Azamara Cruises continues its fleet renovation programme with an upgrade of Azamara Journey, which will enter dry dock from November 16 to 30, 2028. The project is part of Azamara Forward, the most extensive fleetwide renovation programme ever undertaken by the company, designed to further enhance the onboard experience while preserving the intimate atmosphere that defines Azamara’s small-ship cruising.
The programme aims to refresh several areas of the ship, from dining and entertainment venues to spaces dedicated to wellness and socialising. The goal is to provide guests with more refined surroundings and new ways to enjoy their cruise, while remaining true to Azamara’s philosophy, centred on destination-rich itineraries, personalised service and opportunities to discover local cultures.
Among the announced enhancements is a redesigned Discoveries Restaurant, alongside the introduction of a dedicated Chef’s Table dining experience. A new concept is also planned for the Atlas Bar, while the Cabaret Lounge will be transformed. The project will also include a complete renovation of the Sanctum Spa, as well as updates to staterooms, suites and public areas throughout the ship. The aim is to make time spent on board even more enjoyable, creating welcoming spaces where guests can alternate between relaxation, culinary experiences and entertainment.
Azamara Forward is therefore more than a cosmetic refresh: it aims to enhance various aspects of life on board, offering new opportunities for guests to connect and share experiences while at sea.
The company has also confirmed that the Penthouse Deck will remain exclusive to Azamara Quest and will not be added to Azamara Journey. This clarification defines the scope of the planned upgrades, as part of a programme designed to modernise the fleet while preserving the distinctive characteristics of each ship.
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, has emphasised that the company is continually working to improve the guest experience while preserving the elements that make Azamara cruises unique. She also highlighted how the Azamara Forward programme enables the company to refresh its ships thoughtfully, creating welcoming spaces where guests can enjoy outstanding dining and entertainment and feel at home between the destinations they discover.
Azamara Journey is scheduled to debut in its refurbished form on November 30, 2028, following the completion of the work. The ship will depart from Athens, Greece, on a 12-night cruise exploring Greece and Egypt, returning to the Greek capital. The Eastern Mediterranean itinerary will give guests the opportunity to experience the ship’s refreshed onboard spaces while visiting destinations rich in history and culture. Azamara has announced that further details about the cruise and booking availability will be shared in the coming weeks, as the company opens its upcoming deployment for sale.
The work planned for Azamara Journey is part of a broader investment plan. The Azamara Forward programme involves several ships across the company’s fleet: Azamara Quest will be the first to unveil its enhancements following its scheduled dry dock in November 2026, with its first post-refurbishment cruise set to depart on December 18 of the same year. Further upgrades are planned for Azamara Onward in 2027.
The refurbishment of Azamara Journey marks another step in the company’s strategy to enhance the onboard experience while keeping the journey itself and the destinations at the heart of its offering — defining features of the Azamara brand.
Giorgia Lombardo
