NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
‘Azamara guests can Explore Further’
Line expands land programme to 1,700 tours in tie-up with Cox & Kings. Lucy Huxley reports A
zamara is taking its trademarked ‘Destination Immersion’ concept to the next level
by unveiling “the largest collection of pre and post-voyage land excursions in the cruise industry”, via a collaboration with escorted tours operator Cox & Kings. Te three-ship line, which now
offers 1,700 land tours, has also dropped ‘Club Cruises’ from its name and unveiled a “revitalised” logo to “further reinforce our commitment to destination immersion beyond cruising”. Announcing the changes at
an event in New York this week, president and chief executive Larry Pimentel said: “We offer 1,700 land programmes that complement our brand’s immersive voyages and enhance our commitment to bringing guests closer to the heart of a destination.”
beginning. We expect our land programming to grow even more. “Tat said, it was a natural next
step to take these custom-designed itineraries one step further on land and adjust our overall name.” Pimentel told Travel Weekly that
Larry Pimentel Te majority of the land tours
will be operated by Cox & Kings, but others will be run by luxury operators including Micato, PerryGolf, Aloschi Bros, Coltur Peru and Furlong Incoming. Pimentel said: “Our passion for
land has allowed our Destination Immersion programming to evolve over the past 10 years, from ‘You’ll Love Where We Take You’ to ‘Stay Longer, Experience More’, to ‘Explore Further’. “Destination Immersion is what
makes Azamara unique,” he added. Pimentel said: “Tis is just the
Azamara is considering a new-build ship to expand its fleet because the enhanced Destination Immersion offering warranted extra capacity. He has previously expressed
interest in buying Princess Cruises’ R-class ship Pacific Princess, but said “they haven’t called”. “Princess selling is not our future,” he added. “We would consider a new-build.” Azamara said its new name
and logo (pictured) deepened the brand’s focus on cruising with immersive land experiences. Te logo features an open world
symbol made up of “two artistic strokes” to represent land and sea, and a star to reflect Azamara’s namesake, Acamar, the brightest star in the southern sky. Pimentel said: “On every voyage,
we will provide curated products that emphasise our ‘Explore Further’ identity through longer stays, more overnights and night touring.” All land packages are available
to buy as add-ons. Tey will be led by local experts and split into three categories (see panel, right).
TOUR
CATEGORIES AzAmazing Journeys Described as intimate, once- in-a-lifetime experiences. All-inclusive tours (three to six days), consisting of small, intimate groups led by expert guides. Guests will dive into local culture with local independent specialists (historians, professors and connoisseurs). The journeys feature off-the-beaten-track experiences. Accommodation ranges from five-star hotels and castles to boutique inns, luxury lodges and glamping.
Land Journeys Unique adventures with like-minded travellers (three to six days). These tours allow guests to see cities’ hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Accommodation ranges from four to five-star hotels to boutique inns and luxury lodges.
Stay Local An in-depth exploration of one city. The tours are for those who have less time to explore but want to see beyond typical city highlights and to immerse themselves in local life.
10
20 JUNE 2019
travelweekly.co.uk
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