Azamara Quest
Azamara Quest is a mid-sized R-class cruise ship built in 2000 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, originally named R Seven and delivered to Renaissance Cruises.[1][2] Following the bankruptcy of Renaissance Cruises in 2001, the vessel operated under various charters and names, including Delphin Renaissance for Delphin Seereisen and Blue Moon for Pullmantur Cruises, before being acquired by the Royal Caribbean Group and transferred to Azamara Cruises in 2007, where it was renamed Azamara Quest and entered service on October 24 of that year.[3][4] With a gross tonnage of 30,277 GT, a length of 181 meters, and capacity for 702 passengers in double occupancy across 352 staterooms, the ship emphasizes an intimate cruising experience with a crew-to-passenger ratio that supports personalized service.[5][6] Operated by Azamara Cruises, a luxury line owned by Sycamore Partners since 2021 and focused on destination immersion, Azamara Quest sails worldwide itineraries, including extended voyages to Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Caribbean, often featuring overnight port stays and inclusive cultural excursions known as AzAmazing Evenings.[4] The ship underwent a significant refurbishment on July 28, 2024, updating its facilities to include seven dining venues—such as the Italian-inspired Aqualina and steakhouse Prime C—along with a spa, fitness center, pool with jacuzzi, and entertainment spaces like the Cabaret Lounge and The Living Room.[6] Amenities for all guests encompass complimentary select beverages, gratuities, self-service laundry, and shuttle services where available, while suite guests enjoy additional perks like butler service and priority access.[6] In 2025, Azamara Quest celebrated 25 years of service, highlighting its journeys from its French origins through global routes under multiple operators.[1] Registered in Malta and measuring 25.46 meters in beam with eight passenger decks, the vessel continues to offer a blend of modern luxury and exploratory cruising, accommodating up to 408 crew members to maintain its high service standards.[7][5]Construction and Design
Building and Launch
The Azamara Quest was originally constructed as the R Seven for Renaissance Cruises at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as the seventh vessel in a series of eight identical R-class ships designed for luxury, intimate cruising experiences.[8][9] Ordered to expand Renaissance's fleet of small premium liners, the ship's construction emphasized compact size and high-end amenities to facilitate destination-focused voyages in regions like the Caribbean and Europe.[3] Keel laying for the R Seven occurred on 19 November 1999, with the hull launched on 24 March 2000 under yard number X31.[8][9] Construction progressed through 2000, culminating in delivery to Renaissance Cruises on 27 September 2000, marking the ship's completion as a 30,277-gross-ton vessel built for upscale short-haul itineraries.[8] The R Seven's maiden voyage commenced on 27 September 2000 from a U.S. port, embarking on an inaugural Caribbean sailing to introduce the ship to passengers seeking boutique-style cruising.[8][3] This debut aligned with Renaissance's strategy of deploying the R-class fleet across global markets, including Europe and Asia, to capture the growing demand for personalized luxury travel.[8]Technical Specifications
The Azamara Quest is an R-class cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 30,277 GT.[10] It measures 181.00 meters in length, has a beam of 25.46 meters, and a draft of 5.95 meters.[11] These dimensions contribute to its maneuverability in ports suitable for destination-intensive itineraries, similar to its sister ship Azamara Journey. The ship's propulsion system is diesel-electric, powered by four Wärtsilä Vasa 12V32 diesel engines, each rated at 4,650 kW.[12] It employs two fixed-pitch propellers driven by electric motors via shafts for steering and propulsion, enabling a service speed of 18 knots.[11] Azamara Quest accommodates 702 passengers at double occupancy, with a total of 352 staterooms across 8 passenger decks.[6] The vessel carries 408 crew members to maintain a high service ratio.[10] Key onboard facilities support immersive cruising experiences, including specialty restaurants such as Aqualina for Italian cuisine and Prime C for steaks and seafood.[13] The Sanctum Spa offers treatments like thalassotherapy and acupuncture, complemented by a main pool area and the Cabaret Lounge theater for performances.[14] Enrichment lounges, such as The Living Room, facilitate lectures and social gatherings. During the 2007 refit for Azamara branding, enhancements were made to support the AzAmazing Evenings program, which features exclusive cultural events ashore.[15]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 30,277 GT[10] |
| Length | 181.00 m[11] |
| Beam | 25.46 m[11] |
| Draft | 5.95 m[11] |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric with 4 × Wärtsilä 12V32 engines (4,650 kW each) and 2 fixed-pitch propellers[12][11] |
| Service Speed | 18 knots[11] |
| Cruising Speed | 18.5 knots[6] |
| Passenger Capacity (double occupancy) | 702[6] |
| Crew | 408[10] |
| Passenger Decks | 8[10] |
| Staterooms | 352[6] |