Cruise Ship Review: Azamara Journey to the Midnight Sun

All white on the night

Thank goodness I’d packed a white shirt. It’s not compulsory but nobody likes to stand out, do they? I’m talking, of course, about Azamara’s famed ‘White Nights’ party, a highpoint of every cruise, when the pool deck is packed with food, drink and decorations and the passengers – yes, you guessed it – all dress in white.

The majority make the effort, even if it requires a little improvisation (full marks to the gent who, having forgotten to bring a suitable outfit, joined the party in his bathrobe. I also saw a white towel fashioned into a poncho. Brave.)

Attentive crew are always on hand to refill your glass, and the food stations situated along the deck serve good old-fashioned barbecue cuisine. There’s also a live band playing a selection of 80s pop classics, and it wasn’t long before the party animals among us took to the dance floor. For a first night on board, this was as good as they come.

Rock ’n’ roll extravaganza

Cruise with Azamara and you’ll find no shortage of daytime activities to keep you busy. There are fitness classes, quizzes and lectures (we learned all about the navigational expertise of the Vikings), as well as wine-tasting sessions, tango classes and a nerve- jangling spelling bee.

Teenagers are catered for with get-togethers centred around the social icebreaker that is the Wii console, while solo travellers can join others for themed dinners. For many cruisers, however, the Sanctum spa on deck nine will be the most enticing spot on the ship. It offers full-body massages and a whole range of exclusive packages, treatments and therapies – the perfect way to spend those lazy sea days.

On deck five you’ll find a selection of slot machines and casino favourites, including roulette, blackjack and poker, while on the same deck guests can visit the Cabaret Lounge for singing, dancing, magic acts, stand-up comedy and musicals. Head here, too, if you’re a bingo fan – generous prizes on offer include a cruise, unlimited internet packages, cash and more.

A personal highlight, however, was my second night on board, when DJ Mike unleashed my inner rock god. As the brilliance of Aerosmith, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and many more filled the Living Room on deck 10, Classic Rock Night provided one of my best ever nights at sea and should, in my opinion, be compulsory on every sailing, on every line.

Food for thought

All that rocking leaves a man hungry, so it’s great news that there are five main restaurants on board for cruisers to satisfy their appetites. Discoveries, Windows Cafe and The Patio are all included in the fare, as are some dishes on the room-service menu.

Aqualina and Prime C are the speciality eateries, the former serving up classic Italian dishes – the limoncello soufflé is particularly good – while the latter is a steakhouse. Both come with a cover charge of $30, although dining here is complimentary for suite guests.

The Patio, on the pool deck, is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed style of dining, or just fancy tucking into a hamburger or a sandwich while watching the waves. The other complimentary venues are more traditional in style, but with the bonus that no reservations are necessary.

Most cruisers look forward to a sundowner or two, and Azamara Journey provides plenty of additional venues to enjoy a tipple. The Living Room is a prime spot to unwind during the day, as is the Mosaic Cafe, where guests can sample speciality coffees and teas, as well as an evening selection of cognacs and ports.

Then there’s Spirits on deck five – a stylish place to sip cocktails while listening to live piano music. This was my favourite haunt of all, where I somehow managed to spend the majority of one sea day.

Next morning the ship was bound for Bodo and Trondheim, but I wouldn’t be joining her. As I sadly left Azamara Journey behind, I wished my new friends a fabulous end to their cruise – and I have no doubt they got one.

Destination Delights

Flam

Surrounded by steep mountains and valleys, the charming village of Flam offers a famously scenic railway journey as well as the Kjosfossen waterfall, one of Norway’s most visited natural attractions.

Geiranger

A tiny village that is famous for the fjord and the snow-capped peaks that surround it, Geiranger has stunning views of the Seven Sisters waterfall.

Alesund

This bustling port town is a treat for architecture fans, with Art Nouveau turrets and spires dotting the skyline.

Tromso

Surrounded by islands and fjords, Tromso is far north of the Arctic Circle and is best viewed via the cablecar ride up Storsteinen Mountain.

Honningsvag

The last village before the North Cape is home to approximately 4,000 people. This far north, the sun doesn’t set from mid-May to the end of July.

Get on Board

17-night ‘Norway Intensive North Cape’ cruise aboard Azamara Pursuit, round trip from Southampton via Flam, Tromso and Bodo, departing 20 July 2020, from £4,819, azamara.co.uk