We started our 21-day South American cruise on 2 March after spending a few days exploring Buenos Aires. We enjoyed the ports of Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay. Azamara is famous for their unique AzAmazing Evening Events. Ours was at the National Theatre of Uruguay, Teatro Solis where we witnessed a Carnival Gala. We also sailed to the ports of Ushuaia, Argentina, and Punta Arenas, Chile. Then our cruise got VERY interesting.
Our wonderful Capt. Carl Smith from the Isle of Man--Master of Azamara Pursuit announced to the ship that South American countries were closing their ports to cruise ships and that our cruise had to be suspended. We were assured that we would be taken care of no matter what happened. Azamara made arrangements to refuel and bring on more food/drink onboard. Then we were notified that because we could not be assured of flights home or our safety if we disembarked the ship, the Pursuit would sail through the Panama Canal and on to Miami!!! All of the passengers cheered and clapped for our Captain with that news. Originally we were scheduled to finish our cruise on 23 March in Lima, Peru, instead we arrived safely in Miami on the 30th of March.
This was my 29th cruise and our first cruise with Azamara, let me say that this cruise was one of the best and most memorable cruises we have ever taken! From Captain Carl and his officers/crew, they went above and beyond in keeping us safe, entertained as well as keeping us well informed as we sailed thru uncharted waters that the Chinese Coronavirus put us in. We were very fortunate that our ship had zero illnesses as we sailed in our bubble to Miami. One hero that I would like to mention is Beth, HR Mgr on the Pursuit (she retired from American Airlines HR Dept - 30 years) who went out of her way for the Pursuits 700 passengers, but she stayed on the ship until each and every crew member found flights to their home countries. Speaking of flights, Azamara (RCCL) charters flights for their 100+ European passengers to London and to Sydney for the 70 passengers from Australia. They even made us box lunches to take to the airport (since nothing was open) as we flew to our homes. Azamara Club Cruises has a new customer for life!