Tracy's Travels in Time

Azamara Mediterranean Cruise – Islands of the Med Review

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 21, 2023

Having never been on a cruise before, it was wonderful to chat with podcast host and travel journalist Kylie Mitchell-Smith (aka “ Travelling Senorita “ ) about her recent trip on the Azamara Mediterranean Cruise.

The Azamara 12-day “Islands of the Med” cruise covers destinations across the Mediterranean from Turkey to Spain making it an enticing choice for the novice (or dare I say it virgin cruiser) such as myself.

I met up with Kylie in Athens before she embarked on her Azamara adventure and she enthusiastically agreed to my request for an article which you can read below. If you’ve been pondering whether an Azamara Mediterranean cruise is for you (just like I have) keep reading for more insights.

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Plan your European adventure

Azamara mediterranean cruise – islands of the med review.

For the novice cruiser, we suggest the Azamara 12-day itinerary, it’s the ideal way to explore the magic of the Mediterranean, one island at a time. There are a few caveats to cruising, like smaller ships, destination immersion and local produce onboard.

The ‘Islands of the Med’ tour begins in Athens Greece, and takes in parts of Turkey, Italy, France and Spain. Azamara curates the experience to ensure guests can immerse in each destination, including an array of locally operated shore excursions.

We embark in Athens after exploring all the ancient city has on offer, and choose to stay in the quaint and local neighbourhood of Plaka – a short walk to the iconic sites. On board the Azamara Pursuit ship we set sail to Kusadasi, Turkey, home to the preserved and old ruins, of Ephesus. 

Azamara Mediterranean Cruise ship.

Azamara itineraries include ‘Azamazing Evenings ‘an authentic experience to connect people to place. We are treated to a mesmerising performance ‘Unity in Diversity’ by the ‘Civilisations Choir of Antakya’-in the natural surrounds of the age-old amphitheatre.

Back on board there are nine restaurants and bars to choose from, a showcase of the Mediterranean, indulge in fresh seafood, cheeses and meats from across the region.

Dine at one of the speciality restaurants like Aqualina, for a taste of the Mediterranean or Prime C a steakhouse with a fine dining edge.

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We set sail to Santorini and Crete in Greece, to explore the islands of the Cyclades, from climbing an active volcano to swimming in the natural hot springs.

Back onboard we spend a day at sea rejuvenating the soul, from a yoga class to a spa treatment and steam- the crew on board are happy to accommodate your needs.

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At sea we indulge in a decadent brunch, served in the Discovery Restaurant on level five, it’s an interactive and colourful feast designed for the guests and crew to get to know each other.

Next stop on the ‘Islands of the Med’ journey takes in Sorrento, Sicily and Sardinia. We explore the picturesque, old city of Sorrento perched high above the port, where we take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast and the stunning island of Capri. 

Kyle Mitchell Smith overlooking the cruise ship

Azamara is all about the onshore experience, spending several hours in each destination- sailing in as the sun rises and sailing away as the sun sets.

Take a self-drive tour along the Emerald Coast in Sardinia and explore the port town of Olbia – local eateries are bursting with fresh seafood, olive oil and wine-and yes there are Sardines in Sardinia.

From the coast of Italy, the ship sets sail to the French Island of Corsica and the quaint coastal town of Porto-Vecchio. The old town is bustling with local artisans, restaurants and historical buildings- with captivating views across the sea.

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The 12 Day ‘Islands of the Med’ journey finishes in Spain, taking in the islands of Mahon Menorca and Palma De Mallorca, along the way.

The islands are bursting with Spanish flavours, explore the majestic clifftops and beaches of Binibeca in Menorca, with an array of pretty, white stone villas.

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Mallorca, is well known for the Catedral de Mallorca that towers over the old city, and picturesque harbour that is lined with local artisans and street food vendors.

Walk the cobbled stone streets, with an array of traditional tapas bars, that take in the coastal surrounds.

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We sail into Barcelona as the sun rises to explore the Gothic Quarter, El Born district and Barceloneta Beach. As we wave goodbye to the cast and crew on board Azamara, we vow to cruise with them again.

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Azamara offers smaller guest numbers, destination immersion experiences and local produce sourced directly from each port. Along with a fabulous ‘White Night’ fiesta complete with big band, pop-up food stations and cocktail bars.

The friendly staff ensure you have the ultimate onboard experience, with an array of bespoke shore excursions and curated itineraries that take in unique locations across the globe.

Visit www.azamara.com and book your next ‘Azamazing’ cruise.

Inspired by Kylie’s Azmara Mediterranean Cruise review to explore more of Europe? Check out just some of our European focussed articles below

  • UK Travel Planning Podcast
  • Where to stay in Malta (area and accommodation guide)
  • Malta Travel Tips for first-time visitors
  • 25 Beautiful European cities for your bucket list
  • 23 Scenic Rail Journeys in Europe
  • Holiday Rentals
  • Restaurants
  • Things to do
  • Things to Do
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travellers' Choice
  • Help Centre

Azamara Journey Deck Plans & Reviews

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Azamara Journey

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Activities & entertainment

  • Dance Classes
  • Enrichment Lectures
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Hot Tubs (2)
  • Jogging Track
  • Shuffle Board
  • The Drawing Room
  • The Sanctum Spa *
  • The Sanctum Spa Terrace *
  • Cabaret Lounge
  • Live Nightly Music
  • Onboard Movie Screenings
  • The Patio - Casual
  • Windows Café - Casual
  • Discoveries Bar - Clubby Bar
  • Spirits - Cocktail Bar
  • Mosaic Café - Coffee Bar
  • Discoveries Restaurant - International
  • Aqualina Specialty Dining - italian *
  • Swirl & Top - Low-fat Yogurt
  • Pool Bar - Pool Bar
  • Sunset Bar - Pool Bar
  • Prime C Specialty Dining - Steakhouse *
  • The Living Room - Tapas

Reviews We perform checks on reviews. Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . Learn more about our review moderation.

  • Excellent 28
  • Very Good 13
  • Terrible 10
  • All languages ( 70 )
  • English ( 68 )
  • German ( 1 )
  • Spanish ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

The map for this itinerary is not available at this time.

  • Holiday Rentals
  • Restaurants
  • Things to do
  • Things to Do
  • Holiday Homes
  • Travel Stories
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travellers' Choice
  • Help Centre

Azamara Journey Deck Plans & Reviews

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Azamara Journey

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Activities & entertainment

  • Dance Classes
  • Enrichment Lectures
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Hot Tubs (2)
  • Jogging Track
  • Shuffle Board
  • The Drawing Room
  • The Sanctum Spa *
  • The Sanctum Spa Terrace *
  • Cabaret Lounge
  • Live Nightly Music
  • Onboard Movie Screenings
  • The Patio - Casual
  • Windows Café - Casual
  • Discoveries Bar - Clubby Bar
  • Spirits - Cocktail Bar
  • Mosaic Café - Coffee Bar
  • Discoveries Restaurant - International
  • Aqualina Specialty Dining - italian *
  • Swirl & Top - Low-fat Yogurt
  • Pool Bar - Pool Bar
  • Sunset Bar - Pool Bar
  • Prime C Specialty Dining - Steakhouse *
  • The Living Room - Tapas

Reviews We perform checks on reviews. Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . Learn more about our review moderation.

  • Excellent 28
  • Very Good 13
  • Terrible 10
  • All languages ( 70 )
  • English ( 68 )
  • German ( 1 )
  • Spanish ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

The map for this itinerary is not available at this time.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Courtesy of Azamara |

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Find a Cruise on Azamara

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Cruising with Azamara

Azamara garners high praise from cruisers and critics alike for its upscale cabins and trips to far-flung destinations. The line's four ships – Azamara Journey , Azamara Quest , Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward – sail to hundreds of ports, with popular stops in South America, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia. With Azamara's ship capacity limited to about 700 guests, it's easy to steer clear of crowds and locate crew members (each ship has approximately one staff member to every two passengers).

While docked at different ports, Azamara voyages offer shore excursions that vary by activity level, including museum visits, wine tastings and walking tours. Whether you choose the shortest five-night cruise or a 155-night world voyage, you can take advantage of each ship's onboard fitness center, lounges and nightly musical and dance performances.

You'll also find six distinct dining options on all four ships, ranging from casual buffets to specialty restaurants like Aqualina and Prime C steakhouse. In addition to beverages and meals in the main dining room, Azamara cruise fares include gratuities, concierge services, self-service laundry and exclusive events.

Pros & Cons

Encourages destination immersion through AzAmazing Celebrations (one complimentary excursion on most cruises)

Relatively small ships, creating an intimate atmosphere

Fare covers most alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, as well as gratuities

Only higher-priced, luxury cruises available; prices fluctuate slightly based on season, destinations and themes

Shore excursions (beyond one complimentary AzAmazing Celebration) not included in cruise fare

Limited onboard activities compared to larger cruise lines

  • Expert Rating » 4.0
  • Traveler Rating » 4.3
  • Health Rating » 3.5

Azamara has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

  • # 4 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples
  • # 6 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines
  • # 6 in Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Explore Photos

Azamara Journey

Azamara Ships

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Azamara Journey

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Azamara Onward

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Azamara Pursuit

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Azamara Quest

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

Before You Book

  • If you require special medical services or equipment on the ship, you must contact Azamara no later than 40 days prior to your voyage for U.S. sailings and 80 days prior for all others. Guests can fill out a special accommodations form on the cruise line's website.
  • If you cancel your reservation 120 to 31 days prior to departure, you'll be charged between 25% and 75% of your booked fare. If you cancel within 30 days of the ship's departure, you'll forfeit any refund. For more information, check out the line's  cancellation policy .
  • To guarantee reservations, Azamara requires a deposit of $1,100 per person for suites and $550 per person for staterooms. The remaining balance must be paid 120 days prior to departure.

Before You Board

  • Azamara electronically sends a list of required travel documents for your itinerary, including ticket contracts and payment receipts, 20 to 50 days before departure. Before you board, you must present a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of the cruise.
  • You must check in 90 minutes before the ship is scheduled to depart or your reservation will be automatically canceled. Boarding procedures and departure times will be included in your travel documents.
  • The cruise line recommends passengers consult their physicians at least four to six weeks prior to embarkation to ensure they are up-to-date on required vaccinations. The World Health Organization lists vaccination recommendations on its  website .
  • Azamara recommends that passengers limit their larger luggage to one or two pieces. Travelers are also encouraged to bring a small overnight carry-on bag for their last night at sea.
  • Pre-book shore excursions through the Voyage Planner in your account and reserve specialty dining ahead of time.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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The ultimate guide to Azamara cruise ships and itineraries

Ashley Kosciolek

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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 .

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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).

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

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.

IMAGES

  1. Explore the Mediterranean with Azamara Club Cruises

    azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

  2. Azamara Quest Mediterranean Cruise Review

    azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

  3. Azamara Quest Mediterranean Cruise Review

    azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

  4. 7 Reasons To Take a Cruise with Azamara

    azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

  5. Azamara Quest Mediterranean Cruise Review

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  6. 5 things to love about Azamara Onward

    azamara mediterranean cruise reviews

VIDEO

  1. Azamara Journey Cruise Line

  2. 360° Mediterranean Voyage Overview

  3. MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE on Azamara Ship, May, 2011.wmv

  4. AZAMARA JOURNEY CRUISE SHIP DUBAI HORBOUR CRUISE TERMINAL 🇦🇪 #buhaymekaniko #buhayofw #cruiseship

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COMMENTS

  1. Azamara Mediterranean Cruise Reviews

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  2. Azamara Journey Cruise: Expert Review (2023)

    Our expert Azamara Azamara Journey review breaks down deck plans, the best rooms, dining, and more. Check out the best Azamara Journey cruise ship tips now.

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    Sail date: Aug 17, 2023 / Traveled as: Couple. Ship: Azamara Journey. Great cruise with a few disappointments, several booked excursions were canceled and missed docking at Leith. Crew and staff were excellent, professional and helpful. But Azamara appears to be struggling in their new independence. Read full review.

  5. Azamara Mediterranean Cruise

    Having never been on a cruise before, it was wonderful to chat with podcast host and travel journalist Kylie Mitchell-Smith (aka "Travelling Senorita") about her recent trip on the Azamara Mediterranean Cruise.. The Azamara 12-day "Islands of the Med" cruise covers destinations across the Mediterranean from Turkey to Spain making it an enticing choice for the novice (or dare I say it ...

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  7. Azamara Journey

    Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This is our second Azamara Cruise, the first being some 8 years ago. The line has not changed in so far as it's service and staff are excellent, professionalism shown at every level, the food pretty good, the entertainment excellent overall and the fact that it's a smaller ship….

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  12. The ultimate guide to Azamara cruise ships and itineraries

    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.

  13. Azamara Pursuit Reviews from Travelers

    Ship: Azamara Pursuit / Destination: Europe - Eastern Mediterranean. Azamara Pursuit is a very nice ship with excellent service for the most part. The itinerary was very good and it allowed us to see many sites at a leisurely pace. I would probably sail on the ship again for the right itinerary. Read full review.

  14. Azamara Quest Cruise Review by durhamb

    Read the Azamara Quest review by Cruiseline.com member durhamb from July 08, 2023 of the Greece Intensive cruise. Cruise review , rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by member durhamb ... Europe - Eastern Mediterranean cruise review Cruises from $ This Perfect cruise for seeing the best Greek Islands and More Azamara Quest ...

  15. Azamara Journey Review

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    4:00PM. Thu 9-Oct 2025. nice, france. Debark. 7:00AM. -. Explore this 10-night Islands Of The Mediterranean Voyage sailing from BARCELONA to NICE on Sep 29 2025.

  17. Azamara Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Azamara

    1 - 10 of 1,772 Azamara Cruise Reviews. It gets a 5 with some qualifications. Review for a Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Azamara Onward. Buzzttt. 10+ Cruises • Age 70s. Read More. Sail Date: February 2024. Helpful. NOT AS EXPECTED FROM A LUXURY CRUISE LINE.

  18. Azamara Greece Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Azamara

    1 - 10 of 66 Azamara Greece Cruise Reviews. Great cruise with a fantastic crew. Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Azamara Quest. oddjob16. 10+ Cruises • Age 60s. Read More. Sail Date: August 2023. Cabin Type: Club Continent Suite. Helpful.

  19. Mediterranean & Europe Cruises

    Sail aboard our small, intimate ships, and discover the real Mediterranean with Azamara Cruises. Request a Quote Talk to an expert 1-855-292-6272. Menu Azamara. Upcoming Cruises. Past Cruises ... Add a pre- or post-cruise package onto your cruise, and spend a few days on land to explore far beyond port. With Azamara Ashore, find what you love ...

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    1-10 of 36 Greece Azamara Journey Greece Cruise Reviews Different Sea, Different Ship, same quality Cruiseline Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Azamara Journey