Azamara Cruises vs Seabourn

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?

Our thoughts...

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.

Why should we cruise with Seabourn?

We asked Seabourn why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships. Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed - elegant, yet casual - sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow.

Our ships attract interesting people, who seek to share read more experiences beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary. Our acclaimed staff offers a unique style of heartfelt hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal.

What destinations are Seabourn exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Seabourn from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Seabourn is best described as boutique ultra-luxury cruising: small ships, all-suite accommodations, and an onboard experience built around included dining, premium drinks, Wi-Fi packages, and service-led luxury. For cruise-lovers who value a refined, uncrowded onboard experience, high-touch service, suites as standard, and luxury inclusions that reduce onboard bill shock, Seabourn is one of the strongest choices in the ultra-luxury category.

Who cruises with Seabourn?

Well-travelled couples and solo travellers from around the world, particularly the US, Canada, UK and Australia. Guests generally favour intimate ships, personalised service and a relaxed luxury atmosphere.

What are Seabourn known for?

Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising, all ocean-front suites, highly personalised service, complimentary premium drinks and caviar, all-inclusive dining and expedition cruising to remote destinations.

Are Seabourn's fares all-inclusive?

Seabourn's inclusive fares include all dining venues, premium wines and spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, in-suite dining, gratuities, entertainment and unlimited Surf WiFi.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, premium wines and spirits outside the complimentary selection, spa and salon treatments, upgraded Stream WiFi, professional laundry and valet services and selected premium expedition experiences such as kayaking and Image Masters.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

Seabourn's traditional ocean cruises charge extra for shore excursions. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit include a programme of expedition experiences such as Zodiac cruises and landings, guided walks, hikes and selected shore excursions, with additional optional experiences available for purchase.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Unlimited Surf WiFi for one device per guest is complimentary. An upgraded Stream package supporting streaming, internet calling and additional devices is included for eligible premium suites and loyalty members or can be purchased as an upgrade.

Does Seabourn have a loyalty program?

Yes. Seabourn Club has Club Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Elite levels, with benefits including WiFi upgrades, shore excursion discounts, laundry, spa benefits, premium wine discounts and complimentary cruises for qualifying members.

Is Seabourn a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted, but Seabourn is primarily designed for adults. Families are more commonly seen during school holidays, and expedition cruises have stricter minimum-age requirements.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include Seabourn Conversations lectures, live music, theatre and cabaret performances, movies, trivia, cooking demonstrations, fitness activities and signature events such as Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf or Caviar on the Ice where offered.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes on Seabourn's traditional ocean ships. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit do not have casinos.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Spa and salon treatments, selected premium fitness or wellness services, The Retreat cabanas on Seabourn Encore and Ovation, and some optional expedition activities incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Seabourn's ships?

Yes, but unlike many cruise lines all Seabourn dining venues are complimentary. Restaurants vary by ship and include The Restaurant, The Colonnade, Earth & Ocean, Solis and other ship-specific venues.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining venues are complimentary.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium spirits and fine wines are complimentary throughout the voyage, including an in-suite bar stocked to guest preferences. Selected ultra-premium wines and spirits cost extra.

Do Seabourn sell any beverage packages?

No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.

Do Seabourn offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary in-suite dining is available 24 hours a day, and guests can also dine privately in their suite from selected restaurant menus.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Full spa and salon services are available for an additional charge, with an 18% gratuity added to optional treatments.

Are there gyms onboard Seabourn's ships?

Yes. Ships have complimentary fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment.

Are fitness classes available onboard Seabourn's ships?

Yes. Yoga, meditation, stretching, TRX and other classes are offered, although programmes vary by ship. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit have more limited traditional fitness-class programmes.

Do Seabourn offer personal training?

Yes on Seabourn's traditional ocean ships for an additional charge. Personal trainers are not available on Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service launderettes with washers and dryers are available.

Do Seabourn offer a laundry service?

Yes. Professional laundry and valet services are available for an additional charge, although complimentary laundry is included for certain Seabourn Club levels and selected premium-suite guests.