As a family we had only been abroad on a couple of occasions β both times to Mallorca β and each trip as part of a large group, with plenty of children to keep one other amused and take the pressure off the frazzled adults. This was our first trip abroad as a family of four, so new territory.
We have a very energetic year-old and a year-old whose life revolves around sport and food. Adam and I had only been on one cruise before, and loved it. We thought that the chance to experience multiple countries would be a great opportunity for the children to see more of Europe, while combining their passion for activities and food.
Sailing round-trip from Malta and also taking in the Greek islands of Corfu and Cephalonia, the weeklong August cruise on the 3,passenger ship sounded just the ticket. Our luggage was whisked away at the airport and delivered to our room, a Superior Deluxe cabin with a balcony, twin beds and a sofabed in the lounge area. The brown, beige and light wood trimming felt slightly dated; Azura has been in service since and is having a refit in March, when hopefully the cabins will be refreshed.
Colour scheme aside, the comfy cabin β which the four of us shared β had a large wardrobe, fridge, kettle, coffee machine, two TVs and full-size White Company toiletries in the bathroom. Our wonderful steward, Kalvin, kept the cabin shipshape, including setting up the sofabed in the evening and tidying it away every morning.
The balcony provided peaceful, rolling sea views and a spot to admire the glowing sunsets. It was the place to go first thing in the morning on port days to take in the skyline of another new destination. It was also where everyone gathered to watch the spectacle if anyone arrived back late from exploring on port days, which in Taranto one couple did.
