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17th Jul 2026 | 8 nights | Azamara | Azamara Onward
Why do we love this cruise holiday? For a summer escape around the Greek islands, the appeal lies in how neatly everything falls into place. Time ashore is generous, with no days at sea and an overnight in Thessaloniki that allows the city to reveal itself after dark, all part of an in depth look at Greece. Azamara keeps things feeling civilised, with drinks and tips already taken care of, so the sums add up without any eyebrow raising later. A stay in Istanbul before sailing sets the tone, and return flights remove the usual travel puzzles. It is relaxed yet purposeful, sociable without fuss, and quietly good value. The kind of holiday where the planning feels as smooth as the Aegean in summer.
What's included?
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
Luxury Greece Unveiled | An Immersive Island Escape Into History
23rd Jul 26 | 10 nights
Azamara | Azamara Onward
from £3199.00
View Package
Immersive Greek Island Elegance & Coastal Charm
6th Jul 26 | 12 nights
Azamara | Azamara Onward
from £3299.00
View Package
Luxury Italy, France & Spain With Monte Carlo, Marseille & Florence
12th Aug 26 | 10 nights
Azamara | Azamara Onward
from £2149.00
View PackageToday your holiday begins with an outbound flight to Istanbul.
Check-in to your 4* hotel for a 1-night stay before your cruise tomorrow.
The town owes its importance to its strategic position at the narrows of the Dardanelles. Canakkale means Pottery Castle, named after the ceramics industry which formerly flourished here. Most of the buildings here have been re-built since the earthquake of 1912 and the few places of interest are within easy reach of the dock. It is about a 10 minute walk into town but you will need a taxi to reach the Archaelogical Museum. Crossing the strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula you can spend a full or half day exploring the beaches, memorials and cemetries that remind us of the horrors of the ill-fated First World War campaign that began in 1915. From Canakkale you can also visit nearby Troy, see the legendary Wooden Horse replica and imagine the great battles that took place there in 120OBC.
Thessaloniki might be the most important Greek city that you've never heard of. The capital of the Central Macedonia region, close to the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki (also referred to Salonika by locals) is the second-largest city in Greece. Like most of Greece, Thessaloniki can trace its roots to ancient times; St. Paul preached there in 50 AD. A bus trip takes you to the foot of Mount Olympus, where you'll explore ruins of crumbling temples to Zeus and Athena. Examples of the Byzantine era are everywhere -- including recently discovered royal tombs in Vergina. Aristotle grew up not far away. Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the holiest modern religious sites in the entire country, and while it is only open to men with written permissions, some cruise line excursions and ferries will circle its scenic and sacred shores for everyone to view its monasteries. The site is about 95 miles from Thessaloniki. But steps from where your ship will dock is a modern metropolis, with hip bars and cafes crowding the waterfront. An iconic piece of history is just a brisk 30-minute walk away, down the promenade, as you close in on the 500-year-old White Tower -- former Byzantine fort and now a monument and museum -- which is visible from the cruise terminal. Language Greek is the primary language, but Thessaloniki is a large city, so most people also speak English. Efcharisto (eff-car-ee-stow) means "thank you." Currency & Best Way to Get Money Greece is on the euro. ATMs are located all around the city.
Thessaloniki might be the most important Greek city that you've never heard of. The capital of the Central Macedonia region, close to the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki (also referred to Salonika by locals) is the second-largest city in Greece. Like most of Greece, Thessaloniki can trace its roots to ancient times; St. Paul preached there in 50 AD. A bus trip takes you to the foot of Mount Olympus, where you'll explore ruins of crumbling temples to Zeus and Athena. Examples of the Byzantine era are everywhere -- including recently discovered royal tombs in Vergina. Aristotle grew up not far away. Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the holiest modern religious sites in the entire country, and while it is only open to men with written permissions, some cruise line excursions and ferries will circle its scenic and sacred shores for everyone to view its monasteries. The site is about 95 miles from Thessaloniki. But steps from where your ship will dock is a modern metropolis, with hip bars and cafes crowding the waterfront. An iconic piece of history is just a brisk 30-minute walk away, down the promenade, as you close in on the 500-year-old White Tower -- former Byzantine fort and now a monument and museum -- which is visible from the cruise terminal. Language Greek is the primary language, but Thessaloniki is a large city, so most people also speak English. Efcharisto (eff-car-ee-stow) means "thank you." Currency & Best Way to Get Money Greece is on the euro. ATMs are located all around the city.
Overlooked by mountains and medieval fortresses, Nafplion was once capital of Greece. Today you'll find the charming streets and neoclassical buildings of the Old Town, Bourtzi Fortress, built on a rocky island in the harbour, and dramatic views of the Argolic Gulf from Palamidi Fortress.
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.
This morning your holiday comes to an end as you disembark the ship. At the scheduled time take your return flight to the UK.
Azamara Onward joined destination-focused cruise line Azamara in March 2021. The ship was purchased from Carnival Corp. -- having sailed for Princess Cruises as Pacific Princess since 2002 -- and underwent extensive refurbishment work before entering service in May 2022. Constructed in 1999, Azamara Onward began life as R Three, part of the defunct Renaissance Cruises R-Class ships, along with Azamara Journey (formerly R Six), Azamara Quest (formerly R Seven), and Azamara Pursuit (R Eight).
Azamara Onward Deck Plans
The reimagined 670-passenger Azamara Onward bears the same blueprint and deck plans as fleetmates Journey, Quest and Pursuit, and has the same layout and upmarket feel onboard. Accommodation on Azamara Onward features inside, outside, balcony and suite-class cabins, starting at 143 square feet. There are two categories of balcony cabins: Club Balcony and Club Balcony Plus. Both measure 175 square feet, plus a 40-square-foot balcony. There are four categories of suites, and the entry-level Club Continent Suites measure 266 square feet with a 60-square-foot balcony. Club Spa Suites, located by the spa, measure 414 square feet with a balcony measuring 60 square feet, and the Club Ocean Suites measure 478 square feet with a balcony measuring 173 square feet. The largest cabins are the Club World Owner's Suites, which measure 603 square feet with a 233-square-foot balcony and feature separate living and bedroom areas.
Azamara Onward's seven dining venues include Discoveries Restaurant, the ship's main dining room which offers flexible dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner, with no assigned seating. It is also the place for the line’s Destination Immersion dinner buffet featuring local flavours from the ship’s ports of call. Other eateries include the Windows Cafe casual buffet and The Patio, a casual pool grill option by day and the Swirl Top candlelit alfresco restaurant serving Destination Immersion menus in the evening. The two speciality restaurants are Aqualina, serving a six-course Italian menu, and the steak and seafood restaurant Prime C. There is also 24-hour room service. Public areas include five bars and lounges, the Drawing Room Library and Cabaret Lounge. Azamara's signature White Nights party, with canapes, drinks and a live DJ on the pool deck, will also take place on voyages of seven days or more.
Azamara Onward Excursion Program
As with the rest of the fleet, guests can expect a focus on the destination, with excursions and activities that go way beyond standard city tours. Azamara Onward features overnight stays and docks at smaller, less-travelled ports. The excursion program is curated with independent, local tour operators and features experiences such as making mozzarella cheese by hand at the home of an Italian family and visiting food markets frequented by locals with the ship's executive chef. Back onboard, Azamara Onward will also showcase AzAmazing Evenings focused on destinations the ship visits.
Azamara Onward's Maiden Voyage & Itineraries
Azamara Onward entered service in May 2022. Azamara Onward 2022 itineraries will focus on Europe, sailing in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean and Black Sea to destinations including Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Turkey and Africa.
Azamara Onward Specs
Azamara Onward is 30,277 gross tons and carries 670 passengers at double capacity, with 400 crew.
Azamara may have smaller ships that other cruise companies, but their entertainment and onboard activities live up to the standards of the mega cruise ships on the oceans of today.
Discover Broadway-styled shows, musicals and performances as you sit back and enjoy with your favourite cocktail in hand. Their wonderful performance schedule will keep you entertainment throughout your cruise. Don't forget their special performances and shows such as comedy, magicians and unique instrumentalists. If you want something a little more relaxing, there are plenty of choices available around the ship in their many bars and socialising areas.
If you want to treat your mind, body and soul to some special treatment, the onboard spa and fitness centre is the perfect place to visit on your voyage. Treat yourself to a luxury treatment or massage at the Sanctum Spa or why not experience a memorable moment as you enjoy an ocean front massage, manicure or acupuncture treatment with stunning views.
If keeping active on your holiday is important to you, then you will find all you need at the well-equipped onboard gym and fitness centre. Go solo with professional gym equipment or why not join in one of their fitness classes such as Pilates, cycling, yoga or nutrition talks. If you want to push boundaries then you can take advantage of the personal training plans available from the resident fitness instructor.
Azamara brings to all guests remarkable experiences and memorable moments with their creative destinations and itineraries. They also serve mouth-watering, freshly made cuisine inspired by the destinations on your holiday.
There is a restaurant for every mood and occasion. From their Steakhouse (Prime C) to their Italian inspired restaurant (Aqualina), they offer delicious food at every meal. If you are looking for a casual dining experience, they have a number of cafes and grills to indulge in the wide variety of mouth-watering food available.
Walking into the staterooms and suites onboard Azamara Onward, you will be welcomed by the contemporary polished style and stellar service of your own retreat at sea. From the Club Staterooms to the Suite life, discovery the true luxury of each voyage and experience the memorable boutique at sea.
Baby boomers, older Gen Xers and foodies who prize destination immersion and experiences rather than things
Big-ship cruisers looking for lots of onboard activities and late-night parties
Azamara primarily attracts baby boomers who are active and well-travelled, and looking for port-intensive itineraries that include marquee cities and offbeat places. About 60 percent come from North America, 18 percent from the U.K., 11 percent from Australia and New Zealand, and the remainder from the rest of the world.
Yes and no. The dress code does prohibit bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits and shorts in the dining room or speciality restaurants, and jeans are not permitted anywhere after 6 p.m., but formal wear is never required. In general, most women wear sundresses and trouser and blouse outfits in the evening, while men will put on nice pants and collared shirts. In the casual Windows Cafe, cruisers can dress more casually even at dinner but are always required to wear shoes and a cover-up or shirt.
No, but the fare is semi-inclusive, with items like select standard spirits, international beers and wines, gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, speciality coffees and teas, self-service laundry, shuttle service to and from port communities (where available) and concierge services for personal guidance and reservations all included. All cruises, except transatlantic and transpacific sailings, also include one special evening shore excursion, referred to as an AzAmazing Evening, a private onshore experience that is specially arranged by the cruise line for its passengers. On top of all the standard inclusions, suite passengers also receive English butler service and free dining in speciality restaurants. Extra costs include speciality dining, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, spa treatments and retail store purchases.
Azamara's shoreside activities are the real attention-getters. Shore excursions are divided into different types (Taste Local, Bike Local, Meet Local) and often sell out. Many passengers take advantage of overnight excursion options to inland cities like Berlin, Madrid and Moscow or to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Bagan and Angkor Wat that require full days or longer. In the evening, passengers gather for shows, one of which is an at-sea version of New York supper club and cabaret, Feinstein's 54 Below with Broadway talent, along with local dancers and musicians from the destinations. Enrichment lectures with the World Wildlife Fund Guest Speaker Series are well attended, and foodies hit the culinary demonstrations and wine tastings. There are ship parties, like ABBA Night, dancing in the Living Room and occasionally karaoke, but destination immersion rules.
