We chose this cruise because it is the only one that covers the sea of Cortez. In particular we wanted to visit the birthing pools of the grey whales on the Pacific coast (north part of Mardalena Lagoon). We arranged this via a private tour from Loreto on the Western side of the sea of Cortes, it entailed a 2 and 1/2 hour mini bus ride (each way) followed by a 2 hour boat trip around the grey whales (mama and baby who came right up to the small boat) who came right up to the boat and could be petted. Amazing experience. Other highlights included swimming with whale sharks (arrange your own tours via internet, ship tours too crowded and experience with very whale sharks limited, private tours apparently gave much better experiences with small number of persons). Also took a private tour in a small boat to see humpback whales at Cabo St Lucas (excellent, negotiated on the quayside at 10 am as ship tour full, good job in retrospect as ship tour went at 11.45 am a bad time for whale watching- needs to be early morning or late evening).
The Copper Canyon tour was OK, but we landed the wrong side of the train (left) on the way up, view poor, Mexican dancing was rubbish, lunch OK but hurried, only one weak cocktail provided. Tour of Canyon top good, worth going to see. No tea or coffee on long train ride back to ship, just one weak cocktail. To summarize this is a very expensive tour to a major attraction, Azamara has fallen down on organising the details, you should get a lot for what they are charging for this trip (£490 each for the 3 of us). There is a new train being commissioned with all round windows, should be better, but still need to get the right hand seats for best views. We chose this tour for the Itinery, it is the only Cruise line that gets to Loreto and enables one to visit the Grey Whales birthing pools. The fact that the ship stays overnight at Loreto helps this considerably. Also only way to visit the Copper Canyon easily
Cabin generally, balcony a bit cramped, wardrobe OK with lots of hangers, quite a lot of storage space. Plenty of electrical sockets. Worst thing was the small bathroom, only a shower, quite small. Plumbing antiquated, shower never properly drained away. My wife complained about the toiletries which had recently been downgraded, Cabin attendant was very good and provided supplies of the previous toiletries on request.
Azamazing show superb, brilliant organization.
We took a private tour off the pier humpback whale watching in a small boat, reasonably priced and very good. Started at 10 am, glad we did not take the ship tour as it went too late in the morning (11.45am) for good whale watching- need to go early in the morning or early evening according to Ships officers and our Mexican boatman