Azamara
Cruises is making a highly anticipated return to Alaska
in the summer of 2026, offering its intimate small-ship experiences and deeply
immersive itineraries. After a seven-year absence, Azamara will once again
transport guests to soak in Alaska’s pristine wilderness and vibrant culture through
its signature Destination Immersion and Extended Destination Days.
Sailing aboard the
Azamara Pursuit from May 2026, with 10- to 13-day voyages featuring extended
port stays or ten hours or more and meticulously curated shore excursions that
take guests to the heart of Alaska’s jaw-dropping natural beauty, awe-inspiring
wildlife and rich local culture. Traveling to some of The Last Frontier’s more remote
destinations, these voyages will bring travelers up close to the action with
visits to indigenous communities, culture encounters and such wildlife
excursions as whale-watching, bear spotting and glacier hiking.
"We are
excited to reintroduce Alaska as one of our key destinations for the summer of
2026," said Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara Cruises.
"Our guests have long requested a return to this extraordinary region, and
we are pleased to meet that demand by offering enhanced itineraries and land
experiences that truly capture the essence of Alaska. From cruising the Hubbard
Glacier to offering extended time in smaller ports, our specially tailored
cruises provide an unforgettable, immersive journey and deeper connection with
the destination."
“We’ve listened to
the feedback from our guests and now we’re delivering on what we’ve promised,”
said Dondra Ritzenthaler, the CEO of Azamara Cruises. “Our commitment to
Destination Immersion means that we don’t just take our guests to Alaska; we
immerse them in its rich culture and take them to the heart of the destination
that large ships can’t even access. With our extended stays and thoughtfully
curated land experiences, we are thrilled to deliver the Azamara experience in
a destination that has captivated the hearts of travelers.”
Highlights of Azamara’s
return to Alaska include:
- Extended stays in ports like Juneau, Wrangell, Skagway
and Ketchikan, as well as in Nanaimo and Victoria, British Columbia, which are
intended to give guests a generous amount of time to explore each unique
location.
- Access to such remote destinations as Kodiak,
renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife; Dutch
Harbor, the gateway to the Aleutian Islands; and Icy Strait Point, famous for
its incredible whale-watching opportunities and adventure activities.
- Twenty-seven late-night
departures, which enable guests to make the most of their time in port
before continuing on to their next destination.
- The iconic AzAmazing
Evening, a signature private event by Azamara Cruises that immerses guests
in the local culture. On Alaska sailings, guests can experience "An
Alaskan Adventure: Timber, Traditions & Toasts" in Ketchikan. The
evening begins with cocktails featuring some of Alaska’s best beers, followed
by activities like axe throwing, traditional Tlingit dance performances and regional
culinary delicacies. The piece de resistance is an exclusive performance of the
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where skilled lumberjacks compete in thrilling
events like chopping, sawing and log rolling. This unforgettable event provides
a captivating peek into the Alaskan timber industry while offering a mix of exhilaration,
authentic and camaraderie.
For further
information on the new Alaska itineraries or to book one of these
once-in-a-lifetime voyages, you can visit Azamara’s website.
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