The Azamara Onward is soon celebrating its 25th year anniversary. Originally built for Renaissance Cruises, the ship was delivered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique on July 28, 1999.
As part of a series of eight sister ships known as the R Class, the 680-guest vessel initially offered 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 before being sold to P&O Princess Cruises, along with one of its sister ships, the R Four.
After being renamed Pacific Princess, the former R Three began service for its new owners in December 2002.
Initial plans had the ship operating for six months of the year for the Princess Cruises brand, with itineraries throughout the South Pacific region and French Polynesia.
For the remaining months of the year, the Pacific Princess would be deployed for Australia-based P&O Holidays, 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 debuted in new regions, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America.
After nearly 20 years sailing for the premium brand, the Pacific Princess was sold to Sycamore Partners in early 2021 as the private equity company also bought the Azamara brand and its three ships from Royal Caribbean Group.
Following a refurbishment in Northern Europe and receiving its current name, the ship entered service for Azamara in May 2022.
As one of the company’s four ships, the Azamara Onward offers itineraries across Europe, the Caribbean and North America.
In 2023, the vessel also offered Azamara’s first world cruise, a 155-night voyage that included visits to 60 destinations across 40 countries in Central America, the South Pacific, the Far East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
A similar itinerary will be offered in 2025 when the Azamara Onward departs from San Diego for a second 155-night journey around the globe.
