Why I chose Azamara cruise for the 4th time. and I’ve just booked the 5th!
I’ve just returned from an Azamara cruise, and I’m still struggling to gather all the memories collected during two unforgettable weeks. In a single journey, I managed to check off France, Portugal, Gibraltar, and Spain, anchoring in some of the most beautiful cities along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. This was my fourth Azamara experience – and I’ve already booked the fifth. Here’s why.
I have a dear friend affectionately nicknamed Lady Azamara. After countless cruises on various lines, she chose to remain loyal to one: Azamara Cruise. I used to ask her: “But why?” As someone more accustomed to mega-ships, with thousands of passengers, waterparks, and endless attractions, I couldn’t understand her devotion. Her answer was short and powerful: “The serenity you feel on Azamara is indescribable.”
It took me years to fully understand what she meant. But in September 2025, alongside my colleague from Travel For Senses, Christian Stan, I finally felt it. We boarded the Azamara Journey in Bordeaux, France, ready for a 13-night voyage along the Atlantic and Mediterranean, ending in Barcelona.
Azamara Journey, docked in Cartagena, Spain
Azamara ship, right in the center of Bordeaux (France), on Garonne River
A Boutique Ship Advantage
One of the greatest advantages of Azamara’s boutique ships is their size. With around 700 guests on board, they can dock in destinations that remain off-limits to larger vessels. In Bordeaux, for instance, we sailed directly onto the Garonne River, docking right in the heart of the city, just steps away from the iconic Place de la Bourse. It felt like having a floating luxury hotel anchored in the middle of the city – an incomparable convenience compared to the distant industrial ports where bigger ships usually dock.
The ship seen right from Place de la Bourse
A Perfect Start: Overnight in Bordeaux
The cruise began in the best possible way: with an overnight stay in Bordeaux. We boarded on a Tuesday at noon and stayed until Wednesday evening, giving us plenty of time to discover this city in all its splendor – a delightful surprise, far exceeding expectations.
Check-in was smooth and efficient – in less than 10 minutes, we were inside our ocean-view stateroom, our “home” for the next two weeks. Our room attendant, a charming lady from the Philippines, made sure everything was flawless at all times, with 24-hour room service available.
Lunch was enjoyed at the Windows Cafe, the top-deck buffet, where the menu changes daily with different culinary themes. My colleague is vegetarian, and he always found a rich variety of options. Another highlight: on Azamara, specialty coffees and drinks are included – something that usually comes with a hefty surcharge on other cruise lines.
We sailed out of Bordeaux at sunset on Wednesday, gliding along the Garonne for nearly 70 kilometers before finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
Bilbao and Ferrol: First Encounters with Spain
By Thursday morning we were already in Bilbao, Spain. Although the port is located a bit outside the city, Azamara provided a complimentary shuttle every 20–30 minutes, which was perfect. Bilbao was a fascinating surprise – architecturally eclectic, vibrant, and home to an impressive concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. Being museum lovers, we couldn’t miss the iconic Guggenheim and the Museum of Fine Arts.
View of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
On Friday, we reached Ferrol, a small town on Spain’s northwestern coast. From here, many guests opted for a day trip to Santiago de Compostela, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, home to the tomb of the Apostle James. Having visited before, we chose instead to spend the day at Playa Doniños, a wild Atlantic beach beloved by surfers. We simply sat, watched the waves, and listened to the ocean – four hours of pure therapy. Sometimes slowing things down is the most luxurious choice.
Playa Doniños, near Ferrol (Spain)
A Day at Sea: Discovering Azamara Onboard
Saturday was our only full day at sea, as the ship covered the longer distance from Ferrol to Lisbon. It was the perfect opportunity to explore the ship’s amenities.
What I appreciate most about Azamara is the serenity onboard. There’s no loud music blaring from speakers, no screaming children, no crowded waterparks. Instead, Azamara is designed for those who seek peace, cultural enrichment, and refined service. It’s ideal for couples, groups of adult friends, or solo travelers who appreciate fine dining, cultural discovery, and a slower pace of luxury travel.
The crew-to-passenger ratio ensures impeccable service, and the atmosphere feels intimate and personal. For someone like me, whose daily life is often hectic and stressful, this calm rhythm is priceless.
One of the cabins on Azamara ship
Discovery a-la-carte restaurant
Sanctum Spa
The Pool Bar
The Aqualina Restaurant
Jewlery, watches and fashion items shops on board
The gym is fairly generous
Among the highlights onboard:
- Pool & Sun Deck – Elegant, intimate, with plenty of space to lounge.
- The Sanctum Spa & Wellness – Thalassotherapy pool, fitness classes, gym, and treatments.
- Entertainment – From cabaret-style shows and classical music to local cultural performances brought onboard.
- Bars & Lounges – Piano evenings, wine and martini tastings, craft cocktails, and excellent specialty coffee.
- Dining – Discoveries (main restaurant), Windows Café (casual buffet), Pool Grill, plus specialty dining: Prime Cfor steak and seafood, Aqualina for Mediterranean fine dining.
- The Den – Lounge with destination experts and cultural talks.
- Shopping & Enrichment – From boutique fashion and jewelry to guest lectures and themed events, like the famous White Night Party.
Lisbon and Three Magical Days in Seville
On Sunday morning we woke up in Lisbon. The ship docked right in the city center, at Praça do Comércio, offering spectacular views on both arrival and departure. Exploring the city was effortless, as we could return to the ship whenever we pleased – even for lunch.
Lisbon, one of my favorite cities in Europe
Azamara ship was docked right in the center of Lisbon
On Monday afternoon we left the Atlantic behind and sailed up the Guadalquivir River for 90 kilometers, docking in the heart of Seville. Within minutes, we were strolling to the breathtaking Plaza de España.
The ship left the Atlantic behind and sailed up the Guadalquivir River for 90 kilometers, docking in the heart of Seville
And what a city Seville is! From the majestic Giralda Tower and the Gothic grandeur of the cathedral (resting place of Christopher Columbus), to the romantic gardens of the Real Alcázar (recognizable to Game of Thrones fans), every corner felt magical. Seville’s blend of Moorish heritage, Andalusian charm, and warm hospitality is irresistible.
Azamara gave us two overnights here, transforming the stop into a true city break. Two and a half days to fully immerse ourselves in what became my favorite Spanish city.
An AzAmazing Evening in Gibraltar
The stop in Gibraltar became truly unforgettable thanks to Azamara’s signature AzAmazing Evenings® – exclusive cultural events held in spectacular venues ashore. Past experiences have included private performances at the Solís Theatre in Montevideo or within Dubrovnik’s historic fortress.
This time, we were treated to a multimedia concert inside St. Michael’s Cave, nestled within the Rock of Gibraltar. A live orchestra, choir, and opera singer performed music from legendary British artists like Adele, Queen, and Tom Jones, with visual projections illuminating the cave’s stalactites. The evening ended with an ABBA medley – an electrifying, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At AzAmazing trademark event, we were treated to a multimedia concert inside St. Michael’s Cave, nestled within the Rock of Gibraltar
White Party in Málaga
On Friday evening, after a day in Málaga, we celebrated Azamara’s traditional White Night Party on the pool deck, just as the ship was leaving port. Guests dressed in all-white attire for a glamorous open-air evening of live music, dancing, and a lavish buffet. The atmosphere was festive and chic – a highlight of every Azamara voyage.
The traditional Azamara White Night Party, this time as the ship was departing from Malaga (Spain)
Costa del Sol to Barcelona
Saturday brought us to Cartagena, where we explored ancient Roman ruins, wandered through sun-drenched streets, and even stumbled upon a beautiful local wedding in a cathedral. The evening sunset left me with a familiar bittersweet feeling – the melancholy that comes near the end of every journey.
Our penultimate stop was Valencia, where we spent a sunny Sunday strolling through charming squares, local cafés, and the city’s magnificent cathedral. That evening, we returned to the ship early, savoring one last sunset from the Sunset Bar, where we had developed a daily ritual of watching the horizon with a cup of tea in hand.
The following morning, we reached Barcelona – and our journey was complete. Or, perhaps better said, paused until the next one. Because yes, I’ve already booked my next Azamara adventure: an 18-night voyage through the Caribbean, departing from Puerto Rico.
Sorin Dutoiu (Managing Partner Travel for Senses)
Cristian Stan (Managing Partner Travel for Senses)
Final Thoughts
An Azamara cruise is not about extravagance or over-the-top entertainment. It’s about something more subtle – a balance between authentic relaxation and cultural discovery.
Guests consistently praise the personalized service, the warm and attentive crew, and the intimate atmosphere onboard. Dining is diverse and delicious, though naturally subject to personal taste. Most of all, Azamara’s itineraries stand out: longer stays, overnight stops, and the chance to truly experience each destination beyond the surface.
And then there’s the serenity – the very essence of Azamara, the feeling that my friend Lady Azamara once tried to describe to me. Now, after four cruises (and counting), I finally understand.
📌 Bookings for guests in Romania can be made via www.rccl.ro, while international travelers can book directly on www.azamara.com. And don’t forget: onboard, the Future Cruise desk often offers attractive benefits, such as generous onboard credit for your next journey.
Sorin Dutoiu, Managing Partner of YOLO Media company
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