By
Rebecca Gibson |
British-based operator Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is to introduce the 550-passenger Azores to its fleet in 2015.
Chartered from Lisbon-based Portuscale Cruises’ on a long-term basis, Azores will replace Discovery and sail alongside Marco Polo as the line’s second ex-UK vessel. The ship will be dedicated to the British and other English-speaking markets and will be positioned as an adult-only product.
“I’m a strong believer in developing close and long-term business partnerships,” said Rui Alegre, CEO of Portuscale Cruises. “I’m very pleased to have concluded a charter with CMV and look forward to working closely with its team in successfully establishing Azores in the British market. Azores is a beautiful ship and has been operating very well in achieving high levels of customer satisfaction. I am proud that she will be carrying CMV passengers next year and for many years to come”.
Operating year-round from the UK, Azores will embark on a 30-night maiden voyage from Bristol, Avonmouth, to the West Indies on 26 January. The vessel will also sail from Hull and London Tilbury with itineraries including ‘Solar Eclipse & Northern Lights’, ‘Seville Fiesta’, ‘Summertime Gardens & Medieval Cities’ and a Scottish-themed ‘Edinburgh Festival’ cruise. Full programme details for Azores, Marco Polo and Astor will be released in a preview brochure on 1 July.
Azores was completely rebuilt in 1994 at a cost of US$150 million and features a traditional wrap-around wooden promenade deck, a main show lounge, an auditorium, nightclub, casino, a selection of bars and lounges, two dining venues and a marbled reception. Around 85% of her 277 cabins have an ocean view, while 20% are considered as deluxe accommodation, including nine balcony suites. All cabins have a bath tub and mini bar facility.
“Azores is an excellent, upgraded addition to our cruise fleet and has been affectionately and very well maintained by her owners,” said Chris Coates, commercial director of CMV. “We are confident that Azores will prove to be a real winner with our dedicated growing number of loyal customers and will also attract new clients seeking smaller ship alternatives and regional ex-UK no-fly cruise options.”