Our daily activities on our 10-day Panama Canal cruise aboard Azamara Quest.
Day 8 - Another Day at Sea
Q&A with the Captain, an Officers' BBQ and dinner at Aqualina on our first evening in Costa Rica.
This morning, Azamara Quest is sailing toward the tiny village of Golfito, Costa Rica. We are not scheduled to arrive until 6pm this evening, so, in essence, we have another day at sea. And, a beautiful day it is, with calm waters and moderate temperatures. Our first stop this morning is at The Cabaret Lounge for a "Behind the Scenes" visit with Captain Jose Vilarinho. Captain Jose went through a slide show describing every department on the ship, explaining what goes on behind the scenes to make every cruise memorable for the guests. It was very enlightening, and shows that this Captain is involved with every department on the ship.
Captain Jose Vilarinho
After Captain Jose's talk, some of the senior staff came on stage to take questions from the audience. After the Q&A, I headed up to Deck 10 aft to Prime C for another cooking demonstration by Chef Joao. Today, he showed us how they prepare Mushroom Risotto. Even though I have prepared this dish many times, it is always good to learn new techniques from a professional chef.
Chef Joao prepares Mushroom Risotto
I learned that you can actually peel a Portabello mushroom! Who knew? At the conclusion of the demo, wait staff passed around samples of the delicious rice dish. After the cooking demo, it is time for the Officers' BBQ lunch on Deck 10. Once again, The Patio is converted into a large buffet serving line, and the crowd soon begins to line up for food that is being served by the ship's senior staff.
Hotel Manager, Phillip, serves up delicious tacos
The highlights, for me anyway, were the whole roasted pig and the BBQ pork ribs. Both were delicious. However, we had to show restraint because we have a very special dinner scheduled for later this evening.
Whole roasted suckling pig
Because of the Deck barbeque, we skipped Team Trivia today, yet our team apparently won the progressive point award! Someone showed up at our stateroom with a couple of Azamara logo t-shirts and a refrigerator magnet as our prize winnings. Pretty cool.
I also decided that today would be a good day to take advantage of the Free Bag of Laundry (available to Le Club Voyage members at Explorer level and above). This is another good benefit that loyal Azamara guests can enjoy.
Le Club Voyage Members can get a bag of laundry done free for every 7-day cruise
This afternoon, we stayed in our stateroom and I watched the Green Bay Packers get smoked by the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC Championship while RIckee enjoyed some time in the sun on our balcony. Before the end of the game, Quest was pulling up to the dock at Golfito, Costa Rica. And, by 5:00pm, a message came over the ship's PA system that guests would be required to meet with Costa Rica Immigration officials. Since we have an early dinner reservation at 6pm, we went to The Cabaret Lounge with the first group called.
Rickee gets her passport stamped by Immigration officers in Golfito
The Immigration process was very efficient and quick. Afterwards, we had enough time to visit The Living Room for a cocktail before our dinner reservation. We were the first to arrive at Aqualina on Deck 10 aft, right on time for our 6pm reservation. Aqualina is one of Azamara Quest's two specialty restaurants, the other being Prime C Steakhouse.
Table setting at Aqualina is a step above Discoveries restaurant
Aqualina is an Italian-themed restaurant, which is different from our last sailing aboard Quest in 2014. On our last cruise, Aqualina was described as "Contemporary American Cuisine with a Mediterranean flair." We had no idea what the heck that meant, and found the theme to be confusing. So, we did not dine there in 2014. But, we completely understand "Italian" and wasted no time in making a reservation on this voyage.
About to experience an incredible meal at Aqualina
Our waiter for the evening, Emmanuel, greeted us and explained the menu, which is very straightforward. After a Bruschetta amuse bouche, my antipasti (starter) soon arrived: three Proscuitto-wrapped Seared Scallops with a Garlic Cauliflower Purée and Balsamic drizzle. The scallops were small, but the preparation and presentation were excellent. They were delicious.
Seared Scallop Antipasti
Rickee ordered the Carpaccio of Beef as her starter, and loved it. For my Zuppa and Insalata course (soup and salad), I ordered the Lobster Bisque while Rickee went with the more interesting Tomato and Watermelon salad with Basil and Balsamic glaze. It was very different, and very good.
Tomato and Watermelon salad with balsamic glaze
For our Secondi (main course), we both ordered the Crispy Duck Confit with Mushroom Risotto. We primarily ordered it for the Risotto that we had sampled earlier in the day at the cooking demo. The mushroom Risotto was as creamy and delicious as we remembered and the duck was juicy and flavorful with a light, crispy skin.
Crispy Duck Confit with Mushroom Risotto
We were both way too stuffed by the end of the meal to enjoy the signature souffle dessert, so I had a scoop of gelato and Rickee, a scoop of lemon sorbet. It was the perfect end to a wonderful dining experience. So far, this has been our favorite meal of the entire cruise, and well-worth the $30/pp additional cost.
Tomorrow, Quest remains in Golfito where we will enjoy a horseback ride!
Day 6 - Panama Canal Transit
We transit the Panama Canal, a new President is sworn into office and Azamara throws its signature White Night party.
This morning, Azamara Quest is waiting its turn to enter the Gatun locks at the north end of the Panama Canal. The fifty-mile long, man-made marvel was completed in 1914 to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Dozens of ships on the horizon, lined up to wait their turn to enter the canal
The canal transit is so smooth and painless for cruise ship guests that is is easy to ignore the monumental task of constructing the canal. The French tried first, and lost thousands of workers to malaria and other disease, only to finally give up. When America took over in 1904 and purchased the engineering rights from France, it only took ten years before the canal was open for business.
Transiting the canal requires ships to pass through three sets of locks, raising the vessels from sea level to the level of the man-made Gatun Lake, the largest man-made lake in the world.
Azamara Quest prepares to enter the first Gatun lock
We have a pretty good view of the action from our private balcony, and watch from there as Quest enters the Gatun locks. I was able to rig up my GoPro camera to the railing in an effort to create a time lapse of the transit into Gatun Lake.
Many guests go to the outer decks to watch the lock transit. However, Azamara's bridge cam allowed us to see the Captain's view of the locks from the bridge while remaining in our cabin.
Bridge cam is displayed on our stateroom television
Dr. Dave Roberts, the destination lecturer, also provided commentary over the ship's PA system and stateroom TV on points of interest and canal history. There are several news channels on the ship's satellite TV system, all of which were broadcasting the swearing-in ceremonies of the 45th President of the United States.
Donald Trump is sworn in as 45th President while we transit the Canal
So, from the comfort of our stateroom, we were able to watch from our balcony, go inside to see what the Captain sees, and periodically switch channels to watch the inauguration!
Enjoying the view of Gatun locks
After we entered Gatun Lake and began sailing toward the Pacific, we soon approached the first large bridge which spans the canal. We decided to head up to Deck 11 to get a good view.
Azamara Quest approaches the bridge
Soon, we were into the Pedro Miguel locks, followed by the Miraflores locks, after which Azamara Quest is in the Pacific Ocean! By the time Quest is anchoring off the coast of Panama City, it is time for the signature White Night Deck BBQ and Party. Guests are encouraged to dress in something white for the event and dine "under the stars" on the pool deck. The Patio (pool grill) has been converted into a large buffet area serving every food imaginable. Steaks and lobster tails are grilled over charcoal, and are delicious!
Steaks and lobster tails
There are tables filled with salads, desserts, vegetables, breads...you name it. A stir fry station is making stir fry to order. There is a huge salt-crusted baked Cod that Rickee really liked. The Oxtail stew was one of my favorites.
Desserts, desserts and more desserts!
Soon after the sun went down, Cruise Director, Russ Grieve, kicked off the evening’s entertainment by introducing a group of local musicians and dancers who entertained with local music and dance while wearing colorful costumes.
Local entertainers
After the local entertainment, the Quest Singers and Dancers took the stage, along with the ship's musicians, and began a dance party that got everyone up on their feet and dancing.
Guests dance to the music of the Quest Singers and Dancers
The party lasted late into the night and a great time was had by all. White Night is always something special on an Azamara cruise!
Tomorrow, we will tender into Fuerte Amador, Panama.
Day 5 - Another Day at Sea on Quest
After we tour the ship's galley and engine control room, we are invited to a special party.
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.
Day 3 - Another Sea Day on Quest
The seas start to play rough on our second day at sea, but there's a lot to keep us busy.
We love days at sea...calm days at sea that is. Unfortunately, today the seas decided to play it rough. With 10-foot swells and high winds, Azamara Quest is getting its share of motion. In spite of the sea's attempt to keep everyone in their staterooms, guests shrugged off the motion and took part in the ship's myriad of scheduled activities. I stopped by the card room on Deck 10 to pick up my laptop (on loan to the Bridge lecturer) and was amazed to find a sizable crowd gathered to learn more about the card game.
Jim conducts two bridge lectures each day at sea
Rickee and I subjected ourselves to more humiliation at Team Trivia, even though I think we did a bit better today than yesterday. By the time we got to The Patio for lunch, the place was packed. I had my heart set on a cheeseburger, so after I placed my order, we found a table for two inside Windows Cafe and asked if they would deliver the burger there, which our waiter gladly did. The burger was as good as I remembered from our last cruise but, unfortunately, so were the onion rings. They could still use some improvement.
There are so many things going on that you need to plan your day. There are dance classes, wine tastings, lectures, bridge lectures, stretching classes, Mah-Jongg (whatever that is), a scavenger hunt, trivia, etc., etc. And of course, the most popular activity of all: just laying out in the sun by the pool. We enjoy Team Trivia and an occasional lecture. Today's lecture was "The Panama Canal: The First 500 Years" conducted by Dr. Dave Roberts. If the weather were better, RIckee would be out on our balcony reading.
Dr. Dave Roberts lectures on the Panama Canal
One of our favorite places to hang out is The Living Room on Deck 10. Even though there is more motion there on rough sea days because of its location high on the ship, you can't beat the view. And, at around 5pm each day, they set up a very nice tapas bar. Once the food comes out, the place begins to fill up quickly.
Tapas served each evening in The Living Room
After 6pm, Simon shows up to entertain Living Room guests with his guitar.
Simon entertains guests in The Living Room
We filled up on the excellent tapas in The Living Room and decided to skip dinner this evening. We have a lot of specialty dining scheduled for later in the cruise, so we are trying to save up some room for all the food to come. Before going to the evening show, we stopped by Spirits on Deck 5 (formerly Casino Bar). The bar waiter confirmed what we already suspected, that if you ask for it, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, which we did.
Spirits Bar on Deck 5
This evening we enjoyed the 8:15 show in The Cabaret Lounge, "Who Wrote The Songs," performed by the Quest Singers and Dancers.
The show featured some great vocals and lively dance routines. The show lounge does not do justice to the entertainers. If you want a good view of the show, you really have to show up early and get a seat near the stage. This is an old-school show "lounge", not a theater like on many of the newer ships, so there is no tiered seating. Nevertheless, the quality of the entertainers and musicians makes up for the theater's shortcomings. We look forward to the next show.
Tomorrow, Azamara Quest will be docked in Cartagena, Colombia. We have arranged for a Segway Tour on our own and the ship has something special planned for tomorrow night, so stay tuned.
Day 2 - At Sea on Quest
Rough seas, a new dining concept and a comedy show highlight our first full day aboard Quest.
Our first day full day aboard Azamara Quest is a bit rocky, the seas are a little rough and we notice that sea sickness bags have been placed in the elevators and stairwells, just in case. We have certainly been in much rougher seas, so I think it would only adversely affect someone with extreme sensitivity to motion. Nevertheless, the winds are very strong and warning signs discourage guests from walking on the outer decks.
I found Windows Cafe to be the best place for early morning blogging and enjoying coffee. While working on the blog, a gentleman approached me with an interesting request. He is the Bridge lecturer on this cruise and he apparently forgot to pack his MacBook Air, which he uses for his presentations. I could tell he was desperate, so I offered to let him use my MacBook over the next few mornings for his lectures. Fortunately, all of his presentations were on USB thumb drives. Crisis averted.
Rickee and I made our traditional visit to the Casino to make our donation to the slot machines. Ten minutes and a negative $40 later, we decided we had given enough to the cause and walked over to Mosaic Cafe for a well-deserved treat. The coconut macaroons looked very inviting, and were delicious. Mosaic Cafe is open throughout the day and offers a variety of coffee drinks, snacks and sweets.
Mosaic Cafe is a popular spot on Azamara Quest
While Rickee attended a lecture on Humpback Whales, I decided to check out the Indian Cooking Demonstration in Prime C, Azamara Quest's steakhouse. This morning, we learned how to prepare Curry Chicken with a Masala gravy, a very traditional Indian dish. Chef Joao explained all of the spices and techniques used to prepare the dish. At the end of the demo, we all enjoyed a sample of the fragrant, spicy chicken.
Chef Joao shows us how to prepare Curry Chicken
After the cooking demo, and whale lecture, we joined other guests in the Cabaret Lounge for Progressive Team Trivia with Cruise Director, Russ Greive, and Activity Manager, Lee. We sailed with Russ back in 2014 and remember him to be very energetic and a lot of fun. The trivia questions were not particularly difficult, but my contributions were limited. I was certain of one of my answers only to learn I was incorrect. Maybe I will do better tomorrow?
Lee and Russ conduct Team Trivia
For lunch today, Rickee and I decide to give Discoveries Restaurant a try. We were seated at a table for two and quickly noticed that Discoveries appears to be another venue left untouched by the recent renovation efforts. I enjoyed a delicious Thai Chicken soup followed by a Penne Pasta in curry cream sauce with Lamb Kofta. All dishes were very good.
Penne Pasta with Lamb Kofta
This evening, we again visited The Living Room on Deck 10 forward for a cocktail. Formerly The Looking Glass, The Living Room is the ship's observation lounge and offers an expansive view of the ocean. It would appear that this space has undergone a complete renovation with a bright new bar, new furnishings and carpet, and a small buffet service with a selection of tapas each evening.
The Living Room Bar
After enjoying our cocktail and a beautiful Caribbean sunset, we decided to try The Patio for dinner. During the day, The Patio is the ship's pool grill, but in the evening, it is now transformed into a casual bistro with a small, but interesting menu. Our waiter brought us each a glass of the day's complimentary wine, red for me and white for Rickee. Rickee was not too hungry so opted only for a visit to the salad bar and a baked potato. I ordered the lamb medallions with sauteed mushrooms. My lamb was cooked perfectly. The Patio is a new concept, and apparently, a popular one. By the time we left, the tables were beginning to fill.
Sunset on Azamara Quest
After dinner, we made our way back to Cabaret Lounge for the evening show. Due to some technical difficulties, the planned show had to be postponed. Fortunately, comedian Rich Shidner was able to help out by making us all laugh with his comedy routine.
Comedian, Rich Shidner
Tomorrow, we will enjoy another day at sea as Azamara Quest heads towards Cartegena, Columbia.