AZAMARA CRUISES LAUNCHES DESTINATION IMMERSION® ELEVATED

A New Era in Experiential Travel

Azamara Cruises, the boutique cruise line celebrated for its immersive itineraries and small-ship experiences, has announced a groundbreaking expansion of its signature Destination Immersion® programme. The newly launched Destination Immersion® Elevated initiative promises culturally rich travel with deeper exploration, extended stays, and exclusive onboard and onshore enhancements—redefining the way modern travellers connect with the world.

A Bold Step in Immersive Cruising

More Time in Port, More Stories to Tell

In 2025-2026, Azamara will offer an impressive 33 Country-Intensive Voyages and introduce 25 new ports, significantly expanding its global footprint. With over 51% of port visits including late nights or overnight stays, guests will enjoy deeper connections and authentic experiences unlike anything offered by traditional cruise lines.

A boat is floating on a lake with mountains in the background.

A Surge in Specialty Voyages

Azamara Cruises will more than triple its specialty voyages, increasing from six to 22 unique sailings, including three dedicated Solar Eclipse cruises in 2026—ideal for those seeking celestial spectacles combined with destination discovery.

An artist 's impression of an eclipse of the sun.

Learn more about the Azamara Cruises fleet

New Onboard Experiences to Reflect Each Destination

 Destination Events

On voyages nine nights or longer, guests will enjoy open-air destination-themed evenings, transforming the pool deck into a lively celebration of local culture. Expect regional cuisines, traditional music, and live performances—bringing each destination to life onboard.

A group of people are sitting at tables on the deck of a cruise ship.

Authentic Local Cuisine

Azamara’s Daily Destination Entrées introduce over 150 locally inspired dishes created by expert chefs from Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, and Portugal. Guests can savour regional delicacies from Portuguese seafood stews to Japanese wagyu tataki, perfectly paired with destination wines. Learn more about dining on Azamara Cruises.

A slice of baklava on a blue and white plate

Stories Under the Stars

Bringing cultural folklore to the high seas, Stories Under the Stars is a new fireside-style event led by one of Azamara’s 250+ Destination Speakers. Set under the night sky, guests can enjoy captivating local legends, s’mores-themed desserts, and spiked hot chocolate.

A large cruise ship is docked in a harbor at night.

Destination Beers & Curated Beverages

Azamara expands its drinks offering with 21 regional beers included in its premium package, featuring selections from the Caribbean, Australia, and beyond—perfect for a taste of the destination in every sip.

A man is pouring beer into a glass at a bar.

Exploring More Ashore with Elevated Excursions

Azamara Cruises now offers 13,500+ Elevated Excursions for the 2025–2026 season. Guests can pre-book these experiences up to 18 months in advance, enabling greater flexibility and personalisation.

A boat is docked in front of a large building at night.

Evening and Overnight Tours

With 246 new night-time and overnight excursions, Azamara continues to "own the night" by providing deeper, culturally immersive adventures—ideal for travellers who want more than a quick port stop.

Two men are standing next to each other holding trays of wine glasses.

Curator's Collection & AzAmazing Evenings

New for 2025, the Curator’s Collection features intimate, once-in-a-lifetime excursions led by locals. Alongside this, Azamara introduces 34 new AzAmazing Evenings—more than ever before—featuring exclusive performances and cultural events that offer rare insight into each destination’s soul.

A woman in a white dress is singing on a stage next to an azamara banner

Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises operates a fleet of four boutique ships—Azamara Journey®,  Azamara Quest®,  Azamara Pursuit®, and  Azamara Onward®—offering access to hidden gems and iconic cities alike. The brand is known for Extended Destination Days (10+ hours in port), relaxed luxury, and a focus on authenticity.


Through the Always Azamara promise, guests enjoy all-inclusive benefits including fine dining, all-day drinks, gratuities, cultural events, and laundry services. The Azamara Circle loyalty programme also rewards repeat travellers with exclusive perks and experiences.

An aerial view of a castle and a cruise ship in the ocean.

To book your next Azamara Cruise,

call the Azamara experts at Select Travel Holidays on 01234 326 778, contact them, or send an email.

Or view all Azamara Cruises Itineraries


Awards & Recognition

Azamara Cruises has been honoured by:



  • Condé Nast Traveler – Reader’s Choice Awards
  • Travel + Leisure – World’s Best Awards
  • US News & World Report – Best Cruise Lines
Select images (c) Tim Faircloth
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