Azamara Cruises Elevates Destination Immersion Experience
Azamara Cruises is set to redefine the travel experience with its innovative new initiative, Destination Immersion Elevated, which promises to bring destinations to life both onboard and in port. This ambitious program will enhance the guest experience by offering a range of new onboard events, expanded shore excursions, and enriched culinary offerings. In a move that underscores its commitment to immersive and transformative travel, Azamara will more than triple its specialty voyages from six to 22, while also debuting its first European river ship on the Seine River in France during the 2025-2026 season. The expanded program includes late-night and overnight stays in port, ensuring that travelers have the opportunity to fully experience each destination.
Under the new initiative, Azamara Cruises will launch several key new vessels over the next few years. Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra are scheduled to celebrate their launch in April 2026, while the new Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will join the fleet in 2027. The two superyachts, designed to provide an unparalleled luxury experience for 128 guests, will feature all-suite accommodations, a large Sky Deck, and a unique swim-up marina platform. Guests will enjoy access to a dedicated spa and fitness area, multiple dining venues, and sophisticated onboard entertainment. These newly refurbished vessels will offer a modern aesthetic with upgraded amenities and a host of environmentally friendly technologies, reflecting Azamara’s dedication to both luxury and sustainability.
The Emerald Raiya is set to debut in winter 2026, beginning its journey in the Seychelles before sailing to the Eastern Mediterranean in summer 2027 and returning to the Seychelles for its second winter season. This seasonal deployment is designed to maximize the guest experience by aligning itineraries with regional highlights. Meanwhile, Emerald Kaia will be redeployed to the Caribbean during the winter of 2026, with current bookings on Seychelles itineraries being transferred to Emerald Raiya. Emerald Xara, slated to debut in summer 2027, will operate Mediterranean itineraries in its first season and transition to Caribbean routes for the winter period. These strategic moves are intended to provide guests with a variety of cruise experiences that capture the essence of each region, whether it is the natural beauty of the Seychelles, the cultural richness of the Mediterranean, or the vibrant energy of the Caribbean.
Adding to the excitement, Azamara will introduce its first purpose-built river ship, Emerald Lumi, in 2027. The new vessel will make its debut on the Seine River, taking travelers from Paris to Normandy with round-trip sailings, overnight stops, and extended port visits. Onboard, guests will savor authentic French cuisine and enjoy regional programming that highlights the history, romance, and culinary heritage of the region. This launch represents a natural evolution for Azamara Cruises, as it expands its portfolio to include both superyacht and river cruise experiences.
The destination immersion program also features a wide array of onboard enhancements. Guests on longer voyages will experience transformed dining and entertainment on the pool deck, which becomes an al fresco venue serving regional dishes alongside live local entertainment. The cruise line is introducing more than 150 new locally inspired dishes across its main dining venues, and evening events such as “Stories Under the Stars” will offer destination talks accompanied by s’more-themed desserts and spiked hot chocolate. Furthermore, the program includes the rollout of 21 destination beers as part of its premium beverage package, as well as 34 new AzAmazing Evenings that promise to further elevate the travel experience.
With these expansive enhancements, Azamara Cruises is poised to offer richer, more meaningful travel experiences that deepen guests’ connections to the destinations they visit, setting a new standard for immersive and transformative cruising.
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