By
Alex Smith |
Azamara has officially christened its new ship Azamara Onward at a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, and Azamara Onward’s godmother Beth Santos, the founder and CEO of lifestyle brand Wanderful, led the christening ceremony at the port.
“We are thrilled to introduce Azamara Onward and share this special moment with our loyal guests,” said Cabezas. “This is an exciting new chapter for our company, and we are so thankful for our hardworking team both onboard and offshore, for making this possible. Together, we look forward to bringing Azamara Onward and our love of travel further than ever before, to connect even more guests with the many people and cultures of the world.”
Azamara Onward had sailed to Monaco from Barcelona, Spain, on a five-day pre-inaugural voyage, calling at Marseille, France, and Porto Venere, Italy. Guests embarked on a ‘Marseille City Sights’ shore excursion to explore the French port, while in Porto Venere they were welcomed by an exclusive Azamara ‘AzAmazing’ event. The celebration included the chance to watch live Italian opera, try local cuisine and take a walk exploring the main street of the town. Guests could then travel the Cinque Terre region on one of three shore excursions: ‘Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre’, ‘Hike through Cinque Terre’ and ‘Best of Cinque Terre’.
The voyage concluded in Monte Carlo with a ‘White Night Party’ celebration onboard the ship, with both guests and Azamara crew invited to a celebratory dinner. On the embarkation day of Azamara Onward’s maiden voyage, the ship’s traditional christening ceremony was held at the Port of Monte Carlo, attended by Azamara’s partners, with a welcome toast by cruise director Eric De Gray, a musical performance by Chœur d’enfants, and blessings by Rabbi Howard Apothaker and Father John McCrone.
Cabezas and Santos both delivered speeches to attendees followed by the godmother breaking the ceremonial bottle against Azamara Onward’s hull.
“I am so honoured to have been selected as godmother of Azamara’s newest ship, Azamara Onward,” said Santos. “This is such a symbolic moment not just for Azamara, but for the entire travel industry. Following two years of pause, we look forward to pressing onward with new mindsets, new adventures, and new opportunities to learn how we can be better travellers.”
Azamara Onward has now set sail for an 11-night maiden voyage throughout the Mediterranean, departing from Monte Carlo and concluding with an overnight stay in Ravenna, Italy.