Honest P&O Azura Review: Does This Classic Ship Still Deliver?
Tom and Dom Travel with P&O Azura in the Canaries
When it comes to P&O Cruises, ships like Iona and Arvia tend to grab most of the attention. With their modern designs, innovative dining concepts and huge passenger capacities, it's easy to overlook some of the line's older vessels. However, after spending a week onboard P&O Azura, we're pleased to report that this classic cruise ship still has plenty to offer.
Azura may not have all the latest features found on P&O's newer ships, but what she does have is space, character and some fantastic value for money. Our seven-night fly cruise to the Canary Islands and Madeira proved that newer isn't always better.
Here's our honest review of P&O Azura, including what we loved and the few areas where we think improvements could be made.
A Smooth Start to the Holiday
One of our biggest concerns before travelling was the fly-cruise experience. Whenever flights are involved, there's always the possibility of delays, queues and additional stress.
Thankfully, the entire process was exceptionally well organised. From arriving at Gatwick Airport to stepping onboard Azura, everything ran smoothly. Check-in was efficient, queues were minimal and the embarkation process was surprisingly straightforward.
The return journey was equally impressive. P&O had already checked in our hold luggage, meaning we could simply disembark, board our transfer and head straight to the airport without any hassle. It's a small detail, but it made a huge difference and helped the holiday end as smoothly as it began.
Biggest Strengths: Space
For us, one of the standout features of Azura was the amount of space onboard.
Despite being an older ship, Azura never felt crowded. There were plenty of lounges, bars and entertainment venues spread throughout the ship, helping passengers disperse naturally rather than congregate in one area.
Even during the busiest evening periods, we rarely struggled to find a seat in popular venues such as the Blue Bar, Malabar or the Manhattan Lounge. Compared to some larger, newer ships where finding a seat can sometimes feel like a competitive sport, Azura offered a much more relaxed experience.
The spacious design also made it easier for guests with mobility concerns to move around comfortably.
Built for Sunshine
Before Arvia arrived, Azura was often referred to as P&O's "sunshine ship," and it's easy to see why.
There are multiple pool areas throughout the ship, each offering a slightly different atmosphere. Whether you wanted to join in with poolside games and quizzes, watch films on the giant screen or simply relax by the adults-only retreat, there was a space to suit every mood.
One area we particularly loved was the tiered aft deck. It provides stunning wake views and plenty of seating where you can simply sit back, relax and watch the ocean drift by. It's one of those classic cruise ship features that never gets old.
Entertainment That Delivers
Entertainment can make or break a cruise, and thankfully Azura delivered throughout the week.
The entertainment team worked incredibly hard, hosting quizzes, game shows and activities during the day while also appearing in evening productions.
The theatre shows were polished, energetic and enjoyable, while the guest performers added plenty of variety. During our cruise, the fly-on acts included tribute performers and vocalists who genuinely impressed us.
One unexpected highlight was the sailaway party. Unlike some other P&O ships we've sailed on, Azura hosted a proper outdoor sailaway celebration, creating a fantastic atmosphere as the ship departed port.
It's these traditional cruise touches that help Azura stand apart.
Afternoon Tea Done Properly
If you're a fan of afternoon tea, Azura won't disappoint.
Served in the main dining room, the experience feels far more special than simply picking up a snack from the buffet. Tiered stands arrive at the table loaded with finger sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones.
Best of all, it's included in your cruise fare.
It's a small touch, but one that adds to the classic cruising feel that Azura does so well.
Exceptional Value for Money
Perhaps the biggest positive of all was the price.
When comparing what was included—accommodation, meals, entertainment, flights and transportation—the overall value was genuinely impressive.
In an era where holiday costs seem to be constantly increasing, Azura proved that cruising can still offer outstanding value.
If you're looking for an affordable way to visit multiple destinations while enjoying all the comforts of a cruise holiday, Azura is certainly worth considering.
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Areas Where Azura Falls Short
No cruise ship is perfect, and there were a few aspects of the experience that weren't quite as impressive.
The Buffet Layout
The biggest issue for us was the buffet.
The food itself was generally good, but the layout felt awkward. Food stations are positioned along the sides rather than in a more central arrangement, which can make navigating the venue confusing during busy periods.
The seating areas also felt slightly cramped compared to the rest of the ship.
Interestingly, a secondary buffet area wasn't being used for general dining during our cruise, which may have helped reduce congestion had it been opened.
Signs of Age
Although Azura remains well maintained, there are occasional reminders that she is one of the older ships in the P&O fleet.
During our sailing, certain lifts and venues were temporarily unavailable while maintenance work was carried out. Some passengers also experienced disruption due to essential maintenance taking place near their cabins.
None of this significantly impacted our holiday, but it's worth knowing that older ships naturally require more upkeep.
Cabin Bathrooms Feel Dated
Another minor point concerns the bathrooms.
Unlike newer ships that feature modern glass shower screens, Azura's bathrooms still use shower curtains.
This certainly isn't a deal breaker, but it's one of those small details that can make the ship feel a little older compared to newer vessels in the fleet.
Premixed Cocktails
One area where we noticed a difference compared to previous P&O cruises was the cocktails.
Many appeared to be premixed rather than freshly prepared, which affected the overall flavour and quality. They were still perfectly drinkable, but they didn't quite reach the standard we had experienced elsewhere.
Difficulty Booking Specialty Restaurants
Our biggest frustration came when trying to book specialty dining.
Because Azura operates with multiple embarkation days, guests boarding earlier had already secured many of the available reservations by the time we arrived.
While a few slots remained, they were either very early or very late dining times, neither of which suited us.
As a result, we didn't visit any specialty restaurants during the cruise, which was disappointing as we usually enjoy treating ourselves to at least one during a sailing.
It's an area where P&O could certainly improve the booking process.
Final Verdict: Would We Cruise on Azura Again?
Absolutely.
While Azura isn't the newest ship in the fleet, she offers a traditional cruise experience that many guests will genuinely appreciate. The spacious public areas, excellent entertainment, fantastic outdoor decks and incredible value for money make her a very appealing option.
Yes, there are signs of age, and there are a few operational quirks that could be improved. However, none of these issues came close to spoiling what was an enjoyable and relaxing cruise holiday.
For travellers seeking a classic cruise atmosphere, plenty of sunshine space and excellent value, P&O Azura continues to be a ship well worth considering.
And for us, we'd happily sail onboard again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is P&O Azura suitable for guests with mobility concerns?
Yes, Azura is highly suitable for guests with mobility concerns. Thanks to its spacious design and wide public areas, navigating the ship is comfortable, and passengers disperse naturally, reducing large crowds.
2. How does the fly-cruise process work with P&O Azura?
The fly-cruise experience is exceptionally well-organized. P&O manages the logistics seamlessly: check-in and embarkation are highly efficient, and on the return journey, your hold luggage is checked in for you so you can go straight to your airport transfer without hassle.
3. Are afternoon tea and poolside movies included in the cruise fare?
Yes! Both the traditional afternoon tea—served in the main dining room with tiered stands of sandwiches, cakes, and scones—and the poolside films on the giant screen are fully included in your cruise fare.
4. What are the downsides of Azura being an older ship?
While well-maintained, her age shows in minor ways. Cabin bathrooms still use traditional shower curtains instead of modern glass screens, and you may experience occasional maintenance closures of certain lifts or venues during your sailing.
5. Why is it difficult to book specialty restaurants on Azura?
Because Azura operates with multiple embarkation days, guests who board the ship at earlier ports often book up the prime dining slots before newer passengers arrive, leaving only very early or very late options.
Author: Tom and Dom Travel
30 Jun 2026
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