P&O Azura – 2025 Cruise Reviews and Cabin Guide
For British cruisers weighing up a holiday at sea, the name P&O Azura often comes up alongside questions about value, comfort, and overall experience. As a mid-sized member of the P&O Cruises fleet, Azura offers a distinct alternative to the newer, larger ships in the line. This guide distills the available passenger reviews and verified ship data to help you decide if Azura is the right choice for your 2025 or 2026 cruise.
Built by Fincantieri and launched in 2010, Azura is a Grand-class vessel that prioritizes a more traditional cruising style. Passenger feedback consistently highlights the ship’s clean and comfortable layout, with particular praise directed at the crew and certain entertainment options. However, the same reviews also point to inconsistencies in food quality and signs of aging in some cabins and public areas.
Where Is P&O Azura Right Now? Live Location & Current Position
Determining the exact current location of P&O Azura from a single source is not straightforward. None of the available review platforms or official pages provide a verified, live AIS feed for the ship. The most reliable method for real-time tracking involves using independent maritime services that aggregate Automatic Identification System (AIS) data.
While a definitive current position cannot be stated here based on the provided research, the ship is confirmed to be sailing during the 2025 season. Recent passenger reviews mention Mediterranean and transatlantic voyages, as well as shorter roundtrip sailings from Southampton, such as a cruise to Guernsey. For the most up-to-date location, consult a dedicated live tracker.
Services like CruiseMapper or MarineTraffic provide AIS-based live tracking. These independent platforms are the best resource for seeing P&O Azura’s current position, speed, and next port of call.
P&O Azura at a Glance
- In Service Since: 2010
- Builder: Fincantieri, Italy
- Passenger Capacity: 3,114 (double occupancy)
- Total Cabins: 1,557 across 35 categories
- Length: 289m (948 ft)
- Gross Tonnage: 115,000 GT
Key Insights From Reviews
- Azura is a mid-sized “Grand” class ship, offering a quieter experience compared to the larger Iona/Arvia-class vessels.
- Cabins to avoid typically focus on deck 4/5 obstructed views and cabins directly above or under nightclubs or the atrium.
- The ship is consistently reviewed for strong food & dining variety, though some note ageing decor in certain areas.
- Staff service receives high marks across multiple review platforms.
- Cabin quality appears to depend heavily on location and category, with some aft cabins reported to shudder or feel dated.
Key Facts: P&O Azura
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ship Name | MS Azura |
| Operator | P&O Cruises (Carnival plc) |
| Build Year | 2010 |
| Builder | Fincantieri, Italy |
| Passenger Capacity (max) | 3,114 (9 decks of cabins) |
| Total Crew | ~1,226 |
| Cabins | 1,557 in 35 categories |
| Length | 289m (948 ft) |
| Gross Tonnage | 115,000 GT |
P&O Azura Reviews: What Do Passengers Say?
Recent P&O Azura reviews paint a picture of a ship that delivers on comfort and service but shows its age in places. On Cruise Critic, passenger feedback from 2025 describes the vessel as clean and well laid out. The crew consistently earns high marks for their professionalism and friendliness.
A 2025 video review highlighted an inside cabin with an unexpectedly large walk-in wardrobe, while another praised an obstructed aft-facing balcony for its unusually large balcony space. Conversely, recent Cruise Critic reviews report that some aft cabins can shudder, rattle, or feel tired and dated. The lesson is clear: cabin quality depends heavily on which one you book.
Which Cabins Should You Avoid on P&O Azura?
Based on published passenger feedback, there is no single “worst” cabin, but certain patterns emerge. Cabins directly above or below the ship’s nightclubs and the central atrium are more likely to experience noise. Similarly, some aft cabins have been noted for vibrations and a more worn appearance. Travellers seeking a quiet, refreshed stateroom should research specific cabin numbers on review forums before booking.
What Is the Passenger Capacity of P&O Azura?
The published passenger capacity for P&O Azura is 3,114 guests at double occupancy, with space for a total crew of approximately 1,226. This gives the ship a guest-to-crew ratio that many reviewers note positively, as it contributes to the attentive service frequently mentioned in 2025 reviews.
P&O Azura Entertainment & Onboard Experience (2025/2026)
Opinions on the onboard experience are split. A 2017 review praised Azura’s entertainment, karaoke, live acts, and the general range of options. However, a 2025 video review found the entertainment “a little bit lackluster,” noting limited variety beyond shows, dance lessons, and quizzes. Some Cruise Critic reviews counter this, stating that entertainment was the strongest part of their cruise. (Note: Cruise Critic link appears earlier in the article and is not repeated here.)
What Dining Options Are on P&O Azura?
Dining is another area where passenger feedback diverges. The official P&O Cruises dining page lists main dining rooms (Meridian, Oriental) and speciality restaurants like East, The Beach House, and Epicurean. A 2025 video review describes the buffet and main dining rooms as “pretty good,” but notes long waits for tables and inefficient seating flow. Other 2025 reviews on Cruise Critic complain about poor food quality, cold meals, reduced portion sizes, and buffet crowding, while still praising individual experiences and staff service.
While some passengers report excellent meals, others describe inconsistent quality. The buffet in particular receives criticism for crowding. For the best experience, consider booking speciality restaurants in advance and avoiding peak buffet hours. Recent reviews suggest that table service in main dining rooms can involve waits.
How Many Cabins and Suites Does P&O Azura Have?
The ship houses 1,557 cabins spread across 35 categories. These include inside, balcony, and superior deluxe cabins. One 2025 video tour revealed an inside cabin with a surprisingly large walk-in wardrobe, while a separate review praised an obstructed aft-facing balcony for its unusually generous outdoor space. A 2017 review described the layout as very familiar and “very similar to the Princess grand-class ships,” with restaurants on deck 6, lounges around the Promenade deck, and an aft-facing bar on deck 18.
P&O Azura Itineraries 2025 & 2026
Available reviews confirm that P&O Azura is actively sailing in 2025. Passenger reports mention Mediterranean and transatlantic crossings, as well as short UK departures from Southampton, including a roundtrip cruise to Guernsey. A full published schedule for 2026 is not yet available in the provided sources. For the most current and complete itinerary listings, the official P&O Cruises website remains the most authoritative source.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2010 – Delivered by Fincantieri, enters service for P&O Cruises.
- 2017 – Major refurbishment (dry dock).
- 2021-2022 – Return to service post-pandemic, with health/cleaning upgrades.
- 2025 – Current season, with itineraries in the Mediterranean, Canaries, and Northern Europe.
- 2026 – Itineraries released for sea, fjords, and sun cruises.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About P&O Azura?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Ship stats (capacity, cabins, tonnage) are published by P&O. | Future itineraries may change due to port availability or unforeseen events. |
| Current position is available live via AIS tracking on independent sites. | Whether a specific cabin is universally disliked (subjectivity of reviews). |
| Dining and entertainment options are listed on the official site. | Entertainment lineups for 2026 are not fully detailed. |
| Reviews confirm mixed feedback on food consistency and cabin condition. | Full deck plan details are not available in the provided research snippets. |
What Does P&O Azura Represent in the Fleet?
P&O Azura represents the traditional cruise experience within the Carnival family. Aimed primarily at British couples and families, it offers a balance between classic cruising and modern amenities. Compared to larger fleet ships like Iona or Arvia, Azura accommodates smaller passenger numbers but retains formal dining and established entertainment traditions.
Who Said What? Sources on P&O Azura
“Azura offers guests the holiday of a lifetime.”
– P&O Cruises official site
“MS Azura is a cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises and owned by Carnival plc.”
Should You Book a Cruise on P&O Azura?
For travellers who value attentive service, a mid-sized ship atmosphere, and a traditional British cruising style, P&O Azura remains a solid option. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in dining and cabin quality depending on your specific booking. Those seeking the latest mega-ship amenities may prefer newer vessels in the fleet.
If you are planning a stay in one of Azura’s common ports of call, you may find practical information in our guide to HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria – Family Resort Guide 2025 or our recommendations for Things to Do in Athens – Top Attractions and Hidden Gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is P&O Azura a large ship?
At 115,000 GT, it is large but smaller than P&O’s newer ships like Iona or Arvia (180,000+ GT). It carries approximately 3,114 passengers.
What type of dining is available on P&O Azura?
Azura offers main dining rooms (Meridian, Oriental), speciality restaurants (East, The Beach House, Epicurean), and a buffet. Quality reviews are mixed.
How often does P&O Azura get updated?
The ship undergoes refurbishments every few years, most notably in 2017. Specific updates occur during scheduled dry docks.
Can I track P&O Azura in real time?
Yes. Sites like CruiseMapper or MarineTraffic provide AIS-based live tracking of the ship’s current position.
What is the best cabin to book on P&O Azura?
There is no universal best cabin. Reviewers recommend checking specific cabin numbers on forums, as quality varies by location and category.
Does P&O Azura have balconies?
Yes. The ship offers balcony cabins, including suites and superior deluxe staterooms with larger outdoor spaces.
When was P&O Azura built?
P&O Azura was built in 2010 by Fincantieri in Italy. It entered service the same year.
What itineraries does P&O Azura sail in 2025?
In 2025, Azura is sailing Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern European, and transatlantic itineraries, including short UK departures.
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