Karryon Luxury takes a look at what Azamara has to offer clients looking for upmarket, small-ship cruises with a good dose of entertainment and events.
In the first part of Karryon Luxury’s review of a five-night cruise on Azamara Onward, we reported on the ship’s wining and dining options, public spaces and accommodation. Here, we focus on the entertainment and events.
Azamara Onward and her three nearly identical sisters sail in Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Americas and Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, and Australia and New Zealand.
This year, Azamara is expanding its destination-immersion program with its new ‘Destination Immersion Elevated’ initiative.
The line has introduced 246 evening and overnight tours, 33 country-intensive voyages and 25 new ports, in a move that’s sure to appeal to local and international cruisers.
“Interest in Azamara has been very strong over the past 12 months,” says Clean Cruising’s Managing Director Dan Russell, while onboard the Sydney-Adelaide cruise with Karryon.
“Key destinations include the ever-popular Mediterranean, plus the Baltics and British Isles where Azamara’s unique itineraries really appeal.
“The smaller size vessels open up a lot of possibilities for guests. Calling into lesser-frequented ports allows visits to interesting destinations without the big crowds,” he adds.
“AzAmazing events are very special, with the cruise line going above and beyond to introduce guests to local communities and their music, food and wine.”
Next level events
AzAmazing Evenings are exclusive (complimentary) cultural events that take two years to curate. They are offered on every cruise longer than seven nights (apart from transatlantic crossings), and the AzAmazing Evening in Adelaide on our cruise was a spectacular success.
Australian Tenor Mark Vincent sang classic songs and told personal stories that had people both moved to tears and on their feet, clapping and singing along.
“The AzAmazing Evening at the historic Adelaide Town Hall was truly next level,” says Kristie Meier, from RAA Travel.
“Mark Vincent’s voice was absolutely incredible, and the stunning venue, with its exquisite architecture, was the perfect backdrop for such a breathtaking performance.”
White Night parties are another signature Azamara event, held onboard almost every cruise.
Guests dressed in their best white outfits join the officers and crew on the pool deck for dinner, live music and free-flowing drinks – they’re always a lot of fun.
Every day there’s a packed list of activities, from free fitness classes and port talks to games such as trivia, bridge, scrabble and mahjong, dance sessions with the professional performers, presentations by expert guest lecturers, and live music and comedy shows.
Entertainment venues and lounges never seem to get crowded. The Cabaret Lounge is used for lectures, movie screenings, lectures and presentations during the day, and for shows in the evening; The Living Room is a versatile lounge-bar space that hosts quizzes and musicians, and where you can grab a coffee or wine and tapas.
The Card Room is just that, and also has computer stations; and The Den is a lounge dedicated to all things travel, with books, travel guides and destination-focused activities.
What clients will love about Azamara
About 60 percent of guests on this Azamara Onward cruise are Aussies and Kiwis in the 60- to 65-plus age group.
Azamara’s ANZ Director of Sales, Victoria Chigwidden says that reflects the local demographic who also cruise with the line overseas.
However, she adds, “Because of the value for money, inclusions and destinations we offer, plus late-night stays and overnights, we’re starting to see a drop in the average age to more of a 50-plus age group. The ships are not exclusively adults only, but there are no facilities for kids, so it’s unusual to see under-18s on Azamara cruises.”
Chigwidden says that Azamara’s “relaxed luxury” resonates with the Australian character and the demand for both local and international cruising is on the up and up.
Locally, Azamara is in its own class, operating small, elegant ships that provide excellent service and the sort of inclusions you’d expect from ultra-luxe cruise lines.
Small-ship specialists Cruise Traveller’s Managing Director, Joseph O’Sullivan, who is also onboard our cruise, says the company has witnessed “significant growth in interest in the brand and its style of cruising.
“Azamara ships showcase a casually elegant environment. They offer great food, great service, a delightfully appointed fleet of smaller, quite intimate ships and a strong emphasis on destination immersion.
“All of this points to a cruise line that suits the Australian traveller, both on Azamara’s close-to-home itineraries and their more exotic itineraries around the globe. We are certainly attracting Australians wanting great value for money on longer adventures.”
Dan Russell agrees. “Azamara appeals to an Australian cruiser who is well-travelled, culturally curious and keen to immerse themselves in a new destination. Many clients have cruised on larger ships and are now ready for the easier pace of a smaller vessel. The loyalty program must be well thought out, as we see many repeat clients.”
For more information, visit Azamara.
