Day 5 - Another Day at Sea on Quest

Yes, it's another day at sea as Azamara Quest sails toward the entrance to the Panama Canal. To better understand what we are about to experience, we attend a morning lecture on "The Panama Canal: The American Effort," conducted by Dr. Dave Roberts. This lecture described how President Teddy Roosevelt imposed his will on Congress, and the world, to see to it that America completed the Panama Canal.

Dr. Dave Roberts

Immediately following Dr. Roberts' lecture, we remained in our seats to learn about Sea Turtles from WWF (World Wildlife Foundation) speaker Michael Osmond.

Michael Osmond

I departed a little early from the sea turtle lecture to get in on the action in Spirits lounge where a "Cruise Line Logo trivia" contest was being held. Finally, a trivia contest I should be able to win! But, alas, it was not to be. I guessed 18 out of 20 of the cruise line logos shown on the screen, missing only Orient Line and Fred Olson. Damn! Believe it or not, there was one team who got all 20 right.

Cruise Line Logo trivia in Spirits lounge

This afternoon, Rickee and I were invited to tour the ship's galley. One of the lead chefs led us on a thorough tour of the galley, which was quite a bit larger than I expected for a ship this size. Every inch of the galley was spotlessly clean and everything is very organized. 

Huge stainless steel kettles are used for making soups

After our galley tour, we joined a group of guests for a tour of the ship's engine control room. Arguably, this is the "heart" of the ship. Azamara Quest's four diesel engines, or generators, are monitored and controlled from here. The generators create electricity for the ship's two huge electric motors that drive the propellers, thus moving the ship forward. The generators also create all of the electricity used throughout the ship. All of the ship's waste water disposal is controlled from here as well. 

Engine control room

There were a few hardcore boaters in attendance who had lots of questions for the ship's engineers, so Rickee and I decided to bug out early so we could make it to the Le Club Voyage reception held in Cabaret Lounge. By the time we arrived, we were one of the last in line to meet and greet the Captain. Le Club Voyage is Azamara's loyalty program and this special cocktail reception is a way for Azamara to recognize their most loyal past passengers. Basically, it is what we in the industry refer to as a "repeaters’ party".

Rickee enjoys some of the hors d'oeuvres served at Le Club Voyage reception

Wait staff circulate throughout the lounge, their trays filled with glasses of champagne and wine. A variety of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres are also offered. Soon, the Captain takes the stage to greet everyone and thank them for their loyal support of Azamara Club Cruises. Of the 655 guests on board, more than 300 are in the lounge tonight. That is pretty impressive, to say the least. One couple was recognized as having sailed on 22 cruises with Azamara!

After the Le Club Voyage reception, we went back to our favorite spot on the ship, The Living Room, where we enjoyed one last cocktail before calling it a night.

Tomorrow, Azamara Quest will transit the Panama Canal.