Azamara launches fleetwide Azamara Forward refit and refurbishment programme

Azamara Cruises has announced a major fleetwide transformation programme under the banner Azamara Forward, marking the largest renovation investment in the company’s history and introducing extensive upgrades across all four ships in the fleet.

The initiative includes comprehensive updates to public spaces, dining venues, bars, and accommodations, alongside the introduction of new premium suites set to debut exclusively aboard Azamara Quest in December 2026.

The multi-year refurbishment strategy is designed to modernise the onboard environment while retaining the elements that have long defined the cruise line’s product.

Enhancements will be rolled out across the fleet, beginning with Azamara Quest, followed by Azamara Onward in 2027, with timelines for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to be confirmed at a later stage.

“Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises’ vision for thoughtfully elevating the onboard experience while honoring the hallmarks that have long defined the brand,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. “This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners and an extraordinary amount of creativity and collaboration across our teams.”

“From the new Panorama and Grandview Suites aboard Azamara Quest to reimagined dining and ship-wide enhancements across our fleet, Azamara Forward is designed to deepen destination immersion, elevate comfort, and create even more meaningful moments at sea,” Ritzenthaler added. “It’s celebrating our heritage while introducing new experiences to take us into the future.”

Central to the first phase of the programme is the creation of an entirely new Penthouse Deck aboard Azamara Quest.

The new accommodation level will be positioned above the existing decks, becoming the ship’s highest guest deck, while the current Sun Deck will remain unchanged above it. The Penthouse Deck will feature 12 new suites, comprising two Panorama Suites and ten Grandview Suites.

The Panorama Suites, located at the forward corners of the new deck, will offer 270-degree floor-to-ceiling panoramic ocean views and include separate living, dining, and bedroom areas, a walk-in wardrobe, and a large spa-style bathroom.

Across the wider fleet, Azamara Forward introduces several major public space enhancements.

A newly dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant will be installed on Deck 10 of each ship, offering a rotating programme of regionally inspired menus, including French, Italian, and Signature concepts, alongside guest chef collaborations, winemaker dinners, and destination-focused dining experiences.

The Atlas Bar, previously introduced on Azamara Onward, will be recrafted and installed across all four ships, positioned adjacent to Discoveries Restaurant to serve as a central social venue.

Discoveries Restaurant itself will undergo a complete redesign, with updated furnishings, lighting, and décor. The Cabaret Lounge will be fully transformed with new seating, flooring, and dance space.

Staterooms and suites across the fleet will be refreshed with updated furnishings, new soft furnishings, refined fabrics, and redesigned bathrooms. Additional upgrades will include redesigned treatment rooms within The Sanctum Spa and renovated public restrooms.

Azamara Forward will officially debut with Azamara Quest’s sailing on December 18th, 2026, ahead of the ship’s scheduled 2027 World Cruise.

Azamara Forward: Key Enhancements at a Glance

Exclusive to Azamara Quest

New Penthouse Deck
Azamara Quest will introduce an entirely new Penthouse Deck, becoming the ship’s highest accommodation level. The existing Sun Deck will remain above it, preserving its role as an open-air retreat and sail-away viewpoint. The new deck will feature two Panorama Suites and ten Grandview Suites.

Panorama Suites
Located on the forward corners of the Penthouse Deck, these new top-tier suites offer 270-degree ocean views, separate living, dining, and bedroom areas, a walk-in wardrobe, and a large spa-style bathroom. Suite privileges include personalised butler service, Starlink Wi-Fi, the ultimate beverage package, specialty and exclusive dining experiences, and bespoke onboard amenities.

Grandview Suites
Also debuting on the Penthouse Deck, Grandview Suites feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views, contemporary finishes, spacious bathrooms with dual sinks and walk-in showers, and access to Azamara’s suite-level services, including complimentary specialty dining and premium beverage package.

Fleetwide Culinary and Public Space Enhancements

Chef’s Table – Dedicated Venue
A new, permanent Chef’s Table restaurant will debut on Deck 10 across the fleet. The venue will offer rotating, regionally inspired menus alongside French, Italian, and Signature concepts, with programming expanding to include guest chefs, winemaker dinners, and destination-focused dining experiences.

Atlas Bar
Following its introduction on Azamara Onward, Atlas Bar will be installed fleetwide and repositioned next to Discoveries Restaurant as the ships’ primary social hub. The venue will feature destination-inspired cocktails alongside a complimentary beverage selection.

Fleetwide Upgrades
All ships will receive a fully redesigned Cabaret Lounge, refreshed staterooms and suites with updated furnishings and fabrics, a complete redesign of Discoveries Restaurant, renovated spa treatment rooms in The Sanctum Spa, and renewed public restrooms.