Luxury, the Caribbean and and good prices await you on Azamara’s very first ship
Azamara Journey has a lot of history. It’s the very first Azamara ship, having debuted in 2000 before undergoing major updates in 2019. This boutique-style vessel accommodates around 700 passengers and offers a wide range of itineraries, including the Caribbean, Europe, the Arctic, and Africa. It’s also one of the most affordable ships in the Azamara fleet, with cruises starting at around $1,200, giving you the chance to enjoy luxury at a price that is often even lower than a week onboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
What we like about Azamara Journey
Azamara Journey is perfect for those who want to relax, enjoy live music, and experience the charm of classic cruising. Azamara attracts a loyal clientele, mostly guests aged 50 and above, who appreciate its calm and refined atmosphere. If you are seeking a peaceful and low-key getaway, this is the perfect ship. You will not find late-night parties, waterparks, or thrilling roller coasters onboard, but you will find many opportunities to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live piano music in a beautiful lounge.
The crew onboard Azamara Journey also deserves recognition. Azamara is renowned for providing some of the best service at sea, and Azamara Journey certainly lives up to that reputation. With approximately 410 crew members onboard, you are always greeted with genuine warmth and professionalism. It is a pleasure to sail with a team that clearly takes pride in their work, and their attentiveness never goes unnoticed. In terms of service, Azamara earns a perfect ten out of ten.
The dining experience onboard Azamara Journey is consistently good. Although the ship offers a limited number of options - including a Main Dining Room, a buffet, a few casual snack spots, and two specialty restaurants - the quality of the food remains great. While it may not quite reach the ultra-luxury standards of cruise lines like Silversea or Explora Journeys, it certainly stands a step above most mainstream offerings. The two specialty venues, Prime C and Aqualina, are a staple across the fleet and provide a pretty good dining experience, comfortably rated at 7.5 out of 10.
Azamara Journey also offers some of the best prices across the entire fleet. Prices start at $1,150 for a 6-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and $1,500 for a 5-night Spain and France cruise. Sure, this ship definitely feels the oldest in the fleet, but the lower price helps balance that out. Being able to explore the Caribbean on a luxury cruise line for less than $1,300 is definitely a steal and one of the biggest perks if you’re considering Azamara Journey for your next trip.
What we don’t like about Azamara Journey
The cabins on Azamara Journey could definitely be more spacious. Interior rooms begin at 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m), while Oceanview cabins are even smaller, measuring just 143 sq. ft. (13.3 sq. m). For comparison, interior cabins on Celebrity Cruises typically range from 170 to 202 sq. ft. It’s worth noting that Azamara Quest is a ship with over 25 years of service, and that age is reflected in the room layouts and overall design. Bathrooms tend to be compact and use shower curtains rather than glass doors. Although the suites offer more space and comfort, they still don’t quite match the modern luxury found on newer vessels launched in recent years.
Like the rest of the Azamara fleet, Azamara Journey is not designed with young children in mind. You’ll rarely see kids onboard, as there are no kids’ clubs or child-focused activities available. The ship also features only one main swimming pool. If you’re planning a family cruise with young children, there are certainly better kid-friendly options to consider.
Conclusion
This is a cozy ship with plenty of history. If you want to get a true sense of what Azamara is all about, Journey is a great choice. It offers some of the most affordable fares in the fleet and a wide range of Caribbean itineraries, making it an excellent option for getting a nice tan while enjoying a touch of luxury.
Azamara Journey FAQ
How much does a cruise on Azamara Journey cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares start at around $1,150 for a 6-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise. Need help planning a trip with Azamara Cruises? Click the Request a Quote button and let’s chat! Contacting us is completely free, and you never pay extra when booking through our travel advisors.
What are the main destinations for Azamara Quest?
Azamara Journey primarily sails to Europe and the Caribbean, but it also visits Africa, the Arctic, and South America.
Is Azamara Journey good for children?
Not really. There’s no kids’ club onboard, very few activities for children, and the guest demographic tends to be adults aged 50 and older.
What’s new on Azamara Journey compared to the other ships?
There aren’t many differences compared to the other Azamara ships. The main one is that the Atlas Bar is exclusive to Azamara Onward - you won’t find it on the other three vessels. Aside from that, the interior décor varies slightly from venue to venue, but overall, the layout and experience remain very consistent across the fleet.
