By
Laura Hyde |
Azamara Cruises will embark on the most extensive fleet-wide refurbishment programme in its history with the ship-wide accommodation upgrades, reimagined dining and bar venues and 12 new premier suites set to make their debut exclusively onboard Azamara Quest in December 2026.
The Azamara Forward refurbishment programme will be rolled out across the brand’s fleet of four ships, beginning with Azamara Quest. The ship will spend 25 days in drydock in Greece before resuming service on its 18 December sailing from Miami, Florida, ahead of a 188-night world cruise in 2027.
Once refurbished, Azamara Quest will feature a new Penthouse Deck with ten Grandview and two Panorama suites. The Panorama Suites will be located on the forward corners of the Penthouse Deck and provide 270-degree panoramic views, separate living, dining and bedroom spaces, and an oversized spa-inspired bathroom. Guests will have access to Azamara’s highest-tier suite privileges, including personalised butler service, Starlink Wi-Fi, ultimate beverage package, and speciality and exclusive dining experiences.
Also located on the Penthouse Deck, the Grandview suites will feature spacious bathrooms with dual sinks and walk-in showers, modern finishes and unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views. Guests also have access to Azamara’s suite amenities, including a complimentary speciality dining and premium beverage package.
Azamara Cruises will also introduce a new Chef’s Table dining experience on Deck 10. The concept will expand on the brand’s popular French, Italian and Signature Chef’s Table experience but will introduce a rotating series of themed menus inspired by the destinations the ship visits. The programme will include dishes from celebrity and destination-focused guest chefs, Winemaker’s Dinners, globally inspired culinary journeys, and selected Market Dining experiences.
The cruise line’s Atlas Bar experience, which debuted on Azamara Onward, will be redesigned and relocated next to Discoveries Restaurant across the fleet and will offer destination-inspired cocktails. The Discoveries Restaurant will also be redesigned with new decor, lighting and updated furnishings.
Other enhancements will include a reimagined Cabaret Lounge with modern furnishings, refreshed carpeting and a redesigned dance floor. Staterooms will be given a fresh look with new bedding, furnishing and carpets as well as a light colour palette inspired by “endless sky and boundless oceans”. Treatment rooms within The Sanctum Spa will be redesigned and public restrooms throughout the ships will also be renewed.
“Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises’ vision for thoughtfully elevating the onboard experience while honouring the hallmarks that have long defined the brand,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. “This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners and an extraordinary amount of creativity and collaboration across our teams. From the new Panorama and Grandview Suites aboard Azamara Quest to reimagined dining and ship-wide enhancements across our fleet, Azamara Forward is designed to deepen destination immersion, elevate comfort and create even more meaningful moments at sea. It’s celebrating our heritage while introducing new experiences to take us into the future.”
Azamara Onward will be the second ship to be refurbished in 2027, while the timelines for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit will be announced at a later date.