azamara journey

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Azamara Journey

Former names: blue dream, blue star, r6, r-six (renaissance cruises).

Cruise line Azamara Cruises

• Piraeus-Athens (Greece)
• Lisbon (Portugal)

Azamara Journey current position

Azamara Journey current location is at Aegean Sea (coordinates 36.44727 N / 28.23186 E) cruising en route to GR ANI > GR RHO. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Azamara Journey

Azamara Journey current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Greece Intensive Voyage . The itinerary starts on 14 Sep, 2024 and ends on 21 Sep, 2024 .

Specifications of Azamara Journey

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Azamara Journey Itineraries

Azamara journey review, review of azamara journey.

The 2000-built (as "R-Six"/R6) Azamara Journey cruise ship is the first of all four identical R-Class ships in the Azamara fleet - together with Azamara Quest , Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward (Pacific Princess) .

The vessel (IMO number 9200940) is currently Malta- flagged (MMSI 256204000) and registered in Valletta .

History - construction and ownership

Azamara Cruises was a fully-owned subsidiary company of RCG-Royal Caribbean Group until 2021. Founded in 2007 as "Azamara Club Cruises", the company was rebranded in 2009 (Azamara Cruises) and 2019 (Azamara). Azamara ships were originally built as R-Class vessels for Renaissance Cruises (company operational between 1989-2001).

In January 2021, Azamara's parent company RCG-Royal Caribbean announced an agreement to sell the brand for USD 201 million (~EUR 165,8 M / ~GBP 147,6 M / carve-out transaction) to Sycamore Partners. Sycamore Partners acquired the entire company and its 3 ships, plus all the associated intellectual property rights and goodwill. The all-cash transaction was closed in 2021-Q1. Sycamore Partners (shipowner) is a 2011-founded, NYC -headquartered private equity firm with USD 15+ billion in capital and assets under management. Among the largest of the Sycamore Partners-owned companies are Belk Inc (department store chain), Talbots (retailer of clothing-shoes-fashion accessories), Nine West Holdings (designer and wholesaler of branded clothing-shoes-accessories) and Staples Inc (office retailer).

The 694-passenger ship Azamara Journey was formerly sailing as R Six (Renaissance) and Blue Dream (Pullmantur).

In 2001, the vessel's original owner Renaissance Cruises ceased operations due to liquidity. The vessel was launched in 2003, and operated by charter Pullmantur Cruises under the name "Blue Star". In 2005, Pullmantur officially renamed it to "Blue Dream". In 2008, Pullmantur's owner RCCL (Royal Caribbean) transferred it to the subsidiary (new luxury brand) "Azamara Cruises" (in 2009 rebranded to "Azamara Club Cruises") and renamed the ship to "Azamara Journey".

The award-winning boutique ship amazes with lots of dining options, an unforgettable spa, and wellness facilities, friendly staff always in place to help passengers and destinations that guests would love to visit.

As a Renaissance-class ship, the interior of the vessel is in Edwardian style, resembling a Transatlantic steamship from the early years of the 20th century. When you enter the ship, it looks like you have entered the "golden era". There's no multi-deck atrium - only a curving staircase that amazes you with its grace and elegance, leading to the main public room of the vessel. The ceiling has glass skylight, stained simulated, it is capped with a dome and its height is two decks.

Azamara Journey cruise ship entered drydock on January 22, 2016, in the Bahamas. During the 5-day process, she received a host of refurbishments and upgrades , announced previously in June, as well as a technology overhaul. The brand new "Pervasive Wi-Fi" system provides faster Internet connectivity from any place on board the ship. Interactive TVs in all staterooms feature new options including live TV, movies on demand, lecturer schedules, weather updates, navigational and port information. Passengers are able to book a shore excursion through their TVs, as well as to order room service. In the Inspiration Center on Deck 4, Azamara guests are able to plan their next voyage by a 98-inch touchscreen to learn about future sailings and the ports visited. Passengers in The Drawing Room and Living Room use interactive tabletops to send digital postcards, design their own art by a Scribble app, or surf social media sites.

Decks and Cabins

Azamara Journey staterooms (355 total, in 24 grades) include 44 Suites, 199 Balcony, 88 Oceanview, 26 Inside. Handicap/wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are only 6 (2x Balcony, 2x Oceanview, 2x Interior). A total of 243 staterooms have private, step-out balconies. Most cabin balconies are sized 45-60 ft2 / 4-6 m2. The largest accommodations are the World Owners Suite (600 ft2 / 56 m2 plus 215 ft2 / 20 m2 terrace).

The boat has 11 decks , of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 6 with cabins.

Four elevators (2x Forward and 2x Aft passenger lifts) interconnect all decks.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

For a small ship, Azamara Journey features plenty of options for each meal. The passengers are also encouraged to explore local cuisine when onshore. The line added a complimentary tapas bar when the ship went into dry dock in 2016. Overall, the food onboard is quite good. There are rotating themes in the buffet and the tables there are spruced up at night with soft glowing orbs. The main dining room pampers with an entree salad every night.

Follows the complete list of Azamara Journey restaurants and food bars.

• Discoveries Restaurant (aft Dining Room, complimentary, with waiter service, open seating Breakfast 8-9:30 am, Lunch 12-1:30 pm, and Dinner 6-9:30 pm)
• Pool Grill (lunch-only casual dining restaurant with a fast-food menu, made-to-order - pizza, pasta, burgers, fries, salads; complimentary)
• Windows Cafe (complimentary buffet restaurant; has indoor seating and portside/starboard terraces; open between 6:30 am - 9:30 pm; offers early, buffet and late breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and casual dinner)
• Aqualina (dinner-only specialty restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and seafood; offers free dining for Club Suite passengers; reservations recommended)
• Prime C (dinner-only specialty restaurant with seafood and steakhouse menu; operates at surcharge, but it's free of charge for "Club Suite" passengers; outside the Prime C there is a Wine Cellar with 8000+ bottles collection; hosts the Wine Corner evening events and offers wine-tastings and private dinner arrangements).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Because the ship focuses very much on destinations, Azamara Journey does not have as many daily activities as passengers might find on mainstream cruise ships. There are a couple of trivia sessions each day and some other pastimes, such as origami and Bridge. The Cabaret Lounge is the ship's cabaret space, with risers behind, as opposed to a true theater. As the ceilings are low-slung, this space feels more cramped and the type of shows offered there is limited.

Other amenities include 24-Hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry/Self-Serve Laundromats. The Journey ship is not recommended for families with little children.

Follows the complete list of Azamara Journey lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Le Boutique (duty-free luxury shop for bags, gifts, brand jewelry)
• Cabaret Lounge & Bar (theatre and main show lounge for musical and show productions, cabaret performances, comedy acts; hosts the "AzAmazing Evenings" enrichment program; serves as a nightclub in the evenings)
• Casino Luxe (also serves as sports bar)
• PhotoShop (photo-video services, accessories, equipment)
• The Journey Shop (convenience goods store)
• Indulgences (luxury boutique shop)
• Mosaic Cafe (complimentary patisserie & bar; in the evening becomes a nightclub with live music - Mosaic@Night)
• Discoveries Lounge & Bar (Martini Bar)
• Thalassotherapy Pool (saltwater pool, part of the Spa complex; with water jets; operates at a surcharge)
• Hair salon (Beauty Salon offering hair and barber services, manicure, pedicure, massages)
• Astral Spa (wellness center featuring Elemis Spa products and treatments)
• Gym (starboard Fitness Room with panoramic windows and modern equipment; also hosts various complimentary group classes)
• Acupuncture Room (serviced by NCCAOM certified acupuncturists)
• eConnections (24-hour Internet computers room)
• Pool area (with an outdoor swimming pool, 2 Whirlpools, poolside bar, loungers, Tennis tables; served by Grill station; hosts themed pool deck parties)
• Sunset Bar (outdoor bar; serves the Windows Cafe terrace area)
• Looking Glass (observation lounge & bar with panoramic windows, sculptures made of Murano glass, comfortable leather sofas; in the evenings becomes a nightclub; serves afternoon tea with sandwiches, pastries, champagne - complimentary)
• The Drawing Room (library)
• Sun Deck (open-air area with sun loungers)
• Shuffleboard (Deck Games playing area)
• Jogging/Power Walking Track.

Itineraries

Azamara Journey itinerary program is based on Caribbean cruises leaving mainly from Miami FL, voyages to Asia (with departures from Singapore and China) and Europe (the Black Sea and the Mediterranean). When changing regions, the ship offers repositioning sailings through Suez Canal and Transatlantic crossings.

Photos of Azamara Journey

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Other Azamara Cruises cruise ships

• Azamara Onward
• Azamara Pursuit
• Azamara Quest

Azamara Journey Wiki

As an R-Class (Renaissance) vessel, Azamara Journey has sisterships also in the Oceania's fleet  - Insignia , Nautica , Regatta , Sirena .

Azamara ship Journey was ordered and operated as "R Six" by Renaissance Cruises for the period 2000-2003. After the line's bankruptcy, the ship was in Pullmantur's fleet under the name "Blue Star" (2003-2005) and "Blue Dream" (2005-2007).

The vessel (Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number 123760) is powered by four WARTSILA marine diesel engines (model 12V32) with combined output 18,6 MW. The propulsion consists of 2x propeller shafts and 2x FPPs/fixed-pitch propellers. The registered shipowner is SP CRUISES VESSEL AJ LTD, while the current ship manager is V SHIPS LEISURE SAM.

In 2015, both Azamara ships (Journey and Quest) were featured in the UK TV’s travel documentary “Cruise Ship Adventures with Nigel Marven”.

On February 8, 2017, Azamara Journey made its maiden visit to Australia docking in Darwin NT . The ship's itinerary (Feb 1-19) was an 18-day cruise from Singapore to Sydney AU , and also visited Indonesia (Benoa Bali, and Komodo Island) and ports in Queensland Australia (Thursday Island, Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Hamilton Island).

Azamara Journey deck plan changes 2016 refurbishment review

The ship's last drydock refurbishment (January 22-27, done in Freeport Bahamas ) resulted in the following deck plan changes:

• Large touch screen displays were installed in several areas around the ship. They allow passengers (for free) to send digital postcards, explore world atlas maps and also provide Azamara Cruises itineraries and ports of call information.
• On Deck 4, Inspiration Center received a 98-inch touchscreen (interactive system provides information on future cruises - itineraries, ports, excursions).
• On Deck 10, The Drawing Room (Library) and the Living Room both received interactive tabletops (used for sending digital postcards, Scribble app, Internet / social media websites).
• Two new Club Spa Suites were built in the place of the eConnections (computer room, located portside on Lido Deck 9). Also on deck 9 was added The Patio (outdoor BBQ restaurant) and Swirl & Top (frozen yogurt bar).
• On Deck 10 was added The Living Room (forward observation lounge & bar, disco nightclub) replacing the Looking Glass Lounge.
• Many public areas were newly equipped (Looking Glass, Patio Grill, Sunset Bar).
• Upgrades and renovations received the restaurants Prime C, Aqualina, Windows Cafe (buffet). The Sanctum Spa (formerly Astral Spa) complex was redesigned and expanded.

All cabins and suites were renovated with new carpeting and wall covers, fabrics, furniture, shelving, curtains, bedding sets (pillows, duvets), new lighting and smart HDTVs (interactive system). All staterooms were upgraded with bigger coffee tables. Bathrooms were redesigned to be more space-efficient. Quality wood elements were used throughout all staterooms. Additionally, all high-grade Suites were updated with new modern furniture, dining tables, drapes, media consoles and sound systems.

There was a plan for replacing the Lido Deck’s Sunset Bar (aft on deck 9) with a new (named Kibo) specialty restaurant with Asian cuisine. However, the line later decided not to replace the popular day bar, but just to upgrade it. The refurbishment plans for an Asian restaurant plus an outside seating area for the buffet restaurant Windows Cafe were officially canceled.

The onboard Wi-Fi coverage was upgraded to shipwide (via “Pervasive Wi-Fi” system). The new Interactive TV system (in all cabins) offers movies on demand, live TV programming, onboard event schedules, weather updates, itinerary/port information. The system also allows shore excursion booking through the TV, as well as room service orders.

The boat's 2016 drydock refurbishment project cost USD 25 million.

In 2021 (August) the ship was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard ( Cadiz Spain ), mainly for general maintenance (technical and routine) works and repainting (hull and superstructure).

Review: Azamara Journey

What is the line? Azamara

Name of ship? Journey

Passenger occupancy? 694

Itinerary? Roundtrip to Canary Islands, Spain and Madeira, Portugal

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Azamara has four, mid-sized ships, each with around 700 passengers. This allows them to sail into less-frequented ports where ships stay longer (and sometimes even overnight). Late-evening departures are an Azamara hallmark, giving guests the chance to spend more time in the destination rather than rushing back to the ship.

Tell us about the ship in general.

Built in 1999, this ship has gone through several rounds of refurbishments so that its 700 passengers have access to the latest modern comforts. However, the ship's decor is purposefully Old World to resemble a luxury liner from decades past. Journey sails to destinations in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and beyond with itineraries changing throughout the year.

Who is on board?

On my sailing, almost half the people I spoke with had sailed with Azamara in the past and even on the same ship. My fellow passengers were generally in their 50s or above; they delighted in reading on the teak wood decks (the ship has a lounge with hundreds of guide books to Azamara destinations that's worth checking out) or lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand. They attend lectures and port talks, playing cards and regaling one another with stories of past cruises.

Describe the cabins.

My Veranda cabin was dark in the fabric colors, apart from the bed's bright white duvet on pillowtop mattress. There was a sofa, desk, furnished balcony, and ample power and USB ports (including by the bed). The bathroom was compact (as expected), and the shower was tight with a vinyl curtain instead of a glass door. I typically showered with it open for more space.

I loved having lots of bottled water replenished daily, a fridge where I could store my favorite snacks from grocery stores in each port, and room service for breakfast each morning. There are also interior and oceanview cabins with rectangular windows, but the majority of cabins have a balcony of some sort. Spring for one of the suites for brighter, more modern decor and larger bathrooms.

Tell us about the crew.

The crew is efficient and exceptional at remembering personal preferences. They always seemed to know my sparkling water and white wine preferences and just when it’s time for a refill. The one word I would use to describe them is cheery; I never walked past a single crew member without receiving a pleasant greeting.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Azamara is not all-inclusive, but does have many perks packed into the rate, including complimentary drinks throughout the cruise. This includes a selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Discoveries is the main dining room with a rotating and lengthy menu that often includes local dishes. Vegetarian and vegan selections are plentiful and never boring; in fact, many of them are plant-based versions of the same dishes on the regular menu.

I enjoyed the Windows Cafe buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on many days. This is because of the wide variety of international fare, including carving stations and made-to-order sandwich and salad bars. Sitting on the back terrace of the ship is just too beautiful to pass up. There’s also a grill by the pool for those that want to dine outdoors.

Two specialty restaurants (Prime C steakhouse and Italian-themed Aqualina) are also available. My experience at both was top-notch, and I appreciated that the dress code around the ship is never formal, unless you want to dress up.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The spa is quite impressive, and there was always a line to make an appointment (proving that Azamara guests enjoy some pampering). There is everything from a full-service beauty salon to acupuncture and traditional massage treatments. The fitness center is equally large, and many guests frequently took advantage of the on-staff personal trainer and workout classes.

What about activities and entertainment?

Live entertainment performs by the pool at times, and afternoon tea is a popular affair. After a day of exploring, you'd find me in the top-floor lounge for tapas, wine, and live music while answering emails. Each evening, the theater turned into a nightclub environment with singers belting out show tunes and familiar oldies as well as solo performers. The band at The Living Room brings guests up for late-night dancing and nightcaps.

How was the experience for families?

You won’t find kids on Azamara, but occasionally, multi-generational families are aboard with grandparents, their children, and adult grandkids.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

This was a bucket-list trip for me. I had been to the larger Canary Islands, but not some of the smaller ones like La Gomera and El Hierro, since they are harder to reach. It was special to wander around these less-explored islands, which is something that passengers on larger ships miss out on, as they cannot accommodate thousands of passengers at a time. Journey often docked where the inter-island ferries would, meaning it was usually easy to walk straight from the ship into town.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Azamara has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to develop conservation-themed excursions and voyages for its guests. Additionally, seafood served on the cruise is sourced locally rather than flying it in from far-flung destinations.

Anything we missed?

Azamara offers something called AzAmazing Evenings where all passengers are treated to a glamorous event at a notable venue in one of the destinations. These are free and come with plenty of delicious food and entertainment.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Azamara is low-key luxury without any pretense, and the late evenings in lesser-known ports allow for much deeper exploration than most cruise lines.

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