Azamara Onward Celebrates 25th Anniversary
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The Azamara Onward is soon celebrating its 25th anniversary. Originally constructed for Renaissance Cruises, the ship was delivered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique on July 28, 1999.
Part of a series of eight sister ships known as the R Class, the 680-guest vessel initially operated year-round cruises in French Polynesia as the R Three.
Following the collapse of Renaissance Cruises in late 2001, the ship was laid up in Tahiti and later sold to P&O Princess Cruises, along with its sister ship, the R Four.
Renamed Pacific Princess, the former R Three began service for its new owners in December 2002.
Initial plans assigned the ship to the Princess Cruises brand for six months each year, offering itineraries throughout the South Pacific and French Polynesia.
For the remaining months, the Pacific Princess served P&O Holidays in Australia, offering a premium alternative to the company’s contemporary ship, the Pacific Sky.
This arrangement continued until early 2008, when the ship was replaced in Australia by the Pacific Dawn.
Now sailing year-round for Princess Cruises, the vessel ventured into new regions, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America.
After nearly 20 years with Princess Cruises, the Pacific Princess was sold to Sycamore Partners in early 2021. The private equity company also acquired the Azamara brand and its three ships from the Royal Caribbean Group.
Following a refurbishment in Northern Europe and a name change, the ship entered service for Azamara in May 2022.
Now one of Azamara’s four ships, the Azamara Onward offers itineraries across Europe, the Caribbean, and North America.
In 2023, the vessel embarked on Azamara’s first world cruise, a 155-night voyage visiting 60 destinations across 40 countries, including Central America, the South Pacific, the Far East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
A similar itinerary is planned for 2025, when the Azamara Onward will depart from San Diego for a second 155-night global journey.
