Day 3 Exploring P&O’s Azura

There is lots to see and do whilst at sea on-board P&O’s Azura, so being a third day away from land was really rather nice.

The sunbeds were getting a lot of use around the decks as the weather was gorgeous, really hot and sunny. The girls spent lots of time in the pools or Jacuzzis.

There is always waiters available around these pool areas so if you want a drink it’s easy to get one. Azura like all P&O ships operates a cashless system. When you arrive you are given a swipe card which doubles for your cabin key and your money transactions. You have to register a debit or credit card or pay off your account by cash at the end of the cruise.

There is lots of opportunity on deck for various games too, from your traditional Shuffleboard, or Deck Quoits to cricket in the purpose built nets or even table tennis as well as many others to keep you busy if you wanted to be.

We were very fortunate on the morning after returning from another hearty breakfast in the Verona Restaurant to se Whale spouts from our cabin balcony…

They were a little way off so we couldn’t make out the whales themselves unfortunately but it was still great to see the spouts.

The Azura is a very family friendly ship and has kids clubs that cater for ages from 2-17 year olds. These proved so good we hardly ever saw our three girls as they made good friends in the clubs, and combined with the myriad of fun packed activities laid on for them by the trained staff they had a great time. This doesn’t mean that Azura is a noisy ship with children running everywhere with nowhere to have a quite relaxing time. There is so much space on board that the children will not be in the way of anyone just wanting a relaxing holiday. At the aft end of the ship there is a adult only pool which allows a break from the children, even for the parents.

One thing to watch out for as you walk around the ship  is these statues…

They are all over the ship in various poses watching the action unfold around them. I think they are very clever.

Today’s activities were a mixture a bit more of Battle of the Sexes (we are still winning) and some photography workshops. Then it’s off round the ship to put what I’ve learnt in to practice before chilling out to try and catch a bit of sun whilst listening to some good live music.

Mel chose the more energetic option of the line dancing and ballroom dancing ably joined by Esther, before heading off to the Spa for some relaxation.

The evenings dress code was Semi-formal so the girls wanted a quick photo stop on our balcony before we headed down for dinner.

I went for the Gilthead Sea Bream and it was gorgeous, really full of flavour a beautiful dish.

And as for the Strawberry Shortcake well!!! More please!

We were again very fortunate on this evening. I had decided to go back to the cabin after dinner to try and get a picture of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. I got all my camera out set it all up for taking pictures of sunsets when Mel shouts look Dolphins! One very speedy alteration of camera settings later I managed to get a couple of photos before they disappeared again…

They were brilliant to watch, so fast and agile. Brilliant creatures.

I did get a picture of the sun setting too. A little bank of cloud had built up on the horizon so I didn’t get the picture I had hoped for but I think it still works…

I hoped you’ve enjoyed your wonder around Azura today, please come back tomorrow as we dock at our first port of call, Madeira.

I will leave you with a Happy Birthday to my dear wife Mel

Happy Birthday!