REFER A FRIEND: $200 Visa gift card for you and your friend when you refer them to book a cruise.
$200 Visa gift card for you and your friend when you refer them to book a cruise.
This is a special guest post by Mark den Hartog of Meet Me Onboard. Azamara is a proud partner of Meet Me Onboard, the largest gay cruise community online. Mark and Dale traveled as guests of Azamara.
Dublin hums with energy and vitality. As we strolled the eminently walkable streets of Ireland’s capital, we felt plugged into ancient and modern Irish cultures.
Most of the locals we met exuded an easy warmth and charm. They were happy either to give us directions or to engage in conversation. We met several people who displayed the famous Irish gift of gab. A simple purchase in a corner shop often resulted in locals sharing stories with us, as well as asking us questions about life in the United States.
Even this urban area lives up to Ireland’s nickname of “Emerald Isle”. Dublin offers many lovely green spaces providing an oasis amid a busy city. We especially enjoyed Dublin Castle Gardens, a hidden gem, where we had an ice cream break after a visit to the 13th century Castle. As we ate, we took in the view of the Castle, as well as the Gardens’ exciting public art.
Both of us are history buffs, so naturally, we visited the General Post Office, site of the beginning of the 1916 Easter Rebellion. Only the facade of the building remains from the original, the rest having been destroyed in the rebellion. The interior has been lovingly rebuilt and remains a functional Post Office. Bullet holes in the facade and columns are still visible as a testament to the birthing pains of an independent Ireland.
Just steps from the Post Office is the Spire of Dublin, also referred to as the Monument of Light, built to commemorate the millennium. This structure is 120 meters (nearly 400 feet) tall and was completed in 2003. The remarkable slender stainless steel needle demonstrates Ireland’s forward-looking attitude for the new century.
Since our Azamara itinerary began with an overnight stay in Dublin, we had ample opportunity to visit the Temple Bar District.
With narrow streets boasting scores of bars and restaurants, this area is busy both day and night. Captivating architecture, coupled with Dublin’s ubiquitous and beautiful hanging flower baskets, makes ideal photo ops. We were able to enjoy authentic Irish music in many venues, even during the daylight hours. The music, along with pints of Guinness and easy-flowing, friendly conversation with locals, made the Temple Bar District one of the highlights of our Dublin visit.
You won’t need the luck of the Irish to visit the Emerald Isle for yourself. Just take a look at Azamara’s upcoming voyages to Ireland today.
On World Vegetarian Day, we wanted to delve into the world of vegetarian and vegan dining onboard Azamara Cruises. We sat down with Azamara Cruises' Executive Chef, Chef Colin Jones, to uncover the secrets behind Azamara's plant-based offerings. From sustainable sourcing to crafting delicious dishes, Chef Colin shares his insights and inspirations, giving you a taste of the experiences that await.
You’ve got a city in mind and you’re searching for the best Labor Day sale on a cruise that will take you there! Whether you’re seeking a promo on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, or if you’d like to fly to an exciting city around the world and spend time there before embarking on a cruise ship, we have some tips on what to look for when choosing your cruise deal. This will help you enjoy your vacation to the maximum.
Croatia has seen a sort of transformation recently, one that has taken it from a hidden gem of coastal delights to one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe. What makes this small Balkan nation so appealing? It could be the brilliant sapphire waters of the Adriatic and spectacular white beaches. Or maybe it’s the medieval architecture and walled towns steeped in history begging to be uncovered. Or perhaps it’s the friendly, welcoming people and unique folk culture.