Azamara Cruises: the history
Originally called Renaissance Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises is today a subsidiary of the American company Royal Caribbean. Renaissance Cruises was founded in 1989 in Norway and had a total of 8 ships built between 1998 and 2001: R One, R Two, R Three, R Four, R Five, R Six, R Seven, and R Eight. Renaissance Cruises was dismantled in 2011, so Royal Caribbean decided to buy two ships and add them to its fleet: R Six and R Seven.
When Azamara Club Cruises was created in 2007, these two ships were renamed Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey. The company’s latest ship , the Azamara Pursuit, came out in 2018.
The CEO of Azamara Club Cruises since 2009, Larry Pimentel, has chosen a new surprising cruise idea for the company : Very intimate cruises, closer to the destinations visited with small ships that allow to dock at ports less accessible to larger ships, such as Venice or Crete. When you travel with Azamara Club Cruises, you will enjoy your journeys on land. For a total immersion in the country, the ships stay longer in port and you can spend a whole night in the home port to discover more about the cuisine, the customs, meet the locals etc...
The fleet
Azamara Club Cruises has a fleet of three ships in total. This is a fleet that was partly purchased from the former Renaissance Cruises. These ships were refurbished in 2016 for $18 million.
Azamara Quest
Built in 2000 in the French shipyards of Saint-Nazaire, the Azamara Quest was launched in 2007 for Azamara Club Cruises. With a capacity of 710 passengers and 400 staff, this ship offers all the modernity and comfort that travelers dream of on a cruise (spa, restaurants, swimming pool, etc.) in a decor that combines luxury and simplicity.
Azamara Journey
Like its sister ship Azamara Quest, the Azamara Journey was built in 2000. It can accommodate 390 crew members and 866 passengers. They will enjoy a human-sized ship with modern comforts and a sleek, chic and elegant atmosphere. Passengers will have a convivial Azamara cruise punctuated by the ship's many activities: spa, wellness center, lounge bar, swimming pool, etc.
Azamara Pursuit
The Azamara Pursuit, the company's latest ship, embarks its 702 passengers for an unforgettable experience. Seven restaurants, cafes and lounges, a spa, two swimming pools, a fitness room, everything is gathered to live the Azamara experience to the fullest. The 408 crew members will be happy to meet every need of the travelers.
Azamara Club Cruises destinations
Australia
Australia's stunning beaches and kangaroos await you on an extraordinary Azamara cruise! The cities of Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin and Sydney will immerse you in the Australian atmosphere. So be transported by the wildlife, wilderness and UNESCO protected sites.
New Zealand
From Sydney or Auckland, come and discover New Zealand! The land of the kiwis welcomes you in February, the ideal time to live a waking dream! For 13 to 15 days, you will be totally immersed in the Maori culture and the lush nature of these islands.
Western & Northern Europe
For 11 to 13 days, from June to August, Northern Europe is waiting for you. Take advantage of the mild summer and visit this very special part of the world with its fjords and nature. From April to September, Western Europe opens its doors to you for cruises lasting 16 days. The deep-rooted history of this region, but also the famous seaside resorts will no longer hold any secrets for you!
Asia
Throughout the year, Azamara Club Cruises takes its passengers to Asia. Whether it's India, China, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates or South Korea, during 7 to 18 days you can adventure in this continent of a thousand cultures and traditions.
Mediterranean
Azamara's Mediterranean cruises will take you on a journey of discovery through many varied and grandiose places. From Barcelona to Rome, passing by Venice or Lisbon, Southern Europe and its sun will be your favorite destinations. Azamara also takes you to the Eastern Mediterranean, full of history: the famous archaeological site of Petra in Jordan, the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, but also the ancient ruins in Athens and the landscapes of Santorini.
West Indies
Between November and December, Azamara Cruises sets sail to the Caribbean. The turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches of these islands will warm you up. An opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved rest in the middle of heavenly landscapes. Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Bonaire, St Lucia, Puerto Rico... islands with exceptional biodiversity that will amaze you.
Panama Canal & North America
Thanks to Azamara Cruises, you will board one of the 14,000 ships that cross the famous Panama Canal every year. From January to February, North America opens its doors to you. Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Panama will transport you into their American culture for 11 to 17 days between October and December.
Africa
Dive into the heart of Africa's wildlife! The wonderful and sumptuous landscapes of this great continent open their doors to you. A whole night in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, a dive into the history and landscapes of South Africa, the discovery of the wildlife in Tanzania but also the great desert of Namibia.
Alaska
Set sail for Alaska on board the Azamara Quest ! You will be very close to nature on this trip. You will surely spot bears and bison, marvel at the lush rainforests (so characteristic of North America), as well as the majestic glaciers.
South America
Every country in South America has something unique to offer. Soak up the festive atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, enjoy the tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina, or cross the captivating fjords of Chile and discover Uruguay on a cruise.
South Pacific
From Hawaii to Tahiti, the culture of the Pacific Islands will transport you. Surprise yourself by climbing a volcano in Hawaii, get lost in the waterfalls and then go and admire the beauty of the islands of French Polynesia.
Transoceanic
Cross the oceans like historical great explorers! From one continent to another, from Europe to America, from Lisbon to Rio, from Tokyo to Seward in Alaska, cross the oceans and get an unforgettable Azamara experience for 14 days or more.
Restaurants on board Azamara Cruises ships
Cruising is also about the taste buds! Azamara Cruises offers a real culinary experience to its passengers, 6 restaurants remain at their disposal for more culinary discoveries.
Eating on board Azamara ships
Go to Italy at the Aqualina restaurant! Carpaccio, tartare, lobster, panna cotta, tiramisu ... the best of Italy at sea with Azamara! Let the chef surprise you with his creativity, after each stopover he will be inspired by local specialities and will prepare tasty and original dishes. The dress code is casual, the staff is at your service for a moment of pure Italian happiness.
Meat lovers will love the Prime C. A steakhouse offering a wide choice of very tasty dishes. In a cozy setting with a breathtaking view of the horizon, Prime C will delight vegetarians and carnivores alike with its special signature dishes.
Travelers in Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suites and Club Continent Suites will be able to enjoy both restaurants for free. All others will have to pay an additional $30.
For lunch and dinner during their Azamara cruise, passengers can choose to eat at the Patio grill restaurant. Next to the ship's pool, they can indulge in snacks such as burgers, kebabs, tapas and go back to their swimming activity.
The Discoveries will take you on a journey of authentic world cuisine. This is the culinary heart of the Azamara boats. An opportunity to embark on a gastronomic world tour.
From breakfast to dinner, the many international buffets at the Windows Café offer a wide choice of delicious menus that change daily.
Take a seat at the Mosaic Café, the perfect place to start or end the day in a peaceful way over a delicious coffee.
Drinks during your Azamara cruise
During Azamara cruises, passengers enjoy free drinks included in the cruise price!
Cruise/Water Package
Enjoy an unlimited water package for $8.95 per day per person with Evian, San Pellegrino and Perrier. You can also purchase single servings for $2.50.
Cruise/Wine Package
Passengers have three different packages that can be purchased at any time during their cruise. The Wine by the Glass Package is $29.95 per day, the Wine Lover Package is $180 to $350 per day depending on the number of bottles and the Wine Connoisseur Package is $315 to $630 per day depending on the number of bottles.
Cruise / Liquor Package
The alcohol package at $15.95offers a wide selection of different types of alcohol: vodka, gins, rums, whiskies and many others.
Beer Cruise Package
26 brands of beer are available on board Azamara Cruises, the package costs only $14.95 per day.
Features of Azamara Club Cruises
Club Voyage by Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Cruises has been offering a loyalty programme to its passengers since 2010 to reward travelers who have collected enough points based on the number of cruises they have taken. Joining the club is quick and easy. As a member of the Voyage Club, passengers benefit from numerous advantages such as a discount at the Spa, 10% discount on certain cruises, included internet packages and numerous free activities on board.
Fitness and Spa
The Sanctum Day Spa takes care of passengers all day long between 8am and 8pm. An opportunity to focus on yourself and get some self time. Trust the hands of qualified professionals who will transport you into a world of well-being and relaxation.
All three ships in the Azamara Cruises fleet have their own Fitness Centers open daily between 06:00 and 22:00. All modern machines are available to passengers: treadmills, elliptical trainers, weight machines, bicycles. In addition, fitness classes are offered to give passengers even more options to let off steam.
Azamazing Events & Destination Immersion
Azamara Cruises wants to offer its passengers a travel experience that is totally immersed in the culture of the country they are visiting. Cruises are longer than with other companies and even allow passengers to enjoy the overnight experience. This means that you can choose to spend an entire night on land while the ship remains docked.
AzAmazing Evenings allows you to travel in a unique way. You will have a complete discovery of the local culture and life, meet new people and have access to some activities. The privileged ones who will be able to live this experience will have an intense feeling of change of scenery.