Photos from Azamara Club Cruises' Facebook page
Azamara Club Cruises has finalized the remodel of its two-ship boutique fleet - the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest - and now the line is expanding its overnight focus with extended tour options.
Both the Journey and the Quest are former Renaissance Cruises ships, and a number of things had been done previously to modify their identities for the current upscale line. However, this time the overhaul was considerably more extensive - redesigning every stateroom and suite, adding spa suites (pictured below, leading the first slideshow) and updating the adjacent spa itself, overhauling the dining venues and redecorating the forward observation lounge and renaming it The Living Room (pictured in before and after images in the second slideshow).
What's more, Azamara has introduced a new Overnight Adventures program. Already, the line featured many overnight stays, a hallmark feature, to offer more immersion in select destinations. This has allowed for nighttime excursions, including the company's signature Azamazing Evenings, and back-to-back day excursions with lodging on the ship in between. But now it's taking it a step farther with two- and even three-day tours experienced entirely off-board, rejoining the ship at the next port.
"We're excited to announce this new initiative that truly speaks to Azamara's Destination Immersion platform," says Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. "Our new Overnight Adventures program will provide an enhanced, onshore service for our guests who want to elevate their travel experiences within the destination during their voyage. These two and three-day land excursions provide cruisers with an extended stay allowing the perfect amount of time to truly be immersed. In addition to the recently-announced bow to stern renovations to our two ships, Azamara Club Cruises continues to enrich the cruise experience both on land and at sea."
READ MORE: Azamara Club Cruises Redesign Begins with Azamara Journey
Interesting is how the announcement comes after corporate cousin Royal Caribbean International recently offered a similar excursion program that was likely inspired by Azamara to begin with. Azamara's Overnight Adventures include transportation, hotel and meal accommodations ashore in destinations ranging from the Holy Land to Italy.
Example Overnight Adventures are as follows:
Ancient Temples of Bagan, Yangon, Myanmar
A two-day journey explores the Asian archeological site of Bagan and its 3,000 pagodas, temples and monuments. Highlights include visits to the Sunset Temple, a local market and the ruins.
Nazareth, Galilee and Jerusalem
Follow in the footsteps of Christ and discover the River Jordan, the Mount of Beatitudes and Jerusalem's Western Wall and the Stations of the Cross.
Venice and Florence: Grand Italian Adventure
A full day in Venice showcases Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Cathedral before a day in Florence with a taste of the Renaissance and art by Michelangelo and more.
Desert Night in Oman
Enjoy a Bedouin adventure along lagoons, waterfalls and a camp with drinking, dancing and barbecue before spending an evening in a luxurious tent.
READ MORE: Azamara Debuts Virtual Reality Cruises, Local Eats Recommendations
Now that the fleet has been elevated and the line's excursion program has been enhanced, focus can perhaps return to a long rumored expansion of the fleet, one that Pimentel himself has frequently alluded to. Logic stands that the existing ships needed to be updated before any new ones were built in order to maintain interest in the old fleet once any new vessels come online. As competitors grow, namely Viking Ocean Cruises and its planned fleet of six brand new ships, Azamara definitely needs to as well to sustain its edge.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
