Azamara Cruises
Overview
Azamara Cruises offers destination-immersive voyages aboard intimate boutique ships designed for travelers who want to experience ports like locals rather than tourists. With a fleet of four identical vessels carrying 694 guests each, Azamara specializes in longer port stays, night touring, and unique cultural experiences that set the line apart from larger competitors.
Destination Immersion Philosophy
Azamara's core philosophy centers on maximizing destination experiences through extended and late-night port stays that larger cruise lines rarely offer. While typical cruises arrive at 8 AM and depart by 5 PM, Azamara frequently stays until 11 PM or overnight, allowing guests to experience destinations after day-trippers depart.
This approach transforms port experiences. Dining in coastal villages as the sun sets, attending evening performances at historic theaters, exploring illuminated monuments—these experiences are standard on Azamara but impossible on conventional cruise schedules.
Night Touring, Azamara's signature offering, provides guided evening excursions showcasing destinations in completely different contexts. The Acropolis illuminated against the Athens night sky, candlelit dinners in Tuscan villages, sunset aperitivos on the Amalfi Coast—these experiences define the Azamara difference.
AzAmazing Evenings
Every Azamara voyage includes at least one AzAmazing Evening—a complimentary exclusive event held in a remarkable venue unavailable to regular tourists. These experiences have included private concerts in European cathedrals, theatrical performances in ancient amphitheaters, cultural celebrations in royal palaces, and culinary events in historic wineries.
AzAmazing Evenings represent significant value—similar exclusive events would cost hundreds of dollars if purchased independently. The program demonstrates Azamara's commitment to creating moments that transcend typical cruise experiences.
The Azamara Fleet
Azamara operates four identical boutique vessels—Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward—each carrying 694 guests. The intimate size enables access to smaller ports and creates a country club atmosphere where staff quickly learn preferences.
Recent refurbishments have refreshed public spaces and staterooms while maintaining the classic ocean liner elegance that defines the fleet. The 690-guest capacity strikes a balance—large enough for diverse amenities and entertainment, small enough for personalized service and boutique port access.
Inclusive Value
Azamara includes more than most premium competitors. Gratuities, select spirits and wines, specialty coffees and bottled water, and one AzAmazing Evening are bundled with cruise fares. Self-service laundry is available to all guests. Shuttle buses in port reduce transportation costs.
The approach delivers exceptional value without the nickel-and-diming common on other lines. While true ultra-luxury lines include more, Azamara's inclusions exceed mainstream and many premium competitors at lower price points.
Destination-Focused Itineraries
Azamara sails to over 270 destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Asia, South Pacific, and beyond. Itineraries emphasize lesser-known ports alongside famous destinations—the Greek island of Patmos rather than just Santorini, Croatia's Hvar alongside Dubrovnik.
Longer port calls—often 9-12+ hours—allow meaningful exploration without rushing. Overnight stays in select ports enable experiencing nightlife, attending performances, and avoiding crowds. The result is travel that feels more like independent exploration than cruise ship tourism.
Cuisine and Dining
Azamara's culinary program reflects its destination focus. Discoveries Restaurant serves international cuisine with regional dishes reflecting ports of call. Prime C delivers steakhouse excellence. Aqualina offers Italian specialties. All specialty restaurants are included without surcharges.
The Patio offers casual poolside options. Mosaic Cafe serves specialty coffees and light fare. The Den provides British-pub atmosphere. Wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and local culinary experiences ashore extend the gastronomic journey.
Wellness and Enrichment
The Sanctum Spa offers treatments inspired by global wellness traditions. The fitness center provides classes and equipment. The walking track circles the ship. Enrichment programs include destination lectures, wellness workshops, and cultural presentations.
The atmosphere is refined but relaxed—country club casual dress prevails, with elegant casual for evenings. No formal nights mean no packing tuxedos or gowns, though guests typically dress nicely for dinner.
Who Sails Azamara
Azamara attracts well-traveled adults aged 45-65 who prioritize destinations over shipboard entertainment. The typical guest has cruised before and seeks deeper port experiences than mainstream lines provide. Couples predominate, though solo travelers find welcoming environments.
The line appeals to cultural enthusiasts, foodies, and travelers who prefer exploring ports after crowds depart. Repeat guests—Azamara Circle members—return for specific destinations and the distinctive overnight experiences.
Cruise Now Pay Later for Azamara
Azamara cruises from $1,499 to $8,000+ per person deliver exceptional destination experiences. Our flexible Cruise Now Pay Later options let you secure your preferred stateroom while spreading payments over time. Book early for popular Mediterranean and European itineraries.
Fleet Information
Azamara Fleet (694 guests each):
- Azamara Journey (2000/2016 refurbished)
- Azamara Quest (2000/2016 refurbished)
- Azamara Pursuit (2001/2018 acquired)
- Azamara Onward (2023) - Newest addition
Ship Features:
- All 694-guest capacity
- Country club atmosphere
- High crew-to-guest ratio
- Access to boutique ports
- Extended port stays and overnights
Onboard Experience
Azamara signature experiences:
- Extended port stays (9-12+ hours)
- Late night and overnight docking
- Night Touring exclusive experiences
- AzAmazing Evenings included
- Destination immersion focus
- Boutique ship atmosphere
- Country club casual dress
- Self-service laundry included
- Shuttle buses in port
Dining & Entertainment
Azamara dining (specialty included):
- Discoveries Restaurant - Main dining
- Prime C - Steakhouse
- Aqualina - Italian specialties
- The Patio - Pool deck casual
- Mosaic Cafe - Coffee and light fare
- The Den - British pub atmosphere
- Room service available
Included beverages:
- Select spirits, wine, beer
- Specialty coffee, bottled water
- Soft drinks throughout
Pricing Guide
Azamara Cruise Pricing:
Stateroom Categories:
- Club Interior from $1,499 per person
- Club Oceanview from $1,899 per person
- Club Veranda from $2,499 per person
- Club Continental from $3,499 per person
- Club World Owner's Suite from $5,999+ per person
Included in Every Fare:
- AzAmazing Evenings event
- Gratuities
- Select spirits and wines
- Specialty coffee, bottled water
- Self-service laundry
- Shuttle buses in port
- Specialty restaurants
Frequently Asked Questions
AzAmazing Evenings are complimentary exclusive events—private concerts, cultural performances, or culinary experiences in stunning venues unavailable to regular tourists. Each cruise includes at least one.
Azamara frequently stays 9-12+ hours and offers overnight stays in select ports. This enables experiencing destinations after day-trippers leave, attending evening events, and exploring at your own pace.
Azamara includes gratuities, select beverages, specialty restaurants, and AzAmazing Evenings—more than most competitors. Premium spirits, spa treatments, and premium excursions are additional.
Night Touring excursions showcase destinations after dark—illuminated monuments, sunset experiences, evening performances—only possible because Azamara stays late in port.
Destination-focused travelers who prefer experiencing ports deeply rather than ticking boxes. Those who value intimate ships, included amenities, and cultural immersion over onboard entertainment.
Guest Reviews
Azamara's extended port stays transformed our Mediterranean experience. We were still exploring Dubrovnik at 11pm after day-trippers left. The AzAmazing Evening in a Roman amphitheater was unforgettable. Intimate ship, excellent service.
Ship: Azamara Journey | Destination: Mediterranean | June 2024If you cruise for the ports, not the ship, Azamara is your line. Overnight in Bordeaux let us experience wine country properly. Night touring in Barcelona was magical. Will never go back to mainstream lines.
Ship: Azamara Quest | Destination: Western Europe | September 2024