Aboard Azamara Onward with Azamara
Cruise Overview
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention.
The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.
A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city.
Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too.
Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
On one of the best stretches of the Mediterranean, this classic luxury destination is one of the most sought-after addresses in the world.
With all the high-rise towers you have to look hard to find the Belle Époque grace of yesteryear.
But if you head to the town's great 1864 landmark Hôtel de Paris—still a veritable crossroads of the buffed and befurred Euro-gentry—or enjoy a grand bouffe at its famous Louis XV restaurant, or attend the opera, or visit the ballrooms of the casino, you may still be able to conjure up Monaco's elegant past.
Prince Albert II, a political science graduate from Amherst College, traces his ancestry to Otto Canella, who was born in 1070.
The Grimaldi dynasty began with Otto's great-great-great-grandson, Francesco Grimaldi, also known as Frank the Rogue.
Expelled from Genoa, Frank and his cronies disguised themselves as monks and in 1297 seized the fortified medieval town known today as Le Rocher (the Rock).
Except for a short break under Napoléon, the Grimaldis have been here ever since, which makes them the oldest reigning family in Europe.
In the 1850s a Grimaldi named Charles III made a decision that turned the Rock into a giant blue chip.
Needing revenue but not wanting to impose additional taxes on his subjects, he contracted with a company to open a gambling facility.
The first spin of the roulette wheel was on December 14, 1856.
There was no easy way to reach Monaco then—no carriage roads or railroads—so no one came.
Between March 15 and March 20, 1857, one person entered the casino—and won two francs.
In 1868, however, the railroad reached Monaco, and it was filled with Englishmen who came to escape the London fog.
The effects were immediate.
Profits were so great that Charles eventually abolished all direct taxes.
Almost overnight, a threadbare principality became an elegant watering hole for European society.
Dukes (and their mistresses) and duchesses (and their gigolos) danced and dined their way through a world of spinning roulette wheels and bubbling champagne—preening themselves for nights at the opera, where such artists as Vaslav Nijinsky, Sarah Bernhardt, and Enrico Caruso came to perform.
Along with the tax system, its sensational position on a broad, steep peninsula that bulges into the Mediterranean—its harbor sparkling with luxury cruisers, its posh mansions angling awnings toward the nearly perpetual sun—continues to draw the rich and famous.
One of the latest French celebrities to declare himself "Monégasque," thus giving up his French passport, is superchef Alain Ducasse, who said that he made the choice out of affection for Monaco rather than tax reasons.
Pleasure boats vie with luxury cruisers in their brash beauty and Titanic scale, and teams of handsome young men—themselves dyed blond and tanned to match—scour and polish every gleaming surface.
As you might expect, all this glitz doesn't come cheap.
Eating is expensive, and even the most modest hotels cost more here than in nearby Nice or Menton.
As for taxis, they don't even have meters so you are completely at the driver's mercy (with prices skyrocketing during events such as the Grand Prix).
For the frugal, Monaco is the ultimate day-trip, although parking is as coveted as a room with a view.
At the very least you can afford a coffee at Starbucks.
The harbor district, known as La Condamine, connects the new quarter, officially known as Monte Carlo with Monaco-Ville (or Le Rocher), a medieval town on the Rock, topped by the palace, the cathedral, and the Oceanography Museum.
Have no fear that you'll need to climb countless steps to get to Monaco-Ville, as there are plenty of elevators and escalators climbing the steep cliffs.
But shuttling between the lovely casino grounds of Monte Carlo and Old Monaco, separated by a vast port, is a daunting proposition for ordinary mortals without wings, so hop on the No.
1 bus from Saint Roman, or No.
2 from the Jardin Exotique - Both stop at Place du Casino and come up to Monaco Ville.
The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.
A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city.
Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too.
Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
On one of the best stretches of the Mediterranean, this classic luxury destination is one of the most sought-after addresses in the world.
With all the high-rise towers you have to look hard to find the Belle Époque grace of yesteryear.
But if you head to the town's great 1864 landmark Hôtel de Paris—still a veritable crossroads of the buffed and befurred Euro-gentry—or enjoy a grand bouffe at its famous Louis XV restaurant, or attend the opera, or visit the ballrooms of the casino, you may still be able to conjure up Monaco's elegant past.
Prince Albert II, a political science graduate from Amherst College, traces his ancestry to Otto Canella, who was born in 1070.
The Grimaldi dynasty began with Otto's great-great-great-grandson, Francesco Grimaldi, also known as Frank the Rogue.
Expelled from Genoa, Frank and his cronies disguised themselves as monks and in 1297 seized the fortified medieval town known today as Le Rocher (the Rock).
Except for a short break under Napoléon, the Grimaldis have been here ever since, which makes them the oldest reigning family in Europe.
In the 1850s a Grimaldi named Charles III made a decision that turned the Rock into a giant blue chip.
Needing revenue but not wanting to impose additional taxes on his subjects, he contracted with a company to open a gambling facility.
The first spin of the roulette wheel was on December 14, 1856.
There was no easy way to reach Monaco then—no carriage roads or railroads—so no one came.
Between March 15 and March 20, 1857, one person entered the casino—and won two francs.
In 1868, however, the railroad reached Monaco, and it was filled with Englishmen who came to escape the London fog.
The effects were immediate.
Profits were so great that Charles eventually abolished all direct taxes.
Almost overnight, a threadbare principality became an elegant watering hole for European society.
Dukes (and their mistresses) and duchesses (and their gigolos) danced and dined their way through a world of spinning roulette wheels and bubbling champagne—preening themselves for nights at the opera, where such artists as Vaslav Nijinsky, Sarah Bernhardt, and Enrico Caruso came to perform.
Along with the tax system, its sensational position on a broad, steep peninsula that bulges into the Mediterranean—its harbor sparkling with luxury cruisers, its posh mansions angling awnings toward the nearly perpetual sun—continues to draw the rich and famous.
One of the latest French celebrities to declare himself "Monégasque," thus giving up his French passport, is superchef Alain Ducasse, who said that he made the choice out of affection for Monaco rather than tax reasons.
Pleasure boats vie with luxury cruisers in their brash beauty and Titanic scale, and teams of handsome young men—themselves dyed blond and tanned to match—scour and polish every gleaming surface.
As you might expect, all this glitz doesn't come cheap.
Eating is expensive, and even the most modest hotels cost more here than in nearby Nice or Menton.
As for taxis, they don't even have meters so you are completely at the driver's mercy (with prices skyrocketing during events such as the Grand Prix).
For the frugal, Monaco is the ultimate day-trip, although parking is as coveted as a room with a view.
At the very least you can afford a coffee at Starbucks.
The harbor district, known as La Condamine, connects the new quarter, officially known as Monte Carlo with Monaco-Ville (or Le Rocher), a medieval town on the Rock, topped by the palace, the cathedral, and the Oceanography Museum.
Have no fear that you'll need to climb countless steps to get to Monaco-Ville, as there are plenty of elevators and escalators climbing the steep cliffs.
But shuttling between the lovely casino grounds of Monte Carlo and Old Monaco, separated by a vast port, is a daunting proposition for ordinary mortals without wings, so hop on the No.
1 bus from Saint Roman, or No.
2 from the Jardin Exotique - Both stop at Place du Casino and come up to Monaco Ville.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Azamara Onward
Launch Year: 1999 Length: 180 Width: 25 Currency: USD Capacity: 692 Crew Count: 375 Deck Count: 11 Cabin Count: 338
Step aboard the new Azamara Onward℠, and arrive at the doorstep of the globe’s most hidden gems and storied cities. Built to cross oceans, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations larger ships can’t access — this small ship cruising experience is unlike any other.
Throughout your journey, you’ll find so many ways to immerse yourself in your travels. Our thoughtfully-planned itineraries feature more extended stays, more overnights, and unique night touring, giving you more time for what matters — experiencing the history, arts, cuisine, and local customs that make each port memorable.
And after a day spent discovering the treasures of your destination, retreat to your seaside sanctuary for ocean views, saltwater breezes, and all the lush amenities you can imagine. From 24-hour room service to five-star butler service, our luxury staterooms and spacious suites deliver genuine tranquility and comfort.
Azamara ships are designed to meet your every need, no matter where you’re going. That’s why our list of onboard amenities is almost as far-reaching as the locations we visit. Discover a world of flavors at our specialty restaurants, recharge and relax at our state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and take in nightly on-board entertainment, from signature shows, comedy nights, and unforgettable events.
While our destinations may bring you on board, it’s our international crew that keeps you coming back. Across the fleet, our authentic service goes beyond the expectations of even the most well-traveled cruisers. From anticipating your needs and knowing you by name to offering the most dedicated attention to detail, personal connections are always a moment away.
Azamara Onward Facilities
Azamara Onward Includes
Cabin Details
YOUR OWN SEASIDE RETREAT
Welcome to your vacation home with ocean views, sea breezes, and all the style and amenities of a boutique hotel. Relax in your cruise stateroom with plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, and 24-hour room service. Our goal is to make you comfortable so you can spend more time on important things. Like exploring the world.
EXPERIENCE THE SUITE LIFE
The premier way to travel, discover luxury with each Azamara voyage from our Club World Owner's Suite, Club Ocean Suite, Club Continent Suite or Club Spa Suites. As a suite guest receive a variety of exclusive benefits in addition to modern accommodations and authentic service. We take care of all the details, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
A boutique hotel at sea, each of our cruise suites offer the comforts of a five-star hotel suite with the added decadence of ocean views, sea breezes, and butler service. Relax with spa-like sea breezes, and butler service. Relax with spa-like amenities including plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, and fine linens. Open the sliding glass doors to your private balcony and curl up with book, dine al fresco dining, or stargaze. Share a drink of your favorite spirit—on the house. And should you need anything, your English-trained butler is never more than a call away, ready to assist with reservations, private parties, dinners for two, and much more.
THE LUXE LIFE: YOUR CRUISE STATEROOM
When you book a cruise stateroom, you'll love the polished style and stellar service in your own private retreat. You'll appreciate the finer touches included, but it takes more than a beautiful room to elevate a voyage from "good" to "great." With Azamara®, you'll discover just how much professional service and a friendly attitude can add to your enjoyment.
