Azamara Cruises is entering what President Dondra Ritzenthaler calls “a new era for our four beautiful ships.” The cruise line’s Azamara Forward initiative marks the largest renovation investment in its history, introducing updates that span accommodations, dining, entertainment and wellness across the entire fleet.
Azamara Redefines Luxury Cruising
The transformation begins with Azamara Quest, which goes into dry dock Oct. 31 in Greece and will set sail Dec. 18, 2026, following a 25‑day refurbishment.
“It’s shipwide enhancements, new restaurants and bar experiences,” Ritzenthaler said during a recent chat with Recommend. “Exclusively on Quest we’re literally adding a new Penthouse Deck to the ship—literally making the ship bigger.”
She explained that the concept came directly from the brand’s inner circle. “We listened to our loyal guests, our hotel directors, our crew and team in Miami at headquarters and our travel advisors,” she said. “We didn’t do this in a vacuum. We are not changing who we are—we still go where the big guys can’t, we stay late at night and overnight more than anybody else.”
Culinary and Social Enhancements
Ritzenthaler described the new Chef’s Table as one of the most significant transformations. “It’s going to be a dedicated restaurant on all four ships,” she said. “The menu is destination-inspired. We’ll do dishes that are tied to where we sail,” she added, noting plans for hosted Winemaker’s Dinners and Market Dining Experiences. The space features rich wood tones, a Murano glass chandelier as its centerpiece and ocean views, with wine towers for tastings.
The Atlas Bar, introduced on Azamara Onward, will roll out fleetwide. “We’re not only reimagining it, we’re changing the programming,” said Ritzenthaler. “Guests will still be able to order handcrafted specialty cocktails, but now they can also have a cocktail that’s part of their Always Azamara beverage package. This bar becomes a destination itself—people will come here at 5 o’clock or at 11 after they’ve had a wonderful meal and come for a nightcap.”
The new design, it must be noted, mixes elegance with levity. “It’s playful,” Ritzenthaler agreed. “There’s this whimsical art with rich tones, new carpets and wall sconces. It’s high-end but fun—and we love that balance.”
Just steps away, the Discoveries Restaurant will debut a lighter design. “Our guests told us they wanted to see this space refreshed,” she said. “It’s bright and contemporary. There’s a beautiful mural inspired by water, and you can see the Atlas Bar right alongside it.”
Following dinner, guests can expect a refreshed Cabaret Lounge. “This may be my very favorite enhancement,” Ritzenthaler said. “It has all new chairs, fabrics, and tables, a new dance floor, and we’re launching ten brand-new shows—with updated technical equipment as well.”
Accommodations and Wellness
Fleetwide, all staterooms will receive lighter tones and furnishings. “Our guests spend a lot of time in their staterooms and asked us to lighten them up,” Ritzenthaler said. “Now the window treatments start with a cream color and cascade down into blue like water. There’s new bedding and furniture that’s bright and fresh.” Design work was led by Martha Braman, Azamara’s Vice President of Refurbishment and Newbuild.
Spa upgrades will include a new couples treatment room and redesigned spaces, with updates extending to open areas and even public restrooms, which can sometimes feel like an afterthought. “I care about public restrooms,” Ritzenthaler added with a laugh. “When a public restroom looks really good, it makes me feel good about everything.” (We agree!)
The Penthouse Deck
Unique to Azamara Quest, the new Deck 11 introduces 12 additional suites—10 Grandview Suites and 2 Panorama Suites. “On top of that, we’re adding a new Sun Deck,” said Ritzenthaler. “The Grandview Suites have bathrooms 30 percent larger than before, and the Panorama Suites have 270-degree views—better than what the captain has!”
Azamara Onward will undergo its updates in 2027, with Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to follow. “Our travel advisors are part of the reason Azamara Forward came to life,” Ritzenthaler said near the end of the interview. “Their feedback shaped every element of these enhancements.”
Looking ahead to Azamara Quest’s December launch, she added, “We’ll always be true to who we are and who our customers are. But we’re so fired up to have this new era for our fleet, starting with the beautiful Quest.”
For more information, visit azamara.com.
