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 specialty
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.
CW 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 Heritagelisted
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 CLIA/ICCA travel agent, visit
www.azamaraclubcruises.com or call 1800 754 500.
