Greece & Italy Cruise: Santorini, Corfu & Florence
Greece & Italy Cruise: Santorini, Corfu & Florence
Cruise overview
WHY BOOK WITH US?
- ✔ The Deluxe Cruises’ team has extensive experience in ultra-luxury cruising.
- ✔ Call now to speak to our helpful and experienced Cruise Concierge team.
- ✔ Enjoy our Unique Deluxe Cruises Bonus for substantial savings.
- ✔ Our team will tailor your holiday to your exacting requirements.
- ✔ As agents, we work under the protection of each cruise lines ABTA / ATOL licences
About Athens
About Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
About Kusadasi
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.
About Rhodes
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect.
About Amorgós
About Agios Nikólaos, Kríti
About Santorini
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
About Monemvasía
Monemvasia boasts a varied and colorful history that can be traced to the 8th-century when Greeks fleeing the Slav invasion of Lakonia found refuge here. In its heyday it controlled sea travel between the Levant and European shores. The wall-encircled Lower Town extends along the slopes of a 985-foot-high crag that projects into the sea on the east side of the Peloponnese. For centuries an impressive stronghold, population dwindled as the inhabitants moved to the mainland. But with the beginning of a restoration program aimed to preserve Monemvasia's heritage, the Lower Town experienced a new lease on life, and people have begun to return. The Upper Town is situated on top of the Rock of Monemvasia. It is reached via a zigzagging, paved lane. An almost impregnable bastion in earlier days, it has been uninhabited for centuries, but still manages to preserve its magnificent appearance. Visitors today can explore the remains of the ancient citadel-castle and visit the church of Hagia Sofia. From the summit there is also a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
About Argostoli
Ground literally to ashes in World War II and wracked by a massive earthquake a decade later, the capital of Kefalonia once more shows pride in its native spirit and natural beauty. The vast harbor on Argostoli’s east side makes an especially attractive port for cruise ships full of visitors who never seem to tire of strolling the cobbled seaside promenade, sipping ouzos in cafés, and stocking up on the succulent Mediterranean fruits in the outdoor markets.
About Corfu
Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town's shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island's unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it's best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one.
About Venice
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.
About Zadar
Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik. What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history. The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula some 4 km (2½ miles) long and just 1,640 feet wide, is bustling and beautiful: the marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. Parts of the new town are comparatively dreary, a testament to what a world war followed by decades of communism, not to mention a civil war, can do to the architecture of a city that is 3,000 years old. A settlement had already existed on the site of the present-day city for some 2,000 years when Rome finally conquered Zadar in the 1st century BC; the foundations of the forum can be seen today. Before the Romans came the Liburnians had made it a key center for trade with the Greeks and Romans for 800 years. In the 3rd century BC the Romans began to seriously pester the Liburnians, but required two centuries to bring the area under their control. During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St. Donat's Basilica. It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries. The city then experienced successive onslaughts and occupations—both long and short—by the Osogoths, the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the Venetians, the Turks, the Habsburgs, the French, the Habsburgs again, and finally the Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia and, in 1991, the independent republic of Croatia. Zadar was for centuries an Italian-speaking city, and Italian is still spoken widely, especially by older people. Indeed, it was ceded to Italy in 1921 under the Treaty of Rapallo (and reverted to its Italian name of Zara). Its occupation by the Germans from 1943 led to intense bombing by the Allies during World War II, which left most of the city in ruins. Zadar became part of Tito's Yugoslavia in 1947, prompting many Italian residents to leave. Zadar's most recent ravages occurred during a three-month siege by Serb forces and months more of bombardment during the Croatian-Serbian war between 1991 and 1995. But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold. There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.
About Dubrovnik
Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost
About Kotor
Backed by imposing mountains, tiny Kotor lies hidden from the open sea, tucked into the deepest channel of the Bokor Kotorska (Kotor Bay), which is Europe's most southerly fjord. To many, this town is more charming than its sister UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, retaining more authenticity, but with fewer tourists and spared the war damage and subsequent rebuilding which has given Dubrovnik something of a Disney feel.Kotor's medieval Stari Grad (Old Town) is enclosed within well-preserved defensive walls built between the 9th and 18th centuries and is presided over by a proud hilltop fortress. Within the walls, a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets leads through a series of splendid paved piazzas, rimmed by centuries-old stone buildings. The squares are now haunted by strains from buskers but although many now house trendy cafés and chic boutiques, directions are still given medieval-style by reference to the town’s landmark churches.In the Middle Ages, as Serbia's chief port, Kotor was an important economic and cultural center with its own highly regarded schools of stonemasonry and iconography. From 1391 to 1420 it was an independent city-republic and later, it spent periods under Venetian, Austrian, and French rule, though it was undoubtedly the Venetians who left the strongest impression on the city's architecture. Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, some 70% of the stone buildings in the romantic Old Town have been snapped up by foreigners, mostly Brits and Russians. Porto Montenegro, a new marina designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest super yachts, opened in nearby Tivat in 2011, and along the bay are other charming seaside villages, all with better views of the bay than the vista from Kotor itself where the waterside is congested with cruise ships and yachts. Try sleepy Muo or the settlement of Prčanj in one direction around the bay, or Perast and the Roman mosaics of Risan in the other direction.
About Taormina
The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina's beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town's boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.
About Sorrento
Sorrento may have become a jumping-off point for visitors to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi, but you can find countless reasons to love it for itself. The Sorrentine people are fair-minded and hardworking, bubbling with life and warmth. The tuff cliff on which the town rests is spread over the bay, absorbing sunlight, while orange and lemon trees waft their perfume in spring. Winding along a cliff above a small beach and two harbors, the town is split in two by a narrow ravine formed by a former mountain stream. To the east, dozens of hotels line busy Via Correale along the cliff—many have "grand" included in their names, and some indeed still are. To the west, however, is the historic sector, which still enchants. It's a relatively flat area, with winding, stone-paved lanes bordered by balconied buildings, some joined by medieval stone arches. The central piazza is named after the poet Torquato Tasso, born here in 1544. This part of town is a delightful place to walk through. Craftspeople are often at work in their stalls and shops and are happy to let you watch; in fact, that's the point. Music spots and bars cluster in the side streets near Piazza Tasso.
About Civitavecchia
Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
About Portoferraio
Elba is the Tuscan archipelago's largest island, but it resembles nearby verdant Corsica more than it does its rocky Italian sisters, thanks to a network of underground springs that keep it lush and green. It's this combination of semitropical vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery—unusual in the Mediterranean—that has made Elba so prized for so long, and the island's uniqueness continues to draw boatloads of visitors throughout the warm months. A car is very useful for getting around the island, but public buses stop at most towns several times a day; the tourist office has timetables.
About Livorno
Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.
About Livorno
Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.
About Portovenere
The colorful facades and pedestrians-only calata (promenade) make Portovenere the quintessential Ligurian seaside village. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its harbor is lined with tall, thin "terratetto" houses that date from as far back as the 11th century and are connected in a wall-like formation to protect against attacks by the Pisans and local pirates. Its tiny, carruggi (alley-like passageways) lead to an array of charming shops, homes, and gardens and eventually to the village's impressive Castle Doria high on the olive tree covered hill. To the west standing guard over the Mediterranean is the picturesque medieval Chiesa di San Pietro, once the site of a temple to Venus (Venere in Italian), from which Portovenere gets its name. Nearby, in a rocky area leading to the sea, is Byron's Cave, a favorite spot that the poet loved to swim out into the sea from.
About Portofino
One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous. Once an ancient Roman colony and taken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229, it’s also been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, as well as by marauding bands of 16th-century pirates. Elite British tourists first flocked to the lush harbor in the mid-1800s. Some of Europe's wealthiest drop anchor in Portofino in summer, but they stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.There's not actually much to do in Portofino other than stroll around the wee harbor, see the castle, walk to Punta del Capo, browse at the pricey boutiques, and sip a coffee while people-watching. However, weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita can make for quite a relaxing afternoon. There are also several tame, photo-friendly hikes into the hills to nearby villages.Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels. Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey (don't expect to have a beer here for much under €10).
About Monte-Carlo
On one of the best stretches of the Mediterranean, this classic luxury destination is one of the most sought-after addresses in the world. With all the high-rise towers you have to look hard to find the Belle Époque grace of yesteryear. But if you head to the town's great 1864 landmark Hôtel de Paris—still a veritable crossroads of the buffed and befurred Euro-gentry—or enjoy a grand bouffe at its famous Louis XV restaurant, or attend the opera, or visit the ballrooms of the casino, you may still be able to conjure up Monaco's elegant past. Prince Albert II, a political science graduate from Amherst College, traces his ancestry to Otto Canella, who was born in 1070. The Grimaldi dynasty began with Otto's great-great-great-grandson, Francesco Grimaldi, also known as Frank the Rogue. Expelled from Genoa, Frank and his cronies disguised themselves as monks and in 1297 seized the fortified medieval town known today as Le Rocher (the Rock). Except for a short break under Napoléon, the Grimaldis have been here ever since, which makes them the oldest reigning family in Europe. In the 1850s a Grimaldi named Charles III made a decision that turned the Rock into a giant blue chip. Needing revenue but not wanting to impose additional taxes on his subjects, he contracted with a company to open a gambling facility. The first spin of the roulette wheel was on December 14, 1856. There was no easy way to reach Monaco then—no carriage roads or railroads—so no one came. Between March 15 and March 20, 1857, one person entered the casino—and won two francs. In 1868, however, the railroad reached Monaco, and it was filled with Englishmen who came to escape the London fog. The effects were immediate. Profits were so great that Charles eventually abolished all direct taxes. Almost overnight, a threadbare principality became an elegant watering hole for European society. Dukes (and their mistresses) and duchesses (and their gigolos) danced and dined their way through a world of spinning roulette wheels and bubbling champagne—preening themselves for nights at the opera, where such artists as Vaslav Nijinsky, Sarah Bernhardt, and Enrico Caruso came to perform. Along with the tax system, its sensational position on a broad, steep peninsula that bulges into the Mediterranean—its harbor sparkling with luxury cruisers, its posh mansions angling awnings toward the nearly perpetual sun—continues to draw the rich and famous. One of the latest French celebrities to declare himself "Monégasque," thus giving up his French passport, is superchef Alain Ducasse, who said that he made the choice out of affection for Monaco rather than tax reasons. Pleasure boats vie with luxury cruisers in their brash beauty and Titanic scale, and teams of handsome young men—themselves dyed blond and tanned to match—scour and polish every gleaming surface. As you might expect, all this glitz doesn't come cheap. Eating is expensive, and even the most modest hotels cost more here than in nearby Nice or Menton. As for taxis, they don't even have meters so you are completely at the driver's mercy (with prices skyrocketing during events such as the Grand Prix). For the frugal, Monaco is the ultimate day-trip, although parking is as coveted as a room with a view. At the very least you can afford a coffee at Starbucks. The harbor district, known as La Condamine, connects the new quarter, officially known as Monte Carlo with Monaco-Ville (or Le Rocher), a medieval town on the Rock, topped by the palace, the cathedral, and the Oceanography Museum. Have no fear that you'll need to climb countless steps to get to Monaco-Ville, as there are plenty of elevators and escalators climbing the steep cliffs. But shuttling between the lovely casino grounds of Monte Carlo and Old Monaco, separated by a vast port, is a daunting proposition for ordinary mortals without wings, so hop on the No. 1 bus from Saint Roman, or No. 2 from the Jardin Exotique - Both stop at Place du Casino and come up to Monaco Ville.
About Marseille
Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d'Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.
About Sète
The fishing village of Sète serves as gateway to Montpellier, in the North. Other noteworthy destinations in this area include Carcassone, Aigues Mortes, the Abbaye de Fontfroide, and Pezenas. For a look at the real fisherman's life, however, stay right where you are. Sète is the Mediterranean's biggest fishing port. Canals winding through town make it fun to stroll around, and there are a number of good walking paths leading to the beach (about 30 minutes to the west). Although it's small and unspectacular, Plage de la Corniche has calm, pristine waters that are perfect for swimming. For a panoramic view of the area, climb Mont St-Clair or Les Pierres Blanches and pick a beach to settle down on.
About Palamós
One of the best ways to arrive in Catalonia is by sea, especially via the Costa Brava. This coastline, also known as the Rugged or Wild Coast, stretches from Blanes to the French border. Its name aptly refers to the steep cliff of ancient twisted rocks, which runs its entire length and is bounded inland by the Catalan mountain ranges. The intensity of the coast’s colour, the ruggedness of the rocks and the scent of the plants all combine to add to its attraction. The history of this region is long and varied. Traces can be found of the advanced culture of the Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. With Wilfred I and the independence of Catalan countries, the Catalan dynasty was born. Later, in 1479, Catalonia became a part of unified Spain following the marriage of Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Fernando, King of Aragon. The port of Palamos, some 36 miles northeast of Barcelona, has been in existence for nearly 700 years thanks to its location on one of the deepest natural bays in the western Mediterranean. The town itself is the southernmost of a series of resorts popular with sun worshippers. For the most part, Palamos has managed to retain some of the charm of a fishing village. The port also serves as a gateway to such inland locations as Girona, the capital of the province. Art lovers may want to visit Figueras, famous for its bizarre Teatre-Museu Dali, the foremost of a series of sites associated with the eccentric surrealist artist, Salvador Dali. If you choose to stay in Palamos, you can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the town or spend some time at a nearby beach. The town has a long seagoing tradition and busy harbour. The fish auction, prompted by the arrival of the fishing boats, is a spectacle worth seeing. The Fishing Museum illustrates the history and the life of the families who live off the sea.
About Barcelona
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Our largest suites have been transformed with contemporary design elements that are both elegant and organic, with design that draws inspiration from nature—a sandy cliff, flowing river beds, exquisite white sand beaches, and rustling grasses. Enjoy a spacious living room, separate bedroom and all the amenities that come with our most luxurious suite.
Suite Features
- Spacious living room with a separate master bedroom
- Master bedroom with one queen size bed and a flat-
- screen television
- Flat-screen television in living room
- Marble master bathroom with shower. Journey and Quest
- suites feature a tub.
- Dressing room with vanity and ample closet space
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in living room and
- master bedroom
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 560 sq. ft. (52 sq. m.) Veranda: 233 sq. ft. (21.7 sq. m.)
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises sailing before April 1, 2026)
- $300 Onboard Credit
- Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
- Laundry - 2 bags/stateroom/week
- Exclusive Acamar Experience Dinner
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Full in-suite dining and daily evening hors d'oeuvres
- Complimentary Specialty Dining and exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine service
- Turndown treats
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises on or after April 1, 2026)
- Ultimate Beverage Package
- Unlimited Standard Starlink Wi-Fi
- Unlimited Laundry
- Exclusive Acamar Experience Dinner
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Full in-suite dining and daily evening hors d'oeuvres
- Complimentary Specialty Dining and exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine service
- Turndown treats
With a large living room and a separate bedroom—plus your own private veranda —your suite offers a restful retreat after your immersive experiences on land. Enjoy elegant, contemporary décor, and rich marble touches. You'll be spoiled by the attention to detail in these beautiful suites, and of course, all the pampering too.
Suite Features
- Spacious living room with a separate master bedroom
- Master bedroom with one queen size bed with a flat-screen television
- Flat-screen television in living room
- Marble master bathroom with shower. Journey and Quest suites feature a tub.
- Dressing room with vanity and ample closet space
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in living room and master bedroom
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 440-501 sq. ft. (40.9-46.5 sq. m.) Veranda: 233 sq. ft. (21.7 sq. m.)
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises sailing before April 1, 2026)
- $300 Onboard Credit
- Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
- Laundry - 2 bags/stateroom/week
- Exclusive Acamar Experience Dinner
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Full in-suite dining and daily evening hors d'oeuvres
- Complimentary Specialty Dining and exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine service
- Turndown treats
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises on or after April 1, 2026)
- Ultimate Beverage Package
- Unlimited Standard Starlink Wi-Fi
- Unlimited Laundry
- Exclusive Acamar Experience Dinner
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Full in-suite dining and daily evening hors d'oeuvres
- Complimentary Specialty Dining and exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine service
- Turndown treats
Our Spa Suites are the ultimate in contemporary design, comfort and pampering. Enjoy the comfortable sitting area, daily delivery of healthy snacks, Frette plush robes, slippers upon request, and in-room spa music. With easy access to the Sanctum Spa, open decks, swimming pool, and our great restaurants, it's the perfect place to get away from it all, without being far from anything.
Located next to the tranquil Sanctum Spa, our newest suites are the ultimate in contemporary design, comtort and pampering. With easy access to the Spa open decks, swimming pool and our great restaurants, the Club Spa Suites surround you with organic, elegant décor, and the finest, most soothing amenities. Suites feature comfortable sitting area, daily delivery of healthy snacks, Frette plush robes, and in-room spa music. For the ultimate in serene surroundings, the spacious glass-enclosed spa soaking tub and separate rain shower bring the outside in, with views to the endless seas beyond.
Suite Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one queen size bed
- Spacious glass- enclosed bathtub
- Separate rain shower
- Comfortable sitting area
- Flat-screen television in sitting area
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 414 sq. ft. (38.5 sq. m.) Veranda: 40 sq. ft.(3.7 sq. m.)
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises sailing before April 1, 2026)
- $300 Onboard Credit
- Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
- Laundry - 2 bags/stateroom/week
- Exclusive Acamar Experience Dinner
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Full in-suite dining and daily evening hors d'oeuvres
- Complimentary Specialty Dining and exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine service
- Turndown treats
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises on or after April 1, 2026)
- Ultimate Beverage Package
- Unlimited Standard Starlink Wi-Fi
- Unlimited Laundry
- Exclusive Acamar Experience Dinner
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Full in-suite dining and daily evening hors d'oeuvres
- Complimentary Specialty Dining and exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine service
- Turndown treats
Spacious and comfortable, our Club Continent Suites feature fresh new décor inspired by natural elements. With two beds convertible to a queen, a cozy sitting area, breezy balcony and refreshed bathroom with a bathtub or shower, this is your wonderful, refined home away from home.
Suite Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one queen size bed
- Spacious and comfortable sitting area
- Flat-screen television in sitting area
- Roomy bathroom with shower. Some also feature a tub.
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 266 sq. ft. (24.7 sq. m.) Veranda: 60 sq. ft. (5.6 sq. m.)
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises sailing before April 1, 2026)
- 240 Minutes Standard Wi-Fi
- Laundry - 2 bags/stateroom/week
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine-service
- Turndown treats
Included Suite Amenities (For cruises on or after April 1, 2026)
- Unlimited Basic Starlink Wi-Fi
- Laundry - 2 bags/stateroom/week
- Exclusive Acamar Experience Dinner
- Dedicated butler and concierge service
- Full in-suite dining and daily evening hors d'oeuvres
- Complimentary Specialty Dining and exclusive breakfast at Aqualina
- In-room premium spirits and champagne
- Thalassotherapy Pool access
- Personalized assistance planning spa appointments and shore excursions
- Priority check-in
- News delivery
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoeshine-service
- Turndown treats
With the polished style and stellar service of a Club Guarantee Suite, you'll enjoy our plush cotton robes, slippers upon request, French bath products, and 24-hour room service.
Introducing a new way to see the world with Azamara®. With our Club Veranda Plus Staterooms, enjoy spectacular ocean and destination views, plus a host of guest-favourite amenities - all at a great value. Everything you love about our Club Voranda Staterooms is included. plus extra perks and amenities to elevate your time on hoard
Stateroom Features
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Sitting area with flat-screen TV
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.) | Veranda: 46-64 sq. ft. (4.3-6 sq. m.)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
- Gratuities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- Select standard spirits, international beers and wine
- 24-hour room service
- Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Self-service laundry
- Tote bag
- Shuttle service to and from port communities, wher
- Use of umbrella
- Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet (120 minutes or 25% off the unlimited internet package) per guest
- One free bag of laundry service per stateroom, every seven days
- One night of complimentary specialty dining for two, every seven days
- Priority embarkation and debarkation
- Complimentary in-room spirits
Enjoy ocean views and sea breezes on your private veranda. Stateroom price based on deck and location of the ship.
Refreshing sea breezes and stunning destination views come standard in our staterooms that offer your own private veranda.
Refreshing sea breezes and stunning destination views come standard in our staterooms that offer your own private veranda. Greet the day with room service on your balcony, or toast to another stunning sunset. Polished touches and professional service perfectly compliment the warm, friendly attention you'll receive from our staff and crew.
Stateroom Features
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Sitting area with 40" flat- screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.) I Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Enjoy ocean views and sea breezes on your private veranda. Stateroom price based on deck and location of the ship.
Refreshing sea breezes and stunning destination views come standard in our staterooms that offer your own private veranda.
A vacation home with an ocean view, our Club Oceanview Staterooms offer all the style and amenities of a boutique hotel. Relax with plush cotton robes, slippers upon request, French bath products, and 24-hour room service.
Revel in the polished style and stellar service of your own private retreat, boasting a modern and contemporary décor. Enjoy picturesque ocean views outside your window, and all the finer touches included in every stateroom.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Some staterooms feature sofa bed
- Flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- 143 sq. ft. (13.3 sq m)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
A vacation home with an ocean view, our Club Oceanview Staterooms offer all the style and amenities of a boutique hotel. Relax with plush cotton robes, slippers upon request, French bath products, and 24-hour room service.
Revel in the polished style and stellar service of your own private retreat, boasting a modern and contemporary décor. Enjoy picturesque ocean views outside your window, and all the finer touches included in every stateroom.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Some staterooms feature sofa bed
- Flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- 143 sq. ft. (13.3 sq m)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes
- 24-hour room service
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
Explore the world in comfort and luxury in this stylish, elegant stateroom featuring all the amenities of a boutique hotel at sea.
With the polished style and stellar service of a Club Interior Stateroom, you'll enjoy our plush cotton robes, slippers upon request, French bath products, and 24-hour room service.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Flat-screen television
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m.)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
- Gratuities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- Select standard spirits, international beers and wine
- 24-hour room service
- Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Self-service laundry
- Tote bag
- Shuttle service to and from port communities, wher
- Use of umbrella
- Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Explore the world in comfort and luxury in this stylish, elegant stateroom featuring all the amenities of a boutique hotel at sea.
With the polished style and stellar service of a Club Interior Stateroom, you'll enjoy our plush cotton robes, slippers upon request, French bath products, and 24-hour room service.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Flat-screen television
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m.)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
- Gratuities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- Select standard spirits, international beers and wine
- 24-hour room service
- Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Self-service laundry
- Tote bag
- Shuttle service to and from port communities, wher
- Use of umbrella
- Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Azamara Onward
Built to cross oceans, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations larger ships can’t access — this small ship cruising experience is unlike any other.
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 1999 | ||||||||||
| Refit Year | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 30277 | ||||||||||
| Length | 180 | ||||||||||
| Width | 25 | ||||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||||
| Speed | 19 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 692 | ||||||||||
| Crew Count | 375 | ||||||||||
| Deck Count | 11 | ||||||||||
| Cabin Count | 338 | ||||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 5 | ||||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
|
Deck 11
- Shuffle Board
- Sun Deck
Deck 10
- The Living Room
- Card Room
- In Touch
- Elevators
- Table Tennis
- Jogging Track
- Atlas Bar
- Aqualina Specialty Dining
- Prime C Specialty Dining
Deck 9
- Club Spa Suites
- The Patio
- Swirl & Top
- Windows Café
- Sunset Veranda
- Pool
- Pool Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Beauty Salon
- The Sanctum Terrace
- The Sanctum
Deck 8
- Veranda Plus Staterooms
- World Owner's Suite
- Continent Suite (x2 Accessible Staterooms)
- Interior
Deck 7
- World Owner's Suite
- Ocean Suite
- Veranda Staterooms
- Oceanview Staterooms
- Interior Staterooms
- Veranda Plus Staterooms
- Self Service Laundry
Deck 6
- Veranda Plus Staterooms
- Veranda Staterooms (x2 Accessible Staterooms)
- World Owner's Suite
- Continent Suite
- Ocean Suite
- Oceanview Staterooms
- Interior Staterooms
Deck 5
- Cabaret Lounge
- The Den
- Photo Shop
- Onward Shop
- Indulgences
- Mosaic Café
- Discoveries Bar
- Discoveries Restaurant
Deck 4
- Medical Facility
- Guest Relations
- Concierge
- Oceanview Staterooms
- Interior Staterooms (x3 Accessible Staterooms)
Fresh ingredients, careful preparation and a variety of menu choices. Azamara offers a choice of six distinctive dining options, including room service. Whether you’re a fan of haute cuisine or down-home cooking, expect the same delicious quality. Bon appétit! Buon appetito! ¡Buen provecho! No matter how you say it, you’re in for a real treat.
We’re excited to share that starting 1 December 2025 you’ll be able to reserve your specialty dining experiences 150 days prior to your upcoming cruise — including selecting the day and time that works best for you! Whether you’re savouring authentic Italian flavours at Aqualina, indulging in perfectly grilled steaks at Prime C, or enjoying a world of tastes at The Chef’s Table, booking early gives you the perfect opportunity to plan and enjoy each culinary moment at your convenience.
Aqualina
At Aqualina, you’ll find some of Italy’s most authentic dishes. Pastas made from scratch, traditional recipes, and scrumptious vegetarian dishes that make sure there’s something for everyone. Plus our famous desserts: Sorrento lemon liqueur mousse, hazelnut chocolate soufflé and more.
If you're in the mood for fantastic Italian- inspired cuisine, make a reservation at Aqualina, one of our onboard specialty restaurants. Aqualina will satisfy your taste for sumptuous fare in a relaxed yet positively chic atmosphere.
Prime C
Your choice of steak, cooked to perfection. Herb-coated rack of lamb, duck confit and Chilean sea bass—all paired with savoury sides. At Prime C, you’re in for more than delectable dining. Expect a great evening with stunning views and lush décor.
Your choice of steak, cooked to perfection. Crab & lobster cakes with fennel-aioli. Herb-coated rack of lamb, duck confit and Chilean sea bass - all paired with savoury sides. At Prime C, you're in for more than delectable dining. Expect an great evening with stunning views and lush décor.
And, if our chef has made a visit to a local market. you'll also have an authentic local dish to look forward to.*
The Wine Cellar
You’ll be hard-pressed to find such a collection of limited production, small label and rare vintage wines anywhere on the high seas! And with vintages from France to California, and Argentina to South Africa, you’re sure to find a wine to suit your palate and your journey. Our knowledgeable sommeliers can help you pick the perfect wines for your evening meal.
The Patio and Swirl & Top
Casual “pool grill” by day. A sit-down al fresco dining experience by night. Taste your way around the world with exclusive personalised dishes using local flavours of the places we visit. Plus a self-serve frozen yogurt station—Swirl & Top. With a variety of flavours and your choice of toppings, it’s the perfect way to cool off.
While a casual "pool grill" during the day, in the evening this venue will be completely transformed into a sit-down al fresco dining experience. Nice tablecloths and candles will set the mood while a reimagined menu will be served by our Pool Grill wait staff. In addition, a self-serve frozen yogurt station Swirl & Top - can conclude your meal with a variety of flavours and your choice of toppings.
Discoveries Restaurant
Discover the world through dishes and flavours from the places we visit. Of course, you’ll also enjoy a wide variety of nightly selections such as filet mignon with black truffle sauce. Reservations are not accepted. Choose being seated at a table for two or as part of a larger group of fellow guests.
With open seating and delicious nightly selections, our main restaurant is not to be missed. You'll find all your classic dinner favourites, very likely with a different twist, like gulf shrimp with cognac and garlic or a filet mignon with black truffle sauce.
Windows Café
Our daily themed dinner often takes its inspiration from the region we’re visiting—Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian. We also create an extra live station made from local ingredients purchased in port: Greek salad made with local feta (Greece), pasta prepared with local mushrooms (Italy), fresh Mussels served with garlic bread (Netherlands).
Take in the fresh breeze at an outdoor table in Windows Café, our casual buffet offering made- to-order breakfasts and a large variety of lunch and dinner options. Choices change daily and include fresh sushi, stir-frys and pastas, salads, an assortment of entrees and sides, a carving station and sumptuous desserts.
Mosaic Café
Stylish and cozy, Mosaic offers your favourite coffee drinks exactly as you like them. Relax in a comfortable seat and enjoy. It’s the perfect spot to start or end your day, and it just might become your favourite place on the ship.
Room Service
The best time for room service? Whenever you say it is, 24-hours a day. Order from the full breakfast menu between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM, and we’ll deliver at your appointed time. Lunch and dinner room service features a menu of hearty soups, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and desserts.
The Azamara experience doesn’t pause when you depart a destination, it continues onboard with our top-tier dining, world-class entertainment and relaxing spa experiences.
Bars, Lounges & Gathering Spots
A cozy nook to sip coffee. An intimate space to raise a glass and celebrate. A lively setting to catch the latest shows and international entertainment. Watch the world go by, drink in hand from any of Azamara’s bars, lounges, and gathering spaces.
SOME OF THE MOST STYLISH WATERING HOLES ANYWHERE, CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT SEA.
From port to port, our onboard venues are the perfect place to unwind after a day of onshore discovery, to connect over drinks both before and after dinner, or take in a one of a kind show. And, with Azamara’s Beverage Packages you can indulge in a superb collection of fine wines, premium spirits, and more—without reaching for your wallet.
Lounges - From port to port, our onboard venues are the perfect place to unwind after a day of onshore discovery, to connect over drinks both before and after dinner, or take in a one of a kind show. And, with Azamara’s Beverage Packages you can indulge in a superb collection of fine wines, premium spirits, and more—without reaching for your wallet.
Entertainment & Activities
Sit back and enjoy your evenings on a high note with our onboard entertainment. From local cultural shows to our playbill that features a variety of amazing performances to keep you entertained while onboard.
From the music that makes your heartstrings sing to the best of Broadway, Azamara's Signature Singers & Dancers are guaranteed to entertain. Plus a little shopping as a bonus.
Onboard Shopping
You’ll find a tasteful collection of merchandise, beautiful jewellery and watches—and the promise of discovery and delight—in our signature shops. Window shop or select gifts for friends and family. Then, indulge yourself as you encounter the ideal memento of your truly extraordinary luxury cruise experience. Watch your daily news for specials and one-time offers that make shopping even more fun.
Cabaret Lounge
Enjoy live performances of professional full-stage musical revues, classical soloists, bands and other entertainment in a cabaret nightclub with a full bar and cozy tables. You could see as many as three distinctly different shows while onboard. And considering the cost of theatre and entertainment tickets back home, isn’t that nice?
Discoveries Lounge
Located just outside Azamara’s main restaurant, this congenial bar is a favorite gathering place for pre- and post-dinner conversation and drinks. Bar service includes a full selection of fine wines, mixed drinks, and premium spirits…plus the entertaining banter of Azamara’s friendly bartenders.
Mosaic Café & Mosaic @ Night
Our onboard coffee corner may very well become your favorite nook on the ship. And with elegant and comfortable furniture, it's bound to be one of the the most stylish places, too. You'll find all your favourite coffee drinks and you can order them just the way you like. We recommend that you slip right into a comfortable seat and sip for a while—you never know who'll walk by.
The Living Room
The idea of the Living Room is just that. To “live in” and to enjoy time with friends and fellow guests! Much of the room is furnished as a living room, with clusters of large comfortable chairs and sofas....
It's the perfect space for guests throughout the day and evening to engage in lively conversations, take in interesting speakers, peruse art, play a game of cards, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, wines & tapas, delightful music, or simply relax with a good book.
CARD ROOM
On the starboard side of the Living Room, guests will find the Card Room for those who love a round of Bridge or other games.
IN TOUCH
Inside the Card Room guests will have four computers available for use during the voyage.
The Drawing Room
This library is one of the quiet jewels of Azamara, a peaceful and beautifully appointed space for reading or relaxing after dinner. Browse the collection and feel free to borrow the library books. Or simply relax in the tranquil atmosphere. But our library goes beyond just paper, we have interactive digital tabletops so you can make your own postcards and post to social media to share your adventures with the folks back home. The library is also home to our impressive Inspiration Center—a digital way to explore the world with Azamara and gain inspiration for your next voyage.
The Drawing Room turns into a gorgeous dining room on the evening of the elegant Best of the Best dinner for Owner’s Suite guests.
Onboard Fun
A little friendly competition is healthy. Unwind with our stellar selection of onboard activities aimed at stoking your inner competitor. Go head-to-head with friends and other ship guests with a collection of tournaments that include darts, ping pong, shuffle board and more. Test your pop culture knowledge at trivia, your luck at bingo, or hone your creativity with arts & crafts. From line dancing classes to Q&A sessions—and everything in between—the greatest fun happens to be at sea.
Live Music
From our cocktail pianist in The Den, to our Quartet in the Living Room, there is music for every taste. Our five-piece band will entertain you every night. You can enjoy a myriad of music genres, even on request. Late night in the Living Room is when the DJ features great dance music and the occasional karaoke night.
White Night
Join Azamara officers and crew for our signature dinner and entertainment event hosted al fresco on the pool deck (weather permitting). With an array of delicious food and engaging entertainment, your White Night experience will almost certainly be one of the most memorable times from your voyage. And don’t forget to bring something white to wear for the evening.
AzAmazing Evenings
Authentic Experiences! - In 2011, we launched AzAmazing Evenings as an experiential way for our guests to dive deeper into cultures and traditions around the world. Since then, these bespoke one-of-a-kind events, exclusively created for and attended by our guests, are one of the Destination Immersion® highlights of an Azamara Cruise.
Unforgettable Performances - This year, we’ve expanded our portfolio by adding over 30 new celebrations in the most spectacular ports. Be captivated by an enchanting operatic experience in the village of San Pantaleo in Sardinia or go back in time as you step into a vibrant medieval festival with knights and jesters in the historic Dover Castle in the English countryside. No matter the voyage, these unparalleled experiences will be the highlight of your trip.
This One's On Us - Best of all, AzAmazing Evenings are included, with our compliments, on all cruises except transatlantic crossings and voyages that are less than seven nights long. Reserve your seat by accessing the Shore Excursions section of your reservation at no additional cost.
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar is a unique concept offering artisanal cocktails created using the latest one-of-a-kind techniques. These crafted beverages are as delightful to drink as they are to watch being made! In addition, an exotic menu of small plates, both hot and cold, will be offered.
Sun Deck
This deck is available for guests enjoying the sun and views from high up. It is also a beautiful vantage point for sunsets (or sunrises), and a quiet stroll at night. For those who love shuffle board, this is the place to go.
Sunset Bar
Adjacent to Windows Café, the Sunset Bar is a welcoming outdoor patio with covered and open-air seating, and a bar. It's the perfect place for dining alfresco, enjoying a refreshing drink, taking in the sights of your favorite port, or simply watching the world sail by.
Pool Bar
Our Pool Bar serves refreshments while enjoying the Pool during the day, and cocktails of your choice in the evening.
The Pool
While spending daytime sun-drenched and relaxed by the pool, don’t think of missing Azamara’s famous White Night party held at least once on every cruise (weather permitting). Colourful décor and linen-draped tables, a fabulous buffet feast, and boutique wines on the house make this an event like no other. Not to forget the fun and fast-paced show our entertainment team puts on.
Indulgences
Aptly named, Indulgences will satisfy your desires for the finer things in life. If you are looking for designer jewellery, it's the perfect place to window shop or to find that extra special purchase.
Photo Shop
Our photographers capture both fun and professional photos throughout the voyage, whether it is your portrait, or photos of the destinations you visit. You can also find an assortment of supplies for your own photographic endeavours.
The Onward Shop
Pick up sundries, casual wear and swim fashions, sunglasses, accessories, music and shipboard keepsakes. This is a great place for small gifts to take back home.
Performances
Our playbill features a variety of amazing performances to keep you entertained while onboard. Sit back and enjoy your evenings on a high note with our onboard entertainment.
Club Crooner - Step into a swanky nightclub as the great songs of the most magnificent artists come alive on stage. From classic crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, to current songbirds such as Natalie Cole and Michael Bublé, there’s a song for every time and everyone. Enjoy a beverage, sit back, and be serenaded by the melodies of our lives with CLUB CROONER!
Oh, What A Night - Get ready to be transported to the world's most beloved travel destinations in one exhilarating night. As we explore all four seasons in a newcity, travel along with our dynamic Signature Singers & Dancers as they sing and dance their way through an eclectic mix of music from around the world. Come and experience Oh, What A Night!
Amped Up! - The sounds of the 70’s is happening on Azamara! An all new, edgy, and fun evening full of classic rock hits! From David Bowie to Heart, Queen to Pat Benatar, this night is sure to strike a chord and have you on your feet! Don’t miss our Signature Singers & Dancers as they present AMPED UP!
Groove Tonight - Get ready to groove as we take you on a journey that is ALL disco, ALL the time! The stage is set, and the mirror ball is illuminated as we feature far out fashions, a retro club, and an out of sight, psychedelic soundtrack that will have every Casanova and Disco Diva on their feet! Put on your platforms and leisure suit and meet our Signature Singers & Dancers on the dance floor as we get ready to GROOVE TONIGHT!
The Den
This lounge exemplifies our dedication to Destination Immersion® experiences. The Den inspires you with tools to travel to all corners of the world with tools to travel to all corners of the world with travel books, guides, and destination- focused activities.