Azamara Cruises

Three lines that often come up in the same conversation, but they’re more different than they first appear. Oceania Cruises has larger ships and a stronger culinary focus, with all speciality dining included at no surcharge. Viking is more structured, with excursions typically built into the fare and a quieter, more regimented onboard atmosphere. Azamara sits between the two: smaller ships than either, more overnight stays in port than most, drinks included as standard, and a sociable onboard culture that suits guests who want flexibility rather than a fixed daily programme. We work with all three and can help you decide which suits your requirements. We’ve also written a detailed Azamara vs Oceania guide if you’d like to read through the differences first.

More than most people expect. Standard drinks throughout the ship, including wines, spirits, beer, and speciality coffees, are included, as are gratuities, shuttle buses in port, and one AzAmazing Evening per voyage of seven nights or more. Speciality dining at Prime C and Aqualina is also included with no surcharge, which sets Azamara apart from many competitors at this price point. Flights and shore excursions are not included unless part of a specific package, and spa treatments are charged separately.

For the right traveller, genuinely yes. Azamara sits above the mainstream lines but below the ultra-luxury end of the market, and the all-inclusive nature of the fare makes the headline price more competitive than it first appears. When you factor in drinks, speciality dining, and gratuities, the gap between Azamara and nominally cheaper alternatives closes considerably. The overnight port stays are the other part of the value equation that often gets overlooked. More time ashore means fewer shore excursions booked in a rush, which adds up. Our team can walk you through a like-for-like comparison if you’re weighing up your options.

Azamara’s signature shore event is included on voyages of seven nights or more. The format varies by destination but typically involves exclusive access to a cultural venue, a private performance, or an experience that simply isn’t available to independent travellers. Past examples include private concerts in historic buildings, traditional performances in locations closed to the general public, and hosted dinners in remarkable settings. They’re not always the most talked-about feature when guests are researching Azamara, but they’re often the thing people mention first when you ask them about the trip afterwards.

Honestly, the itinerary should make that decision for you. All four ships, Journey, Quest, Pursuit, and Onward, are similar in size, layout, and onboard experience. Onward is the most recently refurbished, having joined the fleet in 2022, and has a slightly more contemporary feel. Beyond that the differences are marginal. If you have a specific sailing in mind and want to know whether there’s a meaningful reason to choose one ship over another for that voyage, our team can give you a straight answer.

There’s no single supplement waiver, so solo travellers pay for the full stateroom or suite. That’s worth knowing upfront. That said, the onboard atmosphere suits independent guests well. Open seating at dinner means you’re never stuck at a table alone unless you want to be, the Living Room and bar areas are genuinely sociable, and with 700 guests the ship is small enough that you’ll recognise faces within a day or two. Several of our solo clients have sailed Azamara more than once specifically because of that dynamic.

Occasionally. Most itineraries are fly-cruise, departing from Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Asian ports. UK departures do appear on the schedule but are limited. If a no-fly option matters to you, let us know and we’ll check availability.

Azamara’s loyalty scheme, which rewards repeat guests with points earned per voyage based on nights sailed and stateroom category. Tiers unlock progressively better benefits including suite upgrades, onboard credit, spa discounts, and invitations to exclusive onboard events. It’s worth enrolling before your first sailing rather than after, so your points start accumulating from day one.

Country club casual. Smart casual in the evenings – no formal nights. Shorts, jeans, and swimwear aren’t permitted in the main dining room at dinner, but there’s no need for suits or gowns. It’s one of the more relaxed dress codes in the upper-premium sector.

Popular itineraries – particularly world cruise segments, Mediterranean highlights, and Japan sailings – book 12-18 months ahead. Suites sell early. If you have specific dates or stateroom preferences, it’s worth enquiring sooner rather than later.