All right I’ll say it. Australia is a nation of cruisers. Australian ocean cruise passenger numbers broke through the one million mark for the first time in 2015, rising 14.6 per cent to 1,058,781 passengers. So as the local season is only weeks away, we take a look at one of the newcomers to Aussie waters: Azamara Club Cruises.
Boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises, has announced the newly refurbished Azamara Journey is heading to Australia for its maiden season after the arrival of Azamara Quest in 2015-16.
Now that Australia has proven to be one of the brand’s premier markets, a number of Australian ports will welcome Azamara Journey early next year. She begins her Australian voyages in Darwin in February, cruising to Sydney, Melbourne, Port Arthur, and Hobart and on to Dunedin, Akaroa, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland.
Being a smaller, luxury liner means Journey can sail to places larger cruise lines can’t. The 16-night cruise exploring New Zealand can drop anchor in Kaikoura and Akaroa in March before wending her way back to Sydney. The 18-night Australia and Asia sailing will take in a number of destinations along the East Coast including the Whitsundays before Thursday Island, Darwin, Bali and finishing in Singapore.
On board Azamara Club Cruises it’s not just about the journey. Staying longer in port means there are opportunities to really enjoy each and every destination to the max. From sipping wine at Hawke’s Bay to teeing off at Cape Kidnappers or the prestigious links at Sydney’s lakes Golf Club or Yarra in Melbourne, it’s all-possible.
Most Azamara Journey’s voyages see guests treated to a complimentary, bespoke AzAmazing Evening event revealing more about a particular destination. These experiences usually involve longer stays and night tours and an opportunity to enjoy the local culture. Insider Access takes cruisers to family farms, heritage estates and specialty local shops.
Option extras include ‘Nights in Private Places’ – private pampering for two that starts with champagne and canapés served by your personal butler followed by fresh seafood and stone grilled delicacies. Candles, Frette robes and a night under the stars on your outdoor bed complete the night of romance.
The redesign of Azamara Journey included new public spaces as well as a refresh of suites and staterooms. The new spa suites are located next to Sanctum Spa and offer a private spa deck with bubbling salt-water bath with powerful massage jets.
Azamara Journey arrives in Darwin on February 8.
https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com