Azamara: Cruise Line Spotlight
- Michelle Feilberg
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Luxury that leans into local – for travellers who want more than just the view from the ship
If you’ve ever finished a cruise and thought, “I wish we’d had more time to actually experience the places we stopped…” – Azamara might be your perfect match.
Azamara is what I call a “thinking traveller’s cruise line.” It’s small ship luxury, rich in destination detail, with a relaxed and personal onboard experience. It’s less about the flash, more about the feeling.
🌍 Who Is Azamara?
Azamara was born as part of the Royal Caribbean family, but has now grown into its own niche luxury cruise line, with a strong emphasis on destination immersion, culture and connection.
It’s not about showrooms, casinos or waterparks. It’s about staying overnight in port, walking into town at 10pm, and experiencing a place on your own terms.
The line operates four intimate ships:
Azamara Journey (700 pax)
Azamara Quest (700 pax)
Azamara Pursuit (700 pax)
Azamara Onward (684 pax)
Each carries just 684 to 700 guests, which means more personalised service, less crowd control, and access to smaller ports that bigger ships simply can’t reach.
🛎️ What’s the Onboard Experience Like?
Think classic yacht club meets boutique hotel. Azamara ships are elegant and refined – not glitzy or overdone.
What you’ll love:
Beautiful lounges and open-air decks
A spacious main pool area with attentive crew
Open seating dining (no fixed times)
Quality spa and wellness centre
A calm, grown-up onboard atmosphere
24/7 Room Service
Both free self-service laundry and professional laundry service (included depending on cabin/suite level booked)
Suites and staterooms are well-appointed with crisp linens, well-designed storage, and plenty of natural light. There’s no “starter cabin” energy here – even the smaller rooms feel curated, not cookie cutter.
If you want larger suites with perks like butler service, priority boarding and specialty dining access, I’ll help you choose the right category (this varies by itinerary and ship).
🍽️ Dining & Drinks
Azamara’s dining options are more intimate than showy – but the food quality is impressive, especially in the specialty venues.
Included dining:
Discoveries Restaurant – main dining room
Windows Café – buffet with international flair
The Patio – relaxed poolside grill
Mosaic Café – coffee bar with pastries + light bites
Specialty restaurants (complimentary for suite guests, small surcharge for others):
Prime C – steakhouse
Aqualina – upscale Italian with a modern edge
Drinks are included (standard wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks) and upgraded packages are available. Gratuities and most onboard services are also included – it’s easy and low-pressure.
Signature Moments Onboard
Azamara does a few things very well that set it apart from others:
💃 White Night
This evening party held out in open deck is such a fun experience, where the whole ship gets together for a night to celebrate and meet new friends.
Usually held whilst in port with some spectacular backdrops like Monaco, or a castle or a city centre, it’s a night you’ll never forget!
🕺 AzAmazing Evenings
A special, complimentary off-ship cultural event on select voyages – think private concerts in a cathedral, ballet under the stars, or a flamenco show in a historic Spanish courtyard. It’s a signature part of the Azamara experience and always a standout.
🛍️ Destination Celebrations
Local food, music and performances brought onboard when in port – so you’re immersed in culture even when docked.
🧭 Destinations + Itineraries
Azamara shines in Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific, but also offers seasonal cruises in the Caribbean and Africa.
What sets them apart is their commitment to late nights and overnight stays – they don’t rush the itinerary. You get time to actually fall in love with each destination.
Top regions include:
🇮🇹 Mediterranean (Greece, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Spain)
🇬🇧 Northern Europe (Norway, Iceland, UK, Baltics)
🇧🇷 South America (Brazil, Argentina, Amazon River)
🇻 Asia-Pacific (Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia)
🇿🇦 Africa (Cape Town, Namibia, safari extensions)
Perfect for clients who want to stay out late, dine ashore, or take longer excursions without running back to the ship.
💰 General Pricing (AUD – 2025/26 Guide)
Azamara is mid-high luxury with value-focused inclusions:
7–9 night cruises: from $4,500–$6,500 per person
10–14 night cruises: from $6,500–$10,000+ pp
Longer itineraries: up to $14k–$18k+ pp depending on suite, sailing season and inclusions
Includes:
✔️ All meals
✔️ Drinks (standard alcohol included)
✔️ Gratuities
✔️ Cultural enrichment programs
✔️ Shuttle service in many ports
✔️ AzAmazing Evenings (on most voyages)
Ask me about back-to-back itineraries or Grand Journeys – longer trips that explore entire regions in one seamless booking.
👥 Who Azamara Is Best For
💼 Working professionals or retirees who want destination-rich travel without large ship crowds
🍷 Cultural travellers who value immersion, food and local experience
🎨 People who’ve “done” the big cruises and are ready for something smaller and smarter
🛎️ Travellers who still want service and comfort, but don’t need butlers and Dom Pérignon
It’s ideal for Australians who love Europe and want longer stays in port, great onboard service, and a calm, friendly vibe with just enough elegance.
💡 Why I Recommend Azamara to My Clients
Azamara is the line I often suggest when clients tell me:
“We don’t want a massive ship.”
“We want to really explore – not just tick boxes.”
“We love culture, food and time in each place.”
I also love that the ships are small enough to dock in the heart of town, which makes shore time easier, more spontaneous and way less rushed.
As your advisor, I can:
✔️ Match you to the right itinerary + suite
✔️ Combine sailings for a longer journey
✔️ Add pre/post cruise hotels + flights
✔️ Offer Virtuoso perks (where available)
✔️ Take care of the admin so you can enjoy the planning part
✨ Planning Your Azamara Cruise
If you’ve been dreaming about a longer, more immersive cruise – but don’t want the size, pace or formality of other lines – Azamara could be exactly your speed.
🗓️ 2025–2026 voyages are now available to book
📩 DM me for available itineraries or a custom quote
📞 Call / SMS 0400 818 779
I’ll help you find the itinerary that fits your energy and elevate the entire experience around it.
Azamara is for travellers who want to be in the place, not just see it from the ship.
Let’s plan something meaningful.
Michelle x
Luxury Cruise & Travel Co.
Virtuoso Travel Advisor | 1000 Mile Travel Group
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