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Azamara Forward

Written by: Bobby Wells-Brown 

Azamara Cruises embarks on a new adventure, starting in 2026. The Azamara Forward project encompasses a fleetwide project to update, revitalise, and transform the Azamara fleet. These changes support life on board for the better, refreshing public spaces, upgrading suites & staterooms, as well as providing new dining and entertainment experiences.

These changes have been developed with passenger input. Azamara took the time to listen to passengers and discover what it was that guests loved and wanted more of. This has led to Forward becoming a proud continuation of the Azamara story but written with the help of Azamara’s guests. This fresh look and modern perspective are an invitation to join Azamara cruises on a high-quality cruise experience.

Timeline

Azamara Forward begins its revitalisation with Quest. Hosting the 2027 World Cruise, this ship is the natural choice as the frontrunner of these transformational elements. A final 7-night cruise sees Quest dock in Athens on 31st October 2026, at the Onex Elefsis shipyard in Piraeus, Greece. The fantastic updates were planned to take just 26 days to complete, with cruises resuming on 26th November 2026. After a short break, the ship hits the waves once more complete with a range of new comforts.
Quest is just the first of the fleet to receive the Forward treatment, with the next ship undergoing enhancement being Onward in 2027, and with Journey and Pursuit following not long after.

What Will Change?

Public Restrooms

The public spaces aboard any ship need to be finished to a high standard, and Azamara knows exactly how to do this. The restroom facilities in public spaces are undertaking a refresh during Forward. It means that thoughtful updates to the décor, fixtures, and fittings result in refined materials and improved layouts in these crucial facilities.

Suites and Staterooms

Passengers feel most comfortable in suites and staterooms that are fresh, contemporary, and comfortable. The Azamara Forward plan includes improving suites and staterooms to match these needs. With updated finishes, improved lighting, and design details that turn accommodation into a home away from home. The updates create a warm and welcoming space for passengers to relax in style.

The Sanctum Spa

The Sanctum Spa has been designed to help passengers relax into a more serene and restorative environment. The updated finishes enhance this experience, with relaxing design elements, sleek and clean, it will encourage passengers into renewal at sea.

 

Cabaret Lounge

Live performances and evening entertainment are an important part of any cruise experience. On board all Azamara ships you’ll find the Cabaret Lounge, where entertainment lives. During Forward the popular venue is refreshed, sightlines are improved so all attendees get a great view, and seating is updated for a comfortable show. The space is elevated from a simple entertainment venue to an intimate entertainment experience.

Discoveries Restaurant

Azamara’s signature dining venue, Discoveries Restaurant, gets a makeover too. The passenger favourite location boasts a redesign with new lighting and furnishings, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The colour palette, layout, and furnishings have been chosen to bring modern sophistication with comfort and elegance. Passengers get a setting that feels both stylish and relaxed from breakfast through to dinner.

Chefs Table

In days past The Chefs table has been a pop-up experience on board, and after such a positive reception it finds a designated permanent home, for the first time, on Quest. Guests can visit deck 10 where they will no longer find the Drawing Room, but instead a redesigned location ready for dining. An intimate culinary experience, Chef’s Table features expanded theme menus inspired by culinary traditions, guest chefs, and winemakers. Completion of Forward means that every ship holds a designated Chefs Table dining area. 

Atlas Bar

The Atlas Bar is coming to all ships across the Azamara fleet. Found in the Discoveries Restaurant. The inclusion of the Atlas Bar evolves the existing service by continuing to offer a complimentary beverage selection alongside thoughtfully crafted cocktails and premium spirits, whilst bringing a vibrant destination inspired experience. With a menu of drinks designed around global locations, and a welcoming space intended to bring everyone together, the Atlas Bar presents an excellent social experience.

Expert Insight

“Azamara has always been a cruise line I recommend with confidence, and the Azamara Forward project has given me even more reasons to do so. The enhancements across the fleet have freshened up the onboard experience while keeping everything that guests already love about the brand. From the updated staterooms and public spaces to the improvements in dining and entertainment, the investment is clear to see. The new Panorama and Grandview Suites on Azamara Quest are particularly impressive and show that Azamara is continuing to evolve while remaining true to its focus on destination immersion and enriching travel experiences."

Karen Stewart, Head of Cruise Product

Quest Suites

Penthouse Deck

Whilst each ship receives shipwide enhancement during the Forward process, unique accommodation options are included that are specific to Azamara Quest — the Penthouse Deck is the home of luxury suites starting from December 2026. Constructed on Deck 11 this space is home to two suite categories; The Panorama Suite and The Grandview Suite. Each represents a phenomenal evolution of the luxury accommodation Azamara is known for. Azamara’s Sun Deck, an inviting open-air sanctuary, is still found above on Deck 12 so nothing is lost from the evolution.

There are several amenities included when you book one of these suites, and they all increase the luxurious feel of your stay. Dedicated butler and concierge services, full in-suite dining, priority check-in, and personalised assistance in planning your spa treatments and shore excursions mean that you have everything your way.

The Panorama Suite

Representing the most expansive and refined accommodation options introduced in the Azamara Forward project, the Panorama Suite Stateroom offers a calming bedroom retreat with a sweeping 270-degree view. An oversized spa style bathroom makes the space perfect for relaxing, and with loads of suite amenities included, you’ll have no trouble making this your high seas home.

The suite features a living room with separate master bedroom & queen-sized bed, marble master bathroom with shower, and a 63.5 square foot veranda. This option offers next level comfort and luxury on Azamara Quest. Panorama suites can accommodate up to 4 guests, giving a group luxury experience.

The Grandview Suite

Contemporary design elements have been brought together to create the Grandview Suite Stateroom, where passengers will find expanded bathrooms, spa-like showers, and floor to ceiling views. Relaxed comfort and modern living at sea through small details that create luxury, this spacious option includes a king-sized bed, seating area, and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors taking you out onto a 60 square foot veranda. With a two-person occupancy, this is intimate luxury sailing for the discerning couple.

Passengers who aren’t staying in a Penthouse Deck suite haven’t been forgotten either. 100% of the staterooms and suites are part of the upgrade during Forward, so every passenger will find themselves in an improved room.

Moving Forward

The Azamara experience is defined by “Destination Immersion”. The way in which Azamara creates a guest experience incorporates local cuisine, social spaces, and connection. With smaller ships that reach intimate climbs, and overnights that keep you where you want to be, Azamara cruises are an experience on or off the ship. The Azamara Forward project is another way that the passenger experience is put at the forefront of the journey.
This fleetwide transformation provides more to passengers, more options, more luxury, and more value. We are excited to see where this project will end up … going Forward.

If you would like to experience the quality and luxury results of Azamara Forward call our cruise experts on 0800 917 5742 to get your booking started. 

Note: None of the content or information in this article was generated using any form of AI.

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