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October 30, 2024

In August, I embarked on Azamara Onward and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

Originally built in 1999 for another cruise line, the ship was acquired and completely modernized by Azamara Cruises in 2022, transforming it into the luxurious vessel it is today. Azamara Onward is now the newest member of Azamara’s boutique fleet, which consists of four small ships designed to visit smaller ports and offer longer stays for deeper cultural immersion.

The Azamara Onward offered a 12-Night Northern Cities Voyage, starting in Stockholm and sailing through the picturesque cities of northern Europe to Southampton. After a seamless handover in Hamburg, I joined Azamara Onward for three nights, continuing on to Antwerp. I had eagerly anticipated this cruise, knowing Azamara’s smaller ships allow access to ports larger vessels simply cannot reach. With around 670 guests onboard, the boutique ship was expected to have an intimate atmosphere and the high crew-to-passenger ratio promised exceptional service.

Join me as I recount this voyage, where luxury, indulgent dining and immersive destinations came together to create an extraordinary cruise adventure.

Embarkation in Hamburg

The adventure began with a train ride to Hamburg, followed by a short taxi ride to the cruise terminal in Altona. This terminal stands out not only for its prime location along the River Elbe, but also for its accessibility to the city’s key attractions. Unlike the Steinwerder terminal, which is farther from the city center, Altona provides an effortless transition from ship to shore, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Hamburg straight away.
Upon arrival at the terminal, the excitement of embarkation began. After a quick and easy check-in, I was warmly welcomed aboard the Azamara Onward and the first thing that struck me, was the ship’s elegant atmosphere. The boutique size was immediately apparent – the ship felt personal, inviting and so easy to navigate compared to larger vessels I’d sailed on before. I made my way to my stateroom, a beautifully appointed veranda cabin, perfect for taking in the scenic views that lay ahead.

Then it was time for meeting up with Chris, a friend who had just disembarked this morning after his time onboard. We had our “baton pass” moment, symbolically continuing this exciting Northern Cities Voyage. Shortly after, I reunited with four familiar faces from the Instagram cruise community who greeted me at the pier in Altona. This spontaneous reunion added a special touch to the start of the journey.

As the sun began to set over the River Elbe, Hamburg treated me to a hot summer evening, providing an exquisite backdrop for Azamara’s legendary White Night Party. That evening, the crew had elegantly set up chic, white tables across Decks 9 and 10, creating an inviting, stylish atmosphere. The guests were dressed in white, enjoying the live entertainment and indulging in a lavish buffet of culinary delights. The soft glow of the setting sun added to the magic of the evening, casting a warm glow over the gathering as we dined under the open sky.

Later, as the ship finally set sail into the night from Hamburg and even though the party was coming to an end, the Sail-Away moment was truly magical. Standing on Deck 10, I could see Chris and friends from the cruise community at the terminal, waving and flashing lights as we sailed away. It was a heartwarming farewell and the perfect way to begin this remarkable voyage.

Day at Sea: Sailing through the North Sea

After the exciting embarkation day in Hamburg, the Day at Sea onboard Azamara Onward was a chance to unwind and explore the ship at a leisurely pace as we sailed through the North Sea. One of the best aspects of a sea day is, that you can take the time to truly indulge in the amenities and services the ship has to offer without feeling rushed. And that’s exactly what I did!

I started my morning with the Onward German Brunch at the Discoveries Restaurant on Deck 5. This themed brunch, not quite breakfast and not quite lunch, featured the best of both worlds and offered a variety of classic german breakfast options alongside more hearty lunch dishes. Accompanied by the live sounds of the Onward Orchestra, it provided a wonderful opportunity to ease into the day, enjoying the casual yet sophisticated ambiance.

After brunch, I made my way to the Promenade Deck on Deck 5, lounging on one of the cozy chairs, already equipped with a blanket and towel. The comfortable loungers created an inviting spot to relax and the quietness of the Promenade made it an ideal place to unwind.

Next, I ventured up to Deck 10 for a walk along the Jogging Track. The sea air was a refreshing companion to the slow cruise through the surrounding waters. With these panoramic views, it was hard not to pause and take it all in.
As the day continued, I spent some time soaking up the sunshine on the Pool Deck. The boutique size of the ship really shines through during sea days – it feels intimate and never overcrowded, creating the ideal atmosphere for relaxation. The comfortable loungers were also already equipped with a towel.

For some added relaxation, Azamara Onward offers a wide range of wellness facilities. The Sanctum Spa on Deck 9 forward is a serene retreat onboard, where guests can indulge in a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind. It features a steam room and shower towers equipped with multiple massaging jets. For those looking for something extraordinary, the Sanctum Terrace offers comfortable lounge chairs and a Thalasso Therapy Pool, with stunning views of the ship’s bow and the endless horizon.

As the afternoon unfolded, I headed to the Sunset Veranda located just behind the Windows Café on Deck 9. While I admired the soothing wake view, the chefs were busy preparing the evening’s theme, a “Taste of Japan” buffet, offering a delectable array of Japanese-inspired dishes. The Windows Café is a casual buffet-style restaurant included in the cruise fare. It provides a variety of fresh options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the choice to dine indoors or take in the ocean breeze on the veranda – a welcome perk.

Before dinner, I returned to my Veranda Cabin to watch the sun slowly set over the North Sea from the comfort of my own balcony. The peaceful ambiance, with the soothing sound of the waves, made this moment special to me – sunsets hit different at sea. The day concluded with an exceptional culinary encounter at Aqualina on Deck 10, one of Azamara’s Specialty Restaurants. With its Italian-inspired cuisine and chic atmosphere, it’s a fantastic venue for an elegant dinner at sea. I indulged in a multi-course menu of fresh seafood and handmade pasta, featuring dishes like Carpaccio di Manzo, Caprese Classico and Gamberetti con Ravioli all’aragosta. Each dish was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The service was impeccable and the meal was perfectly complemented by the wine pairings.

After dinner, I took a late-night stroll on Deck 10, enjoying the cool night air and the tranquility of the sea under the stars. It was an ideal conclusion to a relaxing Day at Sea, as the ship sailed through the serene waters of the North Sea toward Amsterdam.

Amsterdam: The heart of the Netherlands

Docking in Amsterdam is always a memorable occasion, with the cruise terminal located right in the heart of the city. After a smooth docking process, I decided to step ashore, to walk around the terminal and capture some photos of Azamara Onward. The convenience of the Passenger Terminal’s location allows easy access to the city center. It’s just a 15-20 minute walk to Amsterdam’s Centraal Station and from there, you’re within walking distance of many famous attractions, like Dam Square, the Anne Frank House or the famous canal districts. However, with only three days onboard, I opted to spend the rest of the day enjoying life aboard Azamara Onward rather than exploring the city, as I’ve been to Amsterdam several times before.

After stepping back onboard, I made my way to The Patio, located on Deck 9 starboard side in front of the Windows Café. This outdoor poolside restaurant is open from lunchtime until dinner. It’s optimal for a quick bite or a relaxed post-excursion meal. Unlike typical pool grills, The Patio offers an menu that changes between lunch and dinner, accompanied by a self-serve salad bar. The food is served at the table, elevating the poolside dining to a whole new level. The quality of the dishes is some of the best I’ve ever had at a poolside venue – a standout feature onboard. I couldn’t leave without indulging in a treat from Swirl & Top, the place to enjoy a variety of frozen yogurt flavors, complemented by a choice of various toppings.

As the evening approached, I was invited for an exclusive visit to the bridge by Captain Gianmario during Sail-Away. The pilot boarded to guide us through the intricate process and it was mesmerizing to watch the pilot boat navigate ahead of us. From the bridge wing, I had a breathtaking view as Amsterdam slowly faded into the distance. This rare behind-the-scenes experience added a unique dimension to the ship’s departure.

Just as I was about to head to dinner, the Captain invited me back to the bridge for the IJmuiden Lock passage, and of course, I said yes! That evening, I dined at Discoveries, the Main Dining Room on Deck 5. With its open seating arrangement and variety of international and regional dishes, it’s a good choice for spontaneous and relaxed dining.

After dinner, I returned to the bridge just in time to witness the ship pass through the IJmuiden Lock, with a dazzling sunset as the backdrop. As we approached the lock, I was captivated by the precision required for our passage. Watching the ship navigate through the world’s largest sea lock was fascinating, especially as I observed the skillful teamwork between the captain and his crew. The Zeesluis IJmuiden stretches over 500 meters in length and 70 meters in width, connecting Amsterdam to the North Sea. The captain’s commentary and when the ship’s horn sounded as we cleared the lock, was a moment I’ll always cherish.

As we cruised past Kop van de Noordpier during the enchanting blue hour, the importance of the pilot’s role became clear. After guiding us safely through the waters, the pilot left the ship as we reached the open North Sea.

Later in the evening, I couldn’t resist exploring the onboard shops – where, of course, I added an Azamara Onward model to my growing collection. I wrapped up the night with enjoying live music performances at the Cabaret Lounge, before heading back to my veranda cabin.

Cruising the River Schelde to Antwerp

Our journey continued as we sailed down the scenic River Schelde toward the Port of Antwerp. One of the standout features of Azamara’s boutique ships is their ability to navigate on actual rivers. The River Schelde rises in northern France, flows across Belgium and eventually makes its way to the North Sea through the Netherlands. Cruising along this river offers a rare and special opportunity, providing guests with close-to-shore views and the chance to dock right in the heart of Antwerp.

As we approached the dock during the early morning hours, the golden hues of the sunrise illuminated the historic skyline. The peacefulness of the early morning, paired with the soft light reflecting off the water, made this arrival particularly magical.

The cruise terminal is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to explore on foot. A short 15-minute walk will take you to the main train station, one of the most beautiful in the world, with its striking architecture. The Grote Markt with its guild houses and the Cathedral of Our Lady are must-sees, both less than a 10-minute walk from the terminal. On a previous visit, I had the chance to visit the Museum aan de Stroom, a modern museum that showcases the history of Antwerp as a port city. Its rooftop terrace is accessible by a series of escalators and offers panoramic views of Antwerp and the port from the tenth floor.

I took full advantage of the serene morning by enjoying room service breakfast on my very own balcony. Pre-ordering breakfast the night before was the best decision – it allowed me to soak in the view of Antwerp’s waterfront while savoring a relaxed breakfast in the privacy of my veranda cabin. Room service on Azamara Onward is available 24/7 and free of charge, making it an incredibly convenient option to start the day at your own pace.

Though the Northern Cities Voyage officially continued on to Southampton for two more days, I disembarked earlier in Antwerp. I had to wait for clearance to leave the ship, which gave me a bit of extra time to take in the last moments onboard before saying goodbye to Azamara Onward.

Once ashore and before making my way back home, I had the pleasure of meeting up with friends from the cruise community in Antwerp. It was a wonderful ending to a memorable journey – catching up with familiar faces and sharing stories from the cruise.

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