Azamara Cruises will treat its fleet of four ships to the most expansive makeover in the line's history.
The company revealed plans to invest $80 million into its vessels, each of which is at least 25 years old.
Work kicks off at the end of the year with the most extensive part of the refurbishment, the addition of an entirely new deck on the Azamara Quest with 12 additional suites.
The project is called Azamara Forward, and when it's completed each Azamara ship will have new furnishings shipwide; new and reconfigured spaces, including a dedicated area for the 18-guest Chef's Table experience and the Atlas Bar on all four vessels; and new experiences, such as couples' massages.
"We're evolving because we want to continue to improve upon our ships," said CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler. "We want to continue to be competitive in the marketplace, and we believe that this is just one of the ways we can do that."
Azamara Forward's biggest endeavor, the new deck atop the forward section of the Quest, will be added during a drydock from Oct. 31 to late November. Ritzenthaler said Azamara will later determine whether to add the deck to the other ships.
The deck will be home to 12 suites in two new suite categories that will include the line's largest accommodations to date.
At 719 square feet, the two Panorama Suites will be larger than Azamara's current Owner's Suites and will have 270-degree views; separate living, dining and bedroom areas; a walk-in closet; and a spa-inspired bathroom. The rest will be 303-square-foot Grandview Suites, similar in size to Azamara's Continent Suites with slightly larger bathrooms.
A new Chef's Table space is coming to the Azamara fleet. Photo Credit: Azamara Cruises
The name comes from their location, which Ritzenthaler called "an entire penthouse deck right on the top. It's got a grand view."
The renovated Quest will being sailing in late November in Europe with its new suites bookable starting with the Dec. 18 sailing from Miami.
The Onward, Azamara's newest vessel, is second in line for drydock at some point in 2027. Dates are still being secured.
Restaurant and bar changes
The project's plans call for all four ships to have a dedicated Chef's Table space in the current location of the drawing room. Azamara will use it to host the 18-passenger experience currently held in the Prime C restaurant as well as the 34-passenger Acamar Experience dinner, exclusively for guests in top suites.
Having the dedicated Chef's Table space will allow for two dinners per night rather than just one or two per cruise, Ritzenthaler said.
Every ship will also get the Atlas Bar, currently only on the Onward. The bar will be open later than it currently is, closing around 11 p.m. rather than 9 p.m., Ritzenthaler said, and will serve standard drinks in addition to its existing menu of specialty cocktails.
On the Quest, Journey and Pursuit, Atlas will replace the Discoveries Lounge, which Ritzenthaler called more of an extension to the neighboring Discoveries Restaurant than a destination itself.
Every ship will get the Atlas Bar, currently only on the Onward. Photo Credit: Azamara Cruises
Other changes shipwide include the introduction of a couple's treatment room in the spa, where all treatment rooms will be upgraded and modernized; a redesigned hallway leading to the Cabaret Lounge performance space and a refreshed Cabaret Lounge; and updated cabins and public restrooms.
"We think our ships are absolutely beautiful," Ritzenthaler said. "What this does is it just gives them a nice refresh."
Could a fleet expansion be in the works, as well?
"We're always looking for opportunities, so we will continue to do that, but our focus right now is Azamara Forward," Ritzenthaler said.
The project is not intended to change the ethos of the brand, but it does help Azamara stay competitive and invest in its loyal guests, she said. Other changes previously announced with similar goals include the introduction of 10 new shows and dozens of new "AzAmazing Evenings," cultural experiences ashore that the cruise line curates specifically for individual destinations.
Azamara Forward, Ritzenthaler said, is "just another step in ensuring that our guests and our travel advisors know that we are committed and in it to win it with them."