Celebrity Launches New Deluxe Brand Azamara Cruises
Celebrity launched a 710-guest ship which introduces an entirely new, deluxe cruise brand: Azamara Cruises. Designed to offer exotic destination-driven travel experiences, Azamara Cruises, consisting of Azamara Journey, which set sail May 5, and sister ship, Azamara Quest, which enters service in October, will present a more intimate onboard experience, while allowing access to the less-traveled ports of call experienced travelers want to visit. ”We created Azamara Cruises to target an area of the market that we believe is underserved, and an area this product is ideally suited to fill,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, parent company of Azamara Cruises. “This new line falls into what we consider the deluxe category, a category between premium and luxury.
According to Azamara Cruises President Dan Hanrahan, who also is president of Celebrity Cruises, “Azamara Cruises is expressly designed for travel enthusiasts who appreciate what a cruise vacation has to offer, but are looking for something a little different, and a little more special. And what’s special about Azamara Cruises is its distinctive combination of impeccable service, exceptional cuisine and off-the-beaten-path destinations, with truly immersive excursions.” Complementing the exotic Caribbean and Europe itineraries for Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, previously announced under the former Celebrity Expeditions banner, Hanrahan says, “Azamara Cruises itineraries will not only take travelers to some of the most desirable locations in the Caribbean, but will immerse them in Asia, and even transport them around the world.” Itinerary details for Azamara Cruises to Asia and world cruises are yet to be announced, but once finalized, the line expects to visit more than 200 ports, most of them new to cruise travelers in over 70 countries.
While delving deep into the history and culture of remote destinations larger ships can’t reach, guests sailing with Azamara Cruises also will enjoy a more exclusive guest experience. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest offer butler service in every stateroom and suite, as well as concierge-style amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit, Elemis toiletries, complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of slippers, plasma TVs and plush European bedding. Despite the ships’ smaller size, each offers two specialty restaurants: On Azamara Journey, the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina, and the stylish steak and seafood restaurant, Prime C. Guests staying in suites will receive two nights of complimentary dining in one of the two specialty restaurants, while guests in staterooms will receive one. The ships will not require formal attire for dining, and will feature open seating in the main dining room. Azamara Cruises also presents a wine bar with a spectacular wine cellar offering wine and champagne tastings, seminars, and mini-pairings of food and wine, in addition to its standard menu of fine wines by the glass or bottle.
Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest offer an enhanced emphasis on spa and relaxation, with treatments many cruise travelers have never experienced. Guests in suites can enjoy certain spa services in the privacy of their room. Both ships also will offer an outdoor spa relaxation lounge and an aesthetics suite offering acupuncture, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion. An onboard excursion expert will not only help guests select shore excursions based on their personal interests, but also will serve as a destination guide, offering information about the culture and history of each port of call.
Beginning 4/9/08, Azamara Cruises is offering FREE air for all ‘08 Europe sailings and ‘08/’09 season Asia & South America itineraries (based on availability; guests pay air tazes & fees). For more information, visit our website... www.pondervacations.com
