Ship Reports - Azura

Azura

Sister ship to the Ventura, P&O’s newest superliner Azura blends all the much-loved P&O Cruises traditions with exciting modern luxuries and innovations. Her atmosphere is stylish, sophisticated and serene. Azura will carry 3,100 passengers in 1,557 staterooms with 1,230 crew and 14 decks.

Anita, Charlotte and Andrew stayed for one night on Azura for her launch in April 2010. Read their report to find out more or call 0121 250 2201 or 01543 412768 to book your cruise on Azura.

Check in

The new Ocean Terminal in Southampton, built at a cost of £19 million provides a state of the art check in facility that removes much of the pain of a normal check in. There is something very stylish about arriving at the terminal to find your luggage whisked away at the port side to be taken to your cabin whilst you meander through to board the ship. A very civilised way to travel indeed and much better that any airport check in experience!

First Impressions

If you have travelled on the wonderful Ventura, you will immediately feel at home on Azura as from the moment we boarded the ship we had an instinctive feel as to where we needed to go to find our way around. The layout of the cabins, restaurants, shops and reception are all instantly recognisable and there is something very reassuring and British about a P&O superliner. Azura has the traditional P&O Cruises’ style of afternoon tea, full dress codes and dancing. In fact there are three dance floors including one which is set aside for ballroom dancing.

Having just boarded the ship and feeling rather peckish, no time was wasted in making our way to one of the lovely restaurants where a P&O high tea was being served. The sandwiches, croque monsieur, cream scones and delectable cakes are an amazing feast and in many ways a highlight of a P&O Cruise. You certainly need a high degree of self control to ensure you leave room for the wonderful evening meal ahead!

Azura has three main restaurants including an Indian-style restaurant created by Atul Kochhar and The Glass House with wines selected by Olly Smith. The fixed dining options are in the Oriental & Peninsular and the Meridian and there is also two buffet style restaurants and a poolside grill.

Cabins

All the cabins were very spacious with luxurious fixtures and fittings. They are well equipped with everything to make your stay comfortable including tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, TV and a hairdryer. We were impressed with the single cabins which include inside and outside cabins - a first for P&O Cruises. As there are only 18, these will sell out very quickly.

However, we did think that they 4 berth suite we looked at was the wrong way round as the double bed is at one end and a sofa and TV and pull down beds at the other end by the balcony. So if the children go to bed early, the parents would have to sit in the bedroom area. We were lucky enough to stay in a balcony cabin which had ample wardrobe and drawer space.

Spa

We were very impressed with the Oasis Spa & Thermal Suite. This adults only area has a small pool and Jacuzzi, sun loungers and cabanas for outdoor treatments overlooking the ocean. Its beautiful Spa rooms offer various treatments and the thermal suite offers access to the aromatic showers, steam rooms, sauna and heated ceramic loungers.

Children’s Areas

Azura is virtually identical to her sister, but if you look a little close you will start to see some of the differences that ensure this ship has a different target audience. For a start, P&O freely admit the Ventura is overtly aimed at families and Noddy, Mr Bump and the excellent Reef Rangers will ensure your young children have the time of their life. However, Azura is different, and you may be relived to know there is no Noddy or Mr Bump! Whilst still catering for families and couples alike, the ship has a different feel and perhaps the easiest thing is to think of the Azura as traditional cruising as opposed to a floating resort.

Children are still made very welcome with plenty to do. The Reef Rangers operate a stunning children’s facility and in particular the night nursery is outstanding. We firmly believe that P&O are the masters at looking after children.

The children’s clubs which cater for all ages are on deck 16, which also has a gym and an open air cinema where you can watch movies under the stars. The Sky Deck has everything from football or tennis in the sports court to golf in the nets.

Entertainment

There are 12 places to enjoy a drink and including the Planet Bar with a plasma screen showing the world’s most striking natural wonders and live music in the Manhattan bar. Plus, there is a two tier, 800 seat theatre and casino.

Weddings

One different that may be of interest to some passengers is that Azura is registered in Southampton. The rest of the P&O fleet are registered in Bermuda which means that currently the other ships can allow weddings at sea whereas the Azura can only conduct vow renewals.

Summary

We thought this was one of the nicest ships that we have seen. Although very luxurious it has a relaxed ambience. We would highly recommend Azura for couples looking for a romantic cruise in luxurious surroundings.