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There’s big news in the small-ship cruise world: Azamara Cruises has announced plans to renovate and relaunch its fleet of four ships over the coming years.
The cruise line is known for its small ships (holding fewer than 700 passengers each) and intimate feel. Azamara cruises often dock in smaller, unexpected locales around the globe — from Zanzibar, Tanzania, to Busan, South Korea — and its curated onshore experiences and extended time in port are designed to immerse passengers in a destination.
The fleetwide renovation, dubbed “Azamara Forward,” aims to underscore the line’s commitment to personalization, comfort and meaningful travel.
Azamara Forward represents the most extensive renovations and enhancements in the company’s history. Fleetwide, passengers can expect updates to every stateroom and suite — including “a fresh, light color palette inspired by the endless sky and boundless oceans,” according to a press release — and upgraded public spaces, restrooms and spa treatment rooms.
The line is also reimagining several of its signature restaurants, bars, lounges and culinary offerings. Highlights include the Atlas Bar, which received such a positive reception on Azamara Onward that the line plans to add it to every ship, and a revamped Chef’s Table restaurant, one of the brand’s most beloved dining outlets. The private, panoramic restaurant will introduce themed menus inspired by the regions Azamara visits, destination-focused guest chefs and Market Dining Experiences crafted from local ingredients and recipes.
Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 10 best meals you can have at sea
Additionally, there will be new suites and spaces exclusive to Azamara Quest. The all-new Penthouse Deck, positioned below the existing open-air Sun Deck at the top of the ship, will serve as the highest (and most comfortable) place guests can stay. The Penthouse Deck will comprise 10 new Grandview Suites and two ultraluxe Panorama Suites.
Located on the forward corners of the Penthouse Deck, these top-tier suites will offer 270-degree panoramic ocean views and provide the ship’s most expansive and sumptuous accommodations, complete with a walk-in closet and a personal butler.
Related: The most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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The renovations mark a major milestone early in the tenure of the line’s new CEO, Dondra Ritzenthaler, who started in May 2024.
“This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners and an extraordinary amount of creativity and collaboration across our teams,” Ritzenthaler said in a press release. “Azamara Forward is designed to deepen destination immersion, elevate comfort, and create even more meaningful moments at sea. It’s celebrating our heritage while introducing new experiences to take us into the future.”
Azamara Quest will be the first ship to get a makeover, ahead of its highly anticipated “World Cruise” in 2027 — Azamara’s biggest world cruise yet, covering 37 countries over 188 nights. The renovations will debut on Quest’s 18-night “Panama Canal Cruise” to Miami; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and San Diego, departing Dec. 18, 2026.
Azamara Onward is next in line, with renovations planned for 2027, after which the updates will roll out to Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit.
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