The Azamara Onward Veranda Staterooms are comfortable retreats, albeit modest in size. That said, they are fine for a destination-focused cruise experience where lots of time is spent ashore.
These compact staterooms were refurbished in 2022 and are nonetheless large enough to fit a sofa and writing desk, as well as a comfortable queen-sized bed. There is also a petit, yet functional bathroom as well as a surprisingly large veranda.
Editor’s note: The Veranda Plus Staterooms are almost identical to standard Veranda Staterooms.
Stateroom ratings
| Room | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall size | (3.0) |
| Decor | (3.5) |
| Sitting area | (2.5) |
| Veranda | (4.0) |
| Cleanliness | (4.5) |
| Condition | (4.0) |
| Soundproofing | (3.0) |
| Bed comfort | (4.5) |
| Pillow options | (3.5) |
| Blanket options | (3.5) |
| Closet space | (3.0) |
| Bathroom | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bathroom size | (3.5) |
| Storage space | (3.5) |
| Lighting | (5.0) |
| Shower/bath | (3.5) |
| Water pressure | (3.5) |
| Products | (2.0) |
| Towels | (3.5) |
| Cleanliness | (5.0) |
| Condition | (4.5) |
A cozy stateroom
When Azamara Onward was built cruise passengers had different expectations. The year was 1999 and people were content with staterooms we might consider small today. So in spite of its many advantages, Azamara Onward is stuck with small cabins.
Notwithstanding those limitations, Azamara has made the most of the cabins. Indeed, the staterooms do feel somewhat larger thanks to the clever decor.
That said, there are things that tend to get in the way, like the coffee table; and the oddly-sized sofa is unpractical for couples. Perhaps a pair of chairs and a table might work better.
The writing desk is big enough for a laptop and reading material. In fact it is a good working space, with power points for US, UK and European plugs.
The queen-sized bed is very comfortable (medium-firm feel). There are nightstands, bedside reading lamps and bedside USB charging points. Although it’s worth noting these are only for old-style USB-A devices.
The Azamara Onward Veranda Stateroom also has a full length mirror, a stocked (soft) minibar, safety deposit box and an interactive TV.
It’s worth noting that the cabin is somewhat dim, even when all the lights are turned on.
A surprisingly large veranda
The veranda is simply lovely and surprisingly large. There is space for an outdoor dining setting, which lots of people make use of each morning at breakfast time.
The petit bathroom
Petit, yet functional; thats the best way of describing the bathroom in the Azamara Onward Veranda Stateroom.
That said, it looks smart with timber cabinets and shelves. There is plenty of storage space, lots of fluffy towels and the lighting is excellent. The shower has an old-school shower curtain which you might not like, but it does the job better than a glass door in such a confined space.
Veranda Stateroom storage
There is a surprising amount of storage space in the Veranda Stateroom. In fact, the closet has enough room for all the clothing you’ll need on a typical 7 to 12-day cruise. There are also drawers and shelving.
It’s worth noting that on longer sailings when you pack more clothing, storage could become an issue.
Editors tip: Once you’ve unpacked your luggage be sure to open it out before sliding it under the bed, that way it will fit more easily.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
