What to expect from an Azamara Cruise

Although I have cruised for many years, I have never yet experienced an Azamara Cruise, so when I was invited to visit one of their ships in port, I thought I should do my homework and here is what I discovered.

What does ‘Azamara’ mean?

Firstly, I was curious to find out where the name ‘Azamara’ came from. Well apparently the name is a composite word derived from “Aza” meaning blue and “Mar” meaning sea. Inspiration was also taken from Classical times, and a star named Acamar which was the most southern bright star that could be seen from the latitude of Greece. A bright star in a blue sea - a perfect name for a cruise line!

What makes Azamara different?

Azamara’s tag-line is “Stay Longer. Experience More”. Itineraries include many overnight stays in smaller, less travelled ports in over a thousand destinations, in more than 70 countries. This is made possible by the smaller size of the Azamara ships (they are classed as mid-sized and average around 30,000t). Guests are encouraged to Explore Further℠ and to engage in “immersive experiential travel” by participating in the Destination Immersion® experiences available onboard. These excursions offer authentic experiences to let you explore, dine, play, and live like a local.

Azamara Destination Immersion®

This really is the key to what makes Azamara different to its larger competitors.The mid-size vessels can reach smaller ports and dock in places the large cruise ships can’t access, or where they have to tender. Add to this longer time in port (almost half of all Azamara port stops feature overnight or late-night stays) and enhanced onshore cultural experiences, it is clear that you will get to enjoy more of the local culture - what Azamara calls Destination Immersion® . Many itineraries offer pre and/ or post-cruise stays to allow further exploration.

Current destinations include Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Panama Canal, Central and North America, South America, South Pacific and Transoceanic.

Each year Azamara feature Maiden Ports - places they have never visited before, ensuring a fresh experience on familiar itineraries. In 2019 for example, new ports of call include Igoumenitsa in Greece, Klaipeda in Lithuania, Shimizu, Japan, and nearer to home Oban in Scotland to name but a few of the many exciting new destinations around the world. In 2020 Azamara visit Bora Bora in French Polynesia for the first time as well as numerous other unusual and exotic destinations.

Mount Fuji, Japan. Image: David Edelstein

For me, above all, the Maiden Ports are the most exciting and appealing aspect of Azamara. As a seasoned cruiser I have become jaded when being faced with the same ports of call in every brochure. To discover a cruise line visiting places I have never heard of has reignited the explorer in me.

Azamara - A Home from Home

Azamara evokes a feeling of exclusivity and membership and appeals to an up-market clientele, and specifically couples seeking a refined onboard atmosphere.

Azamara delivers a luxurious boutique country-club style experience that is far removed from what you’d expect from an ocean cruise.

As a result, it has an exclusivity, particularly taking into account each ships’ guest capacity which is limited to under 700.

Founded in 2007, rebranded in 2009 and re-imagined in 2016, the brand has received many accolades. Azamara have a loyal following with many repeat guests, who return partly for the award-winning staff and crew who make them feel so at home.

What is included in an Azamara Cruise

With so much included on an Azamara Cruise, it represents great value even at its premium-cruise price-point.

Inclusive Amenities:

Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
Select standard spirits, international beers and wines (selection of 2 red, 2 white and a sparking wine which are changed daily)
Gratuities
Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
Self-service laundry
Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations.

Additional amenities for Club Balcony Plus guests (from 2020):

120 complimentary Internet minutes per guest
One free bag of laundry service per stateroom, each seven days
One night of complimentary specialty dining for two, each seven days
Priority embarkation and debarkation
Complimentary in-room spirits

Additional amenities for Suite guests:

English butler service
240 complimentary Internet minutes per guest
One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days
Complimentary seating in the specialty restaurants dining
Priority embarkation and debarkation
Complimentary in-room spirits
In-suite afternoon tea service
$300 in Onboard Credit per person (Club World Owner’s Suites, Club Ocean Suites, Club Spa Suites categories only)

The Azamara Fleet

There are four ships in the Azamara fleet: Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, and the latest addition, Azamara Oneard. All four boast an intimate, club-like atmosphere.

Azamara Pursuit, Azamara Journey, Azamara Journey - Images: Azamara.

Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey underwent major enhancements in early 2016 under the Reimagine Azamara program and now feature upgraded, contemporary interiors and public spaces.

Their inspiration for design and colours are the natural elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire, Muted earthy tones are used throughout the ships to invoke a calm, homely feel.

The new spa suites onboard embrace the water and feature rain showers with ocean views, double vanity units, and outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the sea.

New open-air spaces and venues have been introduced and a nod to Fire is given by the revitalised entertainment areas and the new outdoor Pool Grill & Bar, where guests can enjoy ocean sunrises and sunsets.

Azamara Staterooms & Suites

Staterooms and suites on board Azamara ships are contemporary but classically designed; stylish and refined, they incorporate a natural colour scheme with the use of rich woods, custom-made textiles and stylish accents.

Staterooms

There are a choice of staterooms from the entry level Club Interior Staterooms and the Club Oceanview Staterooms to Club Balcony Staterooms.

Suites

Featuring similar amenities to Staterooms (obviously with some enhancements), there are a range of suites available on Azamara ships.

The smallest suites onboard are the Club Continent Suites, which whilst being the entry level suite, still offer stylish, spacious accommodation - some even include a bath tub. There are also Club Ocean Suites which are spacious and luxuriously appointed; new Club Spa Suites which are situated alongside the ships spa and are the ultimate in contemporary design, comfort and pampering; and the largest suites onboard, the Club World Owner’s Suites featuring a large living room with a separate bedroom.

Dining on Azamara

The main dining room onboard Azamara is Discoveries and offers flexible, open seating. Meals encompass Destination Immersion® with local dishes and produce appearing on the menu whenever possible. Dress code is smart casual.

Windows is the buffet restaurant and offers a range of delicious hot and cold choices.

There are two speciality restaurants on each ship - Aqualina, serving Mediterranean fare and Prime C, serving steaks, seafood and much more.

Speciality restaurants are complimentary for Suite guests and carry a cover of $30 for other guests. Fine Dining and Chefs Table packages with wine pairings are available.

Good news for vegan and vegetarian guests, or those wanting to eat less meat, there are plant based vegan menus in Discoveries, Aqualina and Prime C.

Azamara Entertainment

Don’t expect huge, flashy Las Vegas shows or raucous Karaoke bars on Azamara, it’s not their style. Think elegant nightclubs and intimate cabaret venues and bars for ‘gatherings’. The Cabaret Lounge features professional musical revues , singers, magic and and then transforms into New York style club “54 Below at Sea” (Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey). The Looking Glass Lounge is an elegant bar with dancing to live music or DJ sounds. For a quiet after-dinner drink and live music, Mosaic Café is a popular relaxed meeting place.

Of course there are also opportunities to experience local culture with onboard local acts and cultural shows, not to forget the opportunity of taking part in AzAmazing Evenings℠ashore (Part of the Destination Immersion® programme). One AzAmazing Evening℠ Is complimentary on all cruises of 7 nights or more, with the exception of transatlantic voyages.

Another not-to-be-missed entertainment event is Azamara’s White Night Party - a deck party with a difference inclusive of buffet and complimentary boutique wines.

Bars and Lounges

There are several bars onboard from intimate little corners to the larger bars in The Cabaret Lounge or Looking Glass Lounge both also offering entertainment.

For pre or post-dinner drinks, try Discoveries Lounge outside the main dining room.

The Living Room has cosy corners and comfortable armchairs and sofas whilst the Mosaic Cafe is the place to go for a coffee.

Spirits Bar has a flat screen and full bar making it an ideal spot if you like to keep up with sporting events.

Whilst a choice of house wines, select standard spirits, international beers, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas are all included, there are drink’s packages available should you wish to upgrade.

Azamara Shopping

As so much time is spent ashore, and given the smaller size of the ships there are only three shops onboard. One (named after the ship) sells sundry everyday items, souvenirs, accessories and casual clothing, whilst Indulgences offers an opportunity to buy luxury goods including fine jewellery, watches, and designer items. There is also a Photo Shop selling camera supplies and displaying photographs taken by the ship photographer.

Azamara Activities and Well-being

There is a full range of enrichment activities and classes on offer, enhanced by Azamaras partnerships with World Wildlife Fund, professional chefs, sommeliers, and leading destination experts.

There are various friendly sports tournaments held regularly (e.g darts, ping pong, soft archery, shuffle board and more), plus quizzes, trivia and arts and crafts.

The Sanctum Spa and The Salon offers a full range of beauty and relaxation treatments including massages, manicures and even acupuncture.

There is a well-equipped Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art workout machines, personal training and boot camps.

There is also a generous pool deck featuring a swimming pool and whirlpools plus a Thalassotherapy pool.

Azamara - Summary

With smaller ships, unusual destinations and more overnights in port, Azamara will appeal to those who like to explore and immerse themselves in local culture.

The contemporary but classic design is reminiscent of a boutique hotel which will provide a comfortable base from which to discover new horizons, and with so much included in the price it provides luxury at an affordable price.

I can’t wait to take my first Azamara to experience it for myself.

Read Why the discerning traveller should choose an Azamara Cruise

Additional information can be found on  www.azamara.com

To find out more, discover itineraries or book a cruise click here to contact Azamara

Make sure to follow me on social media so you don’t miss my next post when I explore Azamara Journey.

Azamara Cruises- What to Expect