Azamara

In May 2007, Royal Caribbean expanded its portfolio by launching Azamara Club Cruises, a luxury cruise line created as a subsidiary of Celebrity Cruises. From the start, Azamara positioned itself as a boutique-style operator in the luxury cruise market, offering exclusive perks and experiences tailored to upscale travelers. Known for its intimate ships and immersive itineraries, Azamara is often praised as one of the best values in luxury cruising.

Despite this premium image, crew feedback has sometimes contrasted with the glowing reviews from passengers, highlighting a disconnect between guest experience and onboard working conditions. The fleet, consisting of smaller ships, allows the company to access unique ports that are typically off-limits to larger vessels, giving it a niche appeal.

In 2015, Azamara’s vessels Journey and Quest were featured in the UKTV travel documentary Cruise Ship Adventures with Nigel Marven, showcasing the wildlife and ecosystems near various cruise destinations.

In January 2021, Royal Caribbean sold Azamara to Sycamore Partners, marking a shift in ownership while the brand continued its focus on destination-rich, culturally immersive voyages. After leaving the Royal Caribbean Group, the crew members rating for this company skyrocketed and it is now considered one of the best companies on the luxury market to work for.