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Azamara is known for its destination immersion, and this extends to the food, which often features local ingredients and regional specialties. The dining experience is sophisticated yet relaxed, with no fixed seating times or mandatory formal nights.

Complimentary Dining (Included)

You can easily enjoy a full cruise without spending an extra dime on food.

• Discoveries Restaurant: The main dining room offering open seating. It features a nightly menu that changes daily, often including Destination Immersion dishes inspired by the port of the day.
• Windows Café: The casual buffet option. It serves breakfast, lunch, and themed dinners (e.g., Indian, Italian, or Mexican). It also features a live station where chefs prepare fresh dishes using local market finds.
• The Patio: An upscale poolside grill by day that transforms into an al fresco, sit-down restaurant by night. It serves grilled specialties like steaks, lamb, and salmon in a casual outdoor setting.
• Mosaic Café: A cozy spot for specialty coffees (standard coffee/tea are free; premium lattes may cost extra depending on your beverage package) and complimentary snacks like finger sandwiches, pastries, and tapas.
• Swirl & Top: A self-serve frozen yogurt and ice cream station with a variety of toppings.
• Room Service: Complimentary 24-hour room service is available for all guests.

Specialty Dining (Additional Cost)

For a more intimate experience, Azamara offers two signature restaurants and an exclusive chef’s experience.

• Aqualina: Authentic Italian cuisine featuring handmade pastas and fresh seafood.
• Prime C: A classic wood-paneled steakhouse serving premium cuts of meat and seafood.
• Cost: Approximately $49.95 per person.
• Perk: Specialty dining is complimentary for suite guests for the duration of the cruise.
• Chef’s Table: A 6-course culinary journey paired with premium wines, hosted by a senior chef.
• Cost: Approximately $150 per person.

Dietary Needs

Azamara is highly accommodating for dietary restrictions:

• Standard Options: Menus clearly mark Vegan (vo), Vegetarian (v), and Gluten-Free (gf) options.
• Special Requests: For Kosher, low-sodium, or severe allergy requirements, you should notify them at least 40 to 80 days before sailing via the Special Requests form.

Dress Code

Azamara follows a Resort Casual philosophy.

• What to Wear: Think collared shirts, slacks, sundresses, or skirts.
• What to Avoid: In the main dining room and specialty restaurants, shorts, flip-flops, baseball caps, tank tops, and torn/distressed jeans are not permitted during dinner.
• White Night: Most sailings feature a White Night party. It’s highly recommended to pack an all-white outfit to join the festivities on the pool deck.

Like most major cruise lines, Azamara includes a Fuel Supplement clause in its terms and conditions. While Azamara is not currently charging a fuel surcharge for 2026 sailings, they reserve the right to do so if market conditions change.

The Right to Reimpose

Azamara’s contract explicitly states that they reserve the right to reinstate a fuel supplement for all guests (including those who have already paid in full) if the price of fuel reaches a certain threshold. Historically, this threshold is tied to the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fuel exceeding $65 to $70 per barrel, though the exact current internal benchmark is not always publicized.

Potential Costs

If a surcharge is implemented, it typically follows these industry-standard rates:

• Per Person: Approximately $9.00 to $12.00 USD per day.
• Cap per Stateroom: Usually, there is a maximum cap for the first two guests, and a lower rate (or no rate) for 3rd and 4th guests in a room.

Notification

If Azamara decides to exercise this right, they are required to notify guests and travel agents.

• If you have already paid in full: You may be invoiced for the additional amount, which must be paid before embarkation.
• If you have a pending balance: The surcharge will be added to your final invoice.

Azamara updated its payment and cancellation policies significantly for bookings made on or after December 18, 2024. If you are booking a cruise now, these new rules will apply.

Payment Schedule

• Deposit: Required at the time of booking to secure your stateroom.
• Standard Deposit: Generally, $550 to $1,100 depending on the stateroom category.
• 2026 Special: There is currently a promotion (for bookings made in April 2026) offering 50% reduced deposits.

Final Payment: For most sailings, final payment is now due 150 days prior to departure.

• Promotion Alert: Some April 2026 bookings qualify for an Extra 30 Days to Pay, moving the deadline to 120 days before sailing.

Cancellation Fees (For North America)

The closer you get to your sail date, the higher the penalty. Fees are calculated as a percentage of the total cruise fare.

Note on Government Taxes: Regardless of when you cancel, government taxes and fees are typically 100% refundable.

Refund Process

• Method of Payment: Refunds are always issued back to the original form of payment. If you paid by credit card, the refund will be credited to that same card.
• Travel Agents: If you booked through a travel professional, Azamara sends the refund to the agency, and the agency is responsible for passing it on to you. Be aware that some agencies charge their own separate cancellation fees.
• Grand Voyages: Cancellation policies for Grand Voyages (longer, multi-leg sailings) are stricter, often with higher non-refundable administrative fees (starting at $450–$650)

Change Policy

If you need to change your ship or sail date, Azamara generally treats this as a cancellation of the original booking followed by a new booking. This means you may still be subject to the cancellation fees listed above based on how close you are to the original sail date.

Travel Protection

Azamara offers a CruiseCare plan. If you cancel for a covered reason (like illness or injury), you get a 100% cash refund. If you cancel for a non-covered reason, they often provide a 75% Future Cruise Credit (FCC), though this depends on the specific plan active at the time of purchase.

Azamara maintains a very strict smoking policy to cater to its upscale, health-conscious clientele. In short, the ships are almost entirely smoke-free.

Designated Smoking Area

There is only one small designated smoking area on the entire ship:

• Location: Deck 9, Portside Forward (typically located near the Spa and the jogging track area on the Pool Deck).
• Signage: This area is clearly marked with signs and provided with ashtrays.
• Coverage: This is the only place onboard where you are permitted to smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

Strict Prohibitions

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the following areas:

• Staterooms and Suites: You cannot smoke inside your room.
• Verandas/Balconies: Unlike some other lines, Azamara does not allow smoking on private balconies. This is a common point of confusion, so it’s worth noting that fresh air on your balcony does not equate to a smoking zone.
• Public Venues: All restaurants, lounges, theaters, corridors, and elevators are smoke-free.
• The Casino: Unlike many larger cruise lines, Azamara does not allow smoking in the casino.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

The same rules apply to electronic cigarettes and vape.

• You may only use them in the designated smoking area on Deck 9.
• Vaping in your stateroom or on your veranda is considered a violation of the policy.

Penalties and Fines

Azamara takes this policy seriously for fire safety and guest comfort:

• Cleaning Fee: If you are found smoking in your stateroom or on your veranda, a $250 USD cleaning fee will be charged to your onboard account per violation.
• Disembarkation: Persistent violations of the smoking policy can result in being asked to leave the ship at the next port of call at your own expense, with no refund for the remaining cruise fare.

Land Tours

If you are part of an Azamara Cruisetour (land-based portion), the non-smoking policy typically extends to the motorcoaches and most hotels/venues used during the tour, unless the local tour operator specifically states otherwise.

Azamara’s primary travel protection plan is called CruiseCare (administered by Allianz or Aon, depending on your region). It is designed specifically for the logistics of cruising—covering things like missed ports or shipboard medical care that standard travel insurance might gloss over.

Core Insurance Benefits

If you cancel for a covered reason (such as illness, injury, or jury duty), you receive a 100% cash refund of your non-refundable prepaid trip costs.

• Trip Interruption: Up to 150% of the trip cost (to help you get home or rejoin the ship).
• Medical Expenses: Up to $75,000 for emergency medical/dental while onboard or ashore.
• Emergency Evacuation: Up to $1,000,000 for medical transport to a proper facility.
• Baggage: Up to $3,000 for lost or damaged bags and $600 for baggage delays.

The Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Perk

This is the standout feature of CruiseCare. If you decide to cancel for a reason not covered by the insurance policy (e.g., you simply changed your mind or your cat is lonely), Azamara provides a Cancellation Fee Waiver:

• Benefit: You receive 80% to 90% (depending on your specific plan version) of the non-refundable cancellation penalty in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
• Timeline: You must typically cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to use this waiver.
• Validity: The credit is usually valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Pre-Existing Conditions

To have pre-existing medical conditions covered under the insurance portion of the plan, you must:

• Purchase the protection plan on or before your final payment date.
• Be medically fit to travel at the time you purchase the plan.

Cost and Enrollment

• Price: The cost is generally tied to your total cruise fare (usually between 10% and 12% of the trip cost).
• When to Buy: You can add CruiseCare any time from your initial deposit up until 10 days before sailing, but earlier is better to lock in the pre-existing condition waiver.

Azamara prides itself on a worry-free luxury experience, which means their tipping policy is significantly more inclusive than most mainstream lines. Gratuities are already included in your cruise fare.

Here is the breakdown of how this works across different areas of the ship:

Standard Onboard Gratuities

• Who is covered: Your stateroom attendants, dining room waiters, and bar staff.
• The Policy: Unlike other lines that add a daily Service Charge (typically $18–$25) to your onboard account each night, Azamara builds this cost into the base price of your ticket.
• Expectation: Staff are trained not to expect additional tips, and you will never be pressured to provide them.

Specialty Dining and Beverages

• Specialty Restaurants: Even though there is a cover charge for restaurants like Prime C and Aqualina, the gratuity is included in that cover charge.
• Drinks: Standard spirits, beers, and wines are complimentary and include gratuities. If you purchase a premium drink or a specialty coffee that isn’t covered by your package, a 18% service charge is typically added automatically to that specific bill.

Spa and Salon Services

• Policy: Gratuities for spa treatments (massages, facials, etc.) are not included in your cruise fare.
• The Charge: An automatic 18% service charge will be added to your spa or salon bill at the time of service. You can add an additional amount if you wish, but it is not required.

Exceptional Service (Optional Tipping)

While not required, some guests still choose to recognize staff who go above and beyond:

• Discretionary Cash: You are welcome to give a small cash tip directly to a specific crew member (like a butler or a favorite bartender) at the end of the cruise.
• The Crew Fund: Many guests prefer to contribute to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Guest Relations desk. This money is used to fund parties, outings, and amenities for the entire crew, including those behind the scenes (engineers, laundry, cooks) whom you never meet.

Shore Excursions

• Policy: Gratuities for local guides and drivers on shore excursions are not included.
• Suggested Amounts: While entirely at your discretion, it is customary to tip local guides $5–$10 and drivers $2–$5 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.

Longer Stays & More Overnights
Explore destinations deeply with itineraries designed around immersive travel.
Small, Boutique Ships
Fewer guests, better service, and the ability to access smaller ports big ships can’t reach.
AzAmazing Evenings
Complimentary cultural events ashore, exclusive to Azamara.
Destination Immersion
Culturally rich shore excursions and local experiences.
Exceptional Service
Attentive staff, personalized care, and a warm, intimate onboard atmosphere.
Inclusive Amenities
Gratuities, select beverages, and shuttle transfers included on many sailings.
Global Itineraries
Unique routes across Europe, South America, Asia, and remote island destinations.
Refined Dining
Destination-inspired cuisine with a focus on quality and flavor.
Perfect for Adult Travelers
Peaceful ambiance ideal for sophisticated explorers.
Great Value
Boutique luxury cruising with competitive pricing at Top Cruise Deals.

What makes Azamara different from other cruise lines?
Azamara specializes in small-ship cruising with longer port stays, immersive cultural experiences, and boutique-style service.
Are gratuities included on Azamara?
Yes. Standard gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
Does Azamara have a formal dress code?
The dress code is resort casual with no formal nights.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, Wi-Fi packages are available for purchase; some suites include complimentary Wi-Fi.
Are children allowed on Azamara cruises?
Yes, but there are no kids’ programs, making it best suited for adult travelers.
What drinks are included?
Azamara includes select spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks, and specialty coffees. Premium beverage packages are available.
Does Azamara offer shore excursions?
Absolutely—Azamara offers guided tours, immersive cultural experiences, and optional AzAmazing Evenings.
Can I smoke on the ship?
Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.
Are specialty restaurants included?
Suite guests enjoy complimentary specialty dining; others may dine for a small surcharge.
What is the typical age group onboard?
Azamara primarily attracts adults 40+, couples, solo travelers, and culturally focused cruisers.