Azamara Journey

The pool deck has a pool in the middle, two hot tubs, extra-comfy padded loungers and a pool bar on the far side. The stage at the other end hosts White Night, Azamara's famous deck party, with tables set up on two levels, a barbecue and dancing. One deck up and all the way forward, the sun deck has shuffleboard, thick padded loungers, sofas and a bit of a windbreak.

All the way up and forward, the Living Room is an observation lounge with a full bar, an espresso maker and windows wrapping 270 degrees. Music starts in the afternoon, and by evening the dance floor turns it into a club, with trivia and group gatherings in between. The internet café and card room sit at the entrance. The Drawing Room nearby is a classic library with fiction, non-fiction, a piano and a faux fireplace.

Journey's two specialty restaurants sit at the aft of the ship, with seating along windows that wrap around the stern. Prime C is the classic steakhouse, with a full bar and a large wine library, and a high table used for wine tastings. Aqualina, on Deck 10, is Italian and seafood focused, and it also hosts the daily suite breakfast. Both are included for suite guests, and other guests can reserve them for an added charge.

Windows Café is the casual buffet, named for its floor-to-ceiling windows, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect a bakery, a carving station, made-to-order dishes, vegetarian options and a different theme night each evening. Out back, the Sunset Bar has open-air seating facing the wake. Next door, The Patio is the pool grill, with burgers, brats and lamb shanks, plus Swirl & Top for soft serve with all the toppings.

The Sanctum Spa offers massages, wraps and facials, a full salon for hair, manicures and pedicures, and an acupuncturist on board. Danny has dealt with back pain for a long time and says the acupuncture here has been phenomenal. All the way forward, the Sanctum Terrace has loungers, seating areas and a Thalassotherapy pool, included for suite guests. The fitness center next door has spin bikes, yoga classes, ocean-view cardio machines and free weights.

All the way forward, the Cabaret Lounge is Journey's main entertainment venue. The large dance floor becomes part of the stage during the production shows, and guest entertainers come aboard too, often from the regions the ship is visiting, as part of Azamara's destination immersion concept. Seating steps up toward the back, with pub-style seating and a full bar that serves drinks before and after each show. Expect multiple shows on each cruise.

The Den is meant to feel like your own living room, with a bar pouring the included drinks, a piano for music before and after dinner, and seating for two, four or larger groups. Around it are the shore excursions desk, a reference library for planning, the cruise again and loyalty desks, and the shops. Mosaic Café, just above the grand staircase, brews espresso drinks and serves light bites and cookies.

Discoveries Restaurant is the main dining room, included in the fare, with open seating and a rotating menu that ties into the places the ship visits, so you can try local cuisine prepared on board. Windows wrap 270 degrees around the room, with tables for two, four and six. It serves breakfast and lunch too, plus a sea-day brunch with stations set up. Discoveries Bar at the entrance is a nice spot for a drink.