Quest to Mediterranean

Azamara Quest proves the point that 'small is better' in so many little ways. With around 690 passengers on a 30,000 ton ship the atmosphere is intimate, stylish and low key, and underpinned by hugely acclaimed food and wonderful service. The ship features many overnight stays in various ports as part of a very immersive shore excursion package that really allows passengers to connect more completely with the places that they are passing through.

The Azamara Quest is not really a ship for families with children; this is more of an ideal ship for foodies and lovers of fine wine. All drinks are now included in the fare, including some truly wonderful speciality coffees.

In terms of décor, this lovely ship is warm, wrapped in beautiful wood panelling and wrought iron decorative work.. The main staircase is like something from Gone With The Wind, and bears more than a passing resemblance to the one from a famous, rather unfortunate ocean liner of lore.

Entertainment is low key, but highly styled. You'll enjoy live jazz, and a truly talented piano player whose stylings gave those beautiful interiors a wonderful atmosphere at night. But few things beat lingering over the aft terrace at night after a great alfresco dinner with a glass of wine, taking in the lights of the Italian coast as we sailed parallel to it. Lovely stuff.

Inside and outside cabins come in at around 160 square feet- not the biggest- but they are beautifully thought out. And, because the dress code on board Azamara is smart casual, you won’t need to pack a whopping wardrobe in any event. Further up the scale are some pretty balcony cabins and, at the top end, there are some lavish, opulent forward facing suites that can hold their own with anything on the six star ships.

The Azamara Quest really does have an air of intimate, clubby adventure, served up in surroundings of tasteful, old world elegance. A ship where the inner man is as well fed as the outer. Seriously good stuff for grown ups.