azamara cruise line review

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Cruising with Azamara

Azamara garners high praise from cruisers and critics alike for its upscale cabins and trips to far-flung destinations. The line's four ships – Azamara Journey , Azamara Quest , Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward – sail to hundreds of ports, with popular stops in South America, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia. With Azamara's ship capacity limited to about 700 guests, it's easy to steer clear of crowds and locate crew members (each ship has approximately one staff member to every two passengers).

While docked at different ports, Azamara voyages offer shore excursions that vary by activity level, including museum visits, wine tastings and walking tours. Whether you choose the shortest five-night cruise or a 155-night world voyage, you can take advantage of each ship's onboard fitness center, lounges and nightly musical and dance performances.

You'll also find six distinct dining options on all four ships, ranging from casual buffets to specialty restaurants like Aqualina and Prime C steakhouse. In addition to beverages and meals in the main dining room, Azamara cruise fares include gratuities, concierge services, self-service laundry and exclusive events.

Pros & Cons

Encourages destination immersion through AzAmazing Celebrations (one complimentary excursion on most cruises)

Relatively small ships, creating an intimate atmosphere

Fare covers most alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, as well as gratuities

Only higher-priced, luxury cruises available; prices fluctuate slightly based on season, destinations and themes

Shore excursions (beyond one complimentary AzAmazing Celebration) not included in cruise fare

Limited onboard activities compared to larger cruise lines

• Expert Rating » 4.0
• Traveler Rating » 4.3
• Health Rating » 3.5

Azamara has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 4 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples
• # 6 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines
• # 6 in Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Explore Photos

Azamara Ships

Azamara Journey

Azamara Onward

Azamara Pursuit

Azamara Quest

Before You Book

• If you require special medical services or equipment on the ship, you must contact Azamara no later than 40 days prior to your voyage for U.S. sailings and 80 days prior for all others. Guests can fill out a special accommodations form on the cruise line's website.
• If you cancel your reservation 120 to 31 days prior to departure, you'll be charged between 25% and 75% of your booked fare. If you cancel within 30 days of the ship's departure, you'll forfeit any refund. For more information, check out the line's  cancellation policy .
• To guarantee reservations, Azamara requires a deposit of $1,100 per person for suites and $550 per person for staterooms. The remaining balance must be paid 120 days prior to departure.

Before You Board

• Azamara electronically sends a list of required travel documents for your itinerary, including ticket contracts and payment receipts, 20 to 50 days before departure. Before you board, you must present a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of the cruise.
• You must check in 90 minutes before the ship is scheduled to depart or your reservation will be automatically canceled. Boarding procedures and departure times will be included in your travel documents.
• The cruise line recommends passengers consult their physicians at least four to six weeks prior to embarkation to ensure they are up-to-date on required vaccinations. The World Health Organization lists vaccination recommendations on its  website .
• Azamara recommends that passengers limit their larger luggage to one or two pieces. Travelers are also encouraged to bring a small overnight carry-on bag for their last night at sea.
• Pre-book shore excursions through the Voyage Planner in your account and reserve specialty dining ahead of time.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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The ultimate guide to Azamara cruise ships and itineraries

Azamara Cruises is interesting. Although it includes more in its fares -- gratuities, basic alcohol and some shore excursions -- than most cruise lines, it's not full-on luxury . However it's not mainstream, like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, either.

It has carved out an industry niche that caters to affluent, well-traveled cruisers who enjoy smaller vessels, a country house ambiance and itineraries that focus on destination immersion.

The ships in its four-vessel fleet are nearly identical, all belonging to the R Class, which was originally developed for now-defunct line Renaissance Cruises. Azamara prides itself on bringing its passengers familiarity and onboard experiences that are similar from ship to ship. You won't find waterslides or roller coasters, and that's exactly how the line's demographic likes it.

One of the line's most notable hallmarks is its focus on longer, later stays in port. Coupled with its AzAmazing Evenings program, which takes cruisers ashore to experience cultural performances in jaw-dropping locations, the experience is a little less superficial-feeling than other cruise excursions.

Here, you'll find a rundown of all the crucial information you'll need to decide if an Azamara sailing is right for you.

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3 things TPG loves about Azamara Cruises

• Its ships' smaller size and rich history.
• Later port calls that allow passengers to experience nightlife in several destinations.
• Its upscale yet homey onboard ambiance.

What we could do without

• Its lack of accommodations for solo cruisers.

The Azamara Cruises fleet

Azamara Cruises is one of the cruise industry's smallest lines, with just four ships -- Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward -- at the time of publication. All of Azamara's vessels are R-Class ships, originally built for now-defunct Renaissance Cruises, which folded in 2001, just a couple of years after the vessels debuted.

Azamara has rounded up the ships -- including the most recent, which it acquired from Princess Cruises during the pandemic -- over the years and refurbished them to add the line's signature upscale furnishings. In fact, it did such an impressive job that you'd hardly be able to guess that the vessels are more than 20 years old.

Each of the ships has the capacity for about 700 passengers, which places them in the midsize range -- large enough to provide a laundry list of amenities, but small enough that passengers can still enjoy calls on a number of ports that larger ships can't access.

At just a little more than 30,000 gross registered tons apiece, the ships are about an eighth of the size of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, which is the largest cruise ship in the world.

During 2020's industrywide pandemic shutdown, Royal Caribbean Group, which previously owned Azamara, sold the line to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Azamara's president, Carol Cabezas, told TPG that the firm has plans for expansion. Although Cabezas didn't elaborate, Azamara fans anticipate that new hardware could be in the line's future .

Destinations and itineraries

Azamara's ships sail in several regions, including Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Western Europe, British Isles and Greece.

"They cannot get enough of Croatia, Italy, Greece," Cabezas said. "Those are the kinds of places that people want to sail in, so we've dedicated a lot of the deployment into those country-intensives. That and Black Sea."

Azamara prides itself on being destination-immersive, which includes staying late in port -- often until 10 p.m. or even overnight -- to allow passengers more time to soak in the heritage. On most sailings, the line also offers its signature AzAmazing Evenings, which take cruisers ashore to iconic venues where they can experience local cultural performances. (At the time of publication, the line was offering cultural performances onboard , rather than ashore, due to COVID-19.)

Most itineraries range from a week to two weeks in length, but the line has also offered itineraries lasting more than 100 days, calling on more than 60 ports in more than two dozen countries.

Who sails Azamara Cruises?

Due to its price point, popularity in Europe and lack of short voyages, Azamara appeals to older, more affluent travelers with a surplus of vacation time. The average age can fluctuate from sailing to sailing, but it's common to find most passengers in their 60s and 70s.

The line's demographic is largely well traveled and port savvy, with many passengers forgoing shore excursions in favor of independent exploration.

Azamara also draws a large number of repeat cruisers, many having sailed with the line numerous times.

Cabins and suites

All of Azamara's staterooms , regardless of type or category, include at least one queen bed that can convert to two twins, a desk/vanity with a phone, nightstands with reading lamps, at least one TV that's a minimum of 40 inches, outlets and USB charging ports, a minibar, individual climate controls, closets, a safe, a hair dryer, robes, slippers, umbrellas and fresh flowers.

Each cabin has its own bathroom with towels, bath products, a shower, sink/vanity, storage shelves and a toilet. Additionally, all rooms include daily make-up and turndown services, as well as 24-hour room service, a tote bag, a daily bulletin of activities and turndown treats.

All suites come with complimentary butler service for their occupants.

Accommodations on Azamara's ships come in four types: insides (no natural light, 158 square feet), outsides (windows that don't open, 143 square feet), balconies (small outdoor deck areas with sliding glass doors) and suites (like balcony cabins but larger and with more perks). There are several options within each category, including seven cabins on each ship that allow access for passengers in wheelchairs and scooters.

Options within the balcony and suite categories are:

Club Veranda: This basic balcony-style cabin offers 175 square feet, plus a 40-square-foot veranda with two upright chairs and a small table.

Club Veranda Plus: The same size and general layout as regular Club Verandas, these rooms factor in passengers' loyalty status to determine the level of benefits occupants will receive during their sailing. All passengers booked in Club Veranda Plus accommodations are entitled to complimentary Wi-Fi minutes, one free bag of laundry every seven days, one complimentary meal for two in a for-fee restaurant every seven days, priority embarkation and disembarkation and free in-cabin alcohol.

Club Continent Suites: The smallest of the line's suite accommodations, Club Continent Suites are 266 square feet with 60-square-foot balconies. They include all of the amenities mentioned above, as well as a large seating area with a 55-inch flat-screen TV. Besides the TV and the increased square footage, some Club Continent Suite bathrooms also have bathtubs instead of only a stand-up shower.

Club Spa Suites: These suites are located near the Sanctum Spa on each vessel. In addition to soothing decor, cruisers booked in these rooms can expect healthy snacks to be delivered daily. They can also enjoy in-cabin spa music and their own glass-enclosed soaking bathtub. Additionally, Club Spa Suites have rain showerheads and all of the amenities afforded to veranda cabins but with a larger (55-inch) TV and 414 square feet of space, plus a 60-square-foot balcony.

Club Ocean Suites: These 478-square-foot luxury digs come with 173-square-foot verandas, a separate living room and bedroom setup (each room with a 55-inch TV), marble shower-only bathrooms (except on Journey and Quest, which have bathtubs), dressing rooms with vanities and additional closet space. Further, passengers staying in these suites have access to all of the perks to which those in balcony cabins are entitled.

Club World Owner's Suites: The Club World Owner's Suites are Azamara's most lavish, offering everything afforded to those booked in Club Ocean Suites but with significantly more space — 603 square feet with 233-square-foot balconies. They have marble bathrooms (with bathtubs on Journey and Quest) and separate living room and bedroom areas, each with its own television (55 inches in the former and 40 inches in the latter).

At this time, the line does not offer any cabins for solo cruisers, which means the already pricey fares for Azamara's sailings double if you're traveling alone.

Restaurants and dining

Azamara's dining options, although few, are impressive. Steak and seafood are often in the spotlight, and the quality is outstanding.

The line's ships each have one main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant, that allows passengers to dine at any time during set hours for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. The waiter-served menu there changes daily, and you should plan on spending at least 90 minutes for dinner, especially if you're having dessert.

Windows Cafe is the line's free buffet venue, which appears on all ships and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Previously a self-serve eatery, thanks to the pandemic passengers now simply point to what they would like and a crew member doles it out. For dinner, cruisers are seated and given menus -- which change nightly to highlight differing cuisines, such as Mexican, German and Greek -- and order from a waiter. Although it's sit-down table service, it's still faster than the main dining room. Outdoor seating at the ship's aft offers fantastic views, weather permitting.

Prime C is the fleet's for-fee steakhouse restaurant. Its menu includes several meaty options like steak, chicken, duck and lamb, plus soups and salads. Dining there costs $30 per person, and reservations are recommended.

Aqualina is where passengers will find extra-fee seafood, Italian and French cuisine in a light, airy atmosphere. The menu might feature items like lobster, seared tuna and the catch of the day. Reservations are recommended, and the cost is $30 per person. (Note: At the time of publication, the venue was temporarily closed due to COVID-19-related capacity restrictions, but diners can still order from Aqualina's menu while dining in Prime C.)

Azamara also offers themed Explorer's Dinners for $65 per person, focusing on a different cuisine -- think French and Italian -- each time. Chef's Table is another option. For $95 per person, cruisers can enjoy a seven-course meal paired with wines. During the experience, the chef explains each dish, and the ship's onboard sommeliers go over the wine selections.

The Patio, a gratis poolside venue, puts on a waiter-served spread during lunch hours each day. The menu stays the same throughout each sailing and might include items like spring rolls, nachos, burgers and chicken fingers.

Mosaic Cafe is the cafe found on each vessel in the fleet. It offers free finger sandwiches, cookies and pastries, as well as a variety of specialty coffees, most of which are complimentary. It's a nice place to go if you're feeling a little peckish between meals.

Those passengers who don't feel quite up to a full meal for dinner can head to The Living Room, a bar and lounge area that doubles as the nightclub on each ship. There, sandwiches and pastries are offered in the afternoons, and tapas are available during dinner hours.

For anyone who missed dinner or who finds themselves hungry in the middle of the night, room service is a free option, 24 hours a day. The menu is considerable, providing pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads and a plethora of other options.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment on Azamara is engaging and fun, but not nearly as extensive as what you'll find on ships in larger fleets. You're likely to encounter musicians in bars, lounges and nightclubs, and song-and-dance numbers in the theater, along with an occasional comedian or magician. What you won't find are huge LED screens, acrobatic performances or shows with high production value -- and that's exactly how the line's target audience likes it.

Theaters and shows

During the evenings, there's a piano player in The Den lounge, and the ship's band plays in The Living Room nightclub before a DJ starts spinning dance tunes there late into the night.

As far as theater happenings, you might spot a movie screening on the daily schedule or turn up after dinner to find that there's a boy band performing Justin Bieber hits while dressing like they're part of a doo-wop group. Overall, it's low-key but enjoyable.

Other interior attractions and activities

Hosted activities run the gamut from added-fee wine tastings, scavenger hunts and complimentary deck walks and water aerobics to destination enrichment lectures, dance classes and shore excursion presentations. Also spotted on some daily schedules are coloring, word search challenges and Q&A sessions with officers.

However, one of the most frequent and popular onboard pastimes is trivia. There are multiple rounds offered each day, and they focus on subjects that are often tied to the destinations the ships visit. (Think Greek gods and goddesses or ABBA on Greek Isles itineraries.) Each person receives a grid sheet for stamps, with one stamp given for simply participating and two stamps given to the members of the winning team for each round. At the end of the sailing, passengers tally their stamps to collect Azamara logo prizes.

There's also a number of unhosted activities, such as ping-pong, darts, crossword and sudoku puzzles, board games, book swaps, knitting get-togethers, shuffleboard and LGBTQ, singles and Friends of Bill W. (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetups.

Additionally, one of Azamara's signature activities is its White Night Party, usually found once on each voyage. Passengers are encouraged to dress in white for an evening of dining and entertainment under the stars.

Top-deck attractions

Apart from shuffleboard and a jogging track, there's not much on the outer decks of Azamara's vessels if you're not a sun-worshipper. There's ample deck space with loungers, and a main pool with two hot tubs where passengers can go to cool off -- or warm up. There's a second pool for thalassotherapy near the Sanctum Spa, but it's open only to cruisers staying in suites or those who book passes to use it.

Another one of Azamara's signature offerings is AzAmazing Evenings -- a series of complimentary nighttime shore excursions that take passengers to famous landmarks, such as Ephesus in Turkey or the Russian Ballet, for culturally immersive performances. Currently, due to COVID-19 restrictions, AzAmazing Evenings have been replaced by Destination Celebrations , which involve the ship staying late in port and bringing local talent onboard to perform outdoors.

Children's programs

Although children are welcome onboard, there are no kids clubs on Azamara's ships, and there is no special programming for young cruisers.

What to know before you go

Required documents

You will need a passport for most of Azamara Cruises' sailings. The only ones for which the combination of a birth certificate and photo ID (such as a driver's license) will suffice is on a closed-loop cruise -- one that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port and visits places that include Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada and the Caribbean.

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your travel concludes.

Gratuities are included in all of Azamara's fares. Passengers can choose to leave extra if they wish. Spa services will automatically have an 18% gratuity added.

Azamara's Wi-Fi is some of the worst we've experienced at sea. In addition to being pricey ($19.95 for 60 minutes, $29.95 for full-day access or $19.95 per day for unlimited access for the duration of the voyage), it's spotty at best, especially when the ships are at sea. Azamara officials say the line is planning tech upgrades in the coming years, which hopefully will include a stronger connection.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring your own drinks -- including wine, beer and liquor -- on Azamara's ships for private consumption in your stateroom. If you wish to drink them in public areas or dining venues, you'll be charged a $10 corkage fee.

Smoking policy

Generally, Azamara's vessels are nonsmoking, except for clearly designated areas on the forward port ( left, when facing the front of the ship ) side of the pool deck. Passengers are not permitted to smoke in other public areas or in their cabins, including on their balconies.

All Azamara ships have self-service laundry rooms onboard. They're free to use and include complimentary detergent. The vessels also offer send-out wash-and-fold service, as well as dry cleaning and pressing, all for an added fee.

Electrical outlets

Outlets in each cabin consist of a mix of North American and U.K. options. Standard balcony cabins have two of each at the vanity, and two additional North American outlets can be found just above the minifridge (although one of them is used to plug it in).

Additionally, the line has added USB ports near the beds so you can charge your devices as you're curled up in bed scanning Instagram reels or catching up on the latest episode of "Stranger Things" (Wi-Fi permitting, of course).

The currency onboard is U.S. dollars. Passengers will each link a credit card to their onboard account (or put up a set amount of cash), as all onboard charges are cashless. The room key each cruiser is issued at embarkation serves as a room key, charge card and ID card when disembarking and reboarding the ship in port.

Drinking age

On all sailings -- except for those departing from North America, where the drinking age is 21 -- the legal minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18.

Azamara recommends a "resort casual" style of dress, which prohibits bare feet, baseball caps, tank tops, torn or distressed jeans, bathing suits and shorts in the main dining room and all specialty restaurants. More casual wear is allowed in the Windows Cafe buffet, but shoes are required, and cruisers must wear cover-ups over their bathing suits.

There are no scheduled formal nights onboard, but passengers are welcome to dress up. They are also advised to bring a white outfit for the line's signature White Night Party, held once per voyage.

Azamara Cruises' loyalty program

Azamara's loyalty program, Azamara Circle , has five tiers for passengers to reach, based on the number of points they earn each time they sail. With each new tier, they unlock additional benefits, such as free Wi-Fi minutes, complimentary laundry service and discounts on spa treatments and future cruise bookings.

• Adventurer (1-149 points).
• Explorer (150-299 points).
• Discoverer (300-749 points).
• Discoverer Plus (750-2,999).
• Discoverer Platinum (3,000-plus points).

How much does an Azamara Cruise cost?

Azamara sailings are on the pricier side, with fares for weeklong sailings stretching into the thousands per person, especially for higher-end accommodations. Fluctuations occur based on cruise length, cabin type, itinerary and time of year.

At the time of publication, the least-expensive booking we found was $1,459 per person (not including taxes and port fees), based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin on a seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Rome's Civitavecchia. The price for a suite on the same sailing was $3,349 per person.

However, you'll find less nickel-and-diming on Azamara voyages than you will with mainstream brands, as gratuities and basic beverages -- soda, bottled water, coffee, a couple of daily house wine selections, beer and standard liquor -- are included in the price of the cruise. AzAmazing Evenings are also rolled into the fares.

Passengers can expect to shell out extra for top-shelf spirits, spa treatments, shore excursions, professional photos, Wi-Fi and send-out laundry and dry cleaning services (assuming they don't receive them for free, based on loyalty status).

How to book

Cruisers can book Azamara voyages directly through Azamara, either on the line's website or by calling 833-292-2292; virtually through a third-party online travel agent; or by calling a travel advisor, who can help with all the details for a commission that's usually covered by the cruise line.

Most cruise lines have their own cobranded credit cards, but unfortunately, Azamara is no longer one of them. Passengers used to be able to use cobranded Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International credit cards to book Azamara voyages, but it's unclear whether that is still possible, given Azamara's split from Royal Caribbean Group.

To maximize your spending when you book, use a card -- like the The Platinum Card® from American Express -- that will earn you additional points on travel.

Bottom line

Azamara cruises are a good option if you're looking for an upscale line that offers excellent food and service at the lower end of the luxury price spectrum. You'll also receive a more destination-focused experience, with longer stays in port that allow you to take in the local nightlife.

The ships across the fleet will be familiar to you after just a sailing or two, and their elegant-but-relaxed vibe will leave you feeling like you're simply enjoying a drink in a friend's living room.

Cruise Maven

Cruising the World One Port at a Time

Azamara Journey Cruise Ship Review and Photos

By: Brittany Chrusciel · Updated On: August 8, 2022

Despite active volcanoes and emerging variants, we couldn’t miss a chance to hop onboard an Azamara Journey cruise for a visit to the Canary Islands .   This would be a new itinerary for me. 

Azamara emerged from the pandemic under new ownership . I was interested to see what if any changes had happened with Azamara’s familiar ambiance and service. 

Mostly comprised of British passengers, this destination-intensive Canary Islands cruise   would really be a unique experience.  

Azamara Journey Ship Review 

In This Post...

I always thought of Spain’s Canary Islands as a Caribbean-type getaway for Europeans. For those from the U.S., a transatlantic flight followed by a layover then additional hours to get to the islands, seemed a tad too far for a quick escape. 

Despite the new flight route from JFK to the island of Tenerife, many cruise departures are from Gran Canaria island.

Edged out from the Royal Caribbean umbrella, Azamara is by all accounts flourishing with the funds provided by Sycamore Group, a private equity firm. Onboard, the staff we spoke to seemed to agree that they were more empowered to make decisions on behalf of the ship.  

For now, most of Azamara’s operational changes are a direct result of cruising during the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to keep guests and crew safe.

Time — and the purpose-built Azamara Onward that debuted in spring 2022 — will tell what touches might differentiate from Azamara’s signature atmosphere under Sycamore.

RELATED:  Azamara Drops Most Pre-Cruise Covid Tests

A Canary Islands Cruise

Our Azamara Journey itinerary was a one-week Canary Islands cruise, roundtrip from Gran Canaria. The voyage squeezed six ports across five islands into eight days, and that meant no sea days.

Our cruise ports included:

• Gran Canaria
• Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)
• Santa Cruz, La Palma
• San Sebastian, La Gomera
• Santa Cruz, Tenerife
• Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Fast Facts – Azamara Journey

Year built : 2000 Year refurbished : 2016 Weight:  30,277 gross tons Decks:  8 Passengers at double occupancy:   690 Crew : 408 Total staterooms:  345

COVID-19 Protocols 

Prior to boarding Azamara Journey , passengers had to have a stack of important documents in their possession, including a number of negative COVID-19 test results.  

Preparation for cruising during the pandemic begins at home, where passengers are asked to fill out boarding documents that include proof of vaccination.

Traveling through the Canary Islands, under jurisdiction of Spain, a form provided by Spain’s Ministry of Health is also a requirement to enter the country.

Passports and Health Forms Required

Along with passports, passengers are expected to present this health form, boarding documents, and their vaccine card on a number of occasions as they navigate their way to the dock in Gran Canaria.  

Transiting through Madrid on the way home helped us avoid lengthy border control lines until we were able to use Global Entry upon return to the U.S.

Azamara hosts its own rapid COVID-19 test onsite at the port, and a negative result is required to board. Once onboard, masks are required in all public areas of the ship, except while actively eating and drinking.  

Welcome Aboard Azamara Journey

Embarkation has changed — perhaps forever — due to pandemic protocols. Some of the changes, including more paperwork and health checks, lead to long wait times in the sun at the port with nowhere to sit.

While others, including less formal lifeboat drills in small groups immediately upon embarkation — with Champagne! — were welcome adaptations.

Once our lifejacket demonstrator completed all necessary safety briefings, we were whisked to our cabin by an attendant. In our room, in addition to the usual brochures and welcome materials, were two blue cloth masks emblazoned with the Azamara logo.

We felt it was a nice touch that encouraged mask-wearing among guests.

INSIDER TIP: We were asked to sanitize your hands before each meal so be mindful of keeping your hands clean without drying them out. A good-quality hand cream can be a lifesaver.

First Impressions Azamara Journey

We sailed Azamara two years prior on the line’s then-newest ship, Azamara Pursuit . This time, the entire ship was decorated in anticipation of Christmas.

Metallic ornaments kept it classy while the various gingerbread houses constructed by teams from around the ship — including a village with a working toy train — contributed to a fun and festive atmosphere.  

Despite the shift in time and seasons, boarding Journey felt a bit like coming home, an intentional mimicking of a nearly identical feel across the fleet of three (soon to be four) ships.

From the grand staircase to the main dining room and the classic library to the pool deck, we already had the sense that this ship was familiar.  

But uniformity takes work, and changes meant to be rolled out to the ship during a dry dock in summer 2021, were now unavoidably taking place in December with passengers onboard.

Supply Chain Issues Were Noticeable

Supply-chain issues, that plagued many industries during the pandemic, left the ship without the proper carpeting in the Den on Deck 5 and new wallpaper in key passenger areas.

We didn’t notice anything amiss during our first day onboard as construction crews were quietly roamed our hallways. They were quick to rip down wallpaper and replace it with new high-quality fabric from Japan.

The noise was surprisingly not much of an issue, though the lingering smell was a bit distracting.  

While some new, high-quality touches are the result of a cash infusion into the company, other noticeable changes are the direct result of pandemic protocols.

Club Veranda Stateroom

We stayed in cabin 7079, your standard balcony room onboard an Azamara ship, and a comfortable way to sail the Canaries. With 175 square feet of space and a 40-square-foot balcony, two guests won’t be cramped by any means.  

One of our favorite features of an Azamara Veranda cabin is the size of its balcony furniture; comfortable seating and a large table mean a balcony breakfast or wine and cheese at sundown are not a hassle.  

Our least favorite feature is still the tiny bathroom size. While functional, we could not imagine our 6’7 cruise director fitting in any way, shape, or form into the itty-bitty shower with a clingy shower curtain.

Three small shelves and no space by the sink were not quite enough for two women, so we kept many of our hair and makeup products on the desk, or in a bag that hung from the door; a major space-saver.  

Inclusions in this class of cabin are typically standard, with terry robes and slippers. Although we received the leather card carrier which is always a nice touch, we didn’t notice the tote bag that many others were sporting. Still, the small cruise line is more generous with logo items than others we know.

Stateroom Amenities

Rooms come equipped with both standard U.S. and European outlets, as well as USB ports under the bedside reading lamps. Technology quickly outpaces charging units, so be sure you have chargers that can be plugged into either of these. Hair dryers are provided in a drawer by the desk.  

Beds can be combined for one queen or separated as two twins. We felt the linens and pillows were sufficiently comfortable. Other cabin features include a loveseat with a small round table, a desk with a chair and a large mirror. A flatscreen TV offers a handful of channels from international news and movies to what’s happening around the ship.  

Getting Organized in Our Stateroom

Closet space is limited, but two friends who overpacked for a single week were able to jam everything — just barely — into a few shelves and a small closet. Depending on how much you’re looking to bring, be mindful of finite hanger space.

Toiletries in the bathroom include a bar of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion with a light, aloe vera and green tea scent. Elemis products are still provided in more premium cabins.  

Much to the chagrin of our hotel director and longtime Azamara employee Tony Markey, the installation of water refill stations around the ship was still a work in progress.

Water, Water Everywhere But…

Unfortunately, that meant that in the meantime, water was provided to guests in now-taboo plastic bottles. Water was plentiful, both in our cabins and provided before or during shore excursions. The inability to move past plastic is a slight setback for Azamara’s sustainability initiatives.  

Azamara provides self-service washers and dryers, handy on longer voyages, but you must buy detergent. The laundry room is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located across from stateroom 7076.  

INSIDER TIP:  Bring your own reusable bottle, and use the water provided on the ship; even if it’s from a plastic bottle, you’ll have more H20 with you and can ask the ship to recycle them.

Our Room Steward

Cleaning up behind two women is never an easy feat, but as kind as our room steward was, he also seemed a bit scattered at times. We enjoyed wine in our room each night and brought our own bottles onboard — port from a port call in Portugal, to be exact.

But despite this clear signal to provide clean wine glasses, we had to replace our own every night with a somewhat confused call to room service — “No, not the wine, just the glass.”  

The same idea applied to my use of an additional duvet. Each night the extra comforter was packed away and each night I would have to lug it out again, hoping he would catch on that I liked an unnecessary amount of blankets.  

Our room was always neat as a pin. But intuitive service like making the bed with an extra blanket or having wine glasses ready to go each evening when we returned onboard, would have given that more personal touch.  

Dining Options on Azamara Journey

Making the best of meal times.

Despite constant changes in the ways guests are served during a pandemic, service levels remained high — something we also took particular note of on our first Azamara cruise.

Every crew member made a genuine effort to positively influence our experience, but perhaps none left as much of an impact as our servers in Discoveries Restaurant, Roston (“from Boston”) and Aaron.

Humorous and attentive, they struck a chord with our young American hearts, though they seemed to thrive at their job no matter the nationality, and that takes skill.

Complimentary Dining Choices

There are three complimentary, no-fee dining venues plus room service onboard Azamara Journey. Each restaurant offers guests a full rage of selections.

Every night is themed after a different type of cuisine, ex. Italian and French. The themes differ between the main dining room and the buffet.

We felt the themes were a little odd at times. Rather than emphasize local cuisine, the restaurant chose to serve British food to a ship of Brits.

However, Indian night was a highlight. After learning how disappointed we were to miss it during a dinner in Prime C, our waitstaff made sure to order us a full Indian feast for the following evening.

This was a special touch that impressed us. Overall, the quality of the food was quite good and the service was excellent.

Discoveries Restaurant

Open for breakfast (8 to 9:30) and dinner (6 to 9) with lunch served only on the day we were docked overnight in Funchal. Discoveries on Deck 5 is the main dining room onboard and it is a grand space.

The formal dining room is designed to accommodate most passengers on the ship at once. Only half of the dining room was in use during our sailing due to lower capacity.

We found that on a ship of Europeans, a 6 o’clock dinner was eerily quiet but pleasant if we needed an early night — most came to dinner around 8.  

The use of QR codes, now common in land-based restaurants to reduce contact, were available on the daily program and around the ship to view menus or make reservations, but we found neither were needed.

We were always accommodated and handed physical menus.

Typical Daily Dining Options

Breakfast options were international, like many of the menus onboard, and dishes were a bit unexpected: a Mediterranean salad or an Asian chicken and rice congee to start, followed by Arabic shakshuka or asparagus Benedict.

Of course, classic breakfast options — pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and the like — were plenty available upon request.  

On the Discoveries menu each evening we found an enticing offering of starters, main courses, and desserts. Plus an always-available menu included standards like steak, salmon, and Caesar salad. 

Each night it was possible to order an entire meal from the chef’s theme du jour. On Indian night, it was hard to resist samosas and butter chicken. Other nights we thoroughly enjoyed the fish. The soups, such as a Spanish gazpacho or minestrone, were always delicious.  

Windows Café

Windows, the buffet venue on Deck 9 open for breakfast (7 to 10), lunch (12 to 2), and dinner (6:30 to 8:30), was where we turned to for al fresco dining. The quick convenience of the buffet is hampered slightly by the inability to serve yourself due to health and safety measures. 

We chose to sit at the back of the ship and admire the stunning views of the islands in the morning and in the evening.  

We ordered our energizer shots and fresh-squeezed juices at the entrance. Then we chose a variety of fruit and pastries or hot dishes. Finally, we grabbed outdoor seating with coffee served to your table.

Lunch was a similar affair, sans the juice bar.  

At night, Windows became something like a bistro, and we hope it stays that way. We loved sitting out on the deck and indulging in a menu unique from the main dining room, like South American.

A casual option for lunch, The Patio is the poolside grill on Azamara Journey. We were pleasantly surprised by all of the options, which ranged from burgers (salmon, veggie, lamb, beef, turkey) to brochettes, soups, Buffalo wings, nachos, and sandwiches like pork loin with sauteed onions and feta on a baguette or a grouper panini with salsa and Chinese cabbage.  

Swirl & Top, the soft-serve ice cream machines, are located here; they were out of service when we asked about them, but we were brought hard ice cream sundaes instead from Windows Café.  

Room Service

Onboard Azamara Journey , room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day. Our favorite order was a cheese plate and two glasses of rose as we got ready for dinner, but sandwiches, desserts, and even a pizza are on offer.

For room service breakfast, a room tag is provided in your room to make your selections and hang it on your stateroom door the night before. Continental options as well as hot breakfast dishes like steak and eggs are available, free of charge.

We found that our breakfast consistently arrived early; better than late, but a bit of an unexpected wakeup call.  

Specialty Dining

Chef’s table.

Dinners at are available throughout the cruise, but limited to a dozen or so guests.

For $95 per person, this six-course, food-and-wine paired meal is a sensory experience. It is typically held at a banquet table in one of the specialty dining rooms and hosted by the executive chef. 

During the pandemic, guests are distanced at a minimum of two tables. Themes might be French, Italian, or Arabic.  

Additionally, Azamara Journey was trialing a new concept called the Explorer’s Dinner, held once per cruise for $65 per person. 

I thought this was a great deal considering a venue was fully decorated for the event and included six courses themed after a regional explorer. Special wine pairings were not included. 

On our sailing the meal celebrated Juan Ponce de Leon from Spain with garlic shrimp and paella.  

Dining packages are available to bundle culinary experiences, including packages with both specialty restaurants and the Chef’s Table.

Prime C Review

Azamara’s specialty dining restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina, have temporarily become two rotating dining rooms with one menu. Specialty dining remains included for suite guests, otherwise it’s a $30 cover per person.

Due to low passenger counts, kitchen and waitstaff were sometimes accommodating just one or two couples in each restaurant following Azamara’s restart.

To combat the all-too-quiet ambiance, one specialty venue is open each night of the cruise but serves a combined menu from the kitchens of the steakhouse and Italian restaurant, which we were told is a “best of the best” from each.  

While some diners seemed to revel in the mix-and-match, the choices can be a bit overwhelming, so review the menu before heading to dinner.

On the left, in red, are three starters, four soups or salads, and five entrees from Prime C, while on the right in blue you could find the same amount of Italian-themed options from Aqualina.  

During our specialty dining evening, we sat in Prime C and ordered a combination of dishes like crab and lobster cakes from the steakhouse menu and a braised beef cheek in Chianti sauce that was actually from Aqualina.

Some desserts, like the famed tiramisu, were not available, but service still shined. However, the cook of a fellow diner’s steak and the drawn-out nature of a meal here deterred us from revisiting. Instead, we opted for the exciting menu rotations and familiar service found in Discoveries.

Are Beverages Included on Azamara?

As for drinks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and select cocktails, they are included in the price of your cruise fare. Perhaps our favorite inclusion are the specialty coffees, which include dairy milk alternatives on hand, found at the Mosaic Café on Deck 5.

The juices available at Windows café in the morning are delightful (the smoothies were a bit of a miss). Drink packages are available for an additional fee to enjoy premium spirits and wines throughout the course of your cruise.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

On a sailing filled entirely with days in port, most passengers are out exploring from the morning until the evening.  

Our cruise director — author, entertainer, and former figure skater Eric de Gray — was the glue that held together every show and every event. Even his onboard announcements were amusing, delivered with a signature snark, and his headlining show nearly had us in tears.  

There is one pool and two whirlpools located on Deck 9, that saw a considerable amount of holiday-makers during the day.

The library, on Deck 10, is a mausoleum-silent space to read or borrow books on the honor system. With a delicate mural on the ceiling, its truly a gorgeous room for an afternoon repose.

There are two shops onboard Azamara Journey . Indulgences sells the standard duty-free liquor, perfume, and cigarettes, while the Journey Boutique sold luxury clothing, jewelry and accessories.  

Nightly meetups are held for Friends of Bill W., LGBTQ, and singles and solo travelers.

Insider Tip: Visit the dining reservations desk in the Windows Café. Ask around for a list of each venue’s dinner themes for the entirety of the cruise. That way, you can plan ahead (and not miss Indian night!)

We were forewarned on a first-day ship tour that many of the crew members at the Sanctum Spa were unable to join the Azamara Journey.   This was due to their country’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Despite being short staffed, we loved our spa experiences (yes, plural). The staff were extremely friendly and professional.

My travel companion had her luggage misplaced by the airline and boarded the ship without her hard-earned, high-end hair products.

Without missing a beat, the spa manager pulled every Elemis product she might have needed. Even with limited therapists onboard, we had a combined four treatments — including my first-ever facial. We raved about them all.

Spa Discounts and Services

Spa specials ran throughout the cruise. With a booked treatment you received a discount on future treatments. Facials ranged from $129 to $199 and massages ranged from $149 to $299.  

Hair, nails, and waxing services are also available at The Sanctum, along with teeth whitening and shaves for men. The spa was typically open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Sanctum Terrace is a lovely and serene spot at the front of the ship, just outside the spa. There are loungers and a small thalassotherapy pool.

Should You Buy a Spa Pass?

Daily and weekly passes were available. But we were able to enjoy some time here before and after our spa treatments. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset if you can manage it. The terrace hours are listed until 8 p.m. but we never saw anyone else there.

Unfortunately, many of the missing spa staff were fitness instructors, so onboard classes like Pilates were unavailable. However, the fitness center was open and self-guided workouts and stretching were encouraged.

Only eight guests were allowed inside at one time, and masks were required.

Daytime Activities

On such a port-intensive itinerary, daytime activities extend to card games, shuffleboard, intimate trivia sessions, or a walk around the jogging track.

However, we did notice a fair number of Brits onboard who spent ample time soaking up the Spanish sunshine from a lounger near the pool.

Apart from a smattering of dance classes and maybe a lesson on smartphone photography, we were disappointed by the lack of enrichment.

We did hear a lot of positive feedback about a wine and food pairing exercise, but guests had to pay an additional fee to participate.

Enrichment Lectures 

From a cruise line that claims total destination immersion, we wanted to learn more about the ports and the culture and not just what few shore excursions were offered.

A lecture on the Spanish Civil War was postponed due to poor attendance. We place that blame less on the passengers and more on the activities staff choosing enrichment topics.

Despite an active volcano on La Palma, we were still able to dock. Some information on volcanoes — how the Canary Islands were formed — seemed like a more relevant and timely topic.

Insider Tip: If you don’t feel like an all-day excursion, reserve tea at Reid’s Palace (in Funchal) online in advance. It’s a bit of an uphill climb, but totally walkable and bookable on your own. Only available from 3-4:30 Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Evening Entertainment

The vibe onboard Azamara Journey is relaxed and a bit sleepy. While there were some standout entertainment experiences, evening plans sometimes began and ended with a simple nightcap.

There are bars located in each dining venue. Additional bars included the Cabaret Lounge, Mosaic Café, Pool Bar, the Living Room, and Spirits in the Den.

Be sure to find the Sunset Bar on Deck 9 aft, it’s the perfect place for a sailaway drink. This bar has its own unique beverage menu that features tasty tropical tipples. We wish we had found sooner.

Where You’ll Find Live Music

At night, you can find a variety of live music around the ship to complement your cocktail. On our sailing we enjoyed the band East Pearl. They worked triple duty playing dance hits before dinner, at night, and late-night in the Deck 10 Living Room.

There was a pianist who played near Spirits bar. The Journey Orchestra performed Latin music every night in the Living Room. Plates of tapas were offered.

If you are extra vigilant, you might be able to catch a karaoke session in the Living Room lounge.

Capacity was capped in the Cabaret Lounge, the onboard theater, but it was never a problem for the evening shows. The singers and dancers had the task of appealing to a multicultural audience. 

Shows like “Four on the Floor” and needless to say, there was a lot of ABBA.

We attended the classical piano recital of Sasha Kovalovin and thoroughly enjoyed his talent alongside his charming commentary.

White Night and the AzAmazing Evening, Azamara’s signature events were canceled due to COVID. But the resilience and resourcefulness of Azamara’s hotel and activities staff and crew ensured guests were still able to celebrate.

White Night — temporarily – became Bright Night, a version of the deck party muddled by crowd capacities and then bad weather.

The theater held the main performance. Guests encouraged to dance though mask use was not enforced.

Similarly, accommodating hundreds of guests at a local venue wasn’t doable for the AzAmazing Evening. So Azamara Journey hosted a Destination Celebration, instead. 

This included a poolside performance from a quartet called Paganini, and a Spanish dinner in the Windows Café.

The humor-infused classical concert was a perfect fit for the Azamara audience. There were two showtimes in two seatings.

The destination centered around the unique culture of the Canary Islands and not blanket Spain. But it would have been nice to try more regional dishes and drinks from the places we visited.

Perhaps it was not possible due to logistical challenges.

Who’s Onboard

Well-traveled retired couples are typical Azamara guests. The small ship cruise line also attracts a strong number of loyal and return cruisers.

On our Canary Islands cruise, there were 329 total passengers (about half capacity) spanning an impressive 19 nationalities. British passengers made up two-thirds of the guests. Danish about 10 percent.

There were just 15 Americans onboard, 11 Germans and 10 Macedonians. Plus, a mix of over a dozen other countries represented.  

Final Thoughts – Azamara Journey Review

Azamara has largely ditched its formal Azamara Club Cruises moniker, while retaining its clubby camaraderie in all the best ways.

It’s not the most luxurious cruise line, or the most modern, or the most intimate. There is familiarity and a genuine nature to the service onboard that is hard to pinpoint but easy to recognize.

Even during a global pandemic and an ownership change, Azamara has retained its signature offerings and its stellar crew. This included comfortable surrounds, tasty cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and access to spectacular destinations.  

Cruise Review in a Nutshell

Ship:   Azamara Journey Category:  Premium ($$$) Internet/Wifi:   Extra fee, though included in many cruise fare packages. Date: December 11-18, 2021

Disclosure : Azamara paid my cruise fare and that of my guest. Azamara included my airfare and an onboard credit. All opinions are my own and reflect my cruise experience and observations.

I hope you find this Azamara Journey cruise ship review to be helpful whether or not you’re considering an Azamara Canary Islands cruise. Azamara cruises the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the world.

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About Brittany Chrusciel

Brittany Chrusciel has covered the cruise industry for many years, formerly as Cruise Critic’s Destinations Editor, and has been quoted in publications such as Skift, USA Today, and the LA Times. She is a proud alumnus of Semester at Sea, where she circumnavigated the globe while studying writing, Spanish, and political science. Her favorite river cruise experiences so far have been visiting the Christmas markets with her German grandmother, and Portugal’s Douro River.

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Review: Azamara Onward

Reviewed by Ramsey Qubein

What is the line? Azamara

Name of ship? Onward

Passenger occupancy? 684

Itinerary? Monte Carlo to Ravenna and Bologna, Italy

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for? Azamara’s distinction is that its fleet of four smaller ships can visit less-frequented ports and stay longer in port, sometimes even overnight. Appealing to travelers who have sailed to the big destinations, Azamara ships instead explore places like Zadar, Croatia, and Brindisi, Italy. I discovered that locals in these ports were especially excited to see cruise ships visiting—sometimes they would be at the port to wave as the ship sailed away. Azamara also offers several late-evening departures on each itinerary, which allows people to have dinner in town or take longer excursions during the day. For example, we stayed later in Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), since it is a possible stop on the itinerary and quite far from the port.

What you won’t find on Azamara is formality and an air of “stuffiness.” This is the line for those that appreciate the good things in life, but also don’t want to overpay for services they don’t value. In other words: You can leave the tuxedo at home, but you’ll still be able to enjoy that glass of top-label bubbly in style.

Tell us about the ship in general Built in 1999, this ship spent most of its time serving for Princess Cruises before joining its three other (nearly identical) sister ships with Azamara. It underwent significant renovation in 2022 and also introduced some new concepts to the cruise line. The former library and card room is now a lounge serving craft cocktails made with all the verve and panache of a big-city bar. It’s a chic space that has passengers on board buzzing (literally and figuratively). The look of public areas is Old World, with mahogany wood furnishings, colorful carpeting, brass fixtures, and an elegance you might find on one of the original ocean liners. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t contemporary spaces, too, like the dining rooms and the pool deck with live music.

Who is onboard? Azamara passengers are generally in their 50s or older; many are retired and travel frequently. Interestingly, despite the fact that Azamara has only four ships, fellow passengers are incredibly loyal and sail with the brand on most of their cruises. When asked why they keep coming back, the answer is clear: It’s all about the smaller ports, the casual luxury without the fuss, excellent repeat cruiser deals, and staff who remember you year after year. In fact, when I boarded, several fellow passengers were running up to crew members, giving them big hugs and asking about their families. It immediately set the tone that small-ship cruising is something special.

Describe the cabins This is an older vessel, and it’s hard to fix the “bones” of a ship, even with a remodel. As a result, cabins can seem compact, but there is still enough space for a sofa and desk in the corner. Beds are really comfortable with cushioned mattresses, plump pillows, and a duvet. The ship has inside cabins, standard window cabins facing outward, some with balconies, and several suite categories.

My Balcony cabin provided the perfect place to enjoy room service breakfast or watch the scenery. The cabins can seem dim with their dark color scheme, but there are plentiful USB ports for charging devices as well as power outlets by the desk. I liked how the bottled water was replenished twice a day, and the refrigerator, stocked with minibar items, still had space for me to store snacks I bought on shore. The petite bathrooms are functional, with shelf space and plenty of towels; the showers, however, are small, and the curtains feel a bit “old school.” I found the water pressure to be excellent though.

Taking a peek into the suite categories on another hallway, I noticed a more modern sensibility. Premium cabins and suites enjoy butler service and other bonuses like afternoon tea brought via trolley to the room each day, complimentary laundry and minibar options, and larger bathrooms with tubs. For those who want more space and appreciate modern design, these are a good choice. While the cabins aren’t the most modern at sea, they offer everything you need. If you’re looking for the maximum amount of space, book the Club World Owner's Suites, which have separate living and sleeping areas. Act fast as they book up months—and sometimes years—in advance.

Tell us about the crew Repeat Azamara passengers will tell you that there is one thing that keeps them coming back: the crew. With 408 staff members on board, the service never lacks for anything with a ratio of one crew member for almost every two passengers.

What food and drink options are available on board? There are seven dining options on Azamara Onward. At the main dining room, Discoveries, guests can enjoy a la carte dishes throughout the day, from a menu that often takes inspiration from specialties from the destination. The dining room is open seating, and all meals come with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits. Impressively, there is a rotating vegetarian and vegan menu that mirrors many of the locally inspired dishes on the main menu. These plant-based dishes are part of the line’s overall redesign of its food program, taking into account guests’ changing preferences. I’m mostly vegetarian myself, and I liked that I had so many options beyond a boring pasta dish, as is common on other lines.

My personal favorite, though, is Windows Cafe. As its name suggests, it is wrapped with windows on one of the top decks, and there is an outdoor dining area. Buffets include fresh salads, pizza, sandwiches made to order, a carving station, and local and international choices. Each evening, the menu carries a different theme, from Thai to Mexican to Indian. This is a more casual way to enjoy dinner at your own pace, and you have great views from almost every seat. There’s also a pool grill making burgers and grilled dishes in addition to a salad bar.

The two specialty restaurants are Aqualina for Italian fare and Prime C, which focuses on top-shelf steak and seafood dishes. Both have a modest surcharge, but it’s nice to have additional options on a longer cruise. There is also a charge for the premium beverage package, but there is always complimentary wine, beer, and select spirits on offer. That seemed to be enough for most of the people I chatted with during my sailing.

One of my favorite evening rituals on the cruise was heading to The Living Room on the top deck at the front of the ship to enjoy tapas and a glass of wine. Bands perform here before dinner and later in the evening. This is where most guests go for a nightcap, and on some evenings, the dance floor got pretty busy.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting? Yes, and it’s the real deal. From massage and beauty treatments to a hair salon and even acupuncture, this is one of the most popular places on the ship. There is a sauna in the changing rooms; a separate plunge pool and sun deck are reserved for guests in premium cabins. A personal trainer is on hand in the fitness center, and there are also several yoga and fitness classes on offer throughout the cruise. While I didn’t work out often, the windows provided motivation to burn some calories, especially on the sea days.

Activities and entertainment Instead of Broadway-style shows, Azamara’s entertainment team is on the small side. But, they have big personality and talent, as evidenced by their evening performances. There are also visiting entertainers like comedians and musicians each evening, and DJs and bands sometimes play by the pool. Other than the jogging track or occasional activities like card games and handicraft activities, there isn’t much else in the way of onboard diversions. And that’s the way guests like it, choosing instead to relax with a book, play a game of shuffleboard, take a dip in the pool, or make conversation with fellow passengers. Don’t miss afternoon tea each day, and the occasional wine or Champagne tastings.

How was the experience for families? Children are a rare sight on Azamara, but occasionally, multi-generational families travel together. But this is not the cruise line for young travelers that cannot entertain themselves.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out? The ship had a perfect position in Monte Carlo to capitalize on views. My favorite ports, however, were the smaller ones, like Zadar and Sibenik in Croatia. I was unfamiliar with both cities, but quickly fell in love with their Old Towns, seafront promenades, and the welcoming people who were eager to ask about our ship and itinerary. In Italy, the southern city of Brindisi was my favorite stop, since it was a new destination for me. In all three cities, I chose to wander on my own, and the onboard concierge always had a convenient map with directions on how to best explore each place.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise? In addition to teaming up with the World Wildlife Fund, the cruise line is working to assure that shore-excursion partners also operate sustainable businesses. The line works to source ingredients like fruit and seafood locally, rather than flying it in from far-flung destinations.

Anything we missed Azamara offers several special events on every cruise that are complimentary for all guests. For the AzAmazing Evening, every passenger receives an invitation to a special event on shore; on my sailing, we attended an outdoor opera and aperitif tasting in an Italian fort near Rome. It was truly special. There is also a White Night buffet on the pool deck with all kinds of food stations and live music. Guests are encouraged to don all white and dance the night away. Since my sailing, Azamara has announced they want to do more of these events on every sailing, including bringing local performers on board while the ships are in port.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking. With Azamara, you can expect visits to interesting ports, more time on shore, and complimentary experiences that are hard to recreate yourself, like the AzAmazing Evening I had in an old fort near Rome. If you have been wanting to try a small-ship cruise, but prefer not to pay the hefty prices of the bigger luxury names, this is a great stepping stone that bridges the gap between mainstream and upscale cruising.

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Azamara Review

Friday, April 12th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Best for luxury sailing to smaller ports with immersive experiences ashore and onboard
• About 700 guests per ship
• Destinations throughout the world
• Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits with meals
• Gratuities not included

Azamara is a luxury cruise line that operates four mid-sized ships: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Onward, and Azamara Pursuit. The cruise line was established in 2007 as a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, and its ships have a reputation for providing guests with an intimate and immersive cruising experience.

Stay longer in port

One of the defining features of Azamara is its focus on destination immersion. The line's itineraries are designed to provide guests with a deep and authentic experience of the places they visit. Each ship offers a variety of shore excursions, ranging from cultural tours to active adventures. Azamara also offers longer stays in port, with many itineraries featuring overnight stays and evening tours, allowing guests to experience the local nightlife and culture. That could be a big advantage compared with some of the larger cruise lines, where port departure times are often as early as 4PM.

Small ships = better service

Azamara's ships are smaller than some luxury cruise ships, with a capacity of around 700 guests each. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, with a high staff-to-guest ratio ensuring exceptional service. The ships feature a range of amenities, including several restaurants and bars, a spa, fitness center, pool, and live entertainment venues.

Drinks are included with dining

Dining is a highlight of the Azamara experience, with a focus on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Each ship has several restaurants, including a main dining room, a buffet, and specialty restaurants that require reservations (and that will incur extra charges above and beyond your cruise fare). The specialty restaurants include a steakhouse, a seafood grill, and an Italian restaurant. Guests can also enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and spirits with their meals.

Limited Caribbean sailings

To make a fair comparison across cruise lines, we looked for sailings in the Caribbean in March, about a year in advance. That's peak season in the US, as travelers often try to line up a winter escape over spring break. However, Azamara doesn't sail in the Caribbean most of the time: when we searched, the only options there tended to be in November and December, though we did spot one Caribbean Journey sailing available for booking almost two years in advance, and extremely well-priced starting at $1,439 per person for a nine-night cruise.

Around the world in 155 days

And, if you're looking to go, well, everywhere , you should consider Azamara's World Voyage: 155 nights, 22 overnights, 27 late stays, 40+ countries and 75+ unique destinations. You could start in Fort Lauderdale, go through the Panama Canal, visit the Pacific Coast of South America before sailing over to French Polynesia, check out the koalas in Australia, follow ancient trade routes from Singapore to Dubai, you get the idea. Yes, you'll pay at least $36,000 per cruiser, but what an experience!

Best for immersive port experiences and luxury sailing

Azamara gets a just-above-average rating. It's missing the all-inclusive value of some other luxury cruise lines (you'll pay for your gratuities and shore excursions here, as well as any dining upgrades you select and other amenities), but it still gives you access to destinations not served by the bigger cruise ships. It's worth looking into if you love taking a deep dive into the cultures in your ports of call, especially some of the events and experiences that are only available after sunset. Azamara misses a lot of the must-haves for many vacationers, but it's still a cruise line we can wholeheartedly recommend if it checks the boxes for you.

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Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Azamara has longer cruises and maiden ports for 2025/2026

Post date: Apr 12 2024

Date: Apr 12 2024

By: Travelweek

MIAMI — Azamara Cruises has unveiled its 2025/2026 winter sailings, featuring eight maiden ports and less-frequented destinations only accessible to smaller ships. 

New sailings for the season include a Grand Voyage that circumnavigates South America, as well as back-to-back Caribbean sailings without any sea days. Travellers can also spend more time exploring with multiple Extended Destination Days on every sailing.

“We’re thrilled to bringing our guests to eight new ports of call in 2025 and 2026, from Scarborough, capital of the small island of Tobago, to Pointe des Galets on the beautiful French island of Réunion,” said Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara Cruises. “As longer trips continue to trend with our guests, we’ve also added a Grand Voyage that brings guests all the way around South America and Caribbean sailings that guests can combine for more immersive island travel without any days at sea.”

LONGER CRUISES

To cater to increased demand for longer itineraries, Azamara is offering a 79-night Grand Voyage that begins and ends in Miami and sails all around South America. Azamara has also designed its Caribbean itineraries to prioritize days in port, allowing guests to book back-to-back Caribbean sailings and spend up to 14 days exploring each island with zero days at sea.

MAIDEN PORTS

Azamara’s 2025/2026 itineraries will visit such maiden ports as:

• Santa Marta, Colombia : Situated between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Santa Marta dazzles with its colonial architecture, pristine beaches and indigenous cultures.
• Maizuru, Japan : Nestled along Kyoto Prefecture’s scenic coast, Maizuru once served as a strategic naval base in the Meiji era. Today, visitors can get a glimpse into its past at various historical sites and museums.
• St. Pierre, Martinique : St. Pierre was the site of a devastating volcanic eruption in 1902. Today, it’s home to fascinating ruins, vibrant Creole culture, colourful architecture and scenic coastal views.
• Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia : This picturesque port town offers lush landscapes, tranquil beaches and vibrant markets, not to mention traditional Balinese culture and cuisine.

For more information about Azmara’s new itineraries for 2025/2026, go to www.azamara.com .

Tags: Azamara, Lead Story

Do I need to wear a mask on my cruise? A line-by-line guide

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Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.

Since cruising resumed post-pandemic, I’ve been on more than 30 sailings, and I have several more planned. At this point, cruise lines have eased restrictions such that wearing a mask is largely optional.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowed its voluntary Conditional Sailing Order to expire in January 2022. It replaced the order with a now-defunct, color-coded, opt-in system that rated cruise lines based on the percentage of passengers for whom COVID-19 vaccinations were required. Now, however, the guidelines are merely recommendations, and all lines have rolled back their masking policies .

The first to do so was Norwegian Cruise Line, which shocked the industry, given the line’s notoriously strict stance on pandemic protocols.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s  new cruise newsletter .

So, which cruise lines require masks? Here, you’ll find a line-by-line breakdown of whether masks are required on board and, if so, where and when.

Azamara Cruises

Azamara no longer requires passengers to wear masks on its ships, although it still recommends them. The line also warns that masks could be required by some ports of call its ships visit.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival no longer requires masks on its ships. Passengers are encouraged to wear them during embarkation and disembarkation, as well as in areas with large crowds. Masks may also be required when ashore, per local guidelines. Cruisers must wear masks in the onboard medical center.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity has made masks optional for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status. This policy may vary based on local port requirements.

Cunard Line

Cunard only requires cruisers to wear face masks that cover their noses and mouths when in the medical center, as well as when required by local regulations.

Disney Cruise Line

Face coverings on Disney Cruise Line are optional throughout the line’s ships. Unvaccinated guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks while on board. Masks are mandatory in select ports if required by local protocols.

Holland America Line

Masks are optional but recommended in most areas on Holland America Line ‘s ships. Certain ports of call might require passengers to wear face coverings while ashore.

MSC Cruises

Masks are optional on MSC cruises, but the line recommends them for unvaccinated passengers. Face coverings might also be required in certain ports per local regulations.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian no longer requires passengers to wear masks on any of its voyages.

Oceania Cruises

Passengers on Oceania sailings are not required to wear masks, but they are strongly encouraged to do so. These regulations may change based on local port requirements.

Princess Cruises

Princess no longer requires masks on board.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Passengers on Regent voyages no longer need to wear masks, but they will be strongly encouraged to do so. The policy is subject to change based on local port requirements.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean has dropped its mask mandate for vaccinated passengers. The line also recommends that unvaccinated children wear masks in all indoor areas, including the youth center.

Seabourn Cruises

Seabourn cruisers are not required to wear masks, but they are encouraged to do so in areas where crowds congregate.

Silversea Cruises

It’s no longer mandatory for Silversea passengers to wear masks. However, they are encouraged to do so on shore excursion buses and must do so in destinations where there are mask requirements.

Viking Cruises

For its ocean, river and expedition sailings, Viking has made face masks optional, but its ships’ onboard medical teams can require passengers to put them on at any time if conditions warrant it. Face coverings could also be required in select destinations, based on local regulations.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages passengers are no longer required to wear masks on board the line’s ships. However, face coverings might be compulsory during embarkation, disembarkation and during port visits, per local rules.

Windstar Cruises

When sailing with Windstar , cruisers are no longer required to wear masks, but the line does encourage the practice. Face coverings might be required in some destinations.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act, and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What’s a cruise cabin guarantee, and will it save you money?
• What’s the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

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