Everything you need to know about the small ship line that prides itself on its late departures and overnight stays in port
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If ever there was a truly boutique cruise line, it is Azamara Cruises, whose four virtual carbon-copy ships exude country house bonhomie – thanks to their compact size and sprinkling of classically elegant touches.
Bridging the gap between the most luxurious six-star lines and the market’s premium players, Azamara styles itself as premium-plus, by corralling drinks and gratuities into fares. Consequently, the line includes more items than mainstream outfits, but fewer than the more all-inclusive upscale brands.
Yet, beneath its classical façade is the innovative spirit of an adventurer, which has pioneered some key trends that have taken root in the cruising world.
Having been founded in 2007 as the niche cruise brand of the Royal Caribbean group, Azamara Cruises turned its attention to capitalising on the countries it visits in the most imaginative of ways – a concept it has continued to build on since being sold to private equity group Sycamore Partners in 2021.
After coining the term ‘destination immersion’ in 2010, which the line has since trademarked, Azamara looked at how it could enable guests to scratch beneath the surface and enjoy a deeper flavour of the places it visits.
One of the biggest moves, that has now spread across the cruise industry, were longer stays by its ships which, instead of sailing off in the usual early evening, would stay late into the night or until the following morning – giving passengers more time ashore.
Another signature event the line pioneered were AzAmazing Evenings, offered as complimentary on every sailing and involving immersive cultural experiences that showcased destinations.
These bespoke spectacles ranged from operatic performances and medieval festivals to carnival celebrations and orchestral recitals.
As Azamara’s fleet has grown, so has the scope of its sailings. The line covers all the world’s continents, including Antarctica – though as its ships hold more than 500 guests, they are not permitted to stop there.
What marks out Azamara Cruises is its regular evening departures at 8 pm or later. Marketed as ‘Extended Destination Days’, these give guests 10 or more hours in port, enabling them to spend more time ashore after other cruise lines and day-trippers have departed. The same goes for overnight stops, which are included on most voyages.
The Mediterranean and Caribbean feature strongly in Azamara itineraries, and the cruise company has been among the first to announce winter voyages in the former.
Azamara also offers several sailings to Australasia, Japan and Alaska, where the line’s ‘Cruisetours’ combine stays in the Alaskan wilderness with voyages. There’s an extensive programme of add-on stays to complement voyages in regions including Europe, Africa and Asia, too.
Another signature is its destination-rich or ‘intensive’ sailings to the likes of Italy, Spain and Greece that include overnights in key ports and delve more deeply into the region as its ships can access smaller ports.
Azamara makes a point of tying in voyages with key festivals or events – whether it’s St Patrick’s Day in Ireland, Seville’s Feria de Abril festival, or the Monaco Grand Prix, while theming some sailings around wine and culture.
Azamara sailings generally attract slightly older – the average age is 55 and upwards –well-travelled and active couples, who have a keen interest in the countries they are visiting.
They prefer the intimacy of small-ship cruises, and as Azamara offers several longer voyages, guests are generally retired. Most tend to hail from the US, UK and Australia in that order.
This isn’t a cruise line for young families, as there are no children’s activities or facilities onboard. However, the more personal atmosphere of Azamara’s ships and collective activities – such as White Night party evenings and AzAmazing experiences– lend a chummy club-like feel that also appeals to solo travellers or friends travelling together.
Azamara’s four fleet members are virtually identical, and there’s a reason for that. Known as R-class ships, they were originally built for a Florida-based cruise company called Renaissance Cruises between 1999 and 2001.
However, the line went bankrupt in September 2001 – amid the economic downturn brought on by the 9/11 attacks – and its ships were sold.
The distinctive onboard design and styling runs like a common thread between them. Think of an archetypal country house hotel, with traditional touches that blend with more modern frills added in subsequent upgrades.
Dark wood panelling complemented with classic brass fittings is a common theme, along with each ship’s central staircase, bordered by wrought iron balustrades, that sweeps regally into the reception area.
The ambience is intimate, without being stuffy or formal, and there are no set dress codes. The compact size of these ships means they are quick and easy to get around without the endless long corridors of floating mega-resorts. There is just one main swimming pool, on the central deck, but this generally stays remarkably uncrowded.
The Living Room, one of the main lounges at the front of the ships, is light and sophisticated with velvet sofas and birdcage swing chairs. Elsewhere, The Drawing Room, with its fireplace and grand piano, is more stately. A newer addition is the hip Atlas Bar on Azamara Onward, where baristas serve up artisanal cocktails.
For what are relatively compact ships, there is a good choice of dining spots with the main restaurant and buffet, plus The Patio offering al fresco dining. But the most memorable venues are the Prime C steakhouse and Aqualina Italian restaurants that occupy an enviable position at the back of the ship, with far-reaching views. These two venues have a $49.95 per person cover charge, although guests staying in suites enjoy complimentary access.
While these ships don’t show their age, one giveaway is the relatively small size of cabins and their en-suites, but beyond this, guests will find everything they need on these ships: think a cabaret lounge, decent-size gym, spa and wellness terrace with thalassotherapy pool.
Azamara Journey (702 passengers)
Sails to: Mediterranean, Europe, Africa, Canary Islands, Eastern Seaboard, Caribbean, South America, Panama Canal, Antarctica
Azamara Onward (684)
Sails to: Mediterranean, Europe, Caribbean, Pacific, Central America, Australasia, Asia, Africa, Canary Islands
Azamara Pursuit (702)
Sails to: Mediterranean, Africa, Japan, Asia, Australasia, Pacific Coast, Alaska
Azamara Quest (702)
Sails to: Mediterranean, Europe, Eastern Seaboard, Caribbean, South America, Antarctica, Panama Canal, South Pacific
Azamara’s Circle Loyalty Programme has five tiers: Adventurer, Explorer, Discoverer, Discoverer Plus and Discoverer Platinum. Points are accrued for each night you sail and can be converted into perks.
Azamara caters for guests with disabilities or special needs who need to fill out the Special Accommodations Form on its website at least 40 days before US sailings or 80 days before all others.
There are wheelchair accessible staterooms, activities and services and portable hearing room kits. Service dogs are allowed, and Braille is used in areas wherever possible.
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