SYDNEY – RCCI brand, Azamara Club Cruises’ just-released itineraries for 2011-2012 emphasise port calls, with more overnight stays and late departures
Bookings are now open for a new, widely varied series of sailings in 54 countries, including visits to 174 ports. Azamara will offer overnight stays in 38 destinations and late-night (10 pm or later) stays in 63 locations in 2011-12.
Carrying 694 guests, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, former Renaissance Cruises vessels, will be based in Europe for the 2011 Northern Hemisphere summer 2011 where sailings include Mediterranean, Baltic, Croatian coast and the Black Sea, as well as the Holy Lands through Suez to Asia.
Azamara Journey also offers a series of Caribbean and South American sailings.
Among many new inclusions are complimentary wines from boutique vineyards around the world served at lunches and dinners; bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees and teas, and housekeeping, dining and bar staff gratuities.
Besides changing its orientation from a "deluxe" line to an "upmarket" one, it decided not to charge for the extras.
The cruise line also offers shuttle buses in port where possible, and an English butler service for suite guests, who also receive complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina.
Seven-day cruise fares start from AUD1905 (based on an interior category 12 cabin)
By Philip Thorniley
