Everything You Need To Know About Azamara Forward

Imagine this. You are one of the most recognised luxury cruise lines in the world. You have a fleet of four fabulous ships, a dedicated fanbase and unrivalled destination immersion, taking discerning guests to the very heart of the most sought-after ports on earth.

What do you do next? 

You make it all even better of course!

For a renowned brand like Azamara Cruises, it would be all too easy to sit back and revel in the incredible product they’re created. However, rather than resting on their laurels, Azamara have decided to move forward, with their (rather aptly named) Azamara Forward initiative. 

So, what exactly is Azamara Forward?

Well, it’s essentially a fleetwide makeover, though to label it thus is to undersell the immensity of the project. We’re not just talking about a few new carpets or a fresh lick of paint. This is the largest renovation the line has ever undertaken, set to completely revolutionise the onboard experience whilst retaining and celebrating all the things that make Azamara Cruises so very special. 

In line with guest feedback, the project will see mass upgrades across all four Azamara ships – Azamara Quest, Azamara Onward, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Journey – including revamped suites, enhanced public spaces and dining venues and an overall modernised design, bringing the entire fleet up to contemporary cruising standards.

So, let’s talk public spaces.

Even if you’re planning on spending the bulk of your cruise exploring bucket-lit ports or enjoying ‘me time’ on your private balcony, chances are you’ll want to spend at least some time soaking up the ambience in the onboard bars, lounges and wellness facilities.

The Cabaret Lounge is one of the principal entertainment venues on board, featuring a bar, dance floor, small stage and plenty of seating. Azamara Forward seeks to rejuvenate this space with a contemporary new design, complete with warm wooden accent and soft, recessed lighting, as well as improved sightlines (always handy in an entertainment space) and upgraded technology.

The Sanctum Spa is to set to become an even more impressive haven of tranquillity, with two new treatment rooms added to each ship (one private and one for couples), an increased Medi-spa offering and a redesigned retail space, where guests can purchase all their favourite spa products and recreate the experience at home. On the slightly less glamorous (but very practical) side of things, the public restrooms have also been refreshed with improved lighting and a modern design, sprucing up even the more basic areas in line with the rest of the ship.

As well as public areas, suites and staterooms will also be on the receiving end of a makeover, with lighter, brighter tones used throughout in an effort to make the spaces feel more up to date. In addition, carpets, bedding, furnishings and lighting will also be upgraded, for an extra touch of airy, contemporary luxury.

And if you thought things couldn’t get any more exciting, Azamara Quest will also feature a brand-new Penthouse Deck, exclusive to this ship. Sat atop Deck 10, this space will debut two new suite categories: the Panorama Suite and the Grandview Suite, both set to mark the last word in luxury living at sea. For anyone anxiously about to Google,

‘What is happening to the Azamara Quest Sun Deck?’

Fear not! You will still find it in pride of place, just a little higher than it was, above the Penthouse Deck.

Over on the wining and dining side of things, Azamara Forward is set to usher in some pretty big (and incredibly exciting) changes. 

One of the most noticeable is certainly The Discoveries Restaurant—Azamara’s main dining venue. With plans for a modern makeover in the schedule, post-Azamara Forward guests will be delighted to discover (see what we did there?) new light fixtures and furnishings nestled within a distinctly warmer colour palette, all of it designed to create the ultimate inviting space, somewhere diners will look forward to visiting every day. 

Those who have previously sailed aboard Azamara Onward may already have had the pleasure of clinking glasses at the Atlas Bar, a sophisticated space where destination-inspired cocktails and tapas-style sharing plates are the order of the day. Well, Atlas fans rejoice! Following Azamara Forward, all four ships will have their very own Atlas Bar, situated in a prime, Deck 5 location, conveniently close to The Discoveries Restaurant.

The final dining upgrade takes the form of the Chef’s Table. No longer a blink-and-you’l-miss-it pop-up space, the Chef’s Table will become a fixed venue on Deck 10, a must-visit for guests seeking the most intimate and elegant of dining experiences. Boasting chandeliers, panoramic views and an impressive wine wall, the venue will seat up to 18 guests and feature rotating themed menus, as well as guest chefs, wine pairings and Market Dining evenings.

“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.”

In anticipation of her 2027 World Cruise, Azamara Quest will be the first vessel to undergo the Azamara Forward treatment, going into dry dock in October 2026 before resuming service in November. Following in Quest’s footsteps will be Azamara Onward, who will have her own dry dock in November 2027. Dates for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit are still unknown, though an announcement is expected shortly. 

One thing is for sure: there has never been a more exciting time to be an Azamara Cruises fan. 

You can find out more about Azamara Cruises here.