Our itinerary this week on Azamara Quest is taking us up the California Coast, from Los Angeles to San Francisco and back. Thanks to Azamara Club Cruises’ focus on longer stays, night touring and overnight stays, we’ve had the opportunity to explore Santa Barbara and Monterey a bit differently than a typical cruise passenger might.
After our #CruiseChat with the Captain on Tuesday, we hurried to disembark to head for an exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour of the world-famous Santa Barbara Zoo. We were met shore-side by a member of the zoo staff and boarded a comfortable mini-bus for the short drive to the zoo. Along the way, the zoo guide noted points of interest and told us about some of Santa Barbara’s history.
Once we arrived, we were issued VIP lanyards and embarked on a walking tour of the zoo. First stop was the giraffe deck where each member of the group got to feed lettuce to a giraffe. It was a very unique opportunity to get an up-close look at the giraffes and their long tongues.
Then, we headed to the Channel Island Fox pen and the California Condor exhibit to learn about the Santa Barbara Zoo’s efforts to save these endangered animals. We got to pet a fox pelt, see the radio tracking collar the foxes wear in the wild and touch a falcon feather.
We ventured behind the scenes at the penguin exhibit to learn about how the zoo cares for the animals and to see a custom-made TEVA boot designed for Lucky the Penguin who was born with a bad flipper; he would not be able to get around and would likely have developed a life-threatening infection without the assistance of the special boot.
Peggy the Penguin
Peggy the Penguin
Lucky’s special TEVA shoe
The highlight of the tour for many was the visit to the elephant yard where we got to meet, pet and feed an elephant.
The tour offered about an hour for independent touring of the zoo, so we were able to visit the apes, the leopard and several other exhibits.
The tour was worthwhile and since we had such a small group, our guide Hannah was able to answer everybody’s questions and offer a very personal experience.
After our ride back to the waterfront, we hopped Azamara’s complimentary shuttle bus that took us into the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara. After a quick stop at the pharmacy to pick up a forgotten item, we strolled the picturesque streets and found a local bar to enjoy a drink and a few appetizers at happy hour. We didn’t have to rush, thanks to the Quest’s scheduled 10 pm departure.
After a pleasant evening chatting with some locals and a fun bartender, we headed to Santa Barbara’s “main drag,” State Street, and took a short, comfortable walk under the full moon back to the tender pier.
Monterey, California
On Wednesday, our 2 pm arrival in Monterey made it impossible to catch a whale watching tour, as most leave in the morning or early afternoon, but with a 10 pm sail away, we still had a full 8 hour day to explore this popular town.
Raul and Jill from Azamara’s social media team had booked a land discovery that would take them on a scenic drive down the California Coast to Carmel and Big Sur.
They returned with some stunning photographs:
A great view from Nepenthe Restaurant along the coast at Big Sur
A Panorama of Monterey Bay – with the Azamara Quest in the distance – from Old Fisherman’s Wharf
I chose to tour independently and spent some time poking into the shops of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and strolling up the waterfront to Cannery Row, made famous in John Steinbeck’s novels. Unfortunately, it was after 4:30 pm before I reached the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which closed at 5, so I wasn’t able to experience it. But I did explore the tourist-oriented shops and restaurants of the Row, and didn’t have to worry about missing the ship. I strolled back along the waterfront just as the sun was setting, making for some great vistas of Azamara Quest parked in the Bay. Fisherman’s Wharf was even more charming after dark, with many restaurants offering free samples of clam chowder, trying to snag walk-in traffic and keep them away from their competitors.
So far, these 2 days along the coast have been relaxed and very enjoyable. It’s been possible to see the sights without looking at our watches. My only regret is not getting to the Monterey Bay Aquarium a bit earlier; but it gives me a good reason to return and see even more of the area.
We’ve got 2 nights and 3 full days in San Francisco so there will be plenty of time to get a taste of one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities.
NOTE:Members of the #CruiseChat team are traveling as guests of Azamara Club Cruises in order to host several Twitter chats and social media events live from the ship. However, the thoughts, observations and reviews published here or on any #CruiseChat-controlled social media channels are our own. We’ll “call it as we see it” and do our best to give you an honest appraisal of our cruise experience on the Azamara Quest.