Breeze Of Luxury: A Vacation On Azamara Cruise Lines

Author: Maharshi Soni on May 19,2024

Azamara Cruise Lines is a fleet of renowned luxury cruises, famous for its exceptional focus on crafting high-end and culturally rich travel experiences. Founded in 2007, Azamara is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and operates under the umbrella of Sycamore Partners. The line is celebrated for its "Destination Immersion" philosophy, which prioritizes extensive, in-depth explorations of each port, setting it apart from conventional cruise lines.

Azamara's fleet comprises intimate, boutique-style ships designed to navigate smaller, less-trafficked ports. These ships enable guests to experience hidden gems and unique locales that larger vessels cannot access. Travelers can enjoy more personalized and enriching journeys with extended stays, overnight docking, and night touring opportunities. Such itineraries provide guests ample time to engage with each destination's local culture, history, and cuisine, fostering a deeper connection with the places they visit.

History Of Azamara Cruise Lines

Azamara Cruise Lines, launched initially as Azamara Club Cruises in 2007, was conceived as a premium, destination-focused subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The brand was established to cater to a niche market of travelers seeking more immersive and culturally enriching cruise experiences, diverging from the mainstream offerings of more extensive cruise lines.

The inception of Azamara saw the acquisition and refurbishment of two mid-sized ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, formerly part of the Renaissance Cruises fleet. These vessels, with a capacity of approximately 700 passengers each, were ideally suited for accessing smaller, less-traveled ports, enabling the line to deliver on its promise of more profound, more authentic destination experiences. In 2018, the brand rebranded, dropping "Club Cruises" from its name to simply Azamara.

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Ships Of Azamara Cruise Lines

Azamara Journey

Image: azamara.com

Launch Year: 2000

Capacity: Approximately 690 passengers

Class: R-Class

Azamara Journey is designed to provide a boutique, upscale cruising experience. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from the pool deck, the Looking Glass Lounge, and private balconies. The open-air pool area and the Sunset Veranda also provide stunning ocean vistas and views of the ports visited. The ship offers complimentary AzAmazing Evenings, exclusive, authentic, and bespoke evening events designed to connect guests with the local culture. 

Additional amenities include a full-service spa, The Sanctum Spa, offering a range of treatments, a thalassotherapy pool, and an acupuncture clinic. The ship offers a variety of entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows, live music, and themed parties. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and wellness classes such as yoga and Pilates. Specialty restaurants include Aqualina, featuring Mediterranean dishes, and Prime C, known for its steak and seafood. The Windows Caf provides casual buffet-style dining with indoor and outdoor seating, while The Patio offers poolside dining with a relaxed ambiance. Mosaic Caf serves specialty coffees and pastries; room service is available 24/7.

Azamara Onward

Image: azamara.com

Launch Year: 1999

Capacity: Approximately 690 passengers

Class: R-Class

The ship has spectacular views from its top deck, the Sunset Veranda, and private balconies in staterooms and suites. Public areas with large windows, such as the Drawing Room and the Mosaic Caf, also provide scenic vistas. The Sanctum Spa offers a range of wellness treatments, a thalassotherapy pool, and a fitness center. The ship also features a dedicated Concierge Desk for personalized service.

Azamara Onward offers a range of activities to suit every interest. Enrichment programs include expert lectures, destination immersion workshops, and cultural performances. Guests can relax by the pool, participate in fitness classes, or enjoy treatments at The Sanctum Spa.  The Windows Caf provides a casual dining option with indoor and outdoor seating, and The Patio offers poolside dining with a relaxed atmosphere. Mosaic Caf serves specialty coffees and pastries, while room service is available around the clock with a comprehensive menu.

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Azamara Pursuit

Image: azamara.com

Launch Year: 2001

Capacity: Approximately 690 passengers

Class: R-Class

The ship has stunning views from the top deck, private balconies, and various public areas with large windows. The pool deck and The Living Room lounge provide excellent vantage points for taking in the scenic beauty of the journey. The ship features The Sanctum Spa, which offers a variety of treatments, a thalassotherapy pool, and a fitness center. Other amenities include a library, a casino, and a range of boutiques.

The pool area offers a relaxing retreat, and the fitness center has modern exercise equipment. Evening entertainment features live music, theatrical performances, and themed events. Dining on Azamara Pursuit is an exceptional experience, with several venues offering diverse culinary options. Discoveries Restaurant serves a variety of international dishes with open seating. Specialty restaurants include Aqualina, a buffet with indoor and outdoor seating, and The Patio, which offers poolside meals.

Azamara Quest

Image: azamara.com

Launch Year: 2000

Capacity: Approximately 690 passengers

Class: R-Class

Azamara Quest provides an intimate, luxurious cruising experience with 345 staterooms and suites, accommodating around 690 guests. Include Club Interior, Club Oceanview, Club Veranda staterooms, and suites such as the Club Continent Suite, Club Ocean Suite, and Club World Owner's Suite.  The ship offers breathtaking views from multiple vantage points, including private balconies, the top deck, and public areas with large windows. The Looking Glass Lounge and The Living Room Lounge provide excellent spots to enjoy the scenery.

Activities on Azamara Quest include enrichment programs such as expert lectures, cultural workshops, and performances. The pool area is a relaxing retreat, and the fitness center offers modern equipment and classes. Evening entertainment features live music, theatrical performances, and themed events. Dining on Azamara Quest is a culinary delight, with several dining venues offering various options. 

Ports Of The Azamara Cruise Line

Santorini, Greece

The port of Santorini welcomes Azamara's ships to its caldera bay, where you can explore the island's charming streets, boutique shops, and whitewashed architecture. The port's tendering facilities ensure smooth access to this enchanting destination in Santorini's unique blend of history and natural beauty.

St. Petersburg, Russia

The port of St. Petersburg offers Azamara guests an unparalleled glimpse into Russia's imperial past. Docking in the city's heart, passengers can conveniently access landmarks such as the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum, and the opulent Catherine Palace.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Azamara's ships anchor just off the coast of this South Pacific gem, offering guests breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and lush landscapes. Tender service transports passengers to the island's shores, where they can indulge in snorkeling, diving, or simply lounging on the pristine beaches.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik's historic port is a gateway to one of the Adriatic's most captivating destinations. Azamara's ships dock just outside the iconic medieval walls of the Old Town, around the UNESCO World Heritage Site at their leisure. The port's proximity to the city center ensures convenient access to attractions, shops, and restaurants, making it an ideal starting point for discovering the charms of this Croatian gem.

Hotels To Stay After Azamara Cruise

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece

The Hotel Grande Bretagne boasts elegantly appointed rooms and suites, gourmet dining options, and a rooftop pool with panoramic city vistas. Guests can unwind in the hotel's spa and wellness center or explore nearby attractions like the Parthenon Plaka district.

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg, Russia

This iconic hotel, dating back to the 19th century, exudes old-world charm and luxury. It offers sumptuously decorated rooms and suites, world-class dining, and impeccable service.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa features overwater bungalows with private decks and glass-bottom floors. It provides guests with a serene retreat surrounded by turquoise waters and lush landscapes.

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Perched on the Adriatic Seafront, overlooking the historic walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town, the Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik offers a blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance. Guests can enjoy stylishly appointed rooms and suites, many with balconies offering panoramic views of the sea and city. 

Also Read: Why You Should Consider Affordable River Cruises for Your Next Vacation

Flight options for Azamara Cruise Line

Direct flights from major international airports to embarkation ports can offer convenience and efficiency, especially for travelers with limited time or those who prefer to minimize layovers. Depending on your departure city and the cruise itinerary, direct flights may be available to ports such as Miami, Athens, Barcelona, and Sydney.

Connecting flights may provide more flexibility regarding departure times and airlines and potential cost savings compared to direct flights. Depending on their origin and destination, travelers can search for connecting flights through hub airports such as London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Dubai, or Los Angeles.

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Floating Close to the Wind

With a fleet of boutique-style ships designed to have a quick yet fascinating holiday, Azamara opens the door to various places and authentic encounters that other cruises cannot reach. Whether exploring the historic cities of Europe, the vibrant markets of Asia, or the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, Azamara's itineraries offer a world of possibilities for exploration and discovery. Sign up for the Leisure newsletter today for daily updates on your dream destinations.

Nothing beats the cultural encounters and secluded paradises brought to you, especially by Azamara Cruise Line. Leisure is here with the opportunity to select itineraries that compliment your preferences and make your cruise memorable. Have questions about reservations or yearning for bespoke itinerary planning? Visit our Cruise Enquiry form or dial 1888-509-1184.