We left the Tokyo Station Hotel, under a cloudy, rain laden sky, at 11:30 am to make our way to Yokohama and the Azamara Quest. The drive this Sunday took us less than an hour and before we knew it we arrived at Daikoko pier. Embarkation took place onboard, in the Cabaret Lounge, and was easy and efficient.
Cabin 7039 is our home for the next 13 nights. It’s small but works. Good thing we did not pack too much; decided one suitcase each and one carry-on bag for the plane.
The Quest is not, by most standards, a large ship. It holds less than 700 passengers and was recently renovated to remove the casino and add a nice bar and lounge area called the Den. At one end of the room is a fireplace and at the other is the Shore Excursions office. JoAnn and I, having traveled on the Quest before, think the Den is a nice addition and a good use of the space. In the evenings a piano player brings soft melodies to the room making it that much more inviting.
After the mandatory boat drill we attended a Cruise Critic “get together” where we met some of our fellow passengers. As part of our planning for the trip we booked some private tours to which we invited Cruise Critic members to join us and this was our chance to meet them. The get together was held in the Cabaret Lounge and was very nice. We met, in no particular order, Di and John from Australia, Donna and John originally from the Bronx and Maureen and Ferris from New Jersey. We will all be on one tour or another through out the cruise. Here is a photo of the lounge which is where evening entertainment takes place and tours are organized.
Prior to dinner on our first evening on board, the Captain announced that due to heavy wind and rough seas (waves of up to 5 meters, 15 feet, and wind gusts over 50 miles per hour) our departure from Yokohama would be delayed by 12 hours so as to allow the weather front to pass. I think the verdict among the passengers was unanimous in applauding the Captain for a wise decision. Even still, the next 24 hours at sea were still rough. Imagine if we were out in the height of the storm.
After cocktails in the Den we decided on dinner our first night in the Dining Room. Food and service both good. We found, on our second visit, that tables in the end of the room closest to the stern are subject to a good deal of either engine or propeller noise and a lot of vibration. This is a location to be avoided if possible.
There is a pleasant lounge, Discoveries, outside the dining room where one can get a drink while waiting to be seated.
Upstairs, on deck 10, is the Living Room. With its panoramic windows overlooking the bow, it’s a great place to watch sailing or have a beverage. There is a small combo that entertains there prior to dinner.
Also on deck 10, toward the stern, is the Drawing Room, a quite place where you can read or work on a puzzle.
We usually walk the stairs rather than taking an elevator. Here is a photo of one of the attractive stair wells.
The main staircase from deck 5 to deck 4 is also very attractive.
On deck 5 is Mosaic Cafe which may quite possibly serve the best brewed latte at sea. You can get your coffee to carry away or enjoy in the adjacent sitting area where waiters will serve you.
The newly remodeled shops are near the Mosaic Cafe also.
This cruise was really busy and we never sat out at the pool but I thought I should include a photo of the pool area anyway.
My last photo of the Quest is of a young artist who was traveling with us and working as she went.
