In this article, you’ll find out why Azamara Cruises could be a perfect fit for your next holiday. We’ll cover what sets them apart, the pros and cons, details about their ships, and much more.
🛳️ Review:
Emma R. “I had an amazing time on my Azamara cruise! The crew was super friendly, and the smaller ship let us visit interesting small ports. The food was fantastic, and the AzAmazing evening was a highlight. The only downside was the onboard Wi-Fi was a bit slow. I can’t wait to book another trip with Azamara.”
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What makes this cruise line different and unique?
Azamara is all about giving you more time to enjoy the places you visit. They stay in port longer and often overnight, so you get to really explore the destinations. Their ships are smaller, which means they can go to ports the big ships can’t reach. It’s a more intimate and unique experience.
Why would you choose it?
If you’re someone who loves to explore new places and cultures, Azamara is a great choice. Their cruises are less about onboard entertainment and more about the destinations. You’ll get excellent service, great food, and a relaxed vibe compared to the big, crowded ships.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Longer stays in ports | Smaller ships with fewer amenities |
| Access to smaller, less crowded ports | Higher price point |
| High-quality service and dining | Limited onboard entertainment |
| Inclusive pricing |
🛳️ Pro Tip: Pro-Book
If I want to dine at Aqualina or Prime C, I always book as soon as I can, even before the cruise starts. These restaurants fill up quickly, and booking early means I always get a spot near the window.
All Ships in Their Fleet
| Ship Name | Capacity | Length (m) | Year Built | Highlights | Internet Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamara Journey | 690 | 181 | 2000 | Spa, speciality dining, concierge | From $19.95/day |
| Azamara Quest | 690 | 181 | 2000 | Club World Owner’s Suite, pool deck | From $19.95/day |
| Azamara Pursuit | 690 | 181 | 2001 | Luxury cabins, extensive shore excursions | From $19.95/day |
| Azamara Onward | 690 | 181 | 1999 | Refurbished in 2022, fine dining, immersive experiences | From $19.95/day |
New Ships Due
There are no new ships currently announced for Azamara. They focus on keeping their current ships in top shape.
Adults Only or Family Cruise
Azamara is more suited to adults and mature travellers. They don’t have strict adults-only policies, but their trips are less geared towards families with young kids.
Singles, Solo
If you’re travelling solo, Azamara is a good pick. They often have deals for single travellers, so you don’t have to pay nearly double for a cabin.
Medical Facilities
All Azamara ships have medical facilities and staff to handle emergencies. They offer basic medical services, and if something serious comes up, they can get you to local medical facilities at port stops.
Dress Code
The dress code on Azamara is “resort casual.” You can keep it casual during the day, but in the evening, they prefer smart casual. There are no formal nights, so it’s a pretty relaxed atmosphere.
Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities are included in the cruise fare, so you don’t have to worry about tipping onboard. This covers bar and dining service tips too.
Facilities and Activities
When you’re on an Azamara cruise, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Spa and Fitness
You can unwind at the Sanctum Spa with massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa also has a thalassotherapy pool and a quiet sun deck for some serious relaxation. If you like to keep fit, the gym has all the equipment you need, plus free fitness classes.
Enrichment Programs and Classes
You can attend lectures and talks about the places you’ll be visiting, join computer classes, or take part in wine tastings and culinary demonstrations to learn how to cook some of Azamara’s delicious dishes.
Games
Head to the Mosaic Café for trivia and board games. If you prefer something more active, there’s shuffleboard and Ping-Pong on deck for some casual fun.
Shopping
Check out The Shop for casual clothes and everyday items, Indulgences for high-end stuff like jewellery and rare bottles of cognac, and The Photo Shop for camera gear and onboard photography services. You’ll find duty-free deals and special sales too.
Entertainment
When you’re on an Azamara cruise, there’s plenty of entertainment to keep you busy. Here’s a look at what you can expect:
The Living Room
This is a versatile spot where you can chill during the day and enjoy live music or a DJ at night. There’s a dance floor, card tables, and board games, making it a popular hangout. You can also enjoy tapas in the evening and join in on wine tastings.
Cabaret Lounge
The Cabaret Lounge is the place for evening shows, from live music and comedy to theatre productions. They’ve got performances before and after dinner, so you can always catch something good.
Bars and Lounges
Azamara ships have several bars and lounges for you to grab a drink and socialise:
- Discoveries Bar: Perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks, right outside the main dining room.
- Spirits Bar: A cosy spot with piano music, great for a quiet drink.
- Pool Bar: Next to the pool, ideal for a refreshing drink while lounging.
- Sunset Bar: Offers stunning views and is perfect for sunset drinks.
- The Living Room: Busy all day and night, it’s a great place for drinks and live entertainment.
White Night Parties
Once per cruise, the decks turn into a party venue with live music, dancing, and drinks. Everyone is encouraged to wear white, and it’s a fun, festive evening.
AzAmazing Evenings
Every Azamara cruise of seven days or longer includes one AzAmazing evening. These events are a deep dive into local culture with unique performances and activities.
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Dining on Azamara Cruises
Main Dining
- Discoveries Restaurant: This is the main dining room where you can enjoy a variety of dishes in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The menu changes daily, so there’s always something new to try.
Specialty Dining
- Aqualina: Offers Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s a great place for a special dinner.
- Prime C: This is the steakhouse on board, serving up delicious cuts of meat and fresh seafood.
Casual Dining
- Windows Café: The buffet-style café with a range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can dine indoors or outside on the deck.
- The Patio: This poolside grill offers burgers, salads, and other casual fare, perfect for a relaxed meal by the pool.
- Mosaic Café: The go-to spot for specialty coffees, teas, and light snacks throughout the day.
Drinks Packages & Costs
Your fare includes a selection of standard spirits, beers, and wines. For those looking for more premium options, there are beverage packages available:
- Premium Package: Offers a wider selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails.
- Ultimate Package: Includes everything in the Premium Package, plus top-shelf brands and specialty cocktails.
🛳️ Review:
“My Azamara cruise to the med was fantastic. The staff made me feel like a VIP. Travelling solo, the single cabin was just perfect too. Loved the all-inclusive drinks. The only issue was that some of the entertainment options were limited. Highly recommend!”
Cabin Choices
You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to accommodation on an Azamara cruise. Here’s a breakdown of what you can choose from:
Interior Staterooms
- These rooms are cosy and come with all the essentials you need. They’re perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and ports.
Oceanview Staterooms
- Offering a view of the sea through a window, these rooms give you a bit more space and a great view.
Veranda Staterooms
- These rooms come with a private balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee or an evening drink while taking in the ocean views.
Suites
- Club Continent Suites: These offer more space and come with additional perks like priority boarding and a butler service.
- Club Ocean Suites: Even larger than the Continent Suites, with separate living and sleeping areas.
- Club World Owner’s Suites: The largest and most luxurious option, with the best views and the most space.
Single Cabins
- Azamara offers solo traveller options with single cabins. These are a bit smaller than the standard rooms but are a great option if you’re travelling alone. They often have deals so you don’t end up paying nearly double for a cabin.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Free Laundry
Azamara has a free self-service laundry. This is a lifesaver on longer cruises, so I pack lighter and make use of the free washers, dryers, and detergent pods.
Swimming Pools
Azamara’s swimming pools are great for relaxing and enjoying your time at sea. Here’s what you can expect:
Main Pool Area
The main pool area on Azamara ships features a saltwater pool surrounded by two freshwater hot tubs. It’s a popular spot to cool off and unwind during the day. You’ll find plenty of loungers around the pool, with options for both sun and shade.
The Sanctum Spa Terrace
For a more exclusive pool, check out the Sanctum Spa Terrace. This area is available to suite guests and other passengers for an extra fee. It features a thalassotherapy pool, sun loungers, and easy access to the steam room, sauna, and spa facilities. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
Poolside Service
At the pool, you can enjoy poolside service with drinks and snacks brought right to your lounger.
No-Fly UK Ports
Here are the no-fly ports they depart from:
- Southampton
- Dover
- Liverpool
- Edinburgh (Leith)
- Greenock (Glasgow)
🛳️ Pro Tip: Captain’s Welcome
The Captain’s Welcome is more than just a meet-and-greet. It often includes free drinks and appetizers. It’s a great way to start my cruise, meet the crew, and mingle with fellow passengers.
Cruise Destinations
Azamara offers cruises to some fantastic destinations around the world. Here’s a quick look at where you can go:
- Mediterranean: Explore the beautiful coasts of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Turkey. Highlights include stops in Rome, Athens, Barcelona, and Istanbul.
- Northern Europe: Visit the scenic Baltic capitals, the stunning fjords of Norway, and charming cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm.
- Asia: Discover the vibrant cultures of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.
- Australia and New Zealand: Enjoy the natural beauty and unique wildlife of these incredible countries.
- South America: Experience the diverse landscapes of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
- Caribbean: Relax on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean islands, including Barbados, St. Barts, and Puerto Rico.
- Africa: Visit the exotic destinations of South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.