A different kind of cruise ‘Journey’
New York-area residents this fall will see a cruise ship that is somewhat different from what has been around in the past: Journey, the debut ship of Celebrity’s new Azamara luxury cruise line.
Unlike the mega-ships that leave the city with up to 3,600 passengers, Journey carries only 700 guests. It has a staff-to-guest ratio of 2 to 1.
Journey’s home-port is Cape Liberty, Bayonne, N.J. The ship on Saturdays will sail a seven-day Bermuda itinerary with calls at St. George and Hamilton.
“As part of the ship’s $19 million renovation, staterooms have plasma TVs and plush European bedding; most have verandas, and all enjoy butler service with fresh-cut flowers, daily fruit basket and other amenities,” reports the New York Daily News.
On Journey, Azamara also dispenses with the traditional early and late dinner seatings found on most ships. The restaurants serve dinner from 6 to 10 p.m., giving the kitchen’s a four-hour window to prepare — as opposed to the 25 minutes during which a large ship produces 1,000 meals, says the newspaper.
Other dining options include 24-hour complimentary room service and a wine and cappuccino bar serving croissants and pastries both in the morning and later in the day. There’s also a martini bar with a menu of 20 choices.
“Having fewer passengers is also a benefit for activities other than wining and dining – there’s no waiting for exercise machines in Journey’s gym,” says the newspaper.
The ship also has plenty of treadmills with built-in TV screens and, all with panoramic views. Another popular feature is a secluded, outdoor sun deck.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps