Before Your Trip

What’s included and what’s not

Just about everything is included in your fare: your cabin, gratuities to your cabin steward, waiter, busperson and maitre d’, Olivia entertainment, music, dancing and non-stop fun. It also includes all meals at the ship’s regular restaurants plus the added amenity of two to three complimentary meals at the onboard specialty restaurant of your choice. (Guests in the Royal Suites and Penthouse Suites receive three complimentary meals; everyone else receives two). It also includes certain drinks (coffee, hot and iced tea, milk, and juice during meals) and room service.

The following items are not included: airfare, transfers to and from the airport, travel insurance, personal items, alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, spa services, beauty salon services, boutique purchases, telephone, fax, internet access, shore excursions, ship’s photos, bingo, casino activities, fuel surcharge, and medical attention.

NDA charges are not included in the price of the trip but have already been added to your reservation as reflected on your invoice.

Travel documentation and identification

You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a US citizen, please check with your country’s consulate to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Heath Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” and then “Vaccinations.”

Travel insurance

We encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance. Olivia has recently partnered with Travelex to make things easier for you; you can now add your travel insurance when you book your trip, all in one call. In order to receive the most comprehensive coverage, please purchase your insurance within 14 days of your initial invoice. If you have questions about Olivia’s travel insurance, call (800) 631-6277 to talk to one of our travel consultants, or visit the Olivia Travel Protection Plan page for more information.

Joining the Olivia.com trip group

If you’d like to chat with people who are going on the trip, sign up for the official Olivia trip group.

About Our Destination

Currency

Greece uses the Euro and Turkey uses the Turkish Lira.

Languages

Greek, Turkish

Travel and arrival

Air travel

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly into Istanbul, Turkey (Atatürk International Airport), and out of Athens, Greece (Athens International Airport). We encourage all passengers to arrive a day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.

Suggested arrival/departure times

Guests arriving in Istanbul on the day of sailing (October 3, 2010) should arrive in time to be on the ship at approximately 1pm, but no later than 3pm for embarkation. The ship sails at 5pm.

Return flights from Athens on the day of disembarkation (October 10, 2010) must be after noon.

Discount airfare offer

We are proud to be partnering with American Airlines. American Airlines offers Olivia travelers a discounted rate of 5% when flying into Istanbul and out of Athens. Use discount code A2290AA. Your discount code can be used by calling (800) 433-1790 and booking directly by phone. To qualify for the 5% discount, you must use American Airlines on the first leg of your trip, and it will connect with one of American’s One World Partners for the full 5% discount. Dates of travel are September 26-October 17, 2010. Flights may be booked after October 31, 2009.

Luggage allowances

While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers and meeting up with Olivia

Getting to your pre-trip hotel

Please check back for a pre-trip hotel recommendation.

Getting to your ship

You can take a taxi from the airport to the port. Transfers from the airport to the ship are not included in your fare.

Transfers after your trip

Transfers to the Athens Airport after the cruise will be available for purchase onboard the ship. see below

Check in

Ship

Check-in begins at noon and is open until 10:00 PM. We will have a prompt 11:59 PM departure.

During your trip

Amenities

Cabin amenities include: Butler service, fresh fruit (replenished daily), ice & ice water, bottle of Evian (first bottle complimentary), minibar (sodas, wine, beer, mini-liquor) charged upon consumption as per price list, bathrobes, slippers, pool towels, binoculars, small umbrella, alarm clock, hair dryer, fresh flowers, note pad, pen, postcards, envelopes, in-stateroom breakfast service, afternoon tea and savories service, two complimentary visits to either specialty restaurant, shoe-shine service, soap bar, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion by Elemis, cotton pads, Q-tips and shower cap. In verandah staterooms you will have a table and two chairs on the verandah. For Sky Suites, sodas and Evian water are complimentary and you receive Champagne upon arrival. Sky Suites also have a DVD player and a Golf umbrella. Extra bathroom amenities at this level include bath gel, body buff, nail kit by Elemis, and a magnifying mirror. Bathrooms are equipped with bath tubs at this level. Sky Suite guests also receive three complimentary visits to either specialty restaurant. At the Penthouse and Royal Suite levels, in addition to the other amenities listed, you will also receive a complimentary bottle of Absolute Vodka and Jack Daniels and a fruit and cheese platter upon arrival, and you may submit two items for complimentary pressing. You will receive a complimentary invitation for the Thalassotherapy pool, priority SPA appointments and priority specialty dining reservations. You will receive three complimentary visits to either specialty restaurant. The verandahs at this level will a table, four chairs and two lounges. The bathroom has a Jacuzzi.

Ship amenities include: casino, fitness center, spa services, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, shopping boutiques, photo center, Internet center, coffee bar, piano bar, and a theater. There is a fee for some of these services/amenities. There will also be plenty of dancing, music, and entertainment.

Here is some of what you’ll find onboard:

Acupuncture

You'll leave behind anxiety and stress while surrendering to a healing and rejuvenating state of relaxation when you visit the onboard acupuncturist.

Astral Spa

How will you choose to relax today? Melt your cares away with a 90-minute massage; invigorate yourself with a lime and ginger scrub or indulge in a silky, milk bath. Let our Spa transport you to a whole new world. You'll also find a hair salon, a thallosotherapy pool, and an assortment of the finest spa products.

Boutiques

You’ll find delightful signature shops, from a sophisticated boutique to fine jewelry, duty-free alcohol, clothing, handbags and even sundries and souvenirs. There’s a wealth of treasures is just waiting to be discovered.

Cabaret Lounge

This showcase theater comes alive in the evenings with great Olivia entertainment. There’s not a bad seat in the house and you'll love the long, comfortable bar and excellent service.

Casino Luxe

Whether you're feeling lucky or you just enjoy the adrenaline rush of a casino, you'll find all your favorite table games, video slots, and a centrally-located bar.

The Drawing Room

Soak up the sounds of a grand piano as you share an intimate nightcap with your Olivia friends. The ambiance is inspiring and the deep, welcoming chairs make it the ideal place to savor a single-malt scotch or a late-evening cordial.

eConnections

We know that you will want to share your cruise experience with your friends and family—before you return home. Visit our onboard Internet stations and send an email.

Fitness Center

Keep up your fitness routine or embark on a new one with our onboard Fitness and Wellness Center. Outfitted with the latest in aerobic and weight-training equipment, the Fitness Center offers specialized classes such as yoga and Pilates.

Jogging track

Get outside for a run! Take in the sea views while you get your exercise on the track.

Lobby & Reception

Throughout your journey a friendly, English-speaking crew stands ready to answer your questions and help you create the vacation of a lifetime. You will be warmly greeted and feel immediately at home.

Looking Glass

Oh the glorious views you will enjoy from the Looking Glass. Enjoy your favorite cocktail, admire the Murano glass, and gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows. There's even a telescope so you can see what's waiting on the horizon.

Mosaic Café

Our onboard coffee corner may very well become your favorite nook on the ship. You'll find all your favorite coffee drinks prepared just the way you like them. We recommend that you slip into a comfortable seat and sip for a while - you never know who'll walk by.

Photo Shop

Take a peek at the fun and professional photos captured by our onboard photographers. You can also find an assortment of supplies for your own photographic endeavors.

Pool & Jacuzzi

Relax in the Jacuzzi or sit by the pool after a day of sightseeing!

Dining

Seating policy

You may sit wherever you with in the main restaurant. The restaurant’s hours will be published daily in your program, and you may arrive at any time during those hours. We will have a special solos dining area for those traveling alone.

Times

Dinner: Seating is open so you may sit where you wish, and you’re free to dine anytime between 5:30 PM  and 10:30 PM in the main dining room, Discoveries. The two specialty restaurants are by reservation.

Restaurants

Aqualina

If you're in the mood for fantastic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, make a reservation at Aqualina, one of our onboard specialty restaurants. Aqualina will satisfy your taste for sumptuous fare in a relaxed, yet positively chic atmosphere.

Discoveries

With stellar nightly selections, the main dining room offers classic dinner favorites with a deliciously different twist, like gulf shrimp with cognac and garlic or a filet mignon with black truffle sauce.

Pool Grill

The pool grill is just the ticket when you want some tasty casual fare! Delicious!

Prime C

If steak and seafood are on your mind, then make your way over to Prime C. Full of atmosphere and loaded with flavor, this specialty restaurant aims to please all who enter. The broad wooden floors and rich paneling are inviting and the steaks will melt in your mouth.

Windows Café / Breeza

Akin to dining in the comfort of a friend's home, our buffet restaurant is casually elegant with a welcoming atmosphere and spectacular views. Choose to dine inside or out for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

24-Hour Room Service

If you would like to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or a midnight snack in the comfort of your cabin, a room service menu is available 24 hours a day. Refer to your in-cabin service guide.

Electricity

The cabins have 110 volt electricity, which is the same as that which is used in the US.

Excursions

Excursions may be booked up to 30 days in advance. Please come back and visit the Trip Itinerary page for your trip to get your booking number and detailed instructions on shore excursions and activities at that time.

Gratuities

Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maitre'd and other-behind-the-scenes crew members.

Internet/e-mail/fax

There is an Internet center on board; minute plans are available. Pricing will be posted onboard. Connectivity on board is often very slow, and all guests and ships personnel are using the same feed. Letters and postcards may be mailed from the ship while in ports of call. You may buy stamps in port.

Laundry and dry cleaning

Laundry, pressing and dry cleaning service is available onboard. No self-serve laundry is available.

Medical services

There is an onboard infirmary. Medical services entail an additional fee.

Money: Paying for things on board

Onboard, the currency is US Dollars. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office onboard for further details.

Phone

Each cabin has a phone. There is an additional fee to use this phone; cost is available onboard.

Smoking policy

The Azamara Journey has two designated smoking areas. These areas are located in the aft section of the Looking Glass Lounge on the port side, and on the starboard forward section of the Pool Deck. Smoking areas have signs indicating that smoking is permitted there. All other areas of the ships are non-smoking. This includes Public Rooms, Restaurants, Pool Deck, Staterooms and Suites, Verandas and Halls.

Spa services

There is a spa onboard, and massages and other services are available for an additional fee.

Solo travelers

We will have a solos program onboard, led by a solos coordinator who will ensure you have a great time.

After your Trip

Transfers to the airport

For those going directly to the Athens airport, we recommend purchasing a transfer onboard. Taxis can be scarce after a cruise, and so this is the best way to ensure you will make your flight.

Olivia will be offering pre- and post-trip extensions approximately 13 months prior to the trip. More information coming soon!

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