azamara cruise ireland

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Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Europe and Mediterranean: Ireland Intensive Voyage

12-night azamara journey cruise.

From $4,680 per person* Includes government taxes, fees and port expenses of $360 per person

With its storied history, brightly colored shops, excellent bars and restaurants, traditional music sessions, and over 122 festivals and events each year, Galway may be Ireland's most enchanting city. On the banks of the River Eske in the shadow of the Blue Stack Mountains lies Donegal, an authentically Irish village where great chieftains once ruled the countryside.

Included Extras

AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages of seven nights or longer)

Select standard spirits, international beers and wines

Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas

Self-service laundry

Shuttle service to and from port communities where available

Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

  Executive Member Benefit

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Azamara sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

Dublin is the capital of Ireland, Irish culture and cuisine. The regional and micro breweries that once flourished, although crowded out of business for the last hundred or so years by Guiness, more for its marketing and transportation triumphs than necessarily for qualitative reasons, are coming back to add local color and variety to the famous old Irish pubs. Ireland has produced some of the world’s greatest writers, and in its traditional folk ballads and rich melodies you can hear the unique elements which form the roots of modern rhythm and blues music.

Warrenpoint

Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreat of Northern Ireland. At the head of Belfast Lough, the city is compact and easy to get around, whether by car or on foot. Like all capital cities, Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all pockets, from cosy B&Bs around the university, to well appointed riverside self-catering establishments, to city centre boutique hotels. Belfast is teeming with a multitude of stylish bars, gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs and some of the best shopping in the UK. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub or dance the night away to the latest vibes – the choice is yours! The birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast’s industrial heritage has shaped a city steeped in culture, portrayed at its best at the Ulster Museum, City Hall, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the many buildings still standing. The many parks, gardens and galleries offer a perfect haven to relax. Within a couple of hours of Belfast, visitors can marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, walk the Mountains of Mourne, fish in Fermanagh or visit the many picturesque villages in Northern Ireland - a perfect location to discover the rest of Northern Ireland!

Londonderry

The historic walled city of Derry, also known as Londonderry, is the sparkle in the friendly eye of one of our most historic regions. It's a centre of culture and creativity, and is now as famous for its confident modern outlook as it is for the timeless quality of its craic.

Killybegs is one of Ireland's most important fishing ports but it has also much to offer as a tourist centre. It is situated on a fine natural harbour and is gaining a reputation as a water sports centre. There is sea and river fishing, sub-aqua diving, tennis and dancing. The Killybegs International Sea Angling Festival is held in August. Every 2 years the Harvest rally is held here with all the best rally drivers in Donegal. Killybegs is also home to the world's largest fishing vessle the "Atlantic Dawn". There is plenty of Views in and around Killybegs including Sleive League just 30 minutes drive away.

Ask an Irishman to recommend his favorite Irish city, and you're likely to hear, "Without a doubt, Galway." As one of Europe's fastest-growing cities, with a population of 61,000, Galway is a major city by Irish standards, yet it still manages to retain much of the accessibility and congeniality of a small town. Galway is perhaps the most prosperous city in Ireland and arguably the most immediately appealing. As the home to many artists, writers, and artisans, and because it has a proliferation of art galleries and is the home to a lively arts scene, Galway has earned the reputation of the unofficial arts capital of Ireland. The excellent Galway Arts Festival, held every summer, is perhaps the most accessible and friendly culture fest in Europe. But while Galway attracts droves of outsiders, it does so without alienating its long-standing population. The result is a city that feels lived-in--a real place that, at the same time, accommodates (and charms) masses of visitors. Galway City is billed as the "Gateway to the west," and that's exactly what it is--a welcoming, colorful doorway through which you pass on your way to the gigantic, melancholy solitude of Connemara and the western Gaeltacht. The city has a blessed location, tucked between the Atlantic and the grand expanse of Lough Corrib, which spreads out over 176 sq. km (68 sq. miles) and holds some of the world's best fishing. With 365 islands, the lake is said to have an island for every day of the year. Like most ancient cities, Galway was founded because of its strategic access to water. It began as a fishing village, but after an invasion by the Anglo-Norman forces of Richard de Burgo in the early 13th century, Galway developed into a walled town. Elevation to city status followed with the granting of a royal charter by Richard III in 1484. Around this time, 14 wealthy merchant families ruled the city, giving Galway the nickname it still bears today--"City of Tribes." These families, mostly of Welsh and Norman origin, ruled the town as an oligarchy, and you still see storefronts and businesses bearing these names today: Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, Darcy, Deane, Font, Ffrench, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, and Skerret. By far the most important name in medieval times was Lynch, whose clan gave the city not only its first mayor, in 1484, but 83 other mayors during the next 169 years. In the center of town, on Shop Street, is Lynch's Castle, dating from 1490 and renovated in the 19th century. It's the oldest Irish medieval town house used daily for commercial purposes (it's now a branch of the Allied Irish Bank). The exterior is full of carved gargoyles, impressive coats of arms, and other decorative stonework. Walk northwest 1 block to Market Street, and you'll see the Lynch Memorial Window embedded in a wall above a built-up Gothic doorway. It commemorates the 16th-century Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen, who condemned his son to death for the murder of a Spanish merchant. After finding no one to carry out the deed, he acted as executioner. He later retreated into seclusion, brokenhearted. During the 170-year heyday of the tribes, Galway grew wealthy and cosmopolitan, with particularly strong trade links to Spain. Close to the city docks, you can still see the area where Spanish merchants unloaded cargo from their galleons. The Spanish Arch was one of four arches built in 1594, and the Spanish Parade is a small open square where visitors strolled in the evening. Local legend has it that Christopher Columbus attended mass at Galway's St. Nicholas Collegiate Church before setting sail for the New World in 1477. Originally built in 1320, the church has been enlarged, rebuilt, and embellished over the years. It has also changed denominations at least four times. The hub of the city is a pedestrian park at Eyre Square (pronounced Air Square), officially called the John F. Kennedy Park in commemoration of his visit here in June 1963, just months before his assassination. A bust of JFK shares space in the park with a statue of a man sitting on a limestone wall--a depiction of Galway-born local hero Padraig O'Conaire, a pioneer in the Irish literary revival of the early 20th century and the epitome of a Galway Renaissance man. From Eyre Square, it's a minute's walk to the medieval quarter and its festive, Left Bank atmosphere. What makes Galway particularly engaging is that this bohemian facet coexists so infectiously with the city's history. Despite Galway's population boom, the city core remains astonishingly similar to how it was in the Middle Ages. In fact, a street map from the 1700s would still get you around today! All in all, Galway is a city bursting with life. Music is everywhere--wafting from pub entryways, lilting from the street musicians on seemingly every corner, and humming from milkmen on their rounds (yes, bottled milk is still delivered door-to-door here). Chances are that your only regret in visiting Galway will be not being able to stay longer.

Foynes or Faing in Irish, is a small port on an attractive stretch of the estuary of river Shannon. It is situated in the parish of Robertstown, the barony of Lower Connello, the county of Limerick and the province of Munster. It is about 4 miles from Shanagolden and near Leahy's Point on the southern shore of the estuary.

Bantry is a busy, bustling Irish market-town at the head of the famous and beautiful Bantry Bay, in the far south west of Ireland. Bantry is at the heart of West Cork, one of the most naturally beautiful and unspoiled areas of Ireland, full of beautiful bays and beaches, spectacular hills and welcoming hostelries. For the best in Irish walking, cycling, and fishing, or for just relaxing in convivial company, Bantry and the south-west of Ireland offers everything you could want, and maybe a half-pint more! Between Mizen and the Beara, from the Sheep’s Head Light to Bondi Beach, this is the site for anything and everything to do with Bantry and Bantry people.

Queenstown it was for some decades before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922 - the Cobh (cove) of Cork. Is there anywhere in Ireland more full of poignant memories than this embarkation point for America? From here hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially in the Famine years of 1844-48. Many thrived and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the time. It is a pleasant town; its streets climb the steep slope of a hill, the top of which is crowned by the very fine St. Coleman's Cathedral which has a carillon of 47 bells. Cobh is situated on Great Island, one of the three large islands in Cork harbour which are all now joined by roads and bridges - Little Island and Fota are the others. The harbour is one of the largest and safest anywhere, being capable of taking the largest vessels afloat. The great Transatlantic liners used to come in up to the 1950s. On the quayside there is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania, many of whom are buried in the old church cemetery. The ship was sunk off Kinsale in 1915 by a German submarine, an action which was responsible for bringing the United States of America into the Great War, the survivors were brought back here. Another unhappy association is with the Titanic, 'the safest liner in the world'. Queenstown was her last port of call on her fateful maiden voyage. The Queenstown Story is based in the disused portions of the railway station at Cobh. This highly imaginative visitor attraction tells the story of emigration from Cobh in the period of the famine in 1845 up to the era of the great Liners in the 1950s. The historical role which Cobh harbour has played as a port is also illustrated. At Cobh, one looks over Haulbowline and Spike Islands, formerly the base of the Irish Naval Service. To the east, Cork Harbour leads to East Ferry. Roches Point can be seen to the south. To the south west is the yachting centre of Crosshaven.

Portsmouth/England

Portsmouth is a port city and naval base on England’s south coast, mostly spread across Portsea Island. It’s known for its maritime heritage and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The dockyard is home to the interactive National Museum of the Royal Navy, the wooden warship HMS Victory, where Nelson died in the Battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Warrior 1860. The Tudor ship Mary Rose is also conserved in a dockyard museum.

Onboard the Azamara Journey

Azamara Journey

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2000
• Year Refurbished: 2016

Double Occupancy Capacity: 690

Azamara Journey® features more balconies than many cruise ships and butler service in each suite. Like it's sister ship, Quest, it's a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Pool - Outdoor
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Bars/Lounges
• Business Center
• Concierge Desk
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Full-Service Spa
• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Internet Center
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Self-Service Laundromat

Discoveries

Main Dining

Discoveries Restaurant (open seating):  Discover the world through dishes and flavors from the places you visit. Whether it’s a Destination Immersion dinner buffet or the Destination Immersion cuisine on the dinner menu, give your dining a little local flavor and enjoy on shore tastes onboard! You will also enjoy a wide variety of nightly selections such as filet mignon with black truffle sauce. With its elegant yet lively dining and renewed décor, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship. Reservations are not accepted. Choose being seated at a table for two or as part of a larger group of fellow guests.

Specialty Dining

Aqualina:  At Aqualina, you’ll find some of Italy’s most celebrated dishes as well as contemporary inventive cuisine. Start with lobster ravioli, followed by arugula and radicchio with prosciutto chips, and a Venetian seafood platter. You won’t be able to say no to these famous desserts: marsala custard, lemon soufflé, or tiramisu. The chefs love to be inspired, so after an on shore visit to a local market, you can also expect a delectable dish so local, you’ll feel like you’re not onboard anymore.

Prime C:  At Prime C, you’re in for more than an array of delectable dining such as steaks cooked to perfection, crab cakes with remoulade, lobster bisque, lamb, game hens and seafood. Last but certainly not least, try the mini cinnamon-sugar donuts with dipping sauces for dessert. Expect a marvelous evening in a warm wood-paneled ambiance with stunning views and lush décor. If the chef has made a visit to a local market while in port, you’ll also have an authentic local dish to look forward to.

Specialty Dining:  Guests staying in a suite are welcome to dine any night of the voyage in Aqualina or Prime C at no charge. Guests who have booked a Club Veranda, Club Oceanview, or Club Interior stateroom are subject to a USD 30 per-person cover charge in Aqualina or Prime C.

Windows Café

Casual Dining

Mosaic Café and Mosaic @Night:  Comfortable and stylish, Mosaic is the place where you'll find your favorite coffee drinks, just the way you like (for an additional fee). Slip into a comfortable seat and sip for a while. The perfect place to start (or end) your day, no matter where you are in the world. This just might become your favorite area on the ship.

The Patio and Swirl & Top:  Casual "pool grill" by day, then fine tablecloths and flickering candles will set the mood for a sit-down al fresco dining experience by night. Taste your way around the world with exclusive personalized dishes using local flavors of the places visited on the Destination Immersion® cuisine dinner menu served by professional wait staff. And for a little touch of whimsy, a self-serve frozen yogurt station—Swirl & Top. With a variety of flavors and your choice of toppings, it's the perfect way to cool off during the day or end your evening meal.

Windows Café:  The best way to see where you are in the world is not by looking at your itinerary, but by checking out the menu at Windows Café! The daily themed dinner often takes its inspiration from the region you are visiting. There’s even a live station made from local ingredients purchased in port: Greek salad made with local feta (Greece), pasta prepared with local mushrooms (Italy), fresh Mussels served with garlic bread (Netherlands). Take in the fresh breeze at an outdoor table and relax in the easy and casual atmosphere of the newly renovated Windows Café. Enjoy an intimate breakfast, lunch, or dinner for two or a lively meal for six with flexible seating options. And speaking of choices, selections change daily. Choose from fresh sushi, stir-fry and pasta, salads, smoked lox and other cold fish, a carving station and of course, desserts.

Room Service:  Room service is available 24-hours a day. Order from the full breakfast menu between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM, and have it delivered at your appointed time. Lunch and dinner room service features a menu of hearty soups, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and desserts.

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Alluring inside staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings and European linens.

Club Interior Stateroom (Category: 12)

• Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
• 40" flat-screen television
• Refrigerator with mini-bar
• Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
• Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
• Writing desk
• In-room safe
• Hand-held hairdryer
• USB ports under bedside reading lamps
• Stateroom: 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m.)
• Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
• Terry bathrobes and slippers
• 24-hour room service
• Fresh-cut flowers
• Use of umbrella
• Shoe shine service
• Turndown treats
• Daily news bulletin

Club Interior Stateroom (Category: 11)

Club interior stateroom (category: 10), club interior stateroom (category: 09), guarantee - inside (category: z).

Category: Z This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Attractive staterooms feature an ocean view or an obstructed view, with either a picture window or a porthole, plus standard features and amenities.

Club Oceanview Stateroom (obstructed view) (Category: 08)

• Some staterooms feature sofa bed
• 40" flat-screen TV
• 143 sq. ft. (13.3 sq m)

Club Oceanview Stateroom (Category: 06)

Club oceanview stateroom (category: 05), club oceanview stateroom (category: 04), guarantee - oceanview (category: y).

Category: Y This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Elegantly appointed staterooms feature modern amenities and furnishings, a veranda, a sitting area with sofa bed and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Club Veranda Stateroom (Category: V1)

• Sitting area with 40" flat-screen TV
• Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.); Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)

Club Veranda Stateroom (Category: V2)

Club veranda stateroom (category: v3), guarantee - balcony (category: x).

Category: X This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Suite amenities include butler service, limited internet minutes, specialty dining, free bag of laundry, in-suite tea service, and an additional onboard credit for Top Suites

Club Ocean Suite (Category: CO)

• Spacious living room with a separate master bedroom
• Master bedroom with one queen size bed with a 55" flat-screen television
• 55" flat-screen television in living room
• Marble master bathroom with shower. Journey and Quest suites feature a tub.
• Dressing room with vanity and ample closet space
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in living room and master bedroom
• Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
• Hand-held hair dryer
• Stateroom: 440–501 sq. ft. (40.9-46.5 sq. m.) 
• Veranda: 233 sq. ft. (21.7 sq. m.)
• Complimentary Internet (240 minutes or 100% off the unlimited internet package)
• One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days
• Complimentary specialty dining
• Complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck

Club World Owner’s Suite (Category: CW)

• Master bedroom with one queen size bed and a 40" flat-screen television
• Stateroom: 560 sq. ft. (52 sq. m.) Veranda: 233 sq. ft. (21.7 sq. m.)
• Complementary specialty dining

Club Continent Suite (Category: N1)

• Two lower beds convertible to one queen size bed
• Spacious and comfortable sitting area
• 55" flat-screen television in sitting area
• Roomy bathroom with shower. Some also feature a tub.
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
• Stateroom: 266 sq. ft. (24.7 sq. m.) Veranda: 60 sq. ft. (5.6 sq. m.)
• Complimentary Internet (240 minutes or 50% off the unlimited internet package)

Club Continent Suite (Category: N2)

Club spa suite (category: sp).

• Spacious glass-enclosed bathtub
• Separate rain shower
• Comfortable sitting area
• Stateroom: 414 sq. ft. (38.5 sq. m.) 
• Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)
• Priority embarkation and debarkation
• Complimentary seating in the specialty restaurants dining
• Complimentary in-room spirits

Guarantee - Suite (Category: W)

Category: W This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

• Ship Name: Azamara Journey
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2007
• Ship Class: Journey
• Maximum Capacity: 690
• Number of Passenger Decks: 8
• Number of Crew: 408
• Officers' Nationality: International
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 73
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 200
• Total Inside Staterooms: 26
• Tonnage (GRT): 30,277
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 690
• Country of Registry: Malta
• Total Staterooms: 345
• Suites with Balcony: 46
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 08/25/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional informatio

Ship's registry: Malta

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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Dublin, Ireland

This capital city is an intimate one. On your own, stroll along St. Stephen's Green or down Grafton Street, through Phoenix Park or Merrion Square, resting at one of the city's charming pubs. City tours usually feature Trinity College, the classic Georgian mansions, the 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral and Abbey Theatre.

Driving Directions and Parking Information Alexandra Quay York Rd Dublin 4, Ireland Once you leave the airport, take the M1 ramp towards City Centre/M50. Stay on the M1 for 2km, then continue onto M50 for 6km. Continue onto E Wall Rd/R131 until you reach your destination, Alaxandra Quay.

The ultimate guide to Azamara cruise ships and itineraries

Azamara Cruises is interesting. Although it includes more in its fares -- gratuities, basic alcohol and some shore excursions -- than most cruise lines, it's not full-on luxury . However it's not mainstream, like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, either.

It has carved out an industry niche that caters to affluent, well-traveled cruisers who enjoy smaller vessels, a country house ambiance and itineraries that focus on destination immersion.

The ships in its four-vessel fleet are nearly identical, all belonging to the R Class, which was originally developed for now-defunct line Renaissance Cruises. Azamara prides itself on bringing its passengers familiarity and onboard experiences that are similar from ship to ship. You won't find waterslides or roller coasters, and that's exactly how the line's demographic likes it.

One of the line's most notable hallmarks is its focus on longer, later stays in port. Coupled with its AzAmazing Evenings program, which takes cruisers ashore to experience cultural performances in jaw-dropping locations, the experience is a little less superficial-feeling than other cruise excursions.

Here, you'll find a rundown of all the crucial information you'll need to decide if an Azamara sailing is right for you.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

3 things TPG loves about Azamara Cruises

• Its ships' smaller size and rich history.
• Later port calls that allow passengers to experience nightlife in several destinations.
• Its upscale yet homey onboard ambiance.

What we could do without

• Its lack of accommodations for solo cruisers.

The Azamara Cruises fleet

Azamara Cruises is one of the cruise industry's smallest lines, with just four ships -- Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward -- at the time of publication. All of Azamara's vessels are R-Class ships, originally built for now-defunct Renaissance Cruises, which folded in 2001, just a couple of years after the vessels debuted.

Azamara has rounded up the ships -- including the most recent, which it acquired from Princess Cruises during the pandemic -- over the years and refurbished them to add the line's signature upscale furnishings. In fact, it did such an impressive job that you'd hardly be able to guess that the vessels are more than 20 years old.

Each of the ships has the capacity for about 700 passengers, which places them in the midsize range -- large enough to provide a laundry list of amenities, but small enough that passengers can still enjoy calls on a number of ports that larger ships can't access.

At just a little more than 30,000 gross registered tons apiece, the ships are about an eighth of the size of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, which is the largest cruise ship in the world.

During 2020's industrywide pandemic shutdown, Royal Caribbean Group, which previously owned Azamara, sold the line to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Azamara's president, Carol Cabezas, told TPG that the firm has plans for expansion. Although Cabezas didn't elaborate, Azamara fans anticipate that new hardware could be in the line's future .

Destinations and itineraries

Azamara's ships sail in several regions, including Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Western Europe, British Isles and Greece.

"They cannot get enough of Croatia, Italy, Greece," Cabezas said. "Those are the kinds of places that people want to sail in, so we've dedicated a lot of the deployment into those country-intensives. That and Black Sea."

Azamara prides itself on being destination-immersive, which includes staying late in port -- often until 10 p.m. or even overnight -- to allow passengers more time to soak in the heritage. On most sailings, the line also offers its signature AzAmazing Evenings, which take cruisers ashore to iconic venues where they can experience local cultural performances. (At the time of publication, the line was offering cultural performances onboard , rather than ashore, due to COVID-19.)

Most itineraries range from a week to two weeks in length, but the line has also offered itineraries lasting more than 100 days, calling on more than 60 ports in more than two dozen countries.

Who sails Azamara Cruises?

Due to its price point, popularity in Europe and lack of short voyages, Azamara appeals to older, more affluent travelers with a surplus of vacation time. The average age can fluctuate from sailing to sailing, but it's common to find most passengers in their 60s and 70s.

The line's demographic is largely well traveled and port savvy, with many passengers forgoing shore excursions in favor of independent exploration.

Azamara also draws a large number of repeat cruisers, many having sailed with the line numerous times.

Cabins and suites

All of Azamara's staterooms , regardless of type or category, include at least one queen bed that can convert to two twins, a desk/vanity with a phone, nightstands with reading lamps, at least one TV that's a minimum of 40 inches, outlets and USB charging ports, a minibar, individual climate controls, closets, a safe, a hair dryer, robes, slippers, umbrellas and fresh flowers.

Each cabin has its own bathroom with towels, bath products, a shower, sink/vanity, storage shelves and a toilet. Additionally, all rooms include daily make-up and turndown services, as well as 24-hour room service, a tote bag, a daily bulletin of activities and turndown treats.

All suites come with complimentary butler service for their occupants.

Accommodations on Azamara's ships come in four types: insides (no natural light, 158 square feet), outsides (windows that don't open, 143 square feet), balconies (small outdoor deck areas with sliding glass doors) and suites (like balcony cabins but larger and with more perks). There are several options within each category, including seven cabins on each ship that allow access for passengers in wheelchairs and scooters.

Options within the balcony and suite categories are:

Club Veranda: This basic balcony-style cabin offers 175 square feet, plus a 40-square-foot veranda with two upright chairs and a small table.

Club Veranda Plus: The same size and general layout as regular Club Verandas, these rooms factor in passengers' loyalty status to determine the level of benefits occupants will receive during their sailing. All passengers booked in Club Veranda Plus accommodations are entitled to complimentary Wi-Fi minutes, one free bag of laundry every seven days, one complimentary meal for two in a for-fee restaurant every seven days, priority embarkation and disembarkation and free in-cabin alcohol.

Club Continent Suites: The smallest of the line's suite accommodations, Club Continent Suites are 266 square feet with 60-square-foot balconies. They include all of the amenities mentioned above, as well as a large seating area with a 55-inch flat-screen TV. Besides the TV and the increased square footage, some Club Continent Suite bathrooms also have bathtubs instead of only a stand-up shower.

Club Spa Suites: These suites are located near the Sanctum Spa on each vessel. In addition to soothing decor, cruisers booked in these rooms can expect healthy snacks to be delivered daily. They can also enjoy in-cabin spa music and their own glass-enclosed soaking bathtub. Additionally, Club Spa Suites have rain showerheads and all of the amenities afforded to veranda cabins but with a larger (55-inch) TV and 414 square feet of space, plus a 60-square-foot balcony.

Club Ocean Suites: These 478-square-foot luxury digs come with 173-square-foot verandas, a separate living room and bedroom setup (each room with a 55-inch TV), marble shower-only bathrooms (except on Journey and Quest, which have bathtubs), dressing rooms with vanities and additional closet space. Further, passengers staying in these suites have access to all of the perks to which those in balcony cabins are entitled.

Club World Owner's Suites: The Club World Owner's Suites are Azamara's most lavish, offering everything afforded to those booked in Club Ocean Suites but with significantly more space — 603 square feet with 233-square-foot balconies. They have marble bathrooms (with bathtubs on Journey and Quest) and separate living room and bedroom areas, each with its own television (55 inches in the former and 40 inches in the latter).

At this time, the line does not offer any cabins for solo cruisers, which means the already pricey fares for Azamara's sailings double if you're traveling alone.

Restaurants and dining

Azamara's dining options, although few, are impressive. Steak and seafood are often in the spotlight, and the quality is outstanding.

The line's ships each have one main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant, that allows passengers to dine at any time during set hours for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. The waiter-served menu there changes daily, and you should plan on spending at least 90 minutes for dinner, especially if you're having dessert.

Windows Cafe is the line's free buffet venue, which appears on all ships and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Previously a self-serve eatery, thanks to the pandemic passengers now simply point to what they would like and a crew member doles it out. For dinner, cruisers are seated and given menus -- which change nightly to highlight differing cuisines, such as Mexican, German and Greek -- and order from a waiter. Although it's sit-down table service, it's still faster than the main dining room. Outdoor seating at the ship's aft offers fantastic views, weather permitting.

Prime C is the fleet's for-fee steakhouse restaurant. Its menu includes several meaty options like steak, chicken, duck and lamb, plus soups and salads. Dining there costs $30 per person, and reservations are recommended.

Aqualina is where passengers will find extra-fee seafood, Italian and French cuisine in a light, airy atmosphere. The menu might feature items like lobster, seared tuna and the catch of the day. Reservations are recommended, and the cost is $30 per person. (Note: At the time of publication, the venue was temporarily closed due to COVID-19-related capacity restrictions, but diners can still order from Aqualina's menu while dining in Prime C.)

Azamara also offers themed Explorer's Dinners for $65 per person, focusing on a different cuisine -- think French and Italian -- each time. Chef's Table is another option. For $95 per person, cruisers can enjoy a seven-course meal paired with wines. During the experience, the chef explains each dish, and the ship's onboard sommeliers go over the wine selections.

The Patio, a gratis poolside venue, puts on a waiter-served spread during lunch hours each day. The menu stays the same throughout each sailing and might include items like spring rolls, nachos, burgers and chicken fingers.

Mosaic Cafe is the cafe found on each vessel in the fleet. It offers free finger sandwiches, cookies and pastries, as well as a variety of specialty coffees, most of which are complimentary. It's a nice place to go if you're feeling a little peckish between meals.

Those passengers who don't feel quite up to a full meal for dinner can head to The Living Room, a bar and lounge area that doubles as the nightclub on each ship. There, sandwiches and pastries are offered in the afternoons, and tapas are available during dinner hours.

For anyone who missed dinner or who finds themselves hungry in the middle of the night, room service is a free option, 24 hours a day. The menu is considerable, providing pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads and a plethora of other options.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment on Azamara is engaging and fun, but not nearly as extensive as what you'll find on ships in larger fleets. You're likely to encounter musicians in bars, lounges and nightclubs, and song-and-dance numbers in the theater, along with an occasional comedian or magician. What you won't find are huge LED screens, acrobatic performances or shows with high production value -- and that's exactly how the line's target audience likes it.

Theaters and shows

During the evenings, there's a piano player in The Den lounge, and the ship's band plays in The Living Room nightclub before a DJ starts spinning dance tunes there late into the night.

As far as theater happenings, you might spot a movie screening on the daily schedule or turn up after dinner to find that there's a boy band performing Justin Bieber hits while dressing like they're part of a doo-wop group. Overall, it's low-key but enjoyable.

Other interior attractions and activities

Hosted activities run the gamut from added-fee wine tastings, scavenger hunts and complimentary deck walks and water aerobics to destination enrichment lectures, dance classes and shore excursion presentations. Also spotted on some daily schedules are coloring, word search challenges and Q&A sessions with officers.

However, one of the most frequent and popular onboard pastimes is trivia. There are multiple rounds offered each day, and they focus on subjects that are often tied to the destinations the ships visit. (Think Greek gods and goddesses or ABBA on Greek Isles itineraries.) Each person receives a grid sheet for stamps, with one stamp given for simply participating and two stamps given to the members of the winning team for each round. At the end of the sailing, passengers tally their stamps to collect Azamara logo prizes.

There's also a number of unhosted activities, such as ping-pong, darts, crossword and sudoku puzzles, board games, book swaps, knitting get-togethers, shuffleboard and LGBTQ, singles and Friends of Bill W. (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetups.

Additionally, one of Azamara's signature activities is its White Night Party, usually found once on each voyage. Passengers are encouraged to dress in white for an evening of dining and entertainment under the stars.

Top-deck attractions

Apart from shuffleboard and a jogging track, there's not much on the outer decks of Azamara's vessels if you're not a sun-worshipper. There's ample deck space with loungers, and a main pool with two hot tubs where passengers can go to cool off -- or warm up. There's a second pool for thalassotherapy near the Sanctum Spa, but it's open only to cruisers staying in suites or those who book passes to use it.

Another one of Azamara's signature offerings is AzAmazing Evenings -- a series of complimentary nighttime shore excursions that take passengers to famous landmarks, such as Ephesus in Turkey or the Russian Ballet, for culturally immersive performances. Currently, due to COVID-19 restrictions, AzAmazing Evenings have been replaced by Destination Celebrations , which involve the ship staying late in port and bringing local talent onboard to perform outdoors.

Children's programs

Although children are welcome onboard, there are no kids clubs on Azamara's ships, and there is no special programming for young cruisers.

What to know before you go

Required documents

You will need a passport for most of Azamara Cruises' sailings. The only ones for which the combination of a birth certificate and photo ID (such as a driver's license) will suffice is on a closed-loop cruise -- one that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port and visits places that include Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada and the Caribbean.

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your travel concludes.

Gratuities are included in all of Azamara's fares. Passengers can choose to leave extra if they wish. Spa services will automatically have an 18% gratuity added.

Azamara's Wi-Fi is some of the worst we've experienced at sea. In addition to being pricey ($19.95 for 60 minutes, $29.95 for full-day access or $19.95 per day for unlimited access for the duration of the voyage), it's spotty at best, especially when the ships are at sea. Azamara officials say the line is planning tech upgrades in the coming years, which hopefully will include a stronger connection.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring your own drinks -- including wine, beer and liquor -- on Azamara's ships for private consumption in your stateroom. If you wish to drink them in public areas or dining venues, you'll be charged a $10 corkage fee.

Smoking policy

Generally, Azamara's vessels are nonsmoking, except for clearly designated areas on the forward port ( left, when facing the front of the ship ) side of the pool deck. Passengers are not permitted to smoke in other public areas or in their cabins, including on their balconies.

All Azamara ships have self-service laundry rooms onboard. They're free to use and include complimentary detergent. The vessels also offer send-out wash-and-fold service, as well as dry cleaning and pressing, all for an added fee.

Electrical outlets

Outlets in each cabin consist of a mix of North American and U.K. options. Standard balcony cabins have two of each at the vanity, and two additional North American outlets can be found just above the minifridge (although one of them is used to plug it in).

Additionally, the line has added USB ports near the beds so you can charge your devices as you're curled up in bed scanning Instagram reels or catching up on the latest episode of "Stranger Things" (Wi-Fi permitting, of course).

The currency onboard is U.S. dollars. Passengers will each link a credit card to their onboard account (or put up a set amount of cash), as all onboard charges are cashless. The room key each cruiser is issued at embarkation serves as a room key, charge card and ID card when disembarking and reboarding the ship in port.

Drinking age

On all sailings -- except for those departing from North America, where the drinking age is 21 -- the legal minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18.

Azamara recommends a "resort casual" style of dress, which prohibits bare feet, baseball caps, tank tops, torn or distressed jeans, bathing suits and shorts in the main dining room and all specialty restaurants. More casual wear is allowed in the Windows Cafe buffet, but shoes are required, and cruisers must wear cover-ups over their bathing suits.

There are no scheduled formal nights onboard, but passengers are welcome to dress up. They are also advised to bring a white outfit for the line's signature White Night Party, held once per voyage.

Azamara Cruises' loyalty program

Azamara's loyalty program, Azamara Circle , has five tiers for passengers to reach, based on the number of points they earn each time they sail. With each new tier, they unlock additional benefits, such as free Wi-Fi minutes, complimentary laundry service and discounts on spa treatments and future cruise bookings.

• Adventurer (1-149 points).
• Explorer (150-299 points).
• Discoverer (300-749 points).
• Discoverer Plus (750-2,999).
• Discoverer Platinum (3,000-plus points).

How much does an Azamara Cruise cost?

Azamara sailings are on the pricier side, with fares for weeklong sailings stretching into the thousands per person, especially for higher-end accommodations. Fluctuations occur based on cruise length, cabin type, itinerary and time of year.

At the time of publication, the least-expensive booking we found was $1,459 per person (not including taxes and port fees), based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin on a seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Rome's Civitavecchia. The price for a suite on the same sailing was $3,349 per person.

However, you'll find less nickel-and-diming on Azamara voyages than you will with mainstream brands, as gratuities and basic beverages -- soda, bottled water, coffee, a couple of daily house wine selections, beer and standard liquor -- are included in the price of the cruise. AzAmazing Evenings are also rolled into the fares.

Passengers can expect to shell out extra for top-shelf spirits, spa treatments, shore excursions, professional photos, Wi-Fi and send-out laundry and dry cleaning services (assuming they don't receive them for free, based on loyalty status).

How to book

Cruisers can book Azamara voyages directly through Azamara, either on the line's website or by calling 833-292-2292; virtually through a third-party online travel agent; or by calling a travel advisor, who can help with all the details for a commission that's usually covered by the cruise line.

Most cruise lines have their own cobranded credit cards, but unfortunately, Azamara is no longer one of them. Passengers used to be able to use cobranded Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International credit cards to book Azamara voyages, but it's unclear whether that is still possible, given Azamara's split from Royal Caribbean Group.

To maximize your spending when you book, use a card -- like the The Platinum Card® from American Express -- that will earn you additional points on travel.

Bottom line

Azamara cruises are a good option if you're looking for an upscale line that offers excellent food and service at the lower end of the luxury price spectrum. You'll also receive a more destination-focused experience, with longer stays in port that allow you to take in the local nightlife.

The ships across the fleet will be familiar to you after just a sailing or two, and their elegant-but-relaxed vibe will leave you feeling like you're simply enjoying a drink in a friend's living room.

Azamara specializes in immersive itineraries to destinations worldwide, providing extraordinary service and exceptional cuisine aboard boutique ships that visit a combination of popular cities and hidden gems.   Its intimate ships are able to call at remote harbors and ports that larger cruise ships can’t reach. Many itineraries feature longer stays and overnights in port so that passengers can experience more of the destination.  The upfront fare of an Azamara cruise includes select wines, beers and spirits throughout the ship, as well as gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, teas and specialty coffees.   Choose from a broad range of itineraries around the globe, from the Caribbean, Europe and South America to Antarctica, Asia and Australia. Azamara also has designed country-intensive voyages where all or most ports of call are within one nation, allowing travelers to explore the culture, cuisine and history in depth. Officers: International Crew: International

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Don’t Want to Cruise With Kids? Sail on These Adult-Focused Cruise Ships

From cruise lines with a minimum age requirement to itineraries geared specifically to adults, on these cruises you won’t see many or any little ones..

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At the Virgin Voyages pools, you won’t have to worry about kids splashing or spilling your adult beverage.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Whether you have kids or grandkids, nieces or nephews, or not, whether you love kids or don’t, sometimes there is something very appealing about the idea of a relaxing cruise vacation minus the youngsters. That’s where adults-only cruises come in.

Back in the late 1990s when Torstein Hagen created Viking River Cruises , now by far Europe’s largest river cruise operator, it was purposely designed for adults with no kids allowed aboard . That philosophy stands as the company has moved into ocean cruises and expedition ships .

Likewise, when British billionaire Richard Branson launched the first ship of his Virgin Voyages cruise brand three years ago, it was with no one under age 18 allowed aboard. The cruise line later riffed on the subject with ads showing kids very displeased that they couldn’t get in on the fun with grown-ups.

No other major cruise lines outright ban the under-18 set, but there are ways travelers can lessen the chances there will be many or any children on their cruise.

If you really want to avoid kids, don’t cruise during a school break period (such as spring break, summer, or winter holidays), pick an itinerary for more than two weeks (length being a deterrent to the family crowd— world cruise , anyone?), or look toward an ultra-luxurious cruise or one that involves an expensive airfare—not everyone wants to splurge on an upscale experience for their progeny.

Also keep in mind the smaller the ship—and fewer experiences for kids (such as kids clubs and big water slides)—the greater the chance youngsters won’t be aboard. Here are our picks for the best cruises for adults.

Find serenity in one of Viking’s notoriously tricked out Nordic-style spas on its ocean and expedition vessels.

Eric Laignel/Viking

Whether you cruise with Viking on one of the company’s many 190-passenger river cruise vessels in Europe, on the line’s 930-passenger ocean cruise ships that sail around the world, or on one of its two 378-passenger expedition ships, you’ll be treated to a fine-tuned cruising experience geared strictly to adults. You need to be age 18 and up to get aboard to enjoy the many perks covered in the all-inclusive fares. Those perks consist of shore excursions in every port, free wine and beer, all meals (including numerous restaurant experiences and nightly seafood buffets), engaging lectures hosted by historians and other experts, and Nordic spas complete with hot sauna, steam room, and a chilly snow grotto.

To book: Viking’s 15-day Grand European Tour sails from Amsterdam to Budapest on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, starting from $4,999 per person.

Head to Virgin Voyages’ Razzle Dazzle restaurant where the adults-only clientele can pick from menu items that are either “naughty” or “nice.”

Virgin Voyages

Adult-only cruises offered by Virgin Voyages take place on four 2,770-passenger ships that sail the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific. The atmosphere aboard is edgy, cheeky, full of subtle—and not so subtle—sexual innuendo, and fun done in an inclusive, adult way unlike anything the cruise industry has ever seen before . Expect lots of day drinking, lively nighttime parties and entertainment, a tattoo parlor, and indulgent food, including an over-the-top molecular dining experience and the “Lick Me Till . . . Ice Cream” shop (for no extra charge)—in between trips to the wellness retreat with a mud room and ’80s-style aerobics classes for the full detox and retox Virgin experience.

To book: Virgin’s 4-night Fire & Sunset Soirées sailing , embarks Miami for Key West and then Virgin’s private Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas, from $1,564 for two.

Sail in sophistication—and likely without kids—on Azamara cruise ships.

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara Cruises

This upscale line with four small ships does not restrict kids but tends to attract well-traveled couples aged 50 and up who like the idea of seeing the world from the vantage point of a floating boutique hotel. The atmosphere on Azamara sailings is both convivial and sophisticated, on ships that carry a maximum of 704 guests. The vessels feature a library with a faux fireplace, an upscale steakhouse for an elevated dining experience, and a “living room” for drinking and socializing.

Itineraries focus on maximizing time in port, with cultural immersion, including small group shore excursions and “AzAmazing” experiences where, for instance, you and other guests might be treated to a complimentary private acrobatics show in Monaco. Special golf cruises with PerryGolf include play at such prestigious courses as Ireland’s Royal Portrush.

To book: Sail on the 690-passenger Azamara Journey for a 10-night Croatia Intensive Voyage , from $2,219 per person.

Imagine a calm and quiet pool deck like the one aboard the Seven Seas Voyager.

Courtesy of Michel Verdure/Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

With a fleet of 490- to 750-passenger ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the most expensive cruise lines out there and touts that it is “the world’s most luxurious cruise line”—a status it gets by, for instance, outfitting its latest ships with Carrara marble details, crystal chandeliers, over-the-top suites, and multi-million-dollar art collections. Fares include a broad choice of shore excursions such as a mud bath experience in Lautoka, Fiji, premium wine and spirits, and business-class international airfare. While the line does not ban kids—and in fact, encourages families at holidays and on summer cruises in Alaska—not everyone wants to pay top dollar for experiences that may go over kids’ heads.

To book: An 11-night trip from Miami to the Caribbean on the 496-passenger Seven Seas Navigator starts at $5,699 for two passengers.

Experience fine dining with exquisite views on Silversea’s luxury expedition vessel Silver Endeavour .

Courtesy of Matteo Imbriani/Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises

With its sleek ships, a focus on cuisine and drink as a cultural experience, butlers that pamper all guests, and an overall ultra-luxury ambience, Silversea is a favorite of well-heeled adult travelers. Grandparents may bring a multigenerational group aboard for a holiday or summertime sailing (the 596-passenger Silver Muse is the only Silversea ship with a children’s playroom), but with air-inclusive fares that start at around $800 a day, and no discounts for kids, you’re unlikely to have your pool time interrupted by shouts of “Marco Polo.” Rather, you’re more likely to hear someone call an attendant over for more champagne and a side of caviar, both complimentary and available 24/7.

To book: A 10-night sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona on the 596-passenger Silver Moon , is priced from $7,600 per person.

Sail away with Windstar—and without small kids.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windstar guarantees there won’t be young kids aboard—you must be age eight or up to sail. That said, it’s rare to see any kids at all. The upscale line’s 148- to 342-passenger ships deliver an intimate, adult atmosphere whether you are on a four- or five-masted ship with billowing sails or an all-suite motorized yacht. Cabins and suites are mostly designed for two and attract couples looking for romance at sea, in addition to excellent dining, enhanced by the line’s status as the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. Borrow a kayak from your ship’s own marina by day and cap an evening of food and drink with quiet time out on deck, watching the moon reflect on the sea.

To book: The 7-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary takes place on the 312-passenger sailing ship Star Breeze , with all-inclusive pricing starting from $3,399 per person.

This story was originally published in 2023 and was most recently updated on June 25, 2024, to include current information.