters in seaside spas, touring opulent palaces and enjoying spectacular performances at the Opera House. Many of Odessa's residents are eager to engage in a conversation with visitors and try their foreign language skills, accepting with pride favorable comments about their City.

Behind the Vorontsov Palace is the Mother-in-Law Bridge. Crossing it, you will reach a peaceful corner of Old Odessa. Relax at an outdoor cafe with an espresso or a glass of local champagne and admire the architectural ensemble of Gogol Street, one of the city's most beautiful streets.

Azamara offers a large list of value-priced shore excursions for all passengers. The selection is generally available about 3 months prior to sailing, and we will add a link here (and of course send it directly to you) when it's available. Examples from last year include:

Odessa Highlights.. 4 hrs ... $C 72
Odessa Catacombs... 4 hrs ... $C 50
Ultimate Odessa... 7 hrs ... $C 139
Odessa Jewish Heritage ... 5 hrs ... $C 61
Evening Opera House Performance ... 3 hrs ... $C 81

Monday, June 6: Sevastopol, Ukraine: Arrive 1:00 pm, depart 10:00 pm.

Nestled between the sea and green valleys, Sevastopol sits on a group of hills forming a natural amphitheater that overlooks the magnificent Bakhtiarsky Bay. Translated from Greek, Sevastopol means "majestic city," a name well earned. This second largest of the Crimea's cities will greet you with bays of astonishing beauty, impressive architectural ensembles, unique museums, charming gardens and attractive squares and boulevards.

At the Malakhov Kurgan, the command post of the first defense of Sevastopol, you will see the remains of the bastions that protected the city twice during its 200-year-old history, in the Crimean War and World War II. An eternal flame burns here in honor of Crimean and Soviet naval heroes. The city has a great military and naval history. Its citizens are justly proud to have been recognized for their valiant stand against the Nazis during World War II.

Two miles from Sevastopol, the State Historical and Archaeological Museum houses the heritage of a 2,500-year-old civilization with an interesting display of relics from the city's past. Among other attractions Balaklava is worth mentioning; it was the scene of long and bitter clashes in the Crimean War.

Azamara offers a large list of value-priced shore excursions for all passengers. The selection is generally available about 3 months prior to sailing, and we will add a link here (and of course send it directly to you) when it's available. Examples from last year include:

Sevastopol Highlights... 4 hrs ... $C 81
Sevastopol Battlefields... 4 hrs ... $C 81
Khans Palace and Caves Monastery ... 5 hrs ... $C 67

Tuesday, June 7, to Wednesday, June 8 (overnight): Yalta, Ukraine
Arrive June 7 at 7:00 am, depart June 8 at 7:00 am.

Yalta and its surroundings are protected on three sides by mountains, which account for the region's exceptionally mild climate and its reputation as a favored vacation destination. Situated on the southern tip of the Crimean Peninsula, is the area's largest and most important resort and as such has catered to pleasure lovers and health seekers for more than a century.

Here at the Golden Riviera, Russian aristocracy built their elegant summer palaces and palatial villas that rivaled those of Nice and Cannes. Livadia became the summer residence of the tsars and earned fame as the site of the 1945 Yalta Conference.

Noted literary greats made Yalta their home, among them Tolstoy, Chekhov and Gorky. Following the 1917 Revolution, the aristocracy was forced to relinquish their grand estates to the People. Most of the opulent mansions were converted into sanitariums where Soviet citizens came to recuperate.

Today, restoration of many of the palaces has returned them to their former glory, making them popular attractions for visitors from all over. In addition to opulent palaces and historic sites, Yalta's spectacular setting adds much to its reputation as a popular Black Sea playground. Just stroll along the bustling seafront promenade and you will have no trouble finding some local residents eager to talk to you about their city.

The principal shopping area extends along the Roosevelt and Lenin Embankments. Matryoshka dolls, lacquer boxes, traditional embroideries and amber jewelry are popular buys. Other interesting items may include caps, caviar, vodka, hand-painted wooden articles, balalaikas and pins.

Azamara offers a large list of value-priced shore excursions for all passengers. The selection is generally available about 3 months prior to sailing, and we will add a link here (and of course send it directly to you) when it's available. Examples from last year include:

Panoramic Yalta... 4 hrs ... $C 71
Imperial Yalta... 4 hrs ... $C 113
The Best of the Crimea ... 7 hrs ... $C 195
Crimean Diamonds ... 5 hrs ... $C 87

Wednesday, June 8, to Thursday, June 9 (overnight): Cruising the Bosporus Strait

The Bosporus, also known as the Istanbul Strait, is a strait that divides the European part (Rumelia) of Turkey with its Asian part (Anatolia). However, the Bosporus is so much more than just a body of water separating two land masses! Throughout history it has been coveted for its strategic location – attracting some of the world’s most interesting cultures to lay claim to the beautiful shores. One of the best ways to take in these amazing historic offerings is by boat.

Now, you will have two full days of total relaxation and luxury, or shipboard activities and excitement, as "a day at sea" (or in today's case, two days cruising the Strait). 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.

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.

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?

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.

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

Friday, June 10: Mykonos, Greece. Arrive 10:00 am, depart 9:00 pm.

Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan island in Greece, where people from all walks of life and different cultures meet to create an upbeat atmosphere that is expressed by unprecedented exuberance and liveliness. Myriad vacationers spend their holidays in Mykonos, as it is a favorite of celebrities and simple folk alike. Mykonos Island in Greece is particularly famous for its exciting nightlife, with countless bars and clubs that cater to both the straight and gay crowds. At the fantastic Mykonos beaches, visitors can spend the day lounging on soft sands, soaking up the sun's rays and dancing at beach bars.

Mykonos' sophistication is evident in its high-end boutiques, trendy art galleries and chic gourmet restaurants found mainly in Mykonos Town. VIPs and celebrities have made Mykonos Greece one of their preferred stops while sailing through the Aegean Sea in their luxury yachts.

Mykonos Town is the jewel of the island, with the trademark Mykonos windmills, traditional Cycladic whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleyways that are perfect for a nonchalant stroll. The greatest monument of Mykonos Town is the 16th-17th century Church of Paraportiani, which is built in a unique asymmetrical architectural style. The Archaeological, Maritime and Folklore Museums in Mykonos Town display excellent collections of historical artefacts and are worth visiting. After a day of touring Mykonos Town, it is time for a cool drink or a delicious snack in Alefkandra, the "Little Venice" of Mykonos, an area famous for its colorful buildings and their balconies which are suspended over the Aegean Sea.

Azamara offers a large list of value-priced shore excursions for all passengers. The selection is generally available about 3 months prior to sailing, and we will add a link here (and of course send it directly to you) when it's available. Examples from last year include:

Ancient Delos... 4 hrs ... $C 68
Elia Beach transfer... 4 hrs ... $C 22
Scenic Island Drive with Ano Mera ... 3 hrs ... $C 62

Saturday, June 11: Athens, Greece. Arrive 6:00 am.

We dock at the New Passenger Terminal, one mile from the center of Piraeus and eight miles from Athens. The Port of Piraeus is an important destination for cruise ships in the Mediterranean Sea. It has 12 places for the simultaneous berthing of vessels and can accommodate even the largest cruise ships.

Even if you've been to Athens several times before, you'll still enjoy an evening on the Plaka. Stretching east from the Agora, this lovely quarter, with winding alleys, neo-classical buildings, whitewashed, bougainvillea-framed houses and tiny churches, is worth your exploration.

If this is your first visit, you'll certainly want to visit all of these: Archaeological Museum, with the finest collection of Greek art in the world; Acropolis Museum,
Just footsteps away from the Parthenon; Benaki Museum; Goulandris Museum; and
Mount Lycabettus, with the finest view in Athens.