“We have greater flexibility to adapt itineraries on the go, which allows us to deliver the best land experience for our guests and minimise the impact on the communities we visit,” says Pawlus. “This summer, we switched the schedule of our ‘Greek Islands’ itinerary when we realised we would be in Santorini on the same day as several large ships. Instead, we called alone on a different day, offering our guests a much more relaxed and enjoyable shoreside experience.” Having smaller ships with fewer guests also enables Azamara to curate intimate shore excursions to hidden local gems that tourists typically do not visit. “Our small group experiences offer the opportunity for guests to make authentic connections with locals and immerse in their culture,” says Pawlus. To expand its capacity for destination immersion in 2024, Azamara will debut double-night stays in select European cities, including Bordeaux in France and Seville in Spain. “Guests will stay two nights and three days in one place, giving them time to go beyond the port and travel deeper into the destination at their own pace,” says Pawlus. “We encourage them to do multiple shore excursions, and see how the cities come to life at night. “Docking in the centre of Bordeaux will enable guests to explore the surrounding world-famous wine region, which boasts nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards. They can also sail seven hours down the Guadalquivir River to enjoy an extended stay in the heart of Seville, where they can fully immerse themselves in Andalusian local culture by indulging in tapas, watching authentic flamenco dancers and admiring historic palaces.” Azamara also plans to continue expanding its range of itineraries, visiting both old and new destinations. In 2025, for example, it will return to Canada for the first time in five years, operating two new sailings with stops in Saguenay, Quebec City and St. John’s in Newfoundland, as well as maiden calls to Cap-aux-Meules, L’Anse Aux Meadows and Harve Saint Pierre. “Canada is proving to be a really popular destination, especially amongst UK travellers, and we’re already seeing great demand for the voyages,” says Pawlus. “We are always looking at new destinations and itineraries to give our guests more of what they love about Azamara, and to encourage them to have new, immersive travel experiences that change how they view the world.” “ Our shore excursions encourage guests to connect with the local people, culture and heritage” PLANNER PERSPECTIVE 56 Azamara’s Mediterranean itineraries take guests to destinations like Ajaccio in Corsica
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