Azamara Cruises has announced the introduction of Azamara Forward, a comprehensive fleet enhancement program representing the most extensive refurbishment initiative undertaken by the company to date. The program encompasses a broad range of upgrades across all ships, including new dining concepts, redesigned public spaces, refreshed accommodations, and the introduction of new premium suites, reinforcing the line’s focus on an upscale small-ship experience.
Central to Azamara Forward is the debut of new onboard venues and redesigned spaces across the fleet. These include a newly dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant, a reimagined Discoveries Restaurant, the fleetwide introduction of a redesigned Atlas Bar, and a full refurbishment of The Cabaret Lounge. All staterooms and suites will receive updated interiors, while additional enhancements extend to spa facilities and other public areas.
Azamara Quest will serve as the launch vessel for the program and will receive a number of features exclusive to the ship. Among the most significant changes is the addition of an entirely new Penthouse Deck at the top of the vessel, introducing 12 new premier suites. This new accommodation level will include two Panorama Suites and ten Grandview Suites, positioned to offer elevated views and increased privacy. The existing Sun Deck will remain above the new Penthouse Deck, continuing to function as an open-air observation and sail-away space.
The Panorama Suites will become the largest and most comprehensive accommodations on Azamara Quest, located on the forward corners of the new deck and offering expansive wraparound ocean views. These suites are designed with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, along with enhanced storage and large, spa-style bathrooms. Guests occupying these suites will receive the highest tier of onboard services, including personalized butler service and access to premium dining and beverage offerings.
The Grandview Suites, also situated on the Penthouse Deck, will provide a contemporary suite category focused on comfort and modern design. These accommodations will feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views, upgraded bathrooms with dual sinks and walk-in showers, and access to suite-level amenities such as specialty dining and premium beverage packages.
Culinary enhancements form a core component of Azamara Forward. The newly dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant will be introduced as a permanent, private dining venue offering regionally inspired tasting menus aligned with the ship’s itineraries. The concept will expand to include rotating themes, guest chefs, winemaker-hosted dinners, and select experiences that connect shore-based market visits with onboard dining.
Following its initial introduction on Azamara Onward, the Atlas Bar concept will be redesigned and rolled out across the entire fleet. Positioned adjacent to Discoveries Restaurant, the bar is intended to function as a central social space, offering destination-inspired cocktails alongside a broader selection of complimentary beverages within an intimate evening setting.
Additional shipwide upgrades include a complete redesign of The Cabaret Lounge, refreshed stateroom décor featuring lighter color palettes and updated furnishings, and a full refurbishment of Discoveries Restaurant with new lighting and finishes. The Sanctum Spa will receive redesigned treatment rooms, while public restrooms throughout the ships will also be updated to align with the new design standards.
Azamara Forward is scheduled to debut with Azamara Quest’s sailing on December 18th, 2026, ahead of the ship’s planned 2027 World Cruise. Azamara Onward is expected to follow with similar renovations in 2027, with schedules for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to be confirmed at a later stage. The program marks a strategic evolution for the brand, combining updated design and amenities with the destination-focused approach that has long defined Azamara’s small-ship operations.