Azamara Cruises has announced a major fleet enhancement programme called Azamara Forward, describing it as the largest renovation investment in the cruise line’s history.
Rolling out across the boutique operator’s four ship fleet, the upgrades will span refreshed public areas, updated staterooms and suites, reworked dining and bar venues plus a newly elevated Chef’s Table concept. The headline accommodation changes will debut exclusively on Azamara Quest in late 2026, with 12 new suites and an additional accommodation deck introduced ahead of the ship’s 2027 World Cruise.
Azamara president and CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler said the project was designed to lift comfort and onboard experience while staying true to the brand’s destination focused appeal.
“Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises’ vision for thoughtfully elevating the onboard experience while honouring the hallmarks that have long defined the brand,” Ritzenthaler said. “This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners… It’s celebrating our heritage while introducing new experiences to take us into the future.”
New Penthouse Deck and suites debut on Azamara Quest in December 2026
The most significant structural change will be reserved for Azamara Quest, which will add a new Penthouse Deck on Deck 11. The deck will feature two Panorama Suites and 10 Grandview Suites, positioned as the ship’s new top accommodation category. Azamara says the Sun Deck will remain above the new level, keeping its open air viewpoint for sail aways.
The Panorama Suites will sit on the forward corners of the new deck, offering wide angle ocean views, separate living, dining and bedroom zones, a walk in wardrobe and a large spa inspired bathroom. Suite inclusions will cover butler service, Wi Fi, the top tier beverage package plus specialty and exclusive dining experiences.
The Grandview Suites will also sit on the Penthouse Deck, with floor to ceiling ocean views, a contemporary refresh and larger bathrooms with dual sinks and walk in showers. Guests will receive Azamara’s standard suite inclusions such as complimentary specialty dining and a premium beverage package.
Azamara Forward launches with Azamara Quest’s sailing on 18 December 2026.
Chef’s Table venue and Atlas Bar to feature across the fleet
Atlas Bar
A key food and beverage change is a newly dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant, which will become a standalone venue rather than an adapted space. Located on Deck 10, the updated Chef’s Table will expand beyond existing concepts with a rotating schedule of themed menus inspired by the regions Azamara visits.
Azamara also flagged future programming such as guest chef collaborations, Winemaker’s Dinners and “market dining” style experiences that connect shore side sourcing with onboard menus.
Meanwhile, Atlas Bar will be introduced across all four ships, following its debut on Azamara Onward. Positioned near Discoveries Restaurant, the bar is intended to be a central meeting point, pairing destination themed cocktails with a broader complimentary beverage range.
Public spaces, staterooms and spa areas to be refreshed
Verandah Stateroom
Beyond dining and bars, Azamara Forward includes a suite of ship wide refurbishment elements.
The Cabaret Lounge will be redesigned with updated furnishings, new carpet and a refreshed dance floor. Staterooms and suites across the fleet will also receive updated decor, including refreshed bedding, new soft furnishings, plush carpets and a lighter colour palette inspired by sea and sky.
Discoveries Restaurant will be fully redesigned with new decor, upgraded lighting and updated furniture, while The Sanctum Spa will receive improvements to its treatment rooms. Azamara also plans to renew public restrooms throughout the ships as part of the programme.
Azamara Quest will be the first ship to receive the full Azamara Forward scope ahead of the 2027 World Cruise. Azamara Onward is scheduled to follow in 2027, with timing for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to be confirmed.
For more information: https://www.azamara.com/azamara-forward
