To cruise or not to cruise is the question and the answer from this intrepid traveller is a surprising yes. A yes with caveats, such as the offering from Azamara Voyages, with smaller ships, destination immersion itineraries and fresh, local produce served onboard.
A full disclaimer this was our first cruise and as such we were invited to experience Azamara’s Pursuit for their 13 day intensive Spain voyage. Dipping our cruise ‘virgin’ toes in on a smaller ship in one of our favourite countries in the world, was the perfect choice.
Inviting my nearly 21 year old son along as a budding photographer and digital media guy, we boarded a long flight from Australia to Paris, then took a fast train to Bordeaux to embark on the ship just in time. The ship caters for between 550-600 guests with a similar ratio of staff. Azamara have four boutique ships in their fleet and is a trusted brand endorsed by a large portion of return guests.
Each moment from check in to disembarking was a new experience, so we took it all in with the freshest of eyes. Greeted with friendly staff where nothing and we mean nothing was too much trouble. We were then gently guided through our safety check by Lifestyle Manager Nelson ( also the ships DJ and dancer)
The deck cabins are spacious in design with all the trimmings, including a comfortable queen bed, work desk, arm chair, soft furnishings, balcony with outdoor furniture, bathroom with cabinets and a wardrobe to suit. We are allocated a Stateroom Attendant for the voyage Anwar, who was as tentative as he was warm.
We were welcomed at every turn and after a couple of days wandering the ships plethora of bars, eateries and entertainment areas, we found our sea legs. Time to set sail to some of the most magnificent towns in Northern Spain.
First stop Bilbao, we had visited before but not by boat and what an experience it was to sail into a harbour as the sun rose over this beautiful Basque city. Walking off the ship and into the Guggenheim cultural precinct in the early hours of the morning we got a true sense of this contemporary yet historical destination.
Exploring the streets by day and sailing over night we got to visit smaller towns along the way (where larger boats can’t go) like the stunning coastal towns of La Coruna and Vigo that border the Northern tip of Spain. The spirits of the pilgrims that walked these paths flow freely through the cobble stone streets to the Santiago de Compostela, we vow to return to the region of Galicia one day.
Setting sail to Portugal we have time to get to know our fellow passengers and crew and after a couple of days immersing ourselves in the culture on land, we flow seamlessly into the culture on the ship. It becomes clear that most guests on board are seasoned cruisers, in particular Azamara- their love of discovering the world by water is infectious.
Everything you need and want is on the ship, from a kitted out gym to a decadent spa, with pampering treatments and steam room. There’s a luxurious lounge room at the front with views across the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see. From breakfast, brunch, lunch to dinner fresh food is served that embraces the flavours of Spain and changes daily to include food from across the globe.
Locally sourced produce is threaded through the menu from Basque oysters to Galicia fish with daily fruit and vegetables delivered on board. Our inquisitive minds ask the chefs ‘where do you get the produce from and how do you feed 500 plus people daily’? Azamara has established long term relations with suppliers at each port and is greeted with the freshest of food as we embark on each destination.
The journey takes in Lisbon in Portugal, where we hire a car to visit the picturesque coastal town of Nazare, home to the largest wave in the world. That’s the thing about Azamara, they are respectful of your time and needs as an independent traveller, there are an array of shore excursions or walk off and do your own thing. The one rule from Captain Michael on the bridge is to be back on-board half an hour before they set sail or its adios.
Next stop a two day lay over in Seville, we head from the vast ocean into the narrow river system, where we enter the lock and meticulously weave our way into port. Greeted by hordes of Spaniards on the bridges along the way, shouting ‘Viva Espana’. Seville is as pretty as it is rich in culture, from tasty tapas bars to traditional flamenco dancers.
All aboard to set sail to Gibraltar and the Costa Del Sol taking in Mediterranean cities like Malaga and Cartegena along the way. We trek the mountain of Gibraltar to hang out with the monkeys that live high above the island. We swim in the sea at Malaga, eat fresh chargrilled fish cooked on the beach and immerse in the ancient ruins of Cartagena, a town where historical architecture is fused with contemporary design.
Heading North to Barcelona we stop at Valencia, where we book one of the ships guided tours, to the ‘Coves de Sant Josep’ a picturesque underground cave and river system just outside of the city. Valencia has a stunning cultural precinct that landmarks the city, with modern architectural lines and commanding buildings, it’s a unique stopover on our intensive tour of Spain.
Sailing up the Balearic Sea we’ve crossed the North and South Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans on our epic journey around Spain. Visiting parts of four countries along the way France, Spain, Portugal and Great Britain.
The final port is none other than the spectacular city of Barcelona, heading into the harbour with all the feels, as the sun rises over Barceloneta Beach. The impressive W Barcelona shines bright through our cabin windows, as we disembarked and say goodbye to the Azamara tribe.
We check into the W Barcelona where all our hotel dreams come true. The W is the ideal place to stay after a journey on the water, located adjacent to the port the hotel reminds us of a boat with uninterrupted views across the water. Contemporary in design the W brand is all about lifestyle, from designer spa to waterfront dining to an elevated and very swanky nightclub.
The fabulous rooms are fitted out to impress with cocktail bar, freestanding bath, plush furnishings and supersized windows that capture the views across the water to the city beyond. Breakfast is served a la carte style by the beach with a juice bar, bakery and charcuterie section.
The ’13 day intensive Spain’ itinerary curated by Azamara Voyages is exceptional and if you’re like us, we were happy to explore a new destination each day as the sun rose and sail away as the sun set at night.
Now that we are cruise converts per se, Azamara is the ideal choice, with a smaller vessel, destination day tripping, friendly staff and the freshest of food.
Visit https://www.azamara.com/ and ‘change the way you sea’
If you’re looking for the one of the best travel blogs and podcast- make sure to check out www.travellingsenorita.com. As a travel writer and podcast host, I’m dedicated to sharing the best travel experiences, tips, and insights. Join me on my adventures as I explore the wonders of this captivating region and beyond.
EAT-
Taste Barcelona Like a Local: Food Tour of Gracia Neighborhood
Barcelona at Sunset: Tapas & Wine Tour
Tapas & Flamenco Tour: Seville Tapas Crawl with Flamenco Show
