Overview

With just 686 guests, Azamara Quest provides an intimate cruising experience without the crowds of larger vessels, while still offering diverse dining options, comfortable accommodations, and enriching activities both onboard and ashore.

What sets Azamara Quest apart?

• Unique itineraries: Access to smaller ports larger ships can’t reach
• Destination focus: Longer port stays, including overnights, allowing you to experience destinations after dark
• AzAmazing Evenings: Complimentary exclusive cultural events in select ports
• Inclusive value: Beverages, gratuities, and specialty coffee included in your fare
• Intimate atmosphere: Personal service with a high staff-to-guest ratio

Azamara Quest FAQs

Azamara Quest video tour

Azamara Quest deck plan

The Azamara Quest deck plan is easy to get around.

• Reception: Deck 4
• Main dining room: Deck 5
• Theatre: Deck 5
• Accommodation: Decks 4 to 9
• Observation lounge: Deck 10

About Azamara Quest

Azamara Quest is an R-class cruise ship that was built in France in 2000. It sailed for the ill-fated Renaissance Cruises until 2001, then entered service for various other companies before joining Azamara Club Cruises (as the cruise line was then known) in October 2007.

Azamara Quest is small enough to slip into rarely visited ports, yet big enough to cross vast oceans. It is 180 m. / 593 ft. long with room for 686 guests (double occupancy). 

Azamara Quest was refurbished in 2016, although some public areas (like the boutiques) have been updated more recently. The decor is modern and smart, yet it retains a classic elegance.

Food on Azamara Quest

The food on Azamara Quest is delicious. What’s more, there are five restaurants to choose from including a main dining room, a buffet, a poolside grill and two speciality venues. There is also a cafe for light bites.

The Italian-inspired Aqualina has tasty Mediterranean Sea Bass with Sauté of Shrimp, Calamari & Scallop. We rate the Prime C steakhouse as the best restaurant on board. It serves excellent cuisine including Crab & Lobster Cake with Pineapple-Papaya Salsa & Fennel-Aioli as well as a succulent Chateaubriand.

The Discoveries Restaurant is the main dining room. The menu spans the globe with dishes like Thai Tom Kai Gai,  Zagreb-style Pork Steak and Baked Cornish Hen. We enjoyed al fresco dining at The Patio; especially the mouthwatering Seared Red Snapper with Saffron Rice, Caper & Lemon Butter Sauce. The Windows Cafe has a casual buffet, with seating indoors or on the aft-facing terrace. It’s a lovely venue, but that said the food was not always impressive. Light bites are available in the popular Mosaic Cafe on deck 5. 

Azamara Quest nightlife

The nightlife on Azamara Quest is ideal for small-ship cruising. Unlike larger ships the entertainment experience is intimate, but there are also fewer entertainment options. That said, we really enjoyed the resident pianist who played in Spirits bar each night. He added a great vibe to the place.

There are shows in the Cabaret Lounge most evenings. Though on my review voyage these shows were mostly underwhelming, in spite of the talent of some cast members.

A three-piece band and vocalist also perform sets in The Living Room on deck 10. They are great fun and on my voyage were enormously popular! You can request songs or just settle in and enjoy the nightly play-list.

The Azamara Quest nightclub opens late in the evening with a D.J. who plays until the small hours.

Azamara Quest staterooms and suites

The staterooms and suites on Azamara Quest were refurbished in 2016. They look smart and modern. Although we thought the lighting was somewhat dim.

The cheapest rooms onboard are Interior Staterooms. These do not have a view, but they are nonetheless comfortable. Azamara Quest also has Ocean View Staterooms with a porthole or picture window, but lifeboats can obstruct the view.

Most guests stay in Veranda Staterooms. They are modest in size, but have a comfortable bed as well as a good sized veranda.

You can upgrade the Veranda Stateroom experience by choosing a Veranda Plus option. The room itself is identical, but you get perks like internet, laundry and specialty dining inclusions. There is also priority embarkation and debarkation, not to mention complimentary in-room spirits.

However, luxury cruisers are sure to prefer one of Azamara Quest’s suites. We stayed in a Continent Suite on our Azamara Quest review voyage and loved the big veranda, not to mention the designer bathroom. There are also Spa Suites, Ocean Suites and Owner’s Suites, all of which have separate bedrooms and living areas.

However, perhaps the best thing about staying in a suite is the butler service. The butlers can book restaurants and shore excursions, plan an in-suite party, serve afternoon canapés, or even pack luggage. We think the butler service is a real treat.

Best cabins on Azamara Quest: Our expert recommendations

Choosing the right accommodation on Azamara Quest significantly impacts your cruise experience. Based on our first-hand experience and feedback from regular Azamara cruisers, here are our recommendations for the best cabins in each category:

Best Club Interior Staterooms

If booking an interior stateroom, select one on Deck 7 midship (rooms 7003-7042) for the most stable location and convenient access to public areas. Avoid interiors on Deck 4 near the engines and Deck 8 below the pool deck if you’re sensitive to noise.

Best Club Oceanview Staterooms

Choose oceanview staterooms on Deck 6 forward (6000-6012) or Deck 7 forward (7000-7012) for good views without obstructions. Avoid oceanviews on Deck 4 (4000-4043) where windows are smaller, and specifically avoid rooms 6016-6046 which have lifeboats obstructing the views.

Best Club Veranda Staterooms

The most desirable veranda staterooms are on Deck 7 aft (7094-7142) and Deck 8 aft (8086-8102) for enhanced privacy and spectacular wake views. Corner veranda staterooms (7097, 7142, 8094, and 8102) offer slightly angled balconies with superior views.

Best Suites for value

Continent Suites offer the best value-to-price ratio in the suite category. From our experience staying in Continent Suite 8060, we particularly appreciated the spacious veranda and separate living area. For those seeking luxury without the top-tier price, these suites provide an excellent compromise.

Most luxurious option

The Owner’s Suites (6080, 6081, 7080, 7081, 8080, 8081) offer the ultimate Azamara Quest experience with 560 square feet of interior space plus a 233 square foot veranda. These suites feature separate bedroom and living areas, a master bathroom with whirlpool tub, guest bathroom, and priority booking for specialty restaurants and shore excursions.

Insider Tip:

If debating between a Club Veranda Stateroom and a Veranda Plus, we recommend the Veranda Plus option if you plan to use internet frequently, dine at specialty restaurants more than twice, or appreciate priority embarkation. The included amenities often justify the price difference, especially on voyages of 10+ days.

Azamara Quest’s signature Destination Immersion®: What makes it special

Azamara’s trademarked Destination Immersion® approach is the defining feature of an Azamara Quest cruise and what truly sets it apart from competitors. Here’s our detailed breakdown of what this means for your cruise experience:

Longer stays in port

Unlike typical cruise ships that might dock from 8am to 5pm, Azamara Quest regularly stays in port until 8pm, 10pm, or even overnight. During our voyage, we particularly appreciated the late departure from Bali, which allowed us to experience the vibrant night markets and temple ceremonies that begin after sunset.

These extended stays eliminate the common cruise frustration of always having to rush back to the ship just as you’re getting to know a destination.

AzAmazing Evenings: Exclusive cultural experiences

One of the most memorable aspects of our Azamara Quest voyage was the AzAmazing Evening in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The complimentary event took place at Binh Quoi Village, where we witnessed spectacular traditional performances in an atmospheric setting that would be impossible to access as an individual traveler.

Every Azamara cruise of seven nights or longer includes one of these events (except transatlantic voyages). Previous events have included:

• Private concert at Ephesus in Turkey
• After-hours access to the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco
• Traditional Saman dance performances in Bali
• Symphony orchestra performances in St. Petersburg

Authentic shore excursions

Azamara Quest’s shore excursions focus on genuine cultural immersion rather than typical tourist experiences. Our Land Rover expedition to the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of Bali exemplifies this approach – we ventured far from the typical tourist paths, meeting locals and experiencing authentic village life.

Other standout excursions available on various Azamara Quest itineraries include:

• Insider access: Small-group visits to local homes, farms, and workshops
• Nights & cool places: Evening excursions taking advantage of late stays in port
• Taste local: Culinary experiences focused on regional specialties and cooking traditions

White Night Party

This signature Azamara event transforms the pool deck into an elegant outdoor restaurant with white linen-covered tables, followed by live entertainment and dancing under the stars. What makes it special is how it incorporates elements of local culture from the region you’re sailing in – from menu items to entertainment.

During our cruise, the White Night featured Indonesian specialties alongside international favorites, with local dancers performing between courses, creating a perfect blend of onboard luxury and destination culture.

Destination-focused onboard programing

Even when aboard the ship, the focus remains on the destination through:

• Expert lectures about local history, art, and culture
• Regional food and wine tastings
• Local entertainment brought onboard in select ports
• Destination-inspired spa treatments

Why it matters:

Having cruised on numerous lines, we find Azamara’s approach delivers a more meaningful travel experience than traditional cruising. You’ll return home with genuine insights into the destinations rather than just a collection of quick photo stops. For cruisers who value cultural understanding over checking off tourist sites, Azamara Quest offers an ideal balance of comfort and authentic exploration.

Azamara Quest activities

Azamara Quest has more activities than you might expect for a ship of its size. Among the most popular of these is the White Night party; everyone enjoys a meal al fresco on the pool deck with live entertainment and later, dancing. There is also the AzAmazing Evening. It is a signature shoreside event showcasing local art, culture and music. We were saw a spectacular performance at the at Binh Quoi Village in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

There are more typical shipboard activities as well, including lectures from guest speakers, wellness seminars, bridge, trivia, ping pong and darts. Other activities include dance classes, a free Captains Welcome Toast, jewellery making and fashion shows. Also, books can be borrowed from the ornate library.

There are also get-togethers for friends of Bill W and Dorothy, as well as solo cruisers. They are great ways to strike up new friendships. You can read about all the activities in The Insider newsletter each day.

Azamara Quest inclusions

An Azamara Quest cruise has more inclusions than comparable cruise lines. Gratuities are included, so too are most meals,  as well as wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Signature events like the AzAmazing Evening and White Night party are also complimentary.

A free shuttle bus service is also provided between the port and downtown.

In addition, there is a free self-service laundry. Although guests staying in Veranda Plus staterooms and Suites get a free laundry allowance.

It’s worth noting that speciality dining and internet access are not part of the cruise fare, unless you stay in a Veranda Plus Stateroom or Suite.

Also, premium beverage packages are available for purchase. These let you enjoy a wider selection of alcoholic drinks.

Azamara dress code

Azamara Quest has a resort-style dress code – think friendly yet sophisticated. 

During the day guests wear shorts, jeans and T-shirts. However, it’s worth remembering that tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts, and torn jeans can’t be worn in any of the restaurants.  

In the evening the Azamara Quest dress code is still resort-style, but on my voyage most guest dressed more smartly; usually slacks and a shirt for men, or slacks or a skirt, and a blouse for women.

There are no formal nights on Azamara Quest.

Who sails on Azamara Quest?

Azamara Quest has a loyal following. Indeed, on my review voyage there were lots of return guests.

Most of those guests are aged from 35 to 75-years old. In fact, Azamara Quest is not child-friendly; there are no activities for children.

The majority of guests come from the USA, but there are usually Britons, Canadians and Australians on board as well.

Azamara Quest is gay-friendly.

Azamara Quest compared: How it stacks up against other ships

Considering multiple cruise options? Here’s how Azamara Quest compares to similar ships in the premium and luxury cruise segments:

Azamara Quest vs. Oceania’s Regatta, Insignia, Nautica & Sirena

Both Azamara Quest and Oceania’s R-Class ships share the same original Renaissance Cruises design, making them similar in size and layout. Key differences include:

• Dining: While both offer excellent cuisine, Oceania places a stronger emphasis on gourmet dining with recipes from Jacques Pépin. Azamara’s cuisine is excellent but focuses more on regional specialties tied to destinations.
• Inclusions: Azamara includes select beverages and gratuities in the fare, while Oceania typically charges extra for these.
• Destination focus: Azamara offers more overnight stays and later departures from ports, plus the exclusive AzAmazing Evenings events.
• Décor: Oceania features a more traditional, classic luxury aesthetic, while Azamara Quest offers contemporary, understated elegance.

Azamara Quest vs. Viking ocean ships

Though Viking’s ocean vessels are larger (930 guests), they target a similar sophisticated passenger:

• Ship design: Viking’s newer ships offer more modern amenities like infinity pools and expanded spa facilities.
• Cabin size: All Viking cabins include verandas and are generally more spacious than Azamara’s standard accommodations.
• Inclusions: Viking includes more in the base fare, such as shore excursions, specialty restaurants, and premium beverages.
• Atmosphere: Azamara offers a more social atmosphere with events like the White Night party, while Viking tends toward a quieter, more reserved experience.

Azamara Quest vs. Seabourn Sojourn/Quest

For those considering a more luxury-oriented experience:

• Service level: Seabourn offers a higher staff-to-guest ratio (nearly 1:1) compared to Azamara’s 1:1.7 ratio.
• Accommodations: All Seabourn suites include verandas and are substantially larger than Azamara’s standard cabins.
• Dining: Seabourn’s partnership with renowned chefs brings a higher level of gourmet cuisine, though Azamara’s food quality remains excellent.
• Price point: Azamara typically offers better value, with fares often 30-40% lower than comparable Seabourn itineraries.
• Destination access: Both lines excel at accessing smaller ports, but Azamara’s destination immersion program offers more in-depth cultural experiences.

Best choice for:

• Choose Azamara Quest if: You prioritize destination experiences, appreciate included beverages and gratuities, and want a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere at a reasonable price point.
• Choose Oceania if: Gourmet dining is your top priority and you prefer a more traditional luxury aesthetic.
• Choose Viking if: You want more modern ship amenities and are willing to pay a premium for a more inclusive experience.
• Choose Seabourn if: You demand the highest levels of personalized service and spacious all-suite accommodations, and budget is less of a concern.

Finding your perfect azamara quest itinerary

Azamara Quest sails globally, offering diverse itineraries that showcase its destination-focused approach. Based on our experience and feedback from other Azamara cruisers, here’s our guide to choosing the right Azamara Quest voyage for your preferences:

Signature Country-Intensive voyages

These special itineraries focus on a single country, allowing for deeper immersion:

• Italy Intensive: Typically includes overnight stays in Venice and Sorrento (for Capri/Pompeii), plus calls at smaller Italian ports like Ravenna and Portovenere that larger ships skip.
• Japan Intensive: Features multiple Japanese ports beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, often with overnight stays to experience evening culture.
• Greece Intensive: Combines popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos with lesser-visited gems such as Patmos and Hydra.

Best for: Passengers seeking depth rather than breadth, who want to genuinely understand one culture.

Mediterranean voyages

The Mediterranean is where Azamara Quest particularly excels, with itineraries featuring:

• Evening access to iconic cities like Barcelona, Monte Carlo, and Istanbul
• Smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships, such as Portofino, Saint-Tropez, and Amalfi
• Strategic overnight stays during festivals and events (like Monaco’s Grand Prix)

Best for: First-time European cruisers and those who appreciate history, architecture, and cuisine.

Asia explorations

Azamara Quest’s size is perfectly suited for Asian itineraries, allowing it to navigate:

• The intricate Indonesian archipelago
• Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay
• Thailand’s smaller ports like Koh Samui
• Japanese islands beyond the major hubs

Best for: Adventurous travelers seeking cultural contrasts and experiences far removed from Western norms.

Australia & South Pacific

When deployed in this region, Azamara Quest typically offers:

• Overnight stays in Sydney and Auckland
• Access to smaller Australian ports like Mooloolaba and Airlie Beach
• Extended New Zealand explorations including wine regions
• Occasional South Pacific island combinations

Best for: Nature lovers and those seeking diverse landscapes from tropical beaches to dramatic fjords.

Our Top Pick:

For first-time Azamara cruisers, we recommend a 10-14 day Mediterranean Country Intensive voyage. These itineraries best showcase Azamara’s strengths in destination access and offer multiple overnight stays in captivating ports, providing the perfect balance of onboard comfort and cultural immersion.

Summing up

With overnight stays and outstanding shore excursions, Azamara Quest is ideal for those with a passion to explore. What’s more, this small cruise ship goes places others don’t. Combined with excellent dining and a friendly on board atmosphere, it makes Azamara Quest a great cruise experience.

The author sailed as a guest of Azamara.