Azamara Onward

The pool deck has a pool in the middle, two hot tubs, extra-comfy padded loungers in sun and shade, a full stage and a pool bar. Above it are the walking track and a ping pong table. Up forward, the sun deck has shuffleboard and loungers facing out over the bow. This deck is also home to White Night, Azamara’s famous deck party with music, dancing and a barbecue feast, held at least once every voyage, weather permitting.

The Atlas Bar took over the old library space, which Danny says was a bit underutilized, and it has quickly become a fan favorite. It’s all about mixology. Well-trained bartenders make one-of-a-kind cocktails, paired with hot and cold tapas. There’s seating at the bar, bistro two-tops and lounge space with views down to the pool deck. In Onward’s November 2027 dry dock, the Atlas Bar moves to a new spot just outside Discoveries Restaurant.

Onward’s two specialty restaurants sit side by side at the aft of the ship. Prime C is a classic steakhouse with tuna tartare, crab and lobster cakes and steaks, plus a full bar with a large wine list. Aqualina is Italian and seafood inspired, with elegant decor, and it also hosts the daily suite breakfast. In both, the seating wraps around to the stern. Suite guests dine at both at no extra charge.

Windows Café is the casual buffet, named for its floor-to-ceiling windows. It has made-to-order breakfasts, a hot station, a big salad bar and complimentary gelato. Out back, the open-air aft deck faces the wake. Next door, The Patio is the pool grill by day, with burgers, ribs, chicken and fish of the day, and a sit-down al fresco dinner at night. You can mix and match between the two.

The Sanctum Spa offers massages, facials and wraps, a full salon for hair, nails and barber services, and an acupuncture clinic with a full-time acupuncturist. The changing rooms have complimentary steam rooms and rainfall showers. Forward, the Sanctum Terrace has a Thalassotherapy pool, comfy loungers and bird’s nest loungers. Terrace access is included for suite guests, and others can buy a pass. The fitness center next door offers spin, TRX and yoga classes.

All the way forward, the Cabaret Lounge is Onward’s main entertainment venue, with stadium-style seating and a bar in the back. A full cast of singers and dancers performs production shows, and guest entertainers join on longer voyages. Guest lecturers teach about the culture, food and geography of the ports. Danny calls Azamara’s cruise directors exceptional. Before and after dinner, a live band plays for dancing. The lounge gets a full redesign in 2027.

The Den is a multi-use space heading aft from the Cabaret Lounge. It holds the shore excursions desk with a reference library for planning, plus the future cruise desk. The Spirits Bar serves the included drinks or your upgraded package, with a baby grand piano, seating along both sides and a faux fireplace up front. Danny has warm memories of friends gathered around the piano here. A past guest desk handles loyalty benefits.

Discoveries Restaurant, at the aft of the ship, is the main dining room, with plated breakfast, lunch and dinner each day and open seating. There’s a sea-day brunch at least once per cruise, and menus take inspiration from the places the ship visits. Tables range from two to ten, with an elevated center section, window seats and aft-facing tables. Discoveries Bar at the entrance is a nice spot for a drink before dinner.