We sail the Mediterranean with Azamara Club Cruises

PAX was recently onboard a seminar at sea to the Mediterranean hosted by Azamara Club Cruises, onboard its newly acquired ship Azamara Pursuit.

Here's what we noticed at sea!

The Azamara difference

Billing itself as a boutique cruise line, the fleet consists of the Journey, Quest, and the Pursuit, each accommodating no more than 700 guests. Azamara falls in the upper premium category – higher than premium but below luxury.

The following are always included on an Azamara cruise:

Azamara boasts many inclusions that should be explained carefully to clients in advance. It should not be sold as an all-inclusive cruise:

• Beverages: Two whites, two reds as well as a rosé wines are offered, which change daily. Sparkling wine is also complementary.
• Beer drinkers take note: only four out of 18 beers on the menu are complimentary.
• Included spirits are standard brands of rum, gin, vodka, bourbon, whiskey and tequila, as well as 18 cocktails.
• Sodas, specialty coffees and bottled water are complimentary.
• Self-service laundrette: there are only six washing machines for the entire ship, and closes down at 8pm. Expect long waits if you want to do laundry for free, or take advantage of the laundry bag special which was offered three times during our ten-day cruise.
• Complimentary shuttle to city centre.
• Gratuities are included for stateroom attendants and dining staff. There is no pressure to provide additional tipping.

How Azamara stands out

• Small ship design - Azamara can sail up 17 rivers and call at smaller ports. In Barcelona we were docked at the bottom of La Ramblas, while a large ship was docked much further away.
• Long port stays - 80 per cent of the cruise time is spent in port, 47 per cent of itineraries include late night stay until 8pm or later, or overnight.
• AzAmazing Evenings - sailings of seven nights or longer includes a complimentary “ungooglable” experience created just for its guests. Our sailing took us to an operatic performance in a historic theatre in Livorno, Italy.

Cruise global, stay local

• In 2019 Azamara will sail to 94 countries, 303 ports, 268 late night stays and 155 overnights
• Wide array of back-to-back cruises without repeating ports
• 40 country intensive voyages to fully immerse in local culture and cuisine.
• Pre and post-stays and overland experiences with partners such as A&K, Rocky Mountaineer, and Micato Safaris

The Azamara client

• Empty nesters - median age 55
• Well-travelled, adventurous and active
• Looking for meaningful discoveries and enrichment in the destinations they visit
• 93 per cent book with a travel agent
• 40-60 per cent are repeat guests