Azamara Cruises Brings Biggest-Ever Season to Australia & New Zealand in 2027/2028

Azamara Cruises has announced a blockbuster return Down Under, with Azamara Pursuit sailing an extended Australia and New Zealand season for 2027/2028 that’s set to arrive earlier and stay longer than ever before. Kicking off in August 2027 via Hong Kong and sailing right through to April 2028, Azamara Pursuit will offer a record 23 itineraries and introduce new ports for savvy Aussie travellers to explore.

New Ports & Local Festivities

The highlights of the upcoming season are two exciting maiden calls — Fraser Island (K’gari), world-renowned for its stunning sand scenery and freshwater lakes, and Gladstone, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland’s history. There’s also a special two-night stay in Hobart across New Year’s Eve, celebrating everything from Tasmania’s iconic Taste Festival to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race festivities.

Guests can look forward to Azamara’s celebrated return to Brisbane and a sweeping New Zealand round-trip itinerary, uncovering more of both countries’ hidden gems than ever before.

Victoria Chigwidden, Azamara’s Australia & NZ Sales Director, sums it up: “The extended 2027/2028 season — including new ports, longer stays, and more local sailings — reflects our genuine commitment to this region. We’re thrilled to welcome Azamara Pursuit for the longest ever season and can’t wait for Azamara Onward to join in early 2028.”

Authentic Travel Experiences, More Time to Explore

Azamara is famed for its Destination Immersion and Extended Destination Days, and its new itineraries build on that legacy. The 2027/2028 summer (southern hemisphere) and winter (northern hemisphere) season runs from 16 October 2027 to 28 April 2028, boasting 87 cruises with over 150 late-night departures and 60 overnight stays. This gives you more time to discover local favourites — whether sipping wine in Hobart after sunset, exploring New Zealand’s wine country, or soaking up the jazz in New Orleans long after the crowds go home.

Six brand-new maiden ports are on the cards: Fraser Island, Gladstone, Bimini (Bahamas), Algiers (Algeria), and Brazil’s Sao Francisco do Sul and Paranagua. Plus, rare itineraries in Egypt are timed for the region’s most pleasant months, with ports including Alexandria for easy access to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

Combinable Itineraries for Ultimate Flexibility

Azamara will offer more pre-combined cruise options than ever: 30 unique combinations, spanning journeys like the Asian cherry blossom trail with a 28-night adventure blending Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan, or extended routes with up to 20 ports aboard one trip.

Beloved destinations also get a revisit, with long-awaited returns to Porto Belo and Rio Grande (Brazil), Sandakan (Malaysia), New Orleans (USA), and Coron (Philippines). Expect immersive shore excursions and memorable moments unique to each destination.

Book Early – Score Big Savings

Travellers planning ahead will enjoy Azamara’s Early Booking Bonus: 30% off all newly released itineraries and up to US$4,500 (~AU$6,837) in bonus value, thanks to Always Azamara inclusions.

Whether you’re chasing rare adventures, authentic experiences, or simply want more time ashore, Azamara’s new season is designed with Australian and New Zealand travellers in mind—and with a small-ship, local-first vibe that sets every journey apart.