Why I Love Azamara: Small Ships, Big Flavour, Incredible Itineraries
My Honest Experience Oboard
If you love the idea of waking up somewhere new most days, but do not fancy huge ships, noisy waterslides or a dress-code that feels stuffy, then Azamara could be exactly your kind of cruise line. Azamara’s fleet of small ships carries around 700 guests each, so they feel more like elegant boutique hotels than floating resorts. That smaller size means two very special things: beautifully personal service on board, and access to ports that the big ships simply cannot reach.
Exquisite food and genuinely warm service
Food is a real highlight on Azamara. Think beautifully presented, globally inspired dishes with a strong sense of place: fresh seafood in the Greek Islands, bold flavours in Asia, elegant classics in France and Italy. You will find - Open-seating main dining with menus that change daily, Speciality restaurants that feel like chic, intimate city restaurants and a focus on quality ingredients, thoughtful wine pairings and relaxed, unhurried meals.
Service is polished but never pretentious. With fewer guests, the crew quickly get to know you by name, remember your favourite drink and have it waiting, and take time for genuine conversation. It feels friendly and club-like, not formal or fussy.
Relaxed, not stuffy. Azamara has an easy-going, resort-casual atmosphere. There is no need for ball gowns or tuxedos, just smart-casual in the evenings if you wish. Days are wonderfully relaxed: linger over breakfast on deck, join a talk about the next port, enjoy the spa or pool, or simply watch the scenery slip by with a glass of wine.
Evenings tend to be sociable rather than showy, with live music, a friendly bar scene and plenty of quiet corners if you prefer something low key. It suits couples, friends and solo travellers who value comfort and quality but do not want anything over-the-top.
Itineraries: Where Azamara Really Shines
Azamara is all about destination immersion. Their ships stay longer in port, offer lots of late departures and overnights, and visit smaller, characterful harbours that larger vessels have to sail past.
Here are just a few of the regions they explore:
Europe & The Mediterranean
Azamara is brilliant if you want to explore Europe in depth rather than just tick off the big capitals.
You will find itineraries that might include:
- Iconic cities such as Venice, Rome, Barcelona and Athens
- Smaller gems like Sorrento, Amalfi, Kotor, Split and Dubrovnik
- Longer days and evenings in port so you can enjoy dinner ashore, sunset strolls or a late-night drink in a local bar
Because of the small-ship size, Azamara can sail scenic coastlines and into more intimate harbours, giving you picture-perfect sail-ins and sail-outs that are a real highlight of the trip.
Northern Europe, Norway & Iceland
For those who love dramatic scenery, Azamara also offers:
- Norwegian fjords, charming coastal towns and long summer evenings
- Baltic and Northern European cities with time to explore museums, cafés and nightlife
- Sailings to Iceland with its otherworldly landscapes, geothermal lagoons and vibrant capital, Reykjavik
Again, the focus is on longer days in port and routes that feel a little more off the beaten track.
Asia, Australia & New Zealand
Azamara’s Asian and Australasian itineraries are fantastic for travellers who want to go deeper into local culture:
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand with ports that let you experience both the big cities and the more traditional side of each country
- Australia and New Zealand sailings that combine iconic cities with smaller coastal towns and stunning natural scenery
Many itineraries feature overnight stays, so you can enjoy evening food markets, rooftop bars and after-dark city life without rushing back to the ship.
Africa, Middle East & India
For something more adventurous, look at:
- Itineraries along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia
- Voyages that take in the Middle East and Indian Ocean, mixing vibrant cities with beautiful beaches
- Opportunities to pair your cruise with land programmes for safaris or cultural touring inland
These sailings are ideal if you love rich culture, wildlife and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The Americas & The Caribbean
Azamara also offers:
- Caribbean cruises that visit smaller, less-crowded islands alongside the favourites
- South American journeys combining cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires with charming coastal ports
- North American routes including Canada and Alaska, where the smaller ships feel particularly special in the fjords and narrow waterways
Extended days in port mean you can really make the most of the scenery and local life.
More Time In Port, More Authentic Experiences
What really sets Azamara apart is how much time you get in each destination. Many cruises offer:
- Extended days in port, often 10 hours or more
- Late departures and overnight stays, so you can see how a city feels after dark
- Destination-focused experiences, from small-group tours with local guides to special AzAmazing-style events that showcase music, culture or gastronomy
Instead of feeling rushed, you have time to settle in, explore at your own pace and really connect with the places you visit.
Is Azamara right for you?
Azamara is perfect if you:
- Prefer smaller, boutique-style ships
- Love good food, excellent service and a relaxed dress code
- Care more about authentic destinations than on-board thrills
- Want longer in port, evening strolls and time to discover local restaurants and culture
If that sounds like your kind of holiday, I would be delighted to chat through the latest itineraries and help match you to the perfect sailing. Together, we can find a journey that feels like it was designed just for you.
