Azamara

Azamara launched in 2007 with two ships transferred from within Royal Caribbean's group, and it was sold to private equity firm Sycamore Partners in 2021. It runs four small, similar ships, Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward (the former Pacific Princess), each carrying around 690 guests at most. The line positions itself as destination-focused: longer stays in port, more late nights and overnights, and itineraries that reach smaller harbors larger ships skip.

Onboard, the atmosphere feels like a boutique hotel. Public spaces are cozy, crew learn names quickly, and evenings are sociable but not loud. Fares include gratuities and a selection of house wines, beers and spirits, so the onboard bill stays manageable. Dining is a strength for a line this size, with a main dining room plus two specialty restaurants.

Azamara suits curious, well-traveled couples and solo travelers who care more about ports than onboard attractions and want an upscale experience without luxury-line prices. It is not built for families with young children, travelers who want big production shows or anyone looking for waterslides and nightlife.

The vibe: Intimate, relaxed and destination-obsessed, with a boutique-hotel feel and a well-traveled crowd.

What Azamara does best

Destination immersion

Late nights and overnights in port are common, giving time for dinners ashore and evening experiences.

Inclusive basics

Gratuities and select alcoholic drinks are included in the fare.

Small ships

Four ships of fewer than 700 guests each can reach smaller ports and feel personal on board.

Country-intensive voyages

Some itineraries focus on one country in depth, such as Japan, Greece or Italy, rather than hopping across a region.

Azamara Onward

The newest addition, the former Pacific Princess, was refitted for Azamara and joined the fleet in 2022.

Dining

Discoveries Restaurant is the main dining room, and Windows Café serves buffet breakfast and lunch with themed dinners. Specialty restaurants Prime C (steakhouse) and Aqualina (Mediterranean) carry a cover charge. Mosaic Café serves specialty coffees and pastries.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment is low-key: small-scale cabaret shows, live music in the lounges, guest performers from the destination, enrichment talks and a small casino. Overnights in port often mean evenings ashore rather than on board.

Families and kids

Children are permitted, but Azamara has no kids' clubs or dedicated family facilities, and the ships cater to adults.

Dress code

Smart casual every evening, with no formal nights. Jackets are never required.

Gratuities and drinks

Gratuities are included in Azamara fares. An 18% gratuity is added to spa and salon bills. (Published rates as of 2026-10-13; source. Lines change these, so we confirm the current amount in every quote.)

Included drinks cover select house wines, beers and spirits, along with soft drinks, bottled water and specialty coffees. Premium wines and spirits can be added with an upgraded beverage package or bought by the glass or bottle.

Loyalty program: Le Club Voyage. Tell us your number when you request a quote so past-guest offers and status perks are applied.

Specialist tips for booking Azamara

• Pick itineraries with overnights in cities you care about. A night in port makes it easy to dine ashore or see a show without rushing back.
• Specialty restaurants carry a cover charge, so book a dining package if you plan to eat at both several times.
• Because ships are small, popular shore excursions sell out; book early through your booking window.
• If you want a quieter Mediterranean experience, compare Azamara itineraries to big-ship routes: the smaller ships call at harbors that larger ships cannot.
• All four ships come from the same R-class design and have very similar layouts, so choose your Azamara cruise by itinerary rather than by ship.