Blog >Azamara > Azamara Forward: Everything You Need To Know About Azamara's Biggest Fleet Transformation Yet
Azamara Forward: Everything You Need to Know About Azamara's Biggest Fleet Transformation Yet

28 Jul 2026 | By Lucy Hickson In Azamara

Azamara Forward: A New Chapter for Azamara Cruises 

Azamara Cruises is entering an exciting new era with the launch of Azamara Forward – the largest fleet enhancement programme in the cruise line's history. 

 

Designed around guest feedback and inspired by Azamara's commitment to Destination Immersion®, Azamara Forward introduces refreshed accommodation, redesigned public spaces, exciting new dining experiences and exclusive new suites. Rather than changing what guests already love, the programme enhances the onboard experience while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that makes Azamara unique. 

 

If you're considering an Azamara cruise in 2026 or beyond, here's everything you need to know. 

 

 

What is Azamara Forward? 

Azamara Forward is a fleet-wide transformation programme that will modernise all four Azamara ships while preserving their small-ship charm. 

 

The investment includes: 

  • Brand-new dining concepts
  • Refreshed bars and lounges
  • Redesigned public spaces
  • Updated staterooms and suites
  • Enhanced spa facilities
  • Exclusive new suite categories on Azamara Quest 

According to Azamara, the enhancements have been shaped by years of guest and travel partner feedback, creating an even more comfortable and immersive onboard experience. 

 

Which ships will receive Azamara Forward? 

Eventually, every ship in the fleet will benefit from the programme: 

  • Azamara Quest
  • Azamara Onward
  • Azamara Journey
  • Azamara Pursuit 

The rollout begins with Azamara Quest, which will debut the enhancements from 18 December 2026. 

 

Azamara Onward will be the second ship to receive the upgrades during 2027, while schedules for Journey and Pursuit will be announced later. 

 

Exclusive new suites on Azamara Quest 

One of the biggest highlights of Azamara Forward is the introduction of a brand-new Penthouse Deck on Azamara Quest. 

 

This exclusive addition will feature two completely new suite categories: 

 

Grandview suites 

Designed for travellers looking for even more space and comfort, the Grandview Suites include: 

  • Floor-to-ceiling ocean views
  • Spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers
  • Dual vanity sinks
  • Contemporary interior design
  • Premium suite amenities
  • Complimentary speciality dining
  • Premium beverage package 

These suites will only be available on Azamara Quest, making them a unique accommodation option within the fleet. 

 

A new Chef's Table experience 

Dining has always been an important part of the Azamara experience, and Azamara Forward introduces an entirely dedicated Chef's Table restaurant. 

 

Located in a private panoramic venue on Deck 10, the new restaurant will showcase: 

  • Destination-inspired tasting menus
  • Rotating regional cuisine
  • Guest chefs
  • Winemaker dinners
  • Local market-inspired dining experiences 

Rather than simple serving fine dining, the Chef's Table aims to celebrate the destinations Azamara visits by bringing authentic local flavours onboard. 

 

Atlas Bar Comes to the entire fleet 

After proving popular onboard Azamara Onward, the stylish Atlas Bar is being introduced across every ship. 

 

Positioned next to Discoveries Restaurant, Atlas Bar will become the social heart of each vessel, offering: 

  • Destination-inspired cocktails
  • Complimentary beverages
  • Premium spirits
  • Comfortable lounge seating
  • A relaxed atmosphere before and after dinner 

The expansion reflects the popularity of the venue among existing Azamara guests. 

 

Refreshed Cabaret Lounge 

Evening entertainment is also receiving a fresh look. 

 

The Cabaret Lounge will feature: 

  • Modern seating
  • New carpets
  • Updated decor
  • Redesigned dance floor 

These improvements aim to create a more contemporary setting while maintaining the intimate entertainment experience Azamara is known for. 

 

Redesigned Discoveries Restaurant 

One of the fleet's main dining venues is also being refreshed. 

 

Guests can expect: 

  • New furnishings
  • Improved lighting
  • Contemporary décor
  • Warmer colour palette
  • More inviting atmosphere 

The redesign complements the wider enhancements taking place throughout each ship. 

 

Updated staterooms throughout the fleet 

Every guest accommodation will benefit from thoughtful updates. 

 

Enhancements include: 

  • New bedding
  • Refined furniture
  • Plush carpeting
  • Updated soft furnishings
  • Lighter colour palette inspired by the sea and sky 

These improvements are designed to make cabins feel brighter, more modern and even more comfortable. 

 

Spa and public space improvements 

Azamara Forward isn't just focused on accommodation and dining. 

 

Guests will also notice upgrades including: 

  • Refreshed Sanctum Spa treatment rooms
  • Renovated public restrooms
  • Updated communal areas throughout the ships 

The aim is to improve comfort across every part of the onboard experience. 

 

 

Staying true to Destination Immersion® 

While many cruise refurbishment programmes focus solely on adding new venues, Azamara Forward has been designed to strengthen the cruise line's signature Destination Immersion® experience. 

 

New dining concepts, redesigned social spaces and carefully considered accommodation updates all help connect guests more closely with the destinations they visit. 

 

It's an evolution rather than a complete reinvention - enhancing the experience while preserving the relaxed atmosphere that Azamara guests know and enjoy. 

 

Is Azamara Forward worth waiting for? 

If you're planning an Azamara cruise from late 2026 onwards, Azamara Forward brings some exciting enhancements without changing what makes the cruise line so popular. 

 

Whether it's the new Chef's Table restaurant, fleet-wide Atlas Bar, refreshed accommodation or the exclusive Grandview Suites aboard Azamara Quest, the investment represents a significant step forward for the entire fleet. 

 

For returning guests, the improvements offer familiar surroundings with a fresh new feel. For first-time Azamara cruisers, they'll enjoy the cruise line at its very best. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Q - What is Azamara Forward? 

A - Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises' largest-ever fleet enhancement programme, introducing upgraded accommodation, refreshed public spaces, new dining venues, redesigned lounges and exclusive new suites. 

 

Q - Which ship gets Azamara Forward first? 

A - Azamara Quest will be the first ship to debut the programme, with its inaugural enhanced sailing departing on 18 December 2026. 

 

Q - Will every Azamara ship be refurbished? 

A - Yes. Azamara Forward will eventually be introduced across all four ships: Azamara Quest, Azamara Onward, Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit. 

 

Q - What are the new Grandview Suites? 

A - Grandview Suites are a brand-new suite category exclusive to Azamara Quest. They feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views, spacious bathrooms, contemporary interiors and premium suite benefits. 

 

Q - What changes are being made to the restaurants? 

A - Azamara Forward introduces a dedicated Chef's Table restaurant, a redesigned Discoveries Restaurant and the fleet-wide rollout of Atlas Bar, offering new culinary and social experiences inspired by destinations around the world. 

 

Q - When will Azamara Onward receive the enhancements? 

A - Azamara Onward is scheduled to receive the Azamara Forward upgrades during 2027, with Journey and Pursuit following at later dates.

Published 28th July 2026, Last updated 5th October 2026
By Lucy Hickson In Azamara

Share this post


Our Award Winning Service

You've added to your wishlist. To view, go to Wishlist
Call for Free
##parent-placeholder-a769e8ec140882fd53b63d42afc2614f##