Napier, New Zealand- Art Deco capital of the World!

Napier, New Zealand

The Art Deco Capital of the World.

The 1931 Napier earthquake and a subsequent fire destroyed much of the downtown area. When the town was rebuilt it was reconstructed in the prevailing Art Deco style. Now it is the Art Deco capital of the world.

Here is an example of the beautiful Art Deco style buildings in the town. Napier used to be home to one of New Zealand's largest smoking tobacco plants.

Sailing, fishing and other water activities in the bay are very popular in Napier, New Zealand.

Pania (the above statue) is a local tourist attraction in this interesting city of Napier. The legend of Pania of the Reef was a beautiful maiden who lived in the sea on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. By day she swam about with the creatures of her reef world but after sunset would go to a stream that ran into the bay where the city of Napier now exist.

Napier is the nexus of the largest wool centre in the Southern Hemisphere. Napier has also become an important grape and wine production area.

Wellington-Capital of New Zealand-Some call it Capital of Cool

Wellington-Capital of New Zealand

Called by some the Capital of Cool.

Wellington is a wonderful capital city. There are all sorts of great things to do here from the Chocolate Festival, Te Papa Museum, to fantastic out door activities.

From culture to coffee, music to movie-making, Wellington's sights and sound will leave you wanting more.

One of Wellingtons most popular tourist attractions is the cable car. This ride gives you outstanding views of the city's center business district and out across the harbor to Mt. Victoria. You can return by cable or walk back down through gardens and historic Bolton Street Cemetery.

Wellington has a rich history and has lot's of beautiful places to see and enjoy. You might even put your self in a picture with a "The Lord of the Rings" location tour.

Hobart, Australia

Hobart, Australia

State Capital of the Australian island state of Tasmania. What a fantastic place to visit on a cruise #vacation to Australia.

Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney, The city skyline is dominated by
Mt. Wellington.

An interesting and fun thing to do in Hobart is a shore excursion to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Bonorong is not a zoo. They specialize in the care and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured wildlife while giving you an up-close and personal experience.

As you can tell Hobart is a beautiful place to visit! What a terrific and fantastic #vacation location this is. A wonderful stop on a Celebrity Cruise #vacation.

Royal Caribbean International also has some wonderful cruises to this area of the world. Near Hobart is the Historic town of Richmond. The bridge shown here is the oldest bridge still in use in Australia.

Azamara Club Cruises-Sea Days

Azamara Club Cruises - Sea Days

All day/night fun and relaxation

Azamara Club Cruises-Sea day 
It’s a beautiful morning (again). The rising sun has turned the sea golden, and it’s an incredible sight. Perhaps you’ll start with breakfast on your private veranda, or head to the top deck for a brisk early morning walk before heading to Windows Café for a made-to-order breakfast.

Azamara Club Cruise-Casino Luxe. 

Test your skill, or prove to your shipmates that beginner's luck is real. The Casino will keep you entertained with blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and three-card poker games. Group and individual gaming lessons are offered at no charge—a great way to learn gaming strategy! And for all you sports fans, the Casino features a flat-screen TV and full bar, making it a very pleasant place to keep up with your favorite teams. The Casino accepts payment by key card, cash, credit card, travelers checks and foreign currency.

Bars, Lounges & Gathering Spots
Azamara Club Cruises 
Discoveries Lounge. Located just outside Azamara’s main restaurant, this congenial bar is a favorite gathering place for pre- and post-dinner conversation and drinks. Bar service includes a full selection of fine wines, mixed drinks, and premium spirits…plus the entertaining banter of Azamara’s friendly bartenders.

Azamara Club Cruises 
Mosaic Café and Mosaic@Night. This centrally located coffee and tea bar is a favorite onboard hub, and chances are you’ll find yourself here frequently. Want to grab a quick bite before heading off the ship in the morning? Head by the Mosaic for a steaming latte and fresh baked baby quiches (very addictive). In the afternoon the Mosaic Café attracts friendly competitors for trivia and board games and tea-time sandwiches, sweets, and savory bites. And after dinner, Mosaic@Night is a great place to socialize while enjoying live music and a selection of fine liqueurs.

Haifa, Israel -Azamara Club Cruise will take you there.

Haifa, Israel 

On the slopes of Mt. Carmel 

Haifa, Israel is build on the slopes of Mt. Carmel and overlooks the Mediterranean.  Its streets and boulevards, winding up and down the mountain, may remind you of San Francisco.

A day trip from Haifa can be taken to traditional Druze Villages of Isfiyah and Dallat where you can find embroidered Arab tunics and carpets. All the beaches in Haifa are are spotlessly clean. This is a beautiful city. 

While visiting Haifa, Israel you might enjoy taking the cable car up and down the mountain from the top of Mt. Carmel giving you views of Haifa Bay and surroundings.

Haifa, Israel has several terrific museums. The Haifa Museum exhibits archaeological excavations of the city and its vicinity as well as collections of modern and classical art.

Ashdod, Israel - Largest Israeli Port City

Ashdod, Israel

Ashdod is the fifth-largest city in Isreal on the Mediterranean coast west of Jerusalem. The Port of Ashdod is Israel's largest Port.

Ashdod will be a fantastic ancient city to explore. Upon Joshua's conquest of the Promised Land, Ashdod was allotted to the Tribe of Judah (book of Joshua).

Ashdod is home to the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra. You might visit the Korin Maman Museum or the Ashdod Museum of Art. This city is full of fantastic things to see!

The original city of Ashdod was just south of the modern city. Human settlements in Ashdod date from the Paleolithic Age. What an exciting place to visit and explore.

Sea Days on an Azamara Club Cruise.

Sea Days-Azamara Club Cruise

Beautiful suites and staterooms, fine dinning, shopping and enrichment seminars.

Suite guests enjoy English butler service (Butlers frequently earn perfect service scores). Other rooms enjoy the services of a stateroom attendant and assistant.

Tasteful collections of merchandise and beautiful jewelry and watches in four onboard stores.

Azamara offers a choice of six distinctive dining options, including room service. Whether you’re a fan of haute cuisine or down-home cooking, you'll love the quality reflected in the fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and variety of menu choices.

Enrichment Programs & Classes-
Add to your knowledge with a wide variety of entertaining and interesting enrichment programs. Schedules are available on Azamara TV and the daily newsletter.

Valletta, Malta-16th Century Harbor City

Valletta, Malta

Capital of the island nation of Malta.  A harbor city with a 16th century feel.  

Tiny Malta, smack dab in the middle of the Mediterranean and on everyone's route since ships began to ply the seas, is packed with history from top to bottom. A wonderful city to explore on an Azamara club cruise.

The city of Valetta is like a living museum of baroque architecture, constructed by the Knights of St. Joan five centuries ago.

There is lot's to see and do in this interesting city. You might explore St. John's Co-Cathedral, National Museum of Archaeology or of Fine Arts. Shopping is always fun in a terrific port like Valletta. If you are up to exploring you can walk around the outside of the walls along the sea.

The Palace of the Grand Masters can be viewed in Valetta.  You might also take advantage while touring the city of an  audio-visual show called "The Malta Experience"  sharing the history of this interesting island.

Catania, Sicily-Italy Catania is Sicily's 2nd largest city and sits under the shadow of Mt. Etna

Catania, Sicily-Italy 

 Catania is Sicily's 2nd largest city and sits under the shadow of Mt. Etna

Catania is a truly a volcanic city. Much of the city is constructed from lava that has poured down Mt. Etna in the past. The buildings in Catania have used the lava as building material. It is often called the "Grey City" because of this.

Catania is located on the east coast of the island of Sicily. Catania today is one of the main economic, touristic, and educational centers in the island. It is nicknamed the "European Silicon Valley".

The Cathedral, is dedicated to St. Agata the city's patron saint. This imposing Barque structure stands in the city square the hub of markets and other city activities.

This would be another great city to go to the Opera. The Teatro Massimo Bellini is an opera house in Catania, Sicily. This building took almost 200 years to come together due to funding problems. It truly is a beautiful opera house.

Sorrento, Italy-Lovely seaside town.

Sorrento, Italy

A  lovely seaside town in southern Italy.

A lovely seaside town in Southern Italy. Situated on a terrace overlooking the splendid Amalfi Coastine. A great place to visit Pompeii and Naples or enjoy the lovely shops and cafes of the town. You can also catch a ferry to the Island of Capri.

A enjoyable shore excursion in the area of Sorrento is the cameo factory. It is a very fun and interesting place to visit. Yes, I bought a cameo there and I love it.

The streets of Sorrento are lovely. I truly look the tourist don't I? At least the flowers of the city matched my outfit.

Another great shore excursion is to visit one of the local farms. I was able to see how they made cheese and enjoy a sample of Limoncello. Lot's of fun.

Azamara Club Cruises-11-night Vatican to Holy Lane, Malta & Egypt Voyage

Azamara Club Cruises-11-night Vatican to Holy Lane, Malta & Egypt Voyage

All great cruises begin in Rome

Azamara Journey is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, Casino and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where the attentive staff is always ready to offer a complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas. There’s nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara’s friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your home away from home!

While in Rome visit the Trevi Fountain! It is the largest Baroque Fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

Rome is certainly the Eternal City. Rome is the perfect blend of the ancient past and expanding future.

Rome is the perfect city to arrive a few days early. Take time to explore and enjoy this wonderful city. Go to an opera or visit the colosseum. This is an amazing city!