Azamara Cruises presents Azamara Forward, a fleet-wide enhancement program representing the most extensive renovations and modernizations in the company's history. Across the fleet, Azamara Forward incorporates a comprehensive suite of onboard improvements, including an all-new Chef's Table experience, a reimagined cocktail lounge, renovated staterooms and suites, and updated public spaces. Additionally, debuting exclusively on Azamara Quest®, the program introduces 12 new Premier Suites unique to this ship. Together, these enhancements mark a bold evolution in the brand's premium small-ship experience.
Azamara's new Chef's Table dining experience
Among the highlights of Azamara Forward is an all-new Penthouse Deck on the top level of the Azamara Quest, introducing the new Grandview and Panorama Suites. As Azamara Forward is rolled out across the fleet, guests will enjoy a dedicated Chef's Table Restaurant, a refreshed Discoveries Restaurant, the debut of the redesigned Atlas Bar on all four ships, a complete transformation of The Cabaret Lounge, carefully curated upgrades in every stateroom and suite, and much more. Scheduled to launch with the departure of the Azamara Quest on December 18, 2026, Azamara Forward marks a pivotal evolution for the ship and a significant step forward in Azamara's premium boutique cruise experience.
“Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises’ vision to thoughtfully elevate the onboard experience while honoring the hallmarks that have defined the brand for years,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. “This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners, as well as extraordinary creativity and collaboration from our teams. From the new Panorama and Grandview suites aboard Azamara Quest to reimagined dining spaces and fleet-wide enhancements, Azamara Forward is designed to deepen immersion in destinations, elevate comfort, and create even more meaningful moments at sea. We celebrate our heritage while introducing new experiences that propel us into the future.”.
Scheduled to debut ahead of the highly anticipated World Cruise 2027, the Azamara Quest was the natural choice to showcase Azamara Forward. Its itineraries and guest demand created the ideal opportunity to unveil these enhancements and deliver an even more elevated experience. Azamara Onward will be the next ship to receive the Azamara Forward renovations in 2027, while schedules for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit will be announced at a later date.
Azamara Forward
– Azamara Quest: New suites and Penthouse Deck
- New Penthouse Deck: The Azamara Quest will debut a brand-new Penthouse Deck, in addition to the existing Sun Deck. The Sun Deck will remain a welcoming open-air sanctuary atop the new Penthouse level, at the ship's highest point, offering unparalleled views during port departures. As the ship's highest accommodation deck, this exclusive new level will feature two Panorama Suites and ten Grandview Suites, designed to elevate the waterfront living experience. The beloved Sun Deck will remain unchanged above the Penthouse Deck, continuing as an open-air retreat with panoramic views and unforgettable moments at sea.
- Panorama Suites: The crown jewel of the Azamara Quest. The new Panorama Suites are the ship's most spacious and luxurious accommodations. Located at both forward corners of the Penthouse Deck, they offer spectacular 270-degree panoramic ocean views, with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, a walk-in closet, and a spacious, spa-inspired bathroom. Guests enjoy Azamara's most exclusive privileges, including personalized butler service, Starlink Wi-Fi, a premium beverage package, exclusive dining experiences, and personalized onboard touches, providing an unparalleled sense of space, serenity, and connection to the sea.
- Grandview Suites: Also debuting on the Penthouse Deck, the new Grandview Suites offer a contemporary and elegant retreat for those seeking enhanced comfort and privacy. They feature a refined, modern design, high-end finishes, and spacious bathrooms with double vanities and separate showers. With floor-to-ceiling, unobstructed ocean views from their elevated position, the Grandview Suites provide an intimate and sophisticated sanctuary, complemented by Azamara's exclusive amenities, including complimentary specialty restaurants and a premium beverage package, among other benefits.
Food and ship improvements across the entire fleet
- Chef's Table — An Exclusive Culinary Destination: Azamara Forward will debut a dedicated Chef's Table restaurant, elevating one of the brand's most beloved dining experiences. Located on Deck 10 in a private, panoramic setting, Chef's Table represents the ultimate expression of intimate, destination-inspired cuisine on Azamara. Expanding upon the French, Italian, and Signature Chef's Table concepts, the new space will feature rotating themed menus inspired by the regions visited. The program will include global culinary experiences, renowned guest chefs, winemaker dinners, and Market Dining experiences that will take guests from local markets to customized onboard menus. Chef's Table will celebrate the culture and provenance of each destination, highlighting recipes passed down through generations through the timeless storytelling of gastronomy.
- Atlas Bar: Following its excellent reception on Azamara Onward, the popular Atlas Bar will be redesigned and implemented across the fleet as part of Azamara Forward. Located next to the Discoveries restaurant in the heart of each ship, it will become the central gathering place where evenings begin and destinations come alive through cocktails inspired by each region. As part of the program, guests can enjoy a selection of complimentary beverages, along with the Atlas Bar's signature handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits, in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for extending the experience after dinner.
Fleet-wide improvements:
Azamara Forward also introduces a series of upgrades to ensure a refreshed and sophisticated experience on every ship. The Cabaret Lounge will be completely reimagined, featuring modern furnishings, new carpeting, and a redesigned dance floor for lively evenings. Staterooms have been updated with contemporary touches: soft decorative linens, refined furnishings, plush carpeting, and luxurious fabrics in a light palette inspired by the sky and ocean, creating a serene and elegant sanctuary. The Discoveries restaurant will be completely redesigned with new décor, enhanced lighting, and updated furnishings in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Sanctum Spa treatment rooms and public restrooms will also be renovated, reaffirming Azamara's commitment to comfort, thoughtful design, and exceptional hospitality.
Beginning with the Azamara Quest and progressively expanding to all four ships, Azamara Forward marks a new chapter for Azamara Cruises, reflecting its commitment to personalization, comfort, and meaningful connections with each destination. With its inaugural departure on December 18, 2026, the program features all-new suites exclusively aboard the Azamara Quest, complemented by immersive culinary experiences and refined service, setting a new standard for small-ship cruising.
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