What makes Azamara different from other cruise lines?

Azamara is built around a single philosophy: destination immersion. Where most cruise lines treat ports as brief stops between sea days, Azamara deliberately schedules overnight stays, late-night departures, and extended port calls — giving guests evening access to destinations when cruise crowds disperse, local restaurants fill up, and the authentic atmosphere of a city emerges. Their ships carry approximately 690 guests each — small enough to access ports that large ships cannot enter — and the crew-to-guest ratio is high enough to feel genuinely personal. The line also includes their signature AzAmazing Evenings: exclusive cultural events ashore included with every sailing. If you’ve cruised before and found yourself frustrated by too many sea days or too little time in port, Azamara is likely the antidote. Their itinerary philosophy is fundamentally different from mainstream cruising.

What is an AzAmazing Evening?

AzAmazing Evenings are exclusive, Azamara-hosted cultural experiences ashore — included with every sailing at no additional charge. These are not generic shore excursions; they are private events arranged specifically for Azamara guests, typically in a historic or culturally significant venue: a concert in an ancient amphitheater, a traditional festival celebration, an illuminated palace courtyard, or a local performance that would otherwise be inaccessible to individual tourists. One AzAmazing Evening is included per voyage, typically in the most culturally significant port on the itinerary. Transportation from the ship to the event and back is provided. They are consistently rated among the top highlights by returning Azamara guests.

How does Azamara compare to Celebrity and Viking Ocean?

These three lines each occupy a different niche in upper-premium cruising: Azamara vs. Celebrity: Both were formerly under Royal Caribbean Group (Azamara was sold to Sycamore Partners in 2021). Celebrity has larger ships, more onboard entertainment and amenities, and is more of a classic cruise experience. Azamara’s smaller ships, destination-immersion philosophy, and included beverages and gratuities make it a fundamentally different proposition — more focused on where you go than what’s onboard. Azamara vs. Viking Ocean: Viking is closer in positioning — both are destination-focused and all-inclusive in spirit. Viking ships are newer and carry more guests (930), while Azamara is somewhat more intimate. Viking’s excursion inclusions tend to be more generous; Azamara’s overnight port strategy is more distinctive. Azamara tends to attract experienced cruisers who have sailed mainstream and premium lines and want something more destination-driven.

Is Azamara worth the price?

For travelers who value destinations above all, Azamara represents outstanding value. When you factor in what’s included — house beverages, gratuities, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, the AzAmazing Evening, self-service laundry, and shuttle service in many ports — the all-in cost compares very favorably with lines that charge separately for each of these. The overnight-in-port strategy also means you genuinely spend more time in destinations, reducing the impulse to book multiple (expensive) shore excursions just to see a place properly. Azamara is particularly good value on complex itineraries like the Black Sea, Adriatic, or Southeast Asia, where the overnight stays allow deep exploration that shorter port calls simply cannot provide.

Who owns Azamara and what is their history?

Azamara was founded in 2007 as an upper-premium brand within Royal Caribbean Group, originally operating under the name Azamara Club Cruises. In March 2021, Royal Caribbean Group sold Azamara to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, making it an independent cruise line for the first time. At the time of the sale, the fleet comprised three ships: Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, and Azamara Pursuit (which had joined the fleet in 2018). Azamara subsequently grew to four vessels with the addition of Azamara Onward — formerly Princess Cruises’ Pacific Princess, acquired in early 2021 and relaunched in May 2022 after an extensive refurbishment. The line rebranded simply as Azamara in 2021 and has continued to refine its destination-immersion product under independent ownership.

Azamara Cruise Line Guide: Ships, Inclusions & FAQs

About Azamara

“Azamara offers extraordinary level of personal service, superb cuisine, outstanding amenities and thoughtfully designed accommodations. Azamara will ensure an unforgettable cruise experience for each of their valued guests. By providing you with perfection at every possible turn, Azamara's goal is to make you a lifelong guest - and friend - who will look forward to returning to the beautiful decks of Azamara's beautiful ships time and again.” — Azamara

Founded in 2010, Azamara built its reputation on a simple idea: the destination deserves as much attention as the ship. Its four boutique vessels — Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward — each welcome up to 702 guests, small enough to slip into harbors that bigger ships simply can't reach. The line calls its approach Destination Immersion, and it shows in the itineraries: extended Destination Days of ten or more hours in port, frequent overnight stays, and voyages that linger where others rush.

Life on board is intentionally inclusive. Fares cover a variety of dining venues and 24-hour room service, beer, wine, and spirits throughout the day and evening, onboard gratuities, self-service laundry, and the line's signature AzAmazing Evenings — exclusive private events that celebrate the heart and soul of local cultures ashore. With a staff-to-guest ratio of 1.7 to 2, service stays warm and personal.

Azamara suits travelers who would rather explore a country deeply than check ports off a list. Its Country Intensive voyages devote entire itineraries to a single nation, while Grand Voyages and full World Cruises in 2027 and 2028 stretch the experience across months. For seasoned travelers who value time ashore, culture, and an unhurried pace, Azamara is a natural fit.

New & notable: Azamara has opened bookings on 2028 sailings, including new World Cruises for both 2027 and 2028 alongside its Country Intensive and Grand Voyage collections.

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The Azamara Experience

Destination Immersion

Azamara's hallmark: longer stays, more overnights, and Extended Destination Days of ten or more hours in port for deeper exploration ashore.

AzAmazing Evenings

Exclusive, private cultural events included in the fare that showcase the heart and soul of local cultures in destinations the line visits.

Boutique R-class ships

Four intimate vessels carrying up to 702 guests each, sized to reach ports and harbors that bigger ships can't.

Country Intensive voyages

Itineraries devoted to exploring a single country in depth, from coastline to culture, rather than sampling many destinations briefly.

Inclusive onboard living

Beer, wine, and spirits all day and night, gratuities, self-service laundry, and multiple dining venues are all part of the fare.

World Cruises and Grand Voyages

Full World Cruises in 2027 and 2028 plus extended Grand Voyages for travelers ready to see the world in one journey.

What's Included with Azamara

Variety of dining venues and 24-hour room service
Beer, wine, and spirits all day and night
Onboard gratuities
Signature AzAmazing Evenings
Unlimited self-service laundry

The Azamara Fleet (4 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

Azamara Journey

A luxurious boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Journey is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras. Watch the world go by, and drink in hand from any of Azamara’s bars, lounges, and gathering spaces. Dine in luxury and elegance from the music that makes your heartstrings sing to the best of Broadway, specialty restaurants. Plus, a little shopping as a bonus.

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Azamara Onward

Built to cross oceans, cruise along scenic waterways, and dock at locations larger ships can’t access — this small ship cruising experience is unlike any other. Seven restaurants, cafes, and lounges, a refreshing pool, sun-drenched decks, a revitalizing spa…the list goes on. With so many areas to explore onboard Azamara Onward.

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Azamara Pursuit

The launch of Azamara Pursuit® opened the seas to maiden ports, new itineraries, and the opportunity to provide the guests with even more unforgettable, unique, and immersive experiences than ever before. Like the sister ships, Azamara Pursuit offers some of the most extraordinary adventures on Earth, to places you’ve always dreamed of. Or, perhaps, only just heard about. New-to-Azamara destinations include Antofagasta (Chile), Lima (Peru), and the Beagle Channel—and those are just some of the South American maiden destinations.

See Azamara Pursuit sailings →

Azamara Quest

The Azamara Quest is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras. Watch the world go by, drink in hand from any of Azamara’s bars, lounges, and gathering spaces. Dine in luxury and elegance at from the music that makes your heartstrings sing to the best of Broadway, specialty restaurants. Plus, a little shopping as a bonus.

See Azamara Quest sailings →

Where Azamara Sails

Mediterranean 122 Asia and Asia Pacific 40 Alaska 27 Caribbean 22 Northern Europe 20 Europe 14 Australia/New Zealand 13 South America 11 Transatlantic 7 Western Europe 7 Australia 6 Caribbean Eastern 5 Canada 5 Baltic Sea (Europe) 4 Caribbean Southern 4 Arctic 4

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping

All gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation By Guest

Cancellation charges based on days prior to cruise departure.
Days Prior to Cruise Departure	Cancellation Charge
150 days and more	$150 per person
150-21 days	25% of total fare
120-91 days	50% of total fare
90 to 61	75% of total fare
60 days or less	100% of total fare

Last updated: February 6, 2026. Click here to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.

For bookings made in UK please click here

Days Prior to Departure	Cancellation Fee
150+	$200 per person
150 to 121	25% of total fare
120 to 91	50% of total fare
90 to 61	75% of total fare
60 days or less	100% of total fare

Please note: Cancellation charges are based on double occupancy. The policies shown here are for Australia and New Zealand only. Residents of any other country should contact their local office or travel partner.

(Last updated: April 14, 2025 for Voyage and Cruisetour. Click here to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.)

Smoking on board

Azamara ships have a designated smoking area, located on the starboard forward section of the pool deck. The smoking area is clearly marked. For the guests' comfort and health, all other areas of the ships are nonsmoking, including public rooms, restaurants, pool decks, staterooms and suites, verandas and halls. A non-smoking policy also applies to all components of the land portions of Azamara Cruisetours, unless specifically stated otherwise by the tour company. Please note that this policy includes products such as electronic cigarettes.

Traveling with minors

Azamara accepts guests who meet the minimum age to sail, but discourages families from sailing with children under 18 years of age, as the onboard ambience and experience caters to adults and there are no dedicated activities for children or baby-sitting services available.

Pregnancy policy

Azamara cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the voyage or Cruisetour. A physician's "Fit to Travel" note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) your pregnancy will be at the beginning of the voyage and confirming that you are in good health and not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. The "Fit to Travel" note should be submitted to the cruise line directly or through your travel agent.

Policies are provided by Azamara and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

About Azamara: Boutique destination-immersive