Cruise Frog guide
Azamara
Azamara is a small-ship cruise line based in Miami that builds its voyages around what it calls Destination Immersion: longer stays, frequent overnights and calls at smaller ports that big ships cannot reach. Royal Caribbean created the brand in 2007 with two R-class ships that had been meant for Celebrity Cruises, and sold it to the private equity firm Sycamore Partners in 2021.
Style
Premium
smaller crowds, better food and service than mainstream
Best for
- Couples
- History and culture
- Solo travelers
Fleet rating
No ships rated yet.
About Azamara
All four ships, Azamara Journey, Quest, Pursuit and Onward, were built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique between 1999 and 2001 for Renaissance Cruises, and each carries up to about 700 guests. Pursuit joined in 2018 after sailing for P&O Cruises as Adonia, and Onward, the former Pacific Princess, followed in 2022.
Itineraries are port-intensive and worldwide, from Mediterranean country-intensive voyages to Asia, Australia, South America and an annual world cruise, and many sailings combine into longer Grand Voyages. Fares include gratuities, select spirits, beer and wine, and a complimentary AzAmazing Evenings event on most voyages, a private shore event built around local culture.
What Azamara is known for
Azamara is known for destination-focused itineraries with long port days, overnight stays and calls at smaller harbors, for small ships with a relaxed atmosphere, and for fares that cover gratuities and standard drinks. Its AzAmazing Evenings shore events are a signature of the brand.
The trade-offs are mostly about the hardware. All four ships date from 1999 to 2001 and, though refitted, have fewer venues and less modern design than new premium and luxury ships, with about seven restaurants, cafes and lounges each. Fares are also higher than on mainstream lines. In 2012 an engine-room fire temporarily disabled Azamara Quest near the Philippines; no passengers were hurt.
Who it's for
Azamara suits couples and solo travelers who want to spend real time ashore, with late nights and overnights in port, on a ship small enough to feel personal. It works well for culture-focused travelers, repeat cruisers who want unusual ports and people planning long trips, since voyages can be combined into Grand Voyages or a world cruise.
Families with children, travelers who want new ships with many dining venues, and anyone looking for water parks or large-scale production shows will be better served by bigger lines. Travelers on a tight budget may also find the fares high, even allowing for what is included.
- Couples
- romantic dining, quiet spaces, balcony cabins
- History and culture
- port-intensive itineraries, lectures, included excursions
- Solo travelers
- studio cabins, low or no single supplement, easy to meet people
How it rates
None of Azamara's ships has been rated yet. A line's rating is the average of its ships' scores.
Where Azamara sails
Ships
Azamara Journey2000 · 30,277 GT · 694 guests · Mediterranean · CaribbeanAzamara Journey is one of the eight R-class ships built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire for Renaissance Cruises; she entered service in 2000 as R Six. After the…
Azamara Onward1999 · 30,277 GT · 688 guests · MediterraneanAzamara Onward was built in 1999 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique as R Three for Renaissance Cruises and spent nearly two decades with Princess Cruises as Pacific Princess. Azamara…
Azamara Pursuit2001 · 30,277 GT · 777 guests · Asia · Australia and New ZealandAzamara Pursuit was completed in 2001 as R Eight for Renaissance Cruises and later sailed as Minerva II for Swan Hellenic, Royal Princess for Princess Cruises and Adonia for P&O…
Azamara Quest2000 · 30,277 GT · 686 guests · World cruises · MediterraneanAzamara Quest was built in 2000 as R Seven for Renaissance Cruises, then laid up, chartered to Delphin Seereisen as Delphin Renaissance and sailed for Pullmantur as Blue Moon…Quick answers
What is Azamara known for?
Azamara is known for destination-focused itineraries with long port days, overnight stays and calls at smaller harbors, for small ships with a relaxed atmosphere, and for fares that cover gratuities and standard drinks. Its AzAmazing Evenings shore events are a signature of the brand.
Who is Azamara best for?
Azamara suits couples and solo travelers who want to spend real time ashore, with late nights and overnights in port, on a ship small enough to feel personal. It works well for culture-focused travelers, repeat cruisers who want unusual ports and people planning long trips, since voyages can be combined into Grand Voyages or a world cruise.
Where does Azamara sail?
Azamara's ships in service sail Mediterranean (3 ships), Northern Europe (2 ships), Asia (2 ships), Caribbean (1 ship), Alaska (1 ship), Canada and New England (1 ship), South America (1 ship), Australia and New Zealand (1 ship) and World cruises (1 ship).
How many ships does Azamara have?
Azamara has 4 ships in service on Cruise Frog: Azamara Journey, Azamara Onward, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Quest.
Who owns Azamara?
Azamara is part of Sycamore Partners.
Where is Azamara based?
Azamara is headquartered in Miami, Florida, United States. It has operated since 2007.
What is Azamara's loyalty program called?
Azamara's past-guest loyalty program is Azamara Circle.
What is the largest Azamara ship?
Azamara Journey is Azamara's largest ship at 30,277 gross tons, carrying 694 guests.
Cruising with children
An Azamara family trip is best planned around time in port. The crucial question is whether the destinations and daily schedule engage the child travelling with you.
Read the Azamara family guide →