Azamara has four cruise ships, and you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re all exactly the same.
They’re almost identical in size, share the same basic layout and offer a very similar experience on board. But look a little closer, and there are some differences worth knowing about.
One ship has a bar you won’t find on the others, another is getting a major makeover, and some have more suites than others.
But perhaps the biggest surprise is that Azamara’s newest ship isn’t actually its newest at all…
Azamara Cruise Ships
The following table compares the four Azamara ships…
| Ship | Built | Joined Fleet | Last Refurbished | Size (Gross Tons) | Guests | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamara Journey | 2000 | 2007 | 2024 | 30,277 | 690 | 408 |
| Azamara Quest | 2000 | 2007 | 2024 | 30,277 | 704 | 408 |
| Azamara Pursuit | 2001 | 2018 | 2024 | 30,277 | 702 | 408 |
| Azamara Onward | 1999 | 2022 | 2024 | 30,277 | 684 | 408 |
As you can see, the ships were all built within a couple of years around the millennium and are each identical in terms of gross tonnage (volume).
All four ships underwent refurbishment work in 2024, but Azamara has since announced a much bigger programme of upgrades called Azamara Forward.
Azamara Quest is the first ship to receive the enhancements, with work taking place in late 2026. Azamara Onward is due to follow in 2027, while the schedules for Journey and Pursuit have yet to be confirmed.
The changes will include refreshed public areas, upgraded accommodation and new dining experiences, so the differences between the ships are set to become more noticeable.
Guest Capacity
Azamara cruise ships are relatively small, with each accommodating between 684 and 704 guests based on double occupancy. Some rooms have sofa beds, which would take the maximum occupancy up to 826 if all berths were in use.
Azamara Deck Plans
The four Azamara ships have very similar layouts, with many of the same restaurants, lounges and facilities.
However, there are some differences. Azamara Onward has the Atlas Bar, for example, while Azamara Quest is receiving new suite categories and other enhancements as part of the Azamara Forward refurbishment programme.
These differences are set to become more noticeable as the upgrades are rolled out across the fleet.
| Ship | Interior | Oceanview | Veranda | Suite | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamara Journey | 26 | 88 | 197 | 44 | 355 |
| Azamara Quest | 26 | 94 | 197 | 46 | 363 |
| Azamara Pursuit | 26 | 79 | 200 | 46 | 351 |
| Azamara Onward | 26 | 79 | 173 | 64 | 342 |
One important distinction between the ships can be observed on Deck 8 of Azamara Onward. On the other ships, this deck is half balcony staterooms and half suites. However, on Azamara Onward, almost the whole deck comprises suites. That’s why the guest capacity is slightly lower on Azamara Onward, compared to the other ships in the fleet.
The Azamara cruise ships are all identical in terms of restaurants, pools, spas, and entertainment venues. Any differences will be minor and decorative.
The Newest Azamara Ship
The newest addition to Azamara’s fleet is Azamara Onward, which began sailing for the cruise line on 2nd May 2022.
Previously known as Pacific Princess, the ship was originally built in 1999, making it the oldest vessel in Azamara’s current fleet despite being the most recent to join.
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The History of Azamara’s Cruise Ships
Azamara Cruises was founded in 2007, several years after the Azamara ships were built. Founded by the Royal Caribbean Group, Azamara was created to compete with Oceania Cruises, a luxury cruise brand owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
In 2009, Azamara Cruises was rebranded to Azamara Club Cruises, before being renamed to simply Azamara in 2019.
When Azamara was founded in 2007, the first two ships, Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey, were obtained from Royal Caribbean Group’s Pullmantur Cruises brand. Instead of being transferred to Celebrity Cruises as planned, they were instead used to launch the new Azamara brand.
In 2018, Azamara bought Adonia from P&O Cruises and renamed it Azamara Pursuit.
In 2021, Royal Caribbean Group sold the Azamara brand to the private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The company then bought Pacific Princess from Princess Cruises and renamed it to Azamara Onward.
Here’s a little more on the history of each Azamara ship:
Azamara Quest History
- 2000 – 2003: R Seven for Renaissance Cruises
- 2003 – 2006: Delphin Renaissance for Delphin Seerisen
- 2006 – 2007: Blue Moon for Pullmantur Cruises
- 2007 – Present: Azamara Quest for Azamara
Azamara Journey History
- 2000 – 2003: R Six for Renaissance Cruises
- 2003 – 2005: Blue Star for Pullmantur Cruises
- 2005 – 2007: Blue Dream for Pullmantur Cruises
- 2007 – Present: Azamara Journey for Azamara
Azamara Pursuit History
- 2001 – 2003: R Eight for Renaissance Cruises
- 2003 – 2007: Minerva II for Swan Hellenic
- 2007 – 2011: Royal Princess for Princess Cruises
- 2011 to 2018 – Adonia for P&O Cruises
- 2018 – Present: Azamara Pursuit for Azamara
Azamara Onward History
- 1999 – 2002: R Three for Renaissance Cruises
- 2002 – 2021: Pacific Princess for Princess Cruises
- 2022 – Present: Azamara Onward for Azamara
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Other R-Class Ships
The eight R-class ships were originally built for Renaissance Cruises between 1998 and 2001. Four now sail with Azamara, while the other four have been associated with Oceania Cruises.
However, the future of these older ships is changing. In August 2026, Oceania Regatta left the cruise line’s regular fleet to begin a long-term charter with Australian travel company My Cruises.
The remaining ships continue to have different plans for their futures, so it’s unlikely that Azamara will simply be able to purchase one of its sister ships in the near future.
- R One – Currently Insignia for Oceania Cruises
- R Two – Regatta, no longer part of the Oceania fleet but chartered to My Cruises
- R Four – Currently Sirena for Oceania Cruises
- R Five – Currently Nautica for Oceania Cruises. Will be renamed Aurelia in 2027
Oceania has announced plans to transform Nautica into the smaller-capacity, more suite-focused Oceania Aurelia from late 2027.
What to Expect from Azamara Ships
Azamara cruises are very much focused on the destinations, with immersive, port-intensive itineraries. The ships are large enough to cross oceans, yet small enough to call at smaller ports and sail into rivers.
On an Azamara cruise, you’ll find a lot included in your cruise fare:
- Drinks – standard spirits, wines, beers, water, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Gratuities (tips)
- AzAmazing Evening cultural events on eligible sailings of seven nights or longer.
- Shuttle service to and from port communities where available
- Self-service laundry
Additional amenities for ‘Veranda Plus’ guests:
- Free mini bar
- One night of speciality dining
- 120 minutes of free WiFi or 25% off WiFi package
- One bag of laundry every 7 days
- Priority boarding and debarkation
Additional amenities for Continent Suite guests:
- Butler and concierge service
- Complimentary speciality dining
- Unlimited basic Starlink Wi-Fi for one device per guest
- Two wash-and-fold laundry bags per stateroom, or three on voyages of 15 nights or longer
- Priority check-in and other suite privileges
Additional amenities for guests in Club World Owner’s, Ocean and Spa Suites:
- Butler and concierge service
- Complimentary speciality dining
- Ultimate Beverage Package
- Unlimited basic Starlink Wi-Fi for two devices per guest
- Unlimited wash-and-fold laundry
- Invitation to the exclusive Acamar Experience dinner
- Priority check-in and other suite privileges
Final Word
Choosing between Azamara’s ships is less about finding the “best” one and more about finding the itinerary that suits you best.
Since the ships are all part of the same R-class family, the onboard experience is remarkably similar across the fleet. You’ll get the same boutique atmosphere, destination-focused cruising, attentive service, and relaxed luxury whichever ship you choose.
The biggest differences come down to suite layouts, particular bars and lounges, refurbishment timing and where each ship sails. With Azamara now introducing a major programme of upgrades, those differences are set to become more noticeable over the next few years.
So rather than focusing too much on the ship itself, it probably makes more sense to choose the destinations that excite you most. After all, Azamara’s real speciality has always been helping guests spend more time experiencing the places they visit.
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Azamara is starting on wrong foot with customers the ships are outdated and need to be refurbish I went on Azamara Pursuit on September 25 2023 for 12 days voyage my bathroom only work every other day we reported to customer relations and they are keep fixing and next day stop working again it’s like putting band aid and problem we were not offer another room my spose had to go upstairs to public bathroom in meddle of the night it was horrible never again we amid cruisers and was our 31 cruise and 1st with Azamara and probable last. The customer service horrible no response don’t waist your money and seek other better cruise line
One major difference between the Azamara Quest and Journey ships is the configuration of the bathrooms in the Owner’s suites and Ocean suites. The Onward and Pursuit have a separate guest toilet (two in total), dual sinks, and an extra large walk in shower but no bath tub. The Quest and Journey have a bath tub but no guest toilet or dual sinks. I would love to know if the Quest and Journey bathrooms will be refurbished to the standard as the Onward and Pursuit in their next dry dock.
Are the hallways of the Azamara Onward the same size as other Azamara ships?
Thanks.
Yes, useful.