Azamara Quest
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Ro...e Janeiro
Bar...n, Venice
The Azamara Quest is one of four nearly identical midsize luxury cruise ships in Azamara’s fleet. This ship is intimate enough to make friends on board but spacious enough to find a nook for when you want a little alone time. Read More
This ship blends stylish elegant decor with a relaxed vibe and a crew so friendly stepping on board as a new guest almost feels like crashing a family reunion. While there isn’t a ton to do on board, you likely won’t notice as Azamara’s itineraries are port-intensive. This cruise line’s focus is on the destinations, and it’s not uncommon for ships to stay in port late into the evening or even overnight to give guests a chance to sample the local nightlife.
This is a cruise line that over delivers when it comes to food and drinks. It has an extensive collection of vintage and rare wine bottles and regularly serves local specialties inspired by its itineraries such as Singapore-style rice noodles and Tandoori-baked lamb loin.
There are plenty of options for vegetarians and health-conscious travelers and a cocktail experience that might fool you into thinking you’re at a swanky Manhattan bar and not traveling the world on a cruise ship.
There is a gym, spa, swimming pool, and shuffleboard on board the Azamara Quest. Catch a show by Azamara’s talented team of singers, dancers, and musicians. Then ask the DJ to play your favorite song and dance the night away before waking up in a magical new place the next morning.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
The Azamara Quest has 352 staterooms, about two-thirds of which have balconies. Staterooms are efficiently designed, but they can feel tight —especially in the bathrooms. For a more comfortable bathroom, opt for one of the 46 suites on board. Premium suites offer the choice of a bathtub or spacious shower, some with views.
If you’re traveling on a budget, consider one of the ship’s 26 interior staterooms. These rooms don’t have windows, but they’re also not the smallest on the ship.
All cabins feature queen beds, a desk/vanity, and a small sitting area. There’s ample closet space, a mini-bar with free soft drinks, and a safe. You’ll also find terry cloth bathrobes, slippers, umbrellas, binoculars, and a hair dryer in your room. All guests are welcomed with a fruit basket, fresh flowers, and a souvenir tote bag.
There are five accessible staterooms on board the Azamara Quest. Three are interior cabins with 227 square feet of space. Two accessible staterooms come in at 324 square feet each and include accessible balconies with 40-inch doorways. All accessible staterooms have roll-in showers, fold-down shower benches, and bathroom grab bars.
Food & Drink
The Azamara Quest has three formal restaurants — a main dining room, a steakhouse, and an Italian restaurant. There’s also a casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating, a coffee shop, a late-night snack bar, and 24-hour room service. This is a ship that invites crew members to share their traditional foods, so don’t be surprised to find an authentic South Indian dosa night or Mexican food night on board.
There are three bars on board — one adjacent to the main restaurant, one near the dance floor in The Living Room, and a third located in The Den. This ship doesn’t have a dedicated Atlas Bar like the Azamara Onward, but it recreates the high-end experience with a menu of artisanal cocktails inspired by Azamara itineraries.
The Mumbai Hug with its chili-infused Grey Goose vodka, fresh line juice, ginger and lime syrups and cilantro, offers a taste of India. For a cocktail whose preparation is a performance, try the London Fog — a combination of earl gray-infused Tanqueray gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and an egg white that’s served smoked.
Entertainment
This isn’t a ship that parties all night. There are no amusement park rides or waterslides, but you will find a dance floor, a swanky nightclub, and a casino on board. The ship’s singers and dancers put on several shows each sailing. Itineraries often include guest performers with connections to the ship’s ports of call. A sailing from Italy, for example, may include onboard performances by Italian opera singers. For a quieter evening, curl up with a book or find a board game in the elegant library.
Spa & Fitness
Treat yourself to a facial and massage at the spa then head over to the ship’s full-service salon for a manicure and blowout. Some treatment rooms have ocean views. The spa also offers acupuncture, body sculpting, and teeth whitening. The ship has a spacious, well-equipped gym with ocean views. The gym offers group fitness classes and private personal training. There’s also a pool and two jacuzzis on board.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Covid-19 vaccines are no longer required on itineraries departing from and returning to Europe. In all other ports, guests 12 and older must show proof of Covid vaccination and, if eligible, a booster shot to sail.
Dress Code
You can leave the formal wear at home. Azamara describes its dress code as resort casual. You’ll never need a gown or tux but you also can’t wear your favorite ripped jeans and tank top to dinner in the main dining room or specialty restaurants. Comfort is key, especially for shoes. Some itineraries include white nights. If yours is one of them, don’t forget to pack something white.
Junior Cruisers
Guests of all ages are welcome onboard Azamara ships, however, there’s no special programming for junior cruisers. The onboard atmosphere is designed for adults, so don’t go looking for an arcade, mini golf, or racetrack on board.
Service
There’s a free self-service laundry on Deck 7. Dry cleaning is available for a fee. There’s an Internet cafe on board and WiFi is available throughout the ship for an additional fee. Day passes are around $30 or purchase unlimited access for the duration of your cruise for $19.95 per day.
Tipping
Except for the spa, gratuities are included in the cost of the sail, and tipping is not expected.