A Beloved Boutique Cruise Line Is Giving Its Entire Fleet a Makeover

For a boutique cruise line, change usually comes in small doses. A refreshed lounge here, a new menu there. But Azamara Cruises is doing something far more ambitious: giving its entire fleet a top-to-bottom refresh in what it’s calling the largest renovation effort in the company’s history.

The new initiative, dubbed Azamara Forward, rolls out a sweeping set of upgrades across all four ships—touching everything from staterooms and nightlife venues to dining, bars and public spaces. It doesn’t change what people love about Azamara—it just makes the experience feel more elevated across the board.

“Azamara Forward is designed to deepen destination immersion, elevate comfort, and create even more meaningful moments at sea,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, noting that the changes came directly from listening to longtime guests and travel partners.

The biggest debut happens aboard Azamara Quest, where the line is introducing an entirely new Penthouse Deck—something you almost never see added to an existing ship. The new deck brings 12 all-new suites, including expansive Panorama Suites with wraparound ocean views and spa-style bathrooms, plus Grandview Suites designed to feel more like modern boutique hotel rooms at sea. These new accommodations will be exclusive to Quest when they launch in December 2026.

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But the makeover goes well beyond suites. Across the fleet, Azamara is reworking some of its most beloved spaces, including a full transformation of the Cabaret Lounge and the rollout of Atlas Bar to all ships—a cocktail-forward social hub that’s already proven popular with guests. Dining is getting a major glow-up too, with a newly dedicated Chef’s Table venue designed for intimate, destination-inspired meals that rotate based on where the ship is sailing.

Even the quieter details are getting attention. Staterooms are being refreshed with lighter, more contemporary finishes. Public spaces are being updated to feel brighter and more relaxed. The goal, according to the line, is to make ships feel more in step with the immersive, destination-focused travel Azamara is known for—without losing the familiarity guests love.

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The timing isn’t accidental. Azamara Forward is set to debut ahead of the line’s highly anticipated 2027 World Cruise, with Azamara Onward next in line for upgrades and the remaining ships to follow.

What Azamara Forward really does is make the onboard experience feel lighter, fresher, and more in step with how people actually travel now—unhurried, curious and just a little indulgent.

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