2012 fire In March 2012 the ship suffered a fire in one of the engine rooms which temporarily disabled the ship, carrying 1,001 passengers and crew in waters south of the
Philippines. Five crew were injured in the fire, which broke out on 30 March 2012 at 8:19pm EDT, a day after the ship left
Manila for
Sandakan,
Malaysia. It was limited to the engine room and "quickly contained", according to Azamara. None of the passengers were injured. Many guests praised the efforts of the crew and the entertainment department for keeping spirits high immediately following the harrowing experience.
2016 Marlborough Sounds Collision On 27 January 2016 the Azamara Quest was heading to the port of
Picton,
New Zealand. Whilst entering the Tory Channel (which leads through the
Marlborough Sounds to Picton) the ship made its turn too late, turned too slowly and hit Wheki Rock. The hull and propeller sustained minor damage and the ship was able to continue to Picton. The
Transport Accident Investigation Commission report found that the accident was caused by a miscommunication between the Captain and the Pilot.
Effects of the worldwide pandemic In 2020, due to the worldwide
COVID-19 pandemic, sailings were suspended, on various dates in the various regions, by all cruise lines. As of 12 January 2021, a report indicated that Azamara was suspending all sailings "through April 30". From June 2020 until 26 July 2021,
Azamara Quest was berthed in Glasgow's
King George V Dock along with two of her sister ships
Azamara Journey and
Azamara Pursuit while cruise sailing was suspended. ==In popular culture==