Pursuing your dreams of sailing to Alaska in style, starting in 2026
Azamara Pursuit holds a special place within the fleet. It’s not the most recently refurbished ship - that title belongs to Azamara Onward, which underwent a complete overhaul in 2022 - but Pursuit re‑entered service in 2018 and received a major update in 2021. A fan favorite, Pursuit primarily sails the Mediterranean and Europe, and even better, it will be one of the Azamara ships cruising to Alaska in 2026. Looking for luxury but don’t want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars for a cruise? You might have found your perfect ship.
What we like about Azamara Pursuit
Azamara Pursuit is perfect for those who want to unwind, enjoy live music, and embrace the charm of old-style cruising. Azamara attracts a loyal following, with most guests aged 50 and older, drawn to its calm and refined atmosphere. If you're looking for a peaceful, low-key experience, this is it. You won’t find late-night parties, waterparks, or wild roller coasters onboard, but you will find opportunities to relax, get a nice tan, and sip a glass of wine while listening to live piano music in a cozy lounge.
The staff onboard Azamara Pursuit truly deserves praise. Azamara has a reputation for delivering some of the best service at sea, and Pursuit lives up to that standard. With approximately 410 crew members onboard, you’re always greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. It’s great to sail with a team that clearly takes pride in what they do, and their attentiveness never goes unnoticed. It’s definitely an area where Azamara gets a ten out of ten.
The food onboard Azamara Pursuit is definitely a highlight. While it may not reach the ultra-luxury standards of lines like Explora Journeys, it’s certainly a cut above what you’ll find on most mainstream cruise ships. There are around six dining venues, all offering solid options. The two specialty restaurants - Prime C, a classic steakhouse, and Aqualina, which focuses on refined Italian cuisine - are consistent across the Azamara fleet. Both deliver a strong dining experience, comfortably landing around a 7.5 out of 10.
Azamara Pursuit is also one of the two ships that will be exploring Alaska! Prices start at $1,950 for an awesome Japan and Alaska Cruise in 2026. That’s actually a pretty good deal, considering you’ll be visiting two of the most beautiful places on Earth. There’s also a dedicated 10-Day Alaska Cruise that visits ten different ports and starts at $3,100 per passenger. When you mix this in-depth cruise with the AzAmazing Evenings (Azamara’s signature complimentary excursions), you know these guys are going to show you a great time in the Last Frontier.
What we don’t like about Azamara Pursuit
The cabins on Azamara Pursuit could definitely be more spacious. Interior rooms start at 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m), while Oceanview cabins are even smaller, coming in at 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 Onward is a ship with more than 20 years of history behind it, and that age is reflected in the room layouts and overall design. Bathrooms are also on the smaller side and come with shower curtains rather than glass enclosures. While the suites offer more space and comfort, they still don’t quite match the modern luxury you’d find on ships launched in the last couple of years.
Just like the rest of the Azamara fleet, Pursuit isn’t geared toward families with kids. You’ll rarely see children onboard, and there are no kids’ clubs or child-focused activities available. There’s also only one main swimming pool. If you're planning a family cruise with young ones in tow, there are definitely more kid-friendly options out there.
Conclusion
Azamara Pursuit is a great ship. It shows its age a bit in the rooms, but you're really here to enjoy the beautiful itineraries, especially when it comes to sailing to Alaska. The food is good, drinks are included, and there's plenty to enjoy for those who just want to relax. Good job, Azamara!
Azamara Pursuit FAQ
How much does a cruise on Azamara Pursuit cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares start at around $1,800 for a 10-day Greece Intensive Voyage voyage and $1,950 for a 12-Night Japan & Alaska 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 Pursuit?
Azamara Pursuit focuses on the Mediterranean, Europe, Oceania, Asia and, starting in 2026, Alaska.
Is Azamara Pursuit 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 Pursuit 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.
