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.
SOURCE: Azamara Club Cruises