'Perfect' beautiful cruise ship Azamara Quest where trips can cost over £10k visits Portsmouth on maiden call
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Hundreds of passengers stepped ashore to make the most of their visit to the city
A remarkable cruise ship has visited Portsmouth for the first time as her guests prepare to sail to the Mediterranean.
Azamara Quest sailed to Portsmouth International Port in the early hours of today (August 19). Hundreds of passengers stepped ashore as new guests began preparing for an 11-day voyage. Many visitors have paid more than £10,000 for their holiday.
The traditional plaque exchange ceremony marked the occasion and continued Azamara visits. Captain Dario Guerrieri, of Tuscany, has sailed with the firm for 15 years and has spent 30 years at sea. He said he’ll hang the Portsmouth plaque proudly among several others as a reminder of all the places the crew have been - with the ship being “perfect” to visit the city.
“We’re excited to visit a new port and discover new places,” he told The News. “Portsmouth suits us very well for a turnaround call, where the guests can explore the city.”
He added: “It was lovely seeing the Spinnaker Tower. The port was ready and I think many of our passengers will stay in the city for a lovely day. My wife is going out to discover the city.
“We’re fortunate to be here today and travel the world. This vessel is the perfect size to go into town, so close to every destination so our guests can explore. It’s a lovely ship, the crew are fantastic, the guests are relaxed, and the ambience on board is very nice with great food.”
Azamara Quest entered service in October 2007. She can carry roughly 710 passengers in sumptuous comfort, alongside 410 crew members. After previously touring around Ireland, the vessel will be visiting Honfleur, St Malo, Bilbao, Porto, and other destinations.
Luxury amenities on board include seven restaurants, cafes, sauna, refreshing swimming pool, revitalising spa, cabaret lounge, shops, running track, gym, and sun deck. The port will see a record number of cruise calls 2027, despite a lower number of visits this year compared to previous seasons.
Ian Diaper, deputy director of Portsmouth International Port, said it’s brilliant to welcome another maidan call. He added that Azamara is increasing the number of calls in Portsmouth to five next year and six in 2028, amid plans to expand its fleet of ships.
“Azamara is a perfect fit for Portsmouth as a smaller upmarket cruise ship,” he said. “We’re really pleased to see it here. We’re expanding cruise calls all the time and next year we’ll be more than 100. It bodes well for Portsmouth with tourists spending money in the city. It’s a win-win.
“Next year will be a record itinerary. You have to make the magic work on the day. If it works well for them, they’ll come back. Cruising is very cyclical. Many commit to schedules in advance, so it’ll be a year or so before they return. We work hard with the cruise lines to meet the guests expectations, and it works very well.”