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AAttracted by the idea of having everything in one place – as well as the opportunity to visit more than one destination in one trip – my parents have gone on a few Cruising Last. So this concept is not completely alien to me and my sister Ardell.
But life on P&O Cruises’ azura It’s a whole new world for two young people (I’m 30 and my sister is 27) who are setting out on their first trip, completely surprised but still unsure about cruise culture.
For seven nights, all life will revolve around the 290-metre ship, carrying 3,100 guests and 1,250 crew on a round trip. valletta In maltaWith a stop in Taranto, Italyin corfu and kefalonia Greeceand Catania on the Italian island sicily,
There are 14 decks and 1,557 cabins, with en-suite bathrooms featuring The White Company toiletries, clothes rails, storage units, fridges, tea and coffee making facilities and an unforgettable sea view, taking in the red, orange and pink skies as the sun sets in the evening.
ship’s newspaper, horizonHelps us to be well informed about ship protocols – for example, the evening dress code announced the day before.
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Everything revolves around the exquisite central atrium, from which azuraMany of the facilities – including plenty of retail shops – are accessible and are where recreational classes and events such as the tonight’s celebratory Black Tie Ball are held.
It is here that we meet two attractively dressed elderly Scottish women. Sipping a very strong glass of gin and tonic, recently widowed former dancer Mary shares some tips on how we can make the most of our time onboard – especially when at sea.
azura – Named by Dame Darcey Bussell when the ship entered service in April 2010 – It is a family-friendly ship, with age-specific kids’ clubs, and has four pools and six whirlpool spas, as well as a sauna and steam room, sports facilities and a gym.
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As well as a pool-side pizzeria and grill, there are also 10 restaurants including Oriental Restaurant, Peninsular Restaurant, Meridian and The Venezia Buffet, which are part of the all-inclusive offering, where you can also dine and watch a film in the open-air cinema.
The Epicurean, The Glass House, The Beach House and Sindhu – my favorite which introduced me to the rich culinary flavors of India – offer more fine dining and specialty cuisine options at additional cost.
When we make our first stop in Taranto, I spend most of the day taking a scenic walk through the city and enjoying a lunch of watermelon, potatoes, tuna, tomatoes, and runner beans at a local restaurant.
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But in Cornwall, my favorite stop, we spend the day learning and experiencing the best of what the island has to offer, at a museum and on the beach — where I enjoy three scoops of pistachio gelato — and lunch at a local restaurant that serves 40 percent alcohol upon entry.
A boat trip to the breathtaking White Rocks Beach and Vardiani Island in Kefalonia with Utopia Crusi made me realize that I should learn to swim properly. Thankfully, Captain Spirus helped me and took me to shore in an inflatable boat.
One of Mary’s tips was to make the most of the entertainment onboard. Choices include karaoke, a version of the game show Deal or No Deal and the new Vegas-style show Unbelievable in the 1,000-seat Playhouse Theatre, created by TV favorite Stephen Mulhern.
This show is full of tricky illusions that make me uncomfortable, irritable, and downright distracted. Eccentric costumes, contemporary choreography and musical performances are presented by the Headliners Theater Company.
My sister’s worst nightmare came true and she was cast on the show and asked to share her dream vacation spot – which is Saint Lucia,
To avoid spoiling the surprise, I won’t share the specific details of the illusion, but it leaves us and the entire audience speechless and skeptical all at once.
If you are a young person and on the fence about going on a cruise, I would recommend giving it a try. My sister and I have caught this bug and are already thinking about our next one. maybe a round trip Caribbean,
It’s really about the people you board with and the culture, community and activities you connect with – that make all the difference.
how to do it
P&O Cruises is offering a seven-night fly-cruise azura From £949pp for an inside cabin, departing 10 July 2025. This includes roundtrip departures and returns from Malta, flights from selected UK airports, kids’ club, full-board meals and entertainment; Ports of call are Taranto, Corsica, Kefalonia and Catania. pocruises.com