Azamara announces a suite deck and fleet upgrades

The Quest to take Azamara into the future

Azamara Cruises unveiled Azamara Forward at an event in Sydney this week, signalling a new era in the destination-immersive company. The Finer Things in Travel was there.

Azamara Cruises is an excellent cruise line. While it is not ultra-luxury, expedition-focused, or ideal for those who love formal dinners, it is certainly one of the friendliest, most relaxed cruising experiences I have had. I loved cruising around New Zealand on Azamara Quest a couple of years ago and continue to sing its praises. Beginning in December 2026, the new era of Azamara will begin.

The big announcement

 At the heart of Azamara Forward is a fleetwide enhancement program representing the largest renovation investment in the company’s history. It is designed to elevate comfort while preserving the brand’s signature focus on late nights, overnights and Destination Immersion. The program introduces ship-wide upgrades, reimagined dining and bar venues, refreshed accommodations and brand-new suites debuting exclusively aboard Azamara Quest in December 2026.

All four ships will feature updated staterooms and suites, redesigned public spaces, and new culinary experiences. Highlights include a newly dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant, a recrafted Atlas Bar rolling out fleetwide, a fully transformed Cabaret Lounge, and a complete redesign of the Discoveries Restaurant. Refreshed décor, lighting and furnishings throughout the ships aim to create a more contemporary yet timeless onboard atmosphere.

Introducing the Penthouse Deck

Azamara Quest will be the first ship to debut the transformation, launching the program on its December 18, 2026 sailing ahead of the line’s highly anticipated 2027 World Cruise. Exclusive to the ship is an entirely new Penthouse Deck (Deck 11), introducing 12 new premier suites designed to redefine oceanfront living at sea. These include two expansive Panorama Suites, featuring 270-degree views, separate living and dining spaces, walk-in wardrobes, and spa-inspired bathrooms. The Suite Deck will also offer 10 elegant Grandview Suites. These suites offer floor-to-ceiling ocean views, refined finishes, and spacious bathrooms. Guests staying in these suites will enjoy Azamara’s highest-tier amenities, including butler service, Starlink Wi-Fi and premium dining and beverage inclusions.

Culinary experiences are a central pillar. The new Chef’s Table venue will feature rotating, destination-inspired menus, guest chefs, Winemaker’s Dinners, and market-to-plate dining concepts. Meanwhile, the Atlas Bar – positioned near Discoveries Restaurant on each ship – will serve as a vibrant social hub, offering destination-inspired cocktails alongside a complimentary range of beverages.

According to Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler, the program reflects years of guest feedback and collaboration, blending the brand’s heritage with new experiences designed to deepen destination immersion and elevate life onboard.

Following Azamara Quest, Azamara Onward will undergo renovations in 2027, with timelines for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to be announced. Together, these enhancements mark a significant step forward for Azamara Cruises, setting a new standard for upscale small-ship cruising.