From Nashville to Barbados: Our Virtuoso Voyage on the Azamara Journey

From Nashville to Barbados: 

Our Virtuoso Voyage on the Azamara Journey

Our Azamara adventure officially began on November 14 with a drive to Nashville, where we stayed overnight at the Crowne Plaza Nashville Airport. It was a convenient choice close to our son and for an easy early departure the next morning; it helped the trip start off in a relaxed way, rather than feel rushed.  

November 15: Long Travel Day, Worth Every Mile

The following morning, we flew from Nashville to Miami, where we had a seven-hour layover. Lounge access truly saved the day—comfortable seating, food, drinks, and a quiet place to work and reset before the long journey ahead. From Miami, we continued on to Bridgetown, Barbados, arriving late in the evening.

Once we landed, we were met by a private shuttle and transferred directly to the Hilton Barbados, our hotel for the night before boarding Azamara. One very important tip for anyone arriving late: after 11:00 p.m., there is no food available at the hotel or anywhere else on the island. Food is definitely something to plan/arrange for if your flight arrives late.

November 16: From Hotel to Ship

The next morning, we chose to have breakfast at the hotel. While there were both buffet and à la carte options, service was very much on island time—we waited about 20 minutes to be seated, with no real sense of urgency. Not a complaint, just a reminder to build in extra time.

While there, we ran into Mitch Platt from Azamara, and several other Azamara related crew. Breakfast was more than acceptable and we had a blast reconnecting with folks.

From the hotel, we took a shuttle to the cruise port. Another helpful tip: Uber does not go to the port. Transportation must be via shuttle or authorized vehicle, and you’ll need to show your cruise paperwork at security to gain access to the port area.

Because several ships were docked that day, we also had to take an additional shuttle from the terminal to the ship. Boarding, however, was super easy and seamless. Azamara has mastered the onboarding process. There is no real waiting to get on board the ship. 

Once onboard, our first stop was Guest Services, where we verified all of our Virtuoso Voyages guests to ensure everyone received their exclusive benefits.  We then did a quick tour of the ship to remind ourselves where everything was located, prior to running to our cabin.

After getting settled into our stateroom, Scott and I began making welcome calls to our Virtuoso Voyages guests, introducing ourselves and sharing details about the upcoming cocktail party. We then headed to The Patio for some light snacks and a drink, followed by time in The Living Room to relax and unwind.

We attended the First Time Cruisers Presentation, which was excellent—not just for first-time cruisers, but also for those new to Azamara. One very special highlight was the appearance of Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, who personally welcomed guests onboard. In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Azamara, she ran up to Scott and me to give us a huge hug, greeting us like old friends. She went on to share with the entire room that while she has been on hundreds of cruises, even she couldn’t count how many Scott and I have sailed—a moment that brought smiles and laughter throughout the room.

Due to rain, the sailaway party was moved indoors to The Living Room, but the excitement was still very much there. Dinner that evening was at Discoveries Restaurant, with about a 25-minute wait, followed by live music back in The Living Room, where we ended the night enjoying the band and the relaxed onboard atmosphere.

Sunday, November 16: Castries, St. Lucia — A Slow Day at Sea (By Choice)

Castries, St. Lucia was our port of call on Sunday, November 16. Having visited St. Lucia many times before, Scott and I made the conscious decision to skip going ashore and instead enjoy a slow, lazy morning onboard—one of the greatest luxuries of cruising when you’ve already explored a destination thoroughly.

Later that morning, we had a one-on-one meeting with Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, to discuss The Connected Traveler and our partnership with Azamara. What made this meeting especially remarkable was the time spent together: one hour and forty-five minutes. In an industry where executive schedules are typically measured in seconds, this level of engagement is truly unheard of and speaks volumes about Azamara’s commitment to meaningful relationships.

Following our meeting, we headed to the Windows Café for lunch before spending the afternoon walking the ship and simply enjoying being onboard. During the day, Azamara brought a steel drum band onto the ship, creating a lively, island-inspired atmosphere that was enjoyed by guests throughout the vessel.

That evening, we hosted the Virtuoso Voyages Cocktail Reception. While there were some logistical challenges—specifically the location within The Living Room, which is not ideally designed for private functions—we adapted and made it work. Unfortunately, the concierge on duty was unable to ask two guests to vacate the designated area, which required me to step in and resolve the situation personally. Despite this, the reception went well and our guests were gracious and understanding.

We were delighted to have Michelle Lardizabal, Chief Sales Officer, and Katie Gerhard, Associate Vice President of Sales for the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada, join us for the private Virtuoso event. Adding to the significance of the evening, Dondra Ritzenthaler also stopped by to personally welcome our guests, reinforcing the strong relationship between Azamara leadership, Virtuoso, The Connected Traveler, and The Travel Society.

After the reception, we enjoyed dinner at Discoveries Restaurant, followed by Captain Dario’s Cocktail Reception, which provided another opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and ship leadership.

The evening wrapped up with ABBA Night in The Living Room, and of course, we couldn’t miss it. Between the music, the energy, and the shared laughter, it was the perfect way to end a day that balanced business, relationships, and the simple joy of being at sea.

Monday, November 17: Roseau, Dominica — Familiar Shores & Rare Opportunities

Roseau, Dominica was our port of call on Monday, November 17. Having visited this destination many times before, Scott and I once again opted for a slow, relaxed morning onboard, choosing to enjoy the ship rather than head ashore.

For lunch, we decided to eat outside at The Patio, going with classic cruise favorites—burgers, fries, and nachos. While the food itself was exactly what we were craving, service that afternoon was less than ideal. It took an unusually long time for the burger to arrive, and when Scott accidentally spilled his Coke Zero, I notified a crew member, but no one returned to clean it up. After waiting for assistance that never came, I ultimately had to seek out a manager to resolve the situation.  That was done within minutes.  This is very atypical.

Later in the day, something truly special happened. Dondra Ritzenthaler asked if I would like to film while she was still onboard, as she would be disembarking the following day. Needless to say, we jumped at the opportunity. With very little time to prepare, we quickly put together a set of questions.

We met first with Katie Gerhard, as she needed to get to another reception, and then Michelle Lardizabal and Dondra joined us shortly afterward. What followed was an incredibly candid and valuable filming session that lasted about 30 minutes—once again, something almost unheard of when working with senior leadership at this level. The openness, access, and willingness to engage spoke volumes about the culture at Azamara. https://youtu.be/V2pwHZkCUDc

That evening, we returned to Discoveries Restaurant for an amazing dinner before heading back to The Living Room to enjoy the live band and karaoke, closing out the night with music, laughter, and the unmistakable energy that makes evenings onboard Azamara so memorable.

Tuesday, November 18: Basseterre, Saint Kitts — Easy Island Time & White Night at Sea

Tuesday brought us to Basseterre, Saint Kitts. Once again, we embraced a lazy morning onboard, enjoying the slower pace that comes with visiting a port we know well. Lunch was kept simple and casual with another meal outside at The Patio, making the most of the fresh air and relaxed atmosphere.

Later in the day, we headed into town to stretch our legs and take in Basseterre before returning to the ship. We then spent some time at the pool, soaking in the moment and enjoying one of those classic cruise afternoons where there’s nowhere else you need to be.

That evening was scheduled to be White Night, but Mother Nature had other plans. Due to rain, the event had to be reimagined, and the Azamara crew handled the change seamlessly. Both Discoveries Restaurant and Windows Café featured the same special White Night menu, allowing guests to enjoy the signature dining experience regardless of venue.

We were joined for dinner by Mitch Platt, our Azamara representative, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Entertainment was thoughtfully spread throughout the ship, with performances taking place in both the Cabaret Lounge and The Living Room, ensuring guests still had plenty of options despite the weather.

Even with the adjustments, the spirit of White Night was very much alive—proof that great service and flexibility can turn any situation into a memorable experience.

Wednesday, November 19: Charlestown — A Birthday at Sea

Wednesday brought us to Charlestown, and with it, a very special day—it was Sean’s birthday. To no one’s surprise, we once again opted for a slow, unhurried morning, choosing to enjoy the ship and the moment rather than rush ashore.

Lunch was kept casual with another visit to The Patio, the perfect spot for an easy midday meal. While much of the day was about relaxing, there was still work to be done. Scott spent time filming around the ship, capturing additional content while we were onboard and making the most of the access we had during the voyage. Ruby, our bartender came up and gave me a card and a hug. She had made a Happy Birthday card for me. 

That evening, we had dinner at Aqualina, which turned into one of the most memorable meals of the entire trip. Our server was Jerome, who we had previously met on our South Africa cruise earlier this year—a reunion that made the evening even more special. Jerome was absolutely incredible, going out of his way to suggest modifications and even bring us items that weren’t on the menu, all with impeccable service and genuine warmth.

Partway through the evening, the maître d’ and the chef came out to sing “Happy Birthday,” and the chef had prepared a special birthday cake just for me. It was an unforgettable moment and truly reflected the level of personalization and care Azamara is known for. The entire dinner was nothing short of amazing.

When we returned to our stateroom, the surprises continued. Our cabin steward had decorated the room with Happy Birthday signage and left a bottle of wine, a thoughtful touch that perfectly capped off an already incredible day.

Celebrating a birthday at sea—especially on Azamara—was truly something special.

Thursday, November 20: Philipsburg — Sailing Legends & an AzAmazing Evening

Thursday brought us to Philipsburg, and we kept the morning relaxed by enjoying lunch in our cabin, taking full advantage of the comfort and convenience of being onboard.

That afternoon, we decided to participate in one of Azamara’s shore excursions, and it turned out to be an absolute highlight of the trip. We joined the America’s Cup Regatta Sailing experience, where we were not just spectators—we were actually onboard and sailing one of the America’s Cup racing yachts. “Wow” doesn’t quite do it justice. It was truly an unforgettable experience, exhilarating from start to finish and a perfect example of the unique, immersive excursions for which Azamara is known.

Back onboard, the evening featured AzAmazing Night, with entertainment by the Soul Sisters, who delivered an incredible performance spanning R&B and soul music. Their energy and talent had the entire ship engaged and set the tone for a fantastic night. Mitch joined us, sitting with us during the show before heading off to dinner together.

We enjoyed dinner at Discoveries Restaurant with Mitch, continuing great conversation and reflecting on the day’s adventures. Later that night, we made our way to The Living Room, where the evening wrapped up with Creweoke—always a guest favorite and a fun way to end the day, seeing crew members take the stage and truly let loose.

Friday, November 21: Road Town — Pool Time & a Little Self-Care

Friday brought us to Road Town, and the day unfolded at an easy, unhurried pace—exactly the way a cruise day should. We started with lunch at Windows Café, enjoying a relaxed meal while taking in the views.

The afternoon was spent by the pool, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying some well-earned downtime. Later in the day, it was time for a bit of self-care, as we treated ourselves to manicures and pedicures—a perfect way to unwind and feel refreshed while at sea.

That evening, we returned once again to Discoveries Restaurant for dinner, closing out the day with familiar flavors, good service, and the comfortable rhythm that had settled in as the voyage continued.

Saturday, November 22: San Juan — Disembarkation Day & Old World Charm at Hotel El Convento

Saturday marked disembarkation day in San Juan, and the morning began early. We were up at 6:00 a.m. to complete customs onboard the ship, an efficient but necessary step before guests could disembark.

Once cleared, we enjoyed breakfast at Discoveries Restaurant, which offers a limited disembarkation-day menu. While smaller than usual, there were still eight to ten thoughtfully selected options, making it an easy and stress-free way to start the day.

After leaving the ship, we were met by a private car service and transferred to Hotel El Convento, located in the heart of Old San Juan. Originally built in 1651 as a Carmelite convent, this historic property is one of the oldest hotels in the Americas and is steeped in character, elegance, and history. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels intimate and refined, with Spanish colonial architecture, thick stone walls, hand-carved details, and a tranquil interior courtyard that instantly transports you to another era.

We spent time touring the property, exploring its beautifully appointed public spaces, historic corridors, and guest rooms, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the building’s heritage while still offering modern comfort. One of the standout features of Hotel El Convento is how seamlessly it blends history with hospitality—nothing feels forced, and everything feels intentional.

We also toured El Convento’s sister property, Palacio Provincial part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, which provided an interesting contrast in style while maintaining the same commitment to quality and service. Seeing both properties side by side highlighted how thoughtfully curated hotel experiences can elevate a stay in Old San Juan.

After the tours, Scott and I enjoyed some well-deserved pool time, a peaceful oasis tucked within the historic surroundings. The hotel welcomed us with complimentary champagne, a gracious and personal touch that truly set the tone for our stay and made us feel immediately welcomed.

That evening, we dined at Carli’s Fine Bistro, a beloved Old San Juan institution. Owned by Carli Muñoz, an acclaimed chef and talented pianist, the evening was as much about the experience as the food. Carli personally plays the piano throughout dinner service, filling the room with music while guests enjoy refined, expertly prepared dishes in an intimate setting. It was the perfect way to end the day—relaxed, elegant, and unmistakably San Juan.

Sunday, November 23: Flying Home — San Juan to Nashville

Sunday marked our travel day home, flying from San Juan back to Nashville. While departures are straightforward, there is one very important detail travelers need to be aware of when flying out of Puerto Rico.

You must arrive at San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport at least three hours prior to your flight. Before checking bags or proceeding through regular airport security, all checked luggage must be scanned by the USDA. This process is mandatory and can take a significant amount of time, especially during peak travel periods or when multiple flights are departing around the same time.

The lines can be very long, and this is not something you want to underestimate or rush. That said, there are airport staff and agents available to help guide passengers through the process, which does make it more manageable once you’re in the right place. Still, allowing plenty of extra time is absolutely essential to ensure a smooth departure.

While no one loves airport lines, knowing what to expect makes all the difference—and this is one detail we always make sure our clients are prepared for when flying home from San Juan.  If you are stuck or rushing, it pays to utilize/tip the porter service at the are provided priority and can make your wait time significantly less.

With that final travel day, our incredible Azamara journey officially came to a close, filled with unforgettable experiences, meaningful connections, and plenty of moments we’ll be talking about for a long time to come.

Final Thoughts: Leadership, Access, and Why It Matters

This journey was about far more than destinations—it was about relationships, leadership, and access, and how those elements directly shape the travel experience. From the moment we stepped onboard, it was clear that Azamara operates differently, and that difference starts at the very top.

Having the opportunity to spend nearly two hours in a one-on-one conversation with Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, is something that simply does not happen in most corners of the travel industry. Her approachability, transparency, and genuine interest in both The Connected Traveler and our clients spoke volumes. She didn’t just make appearances—she showed up, engaged deeply, listened carefully, and continued those conversations throughout the voyage, including welcoming our Virtuoso Voyages guests in person.

That level of leadership presence sets the tone for the entire brand. It was reflected in the openness of the sales leadership team, the accessibility of onboard officers, and the culture of service we experienced day after day. From filming candid conversations with Azamara’s senior executives to sharing casual moments at receptions and events, the access we were given reinforced why relationships matter so much in travel—and why choosing the right partners makes all the difference.

Beyond the leadership moments, the voyage itself struck the perfect balance between unhurried luxury and meaningful engagement. Familiar ports were enjoyed at a relaxed pace, unique experiences like sailing an actual America’s Cup yacht delivered true “wow” moments, and evenings onboard—from AzAmazing performances to themed nights—created a sense of connection and community throughout the ship. On land, experiences such as our stay at Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan added depth, history, and a true sense of place.

This journey reaffirmed something we believe deeply: great travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you travel with, who stands behind the experience, and who knows the details that matter most.

And when you’re ready for your next journey—whether it’s a cruise, a land experience, or something completely custom—The Connected Traveler is here for you, every step of the way.

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