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 Silversea?
We asked Silversea why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.
Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.
What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?
African & Indian Ocean Alaska Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Baltic Canada & New England More...Silversea snapshot
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The low down on Silversea from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.
Who cruises with Silversea?
World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
What are Silversea known for?
Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.
Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?
Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.
Does Silversea have a loyalty program?
No. Venetian Club only.
Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.
Are any onboard activities included?
Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
No.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?
Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.
Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?
No.
Do Silversea offer room service?
Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available at an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.
Do Silversea offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes.
Do Silversea offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Silversea reviews
The cruise itself was wonderful. Silversea delivered a quality experience from start to finish. The Silver Nova is a beautiful, contemporary ship with spacious common areas and comfortable cabins. The staff are excellent and the amenities on board first class. Alaska is spectacular and Japan is a wonderful combination of old and new, traditional and modern. We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday.
Silversea's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Azamara Cruises vs Silversea
Azamara and Silversea both offer small-ship cruising with a strong destination focus, but they sit in different parts of the market. Azamara is an upper-premium line with a relaxed, boutique-hotel atmosphere and a lower entry price, while Silversea is an ultra-luxury line with more spacious suites, butler service for every guest and a much broader range of inclusions.
Which ships will suit me best?
Azamara’s four ships carry roughly 700 guests each and offer an intimate, club-like atmosphere with accommodation ranging from inside staterooms to suites. Silversea’s fleet is generally more luxurious and varied, with smaller expedition ships as well as larger classic vessels, all offering suite accommodation and butler service. Azamara is also more casual, with no formal nights, while Silversea retains a more polished dress style, although its dress code today is considerably more relaxed than the tuxedo-and-gown expectations of the past.
Which offers better value?
Silversea generally costs considerably more upfront, but its fares include premium wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, gratuities, butler service and most dining, while Classic voyages can also be booked with an All-Inclusive Plus fare that adds a shore excursion credit. Azamara includes standard beer, wine and spirits, gratuities, self-service laundry and an AzAmazing Evening on most voyages, with additional packages available for Wi-Fi, premium drinks, specialty dining and excursions. Azamara therefore offers the lower starting price and more flexibility over what you add, while Silversea bundles considerably more luxury into the fare.
Which has the better itineraries?
Both use smaller ships to access lesser-visited ports and offer longer stays and overnights, but Silversea has the broader global reach because it combines classic cruising with expedition voyages across all seven continents. Azamara remains particularly strong in destination immersion, Country Intensive voyages and Extended Destination Days, and has also returned to Alaska. If you want the widest possible choice of regions and expedition options, Silversea offers more; if you prefer a smaller portfolio focused heavily on time in port and immersive classic cruising, Azamara has a distinctive approach.
