Island Charms & Local Life
Our voyage began with a visit to Guernsey, a British Crown dependency nestled off the coast of Normandy. The island, known for its rich history from the German
occupation during WWII, offers more than just museums. We learned about the famous Guernsey cows, their high-fat milk ideal for ice cream, and the peculiar island tradition of prized low-numbered license plates, with '007' fetching a significant sum at auction. A visit to the Little Chapel, a unique structure built by a single monk from an assortment of pebbles and ceramic shards, provided a glimpse into artisanal dedication. This intimate exploration, contrasted with the ship's departure from St. Peter Port, set the tone for discovering the region's less-traveled paths before rejoining the Azamara Onward.
Coastal Exploration Route
The Azamara Onward's ten-day itinerary was meticulously crafted to showcase the diverse beauty of France's Atlantic and Channel coasts. Unlike typical Western European cruises that might touch upon just one Norman or Breton port, this sailing allowed for multiple stops, unlocking access to a broader spectrum of attractions. This approach meant we could experience iconic landmarks like Mont St. Michel and the historically significant Normandy beaches without the usual constraint of choosing between them. The journey commenced with a gentle passage from Lisbon, including a stop in Vigo, Spain, before gracefully navigating the Gironde Estuary and Garonne River to dock in Bordeaux, France. The ship's overnight stay in Bordeaux's city center was a highlight, setting the stage for a memorable exploration of Aquitaine, Brittany, and Normandy.
Bordeaux's AzAmazing Event
The centerpiece of our Bordeaux experience was the AzAmazing Evening, an event held in a fascinating former U-boat bunker transformed into a distinctive exhibition and event space. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with Champagne and had the unique opportunity to wander amongst the eerie, water-filled German U-boat berths, remnants of a bygone era. These submerged spaces served as a dramatic backdrop for presentations on Egypt, artfully synchronized with music and projected onto the bunker's walls, with the reflections shimmering on the water's surface. This immersive event offered a captivating blend of history, art, and atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable highlight of the sailing and a testament to the ship's ability to curate exceptional onboard experiences.
Comfortable Stateroom Living
Accommodations on the Azamara Onward offer a satisfying blend of comfort and functionality, catering to various passenger preferences. A significant number of staterooms feature private balconies, providing personal outdoor space, while those seeking exterior views without a balcony can opt for picture windows, a feature becoming less common on contemporary vessels. Regardless of the room type, guests will find plush bedding designed for restful sleep and an abundance of storage solutions, including ample drawers and closet space, perfect for organizing belongings. While the bathrooms, particularly the showers, are on the more compact side and utilize shower curtains, they are well-equipped with amenities from the ship's spa partner, Elemis. For those desiring elevated service, suites include enhanced benefits such as a personal butler, in-stateroom afternoon tea, dedicated reservation assistance, complimentary spirits, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, laundry services, and access to the spa's thalassotherapy pools.
Dining and Socializing Venues
The ship provides a diverse array of bars and dining options to suit every taste and occasion. Several bars are situated across the ship, including open-air spots on the top deck and in The Den, the main activity hub, as well as in the Discoveries Restaurant. Complimentary soft drinks and select well drinks are generally available, with premium beverages incurring an additional charge. The Atlas Bar, a sophisticated lounge adjacent to the specialty restaurants, offers a premium cocktail experience where all drinks are an extra cost. The primary open-seating dining room is Discoveries Restaurant, while two specialty restaurants on Deck 10, Prime C (a steakhouse) and Acqualina (Italian-inspired), offer more refined dining. A buffet with outdoor seating and The Patio grill provide more casual options. Notably, dining venues, especially Discoveries at dinner and The Patio during lunch, can become quite busy, often requiring a wait. A coffee counter, Mosaic Café, is also available for light snacks.
Global Sailing Itineraries
The Azamara Onward frequently participates in Azamara's extensive World Cruises, demonstrating its capability for extended global voyages, such as its 155-night westbound world cruise from Miami to Barcelona in January 2026. For those interested in shorter travel experiences, individual segments of these longer itineraries are often available. The ship is scheduled to return to the Mediterranean for the summer season in 2026. Its relatively smaller size is a significant advantage, enabling access to smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot accommodate, as exemplified by the Bordeaux call during our sailing. Many itineraries feature closely located ports, allowing for extended time ashore and shorter transit periods between destinations. Azamara also curates 'Intense' itineraries, which delve deeply into specific geographic regions with prolonged port stays, offering a truly immersive travel experience.
Enriching Shore Excursions
Azamara places a strong emphasis on shore excursions designed to provide guests with genuine insight into each port of call. In Bordeaux, a popular excursion involved a bus tour to Saint-Émilion, renowned for its wine production. Participants had the opportunity to sample local wines and learn about the intricate relationship between the region's limestone and clay soils and the resulting wine characteristics, as well as identify particularly notable vintages. Beyond wine tours, traditional excursions are readily available. In Saint-Malo, many passengers opted for trips to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel. For those exploring the city center, local specialties like crêpes and the buttery Breton pastry, kouign-amann, are highly recommended. In Cherbourg, the Cité de la Mer, a maritime museum located within the historic cruise terminal, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past as a departure point for early 20th-century emigrants to the U.S. A tour from Honfleur, situated in the heart of Normandy, led to Giverny, where visitors could immerse themselves in the gardens that inspired impressionist master Claude Monet.
Onboard Entertainment & Amenities
A recurring topic of discussion among passengers was the cost and performance of the ship's Wi-Fi. Unlike some cruise lines, Azamara does not include standard Wi-Fi in its fares, except for suite guests who receive complimentary internet access. For a ten-day voyage, the Wi-Fi package was priced at $199, and its speed was noted as being quite slow. Onboard entertainment is a strong suit, with the staff providing engaging activities throughout the day. Afternoon trivia sessions in The Living Room are popular, often leading into live music performances in the evening. The ship also features production shows, typically jukebox-style revues. A unique event is the 'White Night,' a special evening where passengers and officers don white attire for a buffet on the pool deck. The crew even demonstrated flexibility by rescheduling this event to ensure favorable weather in the often-rainy Normandy region. The Sanctum Spa offers a variety of treatments, though some menu items may not be available or may be substituted without prior notice. The spa includes a pleasant outdoor terrace with a saltwater jetted tub that is a popular relaxation spot.
Adult-Focused Atmosphere
The Azamara Onward is intentionally geared towards an adult clientele, which shapes its onboard programming and offerings. There are no dedicated children's clubs, specific children's activities, or children's menus, though the dining room staff are adept at accommodating most dietary requirements. Families traveling with younger children might need to provide their own forms of entertainment, as the selection of in-stateroom movies is limited and primarily aimed at an adult audience. However, older children and teenagers who appreciate intellectual engagement through trivia, puzzles, and board games might find the programming in The Living Room to be quite suitable and enjoyable.
Accessibility Considerations
The ship is equipped with accessible staterooms designed to accommodate passengers who use wheelchairs. These staterooms feature automated door entry systems, ample turning radius space within the room, and bathrooms designed for accessibility with roll-in showers and grab bars. Azamara also endeavors to provide accessible shore excursions, though it's important to note that accessibility standards for transportation in various countries may differ from those in the United States. Guests requiring specific accommodations are strongly encouraged to submit detailed forms outlining their needs well in advance of their sailing date to allow Azamara sufficient time to make necessary arrangements. For guests who require sign language interpretation, this service is exclusively available on sailings departing from the U.S. or Canada.
