If you’re planning a vacation on a P&O Cruise, you have over 1,500 cabins to choose from. This can be slightly overwhelming (to say the least.)
But if you’re booking the Azura, there are definitely some cabins you’ll want to avoid.
Also, note: when booking your cruise, you have three options, Saver, Early Saver, and Select fares. You will be automatically assigned a cabin if you book the Saver or Early Saver fare.
For complete control over your room location, choose the Select fare.
Let’s dive into some crucial cabin-selection tips for a pleasant cruise experience on Azura.
Table of Contents
Types of Cabins on Azura
Inside Cabins
When it comes to Inside cabins on Azura, you’ll find compact and comfortable spaces designed for a good night’s sleep.
These rooms may not have natural light, but they offer all the necessary amenities for a pleasant cruise experience.
Even if you’re cruising on a budget, these cabins provide a cozy atmosphere to rest after a day of fun onboard activities and shore excursions.
Outside Cabins
With an Outside cabin on Azura, you’ll enjoy the addition of a window or porthole to let in natural light.
These cabins are ideal for those who appreciate a view of the ocean and the passing scenery.
While slightly larger than Inside cabins, they also boast all the essential amenities to make your stay enjoyable, such as a comfortable bed, private bathroom, and storage space for your belongings.
Balcony Cabins
Azura’s Balcony cabins offer you a private outdoor space where you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and fresh sea air.
In addition to the standard amenities found in Inside and Outside cabins, these rooms are typically more spacious and come with the added advantage of a personal balcony.
It’s the perfect spot to start your day with a cup of coffee or unwind with a glass of wine while watching the sunset.
Some balcony cabins on Azura include:
- DB #D304-D308, DD #D703-D707 (Deck 9)
- HB #C301-C302-C303-C304 (Deck 10)
- HB #B301-B302-B303-B304 (Deck 11)
- HB #A-301-A302-A303-A304 (Deck 12)
- HC #R301 (Deck 14)
Suites
For a truly luxurious experience, consider booking a Suite on Azura. These spacious accommodations offer the ultimate in comfort, style, and amenities.
Starting with a separate living area and bedroom, you’ll find your Suite designed for relaxation and indulgence.
In addition to the abundant space and amenities such as walk-in closets and whirlpool baths, Suite guests can also enjoy a variety of exclusive privileges, including priority embarkation, access to private lounges, and personalized concierge services.
An example of a Suite cabin on Azura is:
- B2 #R415 (Wheelchair accessible, Deck 14)
As you consider the different types of cabins available on Azura, think about your preferences and needs, and choose the one that best suits your cruising experience. Happy sailing!
Azura Cabin Sizes
On Azura, there are four main types of cabins: inside, outside, balcony, and suites.
The most basic of these are the inside cabins, which come in various configurations to suit your needs.
Ranging from 160 to 194 square feet, they may not offer a lot of room but they provide a comfortable space to retire at the end of a long day.
Next up is the outside cabins, offering a bit more space than the inside cabins at 181 to 234 square feet. These cabins often feature a window or porthole.
This allows for natural light to brighten your room and for you to enjoy splendid ocean views.
If a private outdoor space matters to you, balcony cabins offer exactly that. They come in sizes from 212 to 361 square feet, including the balcony, which ranges from 37 to 64 square feet.
Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or relax after a day of exploring the ship and its surroundings.
The most luxurious accommodations on Azura are the suites, which include additional amenities such as a personal butler, priority embarkation, and in-suite dining.
These range from 388 to 742 square feet, offering you ample space to unwind and enjoy all that your cruise has to offer.
To summarize, here’s a quick comparison of Azura’s cabin sizes:
- Inside cabins: 160 – 194 sq ft
- Outside cabins: 181 – 234 sq ft
- Balcony cabins: 212 – 361 sq ft (including balcony)
- Suites: 388 – 742 sq ft
Now that you know the various cabin sizes on Azura, you can confidently choose the one that best suits your preferences and requirements for a fantastic cruise experience.
Factors to Consider for Cabin Selection
Noise Levels
Some cabins might be located close to high-traffic areas, such as elevators, stairs, or entertainment venues, which could lead to increased noise.
To ensure a peaceful stay, you may want to avoid cabins below the buffet or galley areas, as well as those above or below the show lounge.
You should look for a cabin that is surrounded by other cabins both above and below, as this may provide a quieter experience.
Motion Sensitivity
If you’re sensitive to motion or prone to seasickness, the location of your cabin on the Azura can play a critical role in your overall comfort.
Typically, cabins located in the middle of the ship and on lower decks tend to experience less movement.
Higher decks and cabins on either end of the ship may be more prone to the rocking motions of the ocean.
When selecting a cabin, it may be beneficial to choose one towards the center of the ship if you are concerned about motion.
Location
The location of your cabin onboard the Azura should also play into your decision-making process. Some factors you may want to consider include the distance from essential amenities, such as dining venues, pools, and entertainment options.
Additionally, you may prefer a cabin with easy access to the lifts or stairs, but remember that these can also be potential sources of noise.
Balcony cabins on D deck can be highly desirable, but it is essential to research specific cabins on that deck to identify the best options or those to avoid.
By carefully considering the various factors in this section, you can select an ideal cabin on the Azura to enjoy a pleasant cruise experience.
Cabins with Specific Issues
Blocked or Obstructed Views
When booking a cabin on the Azura, you may come across some cabins that have obstructed or partially blocked views.
These cabins could have lifeboats, machinery, or metal structures in front of the window or balcony.
To avoid disappointment, carefully review the ship’s deck plans and cabin locations before booking your cruise.
Pay close attention to the positioning of your cabin relative to structures that could obstruct your view.
By doing so, you ensure that your cruise experience is not hindered by unnecessary nuisances.
Proximity to High-Traffic Areas
Another cabin-related issue you might encounter on the Azura is the proximity to high-traffic areas.
Some cabins may be located near elevators, stairways, public rooms, or dining venues, which could result in increased noise levels.
To ensure a more peaceful experience, consider choosing a cabin that is at least a few doors down from these busy areas.
Additionally, you may want to avoid cabins directly above or below public spaces, as noise may also travel vertically between decks.
When researching your cabin options on the Azura, it’s essential to keep your specific needs and preferences in mind.
By using the available deck plans and online resources, you can make an informed decision and select a cabin that meets your expectations, ensuring that your cruise experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Worst Cabins On Azura
We really can’t say there are any staterooms that are exactly ‘bad.’
However, there may be some that are slightly better than others. That goes without saying.
Complaints are also very subjective. A very light sleeper may think a room in particular is very noisy, but someone else may not hear a peep and sleep like a baby throughout the night.
But, if you want to give yourself the best chance of having an amazing vacation and avoid noisy cabins, these are the areas to avoid:
Noisy Cabins
These cabins E100 to E204 are situated right above the Playhouse Theatre, where live shows usually run until approximately 11:30 pm every night.
As a result, the sound of music can be heard through the floor, although it will be somewhat muted.
If you intend to stay up past this time, there’s no need to worry. However, if you’re someone who prefers to go to bed early, you may want to consider finding another location.
The Superior Deluxe Cabins with Balcony of E720 to E730 might seem appealing but have one major flaw. They are located directly above the Manhattan nightclub.
Some passengers have said the vibrations are very powerful and kept them up.
The balcony cabins and suits between R301 to R525 are located below the Lido deck. This area typically doesn’t have many complaints, but if you like to sleep in late, you may hear loungers walking around above you in the morning.
The pool deck can get noisy as well as the day progresses. So these cabins are best for early risers who won’t be sleeping in.
Cabins With Shaded Balconies
This is a personal preference. Personally, I like to stay out of the sun and under umbrellas, but I know plenty of people who book cabins with balconies to sunbathe in privacy.
Or simply to get some light sunlight in the early morning hours.
If you’re someone who isn’t trying to avoid the sun while on your balcony, these cabin numbers and decks are the ones to avoid:
Every balcony cabin and suite located on the Riviera Deck is shaded due to the fact that the deck above overhangs on all sides of the ship.
The balconies of cabins L218-L312 will be shaded as the deck above them overhangs a significant portion of the Lido Deck. Also, A101, A102, A103, A104 are reportedly shaded because they have decks above as well.
Cabins With Overlooked Balconies
The last thing you need when you’re relaxing on your balcony is being watched from the cabins above. And that’s just what can happen when you book any of the balcony rooms on the D Deck.
These cabins are more spacious than standard balconies, owing to their location on an overhang above the lifeboats.
However, this positioning also means that anyone on C Deck or higher can easily peer over the balcony railing and observe your balcony.
Another one that’s a personal preference. I’m sure many are okay with sacrificing a little bit of privacy for more space but definitely something to keep in mind when booking.
Cabins More Subject To Seasickness
If you don’t get seasick easily (or at all), you have nothing to worry about here.
But if you are prone to feeling unwell on ships, or don’t know whether or you’ll get seasick, these are the cabins you want to avoid.
In general, you’ll want to avoid cabins at the high levels of the ship, both the front and back, as they are more subject to movement.
Pick cabins closer to sea level and in the center of the ship.
So cabins such as A102-A217 and A746-A753 are highly recommended to be avoided as they are on the rears and pretty high up.
In general, cabins on the A deck, Riviera deck, and Lido deck will have the most movement.
Stick to cabins on the E deck or below if you are very prone to seasickness.
Single Cabins
Single cabins may seem like. good idea if you’re traveling alone, but they are very small.
And ironically, they sometimes aren’t even the cheapest option.
Make sure to compare a single cabin to the standard ones that accept double occupancy. The price difference is sometimes very small and worth the extra space.
Best Cabins On Azura
Best Inside Cabins on Azura
When selecting the best inside cabin for your trip aboard the Azura, location can make all the difference.
Look for cabins situated toward the center of the ship, as they tend to experience less movement.
Additionally, being close to the elevators and stairs can make it easier to access various areas of the ship.
Take notice of what’s above and below your cabin, aiming to avoid cabins with noisy venues directly above or below them.
Best Outside Cabins on Azura
Looking for the best outside cabin? Focus on those with forward-facing and unobstructed views.
This allows you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery as you sail.
Keep in mind that cabins near the front of the ship may experience more wind, but this can be a trade-off for having better views.
Also, consider cabins positioned far enough away from the ship’s tenders (lifeboats) to avoid any potential noise or obstruction.
Best Balcony Cabins on Azura
For the best balcony cabins on the Azura, consider those with larger balconies and unobstructed views.
Some ideal options mentioned by previous passengers are C752, C753, B754, and B755, located on the port side of the ship.
Choosing cabins on the port side can help to avoid cigarette smoke from the promenade deck on the starboard side which can sometimes be intrusive.
Pay attention to the location of your balcony cabin in order to avoid being directly underneath the self-service restaurant, as this has been noted as an undesirable upgrade by some passengers.
Best Suites on Azura
The best suites onboard Azura range from 449 to 753 square feet, including a sizable balcony.
The most luxurious of these cabins come with optional butler service, as well as other benefits such as magazines.
When selecting a suite, carefully consider the location, ensuring you’re not too close to high-traffic areas while still remaining accessible to various amenities.
To truly make the most out of your sailing experience, opting for a suite with a larger balcony can allow you to fully take in the sights and sounds of the journey.
