AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES MAKES HISTORIC AUSTRALIAN DEBUT.

Boutique brand calls at first Australian port during historic first local season

Boutique cruise brand Azamara Club Cruises becomes Australia’s newest cruise line when the 686-passenger Azamara Quest docks in Darwin, its first ever Australian port, on Monday 28 December 2015.  

“Since its inception in 2009 our destination-focussed cruise line has proved very popular with Australian cruisers in Asia and Europe – so we are delighted to finally welcome Azamara Club Cruises to Australian waters for the very first time.  Australia is now our third largest market for Azamara and we know that much more growth will follow Azamara Quest’s inaugural season down under,” said Adam Armstrong, regional commercial director.

“Azamara offers a cruise experience unlike any other brand sailing in the region. Guests sailing onboard Azamara Quest will have longer or more overnight stays in some of the most unique and interesting destinations around Australia and New Zealand. We also treat guest to a signature, complimentary AzAmazing Evening event during each cruise that showcases the destination. While onboard, guests receive exceptional and personal service and more included extras such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, coffees, gratuities and self-service laundry,” continued Adam. 

Azamara Quest will arrive in Darwin at 6am and stay in the Top End capital until 10pm as part of her 16-night “Bali, Komodo & the Great Barrier Reef” sailing from Bali to Cairns over Christmas and New Year. Guests onboard, hailing from 20 countries around the world, will have the day to explore all the region has to offer as well as be treated to their AzAmazing Evening event during their call in Darwin, with an evening at Crocosaurus Cove. Guests will meet the world’s largest captive reptile collection, including nearly 200 saltwater crocodiles. The can’t-miss moment of the night is the Cage of Death. As a handful of the ship’s brave officers drop into a protected tank, giant crocodiles — some of the largest in captivity — approach for a little nose-to-nose time.

The unique event continues with a ceremonial demonstration by representatives of the Larrakia people. As the ceremony winds down, guests can hold some of the smaller reptiles that make their home at this incredible adventure centre. Azamara Quest departs Darwin at 10pm, continuing her voyage with calls at Thursday Island, Cooktown and Port Douglas. The ship will then sail three local itineraries as part of her maiden season from Cairns, Sydney and Auckland until February 2016. Azamara Quest will then return to Darwin on her way back to Asia on 25 February 2016.

Azamara Club Cruises has also recently confirmed it will deploy a ship to the region for another two seasons, with Azamara Journey coming for the first time in 2017 and Azamara Quest returning in 2018, following extensive revitalisations that will see the ships undergo multi-million dollar facelifts.

About Azamara Club Cruises

With smaller ships that are able to go to places other cruise ships can’t, Azamara Club differentiates itself - and gains loyal fans - by making destinations the star of the show. It does this by offering longer stays, more overnight calls and night touring, which gives travellers the opportunity to truly experience a destination - taking in the sights, sounds and flavours of local cultures in every port. Azamara Club’s Insider Access takes guests behind the scenes at heritage estates, family farms, local shops and art galleries. Guests enjoy quiet conversations, shared stories and laughter with their hosts, gaining valuable insights and appreciation of local culture. 

Nights and Cool Places are exclusive after-dinner experiences in small, intimate groups, ranging from a harbour yacht experience to a private gallery tour with a famous local artist.  This year, Azamara Club has also launched its highly-anticipated Cruise Global, Eat Local program, featuring carefully curated dining experiences around the globe. Azamara does the sleuthing to lead guests to places the locals frequent, from a traditional family trattoria to a dim sum feast.

While destinations are the highlight, what’s onboard also keeps guests coming back for more. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest guests receive exceptional and personal service and enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world. More is included in each cruise – such as beverages, gratuities, self-service laundry, English Butler service for suite guests and shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available.  

Azamara Club also recently announced its new Exclusive Nights in Private Places program, offering an evening of luxurious private pampering, dining and sleeping under the stars on the private Thalassotherapy deck. This reservation-only experience for two includes private butler service, champagne and canapés, a beautiful buffet and seafood and meats cooked over a sizzling hot stone grill. A plush outdoor bed can be opened to the stars or enclosed with a roof panel and curtains.

Information supplied by: Azamara Club Cruises.

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