Azamara is the line I steer clients toward when they tell me they want a cruise that feels more like travelling than vacationing. Over half their port calls are late nights or overnights, so you can actually have dinner ashore in Dubrovnik or wander the backstreets of Lisbon after the big-ship crowds have left. The included drinks, tips, and AzAmazing Evenings make the pricing transparent too — it punches well above its weight for the money.
Azamara built its identity around a single compelling promise: more time in port, less time at sea. While most cruise lines treat ports as daytime photo opportunities, Azamara’s four boutique-sized ships — each carrying around 700 guests — routinely dock until late evening or stay overnight, giving passengers a chance to experience destinations after dark. Over half of all port calls across the 2025-2026 season are late-night or overnight stays, and country-intensive itineraries let travellers explore a single nation in depth rather than skimming across a half-dozen countries in a week.
The onboard atmosphere sits in a sweet spot between mainstream and ultra-luxury. Cabins are well-appointed rather than opulent, service is warm and attentive without being overbearing, and the dress code is relaxed smart casual throughout. What sets Azamara apart from similarly sized competitors is the breadth of inclusions baked into the fare: drinks (including spirits, wine, and beer), gratuities, self-service laundry, and the signature AzAmazing Evenings — exclusive cultural events held in extraordinary venues ashore, from medieval castles to ancient amphitheatres.
The culinary programme has been significantly expanded, with expert chefs from Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain curating regionally inspired menus that rotate with each itinerary. More than 150 locally sourced dishes have been added across main dining venues, and a selection of destination beers complements the existing wine and cocktail offerings. Onboard, the “Stories Under the Stars” programme brings local folklore to life on the pool deck, while more than 200 local entertainers join sailings each year.
Azamara’s itinerary reach spans six continents, 92 countries, and over 300 ports — including a return to Alaska in 2026 and new solar eclipse voyages in European waters. The line’s Curator’s Collection excursions offer intimate, locally led experiences designed for travellers who want to go deeper than standard shore tours. For anyone who has grown weary of the rush-back-to-the-ship-by-five routine, Azamara offers a fundamentally different rhythm of travel.
Tell us your travel dates and our Azamara Cruises specialists will create a tailored proposal.
