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Azamara: Nice ice baby

Peruse your cruise choose? There’s no way you can lose: Azamara. If you want to make just the right splash on your next cruise, we may just have your answer. Azamara is an upscale, boutique cruise line that operates a fleet of four intimate, identical R-class ships: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward. Originally founded in 2007 under the Royal Caribbean umbrella. While they aren’t traditional “expedition” or rugged adventure tour operators in the style of National Geographic or Hurtigruten, they are widely recognized industry leaders in “Destination Immersion”—essentially redefining upscale cruise travel by focusing on cultural adventure, deeper exploration, and experiential land programs.

Several key factors set Azamara apart from mass-market cruise lines: The standard cruise model often rushes passengers back to the ship by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM to sail to the next port. Azamara actively designs its itineraries around Extended Destination Days (stays of 10 hours or more) and frequent overnight stays. This allows travelers to experience the local nightlife, dine at authentic restaurants ashore, and participate in evening cultural excursions rather than just hitting a city’s highlights during peak midday heat.

Because each of Azamara’s four ships accommodates only about 700 guests, they are small enough to navigate waterways and dock at intimate, hidden ports that massive megaships simply cannot access. Instead of anchoring far out at sea and requiring tender boats, Azamara ships can often dock right in the heart of destinations like the center of Seville, Bordeaux, or Amalfi. No matter how you cut your jib, this is just the ticket for a cruise of a lifetime. Or, even better, for a master plan to girdle the globe in an Azamara tour.

Here’s an example: A luxurious boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Journey® is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded, and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras. Ready to dive in, as it were? Matouring can get you on your way. Click here

We here at matouring will be there with you, even if only in spirits. (including spirits!) Click here

What are you waiting for? Incredible adventures. Incredible deals. Azamara are waiting for you. Click here

It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. Travelex have that, money exchange and more. Click here

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