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 Viking?
We asked Viking why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
A Viking ocean cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Scandinavia, Asia, the Mediterranean or the Americas, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.
Our state-of-the-art small ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any casinos or kids on board. Plus, our fares read more include just about everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.
Viking is the world’s leading small-ship cruise line, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
What destinations are Viking exploring this season?
Alaska Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia & New Zealand Baltic Canada & New England Caribbean More...Viking snapshot
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The low down on Viking from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Purpose built and newly launched in 2017, Viking now boasts 16 mid-sized ships each accommodating between 930-998 guests, as well as 2 expedition ships (max 378 guests) that explore the world's most remote destinations. Already award winning, their itineraries are varied from worldwide journeys to smaller explorations of the Nordic region, Indian ocean, Asia, Oceania, Caribbean and the Med. Viking position these cruises as 'The Thinking Person’s Cruise', with included and optional shore excursions covering each destinations cultural and historic highlights. So if you are looking for water-slides, children's facilities and casino's, then perhaps read more another cruise company is more suited.
Who cruises with Viking?
Retired and semi-retired world travellers.
What are Viking known for?
Adults only cruising, Scandinavian design, destination-focused experiences and no casinos.
Are Viking's fares all-inclusive?
No. Premium beverages and some excursions cost extra. House beers and wine are included with meals and a courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Premium beverages and selected shore excursions, plus some onboard experiences such as The Kitchen Table, cost extra.
Are gratuities included?
Yes, but only for Australian and New Zealand passengers.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes. One courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port on classic cruises; expedition cruises include at least one shore excursion per landing day.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available.
Does Viking have a loyalty program?
No. The Viking Explorer Society offers credit and referral rewards to past Viking passengers only.
Is Viking a family friendly cruise-line?
No. Children under 18 are not accepted.
Are any onboard activities included?
Enrichment lectures, film screenings, presentations, daily expedition briefings, scientific programs in The Laboratory, complimentary dining, evening entertainment and free WiFi.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Some experiences, such as The Kitchen Table, incur additional charges. Specialised fitness classes may also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Viking's ships?
Yes. Viking offers seven complimentary restaurants on its mid-sized ships.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Purified water is provided in all staterooms; soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees and assorted hot teas are available 24 hours a day.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Complimentary house wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner.
Do Viking sell any beverage packages?
Yes. For premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.
Do Viking offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa access is complimentary and spa and salon services are available for a charge.
Are there gyms onboard Viking's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Viking's ships?
Yes. Classes may include yoga, Zumba, TRX and Body Conditioning; specialised classes may attract a charge.
Do Viking offer personal training?
Yes and charges apply. Not available on expedition ships.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.
Do Viking offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Viking reviews
Be aware there are a few sea days extra as we missed Falkland Islands high winds. Extension Iguazza Falls brilliant read more but very tiring as no free time longs days. Advice is this is extended by one day in both Brazil and Rio! Great memories so glad we saw parts of South America 🌺
One bit we found a bit perhaps unfair is when they release the excursions, the penthouses, owners suites, Explorers suites etc get to choose & book first, thereby making it harder to get a spot in places where there is a very big highlight…such as Alhambra. We booked our excursions the second they were sent to us & still missed out. Three of the restaurants stand out, Manfredi, Chefs Table & The Restaurant - excellent food choices & high standard but not snooty at all, but that is not to say the casual restaurants & cafes were anything other than very good. You do not need to dress up, just smart casual is fine. It’s never been our choice to go to any of the shows so can’t comment. It will be nearly impossible for us to choose another company to sail with in the future.
Viking's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Azamara Cruises vs Viking Cruises
Azamara and Viking both offer premium, destination-focused small-ship cruising with a relaxed, understated atmosphere, but the experience is quite different. Azamara’s four ships have more of a boutique-hotel feel and offer accommodation from inside staterooms through to suites, while Viking’s ocean ships are Scandinavian in style, adult-only and feature all-veranda accommodation.
Which ships will suit me best?
Azamara’s four ships carry roughly 700 guests and are deliberately similar in layout and onboard experience, while Viking’s ocean ships carry around 930–998 guests depending on the vessel and also follow a highly consistent design. Both offer quieter onboard experiences with enrichment, evening entertainment and plenty of spaces to relax, although Viking has no casinos and doesn’t accept guests under 18. Azamara is also strongly adult-oriented but does allow children, despite offering no dedicated kids’ facilities.
Which offers better value?
Viking generally costs more upfront, but one shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, all onboard dining, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, access to the Nordic Spa and self-service laundry are included. Azamara includes standard beer, wine and spirits, gratuities, self-service laundry, some Wi-Fi and an AzAmazing Evening on most voyages, with additional packages available for upgraded drinks, specialty dining and excursions. Azamara also gives you the option of booking an inside or oceanview stateroom at a lower price, while every Viking guest pays for the benefit of a private veranda.
Which has the better shore program?
Both are heavily focused on destination immersion, with longer stays, overnights and culturally rich itineraries. Viking includes one shore excursion in every port, generally an introductory walking or coach tour, with additional paid experiences available for those who want to explore further. Azamara’s standard shore excursions generally cost extra, although an AzAmazing Evening is included on most voyages, and its itineraries place particular emphasis on Extended Destination Days and Country Intensive voyages. Viking includes more touring in the fare, while Azamara gives you more freedom to explore independently and only pay for excursions you want.
Which has the better itineraries?
Both offer longer, destination-rich cruises around the world, but Viking tends to have more lengthy point-to-point journeys and extended voyages, while Azamara offers a strong mix of shorter immersive cruises, Country Intensive voyages and World Cruises. Azamara has also returned to Alaska from 2026, narrowing one of the old destination differences between the two. The better fit will depend less on where they sail and more on whether you prefer Viking’s more inclusive, adult-only structure or Azamara’s more flexible small-ship approach.
