Here’s EVERY VENUE Onboard Azura, the Cruise Ship from P&O Cruises: a Photo Tour
Azura is a Grand-class cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises. She entered service in 2010, and has grown to become a much-loved favourite in the British cruise market.
In 2025, she underwent her latest refurbishment, which saw some of her public areas get a full refresh, and others receiving some ‘behind the scenes’ attention.
Throughout this post, I’m going to show you every single venue onboard Azura, to hopefully give you a feel for what it could be like to take a cruise onboard this ship. If you enjoy this post (I really hope that you do!), then please support my website by checking out some more posts - you can do this by heading to the menus at the top once you’re finished on this page!
If you’d prefer to have a tour of Azura in video form instead of images, then here’s a link to my full ship tour over on YouTube. While you’re over there, remember to hit that ‘Subscribe’ button - this is a way to HUGELY support my channels!
Deck 5
Atrium
Azura’s Atrium really is the beating heart of the ship, and it spans across Decks 5, 6 and 7 of the ship. You’ll find this place bustling with activity all through the day and well into the evening.
During the day, you can expect a host of different events in this space: line dancing, aerobics, musical performances and games will all be hosted here.
In the evening, you’ll find that ballroom dancers love this space - they were dancing on every night of my recent cruise! This space is also used for events like the Formal Night Captain’s address, presumably due to the fact that it can accommodate so many people across the different levels.
My top tip for this space? If you’d like to have somewhere to sit down, you’ll want to plan to get here early - it’s one of the favourite places for so many onboard!
The Library
The Library is one of the venues that come off of the Atrium. It’s a small affair, with a circle of chairs around a globe in the centre of the room.
Around the side of the room are book cases, which you’re able to browse and borrow books from at your leisure during the opening hours. If you’d like to check out a book, just visit the library and have the book processed by the attendant. Note: be sure to return any borrowed books before the end of the cruise, otherwise you might find an unwanted charge on your account!
There are also some desks here, which offer a quiet working space away from the much busier spaces all around the ship. If you’d like to use one of the desktop computers here, that’s not a problem, but you will need a WiFi package to log in.
Explorers
Directly beside the Library, you’ll find ‘Explorers’ and also the ‘Loyalty and Future Cruise Sales’ teams.
‘Explorers’ is the name given to the Shore Excursions team, so this is who you’ll want to speak to if you have any questions on that topic, or if you’d like to book onto a Shore Excursion for one of your upcoming ports of call.
If you have a question about the Peninsular Club loyalty programme, or if you’d like to book another cruise while you’re on the ship, then you’ll want to speak to the team in this section.
It’s worth remembering that these two teams are entirely different, and they therefore operate with different opening times. If you’d like to know when either (or both) are available for passengers, just check your Daily Schedule (which P&O Cruises call ‘Horizon’). This will be delivered to your cabin each evening for the next day.
‘Explorers’ is the name given to the Shore Excursions team, and you can find them on Deck 5.
Within the same space is the Loyalty and Cruise Sales team.
Java
Like your coffee in the morning, afternoon and evening? Don’t worry - me too, and P&O Cruises have got you covered!
You’ll find Java on the ground floor of the Atrium, and it serves up all of your favourite brews that you’d expect to find on land. One nice touch is that, at the point of me taking my recent cruise on Azura, Java was serving Costa coffee, offering you a ‘taste of home’ while on your cruise.
One ‘top tip’ that I’d offer you for this space is that P&O Cruises have made huge strides forward from a sustainability perspective over recent years. As part of their commitments, they now don’t offer single use cups and lids, making it difficult to take your coffee away from Java. Just remember to pack a travel mug, and you’ll be good to go - the crew here are more than happy to make your drink in your own mug.
Of course, if you’d like to pull up a chair and relax with your drink in the Atrium, you’re more than welcome!
Art Gallery
If you’re an art fan (whether that means you’re a collector, or you just like to have a look), then you’ll probably want to check out the Art Gallery on Deck five of Azura. This space takes up a central corridor, and also two corridors that run down either side of the ship towards the back of this space - make sure you don’t miss out a chunk of it!
At the point of my cruise, this gallery was being operated by Clarendon Fine Art, an art company that you’ll find on many cruise ships and on High Streets all across the U.K.
The Art Gallery team will host lots of events throughout your cruise, from auctions to lectures, so keep an eye on your Horizon if you’d be interested in attending any of them.
Meridian Restaurant
The Meridian Restaurant is one of the Main Dining Rooms onboard Azura. You won’t pay anything extra to dine in here - it’s completely included in your cruise fare.
You’ll see when I show you the Peninsular restaurant later in this post that this venue is VERY similar to the other included venues on the ship - the main difference is really just the colour. In here, it’s orange, and the Peninsular is blue!
You’ll be allocated a table for dinner for the duration of your cruise, but you’re welcome to dine in whichever of the restaurants is open for either breakfast or lunch. In other words, don’t worry if your ‘allocated’ restaurant isn’t open for breakfast or lunch - you just go along to one of the others as your allocated table only applies to the dinner service.
You can either be at your own table, or be a part of a larger table. Personally, I prefer if I’m travelling with someone to be at our own table. If I’m travelling solo, then I’ll sometimes really enjoy the comfort of my own company at my own table, but I’ll also sometimes really enjoy mixing with new faces at a shared table. If you have any issues with how you’ve been placed, just speak to the team at the welcome desk at the entrance to the restaurant - they’re the ones who will be able to help with everything on the subject of dining with them.
Deck 6
Atrium
On Deck 6, you’re on the middle floor of the Atrium. There’s not too much to report here, as there aren’t any public venues that really look into this space.
On either side of the Atrium on this deck, you’ll find shopping boutiques. If you’d like to buy some new clothes, sunglasses, accessories, fragrances or duty free alcohol (to take home with you at the end of the cruise), then you’ll find all of these stores in this section of the ship!
Reception
Another facility that you’ll find on the middle floor of the Atrium space is Reception, or Guest Services. If you have any questions about anything at all while you’re onboard, or if you need help with anything, then the team here should be able to help you out.
The Reception desk on a P&O Cruises ship is in operation 24 hours a day, so there should be someone here at all times.
Of course, if you don’t want to come down to this desk, you can always make a phone call from your in-cabin phone.
Guest Services, or Reception, is located on the middle floor of the Atrium.
The Peninsular Restaurant
The Peninsular Restaurant is the next ‘included’ dining venue on this photo tour - in other words, you don’t pay anything extra to dine in here as it’s included in your cruise fare.
As you’ll see in the below photos, this restaurant is very similar to the Meridian restaurant, which I showed you earlier in the tour. The only key difference in here is the colour: the Meridian restaurant had strong orange tones, but it’s blue in here.
I was particularly impressed with the condition of this restaurant - it felt as though the space had perhaps recently been refurbished - the carpets and wall upholstery were in great condition!
It’s worth adding now that there is a third dining room (called The Oriental Restaurant), but I won’t show you this one due to the fact it’s essentially the same as both the Meridian and Peninsular Restaurants, but red in colour.
Brodie’s
Like the thought of relaxing during a day ‘at sea’, or in the evening, at what feels like a local pub? If so, then you’ll probably like Brodie’s.
This space is designed to feel like a British pub, and there’s even a snooker table and a darts board in here! You’ll find live music is performed on the small stage at one end of the pub, offering you a relaxed environment to enjoy a few drinks in the afternoon, or perhaps somewhere to spend your evening after dinner.
One thing that’s worth highlighting here is that Brodie’s shares a space with the onboard casino (which I’ll show you next). For that reason, you’ll get some noise travelling across between the two venues, so you might want to choose where you sit carefully if you’re keen to avoid that.
One aspect of Brodie’s that I really liked was the jukebox. If you’d like to select some of your favourite music while you’re at the pub, then that’s absolutely an option!
Casino
Next, we’re moving to look at a venue that’s usually pretty quiet on British cruise ships: the Casino. I was surprised throughout my cruise on Azura to find that this space was very well utilised - this Casino was more popular than any of the others I’ve previously seen on ships from P&O Cruises.
There were lots of slot machines in this space, and also a good selection of gaming tables, all of which were kept in very good condition.
The Casino on Azura is fully non-smoking, making it a far more universally agreeable venue to spend time in than you might find on some other cruise ships.
Remember - cruise ship Casino venues can’t open until the ship is out of port, so keep this in mind when it comes to planning how you want to spend your day. If the ship is spending the day ‘at sea’, then the casino will usually open in the morning, stay open all afternoon, and then close well into the evening.
The Karmala Room
This is a space that most people will never see or use during their cruise. It’s a small function and conference space, and you’ll find it at the entrance to the Playhouse (the onboard theatre) on Deck 6 of the ship.
During my cruise, it was closed for most of the time, but it was then used as a small creche on a few of the days.
If you’re looking to book a private event space during your cruise, then I guess there’s a good chance that it’ll the Karmala Room that you’ll be shown to. If it’s a wedding that you’re thinking about, then you’ll probably be looking at another venue that I’ll show you later in this photo tour!
Note: due to confidentiality, I’ve blurred out some signage that was on the walls of the Karmala Room when I was inside. You can see this with the brown coloured boxed on the below interior shot of the room.
The Playhouse
Welcome to The Playhouse, Azura’s onboard theatre!
This venue spans across both Deck 6 and Deck 7, and is all the way at the very front of the ship. It’s a huge theatre - I never had any issues getting a seat in here for any of the shows during my cruise.
The seat pitch in here is steeper than in lots of cruise ship theatres, meaning that there isn’t really a bad seat. Ideally, try and sit somewhere in the centre of the room - I reckon you get the best views of the stage from this area.
If you’re looking at this photo tour from an accessibility point of view, then you’ll want to make note of the fact that there is accessible seating available at the back of the theatre on Deck 7, and also at the end of some of the rows down on Deck 6. If you want to be closer to the action, I’d really recommend Deck 6 - the seats on Deck 7 are really quite far away from the stage.
Deck 7
The Glass House
The Glass House is P&O Cruises’ answer to a Wine Bar. This space has been developed in collaboration with wine expert, Olly Smith, and you’ll find a wide selection of wines and alcoholic drinks here.
One of my personal favourites is ‘Jolly Olly’ - a beer that’s been created specifically for P&O Cruises, again in collaboration with Olly Smith!
If you’re a fan of Tapas, I’d really recommend trying some food items here. I was really impressed with the quality of the food at the Glass House on my most recent cruise - it was absolutely fantastic! If you’re looking to come here in the evening, or on an afternoon that the ship is sailing, I’d recommend booking a table to be sure you’ll get in. Just stop by and speak to the crew, who will be happy to help!
Alternatively, you can pop in for drinks only in the evening. In this case, you’re usually invited to sit by the bar, rather than seated at tables. If you’d rather a table, speak to the host when you arrive.
The Blue Bar
Looking for a speciality cocktail while you’re onboard Azura? Well, look no further than The Blue Bar.
This bar looks down from the top floor of the Atrium that I showed you earlier, making it an absolutely brilliant place to people-watch from.
Here, you’ll find some drinks that you won’t get anywhere else onboard. If you’re looking for a recommendation from me, I’d really recommend trying the ‘BAFTA cocktail’. This drink blends rum, citrus juice, honey syrup and Angostura Bitters with champagne, and it’s a real ‘winner’, in my opinion. It even gets delivered garnished with a large serving of candy floss (what’s not to love, right?!).
The Blue Bar is home to a grand piano, and you’ll hear a live pianist playing in here on most evenings of your cruise. This sound then fills the upper section of the Atrium - it’s a really nice environment to relax in at the end of a busy day.
Malabar
Malabar is the next space to show you, and you’ll find it when you leave The Blue Bar and walk towards the back of the ship on Deck 7.
This space feels quite Arabic to me - it’s very different to any of the other venues onboard. At Malabar, you can expect lots of different types of events: art auctions, karaoke, acoustic performers and crafting sessions are all held here as examples.
One point I would add is that there are windows here that look out to sea, but they’re covered in a light string dressing, making it quite difficult to look outside. This also makes it quite a dark venue (which I guess is deliberate), but you might want to go elsewhere if you’re looking for uninterrupted sea views. Don’t worry - I’ve got just the solution for you much higher on the ship - stay tuned!
Sindhu
Sindhu is the Indian restaurant designed by P&O Cruises, and you’ll find it available across their fleet.
If you’ve followed my social channels for a while, you’ll know that I absolutely LOVE it in here - it’s one of my favourite speciality restaurants from ANY cruise line.
On this cruise, I discovered that Sindhu operates with two menus, and these change at the half-way point of the cruise. That means that, if you book a table here at the start of the cruise, you’ll experience a completely different menu to those who book later in the cruise.
For this reason, I just had to go twice, and can confirm that both of the menus were absolutely fantastic - I didn’t actually have a favourite!
Photo Gallery
Do you use the onboard photographers to snap your photo around the ship when you cruise? If so, then you’ll want to make note of the Photo Gallery.
You’ll find this space directly outside Sindhu, and it’s where you can view all of the photographs that have been taken of you while you’ve been onboard.
You can add photo packages to your cruise booking before you get onboard, or you can order ‘by the photo’ once you’re on the ship.
Creative Waves
Between the Photo Gallery and the final venue at the back of the ship (which I’ll show you in a second), you’ll find the Creative Waves desk. Here, you can join the team in a wide variety of crafting sessions, which will be announced in the Horizon that’s delivered to your cabin.
It’s worth highlighting that most of these sessions do come with an additional charge, which will be clearly advertised in advance.
‘Creative Waves’ is an artistic programme onboard the ships in the P&O Cruises fleet.
Here’s an example of some of the activities available onboard as part of ‘Creative Waves’.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the final venue on Deck 7, and it’s at the very back of the ship. Here, you’ll find a show bar venue, with a large dance floor in the middle of the room.
This is a highly versatile space, with small shows being presented in here, in addition to dance classes, movie nights and so many other things too. This is also the venue that will become the late night disco, so make a note of this one if you’re the type to ‘dance the night away’ while cruising!
I’d recommend coming to Manhattan during your cruise to listen to the P&O Cruises resident band. They’re usually a really good standard, and will be playing in here on multiple nights while you’re on the ship!
Promenade Deck
Deck 7 is also known as the ‘Promenade Deck’. It’s got an almost wrap-around Promenade deck that goes from the front of the ship to the back.
It’s worth highlighting that it’s not a fully ‘wrap around’ deck, as the section at the front of the ship isn’t accessible to passengers. If you’re looking to get your laps in while cruising, it’s not an issue - you just need to either cut through the inside of the ship to begin your next lap, or turn around and walk in the opposite direction.
That aside, the views of the ocean from down here really are spectacular!
The views from Azura’s Promenade Deck are remarkable!
Deck 15
Coral Pool
On Azura, you’ll find four swimming pools. The Coral Pool is considered to be one of the main pools onboard, and it’s surrounded by open deck space to relax and soak up the sun.
There’s a raised stage above this pool, which is home to live entertainment throughout the cruise, particularly in the afternoons if the weather’s good, and also in the evenings.
The Coral Pool is one of the main swimming pools onboard Azura.
Around this pool, there are a couple of different poolside refreshment options:
Coral Bar - perfect for grabbing a drink without going inside!
Poolside Grill - hoping for a burger or a hot dog while you’re relaxing? Look no further!
Poolside Pizzas - the name is pretty self-explanatory - if you like pizza, you’ll be delighted with this one.
Poolside Ice Creams - would an ice cream help to keep you cool? You can purchase one from the poolside ice cream counter.
The poolside ice cream counter is not included in your cruise fare, but the poolside grill and the pizza counters are. My ‘top tip’ is that ice cream will usually be offered as part of the evening dinner service, and also lunch in the Dining Rooms - do you need to buy an ice cream now, or could you wait until lunch or dinner? The choice is yours!
Anyone for pizza? Yes, I thought so!
Aqua Pool & Bar
Next, let’s move to the middle of the ship on Deck 15 to look at the Aqua Pool. This pool is just behind the Coral Pool, and it’s home to another poolside bar, so you’re not going to have to go very far to order your favourite drink on the top deck sections of this ship!
This is also where you’ll find the ‘Sea Screen’, a huge digital screen that’s used to show live sports and also movies during the day and in the evening. I always really love cinema nights outside on cruise ships, as it’s something that we so rarely get to do at home in the U.K.!
There are two hot tubs here, which were replaced during Azura’s 2025 refit - what better way to watch a movie than from a hot tub?!
Venezia & Verona Restaurants
Venezia and Verona are the two buffet restaurants that you’ll find onboard Azura. Although they’re each individually named, you’d be easily forgiven for thinking this was all one venue. It’s a dual-use space, with the only difference being that the Verona end is a little darker in colour scheme. Aside from that, I’d recommend you think of it as one buffet restaurant.
The buffets onboard Azura are open for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner and then Late Night Snacks, so there’s a very minimal chance that you’re going to be feeling hungry and without food during your cruise!
I found the overall variety and quality of food in here to be really good - I was perfectly happy during my 7-night cruise!
The Beach House
In the evenings, Verona turns into a very different dining option: the Beach House. This is a speciality dining option that you’ll find across the P&O Cruises fleet, and it’s inspired by the flavours of South America and the Caribbean.
I always find the ‘value for money’ in this venue to be absolutely outstanding - for what you pay, there’s no way you’d get anything near this sort of quality at any restaurant on land. In other words, if you’re considering booking a meal at The Beach House, then consider this your sign to do so.
Terrace Bar
At the very back of the ship on Deck 15, you’ll find the Terrace Bar.
The Terrace Bar offers, in my opinion, some of the most wonderful views out over the back of the ship. It’s also right behind the buffet venues that I’ve just shown you, so it’s possible to dine outside by using this space.
This bar looks down onto another of Azura’s swimming pools: the Terrace Pool. You’ll find this on Deck 14, and there is direct access to it from this bar area.
The Terrace Bar and Terrace Pool are located at the very back of the ship - look at that view!
Deck 16
Oasis Spa
If you like the sound of relaxing at the spa when you cruise (who doesn’t?), then you’ll be interested in this section of our photo tour. Welcome to the Oasis Spa, which you’ll find all the way at the front of the ship up on Deck 16.
There are lots of facilities here, all of which I’m going to walk you around.
The best thing about this facility is that it doesn’t all cost you money to use. I hear that so many people avoid going to the spa areas of a cruise ship, due to the fact that they’re under the impression that it’ll probably provoke some sort of ‘hard sell’ from the crew to book them in for treatments etc. In my experience, this just isn’t the case - you should absolutely head up there to see what facilities you can make use of that are included in your cruise fare!
I’ll now move on to cover each of the spaces you’ll find within the spa, and I’ll tell you which are free of charge, or included in your base cruise fare!
Gym
First, the gym. It’s completely free to use Azura’s onboard gym, which is also the case on every other cruise ship I’ve ever sailed on. There’s a wide selection of both cardio and also weight lifting equipment in here, so it should be fairly easy to keep on top of your workout routine from back home (if you want to, that is!).
The gym here offers some fantastic views from the glass windows that wrap around the entire space. Why don’t you try and do some wildlife spotting from the comfort of your treadmill, or your exercise bike?
If you’re interested in fitness classes (think yoga, pilates etc), then you can do these here, but they do come with an additional charge. To find out what classes are on offer during your specific cruise, just stop by the gym and check out the promotional leaflets or speak to a member of staff.
Salon
Hoping to get your hair done while you’re cruising, or perhaps get a manicure to return home feeling your best? Well, the team in the Salon will be more than willing to help you with whatever you’re looking to have done.
Again, like the gym, there’s some amazing views to be had from in here thanks to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows that line one wall of the room.
A tip that I would offer you for the Salon is that it’ll likely be much busier on whichever day of the cruise features a formal night. People will often treat themselves to treatments on this day (think blow dry's and haircuts), so be sure to get in early if you’d like to book on that day!
Treatment Rooms
If relaxing in your own personal treatment room sounds more up your street, then don’t worry - Azura has you covered.
Across from the Salon, you’ll find the entrance to a large relaxation area that can be used before and after treatments, and all of the individual rooms come off of this space.
There’s a wide selection of individual rooms and couples rooms to choose from, so there will be a room waiting for you for whatever type of treatment you’ve opted to book!
If you’re looking to book a treatment during your cruise, I’d always recommend to try and do this as soon as you can after you board the ship. That way, you’ll get to choose from lots of slots, rather than having to fit in around everyone else’s booked treatments!
Oasis Pool
The Oasis Pool is in the centre of the Spa complex, but it’s outside.
It’s a great space, and much more relaxing than any of the other pools on the ship, largely thanks to the fact that it’s ‘adult only’. Despite it being far more secluded than the other pools, you don’t pay anything extra for this - it’s included in your fare.
The way that this pool is designed (in the centre of the Spa area) often results in it being quite shaded unless the sun is particularly high in the sky. This is great if you’d like to enjoy being in a swimming pool without feeling like you’re baking in the direct sun!
There are another two hot tubs here to relax in, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience than the main pool spaces, then this one might have your name on it!
The Oasis Pool is found in the centre of the spa complex, allowing bathers to have some much-needed shade on a sunny cruise itinerary!
This pool is adult only, making it much quieter than the other pool spaces on the ship.
Thermal Suite
I love a Thermal Suite both on cruise ships and also at hotels on land. My frustration with them on cruise ships is that they’re often very expensive, and so I’d always recommend you think carefully about how much use you’re going to get out of it before you book.
As the Thermal Suite on Azura is an upcharge option (in other words, you need to pay extra to use it), you’ll find it within a secure area. To access it, just stop by the spa reception, and the team there will be able to grant you access.
Once inside, you’ve got some heated loungers in the centre of the room, with some sauna and steam room options. There’s no natural daylight down here due to the fact that the suite is on the inside of the ship, so you’re not going to be able to wildlife spot from the comfort of the sauna, for example.
Due to the location of this space, it is lovely and quiet, so it’s probably a great option if you’re looking to chill out (or warm up!) somewhere that’s away from the buzz of the busy ship!
Lockers & Saunas
Like to use a sauna, but don’t like paying for Thermal Suite access? Well, listen up!
Azura has saunas that are completely included in your cruise fare, and you’ll find them in the locker room sections of the Spa. So many people have no idea that these are here - I never met any other people while I was using the sauna throughout my cruise!
They’re single gender, so each locker room has their own facilities, but if you’re looking to warm up to the temperature of a sauna while you’re cruising, then this is where you’ll want to be spending some time!
There are digitally-controlled lockers available to all users of the Spa complex on Azura.
There are saunas included in the cruise fare! Shh, don’t tell everyone…!
Ivory Suite
Remember we mentioned about weddings earlier in this tour? Well, if you’re considering tying the knot or renewing your vows while you’re on your cruise, then there’s a high chance that this is the venue that you’ll do that in.
It’s a bright space, and largely private due to the frosted doors.
If you’re interested in getting married on a P&O Cruises ship, click here to go to the weddings section of their website now!
The Ivory Suite is a private bookable space for events onboard Azura.
Breakers Bar
Next, let’s leave the front of the ship behind and start moving towards the back, but staying on Deck 16.
The first venue that you’ll come across is Breakers Bar.
This is a bar that looks down over the Coral Pool, and it’s one of the most popular outdoor spaces on the whole ship.
You’ll find one half of this venue is one of the smoking-permitted sections on Azura, and the other half doesn’t permit smoking. In the centre is the bar, offering you the chance to relax outside with your favourite tipple.
There’s a wide selection of seating up here: tables and chairs down either side, with comfortable sofas and lounge chairs in the middle. There’s then some bar stools that look directly down over the Coral Pool - I really love to sit up here with a drink, while looking out across the decks!
Breakers Bar is found on Deck 16, and it offers some fantastic views over the Coral Pool, and also beyond the ship!
Shuffleboard
Outside on Deck 16, you’ll find the Shuffleboard courts.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or you’ve never played before, I’d really recommend giving it a try. Who knows - you might find your new favourite hobby…!!
Shuffleboard: give it a try on your next cruise!
Kids Club
Travelling with children? If so, you should consider using the Kids Club while you’re onboard. On a P&O Cruises ship, the kids club operates with multiple different sections - broken down by age of child.
The overall Kids Club on Azura is called ‘The Reef’, with the following sub groups:
Nursery (6 months - 2 years)
Splashers (2 - 4 year olds)
Surfers (5 - 8 year olds)
Scubas (9 - 12 year olds)
H2O Children’s Club / The Scene (13 - 17 year olds)
To sign up to any of these sessions, just speak to the team at the Reef Reception once you board the ship. It’s worth highlighting that you’re able to register for Kids Clubs before your cruise, which will secure you the best availability.
Just log in to your ‘My P&O Cruises’ account, and follow the prompts to get everyone signed up!
Splash Pool
At the very back of the ship, you’ll find the Splash Pool. This is the dedicated kids pool onboard Azura, which is why you’ll find it close by the Kids Clubs.
I know what you might be thinking when you see the image below - it’s not the largest of pools! Don’t worry - it’s designed as a splash pool for the youngest kids onboard. Children are welcome to use the main family pools onboard (but always supervise your kids to be safe!).
Here’s the ‘Splash Pool’ - don’t worry, this one’s just for young children. There are much bigger pools elsewhere onboard!
Deck 17
The Retreat
If you’re looking for a more private space than the main open decks to relax in while the ship’s ‘at sea’, then look no further than the Retreat.
This is an exclusive sun deck that you’ll find at the front of the ship on Deck 17, and it consists of a wide variety of seating and lounging options: rattan sofas and armchairs, sun loungers and tables and chairs are all available in here.
As a guest with Retreat privileges, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the waiter service to order your favourite drinks (usual charges apply), and the light catering on offer (this is included when you purchase a Retreat Pass). One of my personal favourites here is the Afternoon Tea that you’re able to enjoy from your sun lounger - no need to get dressed and go inside!
The Retreat does come with an additional charge, and it can be fairly expensive. On less ‘booked up’ sailings, you can often pay for Retreat access for just a day, so it’s worth checking if you’ve got a day of sunbathing planned - could you go in here and enjoy a more premium experience?
Final point from me on the Retreat - this space is largely outdoors, so I wouldn’t recommend booking it for a colder weather itinerary, or if the weather on your cruise is looking unpredictable!
The Epicurean
It’s now time to look at the final dining venue of our photo tour: the Epicurean.
This is P&O Cruises’ answer to a fine dining restaurant, and you’ll find it at the back of the ship on Deck 17. This venue offers the highest ‘cost per head’ meal that you’ll find on Azura, although in my opinion it’s worth it if you’re a fan of this type of food.
The location of this restaurant means that you can enjoy your meal in a much more private and intimate environment than the rest of the ship, and you’ll have some wonderful views looking out to sea across the back of the ship.
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating available here, although it’s rare to see anyone eating their evening meal outside. Suite guests are invited to eat breakfast at the Epicurean, and so you’ll often see people eating here in the mornings while you’re cruising.
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Deck 18
Planet Bar
If you’re a fan of relaxing with a drink, or your favourite book (or both!), with an incredible view (who isn’t?) then look at this venue!
Planet Bar is perched at the top of the ship, and it offers you views out across the back section, and also down both sides. In my experience, venues like this are rare on cruise ships, and so I always absolutely love them when I find them.
There’s a variety of table seating, armchairs and also comfortable sofas in here, all of which offer you those fantastic views I mentioned.
In the evenings, you can expect this place to turn into a sophisticated-feeling bar, with a live pianist providing the background music to your cocktails and conversations.
Here’s a look around Planet Bar - impressive, isn’t it?
Deck 19
Golf Nets
Want to keep up your golf game while you’re cruising? Well, you might not find an 18-hole golf course onboard Azura (that would be quite something, wouldn’t it?!), but you will find golf nets.
These netted areas come complete with golf clubs and golf balls, so just swing by (pardon the pun) if you’d like to have a try!
Want to keep up your golf game? Azura has multiple golf nets, and you’ll find them up on Deck 19 of the ship!
Sports Court
Speaking of sports, is basketball more your thing? If so, there’s a sports court up on Deck 19, and it’s positioned beside the golf nets, so it’ll be easy for you to find!
The entire court is netted, so you don’t need to worry about losing a ball to the ocean, or potentially injuring someone relaxing on the decks nearby(!).
It’s not possible to book or reserve the court, so you do just need to hope it’s available when you’re ready to play.
There’s also a fully netted sports court on Deck 19 of Azura!
Sun Deck
Up on Deck 19, there’s a sun deck that I genuinely think is one of the best-kept secrets onboard this cruise ship - it’s always so quiet!
You’re directly on top of the Planet Bar here, so you’ve got the same amazing views, but without the inconvenience of glass.
During the day, there will be lots of loungers laid out up here, and this space also provides an amazing photo opportunity without the crowds in the evening. If you’re lucky enough to get a wonderful sunset while you’re ‘at sea’, then I’d recommend coming up here to enjoy it without everyone else in shot!
Deck 19 features a sun deck that so few people seem to know about. On a busy sea day, you might just thank me for letting you know about this section of the ship!
So, that’s a full tour of P&O Azura. Wow - that was a long one, but I really hope that you’ve enjoyed it!
If you have, then please check out another post on this website. Below, you’ll find a link to take you to my YouTube ship tour of Azura, followed by a link to take you to another post on this website. In that post, I talk you through the changes that happened on Azura as part of her 2025 refit.
Did that refit do her good, or was she better off before? Well, I guess you’ll have to go over there to find out…!
