I was recently invited aboard Azamara Quest for a three-night journey, experiencing the renowned France Intensive Voyage from Nice to Rome. Known for its luxurious small-ship cruises, Azamara offers an inclusive, intimate experience that truly sets it apart from the rest. After hearing countless glowing reviews, I was genuinely intrigued to find out for myself why Azamara has captured the hearts of so many travellers. With high expectations and an eager sense of adventure, I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the Azamara Quest voyage and discover what makes this cruise line so unforgettable.
Day 1 – Embarking Azamara Quest in Nice
Our adventure began early Tuesday morning as I set off from Bristol Airport. After a smooth flight, I landed in sun-drenched Nice, hopped on a tram, and within 40 minutes I was standing at Port Lympia, where I caught my first glimpse of the beautiful Azamara Quest gleaming in the distance — a thrilling moment that set the tone for what was to come.
Boarding the ship, I was welcomed with genuine warmth and open arms. I instantly felt at home, even though I’d just stepped aboard. The hospitality was second to none.
The ship itself was stunning — tastefully elegant yet delightfully intimate. With just 700 guests onboard and an incredible 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio, it never felt crowded. In fact, the whole vibe was so relaxed and personal, it felt more like joining a close-knit yachting community than a traditional cruise.
I was particularly impressed by the thoughtful range of spaces on board. Whether it was the serene spa, sparkling pool, or state-of-the-art fitness centre, there were endless opportunities to relax and recharge. The ship’s many bars, lounges, and dining venues each had their own distinctive charm — every corner was a discovery.
My ocean-view stateroom was lovely, offering ample space and a stunning view over the sea. The crew kept everything immaculate, constantly replenishing the complimentary water, amenities, and toiletries. It felt fresh and luxurious every time I stepped inside.
That evening, I dined at Discoveries Restaurant, where the menu reflected the local port with regional cuisine that changes as the ship travels. For example, I had a classic crème brûlée and a French pastry — yes, two desserts! It was such a fantastic way to connect with the culture — through food (always my favourite!).
After dinner, I met up with friends for the AzAmazing event — a cultural show hosted on board. Each event is exclusive to every itinerary, and during mine there were jaw-dropping acrobats and incredible balancing acts. (Sometimes these events are even held ashore for an added level of immersion — such a unique idea!) Afterwards, we headed to the Living Room bar, where karaoke and a live band kept the vibe going late into the night.
It was an unforgettable first day aboard Azamara Quest — and knowing it was just the beginning made it all the more exciting.
Day 2 – Exploring Nice
The next morning began with the Seminar at Sea, hosted by Peter and Stuart from Azamara. We got a deep dive into what makes the Azamara brand so special — from its destination-focused itineraries and overnight stays to the unique advantages of booking with them. We even got some thoughtful goodies, which were very much appreciated!
With the rest of the day free before sailing to Ajaccio, I ventured back into Nice to soak up the city’s vibrant energy. Thanks to the ship’s close proximity to the city centre (just a 20-minute walk from the dock to the iconic “I Love Nice” sign), it was incredibly easy to explore. I wandered charming streets, admired the sweeping seafront views, and basked in the warm Mediterranean sunshine — bliss!
Back on board by 6 PM, I dined at Aqualina, one of Azamara’s specialty restaurants. The menu was exquisite — I sampled everything from a creamy seafood pasta to a perfectly cooked bone-in fish dish. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the ship began to sail out of port mid-dinner, giving us a sunset view for the ages.
The night wrapped up with Creweoke — a karaoke night starring the ship’s own crew! The energy in the lounge was electric, with everyone laughing, cheering, and singing along. It was one of those evenings that makes you fall in love with cruising all over again.
Day 3 – Ajaccio, Corsica
We arrived in Ajaccio to a picture-perfect morning: blue skies, sunshine, and 19°C. I started the day with a leisurely breakfast at the Windows Café, enjoying every bite with panoramic views of Port Tino Rossi.
Then it was off on a mountainside excursion into Corsica’s scenic heart. A short bus ride brought us to a picturesque hilltop setting, where we were greeted with local delicacies — salami, ham, and cheeses made from goat’s and sheep’s milk (cows are a rare find on the island!). Paired with local wine and jaw-dropping views, it was an authentic slice of Corsican life.
On our way back, we strolled through Ajaccio’s town centre, soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere and catching a final look at Azamara Quest, shimmering against the waterfront backdrop.
That afternoon, I relaxed by the pool, soaking up the sunshine with a cold beer and some tasty poolside bites. The atmosphere was pure holiday happiness.
Our final evening was another knockout. Back at Discoveries Restaurant, we were treated to a Thai-themed menu (menus change nightly, which I loved). Every dish burst with flavour — I mixed and matched from the Thai options and the main menu, and everything was absolutely delicious. The service, as always, was flawless.
To close out the trip, we enjoyed a fantastic live singer in one of the onboard venues. The rest of the night was spent dancing, toasting, and reminiscing about all the incredible memories made aboard.
Final Thoughts about Azamara Quest
My time aboard Azamara Quest was nothing short of magical. From the personalised service and world-class dining to the unique shore excursions and onboard entertainment, every moment was thoughtfully curated and beautifully delivered. It was the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and connection — exactly what makes small-ship cruising with Azamara so special.
Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.
Written by Luke, Graphic Designer
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