Azamara Onward
Azamara Onward is a passenger cruise ship of the R-class, constructed in 1999 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, and currently operated by Azamara Cruises, a boutique line emphasizing extended port stays and destination immersion.[1][2] Originally delivered as R Three to Renaissance Cruises, the 592-foot vessel, with a gross tonnage of 30,277 and capacity for 684 passengers served by 408 crew, has sailed under flags including Liberia, Bermuda, and now Malta (IMO 9187887).[3][4] Following Renaissance's bankruptcy in 2001, the ship transferred to multiple operators, including Princess Cruises as Pacific Princess from 2002 to 2020, before Azamara acquired it in 2021 for refurbishment and entry into service in May 2022 as its fourth vessel alongside Journey, Quest, and Pursuit.[1][5] This refurbishment updated interiors while preserving the ship's compact size, enabling access to smaller ports inaccessible to larger liners, and aligning with Azamara's model of inclusive, all-veranda accommodations and curated excursions.[6][7] The ship's defining characteristics include a high space-to-passenger ratio, multiple dining venues without extra fees, and a focus on cultural enrichment, contributing to Azamara's reputation for experiential voyages rather than mass-market entertainment.[8] In 2024, Azamara Onward marked 25 years of operation, highlighting its durability amid industry shifts from rapid expansion to sustainable, niche cruising.[1]Construction and Design
Building and Launch as R Three
The R Three was constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as the third vessel in Renaissance Cruises' R-class series of eight identical luxury cruise ships designed for upscale, destination-intensive itineraries.[9][10] Keel laying occurred on 19 December 1997 under yard number N31.[11][12] The ship was launched on 12 March 1999, marking the float-out from the construction dock ahead of outfitting and sea trials.[11] Following completion of interior fit-out and testing, R Three was delivered to Renaissance Cruises on 28 July 1999, registered under the Liberian flag with the owner based in Monrovia.[12][11] At 30,277 gross tons, the vessel featured a length of 181 meters and capacity for approximately 684 passengers in 344 cabins, emphasizing all-suite accommodations with verandas to align with Renaissance's premium market positioning.[10] The build was part of a rapid expansion program, with the R-class vessels produced on a near-assembly-line basis at the same yard between 1998 and 2001 to support the line's fleet growth from smaller yachts to mid-sized ships.[9]Technical Specifications
 in overall length and has a beam of 25.46 meters (84 feet).[4][3] Her draught stands at 5.8 to 5.9 meters, enabling access to smaller ports typical for her class.[13][14] The ship is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system featuring four 12-cylinder Wärtsilä engines, delivering a service speed of 18 knots and a maximum speed of around 18.5 knots.[11][15] She accommodates up to 692 passengers in lower berths across 335 staterooms on 8 passenger decks, supported by a crew of 408.[3][15] The IMO number is 9187887, and she was constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, in 1999.[13][16]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 30,277 GT |
| Length Overall | 181 m (593 ft) |
| Beam | 25.46 m (84 ft) |
| Draught | 5.8–5.9 m |
| Passenger Capacity | 692 (lower berths) |
| Crew | 408 |
| Service Speed | 18 knots |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric (Wärtsilä) |