In the landscape of premium ocean travel, Azamara Cruises consistently sets the bar with its Destination Immersion® concept and Extended Destination Days. The just-announced 2026-2027 season continues this legacy, featuring a new portfolio of 66 diverse itineraries, plus eight extended Grand Voyages stretching 35 nights or more. In an era when travellers crave both depth and variety, Azamara responds with cruises spanning five continents and introducing fresh angles on popular destinations—an enticing proposition for those looking beyond the average itinerary.
Grand Voyages: A Multi-Continent Exploration
One of the defining features of Azamara’s updated schedule lies in its Grand Voyages, spanning 35 nights or longer and traversing multiple regions. While many lines offer extended routes, Azamara’s small-ship format grants in-depth exploration in each port. Guests might embark in Canada, cross the Atlantic, and wind up in Australia—or journey from the iconic harbours of Buenos Aires all the way to the sunlit shores of Miami, absorbing wide-ranging cultures and climates along the route. Rather than a race across continents, these voyages integrate leisurely days at sea, immersive shore excursions, and exclusive onboard events like AzAmazing Evenings.
With these extended itineraries, travellers can cultivate profound connections to each locale, whether that means strolling centuries-old streets in Europe without summer tourist crowds or indulging in local markets in Asia’s dynamic cities. The presence of the same passengers over multiple weeks fosters a sense of camaraderie, a “floating community” that evolves together. For those who see travel not as ticking boxes but as a gradual deepening of perspective, Azamara’s Grand Voyages redefine what it means to sail the globe.
Wintertime Europe: New Perspectives on Familiar Destinations
A highlight of the new schedule is Azamara’s decision to offer winter cruises in Europe for the first time. Instead of the usual summer throngs, travellers can savour beloved port cities minus the peak-season crush. Imagine wandering the quiet cobblestones of Seville’s old quarter, stepping inside a centuries-old cathedral without queuing, or lingering in a café as local life carries on unhurried. Certain voyages even include the chance to sail up the Guadalquivir River, possible only with smaller vessels, culminating in a double overnight in Seville’s city centre.
This approach to winter Europe reveals a side of the continent often overlooked: cooler weather, festive illuminations, and the chance to witness cherished customs that flourish outside the hustle of the warmer months. From discovering hidden gems in Lisbon’s narrow alleys to attending seasonal festivals in Mediterranean towns, guests can connect with local cultures on a more intimate footing. Azamara’s signature small-ship advantage complements winter’s ambience, allowing docking in central locations typically out of reach for bigger vessels. The result is a trip that feels refreshingly authentic, spotlighting Europe’s quieter charms.
Return to China: Reviving East Asia’s Cultural Riches
In addition to venturing into wintertime Europe, Azamara is once again setting course for China, offering a deeply immersive look at a region loaded with cultural significance and dramatic contrasts. Guests might glide into the heart of Shanghai on a small-scale ship, a rarity in the world of cruising, enabling them to disembark near world-famous architecture and spirited street life. Shore excursions, likely to include immersive options, could encompass everything from tasting hand-pulled noodles in a hidden alley to witnessing the grandeur of the Forbidden City or strolling atop ancient sections of the Great Wall.
This renewed focus on China underscores Azamara’s desire to bridge diverse corners of the globe. Unlike itineraries that skim the surface, these voyages emphasise staying power in port, facilitating midnight city tours or extended day trips into hinterlands where local heritage endures. By combining such inland explorations with the comfort of a floating hotel, travellers experience East Asia’s contrasts at a relaxed but engaging pace—a hallmark of Azamara’s approach to world cruising.
Special Inclusions: Value and Experience Merge
Alongside these enthralling routes, guests booking early can seize an Early Booking Bonus, reaping a 20% fare reduction and a perk-laden Experience More Essentials Package for Veranda stateroom or Suite bookings. Such packages can sweeten the journey, bundling daily onboard credits, free Wi-Fi, and perhaps a premium beverage package. Unlike promotions that offer freebies of uncertain value, Azamara’s approach strives to merge savings with genuinely enriching aspects of the cruise. This synergy ensures travellers can focus on meaningful additions such as local tours, epicurean adventures, and curated events, rather than micromanaging incremental onboard costs.
The line’s Always Azamara principle also demonstrates how small, inclusive touches—such as beer and wine throughout the day or self-service laundry—enhance the sense of convenience and hospitality. With fewer hidden charges, travellers can roam the ship and the cities they visit, confident that their overall experience remains central. As a result, each day unfolds more naturally, letting guests immerse in conversations with fellow cruisers or partake in spur-of-the-moment activities that capture the spirit of each port.
For those enticed by Azamara Cruises’ new winter 2026-2027 schedule, the Cruise Planner provides an indispensable resource. Through it, travellers can tailor their journeys—selecting Grand Voyages, wintertime European getaways, or explorations in China that best align with personal interests.
The planner simplifies the booking process, enabling easy integration of shore excursions, inclusive packages, and stateroom upgrades for a holistic, stress-free holiday.
Begin Your Global Cruise Adventure with S.W. Black Travel
At S.W. Black Travel, we excel in transforming travel aspirations into expertly curated sea voyages. Whether you’re inspired by Azamara Cruises’ extended explorations, eager to uncover a less-crowded Europe in winter, or envisioning a cultural immersion in China’s bustling cities, our experience ensures an effortless path to booking.
Get in touch with a travel adviser to plan a future holiday where small-ship intimacy and captivating itineraries converge, bringing the world closer on every level.
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