Cabin review: Azamara Onward club veranda stateroom
We joined Azamara Onward in Barcelona last week for a pre-inaugural cruise en route to her naming ceremony in Monte Carlo.
More akin to a boutique hotel than your average cruise ship, Azamara Onward is perfectly sized to cross oceans and sail along intimate rivers with capacity for only 684 passengers and 408 crew.
The ship, which was purchased by the company just after it parted ways with Royal Caribbean last year, has undergone more than $50 million in construction and refurbishments, rendering it virtually unrecognisable from its previous life as Pacific Princess.
“As far as smoke and daggers go, it was the ultimate coup,” Carl Smith, captain of Azamara Onward, said.
“We went through the ship, top to bottom to work out what needed to be updated. We liked what was built, there are some things which were very, very clever, but there were things which needed a great deal of work.
“It’s been a long haul, you know – 14 and a half months! But watching people set foot on the ship a few hours ago really put a smile on my face.”
The addition brings Azamara’s fleet to four ships alongside her sisters Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit, with Azamara Onward sharing similar renovations and design elements with the latter.
The cabin
We stayed in a club veranda stateroom, which comfortably fitted a sitting area, a writing desk, a queen-size bed, 40 inch TV, a compact bathroom and a balcony with sweeping ocean views.
The bed was ultra-comfy, featuring a range of pillow choices and a spare blanket for extra warmth if needed, with USB ports under the bedside reading lamps as well as power points on each side.
Actually, there was an abundance of power points in the cabin, most of which were universal.
Alongside all the mod-cons you expect from an upscale hotel, like the well-stocked mini bar, slippers, robe, large wardrobe, in-room safe, thermostat-controlled air conditioner, boutique amenities and a hairdryer, the cabin was full of thoughtful touches.
Each day, your own personal attendant delivers a special turndown treat along with a daily news bulletin featuring the weather forecast for the next day’s port, opening hours for the ship’s restaurants and spa and the daily entertainment schedule.
Plus, your very own branded tote bag and the use of an umbrella for port adventures.
Food and beverage options and public spaces
Like her sister ships, Azamara Onward features Azamara’s signature restaurants and bars including Italian fine dining restaurant Aqualina, sumptuous steak and seafood at Prime C, open-air seating at the Sunset Veranda, breathtaking views at Window’s Cafe, The Den lounge, Living Room, the Cabaret Lounge, Discoveries Bar and Restaurant, and of course, the all-important pool bar.
What’s new is Atlas Bar; an exclusive venue offering delicious artisanal cocktails and premium snacks complete with luxurious velvet couches and an all-around classy vibe.
Those needing a little extra pampering can pay a visit to the Sanctum Spa, which features a hair salon, a terrace with a thalassotherapy pool and luxury spa products plus a nail bar, teeth whitening and acupuncture.
For more onboard wellness options, the fitness centre has got you covered, with sunset yoga and pilates classes.
Entertainment
Azamara’s Signature Shows keep cruisers entertained in-between immersive land jaunts, with the Signature Singers and Dancers offering a variety of entertainment.
Plus, each cruise features a White Night deck party, where guests are encouraged to wear white clothing for a night of delicious buffet food and poolside entertainment.
Verdict
A far cry from what most travellers imagine when they think of a cruise holiday, travelling on board Azamara Onward is a truly boutique experience.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!