Name: Canary Islands, Morocco & Spain Cruise: Gran Canaria, Casablanca & Malaga
Brand: Azamara
Rating: 4.5 (18 reviews)

Overview

From the moment Azamara Onward slips out of Athens, the stage is set for 17 unforgettable nights with Azamara in Mediterranean and Italy. The route takes in 3 ports including Alexandria, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca, with a new destination to discover at every turn. Life on board the Azamara Onward is as much a part of this holiday as the ports themselves - and Azamara ensures there's plenty to enjoy both on board and ashore. Available from £2,519 per person - a fantastic opportunity to explore Mediterranean and Italy aboard the Azamara Onward.

Azamara

Sold by Royal Caribbean Group in January 2021, Azamara is already expanding under its new owners, Sycamore Partners. The destination-focused line has brought forth a ship, Azamara Onward - the former Pacific Princess - which, like the rest of the fleet, is a Renaissance Cruises R-class. But regular customers needn't worry.

In fact, they'll notice little change under the new ownership, as many itineraries will continue to be based on single countries, with late nights and overnight stays in port. The signature AzAmazing evenings - exclusive shore-based cultural events - and optional pre or post-cruise land tours are also staying.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Athens

Athens, the cradle of democracy, where philosophers like Plato and Aristotle shaped the foundations of Western thought, offers more than just a stroll through ancient ruins. With a climate that boasts mild winters and warm, sunny summers, it's ideal for year-round exploration. The city offers an authentic glimpse into the Greek way of life, away from the typical tourist traps, with bustling local markets and traditional cafes hidden in plain sight among the city's modern hustle. Cruise lines such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean offer tailored excursions to iconic spots like the Acropolis, yet it's the lesser-known Philopappos Hill that provides breathtaking views of the entire cityscape, including a direct line of sight to the Parthenon, adding a unique layer to the visitor experience.

Day 2

At sea

Days 3-4

Alexandria

Alexandria, with its bustling Corniche and the iconic Library, serves as the perfect gateway to a mesmerizing blend of modern vibrancy and ancient charm. Imagine sipping mint tea in a quaint cafas you gaze out at the Mediterranean. The city's mild winters and warm, breezy summers offer a refreshing retreat for those in search of authenticity. Here, you'll laugh at the playful contradiction of hearing a donkey cart clop along a street lined with Wi-Fi-equipped coffee shops!

Day 5

At sea

Day 6

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Day 7

At sea

Day 8

Valletta

Perched majestically on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Valletta beckons with its timeless charm and centuries-old history. Home to the Knights of St. John, its streets whisper tales of valiant knights and grand sieges. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, creating an inviting atmosphere year-round. Unlike typical tourist traps, Valletta offers an authentic glimpse into Malta's soul, where locals mingle with visitors in bustling markets and quaint cafes. As the smallest capital in the EU, Valletta boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio's masterpieces.

Day 9

Catania

Welcome to Catania, where the ancient ruins whisper tales of a vibrant past. Set against the backdrop of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, Catania boasts a Mediterranean climate that bathes its streets in perpetual sunshine. This Sicilian gem offers a genuine slice of Italian life, free from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase Italy's true essence, from its lively markets brimming with local delicacies to its stunning Baroque architecture. As the sun sets, indulge in Catania's famed street food scene, where arancini and granita reign supreme, adding a flavorful twist to your Mediterranean adventure.

Day 10

Naples

Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.

Day 11

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.

Days 12-13

Livorno

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Mahón, Menorca

Day 16

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Days 17-18

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 1

Athens

Day 2

At sea

Days 3-4

Alexandria

Day 5

At sea

Day 6

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Day 7

At sea

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Days 12-13 Livorno

Livorno

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Mahón, Menorca

Day 16

Palma de Mallorca

Days 17-18

Barcelona

692

Passengers

375

Crew

1999

Launched

2022

Last refit

30277t

Tonnage

180m

Length

25m

Width

19kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Azamara Onward

Built to cross oceans, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations larger ships can’t access — this small ship cruising experience is unlike any other.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Excellent

We joined Azamara in Maritius and then travelled to Malfives, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and finished in Singapore. It was the first time we had been on an Azamara ship although I have done over 20+ cruises. We could not fault anything about the ship, the staff and amazing cruise director Eric Grey. We enjoyed ourselves so much we booked whilst onboard a back to back cruise to South America.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Embarkation nightmare

Overall the ports of call all very interesting,as the title suggests embarkation was pure farce,one line to drop bags 35-40 minutes and another to have carry-ons scanned again 35 40 minutes in the hot sun. Thank goodness it wasn't raining!People turning up before their designated time didn't help. Once on board we had to check in in the cabaret lounge, quite a slick operation. Aqualina was disappointing with my fish being well overcooked and my partners pasta was dried up with a crust around the edge, we sent them back and the second attempt was exactly the same, Service was rushed as if the kitchen wanted to finish the shift early.Not good for a paid for specialty restaurant. PrimeC was much the same extremely disappointing. The head chef was Indian soo at least Indian themed dishes had some flavour otherwise the food was pretty bland with left overs unimaginatively served at breakfast. The stateroom was typical Azamara compact ,the bathroom was tiny ,with the shower the same,tiny and with a curtain Our favourite spot was the Sunset bar with outside seating for all meals,heaven. The production shows were wonderful,the rest of the offerings we didn't bother with. As I said at the beginning the itinerary was great, but overall a disappointing cruise with inadequate seat in public areas. As with nearly all cruise lines the crew were faultless ,particularly Sanjeev and Milroy.

Azamara Azamara Journey

Reviews

Once again a near faultless cruise.

From check in at Athens to leaving the vessel at Citiavechia the cruise was really enjoyable and the staff so very helpful and willing to give a hand. Some ports were only accessible by Tender, but there was little delay getting off the ship, thanks to the small number of passengers! It would be difficult to pick out individuals for commendation because they were all so good. Looking forward to our future cruises with AZAMARA.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Style on a different level

This was our 4th Azamara cruise and we were not disappointed. From start to finish you are made to feel special. Their ships maybe of the older style and definitely no flumes or such like and really not ideal for children as there is nothing for them to do. If you enjoy good food and attentive service on a well run ship where you can do as little or as much as you want this cruise line is for you. They have lectures on the ports of call and their cruises are reknown for their port intensive experience, staying in port longer than some of its larger competitors. The icing on the cake for Azamara are the Azamazing evening where they will take you by bus to a venue which could be an opera, or local dancing of the country or to a typical village of the country you are visiting with food and drink. Also the other feature they do so well is the White night where tables are set around the pool and a buffet, served by the officers and music and dancing goes on into the night. All in all a cruise full of experience where you are treated as a person not a number.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Amazing Azamara

From start to finish great service from friendly efficient crew and staff. Great variety of entertainment on board and really special Azamasing evening of operatic singers in Rhodes castle, an inclusive trip for all passengers . As always wonderful choices of food in variety of venues. Azamara is smaller ship cruising at it's best.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Azamazing cruise

Our second Azamara cruise but not our last. The ship was a cool haven in what was a very hot August! The itinerary perhaps, would be better suited to cooler, less busier periods but was ok! Good great as usual, especially Prime C! Service really excellent too!

Azamara Azamara Onward

Reviews

Azamara Journey

What a fantastic all inclusive cruise experience we enjoyed. The attendant we had for our room ensured we were wel catered for with our media needs and the afternoon quizzes and food were real highlights for us. We enjoyed every moment on boats and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. We’re looking forward to sailing with you again!

Azamara Azamara Journey

Reviews

2024-02-09 19:29:43

Azamara was the most horrible experience we ever had our bathroom didn't work 6 days out of 12 day cruise Customer service from guest relation manager and from Hotel manager to maintenance Manager just useless with bunch of lies the working crew was good but when you need to go to bathroom we had to go to public bathroom on deck above that is unexpectable. We were promised that when we get home to USA the customer service will be able to provide some kind compensation and that was promise from Guest relation Manager that was lie plus their customer service is the worst we ever experience they will lied to you till you will give up. Highly don't recommend Azamara as cruise line their is the reason the company was sold by Royal Caribbean because the ships are our dated need to to be in scrapyard because it's been in service 20+ years and numerous owners. The main company Sycamore Group with business rating big F and that the way they are running Azamara cruises with big F

Azamara Azamara Pursuit