Royal Caribbean
This small ship is reminiscent of an elegant country club
The Ship. Azamara Quest was originally one of a series of eight almost identical ships in the long-defunct Renaissance Cruises fleet (when it was in operation, between 1998 and 2001, it was the cruise industry’s only totally no-smoking cruise line). In 2007 it joined Azamara Cruises (renamed Azamara Club Cruises in 2009), and underwent an almost $20 million make-over. The hull is deep blue, while the superstructure is white.
An outdoors lido deck has a swimming pool flanked by two hot tubs and good sunbathing space with wooden sunloungers; one of the aft decks has a thalassotherapy pool. The exterior decks are covered by a rubber and sand-like surface. The uppermost outdoors deck includes a golf driving net and shuffleboard court. The interior decor is elegant, in the style of ocean liner decor of the 1920s.
Standard drinks and wines are included (premium brands cost extra). In 2016, the ship underwent a major refurbishment program that refreshed all accommodation and public areas, with lighter decor that has brightened the interiors.
Accommodation. There are several suite and cabin price grades. The price reflects the size and location of your chosen accommodation. All have so-called butler service, although they are simply better-dressed cabin stewards. The standard interior and outside-view cabins (the lowest four grades) are extremely compact units. Azamara Quest calls them staterooms, but they are simply cabins – and rather tight for two persons, particularly for cruises longer than seven days. The bathrooms are postage-stamp-sized, and you’ll be fighting with the shower curtain and frustrated by the limited storage space for toiletries. The standard cabins cannot, in any sense, be considered luxury, and even premium is stretching it a bit.
All cabins have two lower beds convertible to a (sleep-together) queen-sized bed, good under-bed storage areas, flat-screen TV, good closet space, thermostat-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, telephone and voicemail, and 100 percent cotton towels. Most cabins also have a personal safe, and refrigerator with minibar.
For the extra cost, it’s wise to choose a suite or cabin with a balcony. Some cabins have interconnecting doors while 18 cabins on Deck 6 have lifeboat-obstructed views.
Accommodation sizes are as follows:
Club ocean-view cabins with balcony. Approximate size: 215 sq ft (20 sq m); balcony 38 sq ft (3.5 sq m).
Club Deluxe Veranda cabins. Approximate size: 215 sq ft (20 sq m); balcony 154 sq ft (14 sq m).
Club Continent Suites and superior exterior-view cabins with veranda. Approximate size: 323 sq ft (30 sq m); balcony 57 sq ft (5.3 sq m).
Club Spa Suites. Approximate size: 414 sq ft (38.5 sq m). Veranda 60 sq ft (5.6 sq m).
Club Ocean Suites (Decks 6, 7). In reality these are large cabins, as the sleeping and lounge areas are not divided. Approximate size: 538 sq ft (50 sq m); balcony 173 sq ft (16 sq m).
Club World Owner’s Suites with balcony. These are fine, large living spaces in the forward-most and aft-most sections of the ship (much in demand are those overlooking the stern, on decks 6, 7, and 8). Approximate size: 603 sq ft (56 sq m); balcony 215 sq ft (20 sq m).
Suite-grade occupants get priority boarding, tender service, and other perks including free espressos/cappuccinos, bottled water, and silk-wrapped hangers. Note that suites/cabins located at the stern can suffer from vibration when the ship is at or close to full speed, or maneuvering in port.
Dining. Discoveries, the main dining room, has around 340 seats, a raised central section (conversation may be difficult, due to its low ceiling height), and open-seating dining. There are large ocean-view windows on three sides, some with prime tables overlooking the stern. The menu changes daily for lunch and dinner, and wine is included. Adjacent to the restaurant is a Martini Bar, with a cozy fireplace.
Aqualina Restaurant is at the aft of the ship on the port side of Deck 10; it has 96 seats, windows along two sides, and serves Mediterranean cuisine. A Tasting Menu includes wine.
Prime C is located at the aft of the ship on the starboard side of Deck 10, and features premium-quality steaks and grilled seafood items. It has 98 seats, windows along two sides, and a set menu.
Both Aqualina and Prime C incur a cover charge (free for occupants of top-grade suites).
Windows Café has indoor and outdoor seating (combined, for just over 150, not really enough when cruising in cold areas or in the winter months). It is open for breakfast, lunch, and casual dinners, and incorporates a small Sushi Café.
All dining venues have open-seating dining, although reservations are needed in the Aqualina Restaurant and Prime C, where there are mostly tables for four or six (there are few tables for two). Suite-grade occupants get unlimited access. All cappuccino and espresso coffees cost extra.
The Mosaic Café serves Italian coffees, as well as teas and pastries (no extra cost). Additionally, a Poolside Grill provides fast-food items (some items are grilled to order). A self-serve soft ice cream machine is located adjacent to its beverage station. Coffee and tea are free 24 hours a day.
Entertainment. Celebrity Cabaret, located forward, is the venue for all main entertainment events, which include a mix of classical concerts, revues, comedy, and drama.
Spa/Fitness. The Sanctum spa has a gymnasium with high-tech muscle-toning equipment, an extra-cost thalassotherapy pool (outside, forward on deck), and several treatment rooms. An ‘Acupuncture at Sea’ clinic provides treatments that are operated independently of the spa (but also as a concession).