Spoiler alert. I loved it!

I recently sailed with Azamara, and before I get into all the things I adored, I want to start with the honest stuff. Because if you’re trusting me to help you choose the right cruise, you deserve the full picture.

The few things to know going in

Azamara currently has four ships. The brand positions itself as entry level luxury – but in my opinion it’s more a premium to premium plus line. They’re older ships, and they’re dated. They could use a facelift – especially in the cabins. My number one complaint though is the bathroom size. They are on the smaller side. It is a small ship, so that is to be expected. That said, for most travelers, it is not a deal breaker. The easiest way around this is to upgrade to a suite. Then, problem solved!

The staterooms themselves have plenty of storage. We never even used all of it, and that matters, especially depending on whether you are packing for seven nights or something much longer.

Another thing to be aware of is that Azamara does not use a ship app. Instead, you receive a printed daily schedule each evening. It tells you everything happening onboard and in port the next day. We quickly got into the habit of snapping a photo of it so we could check plans while we were out and about. Once we adjusted, it really was not a big issue, but it is something modern cruisers may notice.

That is honestly it for the cons.

Now let’s talk about why Azamara shines.

The onboard experience that surprised me

White Night deserves its own moment. It is absolutely amazing. The pool deck is transformed with tables and seating, and the food is on another level. Since we were sailing in the Caribbean, we had grills serving jerk chicken and lobster, alongside sushi, pasta stations, an incredible cheese selection, and more fresh fruits and vegetables than I have ever seen in one place.

But here is the part that really stood out. Everyone helps serve. Dining room staff, spa team members, officers with multiple stripes on their shoulders, all pitching in and engaging with guests. It felt personal, welcoming, and genuinely fun. The officers also made a point to interact with guests throughout the cruise, even inviting us to dine with one of them one evening. That kind of accessibility is rare.

The AzAmazing Evening was another highlight. On our shorter sailing, it took place onboard while we were docked in Martinique. Azamara brought in local singers and dancers to perform traditional music and dance. On longer voyages, these evenings often happen off the ship at historic sites or outdoor venues, which is such a thoughtful way to connect travelers to the destination.

Why small ships make a big difference

One of the things I appreciated most was the longer time in port. Azamara is not about rushing you back to the ship. Late nights and extended stays give you time to explore, dine ashore, and really experience where you are.

Because these ships are smaller, they can also access ports that larger ships simply cannot. To put it into perspective, Azamara ships carry around 700 guests, compared to the 6,000 you might find on a large mainstream ship. That difference is huge.

You feel it onboard, too. There is a true small ship vibe. You start recognizing faces. Conversations happen naturally. On a longer sailing, I can easily see friendships forming that last well beyond the cruise.

Our sailing had a wonderfully international mix. Americans and Brits made up a large portion, along with Australians, and a handful of guests from other countries. It created an easy, relaxed atmosphere that felt welcoming and worldly, without being formal or stuffy.

As for dress code, it leaned toward resort casual. Some guests brought gowns and dressed up for dinner, but most people were comfortable, polished, and relaxed.

Who Azamara is perfect for

Azamara is ideal for travelers who value destination immersion, longer port stays, thoughtful service, and a more intimate onboard experience. It is not about flashy water slides or nonstop noise. It is about connection, culture, and feeling well cared for without being overwhelmed.

I will be sharing a few photos as well, including one that really shows the size difference between an Azamara ship and a large cruise ship docked nearby. Seeing them side by side tells the story better than words ever could.

If you are curious whether Azamara is the right fit for you, or you want help comparing it to other premium or luxury cruise lines, let’s talk