Azura – One Ship, Endless Experiences

On board Azura during the day, there'll be deck games, card games, guest speakers, sports, interactive quizzes and game shows to enjoy. And as the sun sets, Azura's stars will shine with performances from classical musicians, vocalists, live bands, comedians, celebrity speakers and tribute artists celebrating icons such as Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and Frank Sinatra. In Manhattan, there'll also be the opportunity to join in the fun of interactive game shows such as The Weakest Link, Deal or No Deal and Family Fortunes.

Azura may well rejoice in fine cruising traditions, but she also features a few innovative ‘firsts'. One of these is SeaScreen, Azura's open-air cinematic experience. As with any cinema, there'll be a broad selection of films - including British favourites - shown during the day and under the starlit sky at night. But SeaScreen also has a few extras in store. There'll be themed nights such as ‘Classics by Starlight' and ‘Oscars' night. You'll be able to watch well-loved TV comedy classics and live interviews will be held with the ship's officers which will include behind the scenes footage of ‘crew only' areas. Dancing will be at the heart of Azura and this relationship will begin with a ballerina's blessing at her glittering naming ceremony in Southampton on 10 April 2010.

Into the Evening

With cocktails created by Olly Smith, a floor-to-ceiling audiovisual wall to transport you around the planet, a classic pub housing our unique heritage collection and a New York inspired lounge, Azura's venues are setting new standards.

MALABAR

Inspired by the contemporary hotels lining Mumbai's sweeping Marine Drive, a blaze of fiery colour will greet you on arrival in Malabar. This dramatic venue is adorned with sumptuous features such as a shimmering gold leaf ceiling dome and seductive red voile drapes. Colonial wicker chairs invite you to sit a while as bar stewards keep drinks refreshed. In an evening the venue sparkles, not only from the ornate starlit table lamps, but from an array of entertainment including cabaret acts, elegant dancing and live music performances.

MANHATTAN

Akin to the chic lofts of New York City, Manhattan provides a golden delicious bite of the Big Apple. A bright and bold space featuring exposed brickwork, stainless steel and dark polished teak; every night will dance to a different beat. With spectacular cabaret performances, fun quiz shows, tribute acts and glittering discos, this multitalented entertainment venue will have something special in store for everyone. Manhattan will be the place to be seen after hours.

THE GLASS HOUSE

If you are a fan of the great grape, then you are certain to be a fan of The Glass House, Azura's wine bar and restaurant. A haven for quaffers and connoisseurs alike, the linear layout of this stylish venue follows that found in vineyards across the world. On the menu, you'll find a comprehensive selection of worldwide wines, with tasting notes complied by Olly Smith. The menu even features exclusive vintages, available by the glass rather than the bottle. And to complement these wonderful wines? Delicious dishes of fresh grill fare that can be enjoyed noon and night.

THE BLUE BAR

This bar is the venue with the view. Located at the very top of Azura's atrium, The Blue Bar is the perfect place to watch the elegant dancers waltzing across the polished teak dance floor three decks below. Decorated in hues of blue with oversized armchairs to unwind in, intelligent lighting dramatically transforms this space from day to night. Serving speciality cocktails mixed by expert bar tenders, The Blue Bar also offers exclusive champagnes and caviar. Close to Azura's main dining rooms, this is an ideal place for pre-dinner drinks.

BRODIE'S

Step into Brodie's and you'll instantly feel at home. Named after Brodie McGhie Wilcox, co-founder of P&O, this eclectic British bar has many guises. Close to the casino and featuring a full size pool table and darts board, Brodies will also play host to live music and show a variety of sports events on the plasma screens dotted around the room. With a nod to classic London pubs, the stylish design of this sociable space makes it welcoming morning, noon and night. Sink into one of the brightly coloured lounge chairs and share a bottle of crisp chilled wine with friends or perch at the highly polished bar enjoying a freshly pulled pint of ale.

THE PLANET BAR

Azura is adding an exciting modern twist to a classic cruising favourite – the Crow's Nest. Traditionally a venue offering spectacular panoramic ocean views, by night, the scenery on show in The Planet Bar will be of a very different kind. Similar in concept to Ventura's iconic Metropolis Bar, The Planet Bar will have a signature floor-to-ceiling audiovisual wall. However, the experience will be quite different as you are swept up in scenes that will leave you awe-struck and show you some of the world's most spectacular sights. Focusing on six continents, you'll be able to visit Planet Africa, Planet America, Planet Australia, Planet Europe, Planet India and Planet Orient, witnessing sublime wonders both natural and man-made.

An Edible Experience

In Seventeen, one of Azura's signature restaurants, food is an experience. It's the taste of something completely new but yet so comfortingly familiar. It's one exquisite mouthful after another. It's a theatrical table-side show. And it's exclusive to Azura. Seventeen adds finesse to fine dining.
There's no doubt that the dishes of Seventeen deserve centre-stage, but on board Azura there are too many dining delectations waiting patiently in the wings - the succulent grill fare on offer in The Glass House, Atul Kochhar's unique British-Asian cuisine and the six-course, silver service meals presented every evening in the main dining rooms. Azura captures the classics and her main dining rooms are reflective of this. Historically named, Club Dining is available in The Peninsular Restaurant and The Oriental Restaurant, while Freedom Dining can be enjoyed in The Meridian Restaurant, a descendent of the The Meridian Lounge on board Canberra and Meridian Restaurant currently on board Arcadia. And then there's afternoon tea. A quintessentially classic British indulgence, enjoy delicately sliced sandwiches and glazed cream cakes every afternoon.

An Experience at Sea

Days at sea are a wonderfully welcome addition to any itinerary because they allow you to utterly indulge and invest completely in ‘me'. There are no distractions from the winding cobbled streets tempting you ashore or from the Gothic spire peeking above the rooftops. Instead it's just you and your ship. And when travelling on board Azura, you'll be in the hands of a ship which has perfected the art of ‘me'.

To find yourself on Azura, you first need to find her haven. Hop in the forward lifts and press the button for Deck 16. The doors slide open and you step straight out into indulgence. Welcome to the realm of relaxation. Breathe deep. The air is calm and delicately scented by essential oils. A white fluffy bathrobe, with a passenger contentedly cocooned inside, pads past. Through the door to your left, a cleansing cloud fills the air as a glistening body steps from the warmth of the steam room. We invite your imagination to join us as we open the door of Azura's incredibly indulgent spa. Join us as we wander through, what will be, one of the most serene spaces at sea.