Azamara Launches “Destination Immersion Elevated”
Azamara Voyages is raising the bar with a revolutionary initiative designed to redefine the concept of immersive travel: it’s called “Destination Immersion Elevated,” and it is much more than a simple expansion of the existing offerings.
Destination Immersion Elevated is a bold declaration of intent, an ambitious project aimed at transforming every port of call into an authentic, profound, and memorable experience by combining the sophistication of life onboard with a deeper connection to the destinations visited.
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The company, long recognized for its carefully curated itineraries and meticulous attention to detail, is significantly expanding its portfolio: from six special itineraries currently available, it will increase to twenty-two by 2026, including three exclusive cruises dedicated to the solar eclipse. Additionally, twenty-five new ports and thirty-three intensive country-focused itineraries will be introduced, reinforcing Azamara’s commitment to offering the longest time ashore among all cruise lines. In fact, more than half of the time spent in port will be overnight or late evening stays, a choice designed to allow guests to truly discover the culture, customs, and evening magic of the places visited.
For Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Voyages, this new initiative represents a natural evolution of the company’s philosophy, aimed at strengthening the authentic bond between travelers and destinations. Destination Immersion Elevated was created precisely to deepen this connection by offering a richer, more meaningful experience through enhanced culinary offerings, an expanded onboard program, and even more engaging shore excursions. The new onboard experiences fully reflect this vision: evenings at sea will transform into immersive events inspired by the countries visited, featuring themed dinners under the stars, local artistic performances, and storytelling that brings to life myths, traditions, and folklore from the cultures encountered along the journey.
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Equally innovative is the culinary approach. The main dining venues’ menus will be enriched with over 150 new regional dishes, crafted by expert chefs from countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France. Food thus becomes not only a pleasure but also a tool for cultural exploration—a bridge connecting the ship to the destination.
Onshore, the experience becomes even more intense. Azamara has planned over 13,500 new shore excursions for the 2025-2026 season, including 246 night tours or overnight experiences, bookable up to eighteen months in advance. This allows guests to customize their travels with greater flexibility through itineraries designed to offer authentic encounters, deep cultural immersion, and privileged access to sites typically off the beaten tourist path.
One of the most anticipated innovations is the Curator’s Collection, a selection of unique experiences curated by the team behind the renowned AzAmazing Evenings. These new offerings, led by local experts, promise to take travelers to the authentic heart of each destination, delivering unforgettable moments and lasting memories.
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With Destination Immersion Elevated, Azamara Voyages does not merely refresh its offerings but redefines the very way of traveling by sea. The project marks a significant step forward in experiential tourism, giving guests the opportunity to engage with every destination not as spectators, but as true protagonists involved in rich, authentic, and thoughtfully crafted experiences.
In an era where the desire to travel increasingly comes with a search for meaning and authenticity, Azamara positions itself as the company able to meet this need. Destination Immersion Elevated is an invitation to discover the world with new eyes, through unique itineraries and moments that go beyond the simple idea of a vacation.
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