Azamara Charts New Course with $80M 'Forward' Fleet Overhaul

MIAMI, FL – January 15, 2026 – Azamara Cruises today announced “Azamara Forward,” an ambitious, fleet-wide enhancement program representing the largest renovation investment in the company’s history. The $80 million initiative is set to transform its four intimate ships with comprehensive upgrades, including reimagined dining venues, refreshed accommodations, and—in an exclusive debut aboard Azamara Quest—an entirely new deck of premier penthouse suites.

This move signals a bold evolution for the small-ship cruise line, which has built its reputation on immersive, destination-focused itineraries. The program will begin with Azamara Quest in late 2026, rolling out across the fleet over the next several years, aiming to elevate the upscale onboard experience while preserving the brand's celebrated hallmarks.

“Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises' vision for thoughtfully elevating the onboard experience while honoring the hallmarks that have long defined the brand,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. “This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners and an extraordinary amount of creativity and collaboration across our teams. It's celebrating our heritage while introducing new experiences to take us into the future.”

A Strategic Play in the Luxury Cruise Arms Race

The $80 million investment is a significant strategic maneuver in the fiercely competitive luxury small-ship market. As rivals like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn continue to launch new builds with ever-more-opulent suites and amenities, Azamara is choosing to double down on its existing, beloved fleet. This investment is not merely cosmetic; it is a fundamental revitalization designed to modernize its ships, which have each served travelers for over two decades.

Industry analysts note that this level of investment is a necessary step for the brand to maintain its competitive edge. The enhancements directly address feedback from travel partners and loyal guests, targeting areas for improvement and elevating the overall product. According to one leading travel advisor, the upgrades are a “huge enhancement” that removes previous “hurdles” for the brand, particularly concerning the contemporary appeal of its hardware. The move is seen as a strong statement of confidence in the current fleet, signaling that these intimate vessels are central to the company's long-term vision and are not slated for replacement in the near future.

Crowning the Quest: An Exclusive Penthouse Deck

The centerpiece of the initial launch is the exclusive addition of an entirely new Penthouse Deck to Azamara Quest, set to debut on its December 18, 2026, sailing. Constructed as a new Deck 11, this exclusive level will sit just below the ship's existing Sun Deck, which will remain an open-air sanctuary at the very top of the ship. The new deck will house 12 premier suites, establishing a new pinnacle of luxury for the cruise line.

Dominating this new space will be two Panorama Suites. At 719 square feet, they will be the largest and most luxurious accommodations in the fleet. Positioned on the forward corners of the deck, these suites will offer spectacular 270-degree panoramic ocean views, separate living and dining areas, a walk-in closet, and an oversized, spa-inspired bathroom. Guests in these top-tier suites will receive the highest level of service, including a personal butler, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, and exclusive dining experiences.

Joining them are ten new Grandview Suites. These 243-square-foot retreats are designed for refined comfort, featuring floor-to-ceiling ocean views, elegant modern finishes, and beautifully spacious bathrooms with dual sinks and walk-in showers. Their size is comparable to the line's existing Continent Suites but with significantly enhanced bathroom space.

The timing of the Azamara Quest’s renovation is strategically aligned to debut just ahead of its highly anticipated 2027 World Cruise, allowing world-voyage guests to be among the first to experience the ship's transformation.

A Fleet-Wide Culinary and Social Transformation

While the new suites are exclusive to the Quest, the culinary and social enhancements of “Azamara Forward” will extend across the entire fleet. One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of a newly dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant. This permanent venue, located in a private, panoramic space on Deck 10, elevates what was once a popular pop-up dining experience. The restaurant will feature a rotating series of themed menus inspired by the regions the ships visit, with programming that includes globally inspired culinary journeys, celebrity guest chefs, and exclusive Winemaker’s Dinners. This dedicated space will allow for more frequent seatings, making the coveted experience more accessible to guests.

Following its successful introduction on Azamara Onward, the beloved Atlas Bar will be recrafted and introduced fleet-wide. It will be repositioned to a central, high-traffic location near the main Discoveries Restaurant, transforming it into a primary social hub. In addition to its menu of artisanal, destination-inspired cocktails, the bar will now offer a range of complimentary beverages and feature extended hours, creating a more dynamic evening gathering spot.

The main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant, will also undergo a complete redesign, featuring new decor, enhanced lighting, and updated furnishings wrapped in a warm, inviting color palette to elevate the daily dining experience.

Elevating the Onboard Sanctuary

The “Azamara Forward” program ensures that every corner of the ships feels refreshed and contemporary. All staterooms and suites across the fleet will receive a thoughtful update. The new design introduces a fresh, light color palette inspired by the sky and ocean, implemented through soft decorative bedding, refined furnishings, plush carpets, and luxurious fabrics. Practical additions include bedside USB and mini-USB outlets. Even small but significant details are being addressed, such as replacing clingy shower curtains with heavier, higher-quality material.

Public spaces are also receiving major attention. The Cabaret Lounge will be completely reimagined with modern furnishings, a redesigned dance floor, and technology upgrades to support a new lineup of 10 original stage shows. In The Sanctum Spa, treatment rooms will be redesigned for enhanced comfort and tranquility, including the addition of a new couples' treatment room. Even public restrooms throughout the ships are being renewed to reflect the brand's commitment to thoughtful design and comfort.

The phased rollout will see Azamara Onward receive its renovations in 2027, with timelines for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to be announced at a later date. This sweeping program marks a definitive new chapter for the cruise line, meticulously designed to deepen destination immersion and set a new standard for the upscale, small-ship experience.