Reviewed by: Noni Lawson

Dates: March 2019

Cruise line and ship: Azamara Quest

Size of ship: 30,277 GT (9 Decks)

Passenger capacity: 690 (390 Crew)

Year built:  2000 (modernised April 2016)

Where the cruise line cruises:  The British Isles & Western Europe, Europe, Asia, Alaska, South America, Baltic Sea, Africa, Eastern & Western Mediterranean, Middle East.

Currency onboard:   US dollars

Main features/highlights: A contemporary style ship with a casual atmosphere, classic inviting spaces, neutral colours, and elements inspired by nature. Quest is a small ship that is destination focused with many itineraries that offer longer as well as overnight stays in ports.

Most suited to: Azamara Quest is for those who appreciate luxury travel, good food and who are well travelled, as her smaller size enables passengers to access smaller, rarely visited remote ports.

While the atmosphere is premium, it is all very down to earth. Great for travellers who prefer a less serious dress code. There are no formal nights, a more simply elegant, smart casual dress is acceptable. Suits customers whose priority is about the destination not the overstated facilities, waterslides and entertainment.

Atmosphere: A contemporary style 5-star ship with a casual atmosphere, open spaces, and the atmosphere of a premier boutique hotel. There are many areas to sit down and read a book and to relax and enjoy your holiday while not in port.

Encounters with staff: Staff are friendly, efficient and attentive, they seem to genuinely care about good service.

Stand Out Areas of the Ship:

• Observation Deck – (The Living Room) An open feel setting with large comfortable seating, artwork and large ceiling to floor observation windows. Snacks and drinks are available in this lounge area. A separate card room inside the living room is also available to guests to play games and access computers.
• Library – A beautiful setting with traditional wood paneling, leadlight ceiling and a fireplace.
• Gym – A good size and well-equipped gym, consisting of walking machines, exercise bikes, free weights and fitness machines.
• Pool – A good sized area for a medium ship with sun beds, lounges, a pool bar and the Patio cafe.
• Shops – A small selection of shops offering practical fashion items and stunning jewellery.
  
• Casino – There is currently a small casino onboard the ship, however, it is being removed in the near future.

Staterooms: As you’d expect these are luxurious and the 2016 refurb modernised the design. Ultimately, being a 20 year old ship, she doesn’t boast the biggest of cabins or bathrooms (unless you go for a suite). However, each cabin does offer the best quality linen, plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, turn-down treats, and 24-hour room service. The two spa suites include a bathtub and a shower with a view of the open air.

Many cabins have their own balcony and are between 13 to 16 square metres in size, but there is limited space for storage compared with many of the new ships. The suites feature an English butler service, preferential embarkation and disembarkation, and a variety of premium drinks. The size of the suites varies between 25 and 52 square metres.

Spa & Fitness: There is a large modern and well-equipped fitness area, a sauna and swimming pool, there are of course numerous treatments available in the Spa.

Entertainment: Azamara Quest offers shows in the evening, dancing and live music. Unwind at the casino or enjoy a cocktail at the bar.  

Dining:  The food onboard is delicious, with a variety of menus on offer to accommodate a range of tastes.

• The Patio – A poolside cafe serving burgers, sandwiches, wraps & hot snack food ie chicken strips, buffalo wings and french fries
• Aqualina -Speciality dining restaurant (A cover charge applies. Complimentary for suite guests)
• Prime C – Serving steaks and seafood (A cover charge applies. Complimentary for suite guests)
• Windows Cafe – This buffet offering is described by many as one of the best at sea! A larger casual dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch & dinner, offering sushi, a smoothie bar, themed dinners, and an amazing selection of gelato
• Mosaic Cafe – A small cafe serving specialty coffee and teas (fees apply)

Family Facilities: Quest is not a family-focused ship. There are no dedicated activities for children or child minding options onboard.

Inclusive:

• Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings^® event (on most voyages)
• Select standard spirits, international beers and wines (premium drink packages available for purchase)
• Gratuities
• Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
• Self-service laundry
• Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
• Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations