Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Onward

Overall Editor Rating
Rachel Dube April 21, 2023

Fodor’s Expert Review

Ship Overview

Azamara Club Cruises
Cruise StyleLuxury
Ship SizeMidsize
Price Range$$
Sails To

Eur..., and more

Europe, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and more
Sails From

Eur..., and more

Europe, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and more
Duration7-22 nights

Azamara is one of the industry’s smallest cruise lines and only has four ships, the Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward. Each of the ships has a passenger capacity of around 700 passengers; thus, amenities are plentiful, but the overall experience still feels somewhat intimate, thanks in large part to personalized service. The line’s newest addition, Onward, was added in 2021 (the ship was acquired from Princess Cruises, refurbished with the Azamara brand at the forefront in 2021, and ready for its maiden voyage in March 2022).Read More

The ship itself is remarkable for its ability to dock in smaller ports that larger passenger ships can’t access. Onward also offers overnight stops in many destinations, allowing passengers the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in life beyond the ship. The staff on the ship is also remarkable and develop unique relationships with the guests, which I was fortunate to experience firsthand.

Onward sails in regions across the globe, with 155-night World Voyages planned for 2024 and 2025. Depending on the itinerary, guests may have the option to visit multiple destinations or stick to a country-specific route.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pros
Cons
Unique port stops due to small ship size      
Restaurants and bars are exceptional  
Free laundry service is provided daily throughout the voyage
Staterooms are on the small size  
WiFi is limited and a bit pricey

What to expect on board

Staterooms & Cabins

Editor Rating
Cabins
Accessibility

Cabins are typically made for two people yet vary in size, ranging from 158 square feet to 603 square feet. Overall, the cabins are relatively small, which is the ship’s biggest drawback. Most rooms are outfitted with a queen bed that can be converted into two separate twin beds for a single person. Club Interior staterooms are indoors; Club Oceanview staterooms have a porthole; and Club Veranda staterooms and Club Veranda Plus staterooms have balconies. Each room has a 40-inch flat-screen TV, writing desk, USB- ports under bedside reading lamps, and a thermostat-controlled air conditioner. Bathrooms, which are on the small size, are equipped with a hairdryer and toiletries from About Rose. Most of the cabins have outside views. The exception is the club interior staterooms — the least expensive category of rooms.

The ship also has four different suite options, beginning with the club continent suite, which features a roomy bathroom with a shower, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a veranda balcony, and one queen-size bed that can be converted to two smaller beds. Club spa suites have a separate rain shower and glass-enclosed bathtub along with a large, comfortable sitting area, while club ocean suites and club world owner’s suites have two to three rooms with large sitting areas, bathrooms, and verandas.

Onward offers accessible staterooms, which have wider doors, bathrooms, and range in size from 227 to 324 square feet. Each room features ramped bathroom thresholds, grab bars, a lowered sink, and vanity, along with roll-in showers and fold-down shower benches. In addition, all the social areas on the ship (bars, restaurants, etc.) are designed to be accessible to all passengers. There are also specific accessible activities and accommodations available on board for any mobility issues or medical assistance.

Food & Drink

Editor Rating
Dining
Bars

All meals are held in two main restaurants, Discoveries and Windows Cafe. Light snacks can be enjoyed at Mosaic Cafe and Mosaic @Night. Breakfast is typically buffet-style at Windows Cafe with fresh fruit, cheeses and charcuterie, baked goods, pancakes, and a few different egg options. Buffet lunches are available, though a la carte options can be ordered at the Patio restaurant, which is part of the Windows Cafe. Lunch offerings don’t vary much from day to day, but the menu usually has sandwiches and wraps, salads, and some hot entrees. The a la carte menu at Discoveries does vary from day to day and is typically inspired by the various destinations the ship visits.

On the other hand, dinner menus change daily and are dependent on the destination and chef. Dietary restrictions are accommodated at each meal as long as you inform your server in advance. The main dining room—where passengers enjoy the breakfast and lunch and daily dinner menu—are included in the cruise fare.

However, there are two specialty restaurants onboard: Aqualina, featuring Italian-inspired fare, and Prime C Steakhouse, in addition to a Chef’s Table tasting experience. All are available at an additional charge and require a reservation.

Azamara has four bars: the Atlas bar, the Pool Bar, the Living Room bar (located on the top level of the ship with beautiful views from the floor-to-ceiling windows), and The Den, a spot in the center of the ship. Atlas bar has a unique cocktail menu with drinks inspired by destinations around the world—and food pairings to match—whereas the Living Room and the Pool Bar both serve classic cocktails such as Spicy Margaritas and Whiskey Sours.

The drinks at Atlas are around $17.95, if you’re sipping sans Azamara’s Ultimate Beverage package, which costs $24.95 per day and includes unlimited cocktails and drinks, including top shelf, at all the bars on the ship (including Atlas).

Entertainment

Editor Rating

The ship’s entertainment options are relatively limited and may appeal primarily to music buffs. The ship offers Azamara’s Signature Shows, which features Broadway hits, dancers, and guest performers. A cocktail pianist plays live music in The Den and a quartet plays live music daily in the Living Room.

Azamara’s biggest draw (and largest activation) is its AzAmazing Evenings or Day. The immersive experience, which takes place on land, is a memorable experience of local entertainment and traditional performances available to all passengers. In addition to this fun-filled event, many guests look forward to the White Night (everyone is encouraged to dress in all white). It revolves around live performances from all the performers onboard, and the massive buffet that goes until late helps fuel the party.

Spa & Fitness

Editor Rating

The Sanctum Spa offers massages, facials, and a full-service salon. All services are available for a supplementary charge. Included in the cost of the cruise, however, is access to the fitness center and its group fitness classes like sunset yoga on the deck. The fitness center itself is well equipped with all the machines you could need along with gorgeous ocean views.

Key cruising tips

Health & Safety

Azamara’s health and safety protocols vary depending on the destination. For sailings departing from and returning to the US and Europe, vaccination is not required.

Passengers are no longer required to take a PCR test before embarkation, but pre-cruise testing may be a requirement for travelers embarking in a port where pre-testing protocols remain. 

Dress Code

The dress code on board is largely resort casual. During the day, jeans and T-shirts are standard. Bare feet, vest tops, caps, swimwear, shorts, and ripped jeans aren’t permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants. Dinner tends to be a dressier affair with suits and long dresses and heels the norm.

Junior Cruisers

Azamara welcomes guests of all ages; however, the on board experience caters to adults, and there are no dedicated activities for children.

Service

Service onboard Onward is exceptional. The staff takes extra care to ensure you’re making the most of your time on board and will go out of their way to do what they can to make you comfortable. Azamara’s emphasis focuses on the crew and passenger relationship where lifelong friendships are built, which is a draw for many of its repeat cruisers.

Tipping

Tipping is included for all Azamara passengers as an amenity; therefore, it’s not necessary to tip onboard.

QUICK FACTS

SHIP STATS
Entered Service
1999
Refurbished
2022
Number of Cabins
278
Passenger Capacity
684
Crew Members
408
Passengers to Crew Ratio
1.68
Gross Tons
30277
Width
84 feet
Length
592 feet

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