Pronounce: Kee- odge- ya
The important thing to know about Chioggia if you are starting a cruise there is that the cruise port is VERY close to the Old Town -- you really can plan to walk there and sightsee in the town and have a nibble or a drink under the red awnings of a restaurant on the main square.
Bryan's journal:
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
We arrived at the ship around 2 pm. Although we were told that we would have to wait
until 4 pm before we could board the ship, we preceded to check in immediately. It went
very smoothly, reminiscent of the old style of doing it. (We had anticipated having to use
a smartphone app or a QR code.)
Our cruise ship, Azamara Quest, is one of four almost identical ships. (The company
only has four.) It is a small ship (less than 600 feet long) which carries a little over 400
staff and less than 700 passengers, mostly affluent well-travelled retirees. It had about
two shops and did not have a casino or an art gallery. It did have a library!
After a couple of complimentary glasses of sparkling wine we proceeded to the ninth
floor for a pleasant lunch in the Windows Café. We saw very few children on the ship so
far, but next to us was a precocious five-year old named Leopold who was with his
parents. His father turned out to be “second in command” of the ship. The young lad
confidentially and openly conversed with us old strangers. He spoke English, German
(his mother’s language) and was learning Croatian (his father’s language). He and his
mother planned to disembark at Dubrovnik where he would return to school
(kindergarten).
As the ship was not leaving port, we decided to explore Chioggia. An official must have
thought we looked a tad frail for he insisted that we use the cruise line’s “Mobile
Disability Shuttle”. We gladly accepted the offer and took the short ride out of the
terminal area.
We walked the narrow streets and crossed a canal to reach the main
street of the old town along which was a fine basilica
as well as other 11 th- to 13 th- century religious buildings.
We began our return to the ship hot and sweaty. Fortunately, we met
the driver of the shuttle who was only too happy bring us back to the terminal.
After a short nap to regain our energy we attended the mandatory passenger safety
demonstration. That called for a drink at one of the ship’s bars while we watched the sail
away from the dock. (It seems that all passengers received a complementary wine-
beer–cocktail package which we used regularly during the voyage. Huzzah!) While out
on the deck we spoke with a Scottish couple who recounted their problems finding
transportation to the cruise ship terminal at Chioggia. They also told us about their
experience on an Azamara ship cruising along the west coast of South America when
the Covid pandemic struck. Ports denied them entry but the ship took everyone back to
Miami and arranged their flights home.
We were off to dinner at the Windows Café where food was served cafeteria-style. We
enjoyed fresh sea food and more wine, and we met a lively group of travelers from
Wisconsin some of whom were of Slovenian heritage.
After dinner at the Cabaret Lounge (which is quite small, but then this is a small ship)
the ship organized a traditional ‘welcome aboard” event. The Captain and his crew were
introduced and the small troupe of performers which included the Cruise Director (it is
not a big ship) were showcased.
Our stateroom (4007) was located on the 4 th level – the lowest level for passengers- in
the forward section of the ship. The room was relatively roomy with a queen-sized bed,
a small couch and oval table, and a large window.
Our room was in a quiet, low-traffic area with easy access to the elevators, to Guest
Services, to the gangway, and the 5 th floor dining area. Our attendant, Gildee, was quite
pleasant and efficient.
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