Azamara
Azamara: the back story
The back story
About Azamara: the back story
Azamara sails four small ships of up to 702 guests and builds its itineraries around long days, overnights and smaller ports that bigger ships cannot reach.
A line built for port days
Azamara has sailed since 2010 with a simple idea: stay longer. Its Extended Destination Days give ten or more hours in port, and frequent overnights let you see a city by night, have dinner ashore and come back to the ship when the bars close. Its four ships are small enough, in the line’s words, to dock where larger ships cannot.
Four sisters
Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward are all R-class ships, carrying up to 702 guests. Pursuit was launched in 2018. They feel like country-house hotels at sea: a Living Room, a library-like Den with travel books and destination talks, a Cabaret Lounge for revues and soloists, and an open deck where the Sunset Bar sits beside Windows Café.
The Next Big Thing is Small, in Azamara’s own words.
AzAmazing Evenings
Since 2011, most voyages have included an AzAmazing Evening, a private cultural event created for Azamara guests, usually ashore while the ship stays late in port. For 2027 the line lists 36 new events, from a candlelit concert in St Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar to the Estonian National Male Choir at the Estonian National Opera in Tallinn and an Irish whiskey evening at Midleton Distillery near Cork.
What the fare covers
Gratuities, select standard spirits, international beers and wines, soft drinks, specialty coffees and shuttles into port towns where available are included. Prime C, Aqualina and the six-course Chef’s Table carry a cover charge unless you have a package or a suite; suites include daily specialty dining, butler service and in-suite meals.
Azamara Forward
From December 2026, Azamara Quest gains a new Penthouse Deck with Panorama and Grandview Suites, the first ship to carry them. The Panorama Suites sleep up to four; the Grandview Suites are for two.
Our advice: choose by itinerary and look for the overnights, which are the heart of an Azamara voyage. Country-intensive cruises, such as the Spain or Italy programmes, use the small ships best. Book Prime C and the Chef’s Table before you sail: suite guests can reserve 150 days ahead, everyone else 140.
Why it's on our list
- Sailing since 2010
- Extended Destination Days of 10 hours or more
- AzAmazing Evenings since 2011
- Four R-class ships
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Azamara: the back story before you go.