Azamara Pursuit - Test Cruise

Azamara Pursuit All inclusive cruise with drinks, limited wifi and gratuities included. 19-24 March – Test Cruise Itinerary : Lisbon – Malaga – Gibraltar – Portimao (Algarve) – Lisbon Ahead of Covid-19 restrictions being lifted and the resumption of cruising my colleague and I were asked to take part on a ‘test cruise’ on the luxury Azamara Pursuit for 5 night cruise out of Lisbon and this is how it went : Day 1 I flew from Heathrow (to meet with my colleague) and as I live in Cheshire I decided to stay the night at Heathrow due to the very early start. I stayed at Sofitel Heathrow Terminal 5 which is a 5 star hotel located right at the airport and very convenient. Day 2 – Boarding N2 grade Club Continent Suite number 7082. Azamara Pursuit Ship Facts : 690 passengers / 30,277 tons /Entered Service August 2018 No breakfast for me I had to check in for my 7.20 am flight and check in at 5am. We flew British Airways and although mask wearing had just been lifted by British Airways as we were flying to Portugal where masks were still required we had to wear a mask on the flight (but not on the way back). Arrived in Lisbon and after a short wait for luggage, jumped into one of the awaiting taxis outside the airport. The transfer was about 15 mins to the port and cost approx 25 euros. The weather was beautiful with hot sun shine and we were very early so left our luggage at the port and headed off for a beer in one of the nearby outside bars in the old town. Returned at about 2pm and were literally one of the first on board (we were eager) and glad we did as we had to have a Covid test before boarding which took 30 mins to get the results and we were on. The Club Continent Suite is 266 sq st so more like a Junior Suite in size. The bathroom had a roomy shower (no bath) and 2 sinks and a butler was on hand for any requests you may have for service. Sitting area and flat-screen TV and 2 lower beds which could convert to double if required. Bottles of spirits (gin, vodka, whisky) were provided in cabin and bottled water. The Pursuit has the usual Azamara layout and is a small intimate quieter ship. Discover is the main dining room but this evening we ate in Prime C, the wood-panelled Steakhouse. The sommelier picked a perfect red to accompany the meal and the chocolate desert was to die for. Entertainment includes theatre shows, cabaret lounge and bars. Included in the all inclusive were many fine wines and spirits and cocktails (my favourite Margarita was well made). Day 3 - A relaxing day at sea. Caught up with 2 more Travel Counsellors on board and took part in the trivia quiz which is held daily in the Discoveries Bar and lunch in the buffet restaurant. Evening meal is the main dining room Discoveries which I found a good choice menu and the service attentive. Day 4 – Marbella. Intermittent rain but nothing to dampen our spirits Azamara docks next to the shopping street and plenty of shops and bars. Tapas lunch at El Pimpi which is a Malaga institution and 50% owned by Antonio Baderas – very busy but worth a visit (you may need to reserve a table). I met up with an old friend from back packing days who now lives in Malaga and he reserved a table for us. Dinner once more in Discoveries and after dinner entertainment at the lounge bar. Day 5 – Gibraltar Never visited Gibraltar before and a we have a Travel Counsellor based here, he generously showed us around the island and his office which is located just off the main shopping street (again a short walk from the dock). Day 6 – Portimao (Algarve) Rainy day so the beach was not an option, and after just a short walk around decided to return to the ship. Some of the others found various shops and got some nice souveniers. Karoke night in the lounge – not my usual entertainment but was great fun Day 7 – Homeward bound Reasonable flight time of 12.55 departure and picked up a taxi outside the ship No mask wearing on the plane and no delays. To conclude, if you are looking for small, friendly, all-inclusive with a relaxed feel (no formal evening wear) this would be recommended. Would sail on Azamara again without doubt.