Azamara Quest

The 2000-built (as "R-Seven"/R7) Azamara Quest cruise ship is the second of four identical R-Class ships in the Azamara fleet, alongside Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward (formerly Pacific Princess).

The vessel (IMO number 9210218) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 256216000) and registered in Valletta.

History - Construction and Ownership

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

In January 2021, RCG-Royal Caribbean announced the sale of Azamara to Sycamore Partners for USD 201 million (~EUR 165.8 million / ~GBP 147.6 million) in an all-cash carve-out transaction. The deal included the brand, its three ships, and all associated intellectual property and goodwill. The transaction closed in Q1 2021. Sycamore Partners, the new shipowner, is a private equity firm headquartered in New York City, founded in 2011, with over USD 15 billion in capital and assets under management. Other Sycamore-owned companies include Belk Inc., Talbots, Nine West Holdings, and Staples Inc.

The 694-passenger Azamara Quest previously sailed as R Seven (Renaissance), Delphin Renaissance (Cruiseinvest), and Blue Moon (Pullmantur). She was renamed “Azamara Quest” in 2007 when joining Azamara.

In 2001, Renaissance Cruises ceased operations due to financial difficulties. The vessel was launched in 2003 under charter by Delphin Seereisen as “Delphin Renaissance.” In 2006, Pullmantur acquired and renamed her “Blue Moon.” In 2007, RCCL (Royal Caribbean) transferred the ship to its newly launched Azamara Cruises brand and renamed her “Azamara Quest.”

Azamara ships are known for their exceptional service, intimate atmosphere, fine dining, spa and wellness facilities, and destination-rich itineraries.

On March 30, 2012, a fire broke out onboard Azamara Quest while sailing south of the Philippines with approximately 1,000 passengers onboard. Five crew members were injured in the incident, which occurred one day after departure from Manila en route to Sandakan, Malaysia.

Azamara Quest’s 2016 drydock in Singapore was a 20-day project resulting in numerous refurbishments and upgrades, including a complete technology overhaul. The new "Pervasive Wi-Fi" system delivers improved shipwide internet access. All staterooms received interactive HDTVs with features such as live TV, movies on demand, daily activity schedules, weather updates, and itinerary/port information. Guests can also book shore excursions and order room service via the TV. The Inspiration Center (Deck 4) features a 98-inch touchscreen for planning future Azamara voyages. In The Drawing Room and Living Room, passengers can use interactive tabletops to send digital postcards, design custom artwork via the Scribble app, or browse social media.

Decks and Cabins

Azamara Quest staterooms (361 total, in 24 grades) include 44 Suites, 199 Balcony, 94 Oceanview, and 26 Inside. There are 5 wheelchair-accessible cabins (2 Balcony, 2 Oceanview, 1 Interior). A total of 241 cabins feature private step-out balconies, most of which measure 45–60 ft² (4–6 m²). The largest accommodation is the World Owner’s Suite, measuring 600 ft² (56 m²) plus a 215 ft² (20 m²) terrace.

The ship has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 6 feature staterooms. Four elevators (2 forward and 2 aft) connect all decks.

Shipboard Dining Options – Food and Drinks

Despite her smaller size, Azamara Quest offers a wide variety of dining venues. Passengers are also encouraged to explore local cuisine during port calls. A complimentary tapas bar was added during the 2016 refurbishment. Food onboard is of high quality, with themed buffets and specialty entrees in the main dining room.

Dining venues include:

• Discoveries Restaurant (aft main dining room; complimentary with waiter service; open seating for Breakfast 8:00–9:30 a.m., Lunch 12:00–1:30 p.m., Dinner 6:00–9:30 p.m.)
• Pool Grill (casual lunch spot offering made-to-order fast food such as pizza, pasta, burgers, fries, and salads; complimentary)
• Windows Café (buffet with indoor and terrace seating; open 6:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; features 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 steakhouse and seafood restaurant; complimentary for Club Suite guests; reservations recommended; adjacent wine cellar with 8000+ bottles; hosts Wine Corner events and private dinners)

Shipboard Entertainment Options – Fun and Sport

As a destination-focused vessel, Azamara Quest offers a more relaxed activity schedule compared to mainstream cruise lines. Daily activities may include trivia, Bridge, and cultural programming.

Additional onboard amenities include 24-hour room service, internet/Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry. The ship is not recommended for families with children.

Entertainment venues and lounges include:

• Le Boutique (duty-free luxury shop)
• Cabaret Lounge & Bar (main show lounge; hosts musical performances, comedy acts, AzAmazing Evenings; nightclub atmosphere at night)
• The Den (replacing Casino Luxe in 2019; lounge and gift shop with concierge services; features live music, a piano, and destination-focused services)
• PhotoShop (photo and video services, accessories)
• The Quest Shop (convenience store)
• Indulgences (luxury boutique)
• Mosaic Café (patisserie & bar; transforms into nightclub Mosaic@Night with live music)
• Discoveries Lounge & Bar (Martini bar)
• Thalassotherapy Pool (saltwater spa pool with jets; surcharge applies)
• Beauty Salon (hair, nail, massage, and barber services)
• Astral Spa (Elemis treatments and wellness services)
• Fitness Center (modern equipment, panoramic windows, group classes)
• Acupuncture Room (NCCAOM-certified services)
• eConnections (24-hour internet center)
• Pool Area (swimming pool, 2 whirlpools, poolside bar, loungers, table tennis; hosts deck parties)
• Sunset Bar (serves Windows Café terrace)
• Looking Glass (observation lounge with panoramic views; hosts afternoon tea and nightly entertainment)
• The Drawing Room (library)
• Sun Deck (open-air lounging area)
• Shuffleboard (deck games)
• Jogging/Walking Track

Itineraries

Azamara Quest’s itinerary program includes Caribbean cruises departing from Miami FL, voyages in Asia (departing from Singapore), and Europe (Baltic and Mediterranean regions). Repositioning cruises include Suez Canal transits and Transatlantic crossings.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in late April 2021, Azamara announced plans to resume sailings with Azamara Quest operating a mini-season in the Eastern Mediterranean (August 28 through October 2). The program included five back-to-back “Country-Intensive Voyages” and one “Classic Mediterranean Voyage” – all 7-night itineraries.

• Bookings opened on May 11, with 18 late-night port stays (including Heraklion, Rhodes, Santorini), and visits to Mykonos and Limassol (Cyprus)
• Cruises for fleetmates Journey and Pursuit were suspended through September 2021
• Before the mini-season, Azamara Quest was drydocked in Cadiz, Spain

As an R-Class (Renaissance) vessel, Azamara Quest has sister ships also in the Oceania Cruises fleet, including the Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena.

Azamara Quest was originally ordered and operated as "R-Seven" by Renaissance Cruises from 2000 to 2003. Following the line’s bankruptcy in 2003, the vessel was operated by Delphin Kreuzfahrten under the name "Delphin Renaissance" (2003–2006), and then by Royal Caribbean’s Pullmantur as "Blue Moon" (2006–2007) before joining Azamara’s fleet.

The vessel (Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, hull number 123761) is powered by four WÄRTSILÄ marine diesel engines (model 12V32E), with a combined output of 18.6 MW. Propulsion is provided by two propeller shafts and two FPPs (fixed-pitch propellers). The registered owner is SP CRUISES VESSEL AQ LTD, and the ship is managed by V SHIPS LEISURE SAM.

Azamara Quest is a mid-sized cruise ship, which is a key part of her appeal. In 2012, Azamara Club Cruises invested USD 10 million to refurbish the vessel with upgrades including new fitness center equipment, new pool deck chaise lounges, redesigned Windows Café buffet, and new furnishings and carpeting in public areas. Her smaller size allows her to visit less-traveled ports in exotic destinations.

In 2015, both Azamara ships (Quest and Journey) were featured in the UK travel documentary “Cruise Ship Adventures with Nigel Marven.”

In March 2017, Azamara Quest visited Havana, Cuba as part of a 13-night roundtrip itinerary from Miami titled "Hemingway Hideaways." The voyage also included port calls in Key West FL, Tampa FL, New Orleans (with two overnights), Cozumel (Mexico), and Havana (overnight).

Azamara Quest Refurbishments Review

Drydock 2024

Azamara Quest underwent drydock from July 28 to August 10, 2024, at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam. The project included routine maintenance and safety/classification works, as well as propulsion system overhauls (rudders, propellers, bow thrusters, stabilizers), and hull cleaning and painting.

Drydock 2016

The ship’s 2016 drydock refurbishment (April 1–22, in Singapore) included the following upgrades and changes:

• The ship’s former dark interior décor (woods, carpets, upholstery) was replaced with a lighter palette of beige, brown, gray, and ecru tones.
• Touchscreen displays were added throughout the ship, allowing passengers to send digital postcards, explore maps, and access itinerary and port information.
• Two new Club Spa Suites were built in place of the eConnections computer room (Deck 9 portside). Also on Deck 9, The Patio outdoor grill/BBQ restaurant was introduced.
• The Living Room, a forward observation lounge and bar with a nightclub atmosphere, was added on Deck 10, replacing the Looking Glass Lounge.
• Several public venues were re-furnished, including the Looking Glass Lounge, Patio Grill, and Sunset Bar.
• Restaurants Prime C, Aqualina, and Windows Café (buffet) were upgraded. The Sanctum Spa (formerly Astral Spa) was redesigned and expanded.

All cabins and suites received full refurbishments, including new carpeting, wall coverings, furniture, shelving, curtains, bedding (pillows, duvets), lighting, and smart HDTVs with interactive systems. Staterooms were also upgraded with larger coffee tables. Bathrooms were redesigned for improved space efficiency, and high-quality wood finishes were added throughout. Top-tier suites received additional updates including modern furniture, dining tables, drapes, media consoles, and sound systems.

Plans to replace the Lido Deck’s Sunset Bar (Deck 9 aft) with an Asian-themed specialty restaurant named Kibo were later canceled. The Sunset Bar was retained and upgraded. Proposed outdoor seating for Windows Café was also dropped.

Wi-Fi was upgraded to shipwide coverage via the “Pervasive Wi-Fi” system. The new Interactive TV system in all cabins offers movies on demand, live TV, onboard schedules, weather updates, itinerary/port information, shore excursion bookings, and room service ordering.

The 2016 refurbishment project cost USD 25 million.

Azamara WORLD CRUISE 2027

In January 2025, bookings opened for Azamara Quest’s World Voyage 2027 (voyage code QS270105-188).

The 188-night/189-day itinerary covers 103 destinations across 37 countries and 5 continents, departing from the USA (San Francisco, CA) on January 5, 2027.

The journey begins with a North Pacific crossing to Hawaii, followed by visits to Polynesia (including Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Samoa), then Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan).

After crossing the North Pacific from Asia to Alaska, the ship transits the Panama Canal and heads north to Newfoundland, Canada.

The final segment crosses the North Atlantic to Europe with port calls in Ireland, Germany, and Sweden, concluding in Copenhagen, Denmark, on July 12, 2027.

The global cruise includes 50 late-night port departures and 15 overnight stays, along with exclusive shore excursions and events (12 AzAmazing Evenings). Onboard amenities include the “Always Azamara” package, which features multiple dining venues, 24-hour room service, self-service laundry, unlimited beverages (house wines and beers), crew gratuities, and scheduled entertainment and events.

Jan 5 – San Francisco, California – Embarkation – 5:00 PM

The voyage was also available for booking in 12 smaller segments:

1. Pacific Islands Cruise: Oahu, Maui & Bora Bora (San Francisco to Papeete)
2. South Pacific Cruise: Tahiti, Samoa & Fiji (Papeete to Auckland)
3. New Zealand & Australia Cruise: Auckland, Hobart & Sydney (to Sydney)
4. Australia & Bali Cruise: Sydney, Kangaroo Island & Singapore (Sydney to Singapore)
5. Southeast Asia Cruise: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City & Hong Kong (Singapore to Hong Kong)
6. East Asia Cruise: Hong Kong, Shanghai & Beijing (Hong Kong to Incheon–Seoul)
7. Japan & South Korea Cruise: Seoul, Kobe & Tokyo (Incheon to Tokyo)
8. Transpacific Cruise: Tokyo, Alaska & Vancouver (Tokyo to Vancouver)
9. Pacific Coast Cruise: Vancouver, Seattle & San Francisco (Vancouver to San Diego)
10. Panama Canal & Latin America Cruise: Mexico, Costa Rica & Colombia (San Diego to Miami)
11. Transatlantic Cruise: New York, Canada & London (Miami to Tilbury–London)
12. Northern Europe & Baltic Cruise: London, Berlin & Stockholm (Tilbury to Copenhagen)

Early bookings of the full 188-night voyage come with exclusive benefits valued at over US$40,000 per stateroom. These perks include an onboard credit (US$8,500 per cabin), access to 15 exclusive events, unlimited wash-and-fold laundry service, complimentary onboard medical consultations, and pre-cruise benefits such as flight credit, a one-night hotel stay, and land transfers. Also included are a US$500 luggage shipping reimbursement, upgraded Premium Beverage Packages, and unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the voyage.