“Welcome back to the Azamara family” the cruise director booms out as his big Geordie accent envelops the adoring crowd like a big bear hug from your favourite uncle.
I am reminded of Sunday Night At The Palladium, the old-fashioned cabaret-style TV show I grew up with in the UK in the 70’s.
A warm and fuzzy glow settles on the crowd as the cruise director introduces the talented array of dancers and singers onboard Azamara Onward and half the hands among the 600-strong audience shoot up when asked if they are returning cruisers.
I am on a mini-cruise from Sydney to Adelaide – part of Onward’s 22-day Sydney to Bali voyage.
My own hand is also aloft as, lucky for me, this is my second Azamara cruise and I am discovering that loyalty for the brand is fierce.
As Britta from Toronto tells me: “This is our third Azamara cruise – we love its unstuffy elegance! It’s luxury done casually and with exceptional value.”
Jane from the UK says: “It’s not too big and it’s not too small – it’s just right.”
Stan and Darren from LA are on their 12th Azamara cruise and book the top suite every time. They also love the fact that it’s a smaller ship that stays longer in port. “It’s classy but casual,” they tell me enthusiastically.
The other comment that keeps coming up is how fantastic the crew are and I have to say I heartily agree.
From the moment you step on board, the team’s professionalism and dedication are evident. They go above and beyond to ensure every need is met with a smile, whether it’s the attentive room stewards who keep your cabin immaculate, or the culinary team crafting exquisite dishes at each meal.
I particularly noticed the camaraderie among the crew – they seem to genuinely love what they do and this is reflected in the warm ambiance onboard.
STATEROOMS
Azamara Onward offers a range of accommodation options from spacious World Owners suites to more budget friendly interior staterooms. I am in a cosy Veranda stateroom with a great balcony (mesmerising sea views!).
The queen bed has been converted to two singles and is compact and comfy with quality linen. There’s tons of storage and handy USB ports beside the beds, a 40’ inch flat screen TV, hair dryer, safe and writing desk.
The shower is small but functional and has beautiful Elemis shower products. Room service is free and my morning cuppa was brought on time every day.
FOOD AND DRINK
Food onboard the Azamara Onward is a highlight, as are some of the spaces in which to enjoy it. I loved the Atlas Bar on Deck 10 – a new addition on the Onward, replacing the ‘Drawing Room’ on sister ships.
There’s a great selection of cocktails for around $18 a pop, or if you are smart you can purchase the Ultimate drinks package for only $35 a day. Why wouldn’t you for the price of two?
At the main dining venue, Discoveries Restaurant, guests can enjoy a range of international and regional cuisine in a refined yet relaxed setting. There’s a rotating menu featuring gourmet options like filet mignon, lobster tail and delicious vegetarian dishes, paired with an excellent selection of wines.
For those looking for a more intimate experience, the specialty restaurants like Prime C and Aqualina are must-tries. Prime C focuses on premium steaks and seafood, while Aqualina offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist.
Both venues provide a fine dining experience with impeccable service. There is a surcharge for these two restaurants but it’s well worth it.
Casual dining options include the Windows Café, where you can enjoy buffet-style meals, a variety of international dishes and live cooking stations, and the Mosaic Café, a cozy spot for light bites, coffee and pastries. Breakfast on the back deck of Windows was my favourite place to start the day after the obligatory 50 laps around the deck.
Azamara Onward also prides itself on themed dinners, specialty events like wine pairings and destination-inspired menus that give guests a taste of the places they visit.
On my voyage the standout foody experience was without doubt the winemaker’s dinner in Prime C. We ate like kings – exquisite beef wellington, crab rillette, lobster brioche and more, all washed down with perfectly paired wines and my personal favourite – the “beast” shiraz – all while being entertained by the brilliant raconteur Keith Hentschke of Hentley Farm winery.
EXCURSIONS
As the many satisfied regular cruisers told me, Azamara’s focus on Destination Immersion featuring extended stays, overnight visits and late departures is a major drawcard, offering more time to experience local culture, history and cuisine.
My first stop on this trip was the beautiful coastal town of Eden. We had a delightful guided walk through the Ben Boyd National Park with a great guide full of stories and anecdotes about the town’s rich whaling history and the legendary killer whale “Old Tom”. I have to go back and visit the killer whale museum that was sadly closed on the day we were there.
Nothing was closed on the next stop, Melbourne – one of my favourite Aussie cities. With its vibrant art scene, diverse culinary offerings and iconic laneways, Melbourne is one classy place and we got to spend the whole day there before my final stop in Adelaide where sadly I had to disembark.
I did get to enjoy Adelaide Central Market, with its abundance of fresh produce, artisan cheeses and local coffee, and a walk around Rundle Mall with its unique sculptures and historic arcades followed by a stroll through the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
WELLNESS
It’s very hard not to overindulge on an Azamara cruise but there’s no excuse not to keep your fitness routine going in order to minimise the damage!
Featuring state-of-the-art cardio machines, strength training equipment and free weights, the gym provides a modern workout space with great ocean views. Guests can also join group fitness classes, such as yoga, Pilates, or spin sessions, led by professional instructors.
I had my own private spin class which burnt 350 calories – more vino for me!
The Sanctum Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, including massages, facials, and body therapies designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can also enjoy the Thermal Suite, which features a steam room and thalassotherapy pool.
Additionally, wellness services like acupuncture and medi-spa treatments are available. The Sanctum Spa is part of Azamara’s commitment to holistic well-being, ensuring guests can unwind and refresh during their journey.
ENTERTAINMENT
There was plenty of it and for a small ship I was very impressed. From live music performances by talented cruise entertainers to trivia games and interactive activities, you won’t be bored.
The highlight for me was the award-winning British comedian Jeff Green who was absolutely hilarious. Having said that, he WAS the highlight until the signature AzAmazing evening.
Off-site at the Adelaide Town Hall everyone was treated to an incredible performance by Mark Vincent, a former winner of Australia’s Got Talent. The show was spectacular and brought me to tears (in a good way) as this fantastic opera singer evoked so much emotion and had the whole audience on their feet several times in total awe and appreciation.
These AzAmazing evenings have become a real signature event for the cruise line and something that everyone looks forward to. They are included in the price of the cruise and aim to provide guests with a deeper connection to the destinations they visit.
Held in various ports around the world, AzAmazing evenings offer unique, one-of-a-kind events that go beyond traditional shore excursions.
The events are carefully curated, years in advance, to reflect the local culture, history and traditions of each destination. Guests can enjoy private performances, gala dinners, local music, dance and even special access to historical sites.
From an exclusive concert in an ancient theatre to a private wine tasting in a renowned vineyard, these events are designed to create unforgettable memories for travellers.
Azamara’s essence is defined by consistently delivering more than what you’d expect from a cruise line of its size. It’s all about offering an experience that exceeds expectations, standing out with its personalised service, cultural immersion and luxurious, boutique-style voyages.
If Azamara were a stick of rock, its core message would read ‘punching above its weight.’
For more information, visit Azamara.
Images courtesy Tim Faircloth
Azamara Onward fast facts
- Capacity: 684 guests, 390 crew (on our sailing)
- Crew to guest ratio: 1:1.7
- Total staterooms: 342, including 64 suites, 173 veranda staterooms, 79 ocean view staterooms and 26 interior staterooms
- Restaurants and bars: Seven dining options, including room service; eight lounges and bars
- Wellness: The Sanctum Spa, Sanctum Terrace with Thalassotherapy Pool, beauty salon, acupuncture treatments, fitness centre, main pool with jacuzzi, walking/running track.
