Destination-driven new cruise brand Azamara unveiled
Celebrity Cruises has created a new deluxe cruise brand – Azamara Cruises – to offer destination-driven itineraries.
The new brand will initially feature the 710-passenger Azamara Journey to be followed by sister ship Azamara Quest in October.
Previously running under the Celebrity Expeditions banner, the vessels will operate in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
Details of world cruises in 2010 have yet to be announced but the line expects to call at more than 200 ports, most of them new to cruise passengers, in more than 70 countries.
The first ship embarked on its maiden voyage following a month-long $19 million refit, including the conversion of 48 cabins into 32 suites an expanded spa area and two new restaurants.
The line will operate in Bermuda, Panama Canal/South America this year, Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Europe in 2008.
Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: “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.
“This new line falls into what we consider the deluxe category – a category between premium and luxury.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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