Azamara Cruises Details $80 Million Fleet Transformation and Azamara Onward 2027 Dry Dock Plans

Azamara Cruises is giving its ships a major makeover through a new program called Azamara Forward. The biggest news is a massive renovation for the Azamara Onward, which is scheduled for a two-week dry dock in early November 2027.

This two-week transformation is designed to elevate the onboard atmosphere, blending modern luxury with the intimate, destination-focused service that has become the brand’s hallmark. When the ship emerges on November 25, 2027, guests will be greeted by a reimagined experience, including a transformation of the ship’s nightlife venues and a completely “recrafted” Atlas Bar.

Culinary enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to, as the renovation introduces a newly dedicated Chef’s Table and a reimagined Discoveries Restaurant. The ship’s entertainment hub, The Cabaret Lounge, will also undergo a full-scale transformation to better host the line’s signature performances. Beyond the public spaces, the ship’s staterooms and suites will receive a comprehensive refresh, ensuring that the “Italy Intensive” inaugural voyage from Athens to Rome feels like a true debut. Following its Mediterranean return, Azamara Onward will cross the Atlantic to bring these new upgrades to the sun-drenched itineraries of the Caribbean.

While the Onward prepares for its future makeover, the Azamara Quest is taking a more personal approach to its own upcoming enhancements. The cruise line has launched a global contest titled “A Suite Story,” inviting its community of loyal travelers to help name 12 brand-new suites. Instead of traditional naming conventions, Azamara is asking guests to share short stories and photos inspired by meaningful destinations they’ve visited during their sailings. This initiative aims to weave the personal connections and memories of its passengers directly into the fabric of the ship.

The stakes for the contest are as high as the seas, with the grand prize winner earning a coveted spot on the Azamara Quest’s exclusive one-night preview sailing from Miami on December 17. Participants have until April 19 to submit their entries, with the final suite names and winners set to be revealed on May 8. As CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler noted, the goal is to celebrate the places and experiences that stay with travelers long after they disembark, ensuring that the new suites serve as a tribute to the global community that defines the Azamara experience.