July 30, 2025 – At Sea – St John’s Newfoundland – Cloudy and Warmer – 77F

July 30, 2025 – At Sea – St John’s Newfoundland 

Day 1

It was raining when I went up to Windows Cafe - breakfasts remain consistently good.  One potential area for improvement would be to sub out the "jelly dispensers" for some real jam and preserves (the stuff from the dispensers is too sweet).  

Here's where we are this morning.

After breakfast today, I went down to Discoveries Restaurant and asked the Host whether is was too late to put in a special request for Dinner. I wound up ordering two orders of Pasta Pesto – I had a little trouble understanding what his version of pesto was but we will see tonight.  We have also found two tables that we like – Table 2 – around the corner from the bar and Table 1 – a large table facing toward the back – there are only two tables in the area and it’s quiet.

Before we get there, I am speaking at 10 AM with “Forensic Detectives: The Search for Jack the Ripper”.  It was a great turnout - essentially a full house.  The audiences on this cruise have been great.  

Les Evans is on at 11 AM with “Electric and Hydrogen Powered Aircraft”.  I was pretty tired and didn't stay for his talk

This cruise is very historic for Azamara because St. John's Newfoundland is a maiden port for the cruise line.  Azamara Quest is scheduled to arrive at 1 PM so we will be able to see the sail in during lunch. 

We had our usual lunch in the Windows Café.  The sail in was very scenic.  

One of the sights was “Signal Hill”, which is St. John’s most popular landmark.  

Not only did Signal Hill protect the harbor from the 17^th Century through WWII but it is where Guglielmo Marconi received the first Transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.  As we sailed by, we could see people standing on the edge of the hill (looked precarious to me) and on nearly hills as well. 

The city then came into view.

Quest then came alongside just across the street from the city.  

We left the ship

and walked up and down Water Street – which is a pedestrian walkway lined with restaurants and shops – we were told that it was a “civil holiday” today so some shops were closed.

We had our special meals in the Discoveries Restaurant along with salads from the menu.  The pastas were good.  We’ll be doing that again on days there is nothing on the menu.

Darius Uhl is the headliner tonight.  We once again passed on the show and spent time in the Living Room instead.