Azamara Cruises

MV Azamara Journey

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Operator: Azamara Cruise Line
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 2000 / 2007
Length / Tonnage: 592 / 30,277
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 340 / 684
Officers / Crew: International / International
Operating Area: Europe and South America

She originally entered service as the R Six for Renaissance Cruise Lines and began sailing for Azamara Cruises in May of 2007. Azamara Cruises is a brand of Celebrity that was created in 2007 to target the "Deluxe" market, which is described as being between Premium and Luxury.

According to Azamara Cruises President Dan Hanrahan, who also is president of Celebrity Cruises, "Azamara Cruises is expressly designed for travel enthusiasts who appreciate what a cruise vacation has to offer, but are looking for something a little different, and a little more special. And what's special about Azamara Cruises is its distinctive combination of impeccable service, exceptional cuisine and off-the-beaten-path destinations, with truly immersive excursions."

Azamara Journey offers an enhanced emphasis on spa and relaxation, with treatments many cruise travelers have never experienced. Guests in suites can enjoy certain spa services in the privacy of their room. There is also an outdoor spa relaxation lounge and an aesthetics suite offering acupuncture, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.

An onboard "excursion expert" not only helps guests select shore excursions based on their personal interests, but also serves as a destination guide, offering information about the culture and history of each port of call.

The Azamara retail experience onboard will focus on fine art, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and upscale resort wear.

On Azamara Journey, the two specialty restaurants are the Mediterranean-influenced "Aqualina" and the steak and seafood restaurant, "Prime C." Guests staying in suites will receive two nights of complimentary dining in one of the two specialty restaurants, while guests in staterooms will receive one. The ships will not require formal attire for dining, and will feature open seating in the main dining room.

Azamara Cruises also presents a wine bar with a spectacular wine cellar offering wine and champagne tastings, seminars, and mini-pairings of food and wine, in addition to its standard menu of fine wines by the glass or bottle.

Sixty-eight (68%) of her staterooms have private terraces. Cabins range in size from 160 for a standard cabin, to 322 square feet for a Penthouse Suite, to 962 square feet for the six Owner's Suites.

All staterooms on Azamara come with complimentary butler service, a daily fruit basket, fresh cut flowers, 24-hour room service, a sweet surprise on your pillow each evening, afternoon canapés, complimentary shoe-shine service, a 23" plasma television, personal stationery, Elemis bathroom products, one night complimentary dining, new European bedding, and complimentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and plush robes; and of course, it has been newly decorated to exceed your expectations.

All suites come standard with all of the above, plus butler service, two nights of complimentary specialty dining (one night in each restaurant), complimentary pressing of your laundry, a 23" plasma television, amenity bar, complimentary in-room nonalcoholic specialty coffees, soda and water, expanded Elemis bathroom amenities, afternoon tea service, complimentary bottle of champagne and more. Your suite has also been updated to include all new furnishings, from carpet to fine furniture.

Azamara Journey sails on extended voyages (10-24 days) around Europe during the summer and fall. In December she heads to South America where she continues her extended itineraries.