Azamara Cruises Is Spending $80 Million to Refresh All Its Ships

"spending a total of $80 million to spruce up rooms, suites, and public spaces on four ships over the coming years. "We are entering into a new era for the fleet," says Dondra Ritzenthaler, the CEO of Azamara, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. The company, which ranks among the top midsize-ship ocean cruise lines in the T+L World's Best Awards survey, aims to spruce up all four of its ships."

"Quest will get a new Chef's Table restaurant, replacing the existing Drawing Room, that will feature special dinner seatings, wine tastings, and other programs depending on the destination. "What inspired us was the love that our guests have for this room," says Martha Brabham, Azamara Cruises' vice president of hotel design, in an interview with T+L. "This room is enveloped in bespoke pieces of millwork, and we're going to maintain the heritage that we have but expand it with built-in wine displays.""

"The biggest addition will be a brand-new level stacked on top of the ship's sundeck, adding 12 new suites while preserving the panoramic sundeck for all guests. "It is unbelievable," Ritzenthaler says of the addition, which includes two Panorama Suites that will look forward over the bow of the ship, with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. "They'll actually have a better view than what the captain has," Ritzenthaler notes, since the bridge of the Quest is three decks lower on the ship."

Azamara Cruises will invest $80 million to renovate rooms, suites, and public spaces across four ships over several years. The program begins with a six-week overhaul of Azamara Quest starting in October. The Quest renovation adds a new deck above the sundeck with 12 suites while keeping the panoramic sundeck for all guests. Two forward Panorama Suites will feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, and ten Grandview Suites will offer balconies and upgraded bathrooms. Quest will also receive a new Chef's Table restaurant replacing the Drawing Room, with curated seatings, wine tastings, and destination-specific programs. Upgrades will extend to Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, and the fleet's remaining ship.

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