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.

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).

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".

Cruise itinerary program

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, 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).

Generally, Azamara Pursuit offers Mediterranean cruises during summer and South American itineraries 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.

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 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., Lunch 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., and Dinner 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.)
• 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” guests; 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.

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.

In June 2018, Azamara Cruises officially announced Azamara 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 ship 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" 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.

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 2018 review

The ship's 2-month long drydock (June-July, following the transfer from P&O UK) was done 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 ordering.

The vessel'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).

P&O Adonia itineraries 2018

Follows the P&O Adonia itinerary program for 2018. The ship joins Azamara Club's fleet in August 2018 (inaugural cruise on August 3).

12 January 2018 / 13 nights / 14 days, round-trip Caribbean / Prices starting from $2300

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

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

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

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. 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.

• 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 Dominican Republic itinerary visited the port Amber Cove.
• 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 Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic itinerary (visits Amber Cove): 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).

P&O Adonia cruise ship review

The 30,277-ton, 740-passenger cruise ship Adonia was the smallest in P&O UK's fleet. Adonia was named, or rather, re-named, in May 2011. The cruise vessel was actually built in 2001 as R8, the 8th in a series of ships commissioned by the now-defunct Renaissance Cruise Company. In her time, Adonia cruise ship sailed both as Minerva 2 for Swan Hellenic and Royal Princess for Princess Cruise Line.

Most Adonia staterooms were 215-ft2 Balcony cabins (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 roundtrip Caribbean cruises leaving roundtrip from Bridgetown Barbados. Prior to June 2017, the ship operated on cruises to Cuba and Dominican Republic leaving roundtrip from Miami Florida (USA). During the summer season in Europe, the ship operated on Southampton roundtrips to Mediterranean, Western Europe and Iberia (Portugal and Spain). Transatlantic repositioning voyages are offered between the UK and the Caribbean. Also from the UK, P&O offers the 14-night UK to Caribbean fly-cruise program with flights from Southampton and roundtrip cruise itineraries out of Barbados.

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 - 9:00 a.m., Lunch 12:00 - 1:45 p.m., Afternoon Tea 4:00 - 4:45 p.m., and club dining with two fixed Dinner seatings at 6:30 or 8:30 p.m.; 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.