Small Ship Cruising with Azamara: Our Honest Experience

Why Small Ship Cruising with Azamara Surprised Us

We came away from our Azamara trip genuinely impressed.

Not because we expected anything less, but because it had such a lovely feel to it from the moment we stepped on board. It is one of those experiences that just feels right straight away.

What stood out most was how different small ship cruising felt.

With Azamara, it was not just about being on a smaller vessel. It was the atmosphere, the itinerary, the time in port, the people and the service. It all came together to create something far more personal and immersive than a typical ocean cruise.

The Biggest Benefit of Small Ship Cruising: A More Personal Atmosphere

One of the first things we both noticed was the feeling on board.

Azamara talks about a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, but hearing about it versus experiencing it are completely different. When you’re on board you could actually feel it, It genuinely had a warm family feel throughout.

The crew were brilliant. Warm, efficient and completely natural in the way they looked after guests. Even before anyone knew we were travel agents, the service felt exactly the same.

The guests played a big part in that too. Everyone was so friendly. We spoke to lots of repeat guests. People on their fifth, sixth or even tenth Azamara cruise. That tells you everything really.

How Small Ships Access Unique Ports Like Seville

For us, one of the biggest advantages of small ship cruising is where you can actually go.

Seville was the perfect example.

On most larger ships, you dock in Cadiz and face a long transfer into the city. With Azamara, we sailed right up the river and docked much closer, meaning we could walk into the centre in around 10 minutes.

That completely changes your day.

Instead of spending hours travelling, you are straight into the destination. It feels far more immersive and far less rushed.

Sailing into Seville itself was also a highlight. It felt almost like being on a river cruise, watching the scenery change as you move inland. It is something you simply would not experience on a larger ship.

More Time in Port: Overnight Stays and Late Departures

Another major benefit of Azamara is the time you get in each destination.

This is not a case of arriving early morning and leaving mid-afternoon. Azamara focuses on late departures and overnight stays, which makes a huge difference to how you experience a place.

In Seville, we had two nights in port.

That meant no rushing. Guests could explore during the day, enjoy White Night onboard, and then head back out the next evening to experience the city at night. That is something you rarely get on an ocean cruise.

It completely changes the pace of the holiday and makes it feel much more relaxed.

Why Azamara Feels Like a Mix of River and Ocean Cruising

This was something we both kept coming back to.

Azamara feels like a blend of river cruising and ocean cruising, in the best possible way.

You get that smaller ship feel, the ease of getting on and off, and the focus on destinations, but still with the variety, dining options and facilities of an ocean cruise.

For travellers who love exploring but also enjoy the comfort of a ship, it strikes a really nice balance.

Food Quality on Azamara: Our Honest Review

Food is always a big part of any cruise, and this was a real highlight for us.

The quality was excellent throughout.

We started in one of the specialty restaurants, which was superb as you would expect. But what really stood out was that the main dining room the following night was just as enjoyable.

There was plenty of choice, the quality was consistent, and even if you stayed in the main dining room all week, you would still have a fantastic dining experience.

The jazz brunch was another standout moment, combining live music, a laid-back atmosphere and an extensive selection of dishes.

What’s Included on Azamara Cruises (And Why It Matters)

One of the things we really liked was how much is included.

With Azamara, you get drinks, gratuities, 24-hour room service and more included as standard.

We found the included drinks offering more than sufficient, with wines, spirits and even some cocktails available, but there is also the option to upgrade if you’d like a wider choice.

The drinks offered felt well considered, with a good level of quality and a relaxed, easy approach throughout the cruise. We also loved that, depending on where we were sailing, local wines were often brought on board, which added another layer to the overall sense of destination immersion.

White Night and Onboard Experience: A Real Highlight

White Night was probably the moment that summed up the whole experience.

What we loved most was how naturally it all came together. People just got involved without hesitation, and the atmosphere built so easily, with guests up dancing, laughing and really enjoying themselves together.

It had such a fun, inclusive feel to it. The kind of night where you look around and everyone is joining in, whether that’s on the dance floor or just soaking it all up.

One of the loveliest moments was when the crew came out carrying flags from their home countries and were met with a huge round of applause. It felt really special and summed up the whole experience perfectly.

Who Small Ship Cruising Is Best For?

By the end of the trip, we felt really clear on who this suits.

It is perfect for:

• Travellers who want more immersive, destination-focused cruising
• People who enjoy exploring destinations in more depth
• Guests who prefer a smaller, more relaxed atmosphere
• Anyone curious about cruising but unsure about larger ships

It is also a great option if you like the idea of river cruising but want more variety in destinations.

Would We Recommend Azamara Cruises?

Absolutely.

Without hesitation, we would sail with Azamara again.

It was not just one standout feature, it was everything combined. The atmosphere, the itinerary, the time in port, the service and the overall feel of the experience.

For us, it showed exactly why small ship cruising is becoming so popular.

It is more personal, more immersive and ultimately a more rewarding way to travel.

If you want to know more about Azamara – get in touch with us!