The Ultimate Guide to the P&O Azura Cruise Ship
Welcome aboard the P&O Azura, one of the most beloved and family-friendly vessels in the P&O Cruises fleet. Launched in 2010 and beautifully maintained, this Grand-class ship combines classic British cruising traditions with modern amenities, offering the perfect getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Whether you are looking for sun-drenched Mediterranean itineraries or tropical escapes to the Canary Islands, the Azura provides an unforgettable holiday experience on the high seas.
Accommodation: Cabins & Suites
The Azura offers 1,557 well-appointed cabins designed to suit every budget and travel style. Every cabin comes standard with air conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities (a British cruising staple), a flat-screen TV, and luxurious toiletries from The White Company.
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Inside Cabins: A cozy and budget-friendly option, perfect for passengers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship or onshore.
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Sea View Cabins: These cabins feature a window or porthole, allowing natural light to flood your private space.
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Balcony Cabins (Standard & Superior Deluxe): Step out onto your own private balcony to enjoy your morning coffee with uninterrupted ocean views. Superior Deluxe cabins offer extra lounging space and upgraded perks like bathrobes and welcome chocolates.
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Suites: For the ultimate luxury experience, Azura’s suites include a separate dressing area, whirlpool bath, daily canapés, exclusive restaurant access for breakfast, and a dedicated butler service.
Dining & Restaurants
Foodies are spoiled for choice on the Azura, with dining options ranging from casual poolside bites to exquisite fine dining.
Included Dining
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Venezia Buffet: Open throughout the day for relaxed, self-service meals.
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Main Dining Rooms: Choose between traditional "Club Dining" (set seating times) or flexible "Freedom Dining" at the Peninsular and Meridian restaurants.
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Poolside Grill & Pizzeria: Grab freshly made stone-baked pizzas, burgers, and hot dogs without leaving the sunshine.
Specialty Dining (Cover Charge Applies)
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The Epicurean: The pinnacle of fine dining at sea, offering classic British ingredients with a modern, gourmet twist.
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Sindhu: Authentic, spice-infused Indian cuisine with a British flair.
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The Glass House: Curated by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith, this venue pairs an incredible global wine list with delicious tapas and light bites.
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The Beach House: Casual comfort food featuring South American and Caribbean flavors, including steaks, ribs, and hanging kebabs.
Entertainment & Activities
Days and nights onboard the Azura are packed with activities. The ship’s 800-seat, two-tier Playhouse Theatre hosts West End-style productions, stand-up comedy, and interactive game shows.
If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, head to the open-air SeaScreen, a giant poolside cinema where you can watch blockbuster movies under the stars with popcorn in hand. For adults looking to socialize, Brodie’s is an authentic British pub offering live sports, trivia, and a wide selection of beers, while Manhattan provides a vibrant, New York-style cabaret lounge experience.
Wellness and Relaxation
For a slower pace, the Oasis Spa offers premium wellness treatments, a thermal suite, and a fully equipped fitness center. Passengers can also purchase passes to The Retreat, an exclusive, VIP open-air spa terrace featuring luxury sun loungers and dedicated waiter service.
Family & Kids' Facilities
The Azura is highly regarded as a family-friendly ship. It features dedicated children's clubs, collectively known as The Reef, ensuring younger guests are entertained while parents relax:
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Splashers (Ages 2-4): Soft play areas, books, and gentle games.
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Surfers (Ages 5-8): Arts and crafts, quizzes, and active games.
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Scubas (Ages 9-12): A dedicated hangout with arcade games and age-appropriate activities.
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H2O (Ages 13-17): A teen-only zone for making friends, playing video games, and hanging out.
P&O Azura Insider Tips & Cruise Hacks
Want to cruise like a seasoned pro? While the Azura is easy to navigate, there are a few hidden gems, packing hacks, and dining secrets that many passengers don't discover until their holiday is almost over.
Cabin Hacks & Choosing the Right Deck
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The Magnetic Wall Trick: Like many modern cruise ships, the cabin walls on the Azura are made of metal. Bring a pack of strong magnetic hooks to hang lanyards, sun hats, and the daily Horizon newsletter to free up valuable desk space.
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Beware of Deck 14 (Riviera Deck): If you are a light sleeper, avoid booking a cabin directly under the Lido Deck. Early morning deck-chair shuffling and late-night deck parties can sometimes be heard through the ceiling. For the quietest stay, choose a cabin sandwiched between two passenger decks, like Deck 12 (A Deck).
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Bring a Multi-Plug USB Hub: Cabins on the Azura use standard UK 3-pin plugs, but there are rarely enough sockets for modern travelers with multiple phones, tablets, and smartwatches. Bring a multi-port USB charger, but ensure it does not have a surge protector, as these are prohibited on cruise ships.
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The Shower Curtain Secret: Standard cabins feature shower curtains rather than glass doors. A classic cruiser hack is to pack a few heavy clothespins or bulldog clips to weigh down the bottom of the curtain and stop it from clinging to you while you shower.
Dining & Drink Secrets
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Free Treats at Java: The Java coffee shop in the atrium proudly serves premium Costa Coffee for a small fee. However, what many first-timers don't realize is that the delicious cakes, pastries, and savory snacks in the display cabinet are absolutely free!
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Customize Your Dessert: Dining in the main restaurants (Peninsular, Meridian, or Oriental) is a fantastic experience, but the menu is not completely rigid. If you order a dessert but want a scoop of ice cream on the side, just smile and ask your waiter — they are almost always happy to accommodate.
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Bring Your Own Water Onboard: P&O Cruises charges for bottled water in the cabins. To save money, buy a few large bottles of water in your embarkation port or at your port stops and bring them back onto the ship for your cabin fridge.
Hidden Ship Features
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The "Secret" Viewing Deck: Looking for the ultimate spot for a sail-away without the crowds? Head to the very front of E Deck. If you walk all the way to the end of the forward corridor, you will find a door leading out to an open bow area. Most passengers never realize this area exists, making it feel like your own massive, private balcony.
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Towel Clips for the Lido Deck: The sea breeze can whip up quickly when the ship is sailing. Bring large, heavy-duty towel clips to secure your beach towel to your sun lounger on the open decks so you don't lose it while taking a dip in the Aqua Pool.
P&O Azura Inside Cabins
P&O Azura Balcony Cabins
P&O Azura Main Dining
P&O Azura Dining
P&O Azura Spa
P&O Azura Kids Club
