Azamara’s very first call in the Port of Tyne was one to remember after guests traded their usual caviar, oysters and fine wine for a boatload of the local delicacy – Greggs pastries.
Journey dropped anchor on Tyneside on Monday (19 August) giving Captain Johannes Tysse just enough time to phone in a spread of sausage rolls and North East favourite – stottie cakes.
It was the ship’s cruise director Lee Hetherington, who hails from Heworth in nearby Gateshead, who came up with the idea, with Greggs’ Grainger Street branch in Newcastle only too happy to oblige.
The feast was delivered directly to the ship, which stopped on Tyneside for the first time as part of a 10-day culinary and cultural tour of Northern Europe, giving guests ample time to explore local landmarks including Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral, Beamish Air Open Museum and York.
“On our cruise, passengers will enjoy amazing dining experiences, including visits to Bruges and Amsterdam,” said Captain Tysse. “Our UK crew told us a visit to Newcastle wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Greggs, and that for European travellers, it joins the echelons of British food icons alongside fish and chips, afternoon tea and Sunday roast. We were all very impressed, and even got a cheer.”
From Newcastle, Journey will sail to Leith, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Bruges before returning to Southampton on 27 August.