Azamara Cruises is moving ahead with its Azamara Forward renovation program, announcing plans for Azamara Onward to enter a two-week dry dock in November 2027.
“It’s a new era for our four beautiful ships,” said CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler in an interview with Recommend. “It’s shipwide enhancements, it’s new restaurants and bar experiences. We listened to our loyal guests, our hotel directors, our crew and our travel advisors. We did not do this in a vacuum.”
Ritzenthaler emphasized that the upgrades will enhance, but not redefine, the brand: “We are still the global leader in small-ship destination immersion. We go where the big guys can’t. We stay late night and overnight more than anybody else, and none of that is changing.”
Azamara Redux
Among the highlights is a new Chef’s Table restaurant across all four ships, offering destination-inspired menus, wine towers and ocean-view seating under a Murano glass chandelier. “The experience in here will be an unbelievable experience for our guests,” Ritzenthaler said.
The Atlas Bar is also being reimagined into what Ritzenthaler called a “destination bar.” “You can see that it’s playful, with whimsical touches, and it mixes fun with rich tones. We’ll continue to serve handcrafted cocktails, but guests can now also enjoy a drink that’s part of their always Azamara package.”
She added that the updated venue is meant for relaxation at any hour. “Instead of just being a stopping point before dinner, people will come here at five o’clock or after a show for a nightcap. It’s a place to talk about what a wonderful day we had and go to bed.”
Discoveries Restaurant, the main dining room, will receive lighter décor and a mural inspired by water, while The Cabaret Lounge will showcase all-new fabrics, furniture and ten brand-new shows. “The Cabaret Lounge is going to be a very magical place,” said Ritzenthaler.
Guestrooms will feature softer color palettes and modern furnishings. “Our guests told us they spend a lot of time in their staterooms, so we made them brighter and more inviting,” she said. “The curtains cascade from cream to blue, like water, which I think is so beautiful.”
Azamara Onward will debut its refreshed look Nov. 25, 2027, on a 7-night Italy Intensive itinerary from Athens to Rome. “We will always be true to who we are, what our brand positioning is and who our customers are,” Ritzenthaler said. “We’re just so fired up to have this new era for our fleet.”
For more information, visit azamara.com.
