Sailing the Aegean Sea is as relaxing as it sounds—especially when sailing aboard Azamara, and even more so just after the rush of the summer high season. I was very lucky to enjoy an 8-Night Greece Intensive Cruise on the beautiful Azamara Onward. The voyage operated roundtrip from Istanbul, visiting Kavala, Thessaloniki, Volos, Mykonos, Patmos, and Çanakkale, Turkey.
“Because Azamara spends so much time in port—often late into the evening or overnight—we were never rushed. We had time to savor authentic local food tours, shop at our own leisurely pace, and return to an uncrowded ship where the crew quickly knew our names and preferred drinks.”
Embarkation at Galataport Istanbul & Veranda Staterooms
We boarded Azamara Onward at Galataport Istanbul. This is one of the most modern, technologically advanced cruise terminals in the world, built underground beneath the waterfront promenade. Directly above the terminal sits the new Renzo Piano-designed Istanbul Modern art museum, surrounded by waterfront cafes and boutique shops. Check-in and security were exceptionally smooth and efficient.
Our Veranda Stateroom was lovely! The room featured ample storage, smart hanging closets, and plush beds with cozy linens. The private veranda was generously sized with a sturdy dining table where we frequently enjoyed room service breakfast while watching coastal islands drift past. The in-stateroom television had great programming options (we were happily hooked on the BBC!), without being overwhelming.
Azamara Onward docked along the ultra-modern Galataport waterfront in Istanbul.
The elegant, warm residential atmosphere of the grand atrium staircase on Azamara Onward.
A Relaxing Sea Day, The Sanctum Spa & Prime C Steakhouse
Our first full day was a blissfully relaxing day at sea as we navigated through the historic Dardanelles strait and emerged into the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea. I treated myself to a pampering manicure and pedicure at The Sanctum Spa, and attended a fun onboard smartphone photography masterclass where I finally mastered the art of taking clean, undistorted panoramic photos!
The tranquil, uncrowded resort pool deck aboard Azamara Onward—no chair saving or jostling for space.
That evening, we dined at Prime C, Azamara’s signature specialty steakhouse. It was one of the finest, most tender steaks I have enjoyed in a very long time. The dining room is located aft on deck 10, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that treated us to a radiant Aegean sunset as the wake trailed behind us.
The Small-Ship Social Vibe
One of my favorite aspects of Azamara Onward was the abundance of cozy, intimate seating areas to relax with a cocktail or hot cocoa. Whether in the Living Room, the Drawing Room, or poolside, fellow travelers were friendly, well-traveled, and eager to exchange stories. Carrying just 684 passengers, the ship never feels crowded, yet offers vibrant camaraderie.
Thessaloniki & The Signature AzAmazing Evening
In Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant northern cultural capital, our day included a panoramic city tour and an in-depth visit to the renowned Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, which houses gold treasures, Roman mosaics, and artifacts from ancient Macedonia.
Ancient classical Macedonian and Roman sculptures at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
The Thessaloniki Concert Hall Youth Symphony Orchestra performing exclusively for Azamara guests.
Thessaloniki was also the stage for our complimentary AzAmazing Evening. Every Azamara voyage includes a private, bespoke cultural event for guests. We were transported to the grand auditorium at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where the Thessaloniki Concert Hall Youth Symphony Orchestra performed stirring symphonic compositions by Greek masters Vangelis and Stamatis Spanoudakis. It was a truly stellar cultural immersion—dare I say, I was thoroughly AzAmazed!
Mykonos: Walking Food Tour & Open-Air Cinema
Our port call in Mykonos just might have been my favorite day of the entire voyage. Rather than battling the typical cruise crowds, we participated in an exceptional guided walking food tour through the labyrinthine, whitewashed alleyways of Chora. We sampled fresh spanakopita, local cheeses, olives, loukoumades (Greek honey puffs), and artisanal wines while learning the island’s maritime lore.
Azamara Onward anchored off the iconic whitewashed hills of Mykonos.
Cine Manto, the charming botanical open-air cinema garden nestled in Mykonos town.
We stumbled upon Cine Manto Mykonos, an enchanting open-air cinema nestled within a tranquil botanical garden with towering palm trees. If I ever return, watching a film under the stars there is at the top of my list! Because Azamara docks or anchors late into the evening, we had hours after our tour to explore boutique shops and cafes without watching the clock. We even observed a glamorous “Flying Dress” photoshoot against the azure Aegean background!
The Iconic Azamara White Night Deck Celebration
No Azamara cruise is complete without the famous White Night Party. On a balmy evening anchored in the Aegean, the entire pool deck was transformed into a glittering celebration. Guests dressed in white gathered under strings of bistro lights for an elaborate poolside feast featuring fresh grilled seafood, prime carved meats, Greek salads, and exquisite desserts.
The magnificent poolside buffet spread during Azamara’s signature White Night party.
Guests and ship officers celebrating together with live music and dancing under the stars.
A radiant golden sunset illuminating the Aegean Sea as White Night festivities got underway.
The party featured live music, dancing, and the traditional Parade of Nations, where officers and crew from dozens of countries paraded their flags to thunderous applause. Experiencing the entire ship’s company celebrating together made it clear just how intimate, welcoming, and spacious Azamara Onward truly is.
Aqualina Specialty Dining & Exceptional Personalized Service
On our final night onboard, we dined at Aqualina, Azamara’s signature Italian and Mediterranean specialty venue. The house-made pasta was deliciously fresh, the seafood was cooked to perfection, and the dining room had an understated elegance. In addition to Prime C and Aqualina, the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant, rotated distinct regional cuisine themes nightly, and casual venues like Windows Café and The Patio offered outstanding relaxed fare.
Above all, the onboard crew was phenomenal. Our stateroom attendant made sure our room was always immaculate and our refrigerator stocked with our favorite sodas. In the dining rooms and lounges, the staff quickly learned not only our names, but our beverage orders and dietary preferences. That high level of attentive, unpretentious hospitality is why so many travelers become loyal Azamara guests.
Pairing Azamara with Pre- or Post-Cruise Istanbul Stays
If your Azamara cruise embarks or disembarks in Istanbul, do not simply fly in and out! In my companion review, Absolutely Pampered in Istanbul, I share how pairing this 8-night Aegean voyage with luxury stays at Six Senses Kocatas Mansions and Park Hyatt Maçka Palas, along with private touring by Sea Song Tours, created the ultimate Mediterranean bucket-list holiday.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Azamara Greece Intensive Cruises
What is included in an Azamara cruise fare?
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Azamara includes standard spirits, international beers, and select boutique wines by the glass throughout the voyage, all shipboard gratuities, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas, self-service laundry, concierge services, and one exclusive complimentary AzAmazing Evening event on nearly every sailing of 7 nights or longer.
What makes Azamara’s “Destination Immersion” unique?
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Unlike mega-ships that often depart ports by 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., Azamara specializes in late-night stays (departing after 8:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.) and overnight stays. This allows travelers to dine ashore in local Greek tavernas, enjoy sunset walks, and experience the authentic nightlife of destinations like Mykonos and Thessaloniki.
How many passengers does Azamara Onward carry?
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Azamara Onward carries just 684 passengers served by a crew of approximately 400. This low guest count allows the ship to dock at smaller, more intimate ports and islands where mega-ships cannot access, while ensuring an uncrowded atmosphere with zero lines for dining or tendering.
What should I pack for the Azamara White Night party?
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Pack at least one stylish all-white or predominantly white outfit (white linen shirts, dresses, trousers, or skirts). While participation is voluntary, nearly all guests wear white for this festive pool deck celebration. It is a smart-casual event, so comfortable footwear suitable for open-deck dancing is recommended.
Can Vincent Vacations help arrange pre- and post-cruise hotel stays?
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Yes! As Signature Travel Network preferred partners, Vincent Vacations advisors can arrange VIP hotel stays in Istanbul (such as Six Senses Kocatas Mansions or Park Hyatt Maçka Palas) or Athens with exclusive amenities including complimentary daily breakfast, $100 hotel credits, room upgrades, and private airport/port transfers with top local DMCs like Sea Song Tours.
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