A luxury cruise on Azamara doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to save.
If you’re a passionate traveler who loves immersive experiences, smaller ships, and incredible perks, then Azamara Cruises might just be the best-kept secret in luxury travel. After sailing with Azamara multiple times and scoring thousands in savings, we’re here to share everything you need to know about this boutique cruise line and why it could transform the way you explore the world.
Discovering Azamara: The Boutique Cruise Experience
Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Azamara Cruises. Most people haven’t, yet this cruise line offers a truly unique and intimate travel experience. Originally part of Royal Caribbean until as recently as 2021, Azamara has carved out a niche as a boutique cruise line focused on destination immersion rather than onboard extravagance.
Azamara operates with smaller ships, hosting no more than around 700 guests. This size allows for a more personalized experience with frequent overnight stays and longer port visits, giving travelers the chance to truly explore each destination. The vibe is upper premium rather than ultra-luxury, meaning you get excellent value with inclusions that many larger cruise lines don’t offer.
Fleet and Unique Itineraries
Azamara’s fleet consists of four sister ships: the Journey, the Quest, the Pursuit, and the Onward. While each ship has slight differences, the focus remains consistent—immersive, destination-rich voyages.
One of the standout features is the frequency of late nights and overnight stays—far more than any other cruise line we’ve experienced. This allows guests to enjoy evenings ashore, dining, and local nightlife in port cities. Azamara also offers “country intensive” voyages that dive deep into a single nation’s culture, history, and hidden gems. Popular intensives include Ireland, Japan, Spain, and more, visiting unique and often overlooked ports.
Oz Amazing Evenings: A Cultural Highlight
Each Azamara cruise features the “Oz Amazing Evenings,” a special celebration focusing on the cruise’s destination country. Sometimes this event takes guests off the ship for a unique experience ashore, complete with local performers, music, and cocktails that reflect the culture. When held onboard, the atmosphere is equally vibrant and authentic, making it one of the cruise’s most memorable highlights.
What’s Included in Your Fare?
Azamara offers a generous all-inclusive experience compared to many other cruise lines. Included in your fare are:
- Beverage package covering a wide range of drinks, including basic beer, wine and spirits
- Gratuities
- Shuttle service to main port towns (a rare perk these days)
- Room service
- Bottled water
- Basic fitness classes
Wi-Fi is generally not included, though many promotional packages often bundle it in. Overall, the inclusions provide excellent value, especially given the intimate ship size and destination focus.
Dining and Onboard Entertainment
The dining options aboard Azamara are varied and of high quality. The main dining room, Discovery’s, offers a classic cruise dining experience. Windows Café serves as the buffet, while Prime Sea and Aqualina are specialty restaurants for those seeking something extra special.
One of the most anticipated onboard events is the White Night Party. Guests dress in white and enjoy an elegant deck party with great food, music, and festive vibes. This event usually coincides with an overnight or late-night port stay, ensuring the ship is docked and guests can fully enjoy the festivities.
Azamara also emphasizes destination-focused enrichment, featuring local performers, lectures, and cultural programming. In 2026, they plan to introduce new productions and entertainment options to enhance the onboard experience even further.
Accommodations: Options for Every Budget
Azamara offers a range of staterooms to fit different budgets and preferences:
- Inside cabins – save 40-50% compared to balcony cabins
- Ocean view cabins – save 20-25% compared to balcony cabins
- Veranda staterooms and suites – for those wanting more space and luxury
While the ships themselves are older compared to competitors like Viking or Oceania, the cabins are comfortable and well-maintained. If you’re looking for the newest, flashiest staterooms, Azamara might not be the best fit, but if you value the destination and experience, it’s a fantastic choice.
Destination Immersion and Unique Ports
Azamara’s itineraries are designed to immerse you deeply in the places you visit. They frequently dock in city centers or unique ports that larger ships cannot access. For example, Azamara docks right in Seville, Spain, sailing up the river rather than stopping at Cadiz like bigger ships do. The same goes for Dublin, where the ship docks right in the city, offering unparalleled access to local culture and attractions.
How Does Azamara Compare to Oceania and Viking?
When considering Azamara, many travelers also look at Oceania and Viking Cruises. All three focus heavily on destination immersion and offer mostly all-inclusive experiences, but there are some differences:
- Guest Capacity: Azamara has the smallest ships, typically hosting around 700 guests. Oceania has a similar small-ship fleet but also larger ships, while Viking’s fleet is extensive but larger overall.
- Ship Age and Amenities: Azamara’s ships are older than both Oceania’s and Viking’s. Viking boasts the newest fleet with highly modern staterooms. Oceania offers a mix, with some older ships similar to Azamara and newer ships with upgraded amenities.
- Inclusions: Azamara includes gratuities and beverage packages, but Wi-Fi is usually extra. Viking includes Wi-Fi but may not include gratuities. Oceania includes specialty dining, which Azamara does not by default.
Ultimately, Azamara is ideal if you prioritize destination immersion on a smaller, more intimate ship and want great value with many inclusions. If top-tier stateroom luxury is your priority, Viking or Oceania might be better choices.
Is Azamara Right for You?
Azamara suits experienced travelers who crave deep cultural experiences and enjoy exploring diverse ports with plenty of time ashore. It is not designed for families or children, making it perfect for adults 50+ or anyone seeking a refined, relaxed cruise atmosphere.
Pricing is competitive, especially for balcony cabins, which generally cost less than similar offerings on Oceania or Viking. Plus, the option to book inside or ocean view cabins offers great savings for budget-conscious travelers.
Tips for Booking and Traveling with Azamara
- Don’t miss the Oz Amazing Evenings—they’re cultural highlights you won’t forget.
- Pack white attire if you want to join the festive White Night Party.
- Plan to take advantage of late nights and overnight stays to explore local nightlife and dining.
- Pack light—laundry facilities are available onboard.
- Consider the standard beverage package; upgrading to premium is optional.
- Join the Azamara loyalty program for perks and future discounts.
- Book onboard to save 5-10% and earn onboard credits, and always provide your travel advisor’s name to stack additional perks.
Top Azamara Cruise Deals to Save Big
The average balcony cabin fare on Azamara is around $873 per day, reflecting its upper premium positioning. However, with strategic booking and deals, you can save significantly. Here are some of the best deals we’ve found:
- Lisbon to Cape Town (October 2025): 21-day journey under $400 per day for a balcony cabin, including the Canary Islands, exotic West African coast stops, and a Namibian adventure.
- Mediterranean Cruise, Athens to Barcelona: 12 days hitting Greece, Turkey, Italy, the French Riviera, and Spain for around $455 per day.
- Lisbon to Gran Canaria (November 2025): 10-day voyage visiting Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands, and Madeira under $500 per day.
- Miami Loop (December): Caribbean itinerary covering US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Leeward Islands for approximately $423 per day.
- Barbados Round Trip (November 2026): Eastern Caribbean adventure visiting Saint Lucia, Dominica, Saint Kitts, and more for under $600 per day.
- Sydney to Hong Kong (March 2026): Includes Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea, and Manila for a scenic $654 per day.
- Rome to Lisbon (December 2026): 17 days with stops in Florence, Mallorca, Barcelona, Casablanca, Seville, and Lisbon for under $700 per day.
- Panama Canal Transit (11 days): From Panama Canal through Colombia, ABC Islands, Dominican Republic, to Miami for about $682 per day.
- Transpacific Journey (September 2027): Vancouver to Tokyo via Alaska, including glacier views and Japanese ports, for only $654 per day.
- Western Mediterranean (November 2026): Barcelona to Athens, covering Spain, France, Italy, and Greece in 14 days.
For those traveling solo, we can also help explore solo pricing and promotions to maximize your savings.
Final Thoughts
Azamara Cruises offer a distinctive travel experience focused on destination immersion, smaller ships, and thoughtful inclusions. Having sailed with Azamara multiple times, we can confidently say these voyages have been some of our most memorable, with unique ports and cultural experiences that big ships simply can’t match.
If you’re ready to explore the world differently, Azamara might just be the luxury cruise line you’ve been searching for.
For personalized help, exclusive pricing, and access to bonus perks, feel free to reach out through our free quote link. Happy cruising!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Azamara different from other cruise lines?
Azamara focuses on smaller ships with around 700 guests, destination immersion with frequent overnight stays, and inclusive perks like beverage packages, gratuities, and shuttle services. It’s designed for travelers who want to explore unique ports in depth rather than just enjoy onboard luxury.
Are children allowed on Azamara cruises?
Azamara is not ideal for children or families, as it caters primarily to adult travelers seeking a refined, relaxed cruise atmosphere.
What is included in the Azamara cruise fare?
The fare includes beverages, gratuities, shuttle service to port towns, room service, bottled water, and basic fitness classes. Wi-Fi is usually extra but often included during promotions.
How do Azamara’s ships compare to Viking and Oceania?
Azamara’s ships are older and smaller than Viking’s newer fleet and Oceania’s mix of older and newer ships. Viking generally offers the most modern cabins, while Azamara focuses more on the destination experience than onboard luxury.
What are the best ways to save money on an Azamara cruise?
Book early, consider inside or ocean view cabins, join the loyalty program, and book onboard to access extra discounts and onboard credits. Working with a travel advisor can also unlock non-public pricing and bonus perks.
Recent Posts:
