Introducing Azamara Journey

Azamara Club Cruises introduced the 592 foot Azamara Journey to its elite fleet in 2007 after the ship's previous life with Renassiance as the R6.  Built by Chantiers de L'Atlantique in Nazaire, France (the same shipyard that build the Normandie, France and RMS Queen Mary 2) the Azamara Journey can accomodate 694 guests (double occupancy) with 408 International Officers and Crew. This elegant liner has a draught of 19.85 ft with a tonnage of 30,227. 

Winning a four ribbon rating from Cruise Critic and touted in 2011 as one of the "World’s Top 10 Cruise lines" by both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure, Azamara refers to itself as the “new, deluxe cruise experience for discerning travelers who long to reach out-of-the-ordinary destinations and indulge in amenities and service unparalleled on the high seas.”  Azamara lives up to this claim as a visit to the site of TITANIC on the 100th Anniversary of her Maiden Voyage and sinking can certainly be considered "out of the ordinary"!


A note from the Azamara website explains the origin of their unique name as a “coined term derived from the Romance languages” with references to the color blue “Azul” and “Mar” meaning Sea. Azamara also earned some inspiration from a star called "Acamar" a southernmost celestial light seen brightly in the sky from the latitude of Greece and the Aegean Sea. 

Azamara Journey Martini Bar (top) & Main Atrium (photos: Azamara Cruises)

The Azamara experience is described as capturing the feel and tone of top “boutique hotels” found across Europe.  This modern vessel has every luxury available from superb entertainment, a full service spa and fitness center, to fine dining with a “world-class’ wine cellar. However, much of the interior design appears to present an old world elegance reminiscent of the grand Floating Palaces of the White Star Line, including an Edwardian Grand Staircase Main Atrium. Truly the perfect venue for a memorial voyage to TITANIC. 


As with most top cruise lines today, Azamara Journey offers a wide variety of accommodations from Grand Owner Suites (replete with classic Butler service) to a large selection of Veranda Staterooms, plus exceptionally comfortable outside and interior cabins. All come with "plush European bedding and luxurious Egyptian cotton bathrobes", not to mention welcome fruit baskets, complimentary shoe shine service, fresh cut flowers, 24 hour room service and much more.

Suite Accommodations (photo: Azamara Cruises)

Wireless Internet service is available so regular updates can be beamed across the waves. Imagine how history would have been entirely different were simple communications more advanced than the Marconi Wireless used in 1912. Although the electric pulses sent out in a series of dots and dashes were as modern then as the world wide web is today,  our instant global access is seemingly light years away from a system that could often not transmit more than 100-250 miles. Try to imagine a time when messages had to be sent from ship to ship then via relay stations like Sable Island and Cape Race. It sometimes took days for messages to arrive at their intended destination. Truly an imperfect art, even in the best of situations. Now reflect, for just a moment, how much that technology would impact distress calls and news reports in a time of disaster. Much more to follow....

Visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com for more info about the Azamara Journey and the Azamara Club Experience.