The Ultimate Azamara Cruise Guide: A Small Ship Luxury Experience
- megan0222
- 9 minutes ago
- 6 min read
If you've ever wanted to travel on a smaller ship to reach harder-to-access destinations, or if overcrowded cruise ships aren't your thing, then you should definitely consider sailing with Azamara. I recently experienced their 8-night Italy Intensive voyage from Nice to Rome—and this wasn't just any cruise! Keep reading for my complete review of why Azamara's boutique approach to cruising is perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.
What Makes Azamara Different
With four vessels in their fleet averaging 690 guests each, Azamara is perfect for travelers seeking an intimate cruise experience. Each Azamara ship operates as a boutique hotel at sea, perfectly sized to dock at locations larger ships can't access. What really sets Azamara apart is their commitment to Extended Destination Days, spending 10+ hours in each port. These long port days let you dive deep into each detsaintion's culture, cuisine, and history, giving you time to create meaningful memories rather than rushing through tourist highlights.
I personally sailed on the Azamara Onward for an 8 night Italy Intensive voyage and was amazed by how much deeper we could explore each port compared to other cruise lines that only give you 6-8 hours on shore. I truly felt like I was able to experience full port days without feeling like I was rushed or that I missed anything.
What I loved most about this particular routing was how thoughtfully planned each port was. We weren't just hitting the major tourist spots—we were experiencing authentic Italian life with plenty of time to wander charming coastal towns, enjoy leisurely meals overlooking the Mediterranean, and connecting with local culture. This is the Azamara way! I loved having a balance of seeing the big cities like Rome, Milan, Florence and Tuscany but also getting to experience smaller towns like Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Santa Margherita.
Life Aboard Azamara Onward
The ship itself exceeded every expectation I had. With seven restaurants, cafes, and lounges, there was a great variety in dining options. The always-included premium beverages meant we could enjoy Italian wines and cocktails throughout our journey without worrying about the bill adding up.
One of my favorite features was our veranda stateroom, which provided the perfect private retreat after long days of exploration in port. Watching the Italian coastline pass by from our own balcony while enjoying 24-hour room service was pure luxury. The contemporary décor, luxurious linens, plush cotton robes and slippers, and French bath products made our stateroom feel like a high-end, luxury hotel suite.
Extended Port Days Make All the Difference
This is where Azamara truly shines. Instead of the typical cruise experience of rushing off the ship, quickly hitting major attractions, and rushing back, we had the luxury of time. In each Italian port, we could:
Explore at our own pace without feeling rushed
Take part in tours that allowed us to experience the history that Italy is so famous for
Enjoy authentic local lunches at charming waterfront restaurants
Return to the ship for an afternoon break, then head back out for evening exploration
Experience each destination's nightlife and evening atmosphere
Take our time shopping in local markets and boutiques
Another feature that sets Azamara apart from traditional cruise lines are the overnight port stays. This truly gives cruisers the opportunity to experience destinations like a local rather than a tourist. While other cruise ships sail away at sunset, Azamara often stays docked overnight giving you two full days in popular cities. On my Italy Intensive Voyage, the overnnight stay was in Livorno, Italy which meant we got two full days in Florence and Tuscany. It was pure magic getting to that area.
As a travel advisor, I can tell you this approach is perfect for travelers who want authentic experiences rather than just checking destinations off a list. These extended stays mean you can take your time wandering through evening markets in Barcelona, enjoying aperitivos in Rome, or experiencing the magic of Santorini after the day-trip crowds have departed. It's this commitment to destination immersion that makes Azamara cruising feel less like checking items off a tourist list and more like truly discovering the heart and soul of each Mediterranean port.
What is included with your Azamara Cruise
What impressed me most was everything that's included in your cruise fare. Beyond the typical food and accommodations, Azamara includes:
All beverages throughout the cruise (including premium spirits and wines)
Gratuities for crew members
AzAmazing— Evenings cultural events in select ports
Shuttle transportation in many ports
Self-service laundry facilities
This comprehensive approach means you can truly relax and enjoy your vacation without constantly calculating additional costs.
Dining Excellence at Sea
The culinary program aboard Azamara Onward was outstanding. From casual dining at Windows Café with made-to-order options and fresh sushi, to elegant evening meals at the specialty restaurants, every meal felt special and was delicious! The chefs clearly understand that food is a crucial part of the Italian experience, and they delivered with authentic flavors and creative presentations.
I particularly enjoyed how the menus incorporated regional Italian specialties that reflected our current destination—it was like getting a culinary tour of Italy alongside our physical journey. The wine selection was exceptional, featuring both local Italian wines and international favorites.
AzAmazing Evenings®
One of the unique highlights of sailing with Azamara was experiencing their exclusive AzAmazing Evenings events. These aren't typical cruise shore excursions that you can book anywhere—they're exclusive cultural experiences that Azamara creates just for their guests that you literally cannot access any other way. During our Italy voyage, we had a local Italian opera singer come onboard our ship in the evening and serenade us with her voice while we enjoyed Italian wines and appetizers —it was absolutely magical and unique.
Italy's Hidden Coastal Gems
What made this itinerary so special was Azamara's ability to take us to some of Italy's most beautiful coastal destinations that larger ships simply cannot reach. From charming fishing villages in the Italian Riviera to sophisticated resort towns like Portofino, each port offered something unique and authentic.
The extended time in ports meant we could truly experience the Italian way of life—enjoying long lunches and dinners with harbor views, browsing local markets for artisanal products, and taking evening strolls through historic town centers when the crowds had dispersed.
Perfect for Sophisticated Travelers
Azamara cruises are ideal for travelers who appreciate:
Quality over quantity in their destinations
Authentic cultural experiences rather than tourist traps
Intimate ship atmosphere without crowds
Comprehensive inclusions that eliminate surprise costs
Flexible scheduling that allows for spontaneous exploration
Adult-focused environment with sophisticated fellow travelers
Planning Your Azamara Experience
The beauty of Azamara's approach is that it appeals to both experienced cruisers looking for something different and first-time cruisers who want a premium experience. The smaller ship size means you'll never feel lost or overwhelmed, while the inclusive cruise lets you focus on enjoying your vacation rather than being owrried about the bill at the end of your vaaction.
As your travel advisor, I can help you select the perfect Azamara itinerary and stateroom category for your travel style. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience Italy or other destinations in a truly immersive way, Azamara offers something special that larger cruise lines simply cannot match.
Special Booking Benefits
When you book your Azamara cruise through Paradise Travel, you'll receive:
Expert guidance on stateroom selection and itinerary choice
Assistance with pre and post-cruise planning
Access to group amenities and special rates when available
Personalized recommendations based on your interests
Assistance with cruise excursions tailored towards your interests
Support throughout your cruise experience
Why I Recommend Azamara
After experiencing the Azamara Onward Italy Intensive voyage, I can confidently say this is cruising done right. If you're tired of feeling rushed at destinations or dealing with massive crowds, Azamara's boutique approach offers something truly special. The combination of intimate ship atmosphere, comprehensive inclusions, extended port time, and exceptional service creates a vacation experience that goes far beyond typical cruising.
Azamara's itineraries showcase everything that makes them unique—access to smaller ports, time to truly explore, and an authentic connection to local culture that you simply can't get on larger ships.
Ready to experience Italy the Azamara way? Let's start planning your perfect cruise vacation!
ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Megan, the owner of Paradise Travel and destination wedding specialist. I travel as often as I can to gain first hand knowledge to share with others so I can plan the best vacations possible. I'd love to help you plan the vacation of your dreams. Thanks for stopping by!
