Why should we cruise with Azamara?
We asked Azamara why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Here at Azamara, we continue our efforts to be the world's top up-market cruise line. As such, we are committed to providing you with unparalleled service; the finest dining at sea; a glorious spa and wellness retreat, and innovations such as Destination Immersion® experiences. With our hallmark of stay longer, experience more, we'll not only take you to awe-inspiring destinations, but also give you more time to fall in love with them.
What destinations are Azamara exploring this season?
Europe & Med Africa Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Greek Islands New Zealand Northern Europe More...Azamara snapshot
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The low down on Azamara from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Azamara Cruises is a premium small ship cruise line built for those who like the idea of late-night and overnight port stays as well as access to smaller, less crowded ports. With ships of no more than 700 guests, Azamara delivers an intimate onboard feel and also stands out for its value-focused inclusions such as gratuities, alcoholic beverages and self-service laundry. Add in their signature cultural programs like AzAmazing Evenings, and Azamara is an excellent choice for those who care more about time ashore and authentic experiences than mega-ship attractions.
Who cruises with Azamara?
Well-travelled, destination-focused and culturally curious guests, including semi-retired and retired travellers, solo travellers and world travellers.
What are Azamara known for?
Longer stays in port and more overnights, complimentary AzAmazing Evenings, and a relaxed atmosphere with no scheduled formal nights.
Are Azamara's fares all-inclusive?
No, they aren't all-inclusive, however your cruise fare covers select standard spirits, international beers and wine by the glass each day throughout your voyage as well as crew gratuities.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, WiFi, specialty dining, premium alcoholic drinks, spa and salon services, laundry service, and some specialty onboard experiences cost extra.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
No. However, an AzAmazing Evening is included on most voyages and a complimentary shuttle is offered in select ports.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes, but charges apply. WiFi packages can be purchased.
Does Azamara have a loyalty program?
No. Guests only accrue Azamara Circle loyalty benefits.
Is Azamara a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select sailings, but families are discouraged from sailing with children under 18.
Are any onboard activities included?
Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes, along with evening shows and entertainment.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Some specialty experiences, such as Vodka and Caviar tastings, cocktail-making and culinary workshops, incur additional charges.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Azamara's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available, but charges apply to all specialty restaurants.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Select standard spirits, international beers and wines are included. Premium alcoholic drinks and alcohol ordered through room service cost extra.
Do Azamara sell any beverage packages?
Yes. An upgrade to the included beverage package is available.
Do Azamara offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7. Alcohol orders incur charges, and complimentary alcohol is not included in room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Azamara's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Azamara's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.
Do Azamara offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry is available.
Do Azamara offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Azamara reviews
Unfortunately our suite was on the starboard side though, below the buffet restaurant which is on deck 9, and it was VERY noisy. Lots of banging, scraping and water pumps going off in the night. As they were unable to move us, the staff did their best to minimise it, which we appreciated. We would not choose a suite on this side again though. We upgraded to the ultimate indulgence package and found it very worthwhile. Especially the fact Moet champagne is included. We were however disappointed in the wine selection. Very limited and just ok wines. Our white night was rained out so that was unfortunate but the Azamazing evening was fantastic and well organised. The premium internet is still pretty slow but at least you can check emails etc. We would recommend this cruise but with a suite in a different location We would also book again through Hannah at Global Journeys who we found to be so responsive and fantastic.
Azamara's most popular trips this month...
9 Days Lisbon to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Why should we cruise with Celebrity?
We asked Celebrity why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Set sail on the vacation of a lifetime aboard one of Celebrity's award-winning cruise and river ships. The luxurious fleet merges cutting-edge technology with welcoming interiors and revolutionary venues. Discover the unrivaled luxury of The Retreat®. Experience visionary spaces, like the Magic Carpet®, that are like nothing you’ve seen before. On Celebrity's ships, you’ll cruise the world's oceans and Europe's rivers while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.
What destinations are Celebrity exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia Baltic Canada & New England Caribbean Central America & Panama Europe More...Celebrity snapshot
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The low down on Celebrity from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Celebrity Cruises is a premium “modern luxury” cruise line, and more recently a river cruise line as well. Known for their stylish design, and relaxed upscale atmosphere as well as their standout newer ships like the Edge Series and their new launched river ships. Compared with mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean and NCL, Celebrity generally feels more like a contemporary resort at sea - ideal for couples and travellers who value dining, comfort and refined service over high-energy attractions. For travellers seeking luxury, The Retreat, onboard their ocean ships, offer exclusive lounge access and elevated suite-level benefits, while “All read more Included” pricing bundles drinks and Wi-Fi for better value.
Who cruises with Celebrity?
Primarily couples and solo travellers, including food and wine connoisseurs and travellers who enjoy modern luxury settings.
What are Celebrity known for?
A half-acre real lawn at sea, Michelin-starred chef-curated dining, a large wine collection and the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.
Are Celebrity's fares all-inclusive?
No. Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi which is a common addtion to the base fare.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Specialty dining, alcoholic and some other beverages, shore excursions, room service charges after 11pm, WiFi packages and some onboard activities require additional payment.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.
Are shore excursions included?
No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Charges apply unless Celebrity's Drinks & WiFi All Included Package is selected
Does Celebrity have a loyalty program?
Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.
Is Celebrity a family friendly cruise-line?
Yes. Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises, with dedicated programs and facilities available. Expedition ships have some service limitations.
Are any onboard activities included?
Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes, with art and technology classes available on select ships. Most onboard activities and entertainment are included.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes, except on Celebrity Flora
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Yes. Charges apply for activities such as glassblowing and mixology classes; some specialised training programs and occasional special entertainment may also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Celebrity's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Juice, water, tea and coffee are available at stations across the ship, with select soft drinks at meals.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.
Do Celebrity sell any beverage packages?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi - one price, all included.
Do Celebrity offer room service?
Yes. Available 24/7, with a late-night fee applying.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply. Celebrity Flora offers smaller spa facilities.
Are there gyms onboard Celebrity's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Celebrity's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes are included complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.
Do Celebrity offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply. Not avaialble on Celebrity Flora
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do Celebrity offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Celebrity reviews
Thank you Grace for looking after us we would recommend Grace as a travel agent nothing was to much bother and responses to our questions were always timely.
Celebrity's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Azamara Cruises vs Celebrity Cruises
Azamara and Celebrity Cruises both offer a more refined experience than mainstream cruise lines, but there are some clear differences between them. Azamara sits towards the higher end of the premium market, with smaller ships, more destination-focused itineraries and a more intimate onboard atmosphere, while Celebrity offers larger ships, more dining and entertainment options, and a broader range of itineraries.
Which ships will suit me best?
Azamara operates four boutique-style ships carrying roughly 700 guests each, so the atmosphere tends to be intimate, relaxed and more club-like, with guests and crew often getting to know one another well. Celebrity’s ships are considerably larger, generally carrying around 2,000–3,000 guests, so while service remains polished and personalised, the experience naturally feels less intimate. The upside is considerably more choice when it comes to dining, entertainment and onboard facilities.
Who travels with Azamara and Celebrity?
Both lines attract plenty of couples and solo travellers, although Azamara generally attracts an older crowd. Families are less common on Azamara as there are no dedicated children’s facilities, while Celebrity offers kids’ programs, interconnecting staterooms and family-friendly accommodation. The difference tends to be most noticeable during school holidays and on shorter Celebrity cruises.
What’s the onboard experience like?
Celebrity’s larger ships offer more restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and large-scale productions, with a generally livelier evening atmosphere. Azamara is more understated, with boutique hotel-style spaces, smaller-scale entertainment, White Night parties and their signature AzAmazing Evenings. Celebrity is also more innovative when it comes to ship design, particularly on its Solstice and Edge Series ships, with features such as real grass lawns, Infinite Verandas and the Magic Carpet.
Which offers better value?
Azamara fares are generally higher, but then more is included in your fare. Standard alcoholic drinks, specialty teas and coffees, gratuities and an AzAmazing Evening (on eligible voyages) are included for all guests. Celebrity offers lower cruise-only fares, with drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities costing extra, although its All Included fare adds a Classic Drinks Package and Basic Wi-Fi. Specialty dining and shore excursions cost extra with both lines.
Which has the better itineraries?
Azamara’s smaller ships can access smaller ports and dock closer to the centre of some destinations. Their itineraries focus heavily on destination immersion, with more late departures, overnight stays and less-visited ports. Celebrity’s much larger fleet gives you considerably more cruises and destinations to choose from, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. If you want more time in port and smaller destinations, we'd lean towards recommending Azamara. If the variety of ships, dates and destinations matters more, Celebrity gives you a lot more choice.
