Destination Immersion Elevated: Azamara Cruises Redefines the Art of Immersive Travel

If you’ve always believed that a cruise should do more than just whisk you from port to port, then Azamara Cruises is about to knock your socks off. Renowned for its pioneering approach to Destination Immersion® and Extended Destination Days, Azamara is now taking immersive travel to a whole new level with its latest initiative: Destination Immersion® Elevated.

A New Chapter in Immersive Travel

Picture this: stepping off a small-ship cruise and finding that you’ve got more than just a few hours to explore. With this upgraded programme, Azamara is set to more than triple its specialty voyages from 6 to 22—yep, you read that right. And that’s not all: the innovative new initiative also heralds the introduction of 3 Solar Eclipse cruises in 2026, while offering an impressive 33 Country-Intensive voyages and 25 new ports during 2025-2026. With a whopping 51% of port time scheduled as late nights or overnights, you’re guaranteed deeper exploration, meaningful connections, and an authentic dive into the local culture.

As CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler puts it, “Destination Immersion® Elevated has been designed to deepen our guests’ connection to the places we visit. With an enhanced culinary programme, increased onboard activities, extended shore excursions, and more, we’re once again delivering richer, more meaningful experiences.” It’s clear that Azamara isn’t just about ticking countries off a list—it’s about truly getting under the skin of each destination.

Onboard Experiences: Dining, Stories & Cheers

One of the highlights of this elevated programme is the brand-new onboard programming that brings the destination to life:

• Destination Events: Imagine the pool deck transformed into a vibrant alfresco dining area on voyages of nine nights or longer, where you can tuck into an elaborate buffet of regional dishes and enjoy local live entertainment—from traditional music to captivating cultural performances. It’s a bonzer way to start your evening!
• Daily Destination Entrées: Azamara is spicing things up with over 150 new locally inspired dishes across its main dining venues. For all 2025 European voyages, expect menus curated by top chefs from Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Whether it’s Portuguese seafood stews or Japanese wagyu tataki, you’re in for a culinary treat.
• Stories Under the Stars: Get cosy by the pool deck during these fireside-style sessions led by one of over 250 Destination Speakers. They’ll regale you with local folklore and myths, accompanied by s’more-themed desserts and a bit of spiked hot chocolate—a truly magical experience under the Aussie night sky.
• New Beverage Offerings: Thirsty? Azamara’s rolling out a curated selection of regional wines alongside 21 Destination Beers. Now, you might get a taste of an Aussie brew or savour sips from the Caribbean, all as part of the premium beverage package.

Shore Excursions: Own the Night

But the immersion doesn’t stop onboard. Azamara is massively expanding its shore experiences with over 13,500 Elevated Excursions available for the 2025-2026 season. Embracing their motto to ‘own the night’, there are a fresh 246 evening and overnight tours on offer—allowing you to plan your adventures up to 18 months in advance. Whether you’re after exclusive cultural encounters or the chance to explore a new city after dark, these excursions put you right in the centre of the action.

For those looking for something truly extraordinary, the new Curator’s Collection is a must. These exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, curated by the same team behind AzAmazing Evenings, offer intimate excursions led by local experts—giving you unparalleled access to the heart of each destination.

And to top it all off, Destination Immersion® Elevated brings more complimentary, one-of-a-kind cultural engagements than ever before. With 34 new AzAmazing Evenings—the most in Azamara’s history—guests can expect intimate, authentic moments that you’re unlikely to stumble upon on your own.

The Final Word

With these enriched offerings both onboard and ashore, Azamara Cruises is setting a new benchmark for destination-driven cruising. For travellers keen on exploring the world with depth, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences, Destination Immersion® Elevated isn’t just a cruise programme—it’s a revolution in how we travel.

So, if you’re ready to exchange the ordinary for an immersive adventure that will let you connect with the people, flavours, and stories of each destination, Azamara has your next dream holiday all mapped out.

Pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to be immersed—this is cruising as it should be. Cheers to exploring the world, the Azamara way!