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4th Dec 2026 | 8 nights | Azamara | Azamara Onward
Why do we love this cruise holiday? A night in Rome sets the scene for a relaxed Mediterranean escape, with time to enjoy the Italian capital before transferring to Civitavecchia to begin your cruise. From there, the journey heads south to Salerno, where an overnight stay gives you more time to soak up the atmosphere and perhaps explore a little further afield. Siracusa and Katakolon bring two very different sides of the Mediterranean, from Sicily’s historic charm to the ancient treasures of Greece, while a leisurely day at sea offers time to simply enjoy the journey. The cruise ends with another overnight stay in Athens, giving you a little longer to experience this captivating city before heading home.
What's included?
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 6 point charter:
Christmas markets in Rome with a Med Cruise
20th Dec 26 | 9 nights
Azamara | Azamara Onward
from £2149.00
View PackageStart your journey today with a flight to Italy.
Stay overnight to avoid the rush to the ship, we have arranged a lovely 4* in the centre of town.
As this transfer is a bit longer, we have pre-arranged a private car for you to the port.
The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is
today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and
inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a
21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn
you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back
for more.
One of our favorite things to do there is walk and ogle. On a recent
visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter's
Basilica -- with its jaw-dropping art, statuary, and religious
significance -- to Via del Corso, where our quest for the latest Italian
fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman
shoppers. The next day, we went on an ancient history quest past ruins
and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode)
to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Walking on, we were
awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a
great hangout spot.
First-time visitors, many envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be
surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the
Tiber River running through the city. (Cleopatra famously made her grand
entrance from the river.) And the senses may be shocked by the general
energy, hustle and bustle. With cars, taxis and scooters roaring here
and there, crossing the street can be a challenge. (Don't worry; there
are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from
it all and unwind.)
The food is, of course, wonderful -- we can't eat enough pasta -- and
the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such
a quest in Rome, we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut
flavor) or coffee breaks. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci,
Armani and more. (High style can be found in more affordable brands
like Furla, as well.) What could be better than that?
No question, Rome has one of the world's most important collections of
once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the
Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and on and on
and on. And for those historic monuments alone, the city is worth a
visit.
But if you're on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the
day, you won't see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact, or
book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware
the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city.
(There is decent train service.) If you're beginning or ending your
cruise there, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the
Eternal City; it's likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to
drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you'll come back
again.
Syracuse is a historic city in Sicily, the capital of the province of Syracuse. The city is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace of the preeminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes.
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.
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.
Please take your scheduled flight back to the UK today.
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.
Guarantee Club Inside Stateroom
Guarantee Club Oceanview Stateroom
Guarantee Club Balcony Stateroom
Guarantee Suite
