Azamara Cruises is preparing its fleet for a major onboard refresh, one that touches nearly every part of the guest experience. The small-ship cruise line has unveiled Azamara Forward, a fleetwide renovation and enhancement program introducing new suites, redesigned dining and nightlife venues, refreshed staterooms, and upgraded public spaces, beginning with Azamara Quest in December 2026.
The program represents the most extensive refurbishment effort in the company’s history and is designed to update the areas guests use most, while maintaining the late nights, overnights, and destination-focused itineraries that have long defined the brand.
What Azamara Forward Changes Across the Fleet
Azamara Forward focuses on practical improvements rather than large-scale structural changes. Across all four ships, guests will see redesigned restaurants and lounges, a fully transformed Cabaret Lounge, refreshed staterooms and suites, and upgraded public areas.
“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.”
Ritzenthaler said the updates are intended to deepen destination immersion while improving comfort and flow onboard, without altering the small-ship experience Azamara guests value.
A New Penthouse Deck and Suites on Azamara Quest
The most significant changes debut on Azamara Quest, which will introduce an entirely new Penthouse Deck at the top of the ship. The new deck becomes the highest accommodation level onboard and adds 12 new premier suites, all exclusive to Quest.
The existing Sun Deck will remain above the Penthouse Deck, continuing to serve as the ship’s open-air space for sailaways and time at sea.
The new accommodations include two Panorama Suites, located on the forward corners of the deck. These are the largest suites on the ship and feature separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, walk-in closets, and oversized spa-style bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive ocean views, and guests receive Azamara’s top-tier suite benefits, including butler service and inclusive beverage and Wi-Fi packages.
The remaining ten new accommodations are Grandview Suites, designed for guests seeking upgraded space and privacy without moving into the top category. These suites feature updated interiors, larger bathrooms with dual sinks and walk-in showers, and elevated ocean views from the ship’s highest accommodation level.
Dining Gets a Dedicated Chef’s Table
One of the most notable fleetwide changes is the introduction of a dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant, giving the cruise line’s signature dining experience a permanent home.
Located on Deck 10 in a private panoramic space, Chef’s Table expands beyond its existing French, Italian, and Signature menus. Under Azamara Forward, the venue will feature rotating regionally inspired menus tied to the destinations the ships visit, along with themed culinary programming such as winemaker dinners, guest chefs, and select market-to-table dining experiences.
The move formalizes Chef’s Table as Azamara’s top specialty dining option and separates it from multi-use venues used on current sailings.
Atlas Bar Expands Fleetwide
Following strong guest response on Azamara Onward, Atlas Bar will be introduced across all four ships as part of Azamara Forward.
The bar will be positioned within Discoveries Restaurant, creating a central pre-dinner gathering space designed to anchor the evening onboard. Atlas Bar’s craft cocktails and premium spirits will be included as part of Azamara’s Always Azamara inclusions.
At the same time, Discoveries Restaurant will undergo a full redesign, with updated furnishings, lighting, and finishes aimed at improving both daytime and evening dining experiences.
A Reworked Cabaret Lounge and Refreshed Staterooms
Azamara Forward also includes a complete transformation of The Cabaret Lounge, with new furnishings, refreshed carpeting, and a redesigned dance floor intended to improve sightlines and seating flow during evening performances.
Across the fleet, all staterooms and suites will receive updated décor, including new bedding, refreshed furnishings, updated carpets, and lighter finishes. Public restrooms throughout the ships will also be renovated as part of the program.
What Comes Next
Azamara Forward will launch with Azamara Quest’s December 18, 2026 sailing, timed ahead of the line’s 2027 World Cruise. Azamara Onward will be the next ship to receive the enhancements in 2027, with Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit scheduled to follow.
For repeat Azamara guests, the changes signal a clear investment in onboard comfort and design, while preserving the itinerary-driven experience that has made the line a favorite among travelers who value time ashore as much as time at sea.
Karen Udler
2026-01-16 20:51:00