Heatwave hits Azura in the Mediterranean

Hello!

Well, Azura has just finished a run of 5 busy ports and we’re heading through the Messina Straits towards Malaga now. After disappointingly missing our call to Korcula last time we were in the Mediterranean, we had a wonderful day ashore there yesterday.

The weather was a little cloudy but this was a welcome relief from the blazing hot days we've had in the Greek, Croatian and Italian ports (it got up to 40 degrees in the centre of Dubrovnik’s old town this week, and a sweltering 45 degrees in the ancient site of Olympia!!). It was still very hot in Korcula, but it was a really pleasant heat to potter around in and see the sights, because there’s always a wonderful breeze blowing in from the sea on this island.

I think Korcula was the surprise port for many people on Azura this week. It’s the one place that less people have been to than any other port, and it was a perfect destination to visit after a very busy and hot day in Venice.

For those of you who’ve never heard of (or been to) Korcula, it’s a little long and thin island that lies just off of the Croatian coast in an archipelago in the Adriatic sea. It’s a very green island, is very picturesque, is absolutely full of agriculture and the surrounding waters are some of the clearest I’ve ever seen.

Despite being situated very close to Dubrovnik, Korcula saw absolutely nothing of the Croatian war of Independence that swept through the international news network in the 1990s. As a result of this, it’s an island that’s still full of historical buildings and old fortifications and it makes for some wonderful photo opportunities.

As Korcula is such a little island, and Korcula town (the capital and our docking destination) is such a tiny place, we can’t dock a ship of Azura’s side alongside a quay, so we tender everybody ashore. For those of you who’ve never experienced a P&O Cruises tender operation, this is basically a transfer service using Azura’s lifeboats (or Tender boats) to get passengers ashore from the ship (as opposed to using a gangway).

The tender boats pull right up alongside a little quayside that fronts Korula Town and you step ashore to be graced by a ring of huge stone 13th Century defensive walls.

Korcula Town is completely surrounded by these ancient walls and so is only really explorable on foot. It’s completely pedestrianised and is only accessible via a series of old, winding, flower lined staircases like these...

The local people must be pretty active to be negotiating steps like these every day eh? Apart from the exercise required though, this town is an absolute delight to explore. It’s packed full of tiny medieval squares, churches, and beautiful architecture, and with the red roofs that seem to grace all of the buildings, it’s no surprise that many people fondly refer to Korcula town as ‘Little Dubrovnik’.

I think Korcula town is ideal just to wander around and relax in. It’s all about strolling, photographing, eating and drinking. There are ice cream parlours everywhere and lovely restaurants and cafes spill out onto the streets and around the town walls. Plus, as well, I’ve never found anything there that seems to be particularly expensive. What a treat!

Korcula is primarily famous for 2 things though, I think;

Firstly, it’s stone cutting and masonry history - which has been deep rooted in the island’s heritage for centuries. All local houses, walls, pavements, and patios are constructed from large blocks of stone cut from nearby quarries and archaeologists are still finding examples of masonry work dating back hundreds of years.

Secondly, local legend has it that the famous explorer and seafarer Marco Polo was born in Korcula in 1254. The building that’s believed to have been his home stands in the centre of Korcula town and it’s currently being converted into a museum.

For a small fee you can climb the tower that tops Marco Polo's former dwelling, which looks along the eastern channel that Polo is thought to have navigated. It offers some of the best views of the island.

Here are a couple more photos of Korcula to tempt you into a visit...

So, we’re at sea today and as it’s a beautiful sunny day with wonderful views of Italy and Sicily, lots of people are out on the open decks enjoying the Mediterranean heat.

The Retreat is busy today. Azura’s Retreat is described as an adult only sanctuary that’s full of comfortable cushioned loungers, fresh towels, robes, slippers, full waiter service, cool towels to relieve the heat of the sun, light bites to enjoy in the shade of a canopy, a private pool, and massage booths that open out offering views of the ocean.

Passengers do have to pay a supplement to use this area, but I think it’s worth every penny, because numbers are limited which gives it a really exclusive feel. It’s wonderful! The people who’ve used it so far can’t say a bad word about it and just go to enjoy a bit of sheer luxury.

I haven’t spent much time there myself (apart from a lunch under the canopy and a quick 15 mins chat in a huge cushioned circular lounger) but it’s definitely something I’d recommend to anybody planning a cruise on Azura in the future. It’ll be a perfect respite when Azura gets to the Caribbean.

Saying that, this ship is sure to be be a huge hit during the Caribbean cruise season. Everything about Azura is absolutely perfect for cruising in the sunshine. Take the Seascreen for example (which is the huge outdoor cinema screen that’s attached to the funnel). We’ve been watching the World Cup football matches and movies on it over the last 2 weeks, and there are cushioned sun loungers in front of it, blankets provided, and waiter service from the bars. During the Caribbean season, I’ve no doubt that this will continue to be a huge hit!

Anyway, I think I ought to get back to my real job and continue preparing my Port Presentations for my forthcoming cruises on Aurora this summer. Lots to do!

Have a great day, and I’ll write again soon!

Jo