Skip to main content
Azamara Cruises Review 2026: Is It Worth the Price?
cruise-line-reviews

Azamara Cruises Review 2026: Is It Worth the Price?

Honest Azamara Cruises review covering ships, itineraries, dining, and value. Find out if Azamara's destination-immersion style suits your travel goals.

Ian Pilnik · Published Mar 1, 2026 · 4 min read

Share

Founder & Cruise Expert

Ian Pilnik3 min read

Avid cruise enthusiast who cruised so many times he decided to make it a career. Ian has sailed on over 30 cruise lines across 6 continents, from budget-friendly Carnival sailings to luxury Regent Seven Seas voyages. He built CruiseShipTracking to help fellow cruisers track ships, plan voyages, and find the best deals.

Last updated:

Quick Answer

Azamara offers destination-rich itineraries on intimate ships with excellent dining — best suited for experienced cruisers who prioritize ports over onboard entertainment.

In This Article

We earn a commission when you book through our links at no extra cost to you. This does not affect prices. Learn more

Azamara occupies an interesting position in the cruise market: more upscale than mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, yet more destination-focused than true luxury brands like Seabourn. After operating under Royal Caribbean Group for years, the line is now independent. And that independence has allowed it to double down on what it does best.

Considering Azamara for a destination-focused sailing? Browse Azamara sailings on Cruisebound →

Who Is Azamara For?

Man photographing island from cruise ship deck at sunset

Azamara's target cruiser is someone who has done the big-ship experience and wants something different. Its ships carry between 650 and 750 passengers, which means no crowds at the pool, no three-hour wait for a show, and a crew who genuinely learns your name by day two.

Editor's PickMifaso Cruise-Approved Power Strip

Mifaso Cruise-Approved Power Strip

$11.994.6 (12,000)
  • Cruise-approved (no surge protector) with multiple USB ports
  • Compact design fits perfectly on the narrow cabin nightstand

Cruise cabins have limited outlets — this solves the charging problem without tripping ship safety rules

View on Amazon

The line's signature "AzAmazing Evenings", complimentary evening events ashore in select ports, reflect its philosophy perfectly. These aren't generic tourist performances; they're curated local experiences that make a destination feel lived-in rather than checked off.

The Ships

Azamara's fleet consists of four mid-sized ships: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward. All four are former Renaissance Cruises vessels that have been extensively refurbished.

Editor's PickKoonie USB Desk Fan

Koonie USB Desk Fan

$9.99
  • Quiet USB-powered desk fan for better cabin air circulation
  • Adjustable angle directs airflow where you need it

Interior cabins can get stuffy — a personal fan makes sleeping much more comfortable

View on Amazon

At roughly 30,000 GRT, they feel intimate without feeling cramped. The public spaces are well-proportioned, the pool deck is never mobbed, and the outdoor areas at the stern offer some of the best sea-view spots afloat. You can compare ship sizes to get a sense of how Azamara stacks up against larger vessels.

Dining and Drinks

OHOVIV 50,000mAh Portable Power Bank

OHOVIV 50,000mAh Portable Power Bank

$30.67
  • 50,000mAh capacity charges phones 8-10 times over
  • Not flight-legal — ~185Wh exceeds the 160Wh airline limit, so it is barred from carry-on and checked bags
View on Amazon

One of Azamara's strongest selling points is its all-inclusive pricing structure. House wines, beers, spirits, coffees, and gratuities are all included in the fare. Something that adds real value when you calculate what those extras cost on mainstream lines.

The main dining room serves three-course dinners with solid execution. The two specialty restaurants, one Italian (Aqualina), one steakhouse (Prime C), carry a supplement but deliver genuinely impressive meals. The casual Windows Café works well for breakfast and lunch.

Itineraries and Ports

Azamara's itinerary strategy is its clearest differentiator. The line schedules frequent overnight stays and late-night departures, allowing passengers to experience evening culture in port. Something a midday turnaround simply cannot replicate.

Popular routes include the Mediterranean (particularly the Adriatic and Greek islands), Northern Europe, and Asia. The line also excels at "country-intensive" voyages that focus deeply on a single nation rather than skimming six in seven days. If you're planning a Mediterranean sailing, take a look at our regions guide for context on what each destination offers.

Value Assessment

Azamara is not cheap. Fares typically run $250–$400 per person per night, though the all-inclusive pricing brings that figure closer to reality than comparable à-la-carte lines. The sweet spot is booking during wave season (January–March) when the line runs meaningful discounts.

Editor's PickEPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

$19.994.7 (18,000)
  • Works in 150+ countries with US/EU/UK/AU plug types
  • Built-in USB-A and USB-C ports

Mediterranean and Asian itineraries need different plugs at every port — this one adapter covers them all

View on Amazon

The line does not have a casino, a rock-climbing wall, or a waterslide — and that is entirely the point. If you want destination depth, smaller ports that megaships can't access, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere, Azamara earns its price.

Bottom Line

Azamara delivers on its destination-immersion promise. The ships are well-maintained, the service is warm and unscripted, and the itineraries reach places that larger fleets skip. It is the right choice for port-first travelers who value quality over quantity.

Use our cruise comparison tool to stack Azamara against other premium lines before you book.

Editor's PickConair Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer

Conair Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer

$18.99
  • Dual voltage (110/220V) works worldwide without a converter
  • Foldable handle saves suitcase space

Ship cabin dryers are weak — bring your own for formal nights and you will not regret it

View on Amazon
cruiseazamaraluxury cruisesboutique cruisescruise reviews
Ready to Book?

Sailings Mentioned in This Guide

Real-time fares on Cruisebound — limited availability.

Azamara Quest sailing from Dublin, IrelandLeaves in 9 days

12 Night Europe - Northern Cruise

Azamara Azamara Quest

Aug 7, 2026 · 12 nights

$3,069/person

$256/night

View Deal
Search All Sailings on Cruisebound →

We earn a commission when you book through our links at no extra cost to you. This does not affect prices. Learn more

Keep Reading

Share this article