Exotic Destination-Driven Brand to Sail in Europe, South America, Asia and
Around the World
MIAMI, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The launch of a new ship is a
momentous occasion for any cruise line, but Celebrity Cruises has made the
introduction of their latest liner especially significant. Today, Celebrity
not only marked the launch of a 710-guest ship which sets sail tomorrow, but
also introduced an entirely new, deluxe cruise brand: "Azamara Cruises."
Designed to offer exotic destination-driven travel experiences, Azamara
Cruises -- consisting of Azamara Journey, which sets sail May 5, and sister
ship, Azamara Quest, which enters service in October -- will present a more
intimate onboard experience, while allowing access to the less-traveled ports
of call experienced travelers want to visit.
"We created Azamara Cruises to target an area of the market that we
believe is underserved, and an area this product is ideally suited to fill,"
said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, parent
company of Azamara Cruises. "This new line falls into what we consider the
deluxe category -- a category between premium and luxury."
According to Azamara Cruises President Dan Hanrahan, who also is president
of Celebrity Cruises, "Azamara Cruises is expressly designed for travel
enthusiasts who appreciate what a cruise vacation has to offer, but are
looking for something a little different, and a little more special. And
what's special about Azamara Cruises is its distinctive combination of
impeccable service, exceptional cuisine and off-the-beaten-path destinations,
with truly immersive excursions."
Complementing the exotic Caribbean and Europe itineraries for Azamara
Journey and Azamara Quest, previously announced under the former "Celebrity
Expeditions" banner, Hanrahan today announced that Azamara Cruises'
itineraries will not only take travelers to some of the most desirable
locations in the Caribbean, but will immerse them in Asia, and even transport
them around the world. Itinerary details for Azamara Cruises' Asia and world
cruises are yet to be announced, but once finalized, the line expects to visit
more than 200 ports -- most of them new to cruise travelers -- in over 70
countries.
While delving deep into the history and culture of remote destinations
larger ships can't reach, guests sailing with Azamara Cruises also will enjoy
a more exclusive guest experience. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest offer
butler service in every stateroom and suite, as well as concierge-style
amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit, Elemis toiletries,
complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of slippers,
plasma TVs and plush European bedding.
Despite the ships' smaller size, each offers two specialty restaurants: On
Azamara Journey, the Mediterranean-influenced "Aqualina" and the stylish steak
and seafood restaurant, "Prime C." Guests staying in suites will receive two
nights of complimentary dining in one of the two specialty restaurants, while
guests in staterooms will receive one. The ships will not require formal
attire for dining, and will feature open seating in the main dining room.
Azamara Cruises also presents a wine bar with a spectacular wine cellar
offering wine and champagne tastings, seminars, and mini-pairings of food and
wine, in addition to its standard menu of fine wines by the glass or bottle.
Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest offer an enhanced emphasis on spa and
relaxation, with treatments many cruise travelers have never experienced.
Guests in suites can enjoy certain spa services in the privacy of their room.
Both ships also will offer an outdoor spa relaxation lounge and an aesthetics
suite offering acupuncture, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.
An onboard "excursion expert" will not only help guests select shore
excursions based on their personal interests, but also will serve as a
destination guide, offering information about the culture and history of each
port of call.
The Azamara retail experience onboard also will be enticing to most
experienced travelers, with its focus on fine art, sculpture, photography,
jewelry, and upscale resort wear.
Just prior to setting sail on its maiden voyage May 5, Azamara Journey
completed a four-week, approximately $19-million makeover, highlighted by the
conversion of 48 staterooms into 32 suites, a complete refurbishment of the
dining areas to create the two new specialty restaurants, an expansion of the
spa area to include an aesthetics suite, a new Sunset Bar on the aft deck, a
new art collection, Cova Cafe, entirely new carpets and flooring throughout,
new exterior decking, new paint schemes, new walls, and entirely new "soft
goods," ranging from plush European bedding to cushions, drapes and table
linens.
The name "Azamara" is a coined term, rooted in Romance language references
to blue ("aza"), the sea ("mar"), and a lesser-known word, "acamar," which, in
Classical times, was the southernmost bright star that could be seen from the
latitude of Greece. Hanrahan said the company views the new brand as "a bright
star on the deep blue sea."
Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who
desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe
ships -- Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest -- offer an intimate experience,
while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to
reach. For the 710 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea
embodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the
difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. Azamara
Cruises presents the best of Bermuda and Panama Canal/South America in 2007,
elite Asia and the most captivating Caribbean, South America and Europe in
2008, and around-the-world voyages in 2010. For more information, travel
agents are encouraged to call 1-877-222-2526. Guests are invited to call
1-877-999-9553. Or, visit www.azamaracruises.com.
SOURCE Celebrity Cruises
-0- 05/04/2007
/CONTACT: Elizabeth Jakeway, +1-305-539-6127,
ejakeway@celebritycruises.com, or Tavia Robb, +1-305-539-6721,
trobb@celebritycruises.com, both of Celebrity Cruises /
/Web site: http://www.royalcaribbean.com
http://www.azamaracruises.com /
(RCL)
CO: Celebrity Cruises; Azamara Cruises
ST: Florida
IN: LEI TRA
SU: PDT
JE
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2720 05/04/2007 13:09 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
