Azamara cruises

Recently I did a 3 night mini cruise on board Azamara’s Quest ship and what a great experience it was.

Azamara have 2 ships, the Quest and the Journey, both are identical to each, shame as I won’t be able to blag a trip on the Journey to experience her.

At just 30,000 tonnes these 2 ships get into the ports that the bigger ships could only wish they could, they also get right into the heart of the destination and can even sail up rivers cutting out those hour long coach journeys from port to city.

A full capacity the ships have 694 passengers, nine decks and 408 crew, staff and international officers, a pretty decent passenger to staff ratio.

Something that really stood out to me whilst on board was how much space there was, this is by far the smallest ship I have been on but it was certainly the least crowded, again passenger to floor space/ plan ratio was obviously very generous. I did find that alot of those sailing with Azamara where couples in their 40s plus and therefore when in port where more interested in going ashore and exploring the local delights rather than sitting by in being in the pool, in the library or the beautiful Mosaic cafe.

So what makes Azamara different to other cruise lines?

When I first heard that I was going on the Quest I spoke about Azamara being Luxury, a word that many cruise lines like to use for their product, however once on board it was clear that Azamara are striving to be Boutique more than Luxury, and Boutique it really felt.

What is Boutique-

• Informal. a small business, department, etc., specializing in one aspect of a larger industry.
• A business that likes to offer high end products.
• Specialise in service and product.
• And in Azamara’s words- Contemporary design that is both relaxing and elegant brings the essence of Destination Immersion^® onboard. We’ve drawn inspiration from natural elements and the places we visit to connect you to your surroundings in a way that’s truly fashionable and never forced. From soothing earth tones throughout the ship to refreshing new open-air venues we’ve crafted new spaces and rejuvenated existing ones. Get ready for an unrivalled cruise experience. See the world from a fresh perspective and enjoy boutique hotel-caliber service and amenities during your time at sea.

As well as having this unique ‘Boutique at Sea’ tag Azamara love excursions, day and night.

On every sailing you get invited to an exclusive evening show at a local port, I was lucky enough to see the Three Tenors perform in a Majestic Opera House in Livorno, no expense what so ever, look out for their Azamazing Evenings.

#Azalocal is Azamara’s catchphrase. Their excursions are all about being immersed into the local culture, life and living.

While onboard, Azamara’s destination-focused programming will help inform and educate you about the ports you’ll visit. They have specially curated lecturers who have found the very best highlights of each destination and are eager to share their experiences with you. Plus, World Wildlife Fund^® speakers will be onboard to show how you can connect with the natural world during you time on shore, and how Azamara is helping to protect the waters we sail. This immersive programming extends to our menus as well! Azamara source local ingredients whenever possible and feature them in delicious destination-inspired dishes at Discoveries Restaurant.

Azamara sail the world with a focus on local life, genuine encounters, and the true spirit of some of the world’s most captivating locations.

Cruise Global, Connect Local℠ is an evolution of Destination Immersion^®. They have an expert team that has curated exceptional new shore excursions for every travel style. Cycle past dykes and windmills just like the Dutch do with our Cruise Global, Bike Local tour series. Learn to make mozzarella by hand in Italy with Cruise Global, Taste Local. See the sights of Singapore by trishaw and go whiskey tasting in Scotland with Cruise Global, Nights Local.

Azamara spend more time in port than any other cruise line allowing you to experience more. As Azamara say-“That’s why we give you more opportunities to experience destinations after dark. Because life isn’t a 9-5 journey. And neither are Azamara voyages.”

As I settle into my mid 40s I can honestly say Azamara has a product that really appeals to me, in my energetic white knuckle days of looking for adrenalin thrills maybe not but please don’t fear Azamara is for the oldies, it really does appeal to all adults and although children are warmly welcomed on board there are no children clubs or programmes for them.

I loved Azamara and looking forward to having a holiday on one of her ships.

And when all tips and drinks are included Azamara really is not an expensive experience, fact.