Amazing Azamara!

The “new kid on the block” when it comes to all-inclusive small ship cruising, Azamara Club Cruises is a force worth reckoning with! Created as the upper echelon class of RCCL and Celebrity, Azamara is comprised of two beautifully refurbished vessels called The Quest and The Journey. Aptly named, these 694 passenger vessels voyage to all the most exotic ports this world has to offer.

The emphasis is on Destination Immersion. Azamara deliberately schedules their itineraries to incorporate either late night or overnight stays in over 50% of their ports. This allows their passengers the true experience of their port of call. During every one of their itineraries (except trans-atlantic), the passengers are treated to a complimentary AZ-Amazing Evening. Private parties in some of the world’s most beautiful settings and iconic landmarks. Complimentary events such as a classical concert and canapés after hours in one of the open-air theatres in Ephesus for example!

In Spring of 2013, Azamara became fully inclusive. All alcoholic beverages, specialty tea and coffees, all tipping, complimentary self-service laundry, 24-hour room service, private port shuttles and concierge services are now included in their tariffs.

Their boutique style luxury staterooms are appointed with fine linens and expensive French bath amenities. All suites include English trained butler service. Fresh flowers, wake up coffee/tea service, shoe shines are but a few of the services provided by your stateroom attendants.

Dining aboard the ship is a culinary journey in itself. The chefs incorporate local delicacies as your vessel moves throughout the regions. Fresh cheeses and French wines. Noodles and seafood in Hong Kong. Pizzas and pastas in Italy. There are four dining venues to choose from as well as two specialty restaurants (complimentary for Suite guests – small surcharge otherwise).

For those of us who try to maintain some fitness level while travelling, the ships each have a brand new Fitness Center which offer state of the art equipment as well as free yoga, Pilates and spin classes.

And now for the truly AMAZING value. Azamara is offering up to $2000 per couple in shore excursions on select 2014 Mediterranean voyages. Over 28 different itineraries are offered ranging in length from 7 to11 nights and sailing between April through November. Specially chosen shore excursions are offered in each port of call. You have a number to choose from based on your level of activity and interest. Single occupancy is limited but offered at 125% of tariff. Seven day cruises start from $2459CADpp. To qualify for this offer you must book prior to January 31st, 2014.

Truly an “all inclusive” cruise experience! Azamara Club Cruises are indeed worth a second look!!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.