Experience Travel E-zine
Spotlight on Western Europe
We’re off to Western Europe to enjoy the delights of river cruising. This is a must see destination with something exciting for every type of traveler.
Spotlight on Western Europe October 2016
Berlin, Germany
Famed landmarks and influential history; appealing cultural and culinary experiences: No wonder Western Europe tops the list of must see destinations in the world. Add some of the best museums and galleries anywhere and you have one irresistible destination for those wanting an enriching vacation!
Imagine iconic images coming to life as you travel through the beautiful countries of Western Europe. The Swiss Alps, Holland’s canals and tulip fields, French Riviera beaches and Rhineland vineyards are a few of the captivating landscapes you’ll encounter while the Colosseum, Eiffel Tower and Brandenburg Gate are amongst the sights that will amaze you.
These countries are also close to each other. With a high-speed rail system that is the envy of the world and affordable air travel, it is easy to move around these fascinating countries that offer so many wonderful experiences.
Those interested in history, art and architecture will enjoy stimulating sight-seeing every day, there is so much of importance to admire. Some of the finest museums and art galleries are found in Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Florence and the Vatican and you’ll come across significant works of art and architecture everywhere you go.
Food, wine and beer enhance your Western European vacation. Whether you want to go wine tasting in the estates of Bordeaux, tour a German brewery and sample the beer or take a cooking class in Provence or Tuscany, there’s a wealth of opportunities available. It’s easy to turn your vacation into a culinary tour with so much to try and experience in every country.
Adventurers looking for an active vacation have numerous options. From cycling along the canals of Holland to skiing in the Alps; hiking the clifftop villages at Cinque Terre to kayaking in the Pyrenees, there’s no shortage of exciting active adventures to enjoy.
River cruising is an excellent choice for visiting Western Europe. See several countries easily and conveniently with a comprehensive experience that includes informative excursions, cultural immersion and an introduction to the food and wine of your destination. See this month’s Cruising article for more.
Experience Western Europe on your next vacation for a year-round destination that has something exciting to offer every type of traveler.
On Location in PragueOctober 2016
Czech Republic
One of the advantages of a European river cruise is being able to combine Eastern and Western countries in one vacation. The Czech capital of Prague is one of Europe’s hottest tourist spots and it’s easy to add this beautiful city to your river cruise as a pre or post-cruise stopover. Jana Frintova, CEO of Patriot Travel in Prague, is here to give us the latest information on this very worthwhile vacation option.
Q: What pre and post cruise stays would you recommend for those taking a river cruise in Europe?
From Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg
We would very much suggest that we meet you at the cruise ship and take you to Prague with our driver and guide and arrive either at the evening in Prague having driven through the lovely countryside of south Bohemia and stopping in the charming town of Cesky Krumlov for sightseeing and lunch. The other possibility is to stay one night in Cesky Krumlov - when the weather is nice, it is possible to do bike trips and canoe trips there. The next day they would go on to Prague stopping at other historic places - Ceske Budejovice and/or Hluboka Castle.
It is possible to do both the above in reverse - start in Prague and drop off on the cruise ship.
From Budapest
It can be done two different ways - via Vienna or Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Once again, you can spend the night in Bratislava and then visit couple of towns - eg Trebic and/or Telc - on the way to Prague. If you spend the night in Vienna, then you go via Cesky Krumlov (described above). On the way from Budapest, they can visit Szentandre, Visegrad or Estergom in the Hungarian territory.
Q: You offer private car with driver/guide for going between European cities. Tell us more about this experience.
This is a delightful and informative way to travel! When you travel with a driver/guide instead of flying or going by train, you learn a lot from the guides about the country and places you are driven through. Of course there are always places of interest on the way where you can stop and explore. You can also experience village restaurants that are basic but with good local food which adds to your cultural experience.
Q: What special features do you offer visitors to Prague?
All clients on arrival receive a "welcome letter", small souvenir and an emergency phone number where we can be reached at any time. So I daresay the human touch and exclusive approach has always been here and will never disappear.
We are a small de-luxe family run company and we, myself or my son Jakub, still meet or at least speak with all the clients that come here. We have about 30 guides and about 20 drivers working with us.
Q: When combining a Western Europe river cruise with Prague, do you recommend people start or end their travels in Prague?
It really does not matter at all. Whether pre or post cruise, Prague, the Golden City, is a real gem and an idyllic spot to relax and explore before or after your cruise.
Q: How many days should visitors plan to spend in Prague pre or post river cruise to see it well and without rushing?
We usually recommend at least two full days but time permitting, three or more days are really better. There is a lot to do and see. The longer the better!
Q: While in Prague, what are the top sites you recommend visitors see?
- The Old Town with its narrow ancient streets,
- Prague Castle area and the Jewish Town - either in depth as a special tour or at least "touching" it during the Old Town city tour.
Either of the tours is half a day and at least one walking is recommended.
We also offer lots of one day tours out of the city.
Q: What special food and wine/beer experiences can you arrange in Prague?
We can arrange a beer tasting or wine tasting tour - or combination of the two when they are taken to restaurants and can sample local food and local beer and wine.
Q: Describe the Prague Christmas markets for those wanting to visit in December.
Christmas is a very special time everywhere and also in Prague. The main and largest Christmas market is at the Old Town square but there are lots of other small ones around the city. There’s a Christmas tree at each of them and stalls with Xmas special sweets and foods and drinks, Xmas ornaments, food, drink, souvenirs and short performances with Xmas theme and Xmas carrols. Come and experience it!
Q: What time of year do you recommend for visiting Prague?
Some people love spring, some prefer fall while July and August being school holidays has the advantage of the lack of kids in the city if that is what you prefer. I don’t recommend November, January and February but even then there is a special charm as there are not so many tourists here. Any other month is great!
Q: What is the best time to visit if you want to take in cultural events like the ballet or concerts?
Any time except July and August which are the theater holiday months. The famous concert festivals are in May and September but the offerings are very rich throughout the year. Prices are very reasonable, too.
10 European River Cruise HighlightsOctober 2016
Lucerne, Switzerland
Ah, the delights of river cruising! No wonder it has become so popular. With so many advantages and wonderful experiences to savor it’s a highly sought after way to see Europe. Take a look at these highlights that make river cruising very inviting.
Dock conveniently right in the center of town
You’re ready to step ashore and explore another fascinating European port of call as your river ship docks at the heart of cities and towns. Take advantage of the guided shore excursions included in your fare or explore on your own.
Fresh perspective on iconic landmarks
Rivers were once the main thoroughfares of the European continent. Since many significant buildings were designed to be viewed from the river, you’ll have the perfect perspective for seeing these masterpieces.
Outstanding cuisine, including local specialties
Renowned for their wonderful cuisine and excellent service, you are in for a special dining experience aboard Europe’s river cruise ships. Destination focused dining means local dishes, wine and beer are often featured on board as well as during excursions ashore.
Authentic experiences bring culture and tradition to you
Attend a range of activities aboard your river ship to learn about the culture of your destination including informative lectures, performances by local entertainers, food, wine and beer tastings. Excursions ashore also feature culture, history and cuisine.
Perfect views of the countryside
Your river cruise ship features panoramic windows giving you exquisite views of both the city and countryside. Be enchanted scenes like the hilltop castles and vineyards along the magnificent Rhine and the colorful tulip fields of Holland in the springtime.
Well- appointed staterooms and suites
Spacious and comfortable, river ship staterooms and suites are the perfect home away from home. Enjoy magnificent views from your outside stateroom while many suites have French balconies or floor to ceiling windows that can transform your room into an open-air balcony.
Enticing theme cruises
Immerse yourself in a special interest on your river cruise in Europe. Enjoy wine country cruises in the South of France and Germany’s Moselle River, beer tasting cruises on the Danube or sailings focusing on music, history, golf, wellness or art.
State of the art vessels
River cruise companies have been on a tear adding numerous sleek, modern river ships to their fleets in recent years. Designed especially for the rivers, canals and locks they manoeuvre, river ships feature the latest technology and superb public rooms.
Included and optional excursions
Your cruise fare includes a choice of excursions that show you the must see historic and cultural highlights. Additional excursions are available to purchase featuring privileged access and special experiences like cooking classes, private palace tours and after-hours events.
Inclusive pricing
What’s included depends on the company you choose but you can expect great value on a European river cruise: Some shore excursions; all meals; wine, beer and sodas at dinner and on some lines at lunch as well, specialty coffees, wifi and port charges and government taxes.
Off Season River CruisingOctober 2016
The Netherlands
Cruising is a convenient and luxurious way to explore Europe. You might want to consider visiting in the off season when there are some added advantages or in December when festive Christmas markets enhance the holiday season.
Exploring Western Europe by river ship has many advantages from all-inclusive simplicity to docking right in the heart of cities and towns. This is a vacation that offers a seamless experience and shows you Europe without contending with highways and traffic. Gliding serenely along the Rhine, Moselle, Elbe, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Duoro and Po is a whimsical experience further enhanced by fine cuisine and calls at Europe’s great cities and sights.
River cruising in the off season has added benefits. For many travelers cruising Europe’s rivers from October through December or March to May is the perfect time when there are fewer tourists and the weather is cooler for activities and sightseeing. Pricing is generally lower at these times as well.
For the holidays, Europe’s colorful Christmas markets create a joyful atmosphere which adds to the enjoyment of the season. Featuring Christmas handicrafts and cuisine, magnificent decorations and lighting, carol singing and concerts, these are markets at their finest!
Christmas market river cruises are magical! Bake gingerbread cookies with the Executive Chef, decorate the Christmas tree and enjoy seasonal music with local musicians who come aboard your ship. Shop for hand-carved toys and enjoy grilled sausages and baked treats at market stalls in medieval town squares. This is a different type of vacation and one that lets you enjoy traditional festivities to celebrate the season. Christmas markets in Western Europe open from late November to the New Year and have become very popular for holiday shopping.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year during your river cruise is another wonderful experience. Escape the rush and bustle of this time of year by relaxing aboard your river ship and visiting Europe’s glorious capitals and towns along its rivers. Be enchanted as you ring in the New Year at a palace ball in Vienna or a gala dinner and party in the south of Spain.
So why not consider river cruising as an off season option or get in the holiday spirit with a Christmas markets sailing? These are delightful ways to experience Europe that will create many unique memories.
Come Home RenewedOctober 2016
Globus
There may never be a better time travel to Europe. To walk amongst the imposing, ancient facades and stories of history. To escape to storybook settings and delight in “pinch me” moments. To return home and stroll through everyday life with fresh eyes. Now, Globus is inviting travelers to enjoy every moment of their European getaway with new vacations for 2017.
In the New Year, Globus is offering travelers more than 480 vacations to 81 countries, with even more on tap. In Europe, Globus is unveiling four (4) NEW vacations to and through Norway, Iceland, Germany & Ireland.
From Viking shops and medieval stave churches to sparkling waterfalls and cristyal blue fjords, Norway has never looked so good. On the NEW, 7-day Best of Norwayvacation, travelers will enjoy exploring Oslo, Gold, Borgund, Flåm, Bergen and more, including spending an unforgettable overnight at the historic hotel Ullensvang, nestled ideally between the Hardanger Fjord and mountains and taking a breathtaking ride on the world famous Flåm railway.
Also NEW is Globus’ 6-day Gems of Icelandtour, Globus invites travelers to discover the fiery geothermal wonders and warm hospitality of the people in the “Land of Fire & Ice.” This vacation includes a whale-watching boat cruise; walk through rift valley; marveling at waterfalls in Gullfos, Skogofoss and Seljalandsfoss while also enjoying a day at Lake Jökulsárlón.
On the NEW 9-day From Ireland’s Ancient East to the Wild Atlantic Wayvacation, highlights include time spent in Dublin, Kilkenny, Blarney, Limerick and more, including riding the Waterford & Suir River Railway before touring the House of Waterford Crystal; boating to Garinish Island; admiring thatched cottages in Adare and breathing in the the sight of the Cliffs of Moher.
Finally, in 2017, Globus is unveiling an 8-day German Vista vacation that invites travelers to follow the romantic road towards the Bavarian Alps with an overnight in a charming hotel nestled between two fairytale castles – Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein – and a night in medieval Rothenburg with its ramparts, towers, cobblestone lanes and 16th-century houses.
Also in 2017, the company continues to enhance its “Local Favorites” offerings, giving travelers access to hidden gems without hidden charges. Some Local Favorites for 2017 include:
- Visiting the Lipizzaner Stallion Stud Farm in Piber (Alpine Countries)
- Enjoying the “top of Europe” via the Jungfrau Massif (Spectacular Switzerland)
- Taking a four-wheel drive to the sand dune of Erg Chebbi (Spain, Portugal & Morocco)
- Visiting the Postojna Caves by mini-train, as well as Predjama Castle (East Meets West)
And, for value-focused travelers hoping to turn Europe travel dreams into reality, Globus’ sister company Cosmos, is offering seven (7) Europe vacations for less than $1,000 in 2017. They are:
- Irish Explorer
- Lisbon, Seville & Madrid
- Prague, Vienna & Budapest
- Best of the Netherlands
- Grand Tour of Turkey
- Discover Andalusia
- Highlights of Morocco
Cioppino Seafood StewOctober 2016
Feel free to experiment with your favorite seafood in this classic fisherman’s stew. And don’t forget to use the toasts slathered with zippy gremolata butter to soak up the flavorful broth. Bonus: This stew is great for entertaining since you can make the base a day in advance.
epicurious.com
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup packed sliced fennel
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 1/2 pound cleaned squid, bodies sliced into 1/2-inch rings, tentacles halved lengthwise if large
- 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice
- 1 1/2 cups seafood stock or vegetable broth
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1 pound littleneck clams, soaked in water for 1 hour
- 1/2 pound medium tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
- 1/2 pound skinless flaky white fish such as bass, halibut, hake, or cod, cut into 1-inch pieces
Preparation
Mince 2 of the garlic cloves. In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, fennel, celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red-pepper flakes. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is golden and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes more.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add squid. Cook, stirring occasionally, until squid is opaque and tender and the released juices reduce, 15 to 20 minutes. Add tomato paste and oregano and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
Add wine, raise heat to medium-high, and cook until cooking liquid is reduced by half, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juice, bay leaves, clam juice, and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, covered, 30 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the butter, 1 tablespoon parsley, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt together. Cut remaining garlic clove in half and rub the cut sides on the toasts. Spread the flavored butter on the toasts.
When ready to serve, heat the pot to medium and add clams, cover, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the shrimp and mussels. Arrange the fish on top of the stew, cover, and simmer until shellfish opens and fish and shrimp are firm and opaque, about 5 minutes more. Discard bay leaves and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.
Serve cioppino immediately in large soup bowls with gremolata toasts alongside.
For those who love travelOctober 2016
Azamara Club Cruises® is the ideal choice for upmarket travelers who love authentic experiences and pampered comfort too. Azamara voyages focus on Destination Immersion® with longer stays, more overnights and night touring, giving guests more time to experience the people, customs and cuisine that make each place unique. Most voyages include a complimentary AzAmazing EveningsSM event, an exclusive, bespoke evening of authentic cultural entertainment often hosted in beautiful historic venues. Guests have many choices for exciting onshore Land Discoveries®, including intimate new small-group excursions. Insider Access takes guests on private tours of ancestral homes, shops and businesses to learn about local life through stories and conversations with owners and long-time residents. Nights and Cool PlacesSM showcase dazzling experiences of local life after dark, including exclusive small-group museum tours, champagne yacht cruises with dramatic skyline views, private architectural walks, and private table service at local hotspots.
The boutique-style Azamara Journey® and Azamara Quest® feature an intimate club-like environment with a maximum of 690 guests. Azamara has earned a loyal international following and many high-profile awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Cruise Critic and others for outstanding guest service, friendly and engaged officers and crew members, and overall best voyage experience. All voyages include complimentary amenities such as select standard spirits, beers and wines, gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas, English butler service for suite guests, self-service laundry, shuttle service to and from ports (where available), and concierge service for personal guidance and reservations.
Azamara Club Cruises sails to classic and less-traveled destinations in Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Indonesia, the Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia and the Baltics, British Isles and Ireland, Western Europe, the Greek Isles, French and Italian Rivieras, the Adriatic, Holy Land, Central America and the West Indies. Most voyages are ideally suited for pairing back-to-back for grand adventures with additional savings.
In spring of 2016, both ships emerged from “major upgrades” while in dry dock, reinvigorating the onboard guest experience. The mid-size ships were outfitted with new venues, public spaces and technologies to bring fresh décor, services and amenities to guests.
Simply put, we’re the voyage for those who love travel.
The Ships
Your Home At Sea
Azamara ships are not too big (you never feel lost). And they’re not too small (you won’t run out of new things to do and new people to meet).
With a capacity of 690 guests on Azamara Journey® and Azamara Quest®, our two mid-sized ships are really just right. You’ll love the genial club-like atmosphere and the way our staff and crew get to know you. And you’ll feel the same friendliness with your fellow voyagers.
Our smaller ships also offer the big advantage of being able to sail to places larger cruise lines can’t. For instance, we sail to the doorstep of Bangkok, while other large cruise lines dock a few hours away. We sail to the city center of Bordeaux, the heart of Seville, and within a short walk to Hong Kong’s buzzing nightlife and Shanghai’s famous Bund.
Being near the center of action is much more fun, don’t you agree?
If You #Lovetravel, You’ll Love Our Revitalized Onboard Guest Experience.
With guest satisfaction feedback consistently averaging at nearly 100% and countless industry and peer recognitions from around the world, Azamara sets the bar for delivering a destination-immersive experience to all of our guests who #LoveTravel. Now, we’ve made sure our two award-winning ships raise the bar even further.
Azamara Journey® and Azamara Quest® underwent major enhancements in early 2016, as we brought the organic essence of Destination Immersion® onboard. Evocative of the lands, rivers, and beaches of the places we visit, these extensive upgrades draw their inspiration from the four elements of nature:
- Earth – A muted color palette of earth tones is incorporated throughout our ships to evoke a serene, elegant, and warm sense of home.
- Water – Azamara’s new spa suites features rain showers with ocean views, double vanities, and outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the sea.
- Air – To freshly entice the senses, we’ve introduced new open-air venues and experiences.
- Fire – Sunrises and sunsets can be relished at the new outdoor Pool Grill & Bar, followed by dazzling nights in our completely revitalized entertainment areas.
In addition, we integrated a tasteful blend of contemporary and classic designs to create new venues and public spaces, implemented new technologies, and upgraded every stateroom and suite, in addition to our restaurants and new holistic Sanctum Spa.
From bow to stern, there is no area that has been untouched. And from shore to ship, we think you’ll #LoveTravel with the newly reimagined Azamara Club Cruises®.
Accommodations
The Luxe Life
When you book a stateroom, you'll love the polished style and stellar service in your own private retreat. You'll appreciate the finer touches included in every stateroom, but it takes more than a beautiful room to elevate a voyage from "good" to "great." With Azamara Club Cruises®, you'll discover just how much professional service and a friendly attitude can add to your enjoyment.
New And Improved Luxury Accommodations... Just For You
Contemporary yet classic, stylish yet refined, our completely transformed staterooms and suites are a feast for the senses. They incorporate the use of rich woods, custom-made textiles, organically inspired accents, and a natural color scheme of blues, browns, and grays with silver accents to create a fresh and elegant feel.
We also incorporated a whole lot more.
Dining
Fabulous Cuisine For Every Taste
Azamara offers a choice of six distinctive dining options, including room service. Whether you’re a fan of haute cuisine or down-home cooking, you'll love the quality reflected in the fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and variety of menu choices.
Let’s have a taste.
Specialty Dining & Fine Wines
Azamara proudly features two specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina. Specialty dining is complimentary for suite guests (Club World Owner’s Suites, Club Ocean Suites and Club Continent Suites). For others, there is a $30 per-person cover. Reservations are highly recommended.
Discoveries Restaurant
With a wide variety of nightly selections like filet mignon with black truffle sauce, Discoveries Restaurant is a hands-down favorite for elegant yet lively dining with a renewed décor befitting the culinary heart of our ships. Reservations are not accepted, and you have the choice of being seated at a table for two or as part of a larger group of fellow guests (which is a great way to meet new people). Discoveries Bar is also a great gathering spot for drinks before or after dinner.
The Patio And Swirl & Top
While a casual “pool grill” during the day, in the evening this venue will be completely transformed into a sit-down al fresco dining experience. Fine tablecloths and flickering candles will set the mood while a reimagined menu will be served by our professional wait staff. In addition, a self-serve frozen yogurt station—Swirl & Top—is the perfect way to conclude your meal or cool off during the day with a variety of flavors and your choice of toppings.
Windows Café
Take in the fresh breeze at an outdoor table and relax in the easy and casual atmosphere of the newly renovated Windows Café. Enjoy an intimate breakfast, lunch, or dinner for two or a lively meal for six with our flexible seating options. Choices change daily and include fresh sushi, stir-frys and pastas, salads, smoked lox and other cold fish, a carving station and sumptuous desserts.
There’s more: Don’t miss our themed buffets! Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian, and other regional cuisine. Our international crew takes pride in their native cuisine and it shows.
Activities
How To Do Vacation, Azamara-Style
Vacation is a time to explore. It’s also a time to relax. Before or after a day of onshore discovery, or when sailing between destinations, we’ve got plenty of options for both.
Onboard Shopping
You’ll find a tasteful collection of merchandise and beautiful jewelry and watches in four onboard stores. Watch your daily news for specials and one-time offers that make shopping even more fun.
- The Journey Shop/The Quest Shop. Pick up sundries, casual wear and swim fashions, sunglasses, accessories, music and shipboard keepsakes. This is a great place for small gifts to take back home.
- Indulgences. Shop an exquisite selection of fine jewelry, watches, and other pieces from iconic jewelry-makers. There’s something here to delight even the most discriminating tastes.
- The Photo Shop. Stop by for camera supplies including batteries and digital memory cards. The shop displays photos available for purchase of the previous day’s events, taken by the ship’s roving photographer.
- Le Boutique. This shop offers a discrete shopping experience with a focus on fine jewelry and gifts. Located by the concierge desk, guests enjoy personalized shopping with one-on-one assistance from the concierge.
Cabaret Lounge
Enjoy live performances of professional full-stage musical revues, classical soloists, bands and other entertainment in a cabaret nightclub with a full bar and cozy tables. You could see as many as three distinctly different shows while onboard. And considering the cost of theater and entertainment tickets back home, isn’t that nice?
Casino
Test your skill, or prove to your fellow guests that beginner's luck is real. The Casino will keep you entertained with blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and three-card poker games. Group and individual gaming lessons are offered at no charge—a great way to learn gaming strategy! The Casino accepts payment by Key Card, cash, credit card, travelers’ checks and foreign currency.
Spirits
And for all you sports fans, the Spirits bar adjacent to the Casino features a flat-screen TV and full bar, making it a very pleasant place to keep up with your favorite teams.
White Night Parties
Don’t think of missing Azamara’s famous poolside buffet and party, held at least once on every cruise (weather permitting). Colorful décor and linen-draped tables, a fabulous buffet feast, and boutique wines on the house make this an event like no other. Dance late into the night as the live band kicks in after dinner.
Enrichment Programs & Classes
Add to your knowledge with a wide variety of entertaining and interesting enrichment programs. Schedules are available on Azamara TV and the daily newsletter.
Programs include:
- Seminars and lectures by Azamara’s own onboard experts, with opportunities for questions and discussion
- Port-of-call lectures focusing on destination highlights, history and culture, plus tips about lesser-known excursions in each port
- Land Discoveries® seminars to help you learn about particular excursions
- Wine tastings hosted by our sommelier
- Culinary demonstrations
- Computer classes in Excel, PowerPoint, and Photoshop available through eConnections (nominal charge applies)
Inclusions
Inclusive Amenities For All Guests:
- AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages of seven nights or longer)
- Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
- Gratuities
- Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
- Self-service laundry
- Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
- Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
Plus Additional Inclusives For Suite Guests:
- English butler service
- 235 complimentary Internet minutes per person
- One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days
- Complimentary specialty restaurants dining
- Afternoon tea service in-suite
And Even More For Specialty Suite Guests:
- Club World Owner’s and Club Ocean Suites
- Receive a complimentary Insider AccessSM or Nights and Cool Places® Land Discoveries® excursion
- Club Spa Suites
- $200 spa credit per suite
- Nights in Private Places, $395 value (one night)
- Daily delivery of healthy snacks each afternoon
Services
Look Better. Feel Better. Go Home Invigorated.
If you’ve ever wished for a week or two to reboot, this is it. Treat yourself to health, beauty, and restorative treatments in our all new Sanctum Spa. With a focus on wellness and vigor, our relaxing spa offers you the chance to focus on you—something you don’t always have time to do at home. Enjoy an oceanfront massage, a quick manicure before hitting the town to explore, teeth whitening, barber services, or even a healing acupuncture treatment.
But beyond the Sanctum Spa, Azamara is also pleased to offer a full range of complimentary onboard fitness and nutrition classes, including one-on-one personal training for an additional cost. An Azamara voyage is the perfect opportunity to focus on your health—so let us treat you to some rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
The Sanctum Spa
Staffed by professional aestheticians and therapists, the Azamara Spa is an oasis of tranquility. Choose from an extensive menu of services including:
- The Sanctum Terrace: Enter your private spa deck with a bubbling salt water bath and powerful jets that massage you as you soak up the views.
- Facial Glow services: State of the art skin care and restorative facials for men and women.
- Massage therapy: Hot stone therapy, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and other exotic massage treatments from around the world.
- Body sculpting: Renewing seaweed wraps, cellulite reduction body sculpting, lime and ginger salt glows, and more.
- Spa rituals: A selection of carefully crafted half and full-day packages including body sculpting, facials and massage for the ultimate in relaxation.
- Teeth whitening services for bright beautiful smiles.
Spa services can be purchased a la carte or in specially priced packages. Reservations are required for most services, and slots quickly fill up, so please plan ahead. Please note that an 18% gratuity will be added to your folio for all spa treatments. For a detailed description of services and pricing, please review our Spa Packages.
The Salon
Our full service salon offers a menu of professional services for men and women, including:
- Hair styling and care including cuts, coloring, highlights and color correction.
- Manicures and pedicures.
- Salon favorites: Special packages of hair and scalp renewing rituals, milk-and-honey manicures and pedicures with massages, and barbering and grooming services.
