Azamara Club Cruises – Asia Adventure – Ship Activities

Down time on the ship. A leisurely breakfast. Time to unwind. 

Azamara Club Cruises He had reflexology and a massage and slept most of morning whilst I worked out under the watchful eye of Branco.  Well, I say worked out, I only used the treadmill for 40 minutes, managed to burn 180 calories and Branco is already a bit concerned about my heart rate.  Not many calories, I know but it’s a start. Must be at least half a miniature chocolate brownie.  I hope to progress over the next few days and become more adventurous.  Actually, the gym is extremely well equipped with all the latest machines – more so than many world-class hotel gyms I’ve visited.

Lunch at the Waves Café by the pool was light (my choice) as passengers lazed around the plunge pool and hot tubs.  We chose table service but many people had food served to them on their sun-beds and having had a snooze in one of them later in the afternoon I can quite see why they wouldn’t want to budge, they were just so comfortable.

Somehow our day of relaxation started to get a bit busy.  He went to the Destination Seminar to find out more about Vietnam and our next destination, Hanoi.  The speaker, an expert in Indo-China, had spent most of his adult working life in SE Asia and was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his subject.  New facts were learned and he came back raring to get to Vietnam.

Meanwhile, I went to the Beauty Spa for a very relaxing and excellent pedicure, then we both met up for afternoon tea.  Yes, I know it wasn’t long since breakfast and lunch, but there is such a choice of food at all times of the day in different restaurants and bars that it is hard to resist. 

Azamara Club Cruises On sea days, high-tea, complete with cucumber finger sandwiches and a trolley practically groaning under the weight of a wide choice of pastries and cakes, is served whilst a harpist plays.  On the 10th deck, with fabulous panoramic views, the Looking Glass Lounge is genteel, refined, crisp white linen table cloths, impeccable service and harps back – pardon the pun – to a bygone age.  Such a treat.  Calories, who’s counting?

Our third day on board and we haven’t scratched the surface of all the dining options. Believe me, we are trying to pace ourselves but it’s a challenge.  So, table tennis before supper then.  Best of three and we had worked up a good appetite.

After another wonderful dinner we rounded off the night in the cabaret lounge with Rikki Jay, a fast-talking London comedian. I’m not sure if all the nationalities on board – 25 apparently – were keeping up with the typically British gags and sense of humour, but we loved it and haven’t laughed so much in ages.

Tomorrow we arrive in Halong Bay, one of the world’s most outstanding natural wonders. We have two days here. Azamara offer an excursion to Hanoi (3.5 hours drive each way) and a tour the main sites. There is also a sail on a traditional Junk around the thousands of islets that soar dramatically from the sea and a walk through a large cave to a lagoon. So hard to choose! As we are here for two days it was possible to do both, though we felt the day trip to Hanoi would give us little time to get a feel for the place.

Azamara Club Cruises It was when deliberating the choices we realized we could, if we wished, actually get off the ship for an overnight stay.  Naively, we had thought once on board that would be it, but, as the Concierge explained, when in port you can do whatever you want, as long as you are back before the ship sails.  Another pleasant surprise about cruising, you can dip in and dip out and still feel you are travelling ‘independently’.

Whilst not desperate to leave the ship, going ‘off-piste’ is just up our street so with the help of the Concierge we have made arrangements for an overnight in Hanoi. Where else but the famous historic Metropole Hotel, where luminaries such as Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin and, during the war, Joan Baez, Jane Fonda and a host of embassies lived there.

Read Chapter 1: Introduction: Is a cruise going to be the right choice for me?
Read Chapter 2: We’re on our way! Hong Kong
Read Chapter 4: Vietnam: Hanoi and Halong Bay
Read Chapter 5: Vietnam: Denang and Anhoi
Read Chapter 6: Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Read Chapter 7: Thailand: Bangkok
Read Chapter 8: Thailand: Ko Samui
Read Chapter 9: Singapore
Read Chapter 10: Azamara Club Cruises: the verdict

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Azamara.

317 people found this helpful
17001

Share Article:

Chrissy Nason

Travel writer & hotel specialist

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.