Azamara Quest

As one of only two ships in the Azamara Club Cruises fleet, the Azamara Quest - along with its sister, the Azamara Journey - is an up-market liner designed to provide the best in service, dining and comfort to all of its passengers.

The vessel was originally built in 2000 for Renaissance Cruises, as part of an order of eight identical vessels - its original name was R Seven. After the company went bust in 2001, the liner changed hands several times, before being purchased by Azamara in 2007.

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Founded in 2007, Azamara is a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises. It was established to provide a high-end alternative to cruises, something very different from the mainstream experience that most people think of when it comes to this sort of holiday.

This exclusive ship typically spends its time in Europe and Asia. During the summer months, it sets sail on tours of the Mediterranean, with popular ports of call including Athens, Corfu, Dubrovnik and Venice. In the winter, the vessel navigates the Suez Canal and then travels around India, Singapore, China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 777
Year entered service: 2000
Beam (ship width): 83.3 feet
Draught (ship depth): 19 feet
Length: 591.8 feet
Tonnage: 30,277
Crew: 306
Maximum speed: 18 knots
Number of passenger decks: 9
Number of lifts: 4
Number of swimming pools: 1
Number of cabins: 358

Food, cuisine and dining

The main dining room is called Discoveries. It has space for 340 people and there are no set dinner services, allowing guests the opportunity to choose to dine at whatever time suits their schedule.

The restaurant is elegantly decorated and is surrounded on three sides by windows, giving the room a sense of spaciousness. There's also a bandstand in the middle of the room, for live music during meal times.

If you'd prefer a more casual dining experience, then the Windows Cafe might be the right choice. This is a self-serve buffet, which offers three meals a day - although on port days, lunch is substituted for light snacks. Fast food items like burgers, fries and hot dogs can also be acquired from the Pool Grill.

There are two alternative restaurants, which charge extra. Prime C is a steakhouse that serves four-course dinners, including some truly decadent desserts. Aqualina offers a fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisine.

Room service is available 24 hours a day and includes a variety of sandwiches, salads and snacks. During meal times, you can also opt to have your complete meal delivered to your room.

On-board entertainment and activities

One popular aspect of cruising on the Quest is that passengers can enjoy longer calls in port, with many overnight stays during each voyage. This gives you the chance to see more of the cities you visit, and maybe even get a taste of the local nightlife.

Back on the ship, those seeking a bit of live music, dancing or even a bit of comedy, should head to the Cabaret Show Lounge. This is an intimate venue that also plays host to local acts on nights when the ship is in port, giving a better variety to the shows on offer.

Alternatively, there's a casino with various cards tables and slot machines, as well as some shops selling products like jewellery, branded souvenirs and clothing. The Looking Glass Lounge is the ideal spot for late-night dancing, while activities like quizzes, karaoke, arts and crafts workshops and wine tasting are offered throughout the day.

Spas and fitness facilities

The Quest is home to a world-class spa, sure to leave you feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated - and maybe even looking a few years younger!

Highly trained specialists are available to give you a massage, perform some aromatherapy or treat you to a facial. There's a relaxation room, steam room, sauna and whirlpools, while one-on-one consultations are also available to give you personalised advice on your health and wellbeing.

Exercise classes are hosted throughout the day and a favourite event is the sunset yoga. Alternatively, a state-of-the-art fitness centre is also available, with modern exercise equipment and a number of personal trainers who can help you reach your fitness goals.

Cabins

With just over 350 rooms, the Azamara Quest offers eight levels of accommodation, including three grades of suites. The largest cabins are the Penthouse Suites, which measure up to 603 square feet and have a separate living room and dining room area, as well as an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool.

Other room options include Royal Suites and Sky Suites, as well as Sunset Verandah cabins, Deluxe Ocean-view cabins and Ocean-view cabins.

Meanwhile, those seeking the best cruise deals may want to consider the standard interior cabins, which have no view, but offer excellent value for money. These rooms are significantly smaller - around 160 square feet - but are still comfortable and offer plenty of luxuries you'd generally expect from a fine hotel.

Passengers in all staterooms will receive full butler service throughout the voyage. They will provide assistance with luggage, making reservations at venues elsewhere on the ship. And since this is a luxury cruise ship, every room will be provided with a fruit basket, fresh flowers and bottled water every day.