If you’ve ever stood on the deck of a massive cruise ship at 4 pm, watching a beautiful city fade into the distance just as the nightlife was getting started, you’ll understand why Azamara exists.
Azamara isn’t about waterslides or ice rinks. It’s about Destination Immersion®.
That’s their fancy way of saying: “We stay longer.” While other ships are rushing to the next port, Azamara is often still docked, letting you enjoy a sunset dinner in Santorini or a night out in Bordeaux. If you want to see the world properly, rather than just ticking boxes on a map, this is your line.
It’s boutique, it’s inclusive, and honestly, it feels less like a cruise ship and more like a private club that happens to float.
Destinations and Departures: The “Country Intensive” Experts
Azamara’s ships are smaller, which means they can sail up rivers and dock right in the centre of town (think Seville or Bangkok) where the big ships physically can’t fit.
Country Intensive Voyages: This is their speciality. Instead of hopping between three different countries in a week, you might spend 10 days circumnavigating Japan, Iceland, or Italy. You really get under the skin of a place.
UK Departures: You don’t always have to fly. Azamara often runs summer seasons from Southampton or Portsmouth, heading to the Norwegian Fjords or down to France and Spain.
Overnight Stays: This is the game-changer. It’s common to have overnight stays in places like Lisbon, Cape Town, or Sydney, so you can experience the destination after dark.
The Ships: Small, but Perfectly Formed
The fleet (Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward) are all sisters. They hold roughly 700 guests. That is the “Goldilocks” size—small enough to be intimate (you’ll never get lost), but big enough to have multiple restaurants and lounges. The vibe is “boutique hotel.” Think dark wood, fresh flowers, and a library that you actually want to sit in.
Rooms: Club Living
The cabins are cosy, classic, and comfortable.
Club Veranda: The sweet spot. Waking up and having breakfast on your own private balcony while sailing into a new harbour is unbeatable.
The Suites: If you upgrade to a Suite (like the Club World Owner’s Suite), things get serious. You get a private butler, afternoon tea service in your room, and priority everything.
Solo Travellers: Azamara is very popular with solo guests, often offering dedicated single rates so you don’t get stung by huge supplements.
Things to Do: The “White Night”
You won’t find a climbing wall here. The entertainment is refined, but definitely not boring.
AzAmazing Evenings®: This is unique to Azamara. On most cruises (7 nights+), they rent out a spectacular venue on shore—like a Roman amphitheatre or a Russian palace—and put on a private, bespoke concert just for the guests. It’s incredible, and it’s free.
The White Night Party: Once a cruise, they clear the pool deck, cover the tables in white linen, and throw a massive BBQ and dance party under the stars. The officers and crew join in, the band plays, and everyone wears white. It’s legendary.
The Sanctum Spa: A proper wellness retreat with a thalassotherapy pool that bubbles away your jet lag.
Dining Options
The food here is top-tier. There are no “shifts” for dinner; you eat when you want, with whom you want.
Discoveries Restaurant: The main dining room. The menu changes nightly and often reflects the region you are sailing through (e.g., fresh paella when in Spain).
Prime C: A classic steakhouse with views of the ship’s wake. Dark wood, leather chairs, and filet mignon that melts in your mouth.
Aqualina: Light, airy, and Italian. The lobster ravioli is famous for a reason.
Windows Café: The buffet, but not as you know it. They have “theme nights” where the chefs go all out—Indian, Mexican, Asian—and the sushi station is fantastic.
Good to Know
“Always Azamara”: This is their promise of inclusivity.
Gratuities are included. No daily service charges.
Drinks are included. A great selection of standard spirits, beers, and wines are free all day and night. You only pay extra if you want super-premium brands.
Self-Service Laundry is free. It sounds boring, but being able to wash a few shirts halfway through a trip without paying hotel prices is a lifesaver.
Dress Code: It is “Resort Casual.” Leave the tuxedo at home. For men, a polo shirt and trousers are fine for dinner. It’s stylish, but relaxed.
Shuttles: Because they care about you seeing the destination, they often provide free shuttle buses from the port to the city centre if it’s a bit of a walk.
Ready to slow down and see the world?
Browse our latest Azamara voyages below. Whether it’s a deep dive into Italy or a voyage from Southampton, prepare for a cruise that treats you like a traveller, not a tourist.
