There's something special about discovering Europe by sea, especially when you're sailing on a boutique ship that lets you slow down, spend more time in port, and truly immerse yourself in each destination.
I recently had the opportunity to experience a 12 night voyage aboard Azamara Journey, sailing from Athens to Barcelona through Greece, Türkiye, Italy and France. After experiencing the ship firsthand, I can confidently say Azamara is a cruise line I would happily recommend to our clients.
A Warm Welcome from the Start
Embarkation in Athens was one of the easiest I've experienced. There were no long queues or complicated boarding procedures, just a warm welcome from the friendly crew. Within minutes I was onboard, and before long my luggage was already waiting in my stateroom.
It immediately set the tone for the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that continued throughout the cruise.
Small Ship Cruising at Its Best
One of the things I loved most about Azamara Journey is its size. Carrying around 690 guests, it offers an intimate atmosphere where you quickly become familiar with both fellow travellers and the crew.
Unlike larger ships, there were never crowds or long waits. It felt more like staying in a boutique hotel than sailing on a cruise ship, making it incredibly easy to relax from day one.
Deliious Dining and Comfortable Accommodation
Dining was another highlight. Every meal was beautifully prepared with plenty of variety throughout the voyage.
Discoveries Restaurant became a favourite for dinner, while Windows Café was perfect for leisurely breakfasts and relaxed lunches overlooking the sea. For something extra special, Prime C and Aqualina offered outstanding speciality dining that was well worth the additional cost.
My Veranda Stateroom was comfortable, thoughtfully designed and offered more storage than I expected. Waking each morning to beautiful coastal views from my private balcony, particularly while sailing past the Amalfi Coast, was something I'll never forget.
Genuine Service Makes All the Difference
The exceptional service is what truly sets Azamara apart.
The crew quickly learned our names, remembered our preferences and genuinely cared about making every day enjoyable. Our cabin attendant, Sarah, took enormous pride in her work and always greeted us with a smile. It's those little personal touches that make such a lasting impression.
Incredible Ports with More Time to Explore
Azamara's focus is firmly on the destinations, and that's exactly what makes this style of cruising so rewarding.
Highlights included exploring the incredible ruins of Ephesus from Kusadasi, wandering the picturesque harbour at Agios Nikolaos in Crete and taking the local train from Catania to the beautiful hilltop town of Taormina.
One of the biggest advantages of travelling on a smaller ship became obvious in Salerno. Rather than docking well away from town, we were right in the heart of everything, making it incredibly easy to explore independently.
Our overnight stay gave us time to visit beautiful Sorrento before returning to enjoy Salerno itself, wandering through its historic streets, visiting its magnificent cathedral and relaxing in local cafés.
Rome, Florence, Pisa, Nice, Monaco and Marseille each offered their own unique highlights, and having longer days in port meant there was time to experience so much without constantly watching the clock.
The Perfect Time to Visit Europe
Travelling during late October and early November proved to be an excellent choice.
The weather was still pleasantly warm in Greece, mild throughout Italy and France, and perhaps best of all, the crowds were noticeably smaller than during the busy summer months. It's a wonderful time of year for travellers wanting to enjoy Europe at a more relaxed pace.
My Final Thoughts
After spending nearly two weeks onboard Azamara Journey, I completely understand why so many travellers return to this cruise line again and again.
It's ideal for couples, mature travellers, food and wine lovers, and anyone looking for a more intimate cruising experience. If you value spending longer in beautiful destinations, personalised service and sailing on a ship where everything feels relaxed and uncrowded, Azamara delivers beautifully.
Luxury doesn't always have to mean grand or formal. Sometimes it's about exceptional service, authentic experiences and having the time to truly enjoy each destination.
If you're considering a European cruise and would like to discover Greece, Italy and France in a more immersive way, Azamara Journey is certainly a voyage I would highly recommend.
Our team at Chris Watson Travel would love to help you find the perfect Azamara itinerary for your next European adventure.