Wrong tenors ... but they hit the right note
YOU should always read the small print. I was sure the invitation to join the AzAmazing Evening on our voyage to Tuscany and the French Riviera had said we would be treated to an operatic performance by the Three Tenors.
But it must have been wishful thinking as, of course, sadly Luciano Pavarotti passed away several years ago, while Jose Carreras has now retired. Only Placido Domingo is still going strong.
Despite my initial disappointment that I would not be able to see such distinguished singers, I soon cheered up when I discovered that trio we would be watching were from the Florence Opera House. Considering that Italy is the home of opera, I guessed this must mean they were pretty good.
For the first time in their career, they would be singing in the historic Goldoni Theatre in Livorno – and to an audience of about 700 Azamara cruise guests.
The AzAmazing Evenings are a brilliant new concept dreamed up by Azamara Club Cruises. The company has spent more than two years putting together a series of cultural events in landmark settings in 60 countries.
Passengers are treated to one bespoke AzAmazing Evening on all but transatlantic cruises. What’s more, the event is included in the fare, as are meals, selected wines and spirits, bottled water, soft drinks, speciality coffees and teas, a butler service and most gratuities.
I think this all-inclusive fare is a very good idea, as are the number of overnight stays guests get to enjoy in many destinations.
After all, the limited time passengers are usually allowed to spend ashore means that you always feel a little rushed – checking your watch to ensure that you get back in plenty of time before the ship sets sail again that evening.
Azamara’s promises of longer stays, more overnights and night touring make a refreshing change. Not only can you wander around the port or join guided trips by day, you can go out to restaurants, bars and clubs or enjoy excursions after dark as well, allowing a better chance to get fully immersed in the culture of the country you’ve sailed so far to see.
It also means that during bad weather, the ship is safely tucked up in the shelter of a harbour.
During our seven-night voyage (we were joined by Azamara Club Cruises president Larry Pimentel and his wife Sandi), there were overnight stays in Livorno, Monaco and St Tropez.
We would have spent a night in Nice, too, if high winds hadn’t scup- pered any attempt to sail into the narrow dock.
The AzAmazing Evening was well organised and visiting the spectacular Goldoni Theatre was one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Through its glass roof, we got to see the stars glittering in the heavens above. I’d like to think that Pavarotti was one of them, looking down with a twinkle in his eye.
We thought the night was over when the ‘bravos’ faded and we filed out of our private box with its bril- liant view of the stage. Little did we know that there was more entertainment to come. As we disembarked our coaches at the port, Amanda Poulson, one of the ship’s entertainers, was high above on deck performing in full operatic voice to welcome us back.
Her wonderful singing soared and echoed enchantingly around the historic harbour, sending tingles down my spine.
Yes, it was definitely an AzAmazing evening.