Azamara Quest is getting refurbished before its Aussies sailings – including an exclusive new deck

• Azamara’s new Azamara Forward involves dry-dock refurbishments for their entire fleet.
• The first ship to get these upgrades will be Azamara Quest, just a couple of months before she sails in Australia.
• Updates will include new suites, redesigned restaurants, enhanced spa facilities and more.

Azamara Quest has been confirmed as the first Azamara ship to receive upgrades as part of the Azamara Forward program, which is Azamara’s plan to refurbish their entire fleet.

Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler said: “We feel like not only are we refurbishing our ships for all the existing spaces, but we are giving our guests something new as well.”

Azamara Quest being the first ship to get these new touches is particularly exciting as just few a months after getting the upgrades, she’ll be sailing through Australia. Sailings include a 15-day sailing from Auckland to Sydney, and a 19-day sailing from Sydney to Singapore, both happening next in February 2027.

This will mean Aussies will get to be some of the first passengers to try out the newly touched up ship, with the first post dry-dock sailing on December 18, 2026.

The ship was built in the year 2000, so this refresh will aim to bring it back towards feeling like a new ship. It’s a continuing trend in the cruise world to renovate and refurbish older ships, rather than simply focusing on new builds.

Azamara is a line which has been stepping up its presence in Australia, bringing a strong offering of a small ship experience with diverse itinerary options and great inclusions. However, if you book in advance or keep an eye out, you can also find great deals on Azamara cruises, sometimes in the range of about $350 to $450 per night per person.

What changes to expect onboard?

• More than anything, you should just expect a refreshed, new and sharp feeling across the ship, with things like curtains, carpets, bedding, furniture and more being re-thought and replaced.
• There will also be a series of technical upgrades, such as better sound in music lounges, sound-proofing for cabins, floating floors and more.
• There will be a new ‘Penthouse Deck’ on Azamara Quest, which will be a brand new deck on the ship and will include two new suite categories. These will be Panorama Suites and Grandview suites. This will be exclusive to Azamara Quest.
• Every single stateroom on the ship will be upgraded.
• There will be several new dining updates, including a Chef’s Table venue, the Atlas Bar and a reimagined Discoveries Restaurant.
• More details will be revealed as the process moves forward.