Cruises in Europe have been a far dream for most of us during the past few years. Answering the demand for European river and ocean cruise demand now is Azamara – the upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences. The petite cruise line is unveiling 84 Europe itineraries across its four-ship fleet for 2024. And, of those 84 new itineraries, 53 are “Country Intensive” voyages with over 50% of port calls being a late night or overnight, allowing guests ample time to dive deeper into the local culture and hidden gems of an individual country. 

Azamara launches a video series last month, “Lens of a Local,” with a focus on immersive excursions that can experience from a local’s perspective on an Azamara voyage. “Lens of a Local” is design to “Change the Way you Sea,” according to the cruise line marketing literature. 

The series tells the stories of local artisans around the globe, providing insight into local traditions and crafts, which Azamara guests can partake in through the cruise line’s immersive shore excursions. The video series is design to inspire guests both prior to sailing and during their travels. It feature firsthand accounts — from a gondolier in Venice, Greek dancers in Crete, to a perfumer in Florence for instance and is running on Azamara’s social channels. 

Cruises in Europe: 2024 Itineraries

Azamara’s 2024 cruises in Europe itineraries will feature stops in unusual ports including:

Taranto, Italy: A maiden port for Azamara, this historic spot tuck away in the Puglia region is often referr to as the capital of the ancient Magna Grecia and is home to the Ilva steelworks, one of the largest in Europe.

Hamburg, Germany: After many years of absence, Azamara returns to this seafaring hub is known as “the gateway to the world” and offers incredible entertainment at the famous Elbphilharmonie, stunning architecture, and bustling nightlife.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Azamara has only visited this vibrant port once before and will return to offer travelers the opportunity to explore the city’s multi-cultural cuisine, stunning Red Sea shores, one-of-a-kind coral reefs, and more.

Trollfjord, Norway: Being the largest ships able to navigate this narrow fjord, Azamara’s fleet offers the rare opportunity to visit this natural wonder, surrounded by steep-sided mountains and steeped in history. The unspoiled environment is a thriving habitat for various species of birds and sea animals.

Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland: Azamara will visit Scotland’s capital during the annual Military Tattoo, allowing travelers to witness this special series of military tattoos perform by British Arm Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

Cruises in Europe: Itineraries with a Focus on Golf 

Azamara is also expanding the company’s longtime exclusive partnership with leading provider of international golf tours, PerryGolf, to offer the most Cruises in Europe golf sailings to date with some15 departures available to book in 2024. Highlights include:

Azamara Quest’s 12-Night British Isles Intensive Golf Voyage & The 152nd Open at Royal Troon: Beginning in Dublin, Ireland and concluding in Edinburgh, Scotland, this itinerary is beautifully balanced with such famous city experiences as Liverpool, Belfast, Glasgow and Dundee plus exceptional golf at world renown and highly rever venues around the British Isles such as Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Royal Dornoch, Royal County Down & Royal Portrush. Guests will also have the opportunity to attend the final two days of The 152nd Open at Royal Troon with PerryGolf.

Azamara Pursuit’s 12-Night South Africa Intensive Voyage: 

This Country Intensive voyage allows guests to see more of South Africa’s vibrant ports, exotic safaris, golden beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests have the option to play five rounds of golf at East London Golf Club, one of South Africa’s favorite championship venues for decades; Pearl Valley, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course set in the famous Franschhoek Wine region; and more.

Azamara Journey’s 16-Night New Zealand & Australia Voyage: Travelers will discover natural wonders, Indigenous cultures, and extraordinary wildlife on this journey from New Zealand to Australia, sailing through the spectacular Milford Sound. PerryGolf offers six rounds of golf at some of the most renown courses in the region, including the #1 course in New Zealand, Cape Kidnappers, as well as the second oldest course in New Zealand, Christchurch Golf Club.

Azamara Quest’s 9-Night Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Voyage: Beginning in beautiful Buenos Aires and concluding with an overnight in spirite Rio De Janeiro, this sailing includes a round of golf at the Olympic Golf Course in Rio, site of golf’s 2016 return to the Olympic Games. Travelers can also add on a post-voyage land program to visit the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.

Cruises in Europe

To anchor in that Cruise in Europe for 2024, Azamara guests can take advantage of the Early Booking Bonus with the 2024 European cruise sailings. This offer only recently debute to include 20% off select 2024 European voyages, a $300 Onboard Credit, unlimited Wi-Fi for one device, and a Premium Beverage Package. 

Travel Intel
Author: Travel Intel

Travel Intel scours the globe to keep readers in the know. Posting every business day with news, reviews and information travelers can use.