I was invited to experience Azamara’s ship Onward while she was visiting Southampton. For me visiting Southampton port and seeing all the cruise ships docked is all part of the holiday experience and for Azamara this day was no ordinary day in Southampton as for the first time in history she was joined by her sister ship Quest so there was much excitement.
Once on board we headed to the “Living Room” located at the front of the ship, this lounge bar is the perfect place to sit and relax while you enjoy a morning coffee or later in the day a glass of wine and tapas could be on the menu! It is spacious with floor to ceiling windows which allows for different viewpoints and within the Living Room area you will also find the Card Room and Library. After enjoying a coffee and danish pastry in the Living Room we viewed the different cabin categories available on Onward.
I was very impressed with the choice and standard of the cabins. Spacious, thoughtfully designed and decorated beautifully with good size verandas. My personal favourite was the Club Spa Suite, just imagine sitting in your private spa enjoying a glass of fizz watching the waves of the ocean! Azamara Onward may be a small ship but she Is perfectly formed with plenty of facilities and a fabulous pool deck, plenty of comfortable loungers and a pair of hot tubs. Pool towels and even blankets are provided.
The Spa has treatment rooms with a view! The spa also has a hairdresser and its own dedicated outdoor seating area with jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym with a good selection of fitness classes available. With 7 restaurants, cafes and lounges, you will be spoilt for choice on board. What I really liked about the Onward was the choice of venues all unique in style. For me the Atlas bar was my cup of tea or should I say cocktail as it is here you will find a unique concept offering artisanal cocktails created using the latest one-of-a-kind techniques. I really liked the cosy decor and quirky style.
After exploring everything Onward has to offer it was time for head to the Aqualina restaurant for lunch. This restaurant was stunning, normally the menu here is Italian inspired but today the chef had prepared for us a sample menu with a selection of courses taken from the different restaurants onboard. Quite simply, the food was amazing, so much so I completely forgot to take a photo of my main course which was the Steak Diane which was one of the best steaks I have ever had!
After the fabulous lunch, unfortunately it was time to leave as the lucky guests had started to arrive onboard. On the drive home I started to reflect on the wonderful day I had on board and the type of clients who I would feel confident recommending an Azamara cruise to.
- Small ship with less than 700 passengers, able to visit smaller ports other larger ships cannot and even cruise rivers!
- Likes to do sightseeing and have time to really explore the places you visit no need to rush. Azamara has more overnights than any other cruise line and extended port times
- Been on a river cruise and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and floating boutique style ship
- Cosy corners to explore, relax and enjoy a drink
- Exceptional food
- Exceptional service
If you’re ready the above and love the sound of it, then I think Azamara just maybe your next adventure. I hope my blog has given you a taste of what Azamara has to offer. I have plenty more photos and lots more to tell you about so please if I can help any further give me a call 01275 778100 or pop in and see me in the Clevedon store.
