Azamara Cruises, the boutique line renowned for its Destination Immersion® philosophy and unmatched late-night and overnight stays in port, is charting a new course in experiential travel. The brand has announced Discover What the Locals Know—a fresh initiative designed to help guests go beyond sightseeing and instead experience destinations with the authenticity and intimacy of a local perspective.
A Deeper Kind of Exploration
Speaking on the launch, Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler emphasized how modern travelers are seeking more than postcard views:
“Travelers today want to go beyond the surface—sharing meals in neighborhood cafés, embracing regional traditions, and seeing daily life through a local lens. Discover What the Locals Know is about delivering those unfiltered, memorable experiences.”
From wandering the quiet harbors of Gythion, Greece, to exploring the artisanal hillside village of Şirince in Turkey, the program is designed to turn ordinary port calls into extraordinary personal moments.
Mediterranean 2026–2027 Highlights
The new collection will debut with Azamara’s 2026–2027 Mediterranean itineraries, spanning fall through spring. Guests can expect:
- Small-group excursions led by locals for more personal cultural connections.
- Exclusive access to European film festivals, artisan workshops, and culinary events.
- Immersive food experiences, from hands-on tastings to traditional celebrations.
- Off-peak exploration of iconic cities, with fewer crowds and greater authenticity.
Thanks to Azamara’s signature extended stays in port, travelers can join seasonal festivals, explore winter markets, and linger in vibrant neighborhoods long after most cruise guests have departed.
Experiences to Remember
Some of the standout Discover What the Locals Know opportunities include:
- Florence, Italy – Settle into a historic cinema during Festival dei Popoli to watch world-class documentaries alongside locals.
- Catania, Sicily – Celebrate Vincenzo Bellini’s birthday on November 3 with a citywide musical tribute, Maratona Belliniana.
- Seville, Spain – Attend the European Film Festival during a double overnight stay, soaking up the city’s creative spirit.
- Santa Margherita, Italy – Join the olive harvest in autumn and sample the season’s first pressings at a family-run frantoio.
- Florence, Italy (Christmas) – Wander the Piazza del Duomo Market, alive with choirs, nativity scenes, and handcrafted holiday treasures.
This evolution of Azamara’s cultural programming offers the perfect balance of connection and discovery, particularly in the quieter travel months when destinations reveal their truest character.
Booking Now Open
All Discover What the Locals Know sailings are now available for booking at www.azamara.com. With this enhanced program, Azamara continues to redefine small-ship cruising for those who value meaningful connections with the world’s most captivating destinations.
About Azamara Cruises
Azamara Cruises operates a fleet of four boutique ships—Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest®, Azamara Pursuit®, and Azamara Onward®—crafted for destination-rich itineraries. The line’s hallmark is Extended Destination Days (10+ hours in port) and overnight stays, allowing travelers to explore iconic ports and hidden gems with depth and leisure.
With Always Azamara, guests enjoy inclusive amenities such as a variety of dining venues, unlimited beverages, gratuities, cultural events, self-service laundry, and more. Azamara has earned accolades including Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, and recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the best cruise lines worldwide.
