Azamara Pursuit

Former names: Adonia (P&O, Carnival fathom), Royal Princess, R8, R-Eight (Renaissance Cruises)

Azamara Pursuit current position

Azamara Pursuit current location is at Aegean Sea (coordinates 37.32338 N / 26.54603 E) cruising en route to PATMOS, GREECE. The AIS position was reported 41 seconds ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of Azamara Pursuit

Azamara Pursuit current cruise is 7 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Istanbul. Prices start from USD 2539 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 05 Oct, 2024 and ends on 12 Oct, 2024.

Date / TimePort
05 Oct 18:00    Departing from Piraeus-Athens, Greece hotels
06 Oct 08:00 - 20:00    Souda-Chania, Crete Greece
07 Oct 08:00 - 20:00    Agios Nikolaos, Crete Greece
08 Oct 08:00 - 22:00    Rhodes Island, Greece
09 Oct 08:00 - 18:00    Patmos Island, Greece
10 Oct 08:00 - 17:00    Mykonos Island, Greece
11 Oct 15:00    Istanbul, Turkey, Galataport
12 Oct    Arriving in Istanbul, Turkey, Galataport hotels

Specifications of Azamara Pursuit

Year of build2001  /  Age: 23
Flag state Malta
BuilderChantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France)
ClassRenaissance / R-Class
Building costGBP 150 million (USD 200 million)
Engines (power)Wartsila (18.6 MW / 24943 hp)
Speed18 kn / 33 km/h / 21 mph
Length (LOA)181 m / 594 ft
Beam (width)25 m / 82 ft
Gross Tonnage30277 gt
Passengers704 - 774
Crew400
Passengers-to-space ratio40
Decks11
Cabins352
Decks with cabins6
Last Refurbishment2024
Sister-shipsAzamara (Journey, Quest, Onward), Oceania (Insignia, Nautica, Regatta)
Former namesAdonia (P&O, Carnival fathom), Royal Princess, R8, R-Eight (Renaissance Cruises)
Christened byShirley Bassey (P&O UK); Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio and Lucy Huxley (Azamara)
OwnerSycamore Partners (via SP CRUISES VESSEL AP LTD)
OperatorAzamara Cruises

Azamara Pursuit Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Sep 26 9 days, round-trip Greece Intensive Voyage Piraeus-Athens $4619
2024 Oct 05 7 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Istanbul Piraeus-Athens $2539
2024 Oct 12 7 days, one-way from Istanbul to Piraeus-Athens Istanbul $2629
2024 Oct 19 7 days, round-trip Olivia Greek Isles Luxury Cruise Piraeus-Athens
2024 Nov 21 17 days, one-way from Port Louis to Singapore Port Louis $4419
2024 Dec 08 12 days, one-way from Singapore to Fremantle Singapore $3149
2024 Dec 20 15 days, one-way from Fremantle to Melbourne Fremantle $8869
2025 Jan 04 16 days, one-way from Melbourne to Auckland Melbourne $3529
2025 Jan 20 14 days, round-trip New Zealand Intensive Voyage Auckland $4399
2025 Feb 03 16 days, one-way from Auckland to Sydney Auckland $3809
2025 Feb 03 62 days, one-way from Auckland to Yokohama Auckland $18119
2025 Feb 19 18 days, one-way from Sydney to Singapore Sydney $3049
2025 Mar 09 14 days, one-way from Singapore to Kobe-Osaka Singapore $5249
2025 Mar 23 14 days, one-way from Kobe-Osaka to Yokohama Kobe-Osaka $4829
2025 Apr 06 14 days, one-way from Yokohama to Kobe-Osaka Yokohama $6269
2025 Apr 20 13 days, one-way from Kobe-Osaka to Tokyo Kobe-Osaka $5619
2025 May 03 15 days, one-way from Tokyo to Kobe-Osaka Tokyo $9589
2025 May 18 14 days, one-way from Kobe-Osaka to Singapore Kobe-Osaka $2879
2025 Jul 02 10 days, one-way from Malaga to Piraeus-Athens Malaga $2519
2025 Jul 12 10 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Venice Piraeus-Athens $2939
2025 Jul 22 11 days, one-way from Venice to Istanbul Venice $3289
2025 Aug 02 10 days, one-way from Istanbul to Piraeus-Athens Istanbul $4169
2025 Aug 12 10 days, round-trip Greece Intensive Voyage Piraeus-Athens $3039
2025 Aug 22 9 days, round-trip Greece Intensive Voyage Piraeus-Athens $2519
2025 Sep 07 7 days, round-trip Greece Intensive Voyage Piraeus-Athens $3189
2025 Sep 14 11 days, round-trip Cruise Greece Egypt Cruise Alexandria, Rhodes Paros Piraeus-Athens $2709
2025 Sep 25 7 days, round-trip Greece Intensive Voyage Piraeus-Athens $3309
2025 Oct 02 7 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Civitavecchia-Rome Piraeus-Athens $1629
2025 Oct 09 8 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Barcelona Civitavecchia-Rome $1619
2025 Oct 17 8 days, one-way from Barcelona to Lisbon Barcelona $1659
2025 Oct 25 21 days, one-way from Lisbon to Cape Town Lisbon $2549
2025 Nov 15 13 days, one-way from Cape Town to Port Louis Cape Town $2199
2025 Nov 28 16 days, one-way from Port Louis to Singapore Port Louis $2079
2025 Dec 14 21 days, one-way from Singapore to Melbourne Singapore $6129
2026 Jan 04 16 days, one-way from Melbourne to Auckland Melbourne $4929
2026 Jan 20 16 days, one-way from Auckland to Sydney Auckland $3799
2026 Feb 05 22 days, one-way from Sydney to Singapore Sydney $5089
2026 Feb 27 14 days, one-way from Singapore to Kobe-Osaka Singapore $4039
2026 Mar 13 14 days, one-way from Kobe-Osaka to Tokyo Kobe-Osaka $5269
2026 Mar 27 14 days, one-way from Tokyo to Kobe-Osaka Tokyo $4629
2026 Apr 10 14 days, one-way from Kobe-Osaka to Tokyo Kobe-Osaka $5599
2026 Apr 24 15 days, round-trip Japan Intensive Voyage Tokyo $6699

Azamara Pursuit Review

Review of Azamara Pursuit

The 2001-built (as "R-Eight"/R8) Azamara Pursuit cruise ship (fka "P&O Adonia") is the third of all four identical R-Class ships in the Azamara fleet - together with Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey and Azamara Onward (Pacific Princess). As "Adonia", the liner was one of the P&O UK's "adult ships" - together with Oriana and Arcadia. In the period 2016-2017, the vessel was renamed "Adonia fathom" and served Carnival Corporation's "fathom" brand with itineraries to Cuba leaving round-trip Miami.

The vessel (IMO number 9210220) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 248762000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

Azamara Cruises was a fully-owned subsidiary company of RCG-Royal Caribbean Group until 2021. Founded in 2007 as "Azamara Club Cruises", the company was rebranded in 2009 (Azamara Cruises) and 2019 (Azamara). Azamara ships were originally built as R-Class vessels for Renaissance Cruises (1989-founded/2001-defunct).

Azamara Pursuit cruise ship (Adonia)

In January 2021, Azamara's parent company RCG-Royal Caribbean announced an agreement to sell the brand for USD 201 million (~EUR 165,8 M / ~GBP 147,6 M / carve-out transaction) to Sycamore Partners. Sycamore Partners acquired the entire company and its 3 ships, plus all the associated intellectual property rights and goodwill. The all-cash transaction was closed in 2021-Q1. Sycamore Partners (shipowner) is a 2011-founded, NYC-headquartered private equity firm with USD 15+ billion in capital and assets under management. Among the largest of the Sycamore Partners-owned companies are Belk Inc (department store chain), Talbots (retailer of clothing-shoes-fashion accessories), Nine West Holdings (designer and wholesaler of branded clothing-shoes-accessories) and Staples Inc (office retailer).

The 694-passenger ship Azamara Pursuit was formerly operated as "R Eight" (Renaissance Cruises, between 2001-2003), Minerva II (Swan Hellenic, 2003-2007), Royal Princess (Princess Cruises, 2007-2011) and Adonia (P&O UK, 2011-2018). Of this class (with the same design) are also the following ships in the fleets of Oceania Cruises (Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena) and Princess Cruises (Pacific Princess).

On September 26, 2017, Azamara (RCCL Royal Caribbean subsidiary company) announced an agreement with P&O UK (Carnival Corporation subsidiary company) to purchase the Adonia ship. The vessel's fleet transfer from P&O to Azamara was scheduled for March 2018. Following the extensive drydock refit and refurbishment at "Harland & Wolff Heavy Industries" (shipyard in Belfast Ireland), the ship was renamed from Adonia to "Azamara Pursuit" (namesake Seabourn Pursuit).

Decks and Cabins

Azamara Pursuit staterooms (352 total, in 24 grades) include 62 Suites, 170 Balcony, 80 Oceanview, 23 Inside. Handicap/wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are only 5 (2x Balcony, 3x Interior). A total of 247 staterooms have private, step-out balconies. Most cabin balconies are sized 45-60 ft2 / 4-6 m2. The largest accommodations are the World Owners Suite (600 ft2 / 56 m2 plus 215 ft2 / 20 m2 terrace).

The boat has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 6 with cabins.

Four elevators (2x Forward and 2x Aft passenger lifts) interconnect all decks.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

For a small ship, Azamara Pursuit features plenty of options for each meal. The passengers are also encouraged to explore local cuisine when ashore. The line plans to add a complimentary tapas bar when the ship goes into dry dock in 2016. Overall, the food on board is quite good. There are rotating themes in the buffet and the tables there are spruced up at night with soft glowing orbs. The main dining room pampers with an entree salad every night.

Follows the complete list of Azamara Pursuit restaurants and food bars.

  • Discoveries Restaurant (aft Dining Room, complimentary, with waiter service, open seating Breakfast 8-9:30 am, Lunch 12-1:30 pm, and Dinner 6-9:30 pm)
  • Pool Grill (lunch-only casual dining restaurant with the fast-food menu, made-to-order - pizza, pasta, burgers, fries, salads; complimentary)
  • Windows Cafe (complimentary buffet restaurant; has indoor seating and portside/starboard terraces; open between 6:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; offers early, buffet and late breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and casual dinner)
  • Aqualina (dinner-only specialty restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and seafood; offers free dining for Club Suite passengers; reservations recommended)
  • Prime C (dinner-only specialty restaurant with seafood and steakhouse menu; operates at surcharge, but it's free of charge for "Club Suite" passengers; outside the Prime C there is a Wine Cellar with 8000+ bottles collection; hosts the Wine Corner evening events and offers wine-tastings and private dinner arrangements).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Because the ship focuses very much on destinations, Azamara Pursuit doesn't have as many daily activities as passengers might find on mainstream cruise ships. There are a couple of trivia sessions each day and some other pastimes, such as origami and Bridge. The Cabaret Lounge is ship's cabaret space, with risers behind, as opposed to a true theater. As the ceilings are low-slung, this space feels more cramped and the type of shows offered there is limited.

Azamara Pursuit cruise ship (Adonia)

Follows the complete list of Azamara Pursuit lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

  • Le Boutique (duty-free luxury shop for bags, gifts, brand jewelry)
  • Cabaret Lounge & Bar (theatre and main show lounge for musical and show productions, cabaret performances, comedy acts; hosts the "AzAmazing Evenings" enrichment program; serves as a nightclub in the evenings)
  • Casino Luxe (also serves as sports bar)
  • PhotoShop (photo-video services, accessories, equipment)
  • The Pursuit Shop (convenience goods store)
  • Indulgences (luxury boutique shop)
  • Mosaic Cafe (complimentary patisserie & bar; in the evening becomes a nightclub with live music - Mosaic@Night)
  • Discoveries Lounge & Bar (Martini Bar)
  • Thalassotherapy Pool (saltwater pool, part of the Spa complex; with water jets; operates at a surcharge)
  • Hair salon (Beauty Salon offering hair and barber services, manicure, pedicure, massages)
  • Astral Spa (wellness center featuring Elemis Spa products and treatments)
  • Gym (starboard Fitness Room with panoramic windows and modern equipment; also hosts various complimentary group classes)
  • Acupuncture Room (serviced by NCCAOM certified acupuncturists)
  • eConnections (24-hour Internet computers room)
  • Pool area (with an outdoor swimming pool, 2 Whirlpools, poolside bar, loungers, Tennis tables; served by Grill station; hosts themed pool deck parties)
  • Sunset Bar (outdoor bar; serves the Windows Cafe terrace area)
  • Looking Glass (observation lounge & bar with panoramic windows, sculptures made of Murano glass, comfortable leather sofas; in the evenings becomes a nightclub; serves afternoon tea with sandwiches, pastries, champagne - complimentary)
  • The Drawing Room (library)
  • Sun Deck (open-air area with sun loungers)
  • Shuffleboard (Deck Games playing area)
  • Jogging/Power Walking Track.

Itineraries

Azamara Pursuit itinerary program is based on European and South America cruises, with Transatlantic repositioning crossings. The ship's "Inaugural Cruise" for Azamara was scheduled for August 3, 2018 - a 10-night Mediterranean to UK itinerary (Barcelona to Southampton) visiting ports in Spain (Valencia, Cadiz), Portugal (Portimao, Lisbon / overnight, Oporto), and Channel Islands (Guernsey).

During the maiden season in Europe, the ship had scheduled mainly Mediterranean cruises leaving from Venice, Civitavecchia-Rome, and Athens. The Transatlantic cruise Europe-USA (Barcelona to Miami) was scheduled for November 6. The 14-night relocation itinerary included Gibraltar, Funchal (Madeira Island) and Hamilton (Bermuda).

For 2022, Azamara scheduled for Pursuit a mini South African season (January thru March) with a total of 6x B2Bs (back-to-back itineraries).

  • 5-night pre- and post-cruise packages offered stays in Greater Kruger NP (Kapama Game Reserve, Western Cape Province) and Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari (Zimbabwe and Botswana).
  • A 12-night "Golf Voyage" (via partnership with PerryGolf) offered playing on 5 premium golf courses - Humewood (Port Elizabeth), East London (Eastern Cape), Zimbali (Ballito/KwaZulu-Natal), Durban, Pearl Valley Golf Estate & Spa (Paarl/Western Cape).

Generally, Azamara Pursuit offers Mediterranean voyages during summer and South American during winter (visiting ports in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Falkland Islands).

Note: You can see all the pre-scheduled for MS Adonia cruise itineraries in the ship's Wiki section.

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Azamara Pursuit Wiki

In June 2018, Azamara officially announced Pursuit's godmothers - Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio (EVP and Chief Revenue Officer of AFAR Travel Magazine USA) and Lucy Huxley (Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly UK). Boat's christening ceremony was on August 28, 2018, held in Southampton England. The ceremony was attended by Larry Pimentel (Azamara's CEO). Following the naming ceremony, the boat made a complimentary Maiden Voyage to Cherbourg France for an afternoon VIP event.

 

In April 2018, the ship joined Azamara's fleet (the sisterships Journey and Quest). The official delivery from Carnival Corporation was on March 14, 2018, when the vessel was renamed "Azamara Pursuit" (namesake Seabourn Pursuit) and received its new Captain - Carl Smith. The liner then entered drydock for classification and inspection by the new owner (RCCL), then crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Belfast Ireland for a 4-month drydock refurbishment at Harland+Wolf" shipyard.

Azamara Pursuit's "Inaugural Cruise" was scheduled for August 1, 2018, leaving roundtrip from Southampton to Norway Fjords. Prices started from USD 4500 pp. Azamara ship's namesake is Seabourn Pursuit (2023-built).

The vessel (Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number Z31) is powered by four WARTSILA marine diesel engines (model 12V32) with combined output 18,6 MW. The propulsion consists of 2x propeller shafts and 2x FPPs/fixed-pitch propellers. The registered shipowner is SP CRUISES VESSEL AP LTD, while the current ship manager is V SHIPS LEISURE SAM.

Adonia was one of P&O UK's adults-only ships - together with the fleetmates Arcadia and Oriana.

By design (as a Renaissance-class vessel), the ship's sisters are Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena, as well as the fleetmates Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Onward. The vessel was built in 2001 for Renaissance Cruises under the name “R Eight”. The same year, Renaissance ceased operations and the company filed for bankruptcy. The ship was seized by creditors and until 2003 was laid up in Port of Marseille (France). In 2003 it re-entered service (as “Minerva II”) for Swan Hellenic. In April 2007, the ship completed its Swan Hellenic service and was transferred to Princess Cruises. Renamed to “Royal Princess“, the ship entered into service in April 2007.

MV Adonia was christened in a dual christening ceremony (together with Oceana) on May 21, 2003. Ship's godmother was HRH Anne (Princess Royal) and her daughter Zara Phillips. The list of other P and O cruise ships named by British Royals includes Oriana (April 6, 1995, by HM The Queen), Aurora (April 27, 2000, by HRH Princess Royal) and Britannia (March 10, 2015, by HM The Queen).

On December 9, 2009, Princess Cruises officially announced that the Royal Princess ship will be transferred to P&O UK and renamed “MV Adonia”. The vessel was transferred to P&O UK in 2009 after an engine room fire accident. It debuted for P&O UK on May 21, 2011, when was renamed and christened by the Welsh singer Shirley Bassey.

The R 8 ship was never operated by Renaissance Cruises since this company filed for bankruptcy in 2001. The ship was seized by the line's creditors and laid up for 2 years in Marseille. In 2003 started the ship's actual service history under the name Minerva 2 - as part of the Swan Hellenic cruise line's fleet (a Carnival brand).

  • In 2007, the ship joined Princess Cruises fleet as "Royal Princess" (link to the new ship 2013).
  • In 2011, Royal Princess was transferred to P&O UK's fleet and started operations as "mv Adonia".

Adonia was transferred in 2016 to the new (Carnival-owned) “fathom Cruise Line” offering 7-day Caribbean cruises from Miami to Cuba and Dominican Republic (on year-round roundtrip schedule from Florida). Adonia rejoined P&O UK in June 2017, after a year of "impact tourism" Fathom operations. The cruise liner completed its last voyage from Miami to Cuba on May 14, 2017, then entered drydock in Freeport Bahamas. The refurbishment added a wine bar (curated by TV’s Olly Smith) and a Glass House (specialty restaurant). Then the ship crossed the Atlantic Ocean (without passengers) reaching Portland on June 14 for a wash and brush-up before being welcomed back to Southampton the following day by a fire tug shooting jets of water.

Adonia's summer season in Europe ended in November 2017. Followed Transatlantic repositioning to the Caribbean for a 6-month season of 14-night fly-cruises out of Barbados.

Azamara Pursuit refurbishment review

The 2-month long drydock (June-July 2018, following the transfer from P&O UK) was at Harland+Wolff shipyard (Belfast Ireland) and resulted in the following changes:

  • Large touch screen displays were installed in several areas around the ship. They allow passengers (for free) to send digital postcards, explore world atlas maps and also provide Azamara Cruises itineraries and ports of call information.
  • On Deck 4, Inspiration Center has a 98-inch touchscreen (interactive system provides information on future cruises - itineraries, ports, excursions).
  • On Deck 10, The Drawing Room (Library) and the Living Room both have interactive tabletops (used for sending digital postcards, Scribble app, Internet / social media websites).
  • All public areas (restaurants, bars, lounges) were re-furniture.

All cabins and suites were redesigned and received new furniture, carpeting, wall covers, fabrics, shelving, curtains, bedding sets (pillows, duvets), new lighting and smart HDTVs (interactive system). All bathrooms were redesigned. All high-grade Suites received modern furniture, dining tables, drapes, media consoles, and sound systems.

The shipboard Wi-Fi coverage was upgraded to shipwide (via “Pervasive Wi-Fi” system). The new Interactive TV system (in all cabins) offers movies on demand, live TV programming, onboard event schedules, weather updates, itinerary/port information. The system also allows shore excursion booking through the TV, as well as room service orders.

The boat's staterooms number was decreased from 356 (Adonia) to 340 (Pursuit). The number of crew/staff was increased from 300 (Adonia) to 400 (Pursuit).

2018 refurbishment cost Azamara Cruises GBP 50 million (EUR 56 million / USD 65,5 million).

In 2021 (September) the ship was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard (Cadiz Spain), mainly for general maintenance (technical and routine) works and repainting (hull and superstructure).

Drydock 2024 (August 26-31) was at CNdM (Marseille France) and mainly for routine maintenance and safety/classification works, propulsion machinery overhaul (rudders, propellers, bow thrusters, stabilizers), hull cleaning/painting.

P&O Adonia itineraries 2018

Follows the P&O Adonia itinerary program for 2018. The ship joined Azamara in August 2018 (inaugural cruise date August 3).

(2018) 13-night/14-day roundtrip Caribbean, prices from $2300 pp

Date / TimePort
12 JanDeparting from Bridgetown, Barbados
13 JanFort-de-France, Martinique
14 JanCastries, St Lucia Island
15 JanSaint Vincent Island, Kingstown, Grenadines
16 JanScarborough, Tobago
20 JanSantarem, Brazil Amazon
22 JanIles du Salut, French Guiana
24 JanPort-of-Spain, Trinidad
25 JanArriving in Bridgetown

26 January 2018 / 28 nights / 29 days, round-trip Caribbean / Prices starting from $3200

Date / TimePort
26 JanDeparting from Bridgetown
28 JanSt Georges, Grenada
29 JanMayreau Island, Grenadines
31 JanSt Johns, Antigua
01 FebPointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe
02 FebPhilipsburg, St Maarten Island
03 FebTortola Island, Road Town, BVI
04 FebBasseterre, St Kitts Island
06 FebFort-de-France, Martinique
07 FebBequia Island, Grenadines
09 FebBridgetown, Barbados
10 FebFort-de-France, Martinique
11 FebCastries, St Lucia Island
12 FebSaint Vincent Island, Kingstown, Grenadines
13 FebScarborough, Tobago
17 FebSantarem, Brazil Amazon
19 FebIles du Salut, French Guiana
21 FebPort-of-Spain, Trinidad
22 FebSt Georges, Grenada
23 FebArriving in Bridgetown

09 February 2018 / 14 nights / 15 days, round-trip Caribbean / Prices starting from $2400

Date / TimePort
09 FebDeparting from Bridgetown
10 FebFort-de-France, Martinique
11 FebCastries, St Lucia Island
12 FebSaint Vincent Island, Kingstown, Grenadines
13 FebScarborough, Tobago
17 FebSantarem, Brazil Amazon
19 FebIles du Salut, French Guiana
21 FebPort-of-Spain, Trinidad
22 FebSt Georges, Grenada
23 FebArriving in Bridgetown

23 February 2018 / 14 nights / 15 days, round-trip Caribbean / Prices starting from $2300

Date / TimePort
23 FebDeparting from Bridgetown
25 FebSt Georges, Grenada
26 FebMayreau Island, Grenadines
28 FebPointe-a-Pitre, Grande-Terre Island, Guadeloupe
01 MarSt Johns, Antigua
02 MarPhilipsburg, St Maarten Island, Dutch Antilles
03 MarTortola Island, Road Town, BVI
04 MarBasseterre, St Kitts Island
06 MarFort-de-France, Martinique
07 MarBequia Island, Grenadines
09 MarArriving in Bridgetown

The above itinerary (booking code D804) was the last P&O UK scheduled voyage for MS Adonia. Godspeed to the new Azamara Pursuit!

Adonia fathom cruises to Cuba 2016-2017

In 2016, following the transfer from P&O UK to the Carnival's "fathom" cruise line, Adonia started a Caribbean year-round itinerary program leaving roundtrip from Miami Florida. The ship operated on 7-day cruises to Cuba. Another set of itineraries visited the Dominican Republic.

The list of Cuban ports of call included Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba. Activities ashore were cruise-price inclusive and educational- and humanitarian-themed. The daily "shore excursion" programming was 8 hours long (each day), and mandatory for all passengers.

  • While operating as a "fathom cruise ship", Adonia continued to be serviced by P and O Cruises. P&O UK provided the ship's management, crew, and staff, all hotel services, food, and drinks.
  • On March 21, 2016, the owned by Carnival Corporation Fathom cruise line officially received the Cuban government's permission to operate the itineraries to Cuba from the USA. Adonia's cruise itinerary program started on May 1, 2016, with 7-day round-trips from Miami.
  • The Cuban itinerary visited as ports of call Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba. Activities ashore were cruise-price inclusive and educational- and humanitarian-themed. The daily "shore excursion" programming was 8 hours long (each day), and mandatory for all passengers. Among all Cuban tour travel activities were city walks, visiting Colmar (fishing village), private home-restaurant (paladares) lunches, meeting Cuban people, visiting local ruins, museums, schools.
  • The Dominicana itinerary visited Puerto Plata.
  • In October 2015, the shipowner Carnival Corporation announced the fathom cruise prices range. While operating on 7-day fathom itineraries in the Caribbean, Adonia's prices (per person) ranged from USD 970 (inside cabin, low season fare) to USD 8250 (suite accommodation, peak season fare).

Cheapest Adonia's Fathom cruise prices were from USD 600 pp but excluding Gov taxes, port fees, gratuities (USD 80 pp) and Cuban visas (USD 75 pp). Fully refundable USD 300 pp deposits were required 90 days before departure. Deals were inclusive of select ashore activities, lunch in Santiago de Cuba and Dominicana impact activities (like teaching English or laying concrete floors at local houses).

Fathom also offered a single cruise booking program named "Single Traveler Share". By this new program, solo travelers were matched with a suitable cabin mate to share the ship's double-occupancy staterooms without paying single supplement rates.

On June 4, 2015, P&O UK announced that Adonia will be transferred to the new brand Carnival Fathom, with maiden Cuban voyage in April 2016. In late May 2016 were announced all departure dates on the "Fathom cruise ship" '2017 cruises to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Bookings for 2017 itineraries were open on June 1, 2016. Follows the list of all scheduled for 2017 departure dates:

  • 7-day Miami to Dominicana itinerary (visits Puerto Plata): December 4, 18 (2016), and in 2017 - January 1, 15, 29, February 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 7, 21, June 4, 18, July 2, 16, 30, August 13, 27, September 10, 24, October 8, 22, November 5, 19, December 3, 17, 31 ("New Year 2017").
  • 7-day Miami to Cuba itinerary (visits Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba): Nov 27 (2016), Dec 11, 25 (2016), and in 2017 - January 8, 22, February 5, 19, March 5, 19, April 2, 16, 30, May 14, 28, June 11, 25, July 9, 23, August 6, 20, September 3, 17, October 1, 15, 29, November 12, 26, December 10, 24 ("Christmas 2017").

However, in late November 2016, P&O UK announced that Adonia will re-join the company's fleet in June 2017.

Adonia's "first" P&O cruise in 2017 was a 7-night Western European itinerary (June 16-23) roundtrip from Southampton and visiting Bordeaux France,Guernsey Channel Islands, and Honfleur France. Adonia's last Cuban cruise from Miami ended on May 14, 2017. The ship then entered into drydock in Freeport Bahamas for refurbishment. Followed a Transatlantic repositioning (without passengers) to Portland Dorset (arriving June 14) for a wash and brush-up before the June 15th Southampton arrival.

On June 16, 2017, Adonia returned to the P&O UK fleet in Southampton, following the Fathom cruise line secondment. The Adonia Fathom service run the first USA to Cuba cruises (out of Miami) in 50 years, operating in the period between November 2016 and May 2017.

Adonia's last P&O cruise was a 14-night / 15-day Barbados roundtrip (booking code D804) from February 23 through March 9, 2018. Next table shows its ports of call and port dates. Prices started from USD 1900 pp (double occupancy Interior cabin rates).

23 FebDeparting from Bridgetown Barbados
25 FebSt Georges, Grenada
26 FebMayreau Island, Grenadines
28 FebPointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe
01 MarSt Johns, Antigua
02 MarPhilipsburg, St Maarten Island
03 MarRoad Town, Tortola Island, BVI
04 MarBasseterre, St Kitts Island
06 MarFort-de-France, Martinique
07 MarBequia Island, Grenadines
09 MarArriving in Bridgetown

P&O Adonia cruise ship review

The 740-passenger ship Adonia was the smallest in P&O UK's fleet. Adonia was named/rather renamed, in May 2011. The boat was actually built in 2001 (launched as "R8") as the 8th in a series of ships commissioned by the now-defunct Renaissance Cruise Company. P&O Adonia was previously named "Minerva 2" (for Swan Hellenic) and "Royal Princess" (for Princess).

Most P&O Adonia cabins were 215-ft2 Balcony (248), from a total of 356 staterooms in 20 categories. The largest was the Penthouse Suite (930 ft2).

P&O Adonia's itinerary program was based on 7-day Caribbean roundtrips leaving from Bridgetown Barbados. Prior to June 2017, the boat operated voyages to Cuba and Dominicana leaving roundtrip from Miami Florida USA. During the summer season in Europe, out of Southampton were offered roundtrips to the Mediterranean, Western Europe and Iberia (Portugal and Spain). Transatlantic repositioning crossings were offered between the UK and the Caribbean. Also from the UK, P&O offered the 14-night "UK to Caribbean" fly-cruise program with flights from Southampton and roundtrips from Barbados.

Adonia cruise ship (Carnival Fathom, Cuba)

The P&O liner had all 4 main dining venues. The Pacific Restaurant (aft on Promenade Deck) provided open-seating breakfast and lunch, as well as fixed-seating dinner in 2 sittings. Tables were for 2, 4, 6 and 8 guests. The Conservatory was the ship's casual indoor-outdoor venue (Lido Deck) serving buffet food for breakfast and lunch. The Conservatory was open on selected evenings only for dinner. Marco Pierre White's "Ocean Grill" restaurant (starboard on Sun Deck) served fresh, modern British cuisine. The Italian specialty restaurant "Sorrento" (Sun Deck portside) served signature dishes, like sea bass with prawns, baked mushrooms in a cheese sauce, pizza, pasta. Follows the complete list of Adonia's restaurants and food bars.

  • The Pacific Restaurant (aft Dining Room; open seating breakfast 7:30-9 am, Lunch 12-1:45 pm, Afternoon Tea 4-4:45 pm, and club dining with two fixed Dinner seatings at 6:30 or 8:30 pm; complimentary)
  • The Conservatory Restaurant & Bar (buffet-style; provides indoor/outdoor seating; open for Breakfast 6:30 - 7:00 a.m., Lunch 12:00 - 3 p.m., Afternoon Tea and snacks 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., and Dinner 6:30 - 9 p.m.; features themed buffets and self service, complimentary Pizzeria; Conservatory Bar)
  • Sidewalk Cafe (Lido Cafe, fast food bar; offers pizzas, burgers, fish & chips, complimentary; open 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
  • Ocean Grill Restaurant & Bar (specialty dining by celebrity chef Marco Pierre-White; dinner only 6:00 - 10:00 p.m., reservation-only; also serving Suite guests Breakfast)
  • Ocean Grill & Bar (fast food)
  • Sorrento Restaurant & Bar (Italian; specialty dining; Sorrento Bar).

P&O added to Adonia several of its fleet's much-loved trademarks, like the panoramic lounge Crow's Nest, the wood-paneled Anderson's Bar (with comfy leather chairs and old-fashioned feel), Raffles Bar (popular for pre-dinner drinks due to its proximity to Pacific Restaurant). Every night, Latin and pre-dinner ballroom dancing were offered in the Curzon Lounge (ship's main show lounge). Follows the complete list of Adonia's lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

  • Adonia Atrium (2-decks central open floor area and social hub)
  • The Curzon Lounge & Bar (dance floor, a stage for live performances and shows; hosts lectures, video presentations during the day)
  • Raffles Bar (hand-made chocolates and cakes; specialty coffee; a la carte pricing)
  • Anderson’s Lounge & Bar (piano bar; nautically themed, with comfortable seating)
  • Mayfair Shop (luxury jewelry); Emporium (duty-free general store: logo merchandise, chocolates, souvenirs, alcohol, tobaccos, special occasion gifts)
  • Photo Gallery & Shop; The Library (with Internet computers); Card Room
  • Crystal Pool (served by Crystal Bar)
  • Oasis Spa & Health Club (Thalassotherapy pool, Treatment Rooms, Steam Rooms, Beauty Salon)
  • Gymnasium (complimentary equipment, Fitness classes; Yoga and Pilates at a surcharge)
  • The Crow’s Nest Lounge (dance floor, a stage for live music; with floor-ceiling windows for panoramic views; hosts art classes, quiz games, cooking demos during the day)
  • Jogging Track; Traditional deck games area (Deck Chess, Deck Quoits, Shufflleboard); Table Tennis; Golf Net.

Adonia cruise ship (Carnival Fathom, Cuba)