azamara journey wifi

Azamara Journey Internet and Wifi

By denny1700 , September 15, 2017 in Azamara

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Could someone comment on the quality and stability of Azamara Internet and Wifi? Normally when I travel I have wifi wherever I am staying so that I can listen to Internet streaming radio as well as Google Play, Amazon Music, etc. instead of having to load part of my Music Library onto my I-pad. But as this is a ship cruise, I'm guessing that the wifi may be unstable and cut out some or much of the time. I also take it that the Internet (as at the stations) is not wifi and vice versa.

I listen to music a lot to relax...and am not much of a party person...That and reading, relaxing in quiet are up there for me.

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excitedofharpenden

Could someone comment on the quality and stability of Azamara Internet and Wifi? Normally when I travel I have wifi wherever I am staying so that I can listen to Internet streaming radio as well as Google Play, Amazon Music, etc. instead of having to load part of my Music Library onto my I-pad. But as this is a ship cruise, I'm guessing that the wifi may be unstable and cut out some or much of the time. I also take it that the Internet (as at the stations) is not wifi and vice versa.   I listen to music a lot to relax...and am not much of a party person...That and reading, relaxing in quiet are up there for me. :)

I haven't had an issue with Amazon Music. I've found it works pretty well around the ship. BBC Radioplayer is ok too. That's part of the reason I get the unlimited internet package.

Grandma Gilly

I returned from the Journey today and the internet was the worst I've ever experienced. I couldn't even download a newspaper.

I think it makes sense to download the music one wishes to listen during the cruise onto one's device.

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Azamara Journey Cruise Ship Review and Photos

Despite active volcanoes and emerging variants, we couldn’t miss a chance to hop onboard an Azamara Journey cruise for a visit to the Canary Islands .   This would be a new itinerary for me. 

Azamara emerged from the pandemic under new ownership . I was interested to see what if any changes had happened with Azamara’s familiar ambiance and service. 

Mostly comprised of British passengers, this destination-intensive Canary Islands cruise   would really be a unique experience.  

Azamara Journey Ship Review 

In This Post...

I always thought of Spain’s Canary Islands as a Caribbean-type getaway for Europeans. For those from the U.S., a transatlantic flight followed by a layover then additional hours to get to the islands, seemed a tad too far for a quick escape. 

Despite the new flight route from JFK to the island of Tenerife, many cruise departures are from Gran Canaria island.

Edged out from the Royal Caribbean umbrella, Azamara is by all accounts flourishing with the funds provided by Sycamore Group, a private equity firm. Onboard, the staff we spoke to seemed to agree that they were more empowered to make decisions on behalf of the ship.  

For now, most of Azamara’s operational changes are a direct result of cruising during the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to keep guests and crew safe.

Time — and the purpose-built Azamara Onward that debuted in spring 2022 — will tell what touches might differentiate from Azamara’s signature atmosphere under Sycamore.

RELATED:  Azamara Drops Most Pre-Cruise Covid Tests

A Canary Islands Cruise

Our Azamara Journey itinerary was a one-week Canary Islands cruise, roundtrip from Gran Canaria. The voyage squeezed six ports across five islands into eight days, and that meant no sea days.

Our cruise ports included:

• Gran Canaria
• Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)
• Santa Cruz, La Palma
• San Sebastian, La Gomera
• Santa Cruz, Tenerife
• Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Fast Facts – Azamara Journey

Year built : 2000 Year refurbished : 2016 Weight:  30,277 gross tons Decks:  8 Passengers at double occupancy:   690 Crew : 408 Total staterooms:  345

COVID-19 Protocols 

Prior to boarding Azamara Journey , passengers had to have a stack of important documents in their possession, including a number of negative COVID-19 test results.  

Preparation for cruising during the pandemic begins at home, where passengers are asked to fill out boarding documents that include proof of vaccination.

Traveling through the Canary Islands, under jurisdiction of Spain, a form provided by Spain’s Ministry of Health is also a requirement to enter the country.

Passports and Health Forms Required

Along with passports, passengers are expected to present this health form, boarding documents, and their vaccine card on a number of occasions as they navigate their way to the dock in Gran Canaria.  

Transiting through Madrid on the way home helped us avoid lengthy border control lines until we were able to use Global Entry upon return to the U.S.

Azamara hosts its own rapid COVID-19 test onsite at the port, and a negative result is required to board. Once onboard, masks are required in all public areas of the ship, except while actively eating and drinking.  

Welcome Aboard Azamara Journey

Embarkation has changed — perhaps forever — due to pandemic protocols. Some of the changes, including more paperwork and health checks, lead to long wait times in the sun at the port with nowhere to sit.

While others, including less formal lifeboat drills in small groups immediately upon embarkation — with Champagne! — were welcome adaptations.

Once our lifejacket demonstrator completed all necessary safety briefings, we were whisked to our cabin by an attendant. In our room, in addition to the usual brochures and welcome materials, were two blue cloth masks emblazoned with the Azamara logo.

We felt it was a nice touch that encouraged mask-wearing among guests.

INSIDER TIP: We were asked to sanitize your hands before each meal so be mindful of keeping your hands clean without drying them out. A good-quality hand cream can be a lifesaver.

First Impressions Azamara Journey

We sailed Azamara two years prior on the line’s then-newest ship, Azamara Pursuit . This time, the entire ship was decorated in anticipation of Christmas.

Metallic ornaments kept it classy while the various gingerbread houses constructed by teams from around the ship — including a village with a working toy train — contributed to a fun and festive atmosphere.  

Despite the shift in time and seasons, boarding Journey felt a bit like coming home, an intentional mimicking of a nearly identical feel across the fleet of three (soon to be four) ships.

From the grand staircase to the main dining room and the classic library to the pool deck, we already had the sense that this ship was familiar.  

But uniformity takes work, and changes meant to be rolled out to the ship during a dry dock in summer 2021, were now unavoidably taking place in December with passengers onboard.

Supply Chain Issues Were Noticeable

Supply-chain issues, that plagued many industries during the pandemic, left the ship without the proper carpeting in the Den on Deck 5 and new wallpaper in key passenger areas.

We didn’t notice anything amiss during our first day onboard as construction crews were quietly roamed our hallways. They were quick to rip down wallpaper and replace it with new high-quality fabric from Japan.

The noise was surprisingly not much of an issue, though the lingering smell was a bit distracting.  

While some new, high-quality touches are the result of a cash infusion into the company, other noticeable changes are the direct result of pandemic protocols.

Club Veranda Stateroom

We stayed in cabin 7079, your standard balcony room onboard an Azamara ship, and a comfortable way to sail the Canaries. With 175 square feet of space and a 40-square-foot balcony, two guests won’t be cramped by any means.  

One of our favorite features of an Azamara Veranda cabin is the size of its balcony furniture; comfortable seating and a large table mean a balcony breakfast or wine and cheese at sundown are not a hassle.  

Our least favorite feature is still the tiny bathroom size. While functional, we could not imagine our 6’7 cruise director fitting in any way, shape, or form into the itty-bitty shower with a clingy shower curtain.

Three small shelves and no space by the sink were not quite enough for two women, so we kept many of our hair and makeup products on the desk, or in a bag that hung from the door; a major space-saver.  

Inclusions in this class of cabin are typically standard, with terry robes and slippers. Although we received the leather card carrier which is always a nice touch, we didn’t notice the tote bag that many others were sporting. Still, the small cruise line is more generous with logo items than others we know.

Stateroom Amenities

Rooms come equipped with both standard U.S. and European outlets, as well as USB ports under the bedside reading lamps. Technology quickly outpaces charging units, so be sure you have chargers that can be plugged into either of these. Hair dryers are provided in a drawer by the desk.  

Beds can be combined for one queen or separated as two twins. We felt the linens and pillows were sufficiently comfortable. Other cabin features include a loveseat with a small round table, a desk with a chair and a large mirror. A flatscreen TV offers a handful of channels from international news and movies to what’s happening around the ship.  

Getting Organized in Our Stateroom

Closet space is limited, but two friends who overpacked for a single week were able to jam everything — just barely — into a few shelves and a small closet. Depending on how much you’re looking to bring, be mindful of finite hanger space.

Toiletries in the bathroom include a bar of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion with a light, aloe vera and green tea scent. Elemis products are still provided in more premium cabins.  

Much to the chagrin of our hotel director and longtime Azamara employee Tony Markey, the installation of water refill stations around the ship was still a work in progress.

Water, Water Everywhere But…

Unfortunately, that meant that in the meantime, water was provided to guests in now-taboo plastic bottles. Water was plentiful, both in our cabins and provided before or during shore excursions. The inability to move past plastic is a slight setback for Azamara’s sustainability initiatives.  

Azamara provides self-service washers and dryers, handy on longer voyages, but you must buy detergent. The laundry room is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located across from stateroom 7076.  

INSIDER TIP:  Bring your own reusable bottle, and use the water provided on the ship; even if it’s from a plastic bottle, you’ll have more H20 with you and can ask the ship to recycle them.

Our Room Steward

Cleaning up behind two women is never an easy feat, but as kind as our room steward was, he also seemed a bit scattered at times. We enjoyed wine in our room each night and brought our own bottles onboard — port from a port call in Portugal, to be exact.

But despite this clear signal to provide clean wine glasses, we had to replace our own every night with a somewhat confused call to room service — “No, not the wine, just the glass.”  

The same idea applied to my use of an additional duvet. Each night the extra comforter was packed away and each night I would have to lug it out again, hoping he would catch on that I liked an unnecessary amount of blankets.  

Our room was always neat as a pin. But intuitive service like making the bed with an extra blanket or having wine glasses ready to go each evening when we returned onboard, would have given that more personal touch.  

Dining Options on Azamara Journey

Making the best of meal times.

Despite constant changes in the ways guests are served during a pandemic, service levels remained high — something we also took particular note of on our first Azamara cruise.

Every crew member made a genuine effort to positively influence our experience, but perhaps none left as much of an impact as our servers in Discoveries Restaurant, Roston (“from Boston”) and Aaron.

Humorous and attentive, they struck a chord with our young American hearts, though they seemed to thrive at their job no matter the nationality, and that takes skill.

Complimentary Dining Choices

There are three complimentary, no-fee dining venues plus room service onboard Azamara Journey. Each restaurant offers guests a full rage of selections.

Every night is themed after a different type of cuisine, ex. Italian and French. The themes differ between the main dining room and the buffet.

We felt the themes were a little odd at times. Rather than emphasize local cuisine, the restaurant chose to serve British food to a ship of Brits.

However, Indian night was a highlight. After learning how disappointed we were to miss it during a dinner in Prime C, our waitstaff made sure to order us a full Indian feast for the following evening.

This was a special touch that impressed us. Overall, the quality of the food was quite good and the service was excellent.

Discoveries Restaurant

Open for breakfast (8 to 9:30) and dinner (6 to 9) with lunch served only on the day we were docked overnight in Funchal. Discoveries on Deck 5 is the main dining room onboard and it is a grand space.

The formal dining room is designed to accommodate most passengers on the ship at once. Only half of the dining room was in use during our sailing due to lower capacity.

We found that on a ship of Europeans, a 6 o’clock dinner was eerily quiet but pleasant if we needed an early night — most came to dinner around 8.  

The use of QR codes, now common in land-based restaurants to reduce contact, were available on the daily program and around the ship to view menus or make reservations, but we found neither were needed.

We were always accommodated and handed physical menus.

Typical Daily Dining Options

Breakfast options were international, like many of the menus onboard, and dishes were a bit unexpected: a Mediterranean salad or an Asian chicken and rice congee to start, followed by Arabic shakshuka or asparagus Benedict.

Of course, classic breakfast options — pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and the like — were plenty available upon request.  

On the Discoveries menu each evening we found an enticing offering of starters, main courses, and desserts. Plus an always-available menu included standards like steak, salmon, and Caesar salad. 

Each night it was possible to order an entire meal from the chef’s theme du jour. On Indian night, it was hard to resist samosas and butter chicken. Other nights we thoroughly enjoyed the fish. The soups, such as a Spanish gazpacho or minestrone, were always delicious.  

Windows Café

Windows, the buffet venue on Deck 9 open for breakfast (7 to 10), lunch (12 to 2), and dinner (6:30 to 8:30), was where we turned to for al fresco dining. The quick convenience of the buffet is hampered slightly by the inability to serve yourself due to health and safety measures. 

We chose to sit at the back of the ship and admire the stunning views of the islands in the morning and in the evening.  

We ordered our energizer shots and fresh-squeezed juices at the entrance. Then we chose a variety of fruit and pastries or hot dishes. Finally, we grabbed outdoor seating with coffee served to your table.

Lunch was a similar affair, sans the juice bar.  

At night, Windows became something like a bistro, and we hope it stays that way. We loved sitting out on the deck and indulging in a menu unique from the main dining room, like South American.

A casual option for lunch, The Patio is the poolside grill on Azamara Journey. We were pleasantly surprised by all of the options, which ranged from burgers (salmon, veggie, lamb, beef, turkey) to brochettes, soups, Buffalo wings, nachos, and sandwiches like pork loin with sauteed onions and feta on a baguette or a grouper panini with salsa and Chinese cabbage.  

Swirl & Top, the soft-serve ice cream machines, are located here; they were out of service when we asked about them, but we were brought hard ice cream sundaes instead from Windows Café.  

Room Service

Onboard Azamara Journey , room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day. Our favorite order was a cheese plate and two glasses of rose as we got ready for dinner, but sandwiches, desserts, and even a pizza are on offer.

For room service breakfast, a room tag is provided in your room to make your selections and hang it on your stateroom door the night before. Continental options as well as hot breakfast dishes like steak and eggs are available, free of charge.

We found that our breakfast consistently arrived early; better than late, but a bit of an unexpected wakeup call.  

Specialty Dining

Chef’s table.

Dinners at are available throughout the cruise, but limited to a dozen or so guests.

For $95 per person, this six-course, food-and-wine paired meal is a sensory experience. It is typically held at a banquet table in one of the specialty dining rooms and hosted by the executive chef. 

During the pandemic, guests are distanced at a minimum of two tables. Themes might be French, Italian, or Arabic.  

Additionally, Azamara Journey was trialing a new concept called the Explorer’s Dinner, held once per cruise for $65 per person. 

I thought this was a great deal considering a venue was fully decorated for the event and included six courses themed after a regional explorer. Special wine pairings were not included. 

On our sailing the meal celebrated Juan Ponce de Leon from Spain with garlic shrimp and paella.  

Dining packages are available to bundle culinary experiences, including packages with both specialty restaurants and the Chef’s Table.

Prime C Review

Azamara’s specialty dining restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina, have temporarily become two rotating dining rooms with one menu. Specialty dining remains included for suite guests, otherwise it’s a $30 cover per person.

Due to low passenger counts, kitchen and waitstaff were sometimes accommodating just one or two couples in each restaurant following Azamara’s restart.

To combat the all-too-quiet ambiance, one specialty venue is open each night of the cruise but serves a combined menu from the kitchens of the steakhouse and Italian restaurant, which we were told is a “best of the best” from each.  

While some diners seemed to revel in the mix-and-match, the choices can be a bit overwhelming, so review the menu before heading to dinner.

On the left, in red, are three starters, four soups or salads, and five entrees from Prime C, while on the right in blue you could find the same amount of Italian-themed options from Aqualina.  

During our specialty dining evening, we sat in Prime C and ordered a combination of dishes like crab and lobster cakes from the steakhouse menu and a braised beef cheek in Chianti sauce that was actually from Aqualina.

Some desserts, like the famed tiramisu, were not available, but service still shined. However, the cook of a fellow diner’s steak and the drawn-out nature of a meal here deterred us from revisiting. Instead, we opted for the exciting menu rotations and familiar service found in Discoveries.

Are Beverages Included on Azamara?

As for drinks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and select cocktails, they are included in the price of your cruise fare. Perhaps our favorite inclusion are the specialty coffees, which include dairy milk alternatives on hand, found at the Mosaic Café on Deck 5.

The juices available at Windows café in the morning are delightful (the smoothies were a bit of a miss). Drink packages are available for an additional fee to enjoy premium spirits and wines throughout the course of your cruise.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

On a sailing filled entirely with days in port, most passengers are out exploring from the morning until the evening.  

Our cruise director — author, entertainer, and former figure skater Eric de Gray — was the glue that held together every show and every event. Even his onboard announcements were amusing, delivered with a signature snark, and his headlining show nearly had us in tears.  

There is one pool and two whirlpools located on Deck 9, that saw a considerable amount of holiday-makers during the day.

The library, on Deck 10, is a mausoleum-silent space to read or borrow books on the honor system. With a delicate mural on the ceiling, its truly a gorgeous room for an afternoon repose.

There are two shops onboard Azamara Journey . Indulgences sells the standard duty-free liquor, perfume, and cigarettes, while the Journey Boutique sold luxury clothing, jewelry and accessories.  

Nightly meetups are held for Friends of Bill W., LGBTQ, and singles and solo travelers.

Insider Tip: Visit the dining reservations desk in the Windows Café. Ask around for a list of each venue’s dinner themes for the entirety of the cruise. That way, you can plan ahead (and not miss Indian night!)

We were forewarned on a first-day ship tour that many of the crew members at the Sanctum Spa were unable to join the Azamara Journey.   This was due to their country’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Despite being short staffed, we loved our spa experiences (yes, plural). The staff were extremely friendly and professional.

My travel companion had her luggage misplaced by the airline and boarded the ship without her hard-earned, high-end hair products.

Without missing a beat, the spa manager pulled every Elemis product she might have needed. Even with limited therapists onboard, we had a combined four treatments — including my first-ever facial. We raved about them all.

Spa Discounts and Services

Spa specials ran throughout the cruise. With a booked treatment you received a discount on future treatments. Facials ranged from $129 to $199 and massages ranged from $149 to $299.  

Hair, nails, and waxing services are also available at The Sanctum, along with teeth whitening and shaves for men. The spa was typically open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Sanctum Terrace is a lovely and serene spot at the front of the ship, just outside the spa. There are loungers and a small thalassotherapy pool.

Should You Buy a Spa Pass?

Daily and weekly passes were available. But we were able to enjoy some time here before and after our spa treatments. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset if you can manage it. The terrace hours are listed until 8 p.m. but we never saw anyone else there.

Unfortunately, many of the missing spa staff were fitness instructors, so onboard classes like Pilates were unavailable. However, the fitness center was open and self-guided workouts and stretching were encouraged.

Only eight guests were allowed inside at one time, and masks were required.

Daytime Activities

On such a port-intensive itinerary, daytime activities extend to card games, shuffleboard, intimate trivia sessions, or a walk around the jogging track.

However, we did notice a fair number of Brits onboard who spent ample time soaking up the Spanish sunshine from a lounger near the pool.

Apart from a smattering of dance classes and maybe a lesson on smartphone photography, we were disappointed by the lack of enrichment.

We did hear a lot of positive feedback about a wine and food pairing exercise, but guests had to pay an additional fee to participate.

Enrichment Lectures 

From a cruise line that claims total destination immersion, we wanted to learn more about the ports and the culture and not just what few shore excursions were offered.

A lecture on the Spanish Civil War was postponed due to poor attendance. We place that blame less on the passengers and more on the activities staff choosing enrichment topics.

Despite an active volcano on La Palma, we were still able to dock. Some information on volcanoes — how the Canary Islands were formed — seemed like a more relevant and timely topic.

Insider Tip: If you don’t feel like an all-day excursion, reserve tea at Reid’s Palace (in Funchal) online in advance. It’s a bit of an uphill climb, but totally walkable and bookable on your own. Only available from 3-4:30 Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Evening Entertainment

The vibe onboard Azamara Journey is relaxed and a bit sleepy. While there were some standout entertainment experiences, evening plans sometimes began and ended with a simple nightcap.

There are bars located in each dining venue. Additional bars included the Cabaret Lounge, Mosaic Café, Pool Bar, the Living Room, and Spirits in the Den.

Be sure to find the Sunset Bar on Deck 9 aft, it’s the perfect place for a sailaway drink. This bar has its own unique beverage menu that features tasty tropical tipples. We wish we had found sooner.

Where You’ll Find Live Music

At night, you can find a variety of live music around the ship to complement your cocktail. On our sailing we enjoyed the band East Pearl. They worked triple duty playing dance hits before dinner, at night, and late-night in the Deck 10 Living Room.

There was a pianist who played near Spirits bar. The Journey Orchestra performed Latin music every night in the Living Room. Plates of tapas were offered.

If you are extra vigilant, you might be able to catch a karaoke session in the Living Room lounge.

Capacity was capped in the Cabaret Lounge, the onboard theater, but it was never a problem for the evening shows. The singers and dancers had the task of appealing to a multicultural audience. 

Shows like “Four on the Floor” and needless to say, there was a lot of ABBA.

We attended the classical piano recital of Sasha Kovalovin and thoroughly enjoyed his talent alongside his charming commentary.

White Night and the AzAmazing Evening, Azamara’s signature events were canceled due to COVID. But the resilience and resourcefulness of Azamara’s hotel and activities staff and crew ensured guests were still able to celebrate.

White Night — temporarily – became Bright Night, a version of the deck party muddled by crowd capacities and then bad weather.

The theater held the main performance. Guests encouraged to dance though mask use was not enforced.

Similarly, accommodating hundreds of guests at a local venue wasn’t doable for the AzAmazing Evening. So Azamara Journey hosted a Destination Celebration, instead. 

This included a poolside performance from a quartet called Paganini, and a Spanish dinner in the Windows Café.

The humor-infused classical concert was a perfect fit for the Azamara audience. There were two showtimes in two seatings.

The destination centered around the unique culture of the Canary Islands and not blanket Spain. But it would have been nice to try more regional dishes and drinks from the places we visited.

Perhaps it was not possible due to logistical challenges.

Who’s Onboard

Well-traveled retired couples are typical Azamara guests. The small ship cruise line also attracts a strong number of loyal and return cruisers.

On our Canary Islands cruise, there were 329 total passengers (about half capacity) spanning an impressive 19 nationalities. British passengers made up two-thirds of the guests. Danish about 10 percent.

There were just 15 Americans onboard, 11 Germans and 10 Macedonians. Plus, a mix of over a dozen other countries represented.  

Final Thoughts – Azamara Journey Review

Azamara has largely ditched its formal Azamara Club Cruises moniker, while retaining its clubby camaraderie in all the best ways.

It’s not the most luxurious cruise line, or the most modern, or the most intimate. There is familiarity and a genuine nature to the service onboard that is hard to pinpoint but easy to recognize.

Even during a global pandemic and an ownership change, Azamara has retained its signature offerings and its stellar crew. This included comfortable surrounds, tasty cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and access to spectacular destinations.  

Cruise Review in a Nutshell

Ship:   Azamara Journey Category:  Premium ($$$) Internet/Wifi:   Extra fee, though included in many cruise fare packages. Date: December 11-18, 2021

Disclosure : Azamara paid my cruise fare and that of my guest. Azamara included my airfare and an onboard credit. All opinions are my own and reflect my cruise experience and observations.

I hope you find this Azamara Journey cruise ship review to be helpful whether or not you’re considering an Azamara Canary Islands cruise. Azamara cruises the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the world.

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Fantastic food, lousy internet: What it's like on the first Azamara cruise since it split with Royal Caribbean

Editor's Note

I'm currently onboard Azamara Quest for Azamara Cruises ' first voyage -- a Greek Isles itinerary -- since the pandemic forced sailings to stop in March 2020. The brand is scrappy, having taken a back seat to former sister lines Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises since its creation in 2007, which forced it to operate with a limited amount of older hardware and a bit of an identity crisis. Now, under new ownership, it has resumed operations with a fresh perspective on where it's headed.

I've sailed with just about every mainstream line, but Azamara was one that eluded me, until now. I was curious to know if anything had changed following Royal Caribbean Group's sale of the line to a UK-based private equity firm in early 2021, but because I hadn't experienced the brand prior to its changing hands, I can only tell you what the onboard vibe is like in the present.

Here, I'll share some of my key takeaways so far, related to both my experience as a first-time Azamara cruiser and as someone on the first sailing back since early last year.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

The line is taking COVID-19 seriously

Azamara is following both U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Greek guidelines for passengers and crew. Anyone 12 or older is required to be vaccinated in order to sail, and anyone with children younger than 12 in their travel party must take ship-sponsored excursions in port.

The line tests all passengers at the Piraeus cruise terminal prior to boarding, and it has set up a comfortable area with chairs and large fans, where cruisers wait for their results, which are called by number. Crew members are on hand to offer water and cold towels. Passengers who test negative see their numbers appear on a TV screen. When I saw my number posted, I went to the desk and got an Azamara sticker that allowed me to enter the terminal for check-in.

The woman working the testing desk told me that if someone tests positive, they are tested a second time. If they test positive again, there is private transportation on standby to take them to a place where the cruise line's team will assist with booking either accommodations or transportation home.

Masks are required onboard unless passengers are eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing or in their cabins. There's ample hand sanitizer around nearly every turn, and social distancing is firmly in place in all lounges and dining venues, with signage on the backs of seats that are blocked.

"I think we have the highest level of health and sanitation we could possibly have in any vacation option you could choose, so hopefully that's made people ... feel like this is a great option because we're taking care of them," Carol Cabezas, the president of Azamara Cruises, told TPG in a sit-down interview on the ship.

Although the industry is seeing vessels at as much as 75% occupancy right now, Azamara has committed to capping it at 50% for the time being. This voyage has just 220 passengers (about 30% capacity), including some first-time cruisers.

The lack of passengers is evident in onboard activities -- trivia, nightly performances and entertainment in the lounge -- which are sparsely attended. I'm told this is due to the lowered capacity. There are also lots of shore excursions available, but when I tried to book a pottery-related one that looked interesting, I was told it was canceled because there weren't enough people signed up.

Some changes have been made

Adjustments have been made to account for COVID-19, the most major of which is the suspension of the line's signature AzAmazing Evenings. These are exceptional local experiences, often at night, that aim to provide a truly authentic look at the places Azamara's ships visit. Until at least January of next year, the line is replacing AzAmazing Evenings with what it's calling Destination Celebrations -- onboard parties that bring local entertainment onboard the ships for outdoor performances with port views as backdrops.

"With the current environment, some things we've had to adapt," Cabezas said, referring to the temporary AzAmazing Evenings hiatus. "... [Destination Celebrations] will bring the culture to the guests onboard ... Historically, we would take the guests out to a particular venue. Because of the [COVID-19] situation, we can't do that anymore. I don't know how long that will [last], but we remain committed to providing some of these signature types of product deliveries that allow us to really support the destination immersion promise that we make to our guests."

Other necessary changes include a crew-served buffet instead of self-service for breakfast and lunch, as well as a sit-down waiter-served affair for dinner, and the temporary closure of extra-fee seafood restaurant Aqualina due to the vessel's reduced capacity. Prime C, the ship's steakhouse, is open, and cruisers who dine there can order from either the Prime C menu or the one normally found in Aqualina. To cut down on contact, fist bumps, which I'm told are a huge part of Azamara's culture, have been largely abandoned in favor of nods or simply saying hello.

The brand has also refreshed its logo a bit to make it look more colorful and modern, and it entered into a partnership with a new retail partner. That means its small but well-stocked onboard shops now sell local crafts and boutique toiletry items, as well as fine jewelry, clothing and designer bags, including quirky and creative beaded statement purses by California-based Mary Frances.

The service is excellent

I have only sailed with a couple of other premium lines, but it's clear the crew on Azamara Quest go the extra mile to make sure passengers are happy. On my first night onboard, I dined at Prime C with a group of other passengers. We were seated against a row of panoramic windows, and the sun was blinding as it prepared to set. One of our waiters tried to lower the curtains, but when that didn't work, two more rushed over with a tablecloth that they pinned in place to fix the problem.

The next day, during lunch in the buffet, I asked if it was possible to get an iced coffee, and one appeared shortly afterward without a problem. At the Destination Celebration, I requested a fork with which to eat the baklava that was offered during the performance, and one of the crew quickly returned with one. At lunch in the buffet, I requested a single scoop from the gelato counter; instead, I was handed a cone with two scoops and a huge chocolate garnish.

My room stewards have also been fantastic. The cabin is spotless, and today, while I was rushing back from port, one of them went to my cabin door and unlocked it for me after he noticed I was approaching with my hands full.

The food is delicious

In addition to being beautifully prepared, the food is fantastic. It feels like there are just enough choices to cater to everyone for a ship of this size, with a main dining room, a buffet, a poolside dining venue, two specialty restaurants (one right now) and a cafe for small bites and specialty coffees.

My favorite so far is the cafe, as it lets me try several different options without overeating, and its hours of operation are quite a bit more flexible. The buffet's sit-down dinner service has impressed me the most so far with its country-themed menus, which change each night. (So far, I've enjoyed Greek and Mexican.) Meals there can be as quick or as drawn out as you like. Conversely, the Patio, the poolside venue, was hit-and-miss, with one of my dishes delightful and the other overcooked and rubbery.

Technology is lacking

This is my fifth sailing since cruising has resumed, and what's painfully apparent on this ship is its lack of cutting-edge technology. Azamara has its own app, but it only works on one of the line's four ships, and it's not this one. That means there was no mobile check-in, the muster drill was in person (albeit via video in a smaller group), and I'm not able to check the daily schedule when I'm out and about unless I carry a paper copy with me.

Additionally, the Wi-Fi was basically nonexistent the first two days of the sailing. It would connect for no more than 10 minutes each time I tried, and during that period, I was unable to upload photos, view social media or even load web pages in some cases. Several passengers who saw me writing this article at a table near the pool approached to ask if I was able to get on the Wi-Fi and seemed as annoyed as I was when I told them I wasn't.

This is one area where Azamara falls short, and it's taking steps to fix that. During our day in Cyprus, the system was shut down completely for several hours so it could be adjusted. Now it's working significantly better.

In the longer term, Cabezas told me the line is working on fleetwide upgrades, including the app and the internet connection.

"These probably won't be seen for a little bit of time yet, but we're getting all new technology for the brand, and that's one of the things that I think the team is most excited about," she said, noting that improvements will also encompass new reservations and loyalty systems. "... We'll be able to communicate so much better with our travel partners, with our customers, and I think that will be something that the guests will notice a lot more over the coming 18 to 24 months."

"Our website will have to work differently with a whole brand-new, robust system that supports it, along with an app. But again, that will take a little bit of time because we're starting from scratch. But the great thing is, it'll be the newest and best technology there is."

The ship looks great for its age

When we pulled up to the cruise port in Piraeus on embarkation day, the first thing I noticed was Azamara Quest's shiny, new paint job. The vessel looks great, both inside and out, but there are some small things that remind passengers it's definitely not new.

Azamara Quest -- along with sister ships Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit and soon-to-be Azamara Onward, which the line purchased from Princess Cruises earlier this year -- is one of eight R-class ships that were built for defunct cruise line Renaissance. When the line folded, the vessels changed hands before landing with Azamara and Oceania (which also operates four of them).

With the exception of some minor scuffs here and some peeling wallpaper there, Quest's interior is elegant and upscale, featuring dark woods, neutral browns and creams, and pops of color sprinkled throughout.

However, there are two dead giveaways with regard to the ship's age. One -- the fact that the bathrooms in some of the lower-tiered cabins still have shower curtains -- is minor, but it's annoying. The second is more noticeable: Many of the entryways from public areas onto the outdoor decks have high thresholds. To comply with ADA accessibility, there are ramps in place to allow wheelchairs and scooters to move throughout the ship. I'm glad to see they've made the appropriate accommodations, but I wish they could simply remove the thresholds instead. (Several people, including me, have tripped.)

Cabins are comfortable

My first impression of my standard balcony cabin was that it's a little on the small side. However, it's well-appointed and has everything I need, including one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in at sea. Although there are some small niggles -- touchy plumbing, a clingy shower curtain, a showerhead that only faces toward the curtain, a lack of movie selections on the in-room entertainment system and a balcony door that even Hercules himself would have trouble opening -- there are good qualities, too.

There's plenty of closet and drawer space, the furniture is functional, the color palette is relaxing, and I adore some of the modern touches, such as USB ports by the beds and a motion-activated closet light that turns on when I open the door and turns off again when I close it. There are also small touches, including fresh flowers and free soda and water, that you just won't find on most larger ships.

The ship isn't the destination

The trend in cruising the last few years has largely been toward bigger, more flashy vessels that offer so much to do onboard that there's almost no need to go ashore. That's not the case here. In fact, activities are pretty much limited to trivia, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, dance classes, darts and Ping Pong, enrichment lectures, golf putting, and spa and salon pitches. There's so little to do on the ship that I was actually a little bored on our first day, which was a sea day. (But that's by design, and I'm also not necessarily the line's target demographic.)

This is a highly port-intensive itinerary, and Azamara's goal is to better connect its passengers with the places its ships visit. By offering less to do onboard, it encourages cruisers to explore the cities on the itinerary. With Azamara's focus on destination immersion, it's understandable that the vessels aren't intended to be in the spotlight.

Nightly entertainment is limited

Each night's entertainment has been great so far. (I particularly liked an all-male vocal group called The Other Guys, which is what you get when you cross The Four Seasons with contemporary pop hits.) But it's limited to one performance per night at 8:45, making it impossible for passengers to eat dinner late and still see the show. (I was told that, when the ship is full, there's generally more than one show time offered.)

Other options are the same each night: live music in the lounge, followed by DJ-spun hits. The couple of times I stopped in, I was one of fewer than 10 people in attendance. I chalk this up to the ship's limited capacity; it will likely be a lot more lively as sailings continue into the fall when capacity is expected to be closer to the line's 50% threshold.

TPG's Ashley Kosciolek is reporting live from the first Azamara Cruises sailing in 17 months. You can find all of her dispatches on her author's page .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Azamara Club Cruises: 10 things to expect on a luxury cruise

Are you someone that loves to travel, explore new destinations and discover the local food and culture? But, you like to do so in luxury and style?

Perhaps you thought that cruising was not for you: too many people, too many restrictions, not enough time to explore what you want to see?

While I’m relatively new to cruising I’ve realised that there’s definitely not “one size fits all”. Just as you might choose to stay in a boutique hotel or a luxury resort, a homely bed and breakfast or a local’s apartment, there is a cruise ship option to suit your travel style.

If you are looking for small ship luxury and more time in the destinations you visit, then Azamara Club Cruises could be the cruise line for you. Read on and watch my video for what to expect from an Azamara Club Cruise:

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I hope you enjoy my video below – a ship’s tour of Azamara Journey

If you can’t see the video above about a tour of Azamara Journey see it on my blog here or YouTube here . Please do subscribe using the button above.

Click here for direct download of video

Table of Contents

Small Ship Cruising

Guy and I sailed with Azamara Club Cruises last summer on their 7 night Greek Isles and Turkey cruise from Athens to Istanbul. I really felt the difference between travelling on a smaller ship with less than 700 guests, compared to the larger ships that take 3000+ passengers.

While Azamara Club Cruises benefits from being part of the larger Royal Caribbean Cruise group, this niche luxury cruise line has just two ships. We sailed on Azamara Journey but Azamara Quest is practically identical and both have a capacity of 686 guests.

You may also enjoy: A guide to luxury cruising on Azamara Pursuit – with Azamara Club Cruises

So how does traveling on a smaller ship affect for your cruise experience? It means that the atmosphere on board is friendly and intimate and it’s very easy to make new friends.

Cruising on a smaller scale

While there is everything on board you’d find on any cruise ship it’s on a smaller scale. There’s one swimming pool instead of three, for instance. More importantly it means that the ship has more flexibility to visit ports that some of the larger ships can’t. It’s easy to adapt the itinerary if bad weather is forecast.

You’ll find that captain and senior crew are very visible around the ship. They mingle with guests in the evening, and have a lot more freedom to adapt the needs of the moment. If you bump into the charming Captain Johannes, be sure to ask him about the time he stopped to ship off the coast of Norway for a spot of fishing!

On Azamara Journey we were able to visit the Greek Island of Patmos. There’s a sleepy feel of the old Greece here that Guy loved when he went island hopping as a student.

Smaller ships also allow you to sail right into the heart of a city. There’s no need to be transported from the newer port where the larger ships will dock. You’ll be within an easy walk of all you want to see.

It’s all about the destination

Azamara Club Cruises is much more about the places you visit. Rather than spending your days on board, they promote a concept they call “ Destination Immersion “.

Many of the excursions or “ Land Discoveries ” take you to places that are not normally open to the public. You’ll have access to unusual, insider experiences that give you special insights to the local culture.

One of my favourites was the day we spent learning about Turkish cuisine and culture. We met in a country house near Kusadasi.

The house had been beautifully designed as a showcase for local crafts and artisans. I viewel Turkish rugs, carved marble fireplaces and Suzani cut-work throws on the bed.

In the family’s kitchen, we learned how to make Turkish dishes like stuffed peppers. I sat under the shady pergola rolling vine leaves to make Dolma.

We were shown how a Turkish woman would tie her headscarf depending on the region of Turkey she came from. I learned how to wash your rice many times so that every grain of your pilaf would be separate.

The meal ended with tiny cups of strong Turkish coffee. When we’d finished the cups were upturned so that the ladies could have their fortunes told from the pattern of the coffee grounds. The art of fortune telling is passed from mother to daughter.

It was a lovely and relaxing insight into Turkish culture and cuisine. Of course all the ladies came away with a headscarf and recipe book to bring home. Read about our day of Turkish culture here.

Contemporary elegance

I’d describe the style of Azamara Journey, when we sailed last summer, as elegant, luxurious and classic. But if you’re planning to cruise from spring 2016 you’ll find a new contemporary look on board.

Both ships will go into dry dock to be refitted and come out “ Re-imagined “. The natural elements of earth, air, water and fire have inspired a paler, more muted colour scheme. Creams and earthy tones will be used throughout the ship.

Even last summer we could see some of this new contemporary look being introduced in the sun loungers and deck furniture in some parts of the ship. In staterooms the darker wood and furnishings will be replaced this spring by light, fresh tones while retaining the luxurious feel.

Other innovations will be part of the refurbishment, with new spa suites being created. These have a sea view from the bathroom and allow special access to the spa amenities included in the price of these staterooms.

There will also be new investments in technology since most guests these days travel with tablets and smartphones. A new wifi system on board will provide faster internet connections and there will be interactive tabletops in public areas for social media surfing.

Fabulous food

We found the food on board Azamara to be excellent. Unlike many cruise lines, the wines, beers, soft drinks and speciality coffees are included in the price of your cruise holiday.

The small ship experience doesn’t mean you miss out on choice. You can eat with full waiter service in the Discoveries Restaurant , or choose from the buffet selection while still receiving waiter service for drinks in the Pool Grill and Windows Café .

On larger cruise ships the buffet restaurant can feel like a seething mass of humanity, But, on board Azamara Journey we found a more elegant experience altogether.

Our favourite place to dine was in the outdoor seating area of the Windows Café. Located towards the back of the ship, it felt as if we were sitting in a seaside restaurant with a view of the waves.

There are two excellent speciality restaurants on board, for an additional charge of $25 per person per meal. Aqualina specialises in contemporary Italian cuisine. Prime C has a country club feel, serving excellent steak and meat dishes. We dined at Aqualina one evening and had the most delicious meal featuring light, fresh dishes and plenty of seafood.

Informal lifestyle

Guests who are new to cruising are often concerned about what they need to pack for their cruise. While there are shops on board, it’s not as if you can easily pop out to find the outfit you need. Nor do you want to spend your holiday worrying about whether you’ll be caught out by a black tie dress code.

You can rest easy when you set sail that Azamara Club Cruises dress code is elegant but informal. Most guests dressed up in the evening as you would if you were going to a smart restaurant.

It was more about a pretty dress and jewellery or a crisp shirt and jacket for gentlemen then about anything more formal. You won’t need a tuxedo or a long sparkly dress on board.

Of course there is a free self-service laundry. You can travel light if you like, knowing that your outfits can multi-task, especially on longer voyages. The only thing you should remember to pack is something white – more of that later.

Arrive early, sail late

You may not realise this but it costs a lot for a ship to be in port. It’s like being in a very expensive car park with the meter running.

That’s why on some cruises you’ll find that you’ll have to be back on the ship by mid-afternoon having rushed around trying to see everything. Not so when you sail with Azamara Club Cruises.

In most of the destinations you visit you’ll have time for a leisurely wander around the port of call. Just when all the other cruise ship guests are heading back to the ship you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon with less crowds.

There’s plenty of time to see the sunset and have a leisurely dinner onshore at the places the locals like to eat once most cruise ships have sailed.

Arriving early also means that if you’re an early bird you can enjoy the views from the ship. Then, disembark to make the most of the day.

Our magical moments on our Greece and Turkey cruise were seeing the sunrise from the caldera of Santorini with the mist rising off the shore. We enjoyed sailing through the Golden Horn as we arrived in Istanbul past the Topkapi palace and the Blue Mosque. Read about our stop in Istanbul here.

Consider what is included

One of the big things to consider when choosing your cruise is what’s included and what’s not included in the cost of your holiday. Many cruises have a lower entry price but you’ll also need to budget for drinks, gratuities, self service laundry and shuttle buses. All of these can add hundreds if not thousands of pounds to your bill, but they are included in the price you pay for your Azamara Club Cruise.

I must say that I found it a lot more relaxing to know that I didn’t have to think about the cost of that cappuccino or debate whether it was worth paying for the shuttle bus or taking public transport.

Another thing that is included in the price is an AzAmazing Evening on every cruise; a unique evening experience that you probably couldn’t recreate yourself. Azamara Club Cruises are priced in line with the luxurious small ship experience they offer.

However, once you take into account everything that’s included the overall cost may compare favourably with other cruise lines. Others appear to be cheaper but can’t offer such a unique experience.

Enjoy your evenings onshore

A big benefit of later sailing times is that you can enjoy evenings onshore, dining in a local restaurant or having a drink as the sun goes down. Azamara make this very easy through their Cruise Global, Eat local programme. This introduces you to restaurants that are recommended for their authentic local dishes, or are included in a lunchtime stop in the land discovery that you book.

We had a delicious mezze lunch on Patmos after looking around the sights of Chora. Our restaurant offered a gorgeous sea view. Read about our stop in Patmos here .

On Santorini we dined on fava bean puree, Greek salad and roast lamb at Kalisti taverna in Prygos. This allowed us to see a different part of the island away from the crowds and heat of Oia.

Look out for Nights and Cool Places experiences that you can book. These allow you access to interesting places after dark, perhaps an art gallery or after hours museum visit, where you have a unique insider access.

A White Night party

One event that was not especially well publicised is the Azamara White Night Party. This is the closest that the ship gets to a formal dress code night. You just need to remember to pack some white clothes to wear.

Depending on the weather, tables are set out on deck with a buffet selection. The Azamara singers and dancers perform a show to entertain you.

Our White Night Party was held in Patmos and the view of the sun setting over the island was magical as we sat on deck enjoying the warm night air. Captain Johannes thoughtfully delayed the sailing time until after dinner had finished, so that we would not be disturbed by any motion of the sea, although it was a pretty calm night.

An AzAmazing Evening

While the White Night Party was great fun, our AzAmazing evening at Ephesus was a truly magical event. On every cruise, Azamara offers a unique evening event that would be difficult to recreate on your own, and even better it’s included in your cruise.

For our AzAmazing evening, we took the short coach journey from Kusadasi to Ephesus where cocktails and wine had been set out just as the sun was setting.

We didn’t get the opportunity to walk through the entire site. However, we could stroll among the ancient pillars and see the sun setting behind the silhouette of the Library of Celcus, built in 117 AD. After a glass of wine, we took our seats on the stone seats of the Odean amphitheatre where cushions had been thoughtfully provided.

As dusk fell, the Camera Izmir Orchestra entertained us with pieces by Bach and Mozart. A guest harpist performed Handel’s harp concerto. The rousing Hungarian Dance with gypsy violins got an enthusiastic round of applause. Read about our evening at Ephesus here .

Other AzAmazing evenings have included opera in Venice and an orchestral concert in Liverpool Cathedral. Since the ship’s itineraries change each year it will always be something unique and special.

Good for a first cruise

By now you probably have a feel for whether this might be the kind of cruise you’d enjoy. We certainly loved every moment of our Azamara Club Cruise.

If you love to travel but are not sure if cruising is for you, I’d highly recommend Azamara for a first cruise. The experience is so personal and not at all overwhelming in the way some of the bigger ships can be.

It’s also perfect for solo travellers and couples since it’s easy to make friends on board. If you like to travel in style and luxury but still feel a connection to the places and cultures you visit be sure to look at Azamara Club Cruises for your cruise this year.

Have you sailed with Azamara Club Cruises? If so, do let me know in the comments how you found it and what you enjoyed.

Read More about our Azamara Greece Island Cruise

Sailing into Santorini – Day 1 of our Azamara Greek Island Cruise Windy Mykonos – Day 2 of our Azamara Greek Island Cruise Charming Patmos – day 3 of our Azamara Greek Island Cruise Kusadasi and Ephesus – day 4 of our Azamara Greek Island Cruise Istanbul – day 6 of our Azamara Greek Island Cruise

About Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises is a small luxury cruise line with two ships; Azamara Journey that Heather and Guy sailed on and Azamara Quest, each with a capacity of 686 guests. The smaller ship size means you often visit destinations that larger ships can’t get into and the ships can dock in more central locations.

The emphasis is on destination immersion ; enjoying the destination to the full, arriving early and sailing late. Guests can enjoy nights and cool places ashore, with insider access programmes and a unique AzAmazing evening included in each cruise.

No itinerary is the repeated and each year the ships visit different destinations around the world. Azamara is part of Royal Caribbean Cruise group. Visit the Azamara Club Cruises website more information about a Mediterranean luxury cruise like the one Heather and Guy enjoyed.

Joining your Azamara Club Cruise

Heather and Guy flew from London Heathrow to Athens and back from Istanbul using British Airways, although obviously each cruise is different in the best way to get there.

Heather used the Meet and Greet Parking Service booked through Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) . They offer airport parking at a range of airports across the UK as well as travel extras such as airport lounge booking and airport hotel stays.

Both flights and transfers from the airport to your cruise ship can be arranged through Azamara Club Cruises.

Thanks to Azamara Club Cruises who hosted* Heather and Guy for their 7 day Greek Island Cruise. Thanks also to Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) who provided* their airport parking at Heathrow.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Wednesday 8th of August 2018

We are going with Azamara in 2020 to New Zealand, all sounds very nice, good info here, we are cruise fans!!!

Heather Cowper

Thursday 9th of August 2018

@Wendy I'm sure you'll love Azamara - they are one of our favourite cruise lines

Tuesday 8th of August 2017

Sounds amazing. I was all set on booking a Royal Caribbean cruise but now having second thoughts. Will check out Norwegian too!

@Douna Each cruise line has it's own features and fans - I certainly enjoyed the small ship size of Azamara

Wednesday 10th of February 2016

Amazing video & photograph you have shared. Actually i wanted to travel in Cruise since childhood.

@Suraj If it's your first cruise I highly recommend Azamara for the personal small ship experience.

Shikha (whywasteannualleave)

Friday 5th of February 2016

I just went on my first cruise in December and there were aspects of it that I both liked and disliked but I must say, this cruise sounds fabulous - I love the concept of it being more about the destination - your Turkey country house experience is the sort of thing I would just love to try! ☺

Saturday 6th of February 2016

@Shikha The taste of Turkish cuisine and culture was one of my favourite parts of the cruise.

I know lots of people love the active social life on board ship, the food, wine, watching the seascapes and participating in the activities. But there were many islands I wanted to see on our last cruise (Rome and Barcelona) and I resented not being able to spend a full day on every, single island.

So here is what I _should_ have checked before leaving home: 1. Which islands and ports would be visited? 2. How many hours could I spend on each of these islands and ports? 3. When the ship was at sea, was the cabin big enough to spend any waking time in? Your bedroom looks gorgeous in the photo. 4. Did each cabin have a private balcony? Yours did!

@Hels It's certainly worth understanding a bit more about the places you'll visit on a cruise and how long you'll get to look around. Like you the destination is the highlight for me and I want to spend as long as possible there.

• CruiseMapper

Azamara Journey deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Azamara Journey deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Azamara Cruises deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Azamara Journey cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Azamara Journey staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

Azamara Journey (2000-built as "R-Six", acquired in 2007, last refurbished in 2021) is the first of the four identical R-Class Azamara cruise ships - the fleetmates Azamara Quest , Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward (Pacific Princess) . The vessel was built for Renaissance Cruises (1989-founded/2001- defunct ) and named "R-Six" between 2000-2003. In 2003-2007 the boat was operated by Pullmantur - as "Blue Star" (2003-2005) and "Blue Dream" (2005-2007), then joined the Azamara’s fleet. Of this class are the same-designed Oceania Cruises ships Insignia , Nautica , Regatta , Sirena (Ocean Princess) .

Azamara Journey cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 355 staterooms for 710 passengers (max capacity is 781) served by 410 crew-staff. The boat has 11 decks (9 passenger-accessible, 6 with cabins), 4 restaurants, 5 lounges and bars, 2 swimming pools (1 Spa), 2 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 4 elevators, self-serve launderette (Deck 7). Passenger-use launderettes (laundromats) are located only on deck 7. These are self-service laundry facilities with ironing boards and detergent being provided.

The boat has no dedicated kids or teen areas (clubs, playrooms) or special programming. Occasionally, mainly during summer or on holiday itineraries when there are 25 or more kids booked, the shipowner provides a professional youth counselor.

Four elevators (2x Forward and 2x Aft passenger lifts) interconnect all decks.

The Azamara Cruises Journey is a top luxury ship with all-inclusive fares. Azamara Club cruise prices include the following drinks and services (complimentary throughout the voyage):

• Alcohol (a selection of 30+ standard spirits, incl schnapps, whiskies, bourbons, vodkas, rums, gins, brandy, liqueurs), cocktails (a selection of 30 long drinks), beers (Budweiser, Bud Light, Beck’s), locally sourced boutique wines by the glass (1 red and 1 white each day throughout the voyage), bottled water, soda / soft beverages, specialty coffees-teas
• tips (gratuities)
• Room Service (professional personal butler service for Suite passengers, concierge service for all the rest)
• Self-service launderette (laundry room /Deck 7)
• Shuttle (transfers) to and from the ship
• Azamara TV onboard program, daily newsletter.

Azamara Journey deck plan changes 2016 refurbishment review

The ship's drydock refurbishment in 2016 (January 22-27, done in Freeport Bahamas ) resulted in the following deck plan changes:

• Large touch screen displays were installed in several areas around the ship. They allow passengers (for free) to send digital postcards, explore world atlas maps and also provide Azamara Cruises itineraries and ports of call information.
• On Deck 4, Inspiration Center received a 98-inch touchscreen (interactive system provides information on future cruises - itineraries, ports, excursions).
• On Deck 10, The Drawing Room (Library) and the Living Room both received interactive tabletops (used for sending digital postcards, Scribble app, Internet / social media websites).
• Two new Club Spa Suites were built in the place of the eConnections (computer room, located portside on Lido Deck 9). Also on deck 9 was added The Patio (outdoor BBQ restaurant) and Swirl & Top (frozen yogurt bar).
• On Deck 10 was added The Living Room (forward observation lounge & bar, disco nightclub) replacing the Looking Glass Lounge.
• Many public areas were newly equipped (Looking Glass, Patio Grill, Sunset Bar).
• Upgrades and renovations received the restaurants Prime C, Aqualina, Windows Cafe (buffet). The Sanctum Spa (formerly Astral Spa) complex was redesigned and expanded.

All cabins and suites were renovated with new carpeting and wall covers, fabrics, furniture, shelving, curtains, bedding sets (pillows, duvets), new lighting and smart HDTVs (interactive system). All staterooms were upgraded with bigger coffee tables. Bathrooms were redesigned to be more space-efficient. Quality wood elements were used throughout all staterooms. Additionally, all high-grade Suites were updated with new modern furniture, dining tables, drapes, media consoles and sound systems.

There was a plan for replacing the Lido Deck’s Sunset Bar (aft on deck 9) with a new (named Kibo) specialty restaurant with Asian cuisine. However, the line later decided not to replace the popular day bar, but just to upgrade it. The refurbishment plans for an Asian restaurant plus an outside seating area for the buffet restaurant Windows Cafe were officially canceled.

The onboard Wi-Fi coverage was upgraded to shipwide (via “Pervasive Wi-Fi” system). The new Interactive TV system (in all cabins) offers movies on demand, live TV programming, onboard event schedules, weather updates, itinerary/port information. The system also allows shore excursion booking through the TV, as well as room service orders.

The boat's 2016 drydock refurbishment project cost USD 25 million.

In 2021 (August) the ship was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard ( Cadiz Spain ), mainly for general maintenance (technical and routine) works and repainting (hull and superstructure).

Deck layouts

Deck 03 - tendering-cabins, deck 04 - hospital-lobby-cabins, deck 05 - promenade-dining-lounge, deck 06 - cabins, deck 07 - cabins, deck 08 - bridge-cabins, deck 09 - spa-lido-pool-sundeck, deck 10 - sports-lounge-restaurants, deck 11 - sundeck.

Azamara Journey deck plans are property of Azamara Cruises . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.