An Azamazing Cruise !

Well I`m back at my desk today after a really lovely cruise on Azamara Quest. This time I tried to plan my journey as I would if it was a trip I was putting together for one of my clients with  a pre-cruise hotels, flights and transfers, to give a better insight of how everything works.

Flights booked, but nothing direct from Birmingham to Nice can you believe, so I had to plump for KLM via Amsterdam. Indirect flights for a short journey are definitely not ideal but I had little choice. The weather forecast was dreadful, lots of thunder the night before, and I just hoped the flight would get away on time, but all went well – even time for a little shopping and a glass of pink prosecco before getting on board!

I was actually really impressed with KLM. I had prebooked seats which worked really well, and was very easy to do online,  both flights were on time and my luggage was first off in Nice. Nicest surprise though was that KLM offer a snack and drink even on short haul flights, something almost unheard of now on short haul flights. The crew were lovely too.

My bag came through so quickly  that even my chauffeur transfer was surprised. My name was displayed on an Ipad ( spelt the French way – EDOUARD –  but who cares ) and he whisked me away to my hotel in Nice for an overnight stay. There was even water and sweets in the back of the car! He spoke excellent English and carried my bags down the pedestrianised street where my hotel was located, right into reception. Wonderful service !

The hotel  Monsigny is small and well placed, lovely staff and has everything you need for a short stay in Nice. My room was small  but perfectly formed with a view over the pedestrianised boulevard below.

The weather on Nice was exactly what I expected, grey skies, very humid and an overnight thunderstorm.

There is a lovely rooftop bar with views over Nice and a small swimming pool, great cocktails , lovely staff and small restaurant that serves great food as you watch the world go by.

Next morning I had coffee and croissants in a small cafe down the road before my next transfer turned up with an equally charming and helpful driver. The journey to the port was short, as was the check in, but what a lovely change from Southampton with its endless queues.

On board at last everyone was handed glasses of bubbles and our Quest was about to begin in style !