Boarding Azamara Journey in Barcelona, I was met with a feeling of déjà vu. Although I have never been on the ship before, I have in fact cruised on several of her sisters (she was one of the eight ‘R’ ships built for the defunct Renaissance Cruises) , so it was a little like coming home – no time needed to get my bearings.

Recently Azamara has rebranded as Azamara Club Cruises and with this has come changes, with Larry Pimentel, formerly of SeaDream, Seabourn and Cunard, taking the reins. Itineraries are featuring more time spent in port, with overnight stays becoming more frequent. The most significant of the changes on board is the introduction of complimentary soft drinks throughout the day and wine with lunch and dinner. There is a choice of one red and one white wine which changes each day, and often comes from a boutique vineyard of the region. The quality of the pouring wines was good and the serving staff were not shy in keeping guests glasses topped up.

At full capacity Azamara Journey has 694 guests. Whilst I was onboard there were around 600 passengers and the ship did not feel busy. There was no queuing or waiting to disembark, and although the beautiful wooden sunloungers on the pool deck were close together, there was no fighting for space!

Azamara operates an informal dress code, which although not to everyone’s taste does fit well with the brand – as does the friendly and warm service. Many of the staff have come from the sister brands of Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, so they understandably love working on the smaller Azamara vessels which give them the opportunity to see the same passenger on more than one occasion…not necessarily the case on Oasis of the Seas! Gratuities are included in the fare which in my view always ensures service levels are consistent.

The more time I spent onboard the more apparent it became that much thought has gone into the product. In Windows Café, the main hub for buffet breakfast and lunch, there some attractive ‘to order’ stations for fruit smoothies and waffles, and at lunchtime sandwiches and salads were prepared in the same way. The benefit of Windows is that you can dine al fresco if you choose. Deck 5 has the wonderful Cova Café which serves special coffees and has pastries and other delights throughout the day. It is a restful place to sit back and people watch.

The daily programme was full of low key talks, classes and demonstrations. There was just one announcement each day at midday, so the whole style was relaxed, with small touches such as a complimentary self service laundry, and a complimentary shuttle bus into the heart of the city.

Food onboard was of an excellent standard with the alternative restaurant Prime C (essentially a steakhouse) a real highlight. For both Prime C and Aqualina, which serves Mediterranean fare, there is a cover change of $15 per person, but it is well worth visiting both at least once. The Main Restaurant “Discoveries” operates open dining and there was a lovely buzz about the place. Martinis, the pre-dinner bar, often had a harpist adding to the ambiance.

The show lounge had entertainment each night and Looking Glass offered a late night option. The gym was well equipped and the spa has a private Thalassotheraphy Pool and sun deck for which there is an additional charge of $17 (free if you are in suite accommodation).

My balcony cabin had luxuries such as Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrobes not to mention the Elemis toiletries, all of which come as standard in all accommodation. The only criticism was of the bathroom, which was a little on the small side. However, having inspected the suites onboard the bathrooms are of a good size. The benefits of booking a suite over and above the obvious size difference are that there is no charge for dining in Prime C and Aqualina, and you have free access to the private spa deck, and butler service.

The overall experience was excellent and I left the ship feeling that the enhancements since the change to Azamara Club Cruises have all worked seamlessly for both the cruise line and guests onboard who seemed to be having a wonderful time. I would definitely recommend Azamara for those who have enjoyed larger ships and are ready to take a step up in standards and a step down in the number of people you travel with. For luxury buyers, you may find something of a compromise in standard, but these cruises represent great value for money.