Royal Caribbean Cruises' most luxurious brand has added a sister ship to the Journey and the Quest with some minor aesthetic and functional differences.
Article from CruisesNews magazine, issue 47 – December 2018
Called to expand its itineraries that prioritize generous dives at port calls and top-notch service, the Pursuit represents a 50% increase in capacity for a cruise line that typically fills all its itineraries. The Pursuit also boasts the added advantage of being captained by a Spanish captain.
Without fanfare or much commercial push, Azamara has established itself from the beginning as a brand within the giant Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. with its own distinct character.
Word-of-mouth recommendations from its passengers, who became brand advocates, filled most of its sailings months in advance, attracting a very loyal clientele drawn to certain features of the small luxury cruise line. But with only two ships, the Quest and the Journey, each accommodating up to 702 passengers and 400 crew members, growth and the desire to expand its horizons made a new addition essential, while remaining true to the principles of its sister ships.
The new ship maintains the interior design style with which its two sister ships were revitalized.
In the fall of 2017, Azamara announced the addition of a new boutique ship, to be christened Pursuit, following the same path as its predecessors. They acquired another former Renaissance vessel, this time the R-8 (Saint Nazaire, 2001), which, after a couple of years with the company, had several new lives as Minerva II, Royal Princess, and Adonia. In 2016, it even made history as the first ship from a U.S. cruise line (then part of a social immersion travel program by Carnival Corporation) to sail to Cuba. Finally, last March, it was officially delivered to Azamara, which spent several months redesigning it according to the aesthetic principles of its sister ships, which had already been renovated in recent years. As Larry Pimentel, its president and CEO, pointed out, the acquisition allowed them to "expand the fleet by 50% and visit more regions of the world.".
At the Harland and Wolff shipyards in Ireland, the brand-new Pursuit was refitted for a new life as a boutique cruise ship. It benefited from the knowledge that the interior design of the refurbished Journey and Quest, with its lighter and brighter tones, had hit the mark without losing the sense of refinement so beloved by the cruise line's loyal customers. They share impressive dimensions: 30,277 tons, nearly 180.5 meters in length, and almost 25.5 meters in beam. These dimensions allow it to maneuver with ease in less crowded ports, without suffering the drawbacks that smaller vessels might experience on longer voyages. At the same time, a relatively personalized service is possible, along with a constant feeling of comfort and spaciousness on board.
With 30,277 tons, it offers ideal dimensions to provide a very personal service and to call at less crowded ports.
Indeed, redesigning certain spaces has set this ship apart from its predecessors. A few years ago, would anyone have imagined a new cruise ship without a casino? The idea seems risky—it's a major revenue stream for many cruise lines, who even invite passengers who have proven to be frequent casino patrons—but on the Pursuit, this gaming and betting area has been eliminated to make way for spaces deemed more "necessary" for its functionality, they argue. The main argument is that Azamara ships have such long port calls (and overnight stays) that on a ship of this size, it's a waste to have a casino that remains closed most of the time, when this central space could be used for other, more productive purposes. “70% of the time is spent at the destination, especially on Mediterranean routes and without great distances,” reflects Artur Pecharromán, Ambassador of the Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises brand in the Eurozone, while showing Cruises News all the particularities of his new jewel in the crown.
In the central area of Deck 5, an open lounge called The Den replaces the casino, designed to enhance the travel experience. It houses the excursions area (with its highly personalized service) and the booking desk for future cruises, along with a piano bar, shops (including fashion and jewelry stores like Indulgences), and a photography studio. Towards the stern, you'll find the Mosaic Café, a pleasant meeting place with snacks and coffee, and the Discoveries Restaurant, the main restaurant, serving continental cuisine from breakfast to dinner, all complimentary. As with its other ships, the addition of a small bar (Discoveries Bar) at the entrance to the dining room is a welcome feature, allowing passengers to meet with other diners or enjoy a pre-dinner drink in a relaxed atmosphere. The open dining hours, rather than set seating times, are a welcome change, further solidifying the trend towards the disappearance of formal gala nights.
Entertainment without excess.
At the other end, towards the bow, is the Cabaret Lounge, which, due to its smaller size, cannot be considered a traditional theater, but it hosts the main music, dance, and performance shows on board. Entertainment, however, is neither a priority nor a mainstay for loyal cruisers.
The reception and concierge desk are located in the middle of deck 4, largely dedicated to cabins without balconies. It's a pleasant area for quickly handling any paperwork or inquiries.
Azamara's hallmark is its deep dives into destinations, with long layovers and overnight stays in some ports.
Life on board flows seamlessly on decks 9 and 10. Deck 9 is a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation, well-being, and health during their voyages. At the bow, The Sanctum houses an elegant spa, a beauty salon, a well-equipped gym, and a coveted solarium with restricted access for suite guests or those who pay an additional fee. At the heart of this level is the swimming pool, surrounded by comfortable sun loungers with towels provided for guests' convenience. It also features elevated jacuzzis and a pool bar, a veritable paradise for cruisers on sunny days. This area becomes the hub of activity on special evenings and celebrations, weather permitting, such as the White Party, where guests dress in white and enjoy a fantastic buffet dinner. A designated smoking area is located in one corner.
Also located in the cool evening air is The Patio, one of the five restaurants. By day, it functions as the poolside grill, a casual and always bustling spot for a good burger or meat kebabs. At night, it's illuminated by candlelight, offering a more intimate, open-air experience. The Swirl & Top completes the experience, offering a wide array of natural yogurts and ice creams with endless topping options.
At the other end, the Windows Cafe, or buffet, reigns supreme, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner (until 9:00 PM). Here you'll find beautifully presented continental cuisine, perfect for those who prefer a casual look throughout their vacation. It's in this area that you'll notice another of the Pursuit's key differences: the Sunset Veranda aft deck (ideal for enjoying breakfast or al fresco dining from the buffet) has done away with the bar found on the rest of the fleet, creating more space for tables and chairs.
Multipurpose Uses
One level above, we find The Living Room, a multipurpose space that functions perfectly as a bar with a panoramic view, a games or meeting area, a nighttime karaoke venue, a live music venue, a nightclub, a tribute band venue, a cabaret theater… in addition to having an exclusive agreement with the Studio 54 label for small-format shows. This versatility makes it the perfect setting for many passengers to read and relax during the day, gazing at the sea.
The pool area becomes the setting for 'white parties' with outdoor buffets.
Next, there's a ping-pong corner and a small jogging track, which also serves as a viewpoint overlooking the pool on the lower bridge. Inside, another of the Pursuit's most charming spots is The Drawing Room, a library decorated with fine woods that's also used for presentations, lectures, and private events.
Reaching the stern, the Aqualina and Prime C themed restaurants face each other—port and starboard, respectively. Both are elegant, with beautiful ocean views, combining stone tones and dark woods. Dinner service runs from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with a $30 supplement that suite guests are exempt from. While not overly formal, jeans and shorts are not permitted. Aqualina features Mediterranean cuisine, with a notable seafood menu and a more romantic ambiance. Prime C, as expected, is a top-notch steakhouse, somewhat more understated and masculine, surrounded by large panoramic windows—a must for meat lovers.
The vast majority of its cabins are outside cabins, with queen-size beds, bathrobes, slippers, and 24-hour service.
The culinary offerings are rounded out by 24-hour room service and the Chef's Table experience, a $95 six-course menu featuring French, Italian, and American interpretations. A guest official or lecturer acts as host in an exclusive setting, with a sommelier completing the experience.
As befits its category, Azamara cruises include gratuities and non-premium beverages on board, with a selection of house wines with a distinctly American character. For those wishing to elevate their wine selection, bottles must be purchased à la carte.
Accommodation options cater to a wide range of budgets, from interior cabins (only 26 available) for those prioritizing activities outside their room, to luxurious super suites. The Club World Owner's Suite, for example, is a true marvel, boasting 56 square meters of living space plus a 21-square-meter terrace. In addition to offering every comfort, it features a marble bathroom and an interior design that reinterprets classic style with warmth, using natural tones that harmonize with the blue horizon. The remaining options, totaling 351 cabins, offer ocean views or balconies and range in size from approximately 16 square meters (excluding terrace). Of course, they include USB ports under the lamps, bathrobes and slippers, queen-size beds, and 24-hour room service.
Like Home.
In general, it can be said that the Pursuit is a ship that evokes a sense of well-being, quickly making you feel at home. It's neither too avant-garde (like some new-generation ships) nor too austere (like other historic vessels that can feel outdated or dimly lit), but rather balanced in its ability to be both warm and distinguished. It's difficult to find a corner where this effect hasn't been achieved. It may not boast the best cuisine in its (highly competitive) class, nor the best entertainment program among its mid-size and luxury rivals, but the result in terms of value for money is excellent, as confirmed by repeat cruisers. However, it's important to remember that the Azamara traveler obviously expects a good overall experience, but is particularly sensitive to the itineraries and experiences ashore. And it is here that the company truly shines.
Pecharromán highlights the destination immersion nights, such as in Cuba, or next to the Torre del Oro in Seville, or at the Rio de Janeiro carnival; the routes coinciding with local events, such as the F1 in Monaco; the essential AzAmazing or special events in ports of call just for passengers, such as an opera recital in Kusadasi, listening to the St. Petersburg symphony orchestra or enjoying a Tuscan night in the countryside; or the unique experiences, such as an evening in the Picasso museum closed exclusively for the group, or the private excursions à la carte.
Expanding Destinations
: The addition of the Pursuit also allows for strategic growth for the cruise line, which is establishing a strong presence in South America, where it will remain during the winter months, while in the summer the ship will return to Europe. During the winter months, its attractive program includes stargazing in Atacama (Chile), a tour of the Casa Aliaga in Lima (Peru), and visits to the fjords of Chile, as well as Ushuaia, Argentina. Expanding horizons is another of Azamara's challenges for the 2019-2020 season, with exciting destinations such as Antarctica and South Africa.
Fine woods are combined with light pieces and luminous fabrics to make the boat look contemporary despite dating from 2001.
What fellow travelers can you expect on board? Americans and Canadians are a constant, although on European routes you'll find yourself alongside British, Germans, and countless other nationalities. Spanish travelers, however, will find menus in Spanish and some crew members speaking their language.
Interest in Spanish ports was also evident in the ship's debut last summer, when it began sailing from Barcelona in August, with stops in Valencia and Cádiz. Next summer, while it will have a greater presence in Italian and Greek ports, it will also make some departures from Barcelona and stops in ports in the Balearic Islands, among others.
The Pursuit focuses on South American routes in winter, while in summer it will return to the Mediterranean, with some departures from Barcelona.
Regarding the age of the travelers, the majority are mature, although during the summer months it's more common to encounter couples in their forties. It's not a ship geared towards families, as it doesn't have any specific areas for young children. However, when a family travels on board, they are given logistical support, such as assistance with preparing pureed baby food and providing a Wii console for their cabin. Nevertheless, the tranquility and peaceful atmosphere on board clearly cater to an adult segment of travelers, primarily from middle-to-upper and upper-class backgrounds, where it's easy to socialize. Especially on longer voyages of more than 10 days, it's common to make friends with fellow travelers.
commanded
by Captain Antonio F. Toledo, who boasts a solid track record in cruise lines and joined Royal Caribbean more than five years ago, having also sailed for Pullmantur. For this professional, who holds a Master's degree in Navigation and Maritime Transport from the Faculty of Nautical Sciences in Barcelona and Cadiz and served in the Spanish Navy, the Pursuit is "the perfect ship, with a size that allows access to all types of ports and maintains very close contact with guests and crew."
The gastronomy revolves around five proposals: buffet, international cuisine, steakhouse, Mediterranean and outdoor grill.
