Get ready for a seismic shift in the cruise industry – Azamara is not just upgrading; it’s redefining luxury at sea. But here’s where it gets controversial: is adding an entirely new penthouse deck to the Azamara Quest truly a game-changer, or just a bold gamble in an already competitive market? Let’s dive in.
Later this year, the Azamara Quest will unveil a brand-new penthouse deck, featuring 12 premium-priced staterooms, including two exclusive above-the-bridge suites with breathtaking panoramic views. This isn’t just a facelift—it’s part of the ambitious Azamara Forward refurbishment program, announced earlier this week, which promises a slew of enhancements. Think a new Chef’s Table restaurant, a fleet-wide rollout of the Atlas Bar concept, and a complete overhaul of existing staterooms, among other luxuries. Dondra Ritzenthaler, Azamara’s CEO, calls it ‘the introduction of a new era for our fleet.’ Bold words, but do they hold water?
And this is the part most people miss: The 2000-built Quest will undergo its transformation in a Greek drydock starting late October, reemerging in early December just in time for a December 18 holiday cruise. The ship will then set sail on its 2027 world cruise from San Francisco in January. The new penthouse deck, dubbed Deck 11, is a direct response to guest demand. ‘Our guests have told us they want to book suites, and they’re all sold out,’ Ritzenthaler explained. ‘That’s why we’re adding an entire deck dedicated to suites.’
The Chef’s Table, located on Deck 10, will host 18 guests nightly, except for one exclusive evening per cruise reserved for the ship’s top suite guests. Meanwhile, the Atlas Bar is getting a makeover, transitioning from a mere walk-through space to a destination bar where guests can finally use their beverage packages for specialty cocktails. A win for inclusivity, or a long-overdue fix? You decide.
Discoveries Restaurant is also in for a refresh, promising a brighter, more upbeat ambiance. The Cabaret Lounge isn’t being left behind either, with new seating, lighting, a revamped stage, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to support 10 new production shows. Even the staterooms are getting a glow-up, with new furniture, balcony upgrades, and a design described as a ‘calming, sophisticated sanctuary.’ Public restrooms and the spa are also on the refresh list, with a couples massage room set to debut.
Here’s the kicker: While the Onward will be the second ship to receive Azamara Forward upgrades, the Quest is the only vessel getting the additional deck—at least for now. ‘We don’t have a shipyard locked down yet for the Onward,’ Ritzenthaler admitted. Announced in January, the program has been in the works for five months, with Ritzenthaler emphasizing, ‘Our brand positioning isn’t changing. We love being upper premium, and our future cruise sales are higher than ever.’
But is this enough to stay ahead in the luxury cruise race? With the industry constantly evolving, Azamara’s bold moves are certainly turning heads. What do you think? Is the new penthouse deck a stroke of genius, or a risky bet? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
