Boutique Cruise Ship, Azamara Journey, Returns to Sydney

#cruising

·         Third Australian season and biggest year yet for the boutique cruise line
·         2017/18 season expected to inject $3.5 million into the Australian economy
·         Visit part of line's first ever Australian 'Country-Intensive' voyage

Boutique, up-market cruise line Azamara Club Cruises returns to Sydney at 2pm today when the recently revitalised 690-guest Azamara Journey berths at White Bay for an overnight call, with guests from 17 countries onboard.

Azamara Journey's first visit to Sydney for the summer – part of the line's third season down under – is expected to inject around $1.2 million into the NSW economy during just two days in passenger spend alone, and $3.5 million into the Australian economy throughout the season.

Pic: Tim Faircloth

Journey's arrival in Sydney marks the completion of the line's first ever Australian Country-Intensive cruise, an 18-night voyage from Bali to Australia via the west and south coast for Australia. Along the way, Azamara Journey made maiden calls to Geraldton, Albany, Esperance and Fremantle in WA, as well as Kangaroo Island and Adelaide in SA.

Azamara Journey will offer four Australia and New Zealand cruises during the summer, including the line's first ever World Journey, departing Sydney on 7 March 2018. The 102-night cruise odyssey from Sydney to London will call at 60 ports in 29 countries along the way, including 19 late nights and 13 overnight stays throughout.

2018 will see Azamara Club Cruises mark its biggest year in Australia when the boutique cruise line brings both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest down under, with Azamara Quest cruising the west coast of Australia in December 2018, making maiden calls at Broome and Exmouth and arriving in time for special New Year's celebrations in Sydney Harbour. Quest will also make the line's first turnaround in Melbourne in early 2019.

With smaller ships that can go places larger cruise ships can't, Azamara differentiates itself by making destinations the star of the show. The line stays longer in port than most larger ships, and offers more immersive itineraries that visit lesser-known ports, attracting an up-market, adventurous clientele.

Azamara Journey arrives into port at 2pm during an 18-Night Australian Country-Intensive voyage from Bali to Sydney, and will remain docked overnight, before departing at 6pm on 8 February 2018 on a 14-night Tasmania and New Zealand voyage.

To make a booking or for further information visit www.azamaraclubcruises.com.

Boutique Line Azamara Club Cruises Offers The Best Of Both Cruising Worlds – Ocean And River

Boutique cruise brand, Azamara Club Cruises is known for its destination immersion, smaller ships that can berth in ports other large ships can't, and a style of cruise that offers more included in every fare. Lesser known, but no less unique, is the fact that Azamara's 686-passenger ships can offer the best of both cruising worlds – ocean as well as river cruising.

Both Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey recently emerged from multimillion dollar makeovers that overhauled the jewel-box ships from bow to stern. They offer a range of unique itineraries with longer stays, more overnights and night touring so guests can experience the authentic culture of the destinations they visit, including those on the banks of some of the world's most famed rivers.

Travellers can cruise the storied River Thames right up to Tower Bridge in London, or visit New Orleans via the mighty Mississippi River. Azamara's ships can sail the Garonne River to Bordeaux in the heart of one of France's prime wine-making regions, and to the dynamic Canadian city of Montreal via the St. Lawrence River.

Or, choose to navigate Russia's Neva River en route to the czarist treasures and grand palaces of St. Petersburg, or the Iberian Peninsula's Guadalquivir River to the Spanish city of Seville, where passengers can explore the charming, historic Santa Cruz Quarter.

The River Liffey flows right through Dublin, and Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest can cruise a part of this waterway to enter the Irish capital. One of Dublin's top attractions, the Temple Bar district, has been developed along the south bank of the Liffey. This neighbourhood is considered the city's cultural heart, with restaurants, lively pubs and outdoor markets lining the cobblestone lanes.

Destinations truly are the hero of Azamara's itineraries on every cruise. Wherever adventure presents itself, Azamara's unique Land Discoveries programs, including Insider Access, Nights and Cool Places and Cruise Global Eat Local, set the brand apart by inspiring guests to think outside the ship by offering special access to museums, iconic and exclusive attractions, hidden gems, tours, intimate meals and more. Azamara's signature AzAmazing Evening events also bring guests a unique cultural experience – which is complimentary on all voyages seven nights or longer.

While destinations are the highlight, what's onboard keeps guests coming back for more. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest guests receive exceptional and personal service and enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world. More is included in each cruise – such as beverages, gratuities, self-service laundry, English Butler service for suite guests, shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available, as well as Azamara's signature AzAmazing Evening Events. 

To experience Azamara's unique hybrid ocean and river cruise offering, fares start from $3,359 for the first guest and just $1,677 for the second guest in an interior stateroom when booked by 31 August 2016, for a 10-night Thailand and Vietnam voyage. Departing Singapore on 30 November 2016, this itinerary lets guests sail Thailand's Chao Phraya River to Bangkok where the ship docks overnight. Here, passengers can tour the Royal Barges Museum, which showcases elaborately carved and decorated teak vessels used only for special ceremonies on the river. The voyage also includes calls to Thailand's famed Ko Samui for some of the world's best beaches as well as an overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, before concluding in Hong Kong.

To make a booking or for further information visit www.azamaraclubcruises.com, phone 1800 754 500 or contact your local travel agent. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit cruisingpower.com.

Azamara Club Cruises’ experiential evenings bring destinations to life again in 2014

Azamara Club Cruises has released a list of the AzAmazing Evenings program for 2014. The concept behind Azamara Club Cruises is that destinations are more than just geography and so the 2014 AzAmazing Evenings program continues to provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy a new range of complimentary, exclusive, authentic and cultural evening events.

These signature events are complimentary and held once a voyage, typically ashore during the evening. On select voyages, the sights and sounds of a region are transferred onboard, where the ship serves as a backdrop for an evening of cultural immersion. Building on its already popular itineraries, organised to coincide with major cultural and world events, Azamara Club Cruises has now crafted historical experiential evening events to make the adventures even more immersive.

For example, during Azamara's "Past to Present: Normandy 70 Years Later" journey which sees passengers storming the beaches of France, guests will also be treated to a D-Day Liberation Party in Cherbourg, exactly 70 years to the day that the landings took place.

"Since its launch, our AzAmazing Evenings programme has been incredibly well-received and is providing discerning travellers unique, tailor-made experiences at intriguing destinations around the world," said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises.

Whether enjoying a private three-tenors performance set in a 19th century opera house in Livorno, Italy, or joining in a local Burmese festival, guests will find themselves immersed and living the culture rather than just seeing it during a brief visit.

"After extensive research and collaboration we have created custom events that allow our guests to explore a destination in a way they may have otherwise never experienced – from interacting with locals at a street party or being treated to private access to world-renowned sites" Mr Pimentel said.

AzAmazing Evening events give night access to some of the world's best known historical sites allowing guests to experience moments such as being captivated by a performance in the ancient Roman Odeon theatre of Ephesus or dining like the French aristocracy at the Chateau Giscours in Bordeaux.

Later in the year, guests sailing Azamara Journey's "A Southern Hemisphere Holiday," will enjoy a Plataforma 1, one of Rio de Janeiro's leading samba show houses to see samba's 500-year history come to life in an eye-popping show, complete with caipirinhas, Brazil's national cocktail.

Other AzAmazing experiences include experiencing an Egyptian Moul, when guests call at Safaga, Egypt. This festival is part carnival and part mystical celebration, and includes ritual dancing, chanting, whirling dervishes and circus performers.

"Our guests already come to us because we are providing longer stays and more overnights at fascinating destinations and now they are able to exclusively enjoy these experiential opportunities" Mr Pimentel said.

The full list of AzAmazing Evenings can be viewed here: (http://tinyurl.com/mpqh675)

 

Weekly Deals & News from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises

 

Royal Caribbean International Deal: Xmas & New Year Cruises

Forget the roast and fruit cake at gran's place! Most of us just want to get away from it all over the Christmas holidays. It's easy to get into the holiday spirit with special activities on board Royal Caribbean's cruises. The festive season comes to life with carol singing, Christmas parties, visits from Santa, holiday-inspired menus and Christmas treats such as gingerbread houses built by talented onboard pastry chefs.

Nine night cruise to Fiji on board Voyager of the Seas departing Sydney 18th December, 2013

Cruise from AU$1,599 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.*

Nine night cruise to the South Pacific onboard Rhapsody of the Seas departing Sydney 19th December, 2013

Cruise from AU$1,579 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.*

Nine night cruise to the South Pacific onboard Radiance of the Seas departing Sydney 20th December, 2013  Cruise from AU$1,839 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.*

* From price applies to lowest available interior stateroom. Other Conditions apply. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions see: royalcaribbean.com.au

For more information about Royal Caribbean International or to book:

AUS:   royalcaribbean.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent.

Royal Caribbean Newsflash: #InstaFilmFest

Royal Caribbean International is hosting the world's first Instagram film festival. Everyone is invited to capture their "WOW moments" in 15 seconds of video footage and upload to Instagram via the hashtag #InstaFilmFest to go into the draw to have their film screened at a special VIP event and to win a cruise to the South Pacific.*

*For full competition terms and conditions, visit: instafilmfestival.com.au

For more details, visit the InstaFilmFest microsite:      instafilmfestival.com.au

Celebrity Cruises Deal: Cruise to New Zealand in Modern Luxury Style

Enjoy cruising in New Zealand with Celebrity Cruises onboard Celebrity Solstice, Australia's highest rated superliner.* Departing 3rd January, 2014 from Auckland, there is no better way to kick off a new year than sailing in Modern Luxury taking in the highlights of New Zealand. This itinerary includes Auckland, Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound in New Zealand and Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia.

Cruise from AU$1,649 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.**

*Based on the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2013.

** From price applies to lowest available interior stateroom on cruise departing Auckland 3/1/2014 only. Other Conditions apply. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions see: celebritycruises.com.au

For more information about Celebrity Cruises or to book: celebritycruises.com.au, call 1800 754 500 (AUS) or contact your travel agent.

Celebrity Cruises Newsflash: Celebrity Cruises Bites into the Big Apple with Culinary Events

In October, Celebrity Cruises is taking its award-winning cuisine to New York City in a series of land-based events. The program has been designed to give food and wine enthusiasts a glimpse into its modern luxury approach to culinary innovation. Events include: a health food trends panel in NYC, dinner at James Beard House and a sponsorship of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. The James Beard House dinner and Food Network New York City Wine and & Food Festival are open to members of the public; tickets are for sale at www.jamesbeard.org and www.nycwff.org.

For more information about Celebrity Cruises, visit: celebritycruises.com

Azamara Club Cruises Deal: 14 Night Vietnam & Thailand Voyage

Azamara Club Cruises allow guests to be immersed in their destination. Discover the rich culture, lifestyle and food of Southeast Asia whilst cruising onboard Azamara Journey. This cruise includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including: Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An. Plus, a unique AzAmazing evening event – a magical evening at Binh Quoi Village – including performances of traditional music, dancing and martial arts. This cruise departs Hong Kong on 9th December and concludes in Singapore.

Cruise from AU$2,999 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.**

* From price applies to the lowest available interior cabin on cruise departing 9/12/2013 only. Other conditions apply. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions contact Azamara Club Cruises in Australia or speak to your local travel agent.

Contact your local travel agent to make a booking and for more information, visit: azamaraclubcruises.com

 

Azamara upgrade offer

Nothing beats sailing to the far reaches of the world in the warm comfort and experienced hands of Azamara Club Cruises^®. Well, maybe one thing… getting a really great deal. This month we have a choice of two AzAmazing Upgrade offers...now which one to choose?

Double Upgrade Offer* 
There’s no better way to take in breathtaking worldwide destinations and ocean sunsets then from your very own private balcony. For a limited time only receive a Verandah Stateroom for the price of an Interior, and experience a voyage where spectacular views are only ever a few steps away.

With a range of sail dates available and countless captivating destinations to choose from including Europe, The Far East, South and Central America, The West Indies and the West Coast of America you’re sure to find the perfect voyage.

To receive your complimentary double stateroom upgrade, simply book any of our select 2014 voyages before 30 September 2013.

Asia Upgrade Offer* 
Experience the exotic beauty and ancient mystique of Asia onboard Azamara Journey with another fantastic upgrade offer. Book select 2013-14 Asia voyages and receive a Club Oceanview stateroom for the price of an Interior. Offer ends 31st October 2013.

With longer stays in port and more overnights you’ll have time to get beneath the surface and explore what makes each place unique. Back onboard enjoy world class cuisine, personalised service and beautifully appointed staterooms. And with two AzAmazing upgrade offers now available there has never been a better time to book your next Azamara voyage.

Azamara in fine trim for welterweight stoush

Azamara Quest in new blue livery

by Roderick Eime

Cruise ships, like elite boxers, come in all shapes and sizes. From nimble flyweight cruisers with a dozen or so berths, to the new super heavyweights carrying passengers in their thousands, there are vessels to cater to every taste and budget.

While mass market luxury may seem an oxymoron, there is a category of ship designed to deliver the comforts and onboard accoutrements of the familiar, ocean-going vessels, but retaining the low volume, crowd-free comforts of the more exclusive, boutique ships.

This ‘small ship’ category is certainly larger than those normally seen on these pages, but warrant mention based on their ability to provide a more personal, intimate experience while still retaining the range of enriching worldwide itineraries otherwise reserved for the great liners.

Azamara Club Cruises featured in Gourmet Travellers’ “Top 10 luxury cruise companies”, rubbing gunwales with the likes of Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream and Hapag-Lloyd. Lofty company indeed, although you could easily expand that list to include Ponant and possibly Paul Gaugin.

Azamara’s two 700-passenger ships, Journey and Quest, both recently underwent drydock refurbishments and emerged with a distinctive new blue livery applied to their superstructure. But the upgrades were not limited to simply a coat of paint and new drapes.

Shipwide renovations included new carpets, upholstery, and a new colour palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun lounges and pool towels on the outer decks. The Casino Bar also was expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness centre was refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Crew areas were also upgraded.

On the culinary front, guests can now enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships' two speciality dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus – Italian, French and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships' central gathering spot, guests can purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee.

To further emphasis the line’s point-of-difference, the forthcoming 2013 and 2014 itineraries were overhauled to provide a more destination rich and location immersive experience for Azamara’s discerning guests with special attention afforded iconic cruise ports in eight of the world’s most exciting destinations, including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Jordan and Israel, India, and China.

ACM travelled aboard Azamara Journey almost straight from dry dock in Singapore, through Vietnam to Hong Kong, with extended stops in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, allowing us to venture as far afield as Hanoi or enjoy a relaxing cruise among the signature limestone formations.

"Azamara Club Cruises' guests have an unquenchable desire to immerse themselves in the history, culture and night life of the destinations we visit, which is why we offer them longer stays, more overnights and night touring," said Claudius Docekal, the Deployment and Destinations specialist to the assembled media guests.

With these revamped itineraries and yet more guest inclusions planned, Azamara is making its presence felt in this exclusive small ship club.

For more information, contact your ICCA travel agent, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.com or call 1800 754 500.