MS Azura

In April 2015, MS Azura underwent its first refurbishment since coming into service in 2010. The multimillion-pound renovation saw improvements to many areas of the ship not visible to passengers (pipes carrying drinking water were replaced) as well as more obvious improvements to soft furnishings in the corridors, staircases, and main restaurants. The buffet areas were also updated (although the questionable layout remains) while the restaurant Seventeen became The Epicurean, after sister ship Britannia’s high-end for-fee eaterie.

The most obvious change to come from the refurbishment, however, was the giant Union Jack livery that was painted on the ship’s hull as part of a fleet-wide branding. A not-so-subtle reminder of P&O Cruises’ uniquely British brand of cruising.

With 3,100 passengers on board, the ship can feel crowded — especially on sea days when the sun loungers are packed tightly on deck — exposing a real lack of shaded areas. However, passengers wanting a more luxurious experience can book themselves into the much quieter Retreat (Deck 17, forward) –a private VIP area with comfier loungers and waiter service. The Retreat is the line’s take on the popular ship-within-a-ship concept that has become popular on both MSC Cruises and the Norwegian Cruise Line. A two-week pass costs £350 for two passengers, which is pricey enough to mean that it never gets too busy

P and O MS Azura cruise ship deck plans show a total of 1557 staterooms (including 18 single cabins) for 3100 passengers (max capacity 3737) served by 1250 crew-staff. The boat has 18 decks (15 passenger-accessible, 9 with cabins), 11 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, 4 swimming pools, 6 outdoor Jacuzzis, 12 elevators. The sisterships Azura and Ventura were both specifically designed to attract UK cruisers. Azura is the first P&O ship to have an outdoor cinema (SeaScreen).

Note: On the P&O Azura ship, launderettes are located on decks Riviera, A, B, C, D, E, P. These are passenger use laundry facilities (open 8 am – 10 pm, complimentary), complete with dryers, washers, ironing boards. Detergent costs extra, or you can use your own. Dry cleaning (called Wascomat or Aquatex /eco-friendly wet cleaning) is available, with service charges per item. List with dry-cleaning prices is available in all cabins.

P&O MS Azura 2020 refurbishment review

The ship’s drydock 2020 (April 4-16, at Navantia Ferrolane Shipyard in Ferrol Spain) was a GBP 20 million project planned mainly for needed repairs and equipment modernization. The project involved 3000 people – 1000 crew, 1500 contractors (employees of companies hired by the shipowner, most from the UK), and 500 local workers (specializing in mechanics, steelworks, painting).

Works included technical and hotel maintenance, general upgrades of public areas (all bars and restaurants), and passenger cabins (beds, bathrooms, lighting, woodwork, decoration). All staterooms and venues received new carpeting and furniture. Four bars now serve draught beers. Some outdoor deck spaces were redesigned to allow alfresco dining.

P&O MS Azura deck plan changes 2015 refurbishment review

The ship’s drydock in November 2015 (GBP 26 million project) resulted in the following deck plan changes.

• The vessel received the new P&O livery (on the hull).
• Added were the new restaurants/venues Sindhu, Glass House, Grab and Go, and Costa Coffee.
• Renovations received the Theatre Lounge, Lido Buffet, Reef Kids Club, Sidewalk Cafe, Spa, Shops, Casino, Champions Bar.
• New Beach House menu was introduced.
• All passenger staterooms received various upgrade