Sailing with Azamara: A Boutique Small Ship Experience Focused on the Destination

I recently returned from a wonderful 8-night sailing aboard the Azamara Journey, and I wanted to share a little insight into a cruise line that many travelers haven’t yet discovered.

Because Azamara Cruises is still somewhat under the radar for mainstream cruisers, it’s worth taking a closer look—especially if you love immersive travel, longer time in port, and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere.

A Little Background on Azamara

Azamara was originally part of the premium cruise portfolio under Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Today, it operates as an independent, privately owned cruise line focused on destination-intensive itineraries and small-ship luxury experiences.

Think of it less as a traditional cruise and more like a floating boutique hotel that happens to take you directly into the heart of incredible destinations.

Small Ship, Big Experience

The ships are considered a small ship carrying only about 650–700 guests. That immediately changes the feel onboard—there are no crowds, no long lines, and no feeling of being lost in a sea of thousands of passengers.

In fact, the guest-to-crew ratio is about 2:1 which means service is incredibly personal. By day two, crew members often know your name, your favorite drink, and your preferred table.

While a few staterooms can accommodate families, the reality is that there is no dedicated kids’ programming. We did see a handful of children and teens onboard, but overall the demographic skews older and very well-traveled. Many guests we spoke with had previously sailed luxury and boutique lines such as Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Viking Cruises—both ocean and river sailings—among others.

Destination Immersion Is the Star of the Show

If there is one defining feature of Azamara, it is this: the destinations come first.

You’ll find longer port stays, late departures, and even overnights in select ports which completely changes the rhythm of a cruise. Instead of rushing back to the ship at 4:00 PM, you can linger in port, enjoy dinner ashore, or explore the destination after dark.

One of the signature experiences onboard is the AzAmazing Evening—a complimentary, curated cultural experience either ashore or onboard that connects you to the destination in a meaningful way. This varies from sailing to sailing but will always be something cultural and important to a specific location.

Ours was unforgettable: a Flamenco performance paired with traditional Andalusian horse dancing that felt deeply local, immersive, and far beyond a typical cruise entertainment offering.

Life Onboard: Relaxed, Elegant, and Low-Key

Entertainment onboard is intentionally understated—somewhere between a river cruise and a mainstream cruise line. You won’t find large-scale productions or high-energy deck parties, but rather a calm, refined atmosphere that matches the style of travel.

Dining, however, is a real highlight. Even the buffet exceeded expectations with consistently high-quality food and thoughtful presentation throughout the ship.

One thing not to be missed is White Night! It is, just as it says, a night that everyone wears white, the pool deck is fully prepared with seats, grills, tons of food, and live music!

Staterooms are comfortable but on the smaller side, and the bathrooms are very compact—something to be aware of if space is a top priority. This is probably the smallest bathroom we’ve ever had on a cruise ship! That said, the trade-off comes in value and inclusions.

What’s Included (and Why It Matters)

One of the things that makes Azamara stand out is how much is already included in your fare:

Always Included:

• Variety of dining venues & 24-hour room service

• Beer, wine, and spirits all day and night

• Signature AzAmazing Evenings

• Unlimited self-service laundry

• Onboard gratuities

Always Expected:

• Overnights & extended destination days

• Unique and iconic ports of call

• A no-hassle, uncrowded onboard experience

• Warm, attentive, highly personalized service

We also appreciated several added-value inclusions based on our stateroom choice such as WiFi, a specialty dining experience, and a complimentary bag of laundry—small touches that make a big difference on longer sailings.

A Refined, Well-Traveled Crowd

One thing that stood out immediately was the guest profile. Travelers onboard were generally very experienced cruisers and well-traveled overall. Conversations often centered around past sailings on luxury or boutique lines and unique destinations rather than “first-time cruise excitement.”

Final Thoughts

The fleet itself is older with ships originally built around 2000 that have been thoughtfully refurbished over time. While you may notice their age in places, it never detracts from the overall experience. In fact, it adds to the charm.

Would I sail Azamara Cruises again? Absolutely.

This is not the cruise line for travelers seeking mega-ship thrills, water slides, or constant entertainment, but if you value destination immersion, longer time in port, intimate ships, and exceptional service, Azamara delivers something truly special.

It feels like traveling the world with time to actually experience it—and that is what sets it apart. If you’re looking for a unique cruise experience, let’s take a look at Azamara or one of the other small ship or adventure ship options to really experience a location! Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor or contact us directly.

TSA is Launching Alternative for Real ID - For a Fee!

Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will roll out an alternative identity verification program for travelers who arrive at airport checkpoints without an acceptable REAL ID or passport.

To help cover government-incurred costs, travelers who opt to use this program will be required to pay an additional fee. This fee is set by TSA at $45 and completing the process does not guarantee checkpoint clearance.

At the airport, all travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.

Those with acceptable forms of ID, including the following, do NOT have to pay this fee or undergo this process; you will simply present your compliant ID as normal and proceed through security:

If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles. NOTE: A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

1. State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)

2. U.S. passport or US passport card

3. DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

4. U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents (military ID)

5. Permanent resident card

6. Border crossing card

7. An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)

8. HSPD-12 PIV card

9. Foreign government-issued passport

10. Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

11. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

12. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

13. U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

14. Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

For more information, please refer to the official TSA page.

As always, Upon a Star Travel Agents are committed to monitoring important travel news and policy changes like these—so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

Ready to book some travel? We are, too! Just reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor or visit us at www.uponastartravel.com and fill out our forms!