A History Of Azamara Cruises

A perfect choice for those looking to travel off the beaten track, Azamara Cruises offers a range of exotic itineraries taking in destinations such as Kyoto, Bangkok, Nicaragua, Cartagena and the British Virgin Islands.

The cruise line is renowned for offering exceptional levels of service and provides a butler for every stateroom onboard, helping to ensure that its passengers' every needs are catered to.

Azamara's ships have recently undergone multi-million pound renovation work, with guests now able to enjoy new European bedding, flat screen TVs, improved veranda decking and wireless internet access in all staterooms and public areas.

Blast from the past

One of the youngest cruise lines in operation today, Azamara Cruises was established in 2007 when Celebrity Cruises took the decision to create a brand new cruise line using the recently refurbished Celebrity Journey as its flagship.

The Celebrity Journey soon became the Azamara Journey, which was then joined by the Azamara Quest.

Originally, Celebrity had been keen to use the vessels to expand its Xpeditions sub-brand; however, it was decided that the ships were so unique that they deserved a cruise line of their own.

Speaking at the time of Azamar's launch, Richard Fain of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited - the parent company of Celebrity Cruises - said Azamara would target an area of the market which has previously been underserved.

"This new line falls into what we consider the deluxe category - a category between premium and luxury," he explained.

Capable of housing 694 passengers, the Azamara Journey is an elegant and well-designed vessel which boasts two specialty restaurants, a luxury spa and wellness centre, piano bar, coffee house, wine bar and concierge amenities.

Passengers travelling onboard the ship can also enjoy live entertainment and daily enrichment programmes, which cover everything from wine tasting to lectures.

The ship also has its own internet area with computer stations, enabling passengers to stay in touch with family and friends throughout their voyage.

More than 90 per cent of Azamara's staterooms boast sea views and 68 per cent have their own private verandas.

A similar size to her sister ship, the Azamara Quest also offers an excellent range of facilities, which include a luxury health spa and Martini Bar. Guests in suite accommodation can enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their own room and therapies on offer include microdermabrasion facials and acupuncture.

Passengers travelling with Azamara will also find an excursion expert onboard who can provide in-depth information about destinations and shore excursions.

According to travel site Cruise Critic, the brand attracts well-travelled and active passengers who are looking for a holiday with a difference.

Cruising into the future

Azamara Cruises has continued to evolve over the last two years, introducing new itineraries and programmes for its guests.

In 2008 the cruise line launched new captain-led weddings, enabling passengers to tie the knot or renew their wedding vows at sea. There are several different packages available for those looking to marry onboard and in-port nuptials can be arranged.

Azamara also introduced a number of European itineraries last year, including 20 new ports of call and overnight stays in some of the World's most romantic places.

In addition, passengers can now enjoy a number of culinary-themed shore excursions across Europe such as cooking workshops in Amsterdam, a pasta party in Italy and a tour of the vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France.

The cruise line continues to go from strength to strength and in December of last year the Azamara Journey scooped the Travel Weekly award for the best premium ship.

Speaking at the time, Celebrity's chief executive and president Dan Hanrahan said he was very proud of the cruise line "which, in its first full year of service, has generated meaningful recognition from esteemed travel agent and readers' surveys, as well as from our guests".

Other awards bestowed upon Azamara over the last year include the best cruise line for expedition cruising at the Travel Age West Wave Awards and best itineraries at the Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards.

Which Azamara Cruises cruise ship is right for you?

• Azamara Journey
• Azamara Quest

1. Where would you like to cruise? Anywhere Europe (All)     Baltic     British Isles     Iceland     Mediterranean     Norway     Western Europe Middle East (All)     Dubai Transatlantic (All)
2. Which departure port? Any port Barcelona, Spain Civitavecchia, Italy Copenhagen, Denmark Istanbul, Turkey Piraeus, Greece Singapore Venice, Italy
3. When? Anytime 2010 (All)     April 2010     May 2010     June 2010     July 2010     August 2010     September 2010     October 2010     November 2010 2011 (All)     January 2011
4. For how long? Any Duration 7 - 9 Nights 10 - 13 Nights 14 - 16 Nights 17 - 40 Nights
5. Which ship do you prefer? I Don't Mind Azamara Cruises (All)     Azamara Journey     Azamara Quest
6. Cruise type? Any Fly & Cruise
7.   Reset

Itineraries

Azamara Cruises Itineraries

• Europe

• Baltic

• British Isles

• Iceland

• Med

• Norway

• W.Europe

• Middle East

• Dubai

• Transatlantic

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