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.
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Azamara Cruises Itineraries
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 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.
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.
Learn about Azamara's Winter 2026-2027 Cruise Launch
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.
Discover Azamara Mediterranean Itineraries
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read our Azamara Quest cruise review
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.
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
Related Azamara Cruises Articles
Azamara Cruises Launches Destination Immersion® Elevated
Azamara's Winter 2026-2027 Cruise Launch
Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Immersion® Elevated
What is Destination Immersion® by Azamara?
Destination Immersion® is Azamara’s signature approach to travel, offering deeper, more meaningful connections with the destinations visited. It includes longer stays in port, more overnights, and curated excursions that focus on local culture, cuisine, and community.
How is Azamara’s Destination Immersion® different from other cruise lines’ shore excursions?
Unlike traditional shore excursions, Azamara’s Destination Immersion® experiences allow guests to truly explore each destination, often beyond the standard tourist attractions. This includes extended time ashore, small-group tours, and access to hidden gems and local traditions, offering a more authentic and enriching travel experience.
What is included in Destination Immersion® Elevated experiences?
Destination Immersion® Elevated introduces enhanced cultural experiences such as exclusive performances, local workshops, private tastings, and behind-the-scenes access. Many of these are curated in partnership with local experts to ensure authenticity and depth.
Are Destination Immersion® experiences included in the cruise fare?
Some Destination Immersion® experiences, like AzAmazing Evenings, are included in your cruise fare. However, Destination Immersion® Elevated experiences may carry an additional charge due to their exclusive and tailored nature. Pricing is clearly outlined at the time of booking.
How do I book a Destination Immersion® Elevated tour with Azamara?
You can book Destination Immersion® Elevated experiences online through the Azamara portal prior to sailing, or onboard via the excursions desk. It’s recommended to reserve early, as space is limited for these exclusive events.
Do I need to book Destination Immersion® excursions in advance?
While some experiences can be booked onboard, many Destination Immersion® Elevated tours have limited availability and are best secured in advance. Booking early ensures access to the most unique and sought-after cultural experiences.
What kinds of experiences are part of Destination Immersion® Elevated?
Experiences include everything from after-hours museum tours and private concerts to culinary masterclasses with local chefs and artisan-led workshops. Each experience is crafted to highlight the essence of a specific region or culture.
Does Destination Immersion® Elevated include overnight stays or late-night departures?
Yes. A key part of the programme is allowing guests more time ashore, with many itineraries featuring overnight port stays or departures late into the evening. This allows for evening events, dinners, and immersive exploration that typical cruise schedules don't offer.
Can I customise my own Destination Immersion® experience?
In some cases, yes. Azamara offers bespoke private tours and the ability to tailor certain excursions for a more personalised journey. Contact the concierge team in advance or onboard to discuss custom options.
Why is Azamara focusing on experiential travel in 2025 and beyond?
Azamara recognises a growing desire among travellers for authentic, transformative experiences rather than traditional sightseeing. The brand’s focus on Destination Immersion® Elevated reflects this shift, offering deeper cultural engagement and meaningful moments that enrich the travel experience.
Which itineraries include Destination Immersion® Elevated experiences?
While all Azamara voyages focus on Destination Immersion®, select sailings throughout the Mediterranean, Asia, South America, and Northern Europe include Elevated experiences. These are clearly marked in the itinerary and can be viewed when booking your cruise.
Is Destination Immersion® available across all Azamara ships?
Select images (c) Tim Faircloth
