Azamara Cruises vs Celebrity Cruises

The core difference

Azamara and Celebrity share DNA. For fourteen years — from 2007 to 2021 — they were siblings within Royal Caribbean Group, and if you sailed either line during that era, you could transfer loyalty points seamlessly between the two. That relationship ended in March 2021 when Royal Caribbean Group sold Azamara to Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, for US$201 million in an all-cash transaction. The sale included Azamara’s three-ship fleet, the brand, and all associated intellectual property. Sycamore simultaneously acquired a fourth ship — the former Pacific Princess — which became Azamara Onward in 2022.

The split clarified what each line truly is. Under Royal Caribbean Group, Azamara always occupied an awkward position — too small and too expensive for the mainstream cruiser, yet not quite luxurious enough to compete with Silversea (also under the RCG umbrella). Free from that corporate tension, Azamara has doubled down on what makes it distinctive: destination immersion. The line now spends 51 per cent of its total port time during late-night or overnight stays. The four intimate ships — all 30,277 gross tonnes carrying fewer than 710 guests each — can dock in the heart of Seville, navigate narrow Mediterranean harbours, and access ports that larger vessels physically cannot reach. The included AzAmazing Evenings programme delivers complimentary shoreside cultural events — private concerts in historic venues, vineyard dinners, festivals in medieval squares — that are genuinely unlike anything else in the premium segment.

Celebrity, freed of an internal competitor that blurred its positioning, has leaned further into modern luxury at scale. The Edge-class programme — five ships delivered between 2018 and 2025, with a sixth under construction for 2028 — represents billions in capital investment. These are 130,000 to 141,000 gross tonne vessels carrying up to 3,260 guests, featuring the Magic Carpet (a cantilevered platform that moves between decks), Infinite Verandas, the three-storey Eden performance venue, and, on the newest Celebrity Xcel, The Bazaar — a multi-sensory space with rotating destination-inspired festivals. Celebrity’s fleet of 16 ships offers a breadth of itinerary choice, entertainment sophistication, and pricing flexibility that Azamara’s four-ship operation simply cannot match.

In my experience, the core question for clients considering these two lines is not about quality — both deliver premium cruising at a high standard. It is about philosophy. Azamara builds the voyage around the destination. Celebrity builds it around the ship. Both approaches work beautifully for the right traveller, and both fall flat for the wrong one. Understanding which philosophy resonates with you is the single most important step in making this choice.

What is actually included

The inclusions gap between Azamara and Celebrity is the comparison point that matters most and generates the most confusion — largely because Azamara bundles generously while Celebrity operates a tiered pricing model that requires careful arithmetic.

Azamara includes in every fare: select alcoholic beverages — standard spirits, international beers, and a rotating selection of wines by the glass (two red, two white, one rose, one sparkling) — available all day and all evening, not restricted to mealtimes. Gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff are fully included and never appear on your onboard account. Bottled water, soft drinks, speciality coffees, and teas are complimentary. One AzAmazing Evening per cruise — a complimentary shoreside cultural event — is provided on most voyages of nine or more nights, with an onboard version for seven and eight-night sailings. Shuttle bus services to and from port communities operate where available. Self-service laundry is unlimited and free. Concierge services, 24-hour room service, and fitness classes round out the standard inclusions.

Azamara does not include: premium or top-shelf spirits beyond the included selection; Wi-Fi (packages are available for purchase, with loyalty tier discounts); speciality dining surcharges at Prime C and Aqualina (US$49.95 per person each, waived for suite guests); spa treatments; shore excursions beyond the AzAmazing Evening and shuttle buses; and Sanctum Spa Terrace access for non-suite guests.

Celebrity’s base Cruise-Only fare includes: stateroom accommodation, main dining room meals, buffet dining, basic entertainment, pool and fitness centre access, and room service with a US$9.95 delivery fee plus 20 per cent gratuity per delivery. This is a stripped-back starting point.

Celebrity’s All Included fare adds: a Classic Beverage Package and basic Wi-Fi for approximately US$70–85 per person per day above the base fare. This is the package most travellers will consider, but it still excludes shore excursions, speciality dining surcharges (US$30–125+ per venue), thermal spa access (unless booked in AquaClass), and — critically — gratuities. In October 2023, Celebrity removed gratuities from the All Included package. They are now charged separately at US$18 per day for standard staterooms, US$19 per day for Concierge and AquaClass, and US$23 per day for suites.

Celebrity’s The Retreat (suite class) includes: Premium Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi, unlimited speciality dining at all venues, complimentary stocked minibar replenished daily, butler service, exclusive Luminae restaurant access, Retreat Lounge and Sundeck, and priority embarkation and disembarkation. This is Celebrity’s genuinely comprehensive tier, but it requires booking a suite.

The practical effect is significant. Azamara’s model is simpler and more transparent — you know your total spend before you board, and most essentials are covered. Celebrity’s Cruise-Only fare looks considerably cheaper at first glance, but once you add the beverage package, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, the gap narrows substantially. For a 7-night Mediterranean voyage, those additions alone can total approximately US$750–900 per person. At the veranda cabin level, I regularly find the like-for-like comparison leaves only a few hundred dollars separating the two lines — and Azamara still adds the AzAmazing Evening event and shuttle buses on top.

For Australian travellers budgeting in Australian dollars against USD-denominated fares — with the exchange rate hovering around 0.62–0.64 at the time of writing — Azamara’s all-inclusive pricing provides materially better budget certainty. You know the cost before departure. With Celebrity, the final onboard account can surprise.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines serve quality food, but the dining philosophies reflect the broader brand differences — Azamara offers intimacy and consistency across fewer venues, while Celebrity delivers variety, spectacle, and celebrity-chef partnerships across a far wider range.

Azamara’s dining is compact and refined. Each ship features six dining venues, four of which are included in the fare. Discoveries Restaurant — the main dining room — operates on open seating with no assigned tables or times. The menu changes nightly, featuring Mediterranean-inspired specialities alongside international dishes, served in an elegant but relaxed setting. Windows Cafe provides buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with rotating international stations. The Patio transforms from a casual poolside grill during the day to an al fresco sit-down restaurant in the evening, with tablecloths and candles complementing a menu of grilled specialities — bone-in strip loin, tournedos of lamb tenderloin, salmon with pink peppercorns. Mosaic Cafe serves artisanal coffees, teas, and pastries throughout the day at no extra charge.

Two speciality restaurants carry a US$49.95 per person surcharge: Prime C, a premium steakhouse featuring dry-aged beef and seafood; and Aqualina, an Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and Mediterranean specialities. Suite guests dine at both without surcharge. Club Veranda Plus guests receive one complimentary speciality dining evening for two per every seven nights. Azamara Onward also features the Atlas Bar, an exclusive cocktail venue with artisanal drinks and small plates.

A significant development is the upcoming Chef’s Table — a dedicated restaurant on Deck 10 debuting with the Azamara Forward refurbishment on Azamara Quest in late 2026. It will feature rotating themed menus, destination-focused guest chefs, Winemaker’s Dinners, and Market Dining Experiences where local market produce is translated into the evening menu.

Celebrity’s dining offers extraordinary variety. On Edge-class ships, the complimentary main dining experience is divided into four themed restaurants — Normandie (French bistro-inspired), Tuscan (Italian-influenced), Cosmopolitan (New American), and Cyprus (Mediterranean seafood) — each with unique ambience and regionally inspired dishes alongside the same core menu. Oceanview Cafe provides the buffet experience, and Mast Grill serves poolside. Cafe al Bacio is the social hub for speciality coffees and pastries. Blu is a complimentary health-conscious restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests — breakfast and dinner with fresh, lighter cuisine. Luminae at The Retreat is the exclusive suite-guest restaurant featuring menus designed by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.

Beyond these, Celebrity’s speciality dining carries meaningful surcharges: Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud (US$125 dinner, US$200 tasting menu on Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel); Fine Cut Steakhouse (approximately US$55); Eden Restaurant experiential dining (approximately US$75); Le Petit Chef immersive animated dining (approximately US$60); Raw on 5 sushi and raw bar (a la carte); and Rooftop Garden Grill. A 20 per cent gratuity is automatically added to all speciality dining bills. Edge-class ships can feature up to 29 food and beverage venues across the ship.

In my experience, Azamara’s dining is reliably good — the kitchen is cooking for fewer than 710 guests, and the intimacy shows. By mid-voyage, the maitre d’ knows your preferences, and the specialty restaurants feel like returning to a favourite neighbourhood restaurant. Celebrity’s dining peaks higher at the top end — Le Voyage and the Le Petit Chef experience are genuinely memorable occasions — but the surcharges add up quickly. A couple dining at two speciality restaurants on a 7-night Celebrity cruise will spend an additional US$200–400 before gratuities. On Azamara, suite guests dine at both speciality venues without surcharge, and the total number of dining options, while smaller, covers the bases well.

If you want a different culinary experience every night and are willing to pay for it, Celebrity wins on variety. If you prefer an unhurried, refined meal in a dining room small enough that the kitchen genuinely knows you, Azamara delivers that quality consistently.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison reveals fundamentally different philosophies — Azamara offers intimacy across a compact ship, while Celebrity offers an extraordinary range from budget interiors to palatial suites with a ship-within-a-ship concept.

Azamara’s stateroom range reflects the R-class design heritage. Club Interior staterooms provide approximately 158 square feet with twin beds convertible to queen, a flat-screen TV, and a three-door closet. Club Oceanview rooms, at approximately 143 square feet, are notably slightly smaller than interiors on some configurations but add a fixed picture window. Club Veranda rooms — the most popular category — offer approximately 175 square feet of interior space plus a 40 square foot private balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Club Veranda Plus adds enhanced inclusions: 120 free Wi-Fi minutes, complimentary laundry, one speciality dining evening for two per seven nights, and priority embarkation.

Azamara’s suite tiers offer genuine luxury within the boutique framework. Club Continent Suites provide approximately 266 square feet plus a 60 square foot veranda, with a separate sitting area, king-size bed, marble bathroom with soaking tub, and butler service. Club Spa Suites (approximately 474 square feet total) sit adjacent to the Sanctum Spa with spa-themed decor and a glass-enclosed spa bathtub. Club Ocean Suites (approximately 650–734 square feet total) feature separate living rooms and bedrooms with large private verandas. At the top, the Club World Owner’s Suite — just two per ship — offers approximately 793–836 square feet total with a spacious living room, separate master bedroom, marble bathroom, and the largest private veranda aboard.

From April 2026, enhanced suite inclusions take effect for World Owner’s, Ocean, and Spa Suites: unlimited premium alcohol including top-shelf spirits, unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on two devices per passenger, unlimited wash-and-fold laundry, the Acamar Experience Dinner (a chef-led culinary event), complimentary Thalassotherapy Pool access, priority embarkation, and complimentary speciality dining at all venues.

The Azamara Forward refurbishment, beginning with Quest in late 2026, introduces an entirely new Deck 11 on that ship: two Panorama Suites at 656 square feet with 270-degree views directly above the bridge, and ten Grandview Suites at 243 square feet with floor-to-ceiling windows and 60 square foot balconies. This represents the most significant accommodation upgrade in Azamara’s history.

Celebrity’s stateroom range is vastly wider. Non-suite options on Edge-class ships start with Interior cabins from 181 square feet, Oceanview from 170 square feet, and Veranda cabins from 150–228 square feet plus veranda space. The Infinite Veranda — Celebrity’s signature innovation — uses floor-to-ceiling glass that opens at the touch of a button to transform the cabin into an open-air space, though it is worth noting this is not a true outdoor balcony. Concierge Class (approximately 243 square feet) adds a dedicated concierge desk, priority dining, and enhanced amenities. AquaClass offers a spa-focused stateroom with complimentary Blu restaurant access, thermal suite access, yoga mats, and a personal spa concierge.

Celebrity’s The Retreat is where the comparison becomes most interesting. The ship-within-a-ship concept creates an exclusive enclave for suite guests with private facilities that Azamara’s smaller fleet cannot structurally replicate. The Retreat Sundeck offers an exclusive pool, hot tubs, and cabanas. The Retreat Lounge provides a private bar and concierge. Luminae is a private restaurant with Daniel Boulud-designed menus. All Retreat suites include butler service, Premium Beverage and Wi-Fi packages, unlimited speciality dining, and a complimentary stocked minibar.

Suite categories within The Retreat range from the Sky Suite (approximately 395–451 square feet total, entry-level) through Celebrity Suite (approximately 445–603 square feet), Royal Suite (approximately 610–882 square feet), and Penthouse Suite (approximately 1,488–2,530 square feet) to the Iconic Suite — 2,580 square feet with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a veranda hot tub, and just two per Edge-class ship.

The choice is revealing. Azamara’s suites offer you VIP status on a ship of fewer than 710 guests — the entire vessel feels intimate, and your butler genuinely knows your preferences. Celebrity’s Retreat offers something structurally different: a private world within a 3,000-guest ship, with dedicated facilities that create separation from the main vessel. Both approaches have real merit. If you want the whole ship to feel exclusive, Azamara delivers. If you want a luxurious private enclave with the scale and entertainment of a mega-ship available when you step outside, Celebrity’s Retreat is the more compelling proposition.

Pricing and value

Comparing headline fares between Azamara and Celebrity is misleading without accounting for inclusions. I walk clients through total-cost scenarios regularly, and the gap is almost always narrower than the sticker prices suggest.

Azamara’s directional pricing for a 7-night Mediterranean voyage (per person, double occupancy, at the time of writing): Club Interior from approximately US$250–340 per night; Club Veranda from approximately US$350–500 per night; Club Continent Suite from approximately US$500–850 per night. These fares include standard spirits, beers, wines by the glass, gratuities, AzAmazing Evening, shuttle buses, self-service laundry, speciality coffees, and room service.

Celebrity’s directional pricing for a comparable 7-night Mediterranean voyage on an Edge-class ship (per person, double occupancy): Interior from approximately US$150–220 per night; Balcony from approximately US$200–350 per night; The Retreat Sky Suite from approximately US$400–650 per night. These are base fares. To reach comparable inclusions:

Add the All Included package at approximately US$70–85 per person per day for basic drinks and Wi-Fi. Add gratuities at US$18–23 per day depending on cabin category. For a 7-night balcony sailing, those additions total approximately US$620–750 per person, bringing the adjusted balcony fare to approximately US$320–460 per night — much closer to Azamara’s veranda rate. Azamara still includes the AzAmazing Evening (valued at roughly US$100–200), shuttle buses, and a broader spirits selection than Celebrity’s Classic Beverage Package.

At the suite level, the comparison shifts. Celebrity’s Retreat package is exceptionally comprehensive — premium spirits, premium Wi-Fi, unlimited speciality dining, butler service, private facilities. Azamara’s enhanced suite inclusions from April 2026 bring it closer, but the Retreat’s private sundeck, lounge, and Luminae restaurant add structural value that Azamara cannot match with four 30,000 gross tonne ships.

For Australian travellers, two additional factors matter. First, the AUD-to-USD exchange rate means every dollar of sticker-price difference is amplified — a US$500 gap per person becomes approximately AU$800. Azamara’s bundled pricing provides better certainty for household budgeting. Second, Celebrity’s greater variety of cabin categories creates a wider price spectrum — if you are comfortable in an inside cabin without drinks or extras, Celebrity offers a genuinely lower entry point that Azamara simply does not have. Every Azamara cabin includes a comprehensive package of extras, which means even the entry-level fare reflects that value.

Promotional pricing can significantly alter the comparison. At the time of writing, Azamara is running a 30 per cent early booking bonus across all stateroom categories and a February Flash Sale with up to 15 per cent off select sailings. Celebrity regularly offers up to 75 per cent off the second guest, onboard credits of up to $600, and bundled package deals. The smartest approach is always to compare total cost for your specific sailing — including every extra you plan to use — rather than relying on headline per-diems.

Spa and wellness

Both lines provide quality spa facilities, but the scale, branding, and inclusion model differ meaningfully.

Azamara’s Sanctum Spa is operated by Steiner with Elemis products. Located on Deck 9 across all four ships, it features multiple treatment rooms offering massages (hot stone, deep tissue, Swedish), acupuncture, facials under the Facial Glow skincare programme, body sculpting treatments, and medispa services. Male and female changing rooms include showers and steam rooms, with a relaxation lounge area.

The Sanctum Spa Terrace is the outdoor wellness highlight — an exclusive spa deck with loungers, shaded daybeds, and a thalassotherapy pool with multiple massaging jets. Access is complimentary for suite guests. Non-suite guests may purchase access at US$24 per day, US$100 per person per cruise, or US$160 per couple per cruise. From April 2026, all World Owner’s, Ocean, and Spa Suite guests receive complimentary thalassotherapy pool access as part of the enhanced suite inclusions.

The fitness centre is compact but well-equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, free weights, machines, treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. Complimentary group classes include yoga on deck, Pilates, cycling, core workouts, and nutrition classes. The pool deck features one outdoor swimming pool flanked by two whirlpool hot tubs.

Celebrity’s spa is operated by Canyon Ranch — a well-established wellness brand with Canyon Ranch-trained fitness experts and therapists. On Edge-class ships, The Spa features the SEA Thermal Suite with eight distinct therapeutic spaces: a Turkish hammam with body polish service, simulated rain showers, Crystal Room, Salt Room, Infrared Sauna, and Float Room with zero-gravity loungers. This is a more extensive thermal facility than Azamara’s Sanctum Spa Terrace. However, it is complimentary only for AquaClass guests — all other guests pay for day passes. Solstice-class ships feature the Persian Garden with heated stone loungers and aromatic showers, also restricted to AquaClass or pass-holders.

Celebrity’s fitness centres are larger, with state-of-the-art equipment, a jogging track, and complimentary group classes including yoga, Pilates, cycling, and Mind/Body Connection sessions. Multiple pools — typically a main pool and an adults-only solarium — plus hot tubs and the Rooftop Garden provide more outdoor relaxation options than Azamara’s single pool deck.

The treatment menus are both extensive: Celebrity offers over 120 treatments including Canyon Ranch signature facials, Asian Touch and Reiki healing energy therapies, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and speciality tables. Azamara’s treatment range, while smaller, covers the core offerings well with Elemis products.

The key distinction is access. Azamara’s thalassotherapy pool is a modest additional cost for non-suite guests and free for suite guests. Celebrity’s more impressive SEA Thermal Suite is restricted to AquaClass guests or day-pass holders, which means standard balcony guests must budget extra or miss it entirely. For travellers who consider spa facilities a daily essential, the choice depends on whether you prefer Celebrity’s larger, more diverse facility at additional cost or Azamara’s more accessible pricing on a smaller but quality offering.

Entertainment and enrichment

This is where the two lines diverge most dramatically, and where the former sibling relationship becomes most apparent — Celebrity inherited the entertainment muscle of Royal Caribbean Group, while independent Azamara leaned into destination-focused programming.

Azamara’s entertainment philosophy is destination-first. The Cabaret Lounge — the main performance venue on each ship — hosts live music spanning jazz, acoustic sets, piano soloists, and small ensemble performances. Starting in 2026, Azamara is debuting 13 new original shows through an expanded partnership with RWS Global, featuring modern choreography and high-quality vocalists. These are intimate productions suited to a venue seating a few hundred guests — not Broadway-scale but polished and enjoyable.

The signature entertainment programme is the AzAmazing Evenings and the broader Destination Immersion Elevated initiative launched in May 2025 — Azamara’s most ambitious enrichment effort to date. Over 250 Destination Speakers (native to the regions visited) now sail fleet-wide, leading cultural talks and intimate experiences. Stories Under the Stars brings fireside-style poolside evenings with regional folklore, myths, and storytelling, served with themed desserts and spiked hot chocolate. Thirty-five new AzAmazing Evenings are planned for 2026 — the most in the programme’s history. These shoreside events — private performances in historic venues, cultural celebrations in temples, festivals in Mediterranean amphitheatres — effectively make the destination itself the entertainment.

The Living Room functions as a multi-purpose social space: cocktails with piano accompaniment, tapas and wines, destination speakers, art exhibitions, and afternoon tea. The atmosphere is conversational — you will find yourself talking to fellow guests and crew in a way that larger ships rarely facilitate. There is a small casino aboard, but the evening energy is quiet and sophisticated rather than nightclub-oriented. No formal nights — the resort casual dress code applies throughout.

Celebrity delivers entertainment at scale. The Theatre on Edge-class ships seats over 1,000 and hosts full Broadway-style productions with live orchestras, elaborate sets, and professional casts. Shows feature high-flying acrobatics, mind-bending visual effects, and choreography from London West End directors. Celebrity Xcel, the newest ship, debuted the line’s biggest entertainment lineup to date with immersive shows, expanded live music, interactive games, and dance parties. Eden on Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent is a three-storey glass-wrapped venue that transforms throughout the day — “chillful” mornings, “playful” afternoons, and “sinful” evenings with immersive performance elements blending dining, drinking, and spectacle. The Bazaar on Xcel replaces Eden with rotating destination-inspired festivals across three levels.

The Club is a dedicated nightclub space hosting themed nights — 80s Flashback, Silent Disco, Live Band Karaoke, Latin parties. Multiple bars feature live pianists, ensembles, and flair bartenders (the Martini Bar is a Celebrity institution). Resort Deck parties offer open-air evening events with live DJs and light shows. A Hot Glass Show on Solstice-class ships features live glass-blowing demonstrations by Corning Museum of Glass artists. A full casino operates nightly on every mainline ship.

The divide is genuine. If you want West End-calibre shows, late-night dancing, and a packed activity programme on sea days, Celebrity is the obvious choice. If you prefer your entertainment woven into the destination — private concerts in ancient theatres, sunset cocktails in a quiet lounge, and destination speakers who are genuine experts in the region you are sailing — Azamara delivers that experience brilliantly. I find the clients who love Azamara’s approach love it deeply, while those who want nightlife options will find the ships too quiet after 10 PM.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison illustrates two fundamentally different business models — and both have clear implications for the traveller.

Azamara operates four ships. All four are sister ships of the original R-class built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, for Renaissance Cruises between 1999 and 2001. They are also sister ships to Oceania’s Regatta, Nautica, and Insignia. Each displaces 30,277 gross tonnes, measures 181 metres in length, and carries approximately 694–704 guests with 390–410 crew — a crew-to-guest ratio of roughly 1:1.7. There are no new-build orders. Instead, Azamara is investing US$80 million in the Azamara Forward fleet-wide refurbishment programme, with Quest entering dry dock in late 2026 for a transformation that includes a new Deck 11 with Penthouse suites, a dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant, refreshed staterooms, and modernised public spaces. Journey, Pursuit, and Onward will follow through 2029.

The four-ship fleet naturally limits itinerary breadth, but Azamara compensates with depth. The line visits over 70 countries and 318 ports across six continents. The 2025–2026 season features 25 new ports, 33 Country-Intensive voyages, and 22 speciality voyages — tripled from six in prior seasons. Three Solar Eclipse cruises are scheduled for 2026. Alaska has expanded to 10 voyages with nine new Cruisetour land packages. The annual World Voyage — 155 nights, 36 countries — showcases the fleet’s global reach.

Celebrity operates 16 ocean ships across three classes spanning 24 years of construction. Five Edge-class ships (2018–2025, 130,818–141,420 gross tonnes, 2,918–3,260 guests) represent the flagship product. Five Solstice-class ships (2008–2012, 122,000–126,000 gross tonnes, approximately 2,852 guests) provide the fleet’s workhorse capacity. Four Millennium-class ships (2000–2002, 90,940 gross tonnes, 2,170–2,218 guests) are the oldest in the fleet. Celebrity Flora (2019, 100 guests) operates year-round Galapagos expeditions. A sixth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcite, is under construction for 2028 delivery. Celebrity is also building a river fleet — 20 ships planned by 2031, with the first two due in 2027 on European rivers.

Celebrity deploys ships across every major cruising region: up to nine ships in the Caribbean from Florida, seven ships in the Mediterranean for European summer, three ships in Alaska from Seattle and Vancouver, two ships in Australia/New Zealand (growing to four by 2027/28), two ships in Asia, and Flora year-round in the Galapagos. Northern Europe, South America, and Antarctica round out the global programme.

For Australian travellers, Celebrity’s greater fleet means more departure dates, more itinerary options, and more flexibility in booking. Azamara’s smaller fleet means fewer choices but a more distinctive product on each sailing. Both lines cover the Mediterranean, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand — but Celebrity offers the Galapagos (an extraordinary product aboard Flora) and broader Caribbean access that Azamara’s four ships cannot match with the same frequency.

Where each line excels

Azamara excels in:

• Destination immersion. Late-night and overnight port stays on 51 per cent of port time, access to boutique harbours, and the AzAmazing Evenings programme create a destination experience that Celebrity’s larger ships cannot replicate.
• All-inclusive simplicity. Drinks, gratuities, shuttle buses, and cultural events included in every fare — no mental arithmetic required, no surprising onboard account at the end.
• Intimate atmosphere. Fewer than 710 guests, a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.7, no children’s facilities, and a resort casual dress code throughout create a boutique, adults-oriented experience.
• Port access. The 30,277 gross tonne ships dock in city centres, navigate narrow channels, and visit off-the-beaten-path ports that 130,000+ gross tonne vessels cannot reach.
• Enrichment programming. Over 250 Destination Speakers native to the regions sailed, Stories Under the Stars, and 35 new AzAmazing Evenings for 2026 deliver culturally rich programming tied to every itinerary.
• Budget certainty. For Australians budgeting in AUD against USD fares, knowing the total cost upfront provides genuine peace of mind.

Celebrity excels in:

• Ship design innovation. The Edge-class vessels are genuinely groundbreaking — the Magic Carpet, Infinite Verandas, Eden, and The Bazaar have no equivalents in Azamara’s fleet.
• Dining variety. Up to 29 food and beverage venues on Edge-class ships, Daniel Boulud’s menus at Luminae and Le Voyage, the immersive Le Petit Chef experience, and AquaClass-exclusive Blu restaurant offer a culinary breadth Azamara cannot match.
• The Retreat suite experience. Butler service, private sundeck, Retreat Lounge, Luminae restaurant, and Premium Beverage and Wi-Fi packages create a ship-within-a-ship that delivers luxury-line value at premium pricing.
• Entertainment and nightlife. Broadway-style theatre productions, Eden’s immersive performances, The Club nightclub, casino gaming, and themed deck parties provide a lively evening atmosphere.
• Loyalty programme reach. Captain’s Club status transfers across Royal Caribbean International and Silversea via the Points Choice programme — a significant advantage for frequent cruisers.
• Flexible pricing. Inside cabins from approximately US$150 per night provide a genuinely lower entry point for travellers who do not need inclusions.
• The Galapagos. Celebrity Flora is a purpose-built, all-suites, all-inclusive expedition vessel that is one of the finest small ships in the world.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Azamara

Australia and New Zealand — Melbourne to Auckland (Azamara Onward, 16 nights, January departure). A comprehensive survey of both countries on a ship small enough to access New Zealand’s most scenic ports. Milford Sound, Fiordland, and various New Zealand harbours feature prominently. No international flight required from Melbourne.

Australia and Indonesia — Sydney to Singapore (Azamara Pursuit, 22 nights, February departure). A fly-home option that combines Australian coastal calls with Indonesian ports before finishing in Singapore — one of the easiest cities in the world to fly home to Australia from. The extended voyage length means lower per-night costs and more time for the destination-immersion philosophy to deliver.

Japan Cherry Blossom Season (Azamara Pursuit, spring sailing). Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo, and Kobe during cherry blossom season. Azamara’s small ship size allows access to Japanese ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach, and the late-night stays let you experience Japan’s evening culture. Fly-cruise from Sydney via Tokyo or Osaka.

Africa Circumnavigation (various Azamara ships, seasonal). South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion, and Tanzania — destinations that benefit enormously from Azamara’s extended port stays and smaller-ship access. Overnight stays in Cape Town add genuine value. Accessible from Australia via Johannesburg or Mauritius connections.

World Voyage 2026 (Azamara Onward, 155 nights, departing Miami, January). Thirty-six countries, 55 overnight and late-night port stays, 60 Extended Destination Days. The ultimate expression of Azamara’s destination-immersive philosophy. Australians can join for segments or the full circumnavigation.

Celebrity

110-Night Grand Voyage — Alaska to Asia (Celebrity Solstice, departing 13 September 2026). Fifty-five unique destinations across 15 countries and 65 days ashore, routing from Alaska through the Pacific to Australia/New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, finishing in Hong Kong. Overnights in Phuket, Halong Bay, and Auckland. No repeated ports.

13-Night New Zealand Holiday Cruise (Celebrity Edge, roundtrip Sydney, December). Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and seven New Zealand port stops on Celebrity’s flagship Australian-deployed vessel. An Edge-class ship through the fjords combines innovative design with spectacular scenery.

9-Night Australia Wine Journey (Celebrity Edge or Solstice, from Sydney). Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, and Melbourne — a food-and-wine-focused coastal itinerary that plays to Celebrity’s culinary strengths. Overnight stays in Adelaide and Cairns on 2026/27 departures deepen the experience.

18/19-Night Tahitian Treasures (Celebrity Edge, Sydney or Auckland to Tahiti). South Pacific island-hopping on an Edge-class ship, with departures through 2026. A long sailing covering ground few premium ships reach from Australian homeports.

7-Night Galapagos Outer Loop (Celebrity Flora, 100 guests, roundtrip Baltra). All-inclusive — flights from Quito, hotel, guided excursions, meals, drinks, tips, snorkelling gear, wetsuits, and binoculars. Eleven naturalist guides aboard. Requires connecting flights from Australia via the United States to Quito, but the product is exceptional and unlike anything else in the premium segment.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Azamara

Any of the four ships will deliver a consistent experience — they are identical sister vessels at 30,277 gross tonnes each. Unlike Celebrity’s three-class fleet, there is no “ship lottery” with Azamara. However, some distinctions are worth noting:

Azamara Onward is the ship most frequently deployed to Australian waters and features the Atlas Bar, an artisanal cocktail venue found only on this ship. If you are sailing from Sydney, Onward is likely your vessel — and it is a fine introduction to the brand.

Azamara Pursuit also sails Australian waters and is the ship assigned to the expanded Alaska programme for 2026, with 10 voyages and new Cruisetour land packages. For the 2027/28 Australian season, Pursuit will remain through April 2028, adding new ports including Fraser Island and Gladstone.

Azamara Quest will be the most exciting ship in the fleet from late 2026 onward — it is first into the US$80 million Azamara Forward refurbishment, receiving a new Deck 11 with Panorama and Grandview Suites, the dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant, and comprehensively refreshed staterooms and public spaces. If you can time your first Azamara sailing for the refurbished Quest, you will experience the brand’s vision for its future.

Azamara Journey is the quietest ship in the fleet and, being the first of the R-class to join Azamara, has the longest history with the brand. Many repeat Azamara guests have a particular fondness for Journey.

Celebrity

Celebrity Edge is the best introduction to Celebrity for Australian travellers — it has sailed three consecutive Australian seasons from Sydney, the crew are experienced with Australian guest expectations, and the Magic Carpet, Infinite Verandas, and Eden deliver the full Edge-class design experience. Book Edge for Australian departures.

Celebrity Ascent (2023) and Celebrity Xcel (2025) represent the newest Edge-class ships. Xcel is the most ambitious, replacing Eden with The Bazaar and debuting the line’s biggest entertainment lineup. Neither currently deploys to Australia, but both are excellent choices for Mediterranean or Caribbean sailings.

Celebrity Solstice is the ship most Australian travellers will know — deployed alongside Edge for Australian seasons. At 122,000 gross tonnes, it is a more traditional Celebrity experience with the Lawn Club (real grass on deck) and Persian Garden spa. Pricing typically runs lower than Edge-class. Some long-time Celebrity loyalists actually prefer the Solstice aesthetic. A solid choice for a first Celebrity sailing at a more accessible price point.

Celebrity Flora is a completely different product: 100 guests in the Galapagos, all-suites, all-inclusive, 11 naturalist guides, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star recognition. If the Galapagos is on your list, Flora is among the finest ways to experience it.

Avoid booking Millennium-class ships (Millennium, Infinity, Summit, Constellation) as your first Celebrity experience. At 24-plus years old, they are significantly dated compared to Edge-class despite refurbishment. If you are comparing Celebrity to Azamara, sail an Edge-class ship for a fair comparison — the Millennium class does not represent the current Celebrity product at its best.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines have invested meaningfully in the Australian market, and the commitment is demonstrably growing.

Celebrity’s Australian presence is expanding rapidly. Celebrity Edge has sailed three consecutive seasons from Sydney, and the line has announced its largest-ever Australian deployment for 2027/28 — four ships. Seventeen sailings currently run each season from Sydney and Auckland, ranging from 4-night getaways to 14-night explorations, with seven dedicated to New Zealand. The 2026/27 season adds overnight stays in Adelaide and Cairns. Celebrity operates a dedicated Australian website pricing in AUD and maintains local sales, marketing, and customer service through Royal Caribbean Group’s Australian operations. The brand is bookable through major Australian travel agency networks.

Azamara’s Australian commitment has deepened since independence. The 2025 season marked the first time two Azamara ships — Onward and Pursuit — sailed Australian waters simultaneously, meeting in Sydney Harbour. The 2026 season features sailings from Sydney to Singapore (22 nights), Sydney to Hong Kong (21 nights), and Melbourne to Auckland (16 nights). For 2027/28, Azamara Pursuit will remain in Australian waters through April 2028, adding new ports including Fraser Island, Gladstone, and a two-night New Year’s Eve stay in Hobart. Pre- and post-cruise City Stay programmes are available in Sydney and Melbourne. Azamara does not maintain a dedicated Australian office but distributes through Australian travel agent partnerships and supports agent registrations through the Azamara Connect portal.

The loyalty programme split is a genuine consideration. Before the 2021 sale, Azamara Circle members enjoyed full reciprocity with Celebrity’s Captain’s Club and Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society — points and tier status transferred seamlessly across all three brands. That reciprocity ended completely in February 2023. Today, Azamara Circle is a fully independent five-tier programme, and Celebrity’s Captain’s Club operates within Royal Caribbean Group.

This matters for Australian travellers because of how cruising decisions cascade. Celebrity’s Captain’s Club status transfers across Royal Caribbean International and Silversea through the Points Choice programme launched in January 2026. An Australian who reaches Diamond status on Royal Caribbean — one of Australia’s most popular cruise lines with multiple ships homeporting from Sydney — automatically holds Elite status on Celebrity and Silver status on Silversea. This creates a loyalty pathway from domestic mainstream cruising through premium to ultra-luxury. Azamara Circle, by contrast, stands alone — points earned there benefit you only on future Azamara sailings. The programme itself is solid, with complimentary cruise nights beginning at the Explorer tier and meaningful discounts on beverages and spa treatments scaling up to the Discoverer Platinum tier, but it offers no cross-brand reach.

For Australians who previously built loyalty across Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Azamara during the pre-split era, the practical advice is clear: your existing Captain’s Club or Crown and Anchor status still works across Celebrity and Royal Caribbean (and now Silversea), but future Azamara sailings will not contribute to those programmes. If you are starting fresh and plan to cruise frequently, the RCG loyalty ecosystem offers broader long-term value. If you are drawn specifically to Azamara’s product and plan to sail with them repeatedly, the Azamara Circle programme rewards that commitment with generous complimentary nights.

Nationality mix and cultural comfort are worth noting. Australians and New Zealanders make up approximately 11 per cent of Azamara’s passenger base — the third-largest nationality group after North Americans (60 per cent) and British (18 per cent). This means you will find compatriots aboard and crew familiar with Australian preferences. On Australian-season sailings, the proportion of Australians is naturally higher. Celebrity’s passenger mix on Australian deployments similarly features a strong Australian contingent, with the line’s marketing and onboard programming adjusted for the local market.

Currency and budgeting affect both lines identically in one sense — onboard accounts are denominated in USD, and the AUD-to-USD exchange rate around 0.62–0.64 at the time of writing means fares feel significantly more expensive in Australian dollar terms. Where they differ is in budget predictability: Azamara’s all-inclusive model means fewer surprise charges. Celebrity’s tiered pricing — particularly the separated gratuities and add-on packages — requires more careful pre-trip budgeting. Both lines price in AUD through Australian booking channels.

The onboard atmosphere

The atmosphere aboard these two lines reflects the philosophical split that the 2021 sale formalised — and in my experience, this is the factor that most reliably predicts whether a client will rebook.

Azamara’s atmosphere is intimate, social, and destination-focused. The ships feel like boutique hotels — you will recognise crew and fellow passengers by name within days. The crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.7 enables genuinely personalised service; staff learn your drink order, your dining preferences, and your name quickly. Many repeat guests describe returning to Azamara as “coming home.” The passenger demographic skews mid-50s to early 70s — well-travelled, intellectually curious, port-savvy individuals who often forgo organised shore excursions in favour of independent exploration. The atmosphere is adults-oriented throughout: there is no kids’ club, no children’s programme, and no babysitting service. While children are technically permitted, the line actively discourages families.

Evenings are quiet and sophisticated. The Cabaret Lounge hosts nightly performances, but the energy is cabaret — jazz trios, guest soloists, intimate revues — not Las Vegas spectacle. The Living Room offers cocktails with piano accompaniment in a conversational setting. The White Night deck party — a signature event on every voyage where guests and officers dress in white for an outdoor buffet dinner and dancing under the stars — exemplifies the brand’s informal, community-oriented ethos. There are no formal nights. Resort casual prevails throughout, though many guests dress up voluntarily for the White Night and for speciality dining.

The ship rewards people who are interested in where they are going. Port days are long — often extending past 10 PM — and the onboard programming on port days is deliberately light, encouraging guests to get off the ship and engage with the destination. Sea days are quiet, suited to readers, spa-goers, and those who enjoy conversation over cocktails.

Celebrity’s atmosphere is modern, social, and gently glamorous. The Edge-class ships feel like contemporary luxury resorts — sculptural design, floor-to-ceiling glass, and public spaces that reward exploration. The Martini Bar buzzes with energy. The pool deck is lively. Evening Chic nights — one to three per cruise depending on length — create a sense of occasion, with cocktail dresses, blazers, and designer jeans filling the dining rooms and theatre. Tuxedos and formal gowns are welcome but not required. Real tablecloths at every dinner service, not just Evening Chic nights, is a point of pride among Celebrity loyalists.

The passenger demographic is somewhat broader than Azamara’s — couples in their 50s and 60s form the core, alongside a smaller contingent of families with older children and younger adults. Celebrity is adult-focused but not adults-only, with Camp at Sea programmes available for children. The casino adds a late-night dimension. Eden transitions from relaxation space to performance venue as the evening progresses. The Club hosts themed dance nights. Multiple bars and lounges provide live music across the ship.

The atmosphere is consistently described as “upscale without being stuffy” — a phrase that appears so frequently in Celebrity reviews that it functions as the brand’s unofficial tagline. Service is strong, with crew described as going above and beyond. The ship accommodates multiple moods: quiet mornings at the Rooftop Garden, active afternoons at the pool, and social evenings in the theatre and bars.

The distinction is clear. Azamara appeals to travellers who want the ship to feel like a private club — intimate, familiar, unhurried. Celebrity appeals to travellers who want the ship to feel like a resort — elegant, varied, energetic. Both deliver on their respective promises. The question is which promise resonates with how you want to spend a week or two at sea.

The bottom line

Azamara and Celebrity were siblings for fourteen years, and that shared heritage means both lines understand premium cruising deeply. But the 2021 split was clarifying — it freed each brand to pursue its distinctive vision without compromise, and today they serve genuinely different travellers.

Choose Azamara when destinations are the reason you cruise. Choose it when you want to walk off the ship at 9 PM in Seville, explore a Greek island harbour too small for larger vessels, or experience a private concert in a medieval amphitheatre as part of your fare. Choose it when you value simplicity — drinks, tips, cultural events, and shuttle buses included, total cost known before departure. Choose it when fewer than 710 guests, a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.7, and no children’s programme sounds like exactly the right atmosphere. Choose it when the ship is a comfortable, well-appointed home base for exploring the world rather than the centrepiece of the holiday itself. Accept that the ships are 25 years old (the Azamara Forward refurbishment will address this from late 2026), that entertainment options are intimate rather than spectacular, and that the four-ship fleet limits departure dates and itinerary breadth.

Choose Celebrity when the ship itself is part of the experience. Choose it when the Magic Carpet, Infinite Verandas, and Eden represent the kind of design innovation that excites you. Choose it when you want Daniel Boulud designing your suite restaurant menu, Broadway choreographers staging your evening show, and a private sundeck reserved for suite guests. Choose it for the breadth — 16 ships, every major cruising region, departure dates year-round, and the Galapagos aboard Flora. Choose it for the loyalty pathway across Royal Caribbean and Silversea. Choose it for the pricing flexibility of inside cabins at entry level or The Retreat’s all-inclusive luxury at the top. Accept that add-ons accumulate, that the experience varies significantly between Edge-class and Millennium-class ships, and that 3,000-plus guests means competing for pool loungers and tender tickets at popular ports.

For Australian travellers, both lines sail from Sydney, both serve the Mediterranean and Asia, and both are investing in the region — Celebrity with a four-ship deployment by 2027/28, Azamara with an extended Pursuit season through April 2028 adding new Australian ports. The choice is not which line is better. It is whether you cruise primarily for where you are going or for how you get there. Azamara answers the first question brilliantly. Celebrity answers the second with equal conviction. I recommend both to different clients every week, and I have never had a client regret choosing the line that matched their priorities.