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...
Why should we cruise with Oceania?
We asked Oceania why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
You can sail to the far corners of the globe on Oceania's small, luxurious ships, but you’ll always feel like you’re coming home to family. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel cared for and cared about because our dedication to service comes from the heart. Our ships radiate warmth and character among their true elegance. All boast exquisite appointments and details one would only expect to find in a luxurious, private estate. With up to six open-seating, gourmet restaurants to choose from, dining is a central highlight of the Oceania read more Cruises experience and guests may dine when, where and with whom they wish.
What destinations are Oceania exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia Caribbean Europe & Med New Zealand Northern Europe South America More...Oceania snapshot
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The low down on Oceania from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Oceania Cruises is best described as upper-premium cruising with a strong luxury edge - known for small-ship ambience, destination-rich itineraries and a cuisine-first onboard experience. Depending on which ship you select, they carry either arounf 680 to 1,200 guests, creating a calmer, more boutique feel than mainstream and many premium cruise lines. Oceania also bundles meaningful value through "Your World Included', with specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic beverages, and laundry included, reducing surprise onboard costs. From 2026, Oceania becomes an adults-only (18+) cruise line, reinforcing its tranquil, sophisticated style.
Who cruises with Oceania?
Semi-retired or retired world travellers who appreciate good food and wine, culture, enrichment and cuisine; Oceania also has a high number of repeat travellers.
What are Oceania known for?
Longer stays in port and more overnights, the Finest Cuisine at Sea, and an elegant-casual dress code with no ties required.
Are Oceania's fares all-inclusive?
Not all-inclusive but almost. Includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, non-alcoholic drinks, selected laundry services, plus your choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Addtional premium alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and some specialised classes or seminars also cost extra.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
No, although you have the option with Ocenaia's Your World Inclusions to a choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit, based on the length of the cruise.
Is there WiFi on board?
Oceania Cruises provides complimentary, unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide as part of your standard cruise fare. Enhanced WiFi packages are available.
Does Oceania have a loyalty program?
Yes, past guests received additional benefits on future bookings.
They also have a loyalty program at various levels for additional benefits on board.
Is Oceania a family friendly cruise-line?
Oceania is an adult only cruise line.
Are any onboard activities included?
Guest lectures, seminars, destination-focused activities, evening entertainment, complimentary dining and group fitness classes.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Specialty onboard seminars and Culinary Centre classes on select ships incur additional charges. Personal training, some specialised fitness programs, spa and salon services also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Oceania's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are complimentary, with a surcharge only for La Reserve and private dining in Privee.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
As part of Your World Inclusions, you can opt to have included the House Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine and champagne anywhere on the ship during lunch and dinner.
Do Oceania sell any beverage packages?
Yes. The Prestige Select Beverage Package offers unlimited Champagne and wine by the glass, beers, spirits and cocktails, available at any onboard venue as well as through room service during bar operating hours. If you've selected complimentary wine & beer through Your World Inclusions, you are eligible to upgrade to the Prestige Select Beverage Package for 50% off. Normally $79.95 per person, per day (subject to change).
Do Oceania offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Oceania's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Oceania's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.
Do Oceania offer personal training?
Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundries are available.
Do Oceania offer a laundry service?
Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge and if guests are in a Concierge Veranda room category or above, laundry is included.
Recent Oceania reviews
The most disappointing issue was that Oceania read more automatically charged US$100 to our credit card at the beginning of the cruise as a security deposit, without obtaining our authorisation. What is even more frustrating is that, despite the fact that we did not overspend our onboard credits or have any outstanding charges, the US$100 has still not been refunded. It has now been almost 30 days since the cruise ended, and we are still waiting for the money to be returned. We find this particularly disappointing and feel that the way this was handled was not consistent with the level of customer service we would expect from a premium cruise line.
More generally, we found that the overall level of service on Oceania—including organisation, entertainment and customer service—was noticeably below what we experienced with Viking. We were also not particularly impressed with the level of marketing during the cruise, which at times felt rather aggressive. Overall, our experience with Oceania reinforced our very positive impression of Viking, and we would certainly consider travelling with Viking again in the future. Thank you again for all your assistance over the years. We very much appreciate it.
Oceania's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Azamara Cruises vs Oceania Cruises
Azamara and Oceania both sit towards the upper end of the premium market, offering more inclusions than contemporary lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, but fewer than luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas.
Drinks vs Meals Shootout
Azamara includes standard spirits, beers and wines for all guests, with packages available if you want to upgrade to premium brands. Oceania includes non-alcoholic drinks and, under its current Your World Included fares, lets you choose complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner or a shore excursion credit. Spirits and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.
Specialty dining is included across Oceania’s fleet, giving foodies plenty of choice without an additional dining charge. Azamara includes its main and casual dining venues, while specialty restaurants cost extra unless they're included with your suite or package. Put simply, Oceania includes more when it comes to dining, while Azamara includes more drinks.
Which ships will suit me best?
Azamara’s four ships and Oceania’s four smaller Regatta Class ships share their roots with the former Renaissance Cruises fleet, so they’re similar in size, carrying roughly 700 guests and offering an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Oceania also has four larger ships – Marina, Riviera, Vista and Allura – with more dining venues and facilities such as The Culinary Center. Both lines favour low-key elegance rather than resort-at-sea thrills, attracting plenty of well-travelled guests who are more interested in the destination than waterslides and big-ticket attractions. Oceania perhaps leans a little more towards food lovers, while Azamara maintains a particularly intimate, club-like feel across its entire fleet.
Who has the right itinerary and shore program for me?
Both lines are heavily destination focused, with smaller ships, longer stays, overnight calls and plenty of shore excursions available to purchase. Azamara’s Local Immersions are limited to 26 guests and its AzAmazing Evenings provide a complimentary destination-focused event on most voyages. Oceania offers immersive options such as Go Local Tours and Culinary Discovery Tours, with the latter now available from Marina, Riviera, Vista and Allura.
Oceania currently gives you the choice of a shore excursion credit or wine and beer with meals as part of Your World Included, while Azamara’s standard shore excursions cost extra. With eight ships, Oceania offers the broader choice of itineraries, while Azamara places particular emphasis on longer stays, overnights and more intensive exploration of individual destinations.
