The Land of the Midnight Sun and Azamara Journey – a combination worth writing about, as Gary Peters reports.

It’s day two of my cruise on Azamara Journey and a smattering of guests and I have just finished our excursion in Honningsvag, the northernmost city in Norway, from where the North Cape is just 18 miles away.

This quaint place, with a population of fewer than 2,500, welcomes more than 1,000 cruise ships during the summer season and has one of the busiest ports in northern Europe.

 

It’s easy to see why. Cool, crisp air fills the lungs, while reindeer graze on Arctic flora in the distance. It is also a natural habitat for walruses, whales and a host of bird species.

If only this lasted longer than two hours, I tell myself – it sure beats my usual Tuesday morning scenery of weary-eyed commuters.

One of the more enduring experiences in this close-knit community occurs in the main church. Built in 1885, it survived the scorched earth policy of the Nazis when they left the area towards the end of World War Two.

In fact, it was the only building left standing. A town left in ruins yet not defeated, Honningsvag was reborn in the 1950s
as people made their way back home and built new lives through a thriving fishing industry.

It feels appropriate that my time here is rounded off with fresh king crab, a locally brewed beer and a charming performance from three young locals outlining the unique history of the town.

Destination immersion is one of Azamara’s key selling points, and the proof is most certainly in the pudding.

 

Boutique cruising

I join the Norway Midnight Sun itinerary on day seven, 24 hours before my encounter with Honningsvag, as the ship is docked in the picturesque setting of Tromso. Those on board have already enjoyed the sights in Oslo, Flam and the Troll Fjord, to name but a few, and there’s an undeniable atmosphere of expectation for what is still to come.

My home for the next four nights, Azamara Journey, is a boutique vessel holding just 694 passengers. The ship first entered service back in 2000 for Renaissance Cruises and then spent time in the Pullmantur family before joining the Azamara fleet in 2008.

The ship is intimate yet never feels claustrophobic – just like my veranda stateroom, which ticks all the boxes in terms of comfort and is functional in all areas, including a perfectly adequate balcony. I barely have time to sample any amenities, however, as I’m soon on the move for a very special evening.

 

All white on the night

Thank goodness I packed a white shirt, I think, as I ascend to the pool deck. Sure, it’s not compulsory, but nobody wants to stick out like a sore thumb.

I am talking, of course, about Azamara’s famed poolside party. These White Nights, as they are known, take place
at least once on every cruise, when the pool deck overflows with decorations, food and drinks, and the passengers
all dress in white.

Almost everyone makes the effort, even if it requires a little improvisation (respect to the gentleman who joins the party in his white dressing gown, and I’m sure I also see someone in a white towel fashioned into a poncho. Brave).

Attentive crew are always on hand for a refill and the food stations situated along the deck serve tasty barbecue cuisine. There’s also a live band mixing an array of 1980s pop classics, and it isn’t long before the party animals among us take to the dancefloor. For a first night on board it’s as good as they come.

 

We will rock you

There’s no shortage of daytime activities to keep passengers busy. For example, on my first full morning on board, post-White Night, there are fitness classes, a wake-up quiz and a lecture detailing the navigation and exploration expertise of the Vikings.

Guests can also join wine-tasting sessions, tango classes for all those who like to shake their hips, a nerve-jangling spelling bee and LGBTQ get-togethers, among much else.

Teens are also catered for, with new friendships forged around the social-icebreaker that is the Wii console, while cruisers sailing solo can join other singletons for themed dinners.

The Sanctum spa, on deck nine, is one of the most sophisticated spots on the ship. It offers whole-body massages
and other exclusive packages, treatments and therapies, perfect for those at-sea days.

And speaking of therapy, Azamara Journey has two shopping outlets – Indulgences and the Journey Shop – where passengers can buy perfumes, cosmetics, souvenirs, jewellery and so on.

 

The casino, on deck five, has a selection of slot machines and the usual favourites, including roulette, blackjack and
poker, while on the same deck guests can visit the Cabaret Lounge for singing, dancing, magic acts, stand-up comedy and musicals.

The all-time classic bingo also makes an appearance; prizes on offer include a cruise, unlimited internet packages, cash and more.

A personal highlight, however, is on the second night as DJ Mike unleashes my inner rock god during Classic Rock Night, when the brilliance of Aerosmith, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and many more fills the Living Room on deck 10.

It’s undoubtedly one of my favourite nights I’ve ever had at sea and should, in my opinion, be compulsory on every sailing, on every line.

Food for thought

All that rocking leaves a person hungry, and Azamara Journey offers a choice of five main restaurants for cruisers to satisfy their appetites. Discoveries, Windows Café and The Patio are all included in the fare, as are some dishes on the room-service menu.

Aqualina and Prime C are the speciality eateries, the former serving  classic Italian dishes – the limoncello soufflé is particularly good – while the latter is an excellent steakhouse. Both come with a cover charge of $30, although dining here is complimentary for suite guests.

The Patio, on the pool deck, is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed style of dining, and it’s just the place for a hamburger or a sandwich while watching the waves go by.

The other complimentary venues are more traditional in style, but no reservations are necessary, which again suits all those flexible and casual cruisers out there.

 

Alcoholic beverages are on the menu, too, and there are several additional spots, as well as the restaurants, to enjoy them.

The Living Room is a prime venue for unwinding during the day, as is the Mosaic Café, where guests can sample speciality coffees and teas as well as a selection of brandies, cognacs and ports in the evening.

Then there’s Spirits, on deck five, a rather trendy locale to sip cocktails while listening to live piano music. This is where I spend a large portion of one sea day, after which the ship calls in Bodo and Trondheim.

Sadly, this is my departure point, and I find myself wishing all those still on board one hell of a journey.

 

Itinerary

Geiranger

A tiny village that is more famous for the snow-capped peaks that surround it, Geiranger has stunning views of the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Alesund

In Alesund guests will find architecture really comes into its own, with Art Nouveau-style turrets and spires dotting the landscape.

Tromso

Surrounded by islands and fjords, Tromso is far north of the Arctic Circle and is best viewed via the cable car ride up Storsteinen Mountain.

Honningsvag

Officially Norway’s northernmost city, pretty Honningsvag is no bigger than a village. The sun does not set here from mid-May to late July.

Bodo

A highlight in Bodo is the Saltstraumen Maelstrom, the world’s strongest tidal current. The Salmon Centre and cathedral are other tourist favourites.

Selling Tips

• Intimate ship yet plenty of entertainment options, too
• White Night party provides a great way to meet fellow guests
• Destination immersion is key with Azamara
• Good mix of dining options

 

17-night Norway Intensive North Cape cruise departs 24 June 2021. Prices from approximately £5,700pp, azamara.co.uk