The Thalassotherapy pool

Swirly carpets and stylish furniture in a palate of natural shades bring a light fresh look that is more contemporary than country house – but importantly retaining Azamara Journey’s boutique hotel feel.

Modern artworks dot the ship, while birdcage-style swinging chairs and luscious velvet sofas beckon invitingly in the spacious Living Room, scene of some of the biggest changes.

Speciality restaurant Aqualina

Formerly called the Looking Glass, this lounge was more of an evening venue, with furnishings to match, but now it is lighter and brighter with new furniture and a welcome coffee machine to encourage more day-time use.

Dotted around are interactive “technology tables” where it is fun to mess around, sending e-postcards home or tapping into a world map to look up Azamara’s cruises and land adventures.

Partitioned off is a card room area and four computer terminals. These replace the former computer centre near the spa – another area that has been given a complete overhaul, with a new entrance, an additional acupuncture treatment room and two swish new spa suites.

A Club World Owner balcony suite

The Owners Suites and Continent Suites have also been given a fresh facelift with eye-catching flat-screen TV’s and ivory leather headboards, while sumptuous tiles and marble dominate the ensuites.

The former Pool Grill has metamorphosed into The Patio to now offer seated al fresco dining, which revs up a gear in the evenings with a special menu and enhanced surroundings.

First-timers will be impressed, while passengers who know and love these ships will be relieved that they have been given a more modern flair without losing their classic feel.