Azamara Cruises Review (UK): Ships, Itineraries, What's Included and Who It Suits

Who Azamara is

Royal Caribbean Group launched Azamara in 2007 as an upmarket, destination-focused brand. For many years it traded as Azamara Club Cruises, and older articles and guidebooks still use that name. The line now markets itself simply as Azamara.

In March 2021 Royal Caribbean sold Azamara to the private-equity firm Sycamore Partners. The deal was worth about $201 million. Since then the line has run independently. Dondra Ritzenthaler has been chief executive since May 2024.

The ships

All four ships are a similar size, carrying roughly 690 to 700 guests. That is small enough to dock where big ships can't, but large enough for several restaurants, a pool deck and a spa.

Ship	Joined Azamara	Background
Azamara Journey	2007	Built in 2000 as R Six for Renaissance Cruises
Azamara Quest	2007	Built in 2000 as R Seven
Azamara Pursuit	2018	Formerly P&O Cruises' Adonia, a ship many UK cruisers know
Azamara Onward	2022	Formerly Pacific Princess (originally R Three)

These are older hulls, so expect a classic, country-house style rather than the glass-and-steel look of new ships. Azamara has announced a fleetwide refit programme called Azamara Forward:

• Azamara Quest: first in line, from 18 December 2026. A new Deck 11 adds two Panorama suites and ten Grandview suites.
• Azamara Onward: follows in 2027.
• Journey and Pursuit: dates still to be announced.

Planned changes across the fleet include:

• a Chef's Table venue;
• a redesigned main Discoveries Restaurant;
• updated bars, the Cabaret Lounge, staterooms and spa.

If you book a sailing close to a refit date, check whether your voyage is before or after the work.

Itineraries: what Azamara does differently

Azamara builds itineraries around time in port:

• Late nights and overnights: many voyages include late departures and overnight stays, so you can have dinner ashore or see a city after dark.
• Extended Destination Days: port calls of 10 hours or more.
• Smaller ports: the ships' size lets them reach places the 4,000-guest ships skip, such as smaller Greek islands, Croatian and Italian harbour towns, and Norwegian fjord villages.

Itineraries are often country-intensive, spending most of a voyage around one country (Japan, Greece or Norway, for example).

For UK travellers, most Azamara voyages are fly-cruises. Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia and Caribbean sailings start abroad. Check the current brochure for any round-trip sailings from UK ports. Ex-UK departures vary from year to year.

What's included in the fare

Azamara is more inclusive than mainstream lines, though not fully all-inclusive like the ultra-luxury brands. Inclusions typically cover:

• all main dining and 24-hour room service;
• a selection of house wines, beers and spirits, plus soft drinks, bottled water and speciality coffees;
• gratuities;
• self-service laundry;
• an AzAmazing Evening on most voyages: a complimentary evening event ashore, such as a private concert or cultural performance.

What usually costs extra:

• premium wines and spirits;
• shore excursions;
• spa treatments;
• the speciality restaurants Prime C (steakhouse) and Aqualina (Mediterranean), which carry a surcharge for non-suite guests;
• Wi-Fi in standard staterooms (suite guests get it included).

Because so much is bundled, compare Azamara's fare with a mainstream line's fare plus drinks package, tips and Wi-Fi. A simple fare-to-fare comparison is misleading.

Life on board

• Atmosphere: relaxed and sociable, with no queue-heavy embarkation or crowded pool decks of a mega-ship.
• Dress code: resort casual throughout. There are no formal nights, so dinner jackets are optional.
• Entertainment: smaller in scale. In 2026 Azamara began rolling out new production shows with the entertainment company RWS Global (Pursuit from April 2026, Journey from May 2026, Quest from November 2026, Onward from March 2027). Expect cabaret-style performances, live music and destination talks rather than West End-scale productions.
• Children: there are no kids' clubs, and the line is aimed squarely at adults.

Who Azamara suits and who it doesn't

A good fit if you:

• choose a cruise for the itinerary and want long days and nights in port;
• prefer around 700 fellow guests to 4,000;
• like drinks and tips bundled in;
• are happy with smart-casual and don't miss formal nights.

Probably not for you if you:

• are travelling with young children;
• want big-ship attractions such as waterparks, Broadway-style shows or many restaurant choices;
• want the newest hardware (at least until the Azamara Forward refits reach your ship);
• are on a tight budget. Azamara sits above mainstream lines on price, though the inclusions narrow the gap.

How Azamara compares

• Versus Oceania or Viking: all three target destination-focused adults. Viking ocean ships are newer and include Wi-Fi and one shore excursion per port. Oceania leans harder into food. Azamara's selling points are its overnights and its inclusive drinks and tips.
• Versus Celebrity or P&O: expect a smaller ship, a calmer atmosphere and more time in port. You will have fewer dining and entertainment choices.
• Versus ultra-luxury lines (Silversea, Regent Seven Seas): Azamara is less all-inclusive (excursions and premium drinks cost extra), and it is priced accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Azamara the same as Azamara Club Cruises?

Yes. Azamara Club Cruises is the line's former name. The company now trades as Azamara.

Is Azamara all-inclusive?

Partly. House drinks, gratuities and some evening events are included. Premium drinks, excursions, spa treatments, speciality dining (for non-suite guests) and Wi-Fi in standard cabins usually are not.

Does Azamara have formal nights?

No. The dress code is resort casual on every evening.

Is Wi-Fi free on Azamara?

Suite guests get it included. Other guests usually pay for an internet package, so check what your fare includes when you book.

Who owns Azamara?

Sycamore Partners, which bought the line from Royal Caribbean Group in 2021.

Written and checked by Craig Geswindt, Founder and Editor, My Cruise Advisor. This is an independent guide based on Azamara's published information and industry reporting. It is not a sponsored review. Details last checked 13 November 2026. Fares, inclusions and itineraries change, so confirm with Azamara or your travel agent before booking.