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My husband and I had been travelling in the heat in Southern Europe for seven weeks before we boarded the Azamara Pursuit for a “Croatia Intensive” cruise. We were a bit over travelling and ready to come home to Australia.
However, from the first day onboard, we had a new lease on life, a new wind beneath our sails. And we felt that we absorbed and enjoyed some of the marvels that Croatia has to offer.
Planning a last-minute trip to Croatia?
Top Experiences and Tours in Croatia:
- See the sights with a tour of Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik
- See nature with Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke, Small Group Tour from Zagreb
- Explore more with From Hvar: Vis Island and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour
Where to stay in Croatia:
- Find accommodation with Booking.com
- Get a rail pass through Rail Europe
- Find Bus, Train, and Flight tickets with one search through Omio
What are Country-Intensive Cruises All About?
Photo by Andrew Jarrett
Photo by Leonie Jarrett
Azamara Cruises allows guests to have the time to get a feel for a destination rather than a whistle-stop tour to see as many countries as possible during the cruise. Also, Azamara allows extended stops in port. Most days, the Azamara Pursuit arrived in port by 8 am and did not depart before 9 or 10 pm.
We had ample time to do walking tours and adventure activities in every port. Also, ample time to immerse ourselves in the destinations plus enjoy the comforts of the ship as well as the included, dazzling array of food and drinks.
Off the ship, we hiked, we sailed, we white water-rafted and we drove an ATV at breakneck speed through olive groves and vineyards. We also swam in the warm, emerald waters of the Adriatic Sea.
In addition to the adrenalin-filled adventure activities, we were led around stone towns by a local guide who told us about centuries of history. Some towns are Medieval, some Roman, some Venetian and some a blend. Croatia also has an interesting history of occupation and, most recently, the Croatian War of Independence.
We felt that the multiple Croatian ports (six in eight days) and the extended time in port gave us a real feel for the towns and the people of Croatia. Plus, we had heaps of fun doing the adventure activities.
Advantages of a Smaller Ship
Photo by Leonie Jarrett
For us, the biggest advantage was no queuing. We never queued from boarding in Chioggia (just out of Venice) to leaving the ship in Athens, except for the very popular, self-service laundry down the hall from my stateroom. No complaints from me about having to wait my turn to do my washing – having a free laundry in a hot climate is a definite winner.
With 638 guests on board and 393 crew, the crew’s attentiveness to our every need was also a big plus.
The Azamara Pursuit and her three sister ships can dock or anchor close to the sights. The Azamara fleet can also access smaller, hidden gem destinations that bigger cruise ships cannot reach.
For example, on this cruise, the Azamara Pursuit could sit just outside Dubrovnik Old Town rather than a shuttle bus away at the Port. Also, in Kotor, she could dock beside the Old Town Gate. Meanwhile, two cruise ships (Virgin and MSC) sat further away, necessitating tenders.
Food, Glorious Food
There were plenty of food options, from a café to a buffet to fine dining. Our highlight was a magnificent, French-themed Chef’s Table dinner. This was a truly excellent, six-course meal curated by the Executive Chef with paired wines. Following dinner, we partied to live renditions of ABBA hits in the Living Room bar.
Photo by Leonie Jarrett
As a general rule, we don’t “do buffets.” We have been on several cruises where we have never entered the buffet restaurant. Yet, on Azamara Pursuit, our favourite dining location overall was the buffet restaurant.
The Windows Café was themed by a country’s cuisine each night for dinner and there was a generous, outdoor eating area on the rear deck. This was mostly shaded with panoramic views.
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, there was always a table available outside at the Windows Café. It was “our regular” for the cruise, and we were sad to say farewell.
White Night Party
The White Night party is a highlight of every Azamara cruise. On our cruise, the party took place whilst in port in Dubrovnik in the shadows of the magnificent medieval City Walls.
There was a sumptuous buffet dinner and live entertainment on the pool deck. Not only was it the biggest buffet we have ever seen, but it was also fabulous. From sushi to lobster tails, there was something for everyone.
Guests (us included) danced late into the night at an after-party and an after, after party.
So, Why is a Country-Intensive Cruise the Best Way to See Croatia?
Photo by Leonie Jarrett
Before this Azamara cruise, we had come off seven weeks of self-driving or meeting trains or planes and searching for our pre-booked accommodation. Each time, packing and unpacking and trying to find a laundromat to wash our sweaty clothes. Cruising on Azamara removed all that stress.
Once we met the Azamara Pursuit, she took us from port to port seamlessly. I’ve already mentioned the convenience of being able to wash my clothes in the free laundry. And, of course, we only packed and unpacked once.
Being a country-intensive cruise, we didn’t have multiple days at sea nor rough “open water” crossings. We did have port after port that were jewels in their own right. Together, they formed an “AzAmazing” experience.
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Author Bio: Leonie Jarrett lives in Melbourne, Australia with her Husband of more than 3 decades, 2 of her 4 adult children and her 2 Golden Retrievers. Leonie is a lawyer who has owned several businesses. She loves to write! Now that she is semi-retired, avid traveller Leonie loves writing about her travels and her experiences.
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We did the same cruise on the Azamara Journey, starting in Athens and finishing at Chioggia. It was an amazing vacation.