Overview
There’s something immediately easy about stepping on board Azamara Quest. Since her launch in 2007, she’s carved out a bit of a reputation for doing things differently – smaller, more personal, and far less rushed than your typical cruise experience.
With just under 700 guests on board, it never feels overwhelming. Instead, you get that balance of having enough going on, while still being able to find your own quiet corner. What really stands out, though, is the way the whole experience leans into the destinations themselves. Longer stays and late departures mean you’re not constantly watching the clock, which makes a surprising difference in the day-to-day atmosphere.
What our Team thought...
“Azamara has a really classic cruise feel onboard, but because the ships are smaller, you never feel overcrowded. There are no long queues, no fighting for space, and everything just feels a lot more relaxed. One of the things I loved most was never feeling rushed. Whether it was grabbing a drink, finding a spot on deck, or heading to dinner, everything felt easy and laid back, which made the whole experience so much more enjoyable..”
Stacey Dixon
Cabins
The cabins are comfortable in a way that feels considered, rather than flashy. You won’t find over-the-top design, but you will notice how everything just works – from the storage to the layout... It is just done right!
There’s a good mix of options, too, whether you’re opting for a simple inside stateroom or something a little more spacious with a private veranda. The colour palette is warm and easy on the eye, and after a full day exploring ashore, it’s exactly the kind of space you want to come back to.
If you’re celebrating something special (or just fancy treating yourself), the suites come with a few extra perks and noticeably more room to spread out. It’s also worth noting that accessible cabins are available, which helps make the ship a more inclusive option overall.
What our Team thought...
“What I loved about the cabin was that it just worked. For a smaller ship, it felt surprisingly spacious, with plenty of storage and a really comfortable bed. I never once had the problem of wondering where to put things, and I loved how the cabin just always seemed to stay tidy and cosy. It was really relaxing to come back to after a full day of exploring..”
Ally Nixon
Dining
Food is a big part of the experience on Azamara Quest, but it never feels overly formal or forced. The open seating approach means you can drift into dinner when it suits you, rather than planning your evening around it.
You’ll likely find yourself returning to a few favourites:
- Discoveries Restaurant for a more traditional dining experience with a varied menu
- Windows Café when you want something relaxed and flexible
- Prime C for a really good steak and a slightly more intimate feel
- Aqualina if Mediterranean flavours are more your thing
For drinks, spaces like the Living Room and Mosaic Café become natural go-to spots – whether that’s a quiet coffee in the morning or something stronger as the evening sets in.
What our Team thought...
“Azamara really brings the local cuisine and culture onboard, with menus, activities, and even spa treatments inspired by the destinations you’re visiting. The food is fantastic, and the service is always attentive without feeling over the top. I also loved the little touches, like the nightly turndown service and a chocolate left on your pillow – something many cruise lines have stopped doing unless you request it..”
Stacey Dixon
Onboard Spaces
One of the nicest things about the ship is how quickly it starts to feel familiar. Nothing is too far away, and you’re never fighting for space.
The pool deck is a popular spot during sea days, while the Sanctum Spa offers a quieter escape if you’re in the mood to slow things down a bit. There’s also a well-equipped fitness centre, and plenty of lounges where you can sit with a book or simply watch the sea roll by.
You’ll also notice there’s more to do than just relax. Destination talks and small-group sessions pop up throughout the sailing, and they’re actually worth dropping into – especially if you like having a bit more context before heading ashore.
What our Team thought...
“The onboard spaces never felt overdesigned or busy – everything was comfortable, relaxed, and easy to enjoy. I loved how easy it was to properly switch off onboard, as you never felt rushed anywhere. The whole ship had such a calm, laid-back atmosphere from morning right through to the evening, which made it really easy to settle in and enjoy the experience..”
Ally Nixon
Entertainment
If you’re expecting big, high-energy theatre productions every night, this probably isn’t the ship for that – and that’s very much the point.
Entertainment here is more low-key and easy-going. Think live music, the occasional cabaret-style show, and guest speakers who tie into where you’re travelling. Evenings tend to feel relaxed and sociable rather than structured, which suits the overall atmosphere perfectly.
What our Team thought...
“The alternative entertainment onboard was brilliant. From the classes available in the gym, starting with a 7 am wake-up stretching session, to the 9:30 quiz with coffee, there was always something going on besides just sitting by the pool. I especially loved the watercolour painting class on one of the sea days – it was such a nice change and so relaxing… the teacher even said I’d done the best painting of the cruise. The evening entertainment was great too, with talented singers and performers every night..”
Karoline Barrett
Itineraries
Where Azamara Quest really comes into its own is with its itineraries. The routes span everywhere from Europe to Asia and Australia, but it’s not just about where you go – it’s how you experience it.
Because the ship is smaller, it can access ports that larger vessels simply can’t. Add in the late nights and overnight stays, and you get the chance to see places properly – not just during the busiest daytime hours, but when they start to feel a bit more local and authentic – which is when the real magic starts to truly appear.
What our Team thought...
“One of the highlights was sailing right into the heart of Lisbon at sunset – truly unforgettable. It’s moments like that which show why Azamara stands out, especially with their overnight stays that allow you to experience destinations in a more meaningful way..”
Imogen Lowdell
Service
Service on board tends to be one of the things people remember most. It’s attentive, but never over the top. You might find your favourite drink remembered after the first couple of days, or small details picked up without needing to ask.
With fewer guests, there’s a more natural connection between crew and passengers, which gives the whole experience a relaxed, almost boutique feel… rather than something overly polished or formal.
What our Team thought...
“The staff were incredibly helpful throughout the cruise, but one of the highlights for me was definitely the cabin service. It honestly felt magical – I could leave the cabin for ten minutes and come back to a perfectly made bed, fresh towels, replenished toiletries, and chocolates on both pillows, even though I was travelling solo. It’s those little touches that really make you feel looked after. The bridge tour was also the best I’ve ever been on. The Captain and crew were so welcoming and happy to share stories about life at sea, explain what they look out for when navigating, and talk through everyone’s roles onboard. They even allowed plenty of time for photos, too. As far as bridge tours go, it felt really intimate, fun, and genuinely informative..”
Karoline Barrett
Final Tips
A little bit of planning goes a long way here – especially if you’ve got your eye on speciality dining or particular shore experiences. It’s also worth packing a mix of casual and slightly smarter outfits, as evenings can vary depending on your plans.
More than anything, this is a ship where it pays to slow down. Don’t try to fill every moment. Leave some space in your day, linger a little longer in port, and make the most of the pace – that’s where Azamara Quest really shines.
What our Team thought...
“Azamara Cruises is perfect for anyone who really wants to explore and see the world. They’re incredibly destination immersive, with amazing itineraries that take you to a wide variety of places and get you right into the heart of the ports and destinations you’re visiting. I wasn’t sure at first if the smaller ship experience would be for me, but it completely exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere felt much more relaxed and personal, and I’d highly recommend Azamara to my customers looking for a more immersive style of cruising..”
Nadine Atkinson
