Reviewed by and sailed to:  Carla Di Mento – Adelaide to Fremantle via Kangaroo Island, Albany and Busselton

Date: 25 February to 03 March 2025

Cruise line and ship: Azamara Onward

Size of ship: 30,277 tons

Passenger capacity: 684

Year built (refurbed): Built in 1999, she entered service with Azamara in 2022 after a major refurbishment and was again refurbished in November 2024

Currency onboard:  USD

Where the ship cruises: Asia, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia/Pacific

Most suited to: Perfect for active individuals aged 55 and above, including couples, singles and groups of friends traveling together. It’s ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with a strong focus on destinations. Azamara stands out by offering immersive experiences with extended port stays, including overnight stops, allowing guests to explore deeper. The smaller ship size also enables access to unique ports that larger cruise lines can’t reach, creating a more intimate and personalized onboard experience.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and comfortable. There’s no need for formal attire – resort casual is the norm during the day, with a slightly more polished look for dinner in the main dining room and specialty restaurants. The friendly staff creates a welcoming, family-like environment, often sharing laughs and light-hearted banter with guests. All guests onboard seemed to be enjoying the experience, were friendly and very happy to chat amongst themselves so I found it to be a positive, welcoming atmosphere.

Staterooms: I stayed in a Club Oceanview cabin on Deck 4, which boasted contemporary furnishings and plush touches like soft terry bathrobes, premium cotton bed linens, and luxurious French bath products. While the bathroom is compact, it offers practical storage with shelves and undersink space for organizing your essentials.

The beds can be arranged as twin beds or combined into a spacious queen, and they are incredibly comfortable. At 143 sq. ft., the room feels cosy yet inviting. There’s ample storage under the bed for suitcases, and plenty of wardrobe and drawer space for unpacking and settling in.

I also had the chance to tour a Club Verandah Stateroom, which offers more space at 175 sq. ft. The additional 40 sq. ft. balcony enhances the room, providing a refreshing outdoor space with stunning views.

Both cabin categories feature a 40” flatscreen TV, USB ports, a minibar refrigerator, hairdryer, umbrella, and a variety of thoughtful amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable.

Dining Options & Service: I can honestly say you will never go hungry onboard Azamara Onward! Featuring Discoveries Restaurant- the main dining room, Windows Cafe for an ever changing buffet, the cosy Mosaic’s Cafe for specialty coffees and snacks, The Patio pool grill – perfect for lunch up on deck and two elegant specialty restaurants Prime C Steakhouse and the impeccable Aqualina for fine dining Italian style (at extra cost). If you are still peckish after all those options, room service is available 24 hours should you get the midnight munchies!

Beverages are included with Azamara and feature select standard spirits (including cocktails!) international beers, a changing selection of two red and two white wines, and one rosé and one sparkling wine by the glass each day throughout your voyage. A more enhanced beverage package with premium spirits and wines can also be purchased.

Entertainment: The Cabaret Lounge hosts a wide variety of wonderful performances including the onboard cast shows, guest performers and lectures but you will also find musical entertainment throughout the rest of the ship from keyboard serenades in the Den to late night dancing in the Living Room. There is always something going on!

Passengers travelling on all cruises longer than 7 nights (except transatlantic journeys) will be able to experience an incredible (and complimentary!) AzAmazing evening. Unique to each location, guests are taken ashore for an exclusive event just for Azamara passengers. While we were onboard we were treated to a night at the Adelaide Town Hall with a performance by Australian Tenor Mark Vincent. 

Onboard Activities: Azamara hosts a myriad of activities throughout the day including destination ambassador workshops such as learning about Indigenous Art, bridge and mahjong games and solo and singles get togethers. We particularly enjoyed the daily Pub Quiz and Music Trivia in the Living Room every afternoon.

There is also a fitness centre and spa and beauty salon onboard offering an array of treatments.

Favourite Experiences on the Ship: I felt incredibly lucky to experience “Dinner under the Stars’ on our last night onboard. Anchored off Busselton, we enjoyed a candle light dinner out on deck as the sun went down on the horizon. An absolutely magical experience!

Although we missed out on it this time, Azamara also hosts an on deck ‘White Night’ party up on deck, weather permitting. 

 

Families: Azamara permits children onboard but note there are no children’s facilities such as kids clubs, child menus or babysitting onboard.

Self-Service Laundry: Located on deck 7, there is a small self service laundry with washing machines, dryers and two ironing boards. It does get very busy!

Uniqueness: Azamara provides a more intimate, culturally immersive, and enriching cruise experience, emphasising meaningful travel and personalised service. The resort casual style of cruising is perfect for Australian travellers seeking a premium, luxury experience without the formality, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere