Azamara Finalizes First World Cruise for 2010

by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 3:59 AM ET, Mon July 30, 2007

Azamara Cruises, the new "deluxe" brand launched by Celebrity Cruises in May, is putting the final touches on its first World Cruise to be operated in 2010. Azamara President Dan Hanrahan said the Azamara Journey is tentatively set to offer a 114-night World Cruise that will visit 54 ports of call. Hanrahan said the exact itinerary will probably be announced in 60 days. He made the announcement Sunday during a press cruise on the Azamara Journey. He also provided an update on the new brand, saying that Azamara is "getting to the point where it's really working well."

But Hanrahan confessed to being "scared to death" before launching the brand in just two month's time. "It was a scary feeling but now we're a lot more confident," he said, adding that adding more ships to the fleet is under consideration. "There's nothing firm at this point, but we're definitely thinking about it." Azamara is attracting baby boomers and mature travelers, including past cruisers from Oceania, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas, Hanrahan said. In addition, past Celebrity cruisers are trying out Azamara, especially those who previously sailed to more exotic destinations. Once the brand is well-established -- the Azamara Quest is due out in October -- Hanrahan said he expects the line's per diems to be 40 to 50 percent higher than Celebrity's. The two 30,277-ton Azamara ships are former R-class ships that accommodate 710 passengers double occupancy. For more information, call 877-999-9553 or visit www.azamaracruises.com.

Topics From This Article to Explore