July 21, 2025 - Reykjavik Iceland – Cloudy – gray – Mid 40sF

July 21, 2025 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Embarkation Day

We deplained but didn’t walk on the tarmac this time but actually went through a jetway.  The passport control process was quick and the walk to baggage claim was not too long.  Our bags were both there.  We found the Azamara Rep that would get us on the shuttle to Reykjavik Cruise port. After a little wait, and a bit of a walk to where the busses were located, we were on our way. 

We were the only two non-Norwegians on the bus so the narration was all Norwegian.  The landscape was all lava fields so there was not a lot to say about the ride.  It was gray and foggy.

It took about 40 minutes to reach Reykjavik – we were early; the ship was not boarding until 12 Noon so the bus stopped for a few minutes at the Harpa Opera House and Conference Center (for washrooms).  

Ellen was able to get a shot of the interior to Harpa.  

I also took pictures of the grounds surrounding Harpa.  

At 12 Noon, the bus headed for the pier.

We drove along scenic Flaxafloi Bay - part of the Atlantic Ocean - to the cruise port.  On the way, I saw the greenspace we had seen the last time we were here.

Nearby, I noticed an unusual sculpture

The Water Carrier (Vatnsberinn) by Asmundur Sveinsson.  The statue sits at the sight of Reyjavik's last water well.  When it was first created, it was deemed too ugly for Reykjavik and moved to another town.  In 2011, the statue was moved to its current spot.  

I was so glad to see Azamara Quest docked.  There were no other ships here today.  

 

The check-in process was very different from previous Azamara Cruises.  We were in a long line (no special line for Guest Entertainers) outside and slowly made our way into a makeshift mini-terminal.  While in line, porters were coming by and tagging bags and taking them to the ship.  Inside the “terminal” we showed our boarding passes and passports and picked up our sea cards.  The next stop was back outside (and it was cold) where we once again showed our passports to a Reykjavik PD officer in a trailer.  From there we went up the ramp to the ship – had our picture taken for our ID – and then went to the Cabaret Lounge for a very cursory health screen, credit card registration, and cruise contract signing.  When that was done, we were officially on board.

We had lunch in the Windows Café, which was totally slammed – it took a while to get a seat and we eventually sat outside in the Patio, which was heated and pretty comfortable.  Tuna and egg salad for me and Teriyaki Salmon for Ellen.  The grayness of the day didn't help with the view from Windows.

It wasn’t long before the cabins were open.  We are in Cabin 6038 – port side midships with a nice view of a lifeboat in our window.  One bag was there and another would show up soon.  I was wiped out so I was lucky that Ellen took the initiative to put the clothes into the closets. 

Cruise Itinerary

Key Personnel on this Cruise

Captain Dario Guierreri (Italy).  Our first time sailing with him – his announcements have a touch of humor.  He’s always excited about giving the updates.

Cruise Director Martin Lawson (Scotland).  We sailed with Martin last year on Onward.  Low Key but a very talented vocalist.

Assistant Cruise Director Bernardo Vasquez (Mexico City).  First time in this position due to a change in staff.  Not an entertainer but a very personable guy and very witty.  I worked almost exclusively with Bernardo.

Quest Production Troupe:  Kiera Preston (Specialty Dancer); Jerod Turner (Singer/Dancer); Henry O’Connell (Singer/Dancer); Stephanie Winterborne (Singer/Dancer); Angelina Mawad (Singer/Dancer).

There was a letter in the Cabin from Martin and Bernardo indicating that I would be filming a promo at 7:50 PM in the Entertainment Office. 

We had dinner in the Windows Café – salad, fish and chips, and other Brit things.  The food was OK. 

I filmed the short video in front of a green screen with Bernardo (from Mexico) in one take (I did that once before on Azamara).  No location on the planet would remove the jet lag look I was sporting.  Bernardo is very personable and easy to like.  

We took in the Welcome Aboard Show, 

highlighting the various talent on board.  Bernardo introduced me and I stood up and waved.  Martin went through the demographics on the ship and the bulk of guests are from the US.  Based on the numbers – some quick math on my part – and the fact that the dining venues are slammed - Quest is fully booked.

The show was entertaining - the Singers and Dancers are very good.  The troupe combined for a rendition of "Can't Help Falling in Love".

Felicia on the Keys - the piano player in the The Den - 

and VIBZ, the party band from the Islands also gave us a sample of their music and talent.

Martin and departing ACD Abby combined for "The Prayer" (I think).

When we got back to the room, we could hear music coming from The Den just below us on Deck 5.  I called Bernardo and he said he would asked Felicia, the Piano Player in the Den to turn down the volume to see if that would help.  It didn’t, so I will have to speak with Bernardo again. 

In fact, Martin also called and said they would look at options tomorrow for another room.

Besides the music, the room was quiet.

We are staying overnight in Reykjavik. We looked for a tour for tomorrow but realizing we had seen a lot of this city and the surrounding areas, we opted to shuttle to the City Center and go from there.

Need to shake the jet lag first.