Azamara Pursuit

The 2001-built (as "R-Eight"/R8) Azamara Pursuit cruise ship (formerly "P&O Adonia") is the third of four identical R-Class ships in the Azamara fleet, alongside Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, and Azamara Onward (Pacific Princess). As "Adonia," she was one of P&O UK's adult-only ships, along with Oriana and Arcadia. In 2016-2017, the vessel was renamed "Adonia fathom" and operated under Carnival Corporation's "fathom" brand, offering Cuba cruises round-trip from 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 of the RCG-Royal Caribbean Group until 2021. Founded in 2007 as "Azamara Club Cruises," the brand was rebranded in 2009 (Azamara Cruises) and again in 2019 (Azamara). Azamara ships were originally built as R-Class vessels for Renaissance Cruises (founded in 1989, defunct in 2001).

In January 2021, RCG-Royal Caribbean announced the sale of Azamara for USD 201 million (~EUR 165.8 million / ~GBP 147.6 million) to Sycamore Partners in a carve-out transaction. Sycamore acquired the company, its three ships, and all related intellectual property and goodwill. The all-cash deal closed in Q1 2021. Sycamore Partners, a NYC-based private equity firm founded in 2011, manages over USD 15 billion in assets. Its portfolio includes companies like Belk Inc., Talbots, Nine West Holdings, and Staples Inc.

The 694-passenger Azamara Pursuit previously operated as "R Eight" (Renaissance Cruises, 2001-2003), Minerva II (Swan Hellenic, 2003-2007), Royal Princess (Princess Cruises, 2007-2011), and Adonia (P&O UK, 2011-2018). Sister ships with the same design serve in the fleets of Oceania Cruises (Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena) and Princess Cruises (Pacific Princess).

On September 26, 2017, Azamara (a Royal Caribbean subsidiary) announced the acquisition of Adonia from P&O UK (a Carnival Corporation brand). The vessel was scheduled to transfer fleets in March 2018. Following an extensive drydock refurbishment at Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland, she was renamed Azamara Pursuit (a namesake of Seabourn Pursuit).

Decks and Cabins

Azamara Pursuit staterooms (352 total, in 24 categories) include 62 Suites, 170 Balcony, 80 Oceanview, and 23 Inside. There are 5 wheelchair-accessible cabins (2 Balcony, 3 Interior). A total of 247 staterooms feature private step-out balconies. Most balconies measure 45-60 ft² (4-6 m²). The largest accommodations are the World Owner's Suite (600 ft² / 56 m² plus a 215 ft² / 20 m² terrace).

The ship has 11 decks, including 9 accessible to passengers and 6 with cabins.

Four passenger elevators (2 Forward, 2 Aft) serve all decks.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Despite her size, Azamara Pursuit offers a variety of dining venues. Guests are also encouraged to try local cuisine while ashore. The line planned to add a complimentary tapas bar during a 2016 drydock. Onboard dining receives high marks, with rotating buffet themes and ambient lighting at night. The main dining room features a nightly entrée salad.

Here is a complete list of Azamara Pursuit's dining venues:

• Discoveries Restaurant (aft main dining room, complimentary waiter service; open seating: Breakfast 8-9:30 am, Lunch 12-1:30 pm, Dinner 6-9:30 pm)
• Pool Grill (casual lunch spot with fast food like pizza, pasta, burgers, fries, and salads; complimentary)
• Windows Cafe (complimentary buffet with indoor/outdoor seating; open 6:30 am - 9:30 pm; offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and casual dinner)
• Aqualina (dinner-only specialty restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine and seafood; complimentary for Club Suite guests; reservations recommended)
• Prime C (dinner-only specialty steakhouse and seafood restaurant; complimentary for Club Suite guests; surcharge applies for others; includes a Wine Cellar with 8,000+ bottles and hosts wine tastings and private dinners)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Focused on destinations, Azamara Pursuit offers fewer onboard activities than mainstream cruise lines. Daily activities include trivia, origami, and bridge. The Cabaret Lounge serves as the ship’s main show venue, with risers rather than a full theater setup, and features a lower ceiling which limits show production scale.

Here is the full list of Azamara Pursuit's entertainment venues:

• Le Boutique (luxury duty-free shop)
• Cabaret Lounge & Bar (main show venue with cabaret acts, musical shows, and comedy; hosts "AzAmazing Evenings" enrichment program; nightclub in the evening)
• Casino Luxe (also functions as a sports bar)
• PhotoShop (photo and video services)
• The Pursuit Shop (convenience store)
• Indulgences (luxury boutique)
• Mosaic Cafe (patisserie and bar; becomes Mosaic@Night nightclub with live music)
• Discoveries Lounge & Bar (Martini Bar)
• Thalassotherapy Pool (saltwater pool with jets; spa access fee applies)
• Hair Salon (beauty and barber services, manicure, pedicure, massages)
• Astral Spa (offers Elemis products and treatments)
• Gym (starboard-side fitness center with panoramic views; complimentary group classes)
• Acupuncture Room (staffed by NCCAOM-certified acupuncturists)
• eConnections (24-hour internet room)
• Pool Area (pool, 2 whirlpools, poolside bar, loungers, table tennis; hosts themed deck parties)
• Sunset Bar (outdoor bar for the Windows Cafe terrace)
• Looking Glass (panoramic observation lounge and bar; transforms into a nightclub in the evening; serves complimentary afternoon tea)
• The Drawing Room (library)
• Sun Deck (open-air lounging area)
• Shuffleboard (deck games)
• Jogging/Power Walking Track

Itineraries

Azamara Pursuit’s itinerary program includes European and South American cruises, along with Transatlantic repositioning voyages. Her inaugural Azamara voyage departed on August 3, 2018 — a 10-night Mediterranean-to-UK cruise from Barcelona to Southampton, visiting ports in Spain (Valencia, Cadiz), Portugal (Portimao, Lisbon, Oporto), and the Channel Islands (Guernsey).

During her maiden European season, the ship operated mostly Mediterranean cruises from Venice, Civitavecchia-Rome, and Athens. A 14-night Transatlantic cruise from Europe to the USA (Barcelona to Miami) departed November 6, visiting Gibraltar, Funchal (Madeira), and Hamilton (Bermuda).

In 2022, Azamara scheduled a mini South African season for Pursuit (January through March), featuring 6x back-to-back itineraries.

• 5-night pre- and post-cruise land packages were offered in Greater Kruger National Park (Kapama Game Reserve, Western Cape Province) and to Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari (Zimbabwe and Botswana).
• A 12-night "Golf Voyage" (via partnership with PerryGolf) included rounds at 5 top courses: Humewood (Port Elizabeth), East London (Eastern Cape), Zimbali (Ballito), Durban, and Pearl Valley (Paarl).

Typically, Azamara Pursuit operates Mediterranean cruises in summer and South American voyages in winter, visiting ports in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.

Note: A full list of MS Adonia's pre-scheduled cruise itineraries is available in the ship's Wiki section.

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). The ship's christening ceremony took place on August 28, 2018, in Southampton, England. The event was attended by Larry Pimentel, Azamara's CEO. Following the naming ceremony, the vessel embarked on a complimentary Maiden Voyage to Cherbourg, France, for an afternoon VIP event.

In April 2018, the ship joined Azamara's fleet, alongside sisterships Journey and Quest. The official delivery from Carnival Corporation occurred on March 14, 2018, when the vessel was renamed "Azamara Pursuit" (namesake of Seabourn Pursuit) and assigned a new captain, Carl Smith. The liner then entered drydock for inspection and classification by the new owner (RCCL), followed by a transatlantic crossing to Belfast, Ireland, for a 4-month refurbishment at Harland & Wolff shipyard.

Azamara Pursuit's Inaugural Cruise departed on August 1, 2018, roundtrip from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, with fares starting from USD 4,500 per person. The ship’s namesake is the Seabourn Pursuit (built in 2023).

The vessel (Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number Z31) is powered by four WARTSILA marine diesel engines (model 12V32) with a combined output of 18.6 MW. Propulsion is provided by two propeller shafts and two fixed-pitch propellers (FPPs). The registered owner is SP CRUISES VESSEL AP LTD, and the ship is managed by V SHIPS LEISURE SAM.

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

As a Renaissance-class vessel, her sister ships include Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena, and Azamara fleetmates Journey, Quest, and Onward. Built in 2001 for Renaissance Cruises as “R Eight,” the ship never entered service for the line due to its bankruptcy that same year. She was seized by creditors and laid up in the Port of Marseille (France) until 2003, when she reentered service as “Minerva II” for Swan Hellenic. In April 2007, she completed service for Swan Hellenic and joined Princess Cruises as “Royal Princess.”

MV Adonia was christened in a dual ceremony (alongside Oceana) on May 21, 2003. The godmothers were HRH Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) and her daughter Zara Phillips. Other P&O ships named by British royalty include 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 announced that Royal Princess would be transferred to P&O UK and renamed “MV Adonia.” The ship was transferred following an engine room fire and debuted for P&O UK on May 21, 2011, renamed and christened by Welsh singer Shirley Bassey.

The R Eight ship never operated for Renaissance Cruises due to the company’s 2001 bankruptcy. She was seized by creditors and remained laid up in Marseille for two years. Her service began in 2003 as “Minerva II” for Swan Hellenic, a Carnival brand.

• In 2007, she joined Princess Cruises as "Royal Princess" (link to the new ship launched in 2013).
• In 2011, she was transferred to P&O UK and began sailing as "MV Adonia."

In 2016, Adonia was transferred to Carnival's new “fathom Cruise Line,” operating 7-day Caribbean cruises from Miami to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. She rejoined P&O UK in June 2017 after a year of "impact tourism" service. Her final cruise for fathom ended in Miami on May 14, 2017, after which she entered drydock in Freeport, Bahamas. The refurbishment included a new wine bar curated by TV’s Olly Smith and the addition of The Glass House specialty restaurant. The ship then sailed across the Atlantic (without passengers), arriving in Portland on June 14 for cleaning before returning to Southampton the next day, where she was welcomed by a fire tug salute.

Adonia’s 2017 European season ended in November, followed by a Transatlantic repositioning to the Caribbean for a 6-month program of 14-night fly-cruises from Barbados.

Azamara Pursuit refurbishment review

The two-month drydock (June-July 2018), held at Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland, included the following upgrades:

• Large touchscreen displays were installed throughout the ship, allowing guests to send digital postcards, explore world maps, and view Azamara itineraries and port details.
• Deck 4's Inspiration Center features a 98-inch touchscreen with interactive cruise information.
• Deck 10’s Drawing Room (library) and Living Room were equipped with interactive tabletops for postcards, the Scribble app, and internet/social media access.
• All public areas, including restaurants, bars, and lounges, were refurnished.

All staterooms and suites were redesigned with new furniture, carpeting, wall coverings, fabrics, shelving, curtains, bedding, lighting, and smart HDTVs (interactive system). Bathrooms were fully renovated. Suites were upgraded with modern furniture, dining tables, drapes, media consoles, and sound systems.

Shipwide Wi-Fi was upgraded via the “Pervasive Wi-Fi” system. The new interactive TV system provides movies on demand, live programming, daily schedules, weather, itinerary and port information, shore excursion booking, and room service ordering.

The total number of staterooms was reduced from 356 (Adonia) to 340 (Pursuit), while the crew complement increased from 300 to 400.

The 2018 refurbishment cost Azamara Cruises GBP 50 million (EUR 56 million / USD 65.5 million).

In September 2021, the ship was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, for routine maintenance and hull repainting.

The 2024 drydock (August 26–31) at CNdM in Marseille, France, focused on routine maintenance, safety and classification work, and propulsion system overhauls (rudders, propellers, bow thrusters, stabilizers), as well as hull cleaning and painting.

P&O Adonia itineraries 2018

Below is the 2018 itinerary program for P&O Adonia. The ship joined Azamara in August 2018, with her inaugural cruise departing on August 3.

(2018) 13-night/14-day roundtrip Caribbean cruises, starting from USD 2,300 per person.

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 MS Adonia's final scheduled voyage for P&O UK. Godspeed to the new Azamara Pursuit!

Adonia Fathom Cruises to Cuba (2016–2017)

In 2016, after her transfer from P&O UK to Carnival’s “fathom” cruise line, Adonia began operating a year-round Caribbean program with 7-day roundtrip itineraries from Miami, Florida. The ship sailed to Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

The Cuban ports of call included Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. All shore activities were included in the cruise fare and were themed around education and humanitarian efforts. Each day featured mandatory 8-hour-long shore excursions.

• While operating as a Fathom cruise ship, Adonia continued to be serviced by P&O Cruises, which provided ship management, crew, hotel services, food, and beverages.
• On March 21, 2016, Carnival Corporation’s Fathom line received authorization from the Cuban government to operate US-Cuba cruises. Adonia’s program commenced on May 1, 2016, with 7-day roundtrips from Miami.
• The Cuban itinerary included Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Shore excursions included walking tours, visits to Colmar fishing village, private home-restaurant (paladares) meals, local cultural interactions, museums, schools, and historic sites.
• The Dominican Republic itinerary called at Puerto Plata.
• In October 2015, Carnival Corporation announced Fathom's cruise fare range. Prices for 7-day Caribbean itineraries on Adonia ranged from USD 970 (inside cabin, low season) to USD 8,250 (suite, peak season).

The lowest-priced Fathom cruises on Adonia started at USD 600 per person, excluding government taxes, port fees, gratuities (USD 80 pp), and Cuban visa fees (USD 75 pp). Fully refundable deposits of USD 300 per person were required 90 days before departure. Select shore excursions, lunch in Santiago de Cuba, and impact activities in the Dominican Republic (like teaching English or home improvement projects) were included.

Fathom also introduced a program called “Single Traveler Share,” which paired solo travelers to share double-occupancy cabins, avoiding the single supplement fee.

On June 4, 2015, P&O UK announced Adonia's transfer to the new Carnival Fathom brand, with her maiden Cuban voyage planned for April 2016. In late May 2016, the 2017 departure dates for all Cuba and Dominican Republic cruises were announced. Bookings opened on June 1, 2016. The full list of scheduled 2017 departures follows:

• 7-day Miami–Dominican Republic (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–Cuba (Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba): November 27 (2016); December 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 would rejoin its fleet in June 2017.

Adonia’s first P&O UK cruise in 2017 was a 7-night Western Europe itinerary (June 16–23), roundtrip from Southampton, visiting Bordeaux, France, Guernsey, Channel Islands, and Honfleur, France. Her final Fathom cruise from Miami concluded on May 14, 2017, followed by a drydock in Freeport, Bahamas. The ship then repositioned (without passengers) across the Atlantic to Portland, Dorset, arriving on June 14 for final preparations before returning to Southampton on June 15.

On June 16, 2017, Adonia officially rejoined the P&O UK fleet in Southampton after her Fathom assignment. During her time with Fathom, she operated the first USA–Cuba cruises from Miami in over 50 years, from November 2016 to May 2017.

Adonia’s final P&O cruise was a 14-night / 15-day roundtrip from Barbados (February 23 – March 9, 2018), under booking code D804. The following table shows the ports of call and port dates. Prices started at USD 1,900 per person based on double occupancy in an interior cabin.

P&O Adonia Cruise Ship Review

The 740-passenger Adonia was the smallest ship in the P&O UK fleet. She was renamed Adonia in May 2011 but originally built in 2001 and launched as "R8," the eighth vessel in a series commissioned by the now-defunct Renaissance Cruise Company. Before joining P&O, she sailed as "Minerva 2" for Swan Hellenic and as "Royal Princess" for Princess Cruises.

Most of Adonia’s 356 staterooms were 215 ft² Balcony cabins (248 total), across 20 categories. The largest accommodation was the Penthouse Suite, measuring 930 ft².

P&O Adonia’s itinerary program featured 7-day roundtrip Caribbean cruises from Bridgetown, Barbados. Before June 2017, she operated cruises to Cuba and the Dominican Republic from Miami, Florida. During the European summer season, roundtrip voyages from Southampton were offered to the Mediterranean, Western Europe, and Iberia (Portugal and Spain). Transatlantic repositioning crossings connected the UK with the Caribbean. P&O also offered 14-night "UK to Caribbean" fly-cruises with flights from Southampton and roundtrip sailings from Barbados.

Adonia featured all four main dining venues. The Pacific Restaurant (aft on Promenade Deck) offered open-seating for breakfast and lunch, and fixed-seating dinners in two sittings. Table sizes varied for 2, 4, 6, or 8 guests. The Conservatory (Lido Deck) was the casual indoor-outdoor buffet venue, open for breakfast and lunch, and on select evenings for dinner. Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill (Sun Deck, starboard) specialized in fresh, modern British cuisine. The Italian restaurant Sorrento (Sun Deck, portside) served signature dishes such as sea bass with prawns, baked mushrooms in cheese sauce, pizza, and pasta. Below is a 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, club dining with fixed dinner seatings at 6:30 or 8:30 PM; complimentary)
• The Conservatory Restaurant & Bar (buffet-style; indoor/outdoor seating; open for breakfast 6:30–7 AM, lunch 12–3 PM, afternoon tea/snacks 3–5 PM, and dinner 6:30–9 PM; themed buffets; complimentary Pizzeria; Conservatory Bar)
• Sidewalk Cafe (Lido Cafe, fast food bar; pizza, burgers, fish & chips; complimentary; open 11 AM–6 PM)
• Ocean Grill Restaurant & Bar (specialty dining by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White; dinner only, 6–10 PM; reservation required; also served breakfast for Suite guests)
• Ocean Grill & Bar (fast food)
• Sorrento Restaurant & Bar (Italian; specialty dining; includes Sorrento Bar)

P&O added several popular signature venues to Adonia, such as the panoramic lounge Crow’s Nest, the wood-paneled Anderson’s Bar with leather armchairs and a vintage ambiance, and the Raffles Bar, known for pre-dinner drinks due to its proximity to the Pacific Restaurant. Each evening, Latin and ballroom dancing were hosted in the Curzon Lounge (main show lounge). Below is the complete list of Adonia’s lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for all age groups:

• Adonia Atrium (two-deck central open space and social hub)
• The Curzon Lounge & Bar (dance floor, stage for live shows and performances; hosts lectures and video presentations during the day)
• Raffles Bar (offers handmade chocolates, cakes, specialty coffee; à la carte pricing)
• Anderson’s Lounge & Bar (piano bar; nautical theme with cozy seating)
• Mayfair Shop (luxury jewelry); Emporium (duty-free store offering logo merchandise, chocolates, souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, gifts)
• Photo Gallery & Shop; The Library (with internet-connected computers); Card Room
• Crystal Pool (with service from Crystal Bar)
• Oasis Spa & Health Club (Thalassotherapy pool, treatment rooms, steam rooms, beauty salon)
• Gymnasium (complimentary equipment, fitness classes; yoga and Pilates available at a surcharge)
• The Crow’s Nest Lounge (dance floor, live music stage, panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows; hosts art classes, quizzes, cooking demos during the day)
• Jogging Track; Traditional deck games area (deck chess, quoits, shuffleboard); Table Tennis; Golf Net