All about the Azamara Journey

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Rod and I were among a very few agents invited to tour the Azamara Journey as she made a rare stop in Baltimore—a port she doesn’t normally visit. It was a special opportunity, and we were excited to get an up-close look at this elegant, boutique-style ship. During our tour, we explored the beautifully appointed public spaces, lounges, and restaurants, including the elegant main dining room and the more intimate specialty venues. Although the buffet is modest in size compared to mega-ships, the offerings were thoughtfully curated and absolutely delicious. The ship's décor is warm, rich, and refined—classic elegance with a modern, comfortable touch. We were also able to step inside one of the staterooms, which felt cozy yet sophisticated, with thoughtful touches throughout.

Azamara is a unique cruise line with just four ships in its fleet—Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward. Because of their smaller size, these ships can access ports that larger vessels simply can’t reach, creating a more immersive and destination-focused experience. This is one of the things that makes Azamara stand out—they’re not trying to wow you with onboard rollercoasters or sprawling water parks. Instead, they focus on destination immersion, cultural connection, and personalized service. If you’ve ever wanted to truly get to know a port—not just visit it for a few hours—Azamara delivers that beautifully.

One of the most appealing aspects of sailing with Azamara is their commitment to overnights in port and late-night departures, which gives guests more time to explore, dine ashore, and soak in the local atmosphere at a relaxed pace. Imagine strolling through a quiet, lantern-lit village in Greece after the crowds have gone or enjoying a long dinner at a tucked-away Parisian bistro before returning to the ship. These extended stays make a world of difference for travelers who want deeper, richer travel experiences. Our time aboard the Journey reminded us how special small-ship cruising can be—and Azamara does it exceptionally well.