AZAMARA SHIPS GETTING MAKEOVER

Azamara Journey

If you want your cruise to be a little more intimate than what the 6,000-passenger megaships offer, the two "boutique" ships run by Azamara Club Cruises may be just your ticket. With a capacity of just under 700, plus crew, the Azamara Journey and Quest can provide a more personalized vacation, as well as visit ports the big ships can't.

Last week it was announced both ships are scheduled separately to enter drydock in 2012, where each will receive a shipwide facelift and a new profile with a new dark-blue hull. Here are the details from the press release:


"Shipwide renovations will include new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks. The Casino Bar also will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center will be refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements will be made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area to add to the comfort of the cruise line’s most valuable asset.

"On the culinary front, guests onboard will soon enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus – Italian, French and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, guests will be able to purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee.

"Azamara Quest will spend eight nights in drydock at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, starting Nov. 7, 2012. With renovations complete, the ship will then sail a 13-night Madeira and Canary Islands voyage, beginning November 15, followed by a four-night Spanish and Northern Africa voyage on November 28. The ship then departs on December 2, to embark on a 16-night, trans-Atlantic voyage to Rio De Janeiro for its South America season.

"Following, the Azamara Journey will enter Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard on Jan. 6, 2013, for a seven-night renovation drydock. The Journey will then continue its Asia season with a 13-night Indonesia voyage round-trip from Singapore on January 13.

" 'Azamara Club Cruises is offering up-market travelers more of what they love about our brand,' said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. 'Our distinctive destination-immersion proposition and the warm and authentic personal service from every staff and crew member have really resonated with up-market travelers. Guest satisfaction has consistently pushed 100 percent, and we are going to continue to deliver travel in a way that will surmount all guest expectations – on land and on board.' "