Picture this. Your ship arrives in Dubrovnik at dawn alongside the mega-ships. But instead of departing at 5 p.m. with everyone else, you're still there at midnight — wine in hand, the Old City nearly to yourself. That's the Azamara difference.
At a Glance
- Small ships, big access — Azamara's fleet of four vessels carries roughly 700 guests each, opening ports larger ships can't reach
- AzAmazing Evenings — complimentary destination events hosted ashore, often in private or historic venues
- Country-intensive itineraries — more overnights, more late-night departures, fewer sea days
- Inclusive pricing — gratuities, select beverages, and specialty dining are bundled into your fare
- Ideal for: seasoned travelers who've done the major ports and want more substance
What Kind of Cruise Line Is Azamara?
Azamara sits in what the industry calls the "premium-plus" or "upper-premium" tier. It's not ultra-luxury in the way Seabourn or Silversea is. But it's a meaningful step above mainstream premium lines like Celebrity or Holland America.
The experience leans heavily on destination immersion. Azamara calls this their "Destination Immersion" philosophy, and it shapes everything — from itinerary design to how long the ship lingers in port. You'll find overnights in places like Santorini, Dubrovnik, and Valletta on itineraries where other lines give you six hours.
The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and social. The ships are small enough that you'll recognize fellow travelers by day three. That's a feature, not a bug.
How Big Is the Azamara Fleet?
Azamara operates four ships: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward. Each carries approximately 690 guests at double occupancy. That's a meaningful distinction.
Small ship cruising changes the math on a lot of things. Tendering is faster. Getting off in port takes minutes, not an hour. The ratio of crew to guests is high, and it shows in the service. If you want to explore what small ship cruising feels like in a different part of the world, the guide on small ship luxury cruises in Alaska gives you a good sense of how the format changes the whole trip.
The ships themselves were refurbished in recent years. Staterooms are comfortable and well-appointed — not dramatically spacious, but thoughtfully designed. Suite categories add butler service and a meaningful upgrade in space and perks.
What Does Azamara Include?
Azamara's pricing is more inclusive than most lines at this price point. Here's what's bundled into every fare:
- Gratuities for all crew
- Standard spirits, international beers, and wines throughout the voyage
- Specialty coffees and bottled water
- Shuttle service in ports where the ship docks away from the town center
- One AzAmazing Evening per voyage — a hosted cultural event ashore
Notably, specialty dining is not fully included. There are two specialty restaurants on each ship — Aqualina (Mediterranean) and Prime C (steakhouse) — which carry an additional cover charge. It's a modest one, and worth it, but worth knowing.
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This inclusion model matters when you're comparing sticker prices across lines. Azamara often looks more expensive at face value than Celebrity or Princess. When you add up what's bundled, the value gap closes quickly.
Where Does Azamara Sail?
The Mediterranean is Azamara's heartland. You'll find an extensive calendar of sailings across the western and eastern Med, with overnights in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Malta. If a Mediterranean cruise is on your radar, Azamara's itineraries are genuinely worth comparing to the mainstream options.
Beyond Europe, Azamara sails to Asia, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, and even offers segments of longer world voyage itineraries. Their Asia itineraries in particular offer the kind of extended port time that makes a trip to Japan or Vietnam feel like actual travel rather than a highlight reel.
One thing that sets Azamara apart: country-intensive itineraries. Rather than hitting six countries in seven nights, you might spend an entire ten-day voyage exploring the Greek islands and Turkey. The depth is real, and travelers who've done Europe the mainstream way tend to notice it immediately.
What Are AzAmazing Evenings?
This is one of Azamara's most talked-about inclusions — and one of the most misunderstood. AzAmazing Evenings are complimentary, hosted cultural events that take place ashore during an overnight port stay. One is included per sailing.
Past events have included private concerts at ancient amphitheaters, flamenco performances in Seville, and traditional Greek music evenings in a village square. The format varies by destination. What doesn't vary is the sense that you're getting access to something that wasn't designed for mass tourism.
These aren't optional shore excursions with an added price tag. They're included, curated, and — when executed well — genuinely memorable. It's the kind of thing that's hard to replicate when you're booking independently.
Who Is Azamara Really For?
Azamara attracts travelers who are done with the mega-ship experience and ready for something more purposeful. The typical Azamara guest has cruised before. They know what they want — less noise, more culture, itineraries that prioritize depth over breadth.
It also appeals to couples who want a social, relaxed atmosphere without the formality of ultra-luxury lines. If you've been curious about how Azamara compares to a line like Explora Journeys, the short answer is: Explora leans into onboard resort living, while Azamara leans into the destination itself. Both are excellent. They serve different travel styles.
Families with young children are not really Azamara's audience. There's no kids' club. The vibe is decidedly adult. For multigenerational groups with teens or adult children, it can work beautifully — especially on a cultural itinerary where everyone's interests align.
Why Working with an Advisor Makes a Difference Here
Azamara's pricing structure, suite categories, and promotion calendar can be genuinely confusing to navigate on your own. Promotions rotate frequently. Suite perks — like additional beverage packages or complimentary specialty dining — are sometimes available through advisor partnerships that don't show up on the public booking engine.
Beyond price, the value of an advisor is in the itinerary match. Azamara operates dozens of voyages each year across multiple regions. Knowing which specific sailing aligns with your travel dates, preferred pace, and destination goals takes real familiarity with the product. That's exactly where working with a cruise-specialist advisor pays off.
When you're ready to explore what Azamara could look like for your next trip, Jeffrey Lazo at Ohana Cruises is here to help. Reach out and let's find the sailing that actually fits your style.
