Delicious cuisine, poor internet: An overview of Azamara's first cruise after parting ways with Royal Caribbean.

I'm currently on Azamara Quest for the inaugural voyage -- a Greek Isles route -- since the pandemic halted operations in March 2020. The brand has had to adapt, often overshadowed by sister lines Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises since its inception in 2007, leaving it with older ships and a somewhat unclear identity. Now, under new management, it has returned with a renewed vision for its future.

I've cruised with nearly every major line, yet Azamara was one I hadn’t experienced until now. I was eager to discover what has changed since Royal Caribbean Group sold the brand to a UK-based private equity firm in early 2021. However, since I didn’t sail with them before the transition, I can only share my impressions of the current atmosphere onboard.

Here are some key insights from my experience as a first-time Azamara cruiser on this historic sailing, returning since early last year.

The cruise line is prioritizing COVID-19 precautions.

Azamara is adhering to guidelines from both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local Greek authorities. Passengers aged 12 and above must be vaccinated to board, and those traveling with children under 12 are required to participate in ship-organized excursions while in port.

At the Piraeus cruise terminal, all passengers undergo testing before boarding. A designated waiting area equipped with comfortable seating and large fans is provided for cruisers awaiting their results, which are announced by number. Crew members offer water and cold towels during this time. Those who receive a negative result see their numbers displayed on a TV screen. When my number appeared, I collected an Azamara sticker that allowed me to proceed to check-in.

The staff at the testing desk informed me that anyone who tests positive will undergo a second test. If that result is also positive, private transportation is ready to take them to a location where the cruise line’s team will assist with arrangements for accommodations or travel back home.

Passengers must wear masks onboard, except when eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing, or in their cabins. Hand sanitizers are plentiful, and social distancing is enforced in lounges and dining areas, with signs indicating blocked seats.

Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara Cruises, expressed in an interview with TPG that their health and sanitation measures are unparalleled, aiming to provide a safe vacation option that prioritizes passenger care.

While the cruise industry is currently operating at up to 75% capacity, Azamara has decided to limit occupancy to 50%. This trip is hosting just 220 guests, which is about 30% of the ship's capacity, including many newcomers to cruising.

The reduced number of passengers is reflected in onboard activities, such as trivia and evening shows, which have low attendance due to the limited capacity. Although many shore excursions are available, I found that one pottery tour I wanted to join was canceled for lack of participants.

Some modifications have been implemented.

In response to COVID-19, significant changes have been made, most notably the suspension of the popular AzAmazing Evenings. These events, designed to showcase local culture, typically occur at night and provide guests with authentic experiences of the destinations visited by Azamara's ships. Instead, until at least January of next year, the line will host Destination Celebrations—outdoor onboard parties featuring local entertainment and stunning port views as a backdrop.

"Given the current circumstances, we've had to make certain adjustments," Cabezas mentioned regarding the temporary halt of AzAmazing Evenings. "... [Destination Celebrations] will bring the culture to our guests on board ... In the past, we would take guests out to specific venues, but due to the [COVID-19] situation, that's no longer possible. I can’t predict how long this will continue, but we are dedicated to offering experiences that uphold our promise of destination immersion for our guests."

Additional necessary adjustments include a crew-served buffet for breakfast and lunch instead of self-service, and a sit-down dinner service. The extra-fee seafood restaurant Aqualina is temporarily closed due to reduced capacity. However, Prime C, the ship's steakhouse, remains open, allowing diners to choose from the Prime C menu or Aqualina’s typical offerings. To minimize contact, the customary fist bumps prevalent in Azamara's culture have largely been replaced by nods or simple greetings.

The brand has updated its logo to appear more vibrant and contemporary, and has partnered with a new retail collaborator. As a result, the small yet well-stocked shops onboard now offer local crafts, boutique toiletries, fine jewelry, clothing, and designer bags, including unique beaded statement purses from California designer Mary Frances.

The service is outstanding.

Having only sailed with a few other premium cruise lines, it's evident that the crew on Azamara Quest goes above and beyond to ensure passenger satisfaction. On my first evening aboard, I dined at Prime C with fellow guests. We were seated by a row of panoramic windows, and the setting sun was dazzling. When one of the waiters attempted to lower the curtains but was unsuccessful, two more rushed over with a tablecloth, which they expertly pinned to resolve the issue.

The following day at lunch in the buffet, I inquired about getting an iced coffee, and it promptly appeared. During the Destination Celebration, I asked for a fork to enjoy the baklava served during the performance, and one of the crew quickly brought it to me. At the gelato counter during buffet lunch, I merely requested a single scoop, but was delighted to receive a cone with two scoops and a generous chocolate garnish instead.

The room stewards have been exceptional. My cabin is impeccably clean, and today, as I hurried back from port, one of them noticed me approaching with my hands full and kindly unlocked my cabin door for me.

The cuisine is outstanding.

Not only is the food beautifully presented, but it’s also delicious. For a ship of this size, the selection is just right, offering a main dining room, a buffet, a poolside eatery, two specialty restaurants (though only one is currently open), and a café for light snacks and specialty coffees.

So far, my favorite spot is the café, as it allows me to sample various options without overindulging, and its operating hours are quite flexible. The buffet’s sit-down dinner service has impressed me the most, featuring country-themed menus that rotate each night (I’ve particularly enjoyed the Greek and Mexican themes). You can choose to have your meals quickly or take your time. On the other hand, the Patio, the poolside dining venue, was a mixed experience—one dish was delightful while another was overcooked and rubbery.

The technology could use improvement.

This is my fifth cruise since operations resumed, and it's glaringly obvious that this ship lacks modern technology. Azamara has its own app, but it only functions on one of its four ships, and unfortunately, not this one. This means there’s no mobile check-in, the muster drill was conducted in person (though it included a video for a smaller group), and I can't check the daily schedule while on the move unless I carry a printed copy.

Moreover, the Wi-Fi was virtually non-existent during the first two days of the cruise. It would connect for no more than 10 minutes at a time, and during that brief window, I struggled to upload photos, access social media, or even load some web pages. Several fellow passengers approached me while I was writing this article by the pool, asking if I could connect to the Wi-Fi, and they seemed just as frustrated as I was when I said I couldn't.

This is an area where Azamara has room for improvement, and they are actively addressing it. During our visit to Cyprus, the system was completely shut down for several hours to facilitate adjustments. It’s now functioning much better than before.

Looking ahead, Cabezas informed me that the line is planning fleetwide upgrades, which will include enhancements to the app and internet connectivity.

"These upgrades will take some time to implement, but we are acquiring all new technology for the brand, which the team is particularly enthusiastic about," she mentioned, adding that the improvements will also feature new reservation and loyalty systems. "... This will significantly enhance our communication with travel partners and customers, and I believe guests will notice these changes over the next 18 to 24 months."

"Our website will need to operate on an entirely new, robust system that supports it, alongside the app. However, this will require some time as we are starting from the ground up. The good news is, it will incorporate the latest and most advanced technology available."

The ship appears impressive for its age.

As we arrived at the cruise port in Piraeus on embarkation day, the first thing that caught my eye was the fresh, gleaming paint job on Azamara Quest. The ship looks fantastic both inside and out, though a few small details remind passengers that it isn’t brand new.

Azamara Quest, along with its sister ships Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, and the soon-to-be-added Azamara Onward—acquired from Princess Cruises earlier this year—is one of eight R-class ships originally built for the now-defunct cruise line Renaissance. After the line ceased operations, the ships changed hands before eventually being assigned to Azamara and Oceania, which also operates four of them.

Aside from a few minor scuffs and some peeling wallpaper, the interior of Quest is stylish and sophisticated, featuring dark wood finishes, neutral browns and creams, with vibrant pops of color throughout.

Nevertheless, there are two clear indicators of the ship's age. First, some lower-tier cabins still feature shower curtains in the bathrooms, which, while minor, can be bothersome. The second issue is more apparent: many entryways from public areas to outdoor decks have high thresholds. While ramps are available for ADA accessibility, I wish they could simply eliminate the thresholds altogether, as several people, including myself, have tripped over them.

The cabins are cozy.

Upon entering my standard balcony cabin, my initial thought was that it felt a bit small. However, it’s tastefully decorated and equipped with everything I need, including one of the most comfortable beds I've ever experienced at sea. While there are minor annoyances—sensitive plumbing, a clingy shower curtain, a showerhead that only points toward the curtain, limited movie options on the entertainment system, and a balcony door that would challenge even Hercules—there are also many positive aspects.

There’s ample closet and drawer space, the furniture is practical, the color scheme is soothing, and I love the modern conveniences like USB ports by the beds and a motion-activated closet light that turns on when I open the door and off when I close it. Additionally, thoughtful details like fresh flowers and complimentary soda and water set this cabin apart from what you typically find on larger ships.

The ship is not the destination.

In recent years, the cruise industry has largely shifted towards larger, more extravagant vessels that provide such a plethora of onboard activities that there's almost no need to step ashore. However, that’s not the case here. Activities are primarily limited to trivia, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, dance classes, darts, Ping Pong, enrichment lectures, golf putting, and spa promotions. There’s so little happening on the ship that I found myself a bit bored on the first day at sea. (But this is intentional, and I may not be the target demographic for this line.)

This itinerary is highly focused on port visits, and Azamara aims to deepen connections between its passengers and the destinations its ships explore. By minimizing onboard activities, it encourages guests to immerse themselves in the cities on the route. Given Azamara's commitment to destination immersion, it's clear that the vessels are not meant to steal the show.

Nightly entertainment options are limited.

The entertainment each night has been excellent thus far. I especially enjoyed an all-male vocal group called The Other Guys, which blends The Four Seasons with contemporary pop hits. However, the shows are limited to one performance each night at 8:45, making it difficult for passengers to have a late dinner and still catch the show. I was informed that when the ship is at full capacity, there are usually additional showtimes available.

Other entertainment options are consistent each evening: live music in the lounge, followed by a DJ spinning hits. During my visits, I was one of fewer than ten attendees. I attribute this to the ship's reduced capacity; it’s likely to be much more vibrant as sailings progress into the fall when occupancy is expected to approach the line's 50% threshold.

TPG's Ashley Kosciolek is reporting live from the first Azamara Cruises sailing in 17 months. You can find all her updates on her author's page.