With luxurious boutique style, Azamara Pursuit is the latest to join Azamara Club Cruises. I was delighted to be invited along to the naming celebrations and a short cruise from Southampton to Cherbourg.
We’d previously spent a week cruising in Greece and Turkey on Azamara Journey and absolutely loved the small luxury cruises. With only 700 guests the focus on the destinations – what Azamara Cruises calls Destination Immersion.
Azamara Pursuit is essentially the same size and style of ship as her sisters Azamara Quest and Journey. But, with every new ship, Azamara is looking to enhance and improve the guest experience. Read on for my guide to luxury cruising on Azamara Pursuit and everything we enjoyed on board.
An introduction to Azamara Pursuit
Azamara Club Cruises launched in 2007 with two ships designed for luxury small ship cruising, as part of the Royal Caribbean portfolio. They successfully established the Azamara brand with sister ships Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey. Azamara Pursuit is the latest new ship to join the Azamara cruise line.
As a luxury cruise line, Azamara is known for small ship cruising. With a maximum of 700 guests in 351 staterooms on its new ship, the experience feels exclusive and intimate.
Like the Quest and Journey, Pursuit is one of the R-class ships that were originally built for Renaissance Cruises. It has recently completed a refit with Harland and Wolff in Ireland to bring the decor and facilities in line with the luxury Azamara brand.
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The Azamara Pursuit Cabins
We checked into our balcony stateroom 6061, our home from home for the two days of the Azamara Pursuit launch festivities. When we last sailed with Azamara Club Cruises in 2015 we were on Azamara Journey (read about it here).
The decor of he Azamara Journey, although luxurious, was more classic. Since then all the ships have been re-imagined with a new more contemporary look of restful neutral shades and accents of colour.
As we had expected, our stateroom on Azamara Pursuit felt very luxurious. We loved the soft carpets, gorgeous bedlinen and a cloud-like duvets and pillows.
Some of the original dark wood remains but the overall effect is light and airy. There was an outside seating area on our balcony, a lovely place to relax in privacy.
Our bathroom was small but perfectly formed, with a small shower with curtain, and a moulded basin. I enjoyed the lovely “Eco-boutique” Aloe Vera and Green Tea toiletries.
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The Azamara Pursuit Suites
I was also able to have a look around some of the Azamara Pursuit suites. These take luxury cruising to a whole new level. The style of decor is the same but of course you get a lot more space. There’s a separate sitting room and larger and more luxurious marble bathrooms. In some cases a balcony big enough to allow your own sunloungers.
I was told that “on Azamara, we sell from the top down”. The suites are normally the first to sell out on every cruise, often being booked a year or two ahead.
For spa lovers, the Club Spa suites are close to the Sanctum Spa. They have a large bathroom that includes a glass enclosed bathtub overlooking the ocean.
On Azamara Pursuit, the refit has allowed more suites to be added. These include services such as butler service, complimentary laundry, specialty dining, internet and in-room spirits.
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Naming Ceremony for Azamara Pursuit
The naming ceremony for Azamara Pursuit took place in the afternoon after we had boarded in Southampton. This is always a special moment for a new ship.
Traditionally each ship has one or more Godmothers. These are women of achievement who are felt to represent the values and spirit of the ship.
During the ceremony Azamara’s President and CEO Larry Pimentel explained that he wanted Godmothers for Azamara Pursuit who represented both their UK and US guests. These women were ambassadors in the field of travel, especially the experiential cruise travel and destination focus that Azamara espouses.
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From the UK, Azamara Pursuit’s godmother is Lucy Huxley, Editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly UK. From the US comes Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio, EVP and Chief Revenue officer of AFAR Media.
Larry Pimentel also spoke about the Beacon of Hope statue which stands 60 feet high in the centre of Belfast. This is where the ship was refitted by Harland and Wolff. There is a similar sculpture standing in the Mosaic Café atrium. We were all given a small replica of the statue as a memento, to represent the wish for hope, peace and harmony for mankind.
The naming ceremony celebrations continued after dinner with an amazing display of fireworks over the water as the Azamara Pursuit sailed out of Southampton.
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A tour of Azamara Pursuit
Over the next couple of days I had a chance to look around the ship. I found plenty of spaces to relax so you never feel crowded on an Azamara ship.
The small pool and sunbathing area is on Deck 9 with elegant sun loungers for relaxation around the deck. On a ship of this size you don’t expect the multiple pool areas of larger ships. As the Azamara philosophy is all around the the destination, with limited days at sea, the space works well.
There is more outdoor space on the Sunset Verandah and the Sanctum Terrace (for spa guests). I found more sunbathing areas on the Deck 11 Sundeck. The pool deck is also the setting for the Azamara White Night Party.
A White Night Party happens once on each cruise, when all the tables are arranged around the pool for an outdoor dinner with live music. It’s magical when the weather is warm and you can dine under the stars.
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Mosaic Café on Azamara Pursuit
The Mosaic Café is at the heart of Deck 5, with the elegant original wrought iron staircase which adds a touch of drama. A coffee bar servs cakes and light snacks. With the couple of small shops in this area, it feels that this is the equivalent of the village square. It’s a good place to meet friends for a coffee and to watch the world go by.
The Den on Azamara Pursuit
Near the Mosaic Café is The Den in partnership with AFAR. This large bar and lounge area which is a comfortable place to relax and have a drink before or after dinner.
On the other Azamara ships, part of this space is taken up by a casino, but the Azamara Pursuit casino was removed in the refit. The space is now used for the Shore Excursions and Cruise Again desks. This is where you can discuss your requirements in an informal and relaxed setting.
Removing the casino is something that will also be happening on the other Azamara ships in the future. This keeps with the emphasis of the brand on Destination Immersion, with experiential shore excursions, evening and overnight stays. To appeal to the guests who enjoy this concept, it made more sense to use the space freed up by the casino for additional relaxation and cabin space.
On the same deck is the Cabaret Lounge, used for films, talks and evening shows. During our cruise we attended the naming ceremony here.
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The Living Room on Azamara Pursuit
One of my other favourite areas on board is The Living Room on Deck 10. This has a card room area, bar and spacious sitting area.
The decor here is pale and elegant with accents of colour and luxurious velvets. I especially enjoyed the loungers that look out to sea. They are just the place I could imagine curling up with a good book or just taking a quiet moment to enjoy the ocean and daydream a little.
There is another small and elegant area called The Drawing Room also on Deck 10. This quiet wood panelled space is designed for use as a library or a room that can be used for private events.
The Art on board Azamara Pursuit
I tagged along to a tour by curator Michael Loveland of the artworks on board Azamara Pursuit. All art has been carefully chosen or commissioned for the ship.
On display throughout the ship are pieces by well known or emerging international artists. Some are specially commissioned for each space, to reflect the destinations that the ship will cruise to.
The artworks are contemporary and sometimes quite conceptual in feel, the photography, collage and sculptures are beautifully in tune with their setting.
As an example, in the Guest Relations area we looked at the rose petals falling through the mist by Silvia Rivas from Argentina on a theme of migration. Behind the main desk a collage with layers of paper and and drops of red ink that had been sourced from different countries in the world.
The spa on board Azamara Pursuit
On Deck 9 on the same level as the pool, you’ll find the Sanctum Spa which offers treatments using Elemis products, with a gym and salon area. There’s a private outdoor relaxation area for spa guests with a small plunge pool and a programme of yoga and fitness classes in the gym. The Club Spa suites next to the spa with large bathrooms and an ocean view bath are especially popular for spa lovers.
Restaurants on board Azamara Pursuit
The Windows Cafe
Informal dining on Azamara Pursuit is in the Windows Café on Deck 9. This adjoins the pool area at the back of the ship, which is where breakfast is served buffet style.
The food on board is top notch with an incredible variety and beautiful presentation. I tend to stick to the fruit and healthy options and enjoyed the juice shots and freshly made smoothies.
Others would be tucking into the pancakes or bacon and eggs. Much of the selection was self service, with some things made freshly to order and table service for tea and coffee.
The Windows Café was light and bright with window seating on both sides. It extends to the Sunset Verandah where we would select from the buffet and then dine al fresco.
The Patio on Azamara Pursuit
At one end of the pool area and adjoining the Windows Café, was an area called the Patio, where lunch and dinner was served. The space is designed as a Pool Grill with a salad bar and casual dining although with table service.
We ate here and enjoyed the atmosphere of being close to the pool although in a slightly more sheltered area. This area would be ideal on cooler days. The menu included casual dishes like wraps, soups, open sandwiches and burgers, all served elegantly with a “Country Club” feel.
Discoveries Restaurant on Azamara Pursuit
More formal dining in the evening is in the Discoveries Restaurant and here the decor was classic and the atmosphere more formal. There’s an open seating approach here.
You can dine when you are ready and mingle with other guests as you wish, rather than being at a fixed table for the whole cruise. The menu is extensive, the dishes beautifully presented and the cuisine international. Some dishes nod towards the destinations the ship is visiting.
Specialty dining on Azamara Pursuit
There are a couple of specialty restaurants on Azamara Pursuit which are the same as the sister ships and situated on Deck 10. Aqualina serves Italian style dishes, such as tuna tartare, lobster ravioli or Dover sole with tomato risotto. The decor is elegant and classic with pale leather banquettes and formal table settings.
Prime C is the second specialty restaurant, the mirror image of Aqualina and serves steak and seafood. I didn’t get a chance to see the decor as it was in use when we visited. Both restaurants are in high demand. There is a supplement of around $25 per person (based on our last cruise) when you eat there.
Service on board Azamara Pursuit
As you’d expect from a luxury small ship cruise line, part of the experience is the incredible service that you get on board an Azamara ship. The multi-national crew were beautifully dressed in their stylish uniforms. Everyone was always welcoming and friendly, anticipating your requirements and nothing was too much trouble.
Of course if you’ve enjoyed a cruise holiday, especially a luxury cruise before, you’ll know that the standards of service are generally very high. But on Azamara, the service feels very genuine and authentic, and we enjoyed conversing with the staff. They seem to enjoy that too, while always maintaining their professionalism.
It’s also worth noting that on Azamara Club Cruises gratuities are included in your cruise price, so that’s not something you need to budget extra for, unlike many other cruises.
The Az-amazing evening on Azamara Pursuit
Another of the unique and most enjoyable features of an Azamara cruise is that each cruise includes an Az-amazing evening on shore. For this evening a special experience is offered to the guests included in your cruise price.
On our previous Azamara Cruise in Greece and Turkey, we spent a special evening at Ephesus at a classical concert in the ancient amphitheatre, sipping a glass of wine under the stars.
As we were only on board for a couple of nights, this time it was an Az-amazing afternoon in Cherbourg. The art deco cruise terminal had been transformed into a French market, the stalls piled with flowers and produce. There was a macaron tower and local cheeses, as well as a French trio of musicians and other entertainers.
After wandering around the French market, we were treated to a cabaret show with a 14-piece orchestra. Singers belted out Edith Piaf favourites and a Moulin Rouge style dance show.
The Az-amazing events are always designed to show off the local culture and give the guests a feeling of Destination Immersion. You’ll dip into the energy and culture of a place, albeit a polished version of reality.
The White Night Party on Azamara Pursuit
Another highlight of each Azamara cruise, is the White Night Party that takes place once during each cruise, weather permitting. This is a really special event where guests are encouraged to dress in white. The restaurant is moved out onto the pool deck and a fabulous buffet dinner is served under the stars.
For our White Night party in Cherbourg, the champagne was flowing, the oysters were on ice and we dined on sushi, grilled lobster and other delicious dishes. On our previous cruise we experienced this off the Greek Island of Patmos and it was just as much fun in Cherbourg, even though the night air was not quite as warm. The live music and dancing on deck made for a party atmosphere to celebrate the ship’s naming ceremony and new addition to the Azamara fleet.
Destination Immersion with Azamara Club Cruises
One of the things that differentiates Azamara Club Cruises from other luxury cruise lines is their focus on the places you visit on the cruise. They call this Destination Immersion, a concept that they have even managed to register as their trademark. It means that Azamara Club Cruises is perfect for travellers who are looking for an authentic travel experience and are fascinated by the food and culture of the places they visit.
While there’s no compromise with quality on board, this isn’t really a cruise that’s about all the activities available on the ship. Instead you might think of the Azamara ship as a luxurious boutique hotel that transports you from place to place. This enables you to experience the essence of the destination even when you don’t have a long in each port of call.
An example of this Destination Immersion concept is that the smaller ships are able to dock right in the heart of a city. Larger ships might have to put you on a shuttle bus, and you’ll be visiting ports that the larger ships can’t reach.
The Azamara ships arrive early in port and stay late, often sailing after dinner or even staying overnight. You can get the feel of a place after the coach parties have gone home and the other ships have sailed.
The shore excursions are designed to be special and unique. You meet local experts and personalities who can give you a feel for their own place and passion.
Exciting new experiences
We heard from President and CEO Larry Pimentel, that having extended their fleet to 3 ships has enabled Azamara Club Cruises to extend their Destination Immersion concept even further, to now offer cruises to a wider range of exciting new destinations.
They are extending their packages to include land based experiences such as safaris in South Africa. Also new for 2019 are country intensive voyages, where you can visit multiple ports in a single country for a more in depth experience.
Of course in a 2 day cruise it was difficult to experience all this in the same way as a full scale cruise. But, we got a taste in our Az-amazing afternoon that was put on in Cherbourg, with a French market and cabaret show. Afterwards I wandered around Cherbourg and in just a 15 minute was strolling past the sailing boats in the harbour, arriving in the heart of the old town.
In the Place de Gaulle is the impressive theatre and fountain. There were plenty of small shops in the nearby streets selling local food specialties of Normandy, if you are looking for a souvenir.
I ducked through the low arches between the shopfronts on Rue du Ble to find the old stone houses built around a courtyard. Some with towers with spiral staircases and a lookout window at the top.
A display of umbrellas hanging above the streets was a reminder of the famous romantic film set here Parapluies de Cherbourg. The young heroine is played by Catherine Deneuve and her family own an umbrella shop.
For more information on visiting Cherbourg visit the Cherbourg Tourism website
What’s included in your Azamara Club Cruise
As all cruises are slightly different in what they include in their cruise price, it’s worth mentioning exactly what is covered in your Azamara Club Cruise.
Included in your cruise package
- All your meals and snacks in a range of different restaurants on board
- Select standard spirits, international beers and wines which you can order throughout the day, not just at meal times.
- Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
- Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings event on most voyages
- Gratuities
- Self-service laundry
- Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
- Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
Not included in your cruise package
- Flights to and from your cruise start / end point
- Shore excursions
- Dining in the specialty restaurants Aqualina and Prime C
Who will enjoy an Azamara Club Cruise?
Based on our experience of Azamara Pursuit and our previous cruise on Azamara Journey, the Azamara Club Cruises are ideal for couples, solo travellers and small groups of friends. The guests we met tended to be experienced and affluent travellers, normally retired or semi retired and aged from 50s to 80s.
Ships have a luxurious grownup feel and are not really set up for children. If you are looking for a family cruise I’d look at other cruise lines first.
Because of their emphasis on the destinations, the Azamara Club Cruises would be a great option for travellers who love to get an authentic travel experience and are trying a cruise for the first time. You could say that this is the perfect cruise for people who are not sure they will enjoy cruising!
Travellers who love style and quality will also enjoy the contemporary look and feel of the Azamara ships. This is a premium, luxury cruise line with the price to match. But, a lot is included in the price that you might have to pay extra for with other cruise lines. To get a feel for the full cruise itineraries on offer and cruise prices take a look at one of the Azamara Club Cruise website.
To book your Azamara Club Cruise
For more information and to book your luxury cruise visit Azamara Club Cruises website
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Thanks to Azamara Club Cruises for hosting* me on the 2 night cruise on Azamara Pursuit as part of the naming celebrations.
* More info on my policies page
This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
ELLEN ROSE
Tuesday 9th of October 2018
I enjoyed reading your article since we are booked to go to the Panama Canal itinerary on the Pursuit in November. I was curious to know why specialty restaurants are offered. I would expect that the quality of food in the regular dining choices would be enough. Are we missing anything if we don't try the specialty restaurants? I'm also considering the shore excursions. Do you recommend them and do they offer more than if we walked around and explored on our own? Thank you.
Heather Cowper
Thursday 11th of October 2018
@Ellen Most cruise lines offer specialty restaurants, just to provide a bit more variety in the cuisine, although in my experience the food experience on Azamara is very high quality so if you didn't use that option you won't be missing out. Many guests like to book for the specialty restaurant once on the cruise as a treat and they get quite booked up. Regarding the shore excursions it often depends on the destination. If it's a port that is easily walkable, you may enjoy exploring on your own but if there is transport involved the excursions are a hassle free way of seeing the maximum in a short space of time. Azamara offers very interesting excursions as per their Destination Immersion philosophy and I think you'd be missing out if you didn't do at least some of them, although of course the costs can add up.
hellen
Friday 5th of October 2018
the pictures looks so good.
voyagestic
Tuesday 4th of September 2018
The ship and your cabin looks very beautiful and luxury. I also like to travel by "small" ships without a lot of people, here is some romantic vibes.
safaritravelplus
Wednesday 5th of September 2018
Yeah there is something about small ships and even not so large hotels. They always feel more intimate.
Shreya Sharma
Tuesday 4th of September 2018
I have never board neither travel in any cruise but now i am planning to travel long because its look like a heaven and feel happy from soul.