Cruise Lines and the Azamara Difference

Would-be cruisers can be overwhelmed by the dizzying array of options. The best way to understand how travel industry experts categorize cruise lines is by comparing them to stores most of us are familiar with.

• Mass Market/Contemporary (Walmart/Target): Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Norwegian
• Premium (Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Regional Department Stores): Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess
• Deluxe (Nordstrom/Saks): *AZAMARA*, Cunard, Oceania
• Luxury (Neiman Marcus, Barney’s Bergdorf): Paul Gauguin, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea
• Specialty/Niche (small boutique shops): Hurtigruten, Lindblad, Ponant, Uncruise, Windstar.

What I like about Deluxe cruises is that they stand head and shoulders above the mass market and premium lines, yet still provide a taste of luxury at a decent price point.

Let’s take a look at my favorite in that category, AZAMARA, and explore what sets it apart from the rest.

Not Too Big and Not Too Small. Just Right.

Azamara’s fleet of 4 ships are like boutique hotels at sea and perfectly sized to maneuver scenic waterways larger ships can’t reach. They can sail up the Chao Phraya River into the action of Bangkok, into the very heart of Seville, to the city center of Bordeaux, within a short walk of Hong Kong’s nightlife, and to Shanghai’s famous Bund. With a maximum of 700 guests, you will never feel lost, and you will get to know your fellow like-minded travelers more intimately. With four crew members for every seven guests, you will experience hospitality on board like never before.

Focus on a Single Country

Cruises often feel rushed to those who want to truly explore one place. To solve this problem, Azamara has pioneered Country Intensive Voyages. These unique sailings with multiple overnights in several ports of a single country allow you to experience lesser-known locations and dig deeper into the culture, history, and people. Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Japan, Greece and Norway are just a few of the Country Intensive options.

Destination Immersion

Azamara cruises are designed for culturally curious, experience-craving pioneers who prioritize travel in their lives and find meaningful value in discovering new people and places. They have an explorer’s mindset and travel the world to learn about other cultures and to gain new perspectives.

Thus, Azamara is creative with its shore excursions to immerse passengers into various aspects of ports of call. Exploring at night is one of their specialties, when passengers can go to the theater, dinner, to a local hotspot for cocktails, or on a walking tour to see a city’s highlights illuminated in lights. “Meet Local” excursions may involve seeing artisans at work or having a meal with a family, while “Taste Local” tours allow for visiting food markets, sampling local delicacies, or cooking regional dishes.

Par for the Course on a One-of-a-Kind Golfing Cruise

Azamara has partnered with PerryGolf, the international leader in luxury golf vacations, so you can experience some of the world’s best courses while cruising. They’ll take you to some of the globe’s top golf courses like Spain’s Valderrama, New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers, and to the United Kingdom’s Open, the oldest of golf’s four major professional championships,

Contact us at Legacy Travel Designs to help you plan an Amazing Azamara Adventure