57-Night Japan to Greece Grand Voyage
57-Night Japan to Greece Grand Voyage
Cruise overview
Cruise ID
AZPR250503-057
Cruise Line
Cruise Type
Ocean
Ship
Duration
57 nights
Departure Port
Destination
Athens
Departure Date
03 May 25
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Day 1
Tokyo (Japan)
About Tokyo
Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.
Day 3
Hakodate (Japan)
About Hakodate
Facing out on two bays, Hakodate is a 19th-century port town, with clapboard buildings on sloping streets, a dockside tourist zone, streetcars, and fresh fish on every menu. In the downtown historic quarter, a mountain rises 1,100 feet above the city on the southern point of the narrow peninsula. Russians, Americans, Chinese, and Europeans have all left their mark; this was one of the first three Japanese ports the Meiji government opened up to international trade in 1859. The main sights around the foot of Mt. Hakodate can be done in a day, but the city is best appreciated with an overnight stay for the illumination in the historic area, the night views from either the mountain or the fort tower, and the fish market at dawn. City transport is easy to navigate and English information is readily available. Evening departure trains from Tokyo arrive here at dawn—perfect for fish-market breakfasts.
Day 4
Otaru (Japan)
About Otaru
Otaru is a small harbor city west of Sapporo. Famous for its many hills and a nearby ski resort, the town has been an important trade and herring fishing center. A wide canal that led from the port to the old town’s warehouses has been maintained for touristic purposes and the old stone or brick-built warehouses have been beautifully converted to restaurants and boutiques
Day 5
Aomori (Japan)
About Aomori
Aomori's main event is its Nebuta Matsuri Festival,held August 2 to 7. People come to see illuminated floats of gigantic samurai figures paraded through the streets at night. Aomori's festival is one of Japan's largest, and is said to celebrate the euphoria of post-battle victory, and is thus encouraged to be noisier and livelier than you may have been exposed to in other Japanese festivals. Dancers, called heneto, run alongside the floats, dancing crazily, and you're encouraged to join in. Throughout the year you can enjoy delicious seafood from Aomori Bay, including Oma no Maguro (tuna of Oma), as well as delicious fruits and vegetables (particularly garlic). And come every summer, the town cuts loose to throw the decidedly wild Nebuta Matsuri festival, a frenzied, utterly unaccountable period when normal gets thrown to the wind.
Day 6
Niigata (Japan)
About Niigata
Niigata city is the capital of Niigata prefecture and faces the Japan Sea on the island of Honshu, the largest of the four islands that comprise Japan. With a population of 810,000, Niigata is the largest Honshu city along the Japan Sea coast. The city is located at 300 km northwest of Tokyo and the bullet train would take you there in only two hours. Niigata offers four distinct seasons throughout the year, and people may find the winter season to be the best time to visit as many people would come for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. However, you will find the place abundantly beautiful throughout the year as well. Niigata is famous for growing rice as well as fresh seafood. If you try white rice without any seasonings, you would be able to taste the difference and appreciate its flavour. Thanks to the quality of the rice, they produce great Sake in the area. If you have time, why don’t you extend your journey to one of the famous Sake Brewery?
Day 7
Toyama (Japan)
About Toyama
Day 8
Kanazawa (Japan)
About Kanazawa
The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) as a town rich in cultural achievements. Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and accordingly has been able to preserve many of the old districts in good shape. The city is famous because of Kenrokuen. Located next to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is classified as “One of the Three Gardens of Japan”. The garden has an artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted within the 11.4 hectares. It has Japan’s oldest fountain using natural water pressure and a tea-house dating back to 1774. Close by is the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District, designated a National Cultural Asset and the biggest of the Geisha districts of Kanazawa. Some of the houses not only retain the original structure, but still are used as Geisha houses. Some of the streets have traditional shops creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Kanazawa is also known for its lacquer ware, Kutani-style pottery, gold-leaf workmanship and delicately painted silk kimonos.
Day 9
Sakaiminato (Japan)
About Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato is a small city almost totally surrounded by water: the Sea of Japan to the east, the Sakai Channel to the north and Lake Nakaumi to the west. Across the lake the towns of Matsue and Yasugi offer interesting experiences. Matsue is known as the “Town of Water” next to scenic Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. It has one of the very few wooden castles that still remain in Japan. Touring the castle and boat rides on the Horikawa River and the castle’s moat are popular. Yasugi has the Adachi Museum of Art, a private museum that houses one of the finest collections of contemporary Japanese paintings, but also has a 165,000 square metres garden –with plants and rocks collected by the museum’s founder. Six different gardens show different scenarios depending on the season. These gardens have been selected as “Japan’s best garden” for several years.
Day 10
Busan (South Korea)
About Busan
White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be everyone's first image of Korea, but these are what Koreans flock to Busan for all year. And there are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour every October with the Busan International Film Festival. Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.
Day 11
Nagasaki (Japan)
About Nagasaki
Nagasaki city has developed into one of the most important port cities in Japan. During Japan’s period of isolation in the 17th century, Nagasaki played a prominent role in foreign trade relation and only a very few ports were open to restricted numbers of foreign traders. Even though Holland was a major country who conducted trading during this period, Dutch people were only allowed to stay in Dejima Island and were not allowed to have contact with the Japanese people. Today, you will still find the strong influence of Dutch and Chinese culture in the city which is very different from all other cities in Japan. In the more recent history, Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II. From the visit to Atomic bomb museum and peace memorial park, people could understand how chaotic the situation was and the agony that the people in the days have experienced from the damage inflicted by the atomic bomb. It continues to appeal to the world with their wish for world peace.
Day 12
Kitakyushu (Japan)
About Kitakyushu
Day 13
Hiroshima (Japan)
About Hiroshima
History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city too; the Children’s’ Peace Monument just north of the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan – she would recover. Sadly she died before she finished her task but her classmates finished the rest. It is impossible to ignore the events of 1945 in Hiroshima, but this is far from a depressing place. The great efforts that have been made in rebuilding of the city over the years have given Hiroshima a vibrant, eclectic edge, with the downtown shopping area and street food stalls being well worth a visit. The proximity to Miyajima and its iconic, impressive, Torii gate should not be overlooked either. If you are lucky enough to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, then the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate, means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.
Day 14
Takamatsu (Japan)
About Takamatsu
Takamatsu city is the capital of Kagawa prefecture which is Japan’s smallest prefecture. This city is a vibrant blend of natural beauty and cosmopolitan functionality with a population of 420,000 people. The port of Takamatsu used to be the main gateway to Shikoku Island until the opening of the 37km long Seto Ohashi Bridge in 1988. Takamatsu city has flourished along with the Seto Inland Sea since 17th century when Matsudaira family, the relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun, ruled this area. Matsudaira family has completed the famous Japanese “Ritsurin Garden”. It took more than 100 years to complete this spacious garden with 75 hectares of land which features 13 landscaped hills, 6 ponds and many stone arrangements that have been placed in perfect balance in front of a vast green vista of Mt. Shiun. This garden was constructed as a villa of Matsudaira family and it attracts many visitors from all over the world. Furthermore, Takamatsu is a great place to find fresh seafood, its product, and famous Sanuki Udon noodles.
Day 15
Kobe (Japan)
About Kobe
Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.
Day 16
Kobe (Japan)
About Kobe
Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.
Day 17
Kobe (Japan)
About Kobe
Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.
Day 21
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
About Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.
Day 22
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
About Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.
Day 23
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
About Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.
Day 25
Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
About Ha Long Bay
A visit to the north is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: the clearing of mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers, marine life threatened by game fishing, and garbage from passenger boats and fishing villages washed up on the shores.Beyond its geological uniqueness are activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring in their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is very much its own entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand species of plants having been recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several species of squirrel. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight with a number of fascinating trails to follow.Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Halong Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungle. Halong Bay's 3,000 islands of dolomite and limestone cover a 1,500-square-km (580-square-mile) area, extending across the Gulf of Tonkin nearly to the Chinese border. According to legend, this breathtaking land- and seascape was formed by a giant dragon that came barreling out of the mountains toward the ocean—hence the name (Halong translates into "descent of the dragon"). Geologists are more likely to attribute the formations to sedimentary limestone that formed here between 300 and 500 million years ago, in the Paleozoic Era. Over millions of years water receded and exposed the limestone to wind, rain, and tidal erosion.Today the limestone formations are exposed to hordes of tourists—but don't let that discourage you. Hundreds of fishing trawlers and tour boats share space on these crystal waters, yet there seems to be room for everyone. Most people use the main population center, Halong City, as a base from which to venture into the bay. Although it's now officially one municipality, Halong City was, until 1996, two separate towns: Bai Chay is now Halong City West, where Halong Road winds its way around the coast and past the lifeless central beach; Hon Gai is the grimier Halong City East, where a coal transportation depot dominates the center of town and covers nearby roads and buildings with a sooty film. Locals still refer to the towns by their old names, but they are now inexorably lassoed together by a bridge. Boat trips through Halong Bay are the main attraction. Little of the majesty of this region can be found in the city, so head out onto the water and start exploring. Countless 10- and 30-foot fishing boats have been converted into Halong Bay's formidable tourist-boat fleet. Hotels or travel agencies in Halong City or Hanoi can arrange boat trips for you (often they are part of organized tours from Hanoi). It is still possible to go down to the wharf and bargain yourself onto a boat for the day, but you are likely to be charged (sometimes significantly) more than you would pay for a prebooked tour, so this is not advised. Self-sufficient travelers have fallen victim to the old bait-and-switch: they've arranged a next-day boat tour with local fishermen, only to be told in no uncertain terms the following morning that they could not board their chosen boat, but they could take a different one for quite a bit more money. You may have no choice in the end. Usually travel agencies, however, have their tried-and-true favorites.
Day 26
Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
About Ha Long Bay
A visit to the north is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: the clearing of mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers, marine life threatened by game fishing, and garbage from passenger boats and fishing villages washed up on the shores.Beyond its geological uniqueness are activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring in their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is very much its own entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand species of plants having been recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several species of squirrel. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight with a number of fascinating trails to follow.Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Halong Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungle. Halong Bay's 3,000 islands of dolomite and limestone cover a 1,500-square-km (580-square-mile) area, extending across the Gulf of Tonkin nearly to the Chinese border. According to legend, this breathtaking land- and seascape was formed by a giant dragon that came barreling out of the mountains toward the ocean—hence the name (Halong translates into "descent of the dragon"). Geologists are more likely to attribute the formations to sedimentary limestone that formed here between 300 and 500 million years ago, in the Paleozoic Era. Over millions of years water receded and exposed the limestone to wind, rain, and tidal erosion.Today the limestone formations are exposed to hordes of tourists—but don't let that discourage you. Hundreds of fishing trawlers and tour boats share space on these crystal waters, yet there seems to be room for everyone. Most people use the main population center, Halong City, as a base from which to venture into the bay. Although it's now officially one municipality, Halong City was, until 1996, two separate towns: Bai Chay is now Halong City West, where Halong Road winds its way around the coast and past the lifeless central beach; Hon Gai is the grimier Halong City East, where a coal transportation depot dominates the center of town and covers nearby roads and buildings with a sooty film. Locals still refer to the towns by their old names, but they are now inexorably lassoed together by a bridge. Boat trips through Halong Bay are the main attraction. Little of the majesty of this region can be found in the city, so head out onto the water and start exploring. Countless 10- and 30-foot fishing boats have been converted into Halong Bay's formidable tourist-boat fleet. Hotels or travel agencies in Halong City or Hanoi can arrange boat trips for you (often they are part of organized tours from Hanoi). It is still possible to go down to the wharf and bargain yourself onto a boat for the day, but you are likely to be charged (sometimes significantly) more than you would pay for a prebooked tour, so this is not advised. Self-sufficient travelers have fallen victim to the old bait-and-switch: they've arranged a next-day boat tour with local fishermen, only to be told in no uncertain terms the following morning that they could not board their chosen boat, but they could take a different one for quite a bit more money. You may have no choice in the end. Usually travel agencies, however, have their tried-and-true favorites.
Day 27
Da Nang (Vietnam)
About Da Nang
Da Nang is the third largest city in Vietnam with the land area of 1283 square kilometre and the population of approximately 1million people. Da Nang is growing into one of the most organized urban area, with attractive beach front villas on the one side and Han River flowing on the other. Of the few attractions that belong to the city, Museum of Cham stands out with its rich collection of Cham artefacts. For those who crave for more outdoors activities, My Khe beach is a good place to spend time, either by yourself or with your loved ones. Da Nang is in close proximity to Hue- 3 hours North and Hoi An- 30 minutes south, which makes it a perfect stop point for those who need a break from touristy areas. Hue was once the Royal Capital of Viet Nam. The city represents the outstanding demonstration of the power of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire, including a complex of monuments, tombs and pagodas that attract tourists coming from all over the world. Hoi An has to this days well preserved its most sacred treasure, the centuries-old architecture. The town used to harbour foreign traders back in the 17-18th, and once is an important heavily-frequented trading port in Southeast Asia.
Day 29
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
About Ho Chi Minh City
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.
Day 30
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
About Ho Chi Minh City
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.
Day 31
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
About Ho Chi Minh City
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.
Day 33
Singapore (Singapore)
About Singapore
The main island of Singapore is shaped like a flattened diamond, 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south. Near the northern peak is the causeway leading to West Malaysia—Kuala Lumpur is less than four hours away by car. It is at the southern foot where you will find most of the city-state’s action, with its gleaming office towers, working docks, and futuristic "supertrees," which are solar-powered and serve as vertical gardens. Offshore are Sentosa and over 60 smaller islands, most uninhabited, that serve as bases for oil refining or as playgrounds and beach escapes from the city. To the east is Changi International Airport, connected to the city by metro, bus, and a tree-lined parkway. Of the island's total land area, more than half is built up, with the balance made up of parkland, farmland, plantations, swamp areas, and rain forest. Well-paved roads connect all parts of the island, and Singapore city has an excellent, and constantly expanding, public transportation system. The heart of Singapore's history and its modern wealth are in and around the Central Business District. The area includes the skyscrapers in the Central Business District, the 19th-century Raffles Hotel, the convention centers of Marina Square, on up to the top of Ft. Canning. Although most of old Singapore has been knocked down to make way for the modern city, most colonial landmarks have been preserved in the CBD, including early-19th-century buildings designed by the Irish architect George Coleman.
Day 34
Singapore (Singapore)
About Singapore
The main island of Singapore is shaped like a flattened diamond, 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south. Near the northern peak is the causeway leading to West Malaysia—Kuala Lumpur is less than four hours away by car. It is at the southern foot where you will find most of the city-state’s action, with its gleaming office towers, working docks, and futuristic "supertrees," which are solar-powered and serve as vertical gardens. Offshore are Sentosa and over 60 smaller islands, most uninhabited, that serve as bases for oil refining or as playgrounds and beach escapes from the city. To the east is Changi International Airport, connected to the city by metro, bus, and a tree-lined parkway. Of the island's total land area, more than half is built up, with the balance made up of parkland, farmland, plantations, swamp areas, and rain forest. Well-paved roads connect all parts of the island, and Singapore city has an excellent, and constantly expanding, public transportation system. The heart of Singapore's history and its modern wealth are in and around the Central Business District. The area includes the skyscrapers in the Central Business District, the 19th-century Raffles Hotel, the convention centers of Marina Square, on up to the top of Ft. Canning. Although most of old Singapore has been knocked down to make way for the modern city, most colonial landmarks have been preserved in the CBD, including early-19th-century buildings designed by the Irish architect George Coleman.
Day 38
Hambantota (Sri Lanka)
About Hambantota
Day 39
Colombo (Sri Lanka)
About Colombo
Sri Lanka's capital and largest city, Colombo offers fine restaurants, a buzzing nightlife scene, and good museums, parks, and beautiful Buddhist temples that are all worth visiting. The beach resort of Mt. Lavinia is only a short taxi ride from the downtown area and offers a golden, sandy beach and sunset views to die for. As an exciting blur of colors and cultures, Colombo presents a neatly packaged microcosm of this island nation.
Day 47
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
About Jeddah
Day 49
'Aqaba (Jordan)
About 'Aqaba
The resort town of Aqaba, on the Red Sea at the southern end of Jordan, is a popular spot for divers with some of the best coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and other water sports are popular, and it's easy to hire a boat for a day or half-day, including lunch.Aqaba has become quite a bustling destination, with several large luxury hotels and a large shopping area. There are many jewelry stores selling pearls, gem stones, and gold and silver jewelry. It's worth noting that although it's an international beach resort, Aqaba is quite conservative—certainly much more so than Amman—and North Americans tend to be more comfortable at the private hotel beaches.
Day 50
Safaga (Egypt)
About Safaga
Port Safago has been undergoing a transformation, slowly metamorphosing into a holiday rsort. Like other cities on the Red Sea, the commercial port town sits close to great offshore dive sites. Unlike others, however, tourist development hasn't taken off in a meaningful way. But if the mass tourism in Hurghada is a turnoff, Safaga offers a small-scale and much more low-key alternative, though the best dive sites can still be seen on a day trip from Hurghada. Safaga is also the closest beach resort to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which lies 200 km (124 mi) to the southwest; when cruise ships offer land excursions to Luxor, they often do so through Safaga.
Day 51
Safaga (Egypt)
About Safaga
Port Safago has been undergoing a transformation, slowly metamorphosing into a holiday rsort. Like other cities on the Red Sea, the commercial port town sits close to great offshore dive sites. Unlike others, however, tourist development hasn't taken off in a meaningful way. But if the mass tourism in Hurghada is a turnoff, Safaga offers a small-scale and much more low-key alternative, though the best dive sites can still be seen on a day trip from Hurghada. Safaga is also the closest beach resort to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which lies 200 km (124 mi) to the southwest; when cruise ships offer land excursions to Luxor, they often do so through Safaga.
Day 52
Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt)
About Sharm El Sheikh
The port and town of Sharm-el-Sheikh lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic position, the Sinai posed a desirable target for various rulers over the centuries. In recent times, the last battle for the Sinai was fought between Egypt and Israel from 1967 to 1979, ending with a peace treaty signed in Washington, D.C. Since the withdrawal of the Israelis, more and more Egyptians have settled in the Sinai, taking advantage of the booming tourist trade. However, vast interior regions are still sparsely populated. Many Bedouins have been affected by the advent of the 21st century, which is rapidly changing their age-old customs and nomadic lifestyle. As tourism and hotel projects continue to spring up along the Sinai coast, contact with Bedouins not involved in tourism is becoming increasingly rare. Once their nomadic life kept them on the move with their tents; today many Bedouins cultivate grain, vegetables and dates in addition to catering to the tourists. Sharm-el-Sheikh was initially developed by the Israelis during the Sinai occupation. Na'ama Bay, a short drive from the port, has grown from virtually nothing into a sizeable resort since the early 1980s. Between the two towns, a string of hotels line a once-untouched coastline. Resort hotels offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Glass bottom boat trips are available for those preferring to view the exotic marine life of the Red Sea without getting their feet wet.
Day 53
Sokhna (Egypt)
About Sokhna
Day 56
Santorini (Greece)
About Santorini
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
Day 57
Ermoupoli, Syra (Greece)
About Ermoupoli, Syra
Syros is an island in the Aegean Sea, 78 miles (125 kilometres) southeast of Athens, and the administrative, commercial, intellectual and cultural centre of the Cyclades. Syros is 32 square miles (82.8 square kilometres) in area. Its largest towns are Ermoupoli, the capital of the island and Cyclades, Ano Syros and Vari. Although Syros belongs to the Cyclades islands, its architecture is more medieval than Cycladic. The beaches of Syros are especially inviting, and surrounded by many tourist facilities and accommodations.
Day 58
Athens (Greece)
About Athens
Club World Owner's Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Our largest suites have been transformed with contemporary design elements that are both elegant and organic, with design that draws inspiration from nature—a sandy cliff, flowing river beds, exquisite white sand beaches, and rustling grasses. Enjoy a spacious living room, separate bedroom and all the amenities that come with our most luxurious suite.
Suite Features
- Spacious living room with a separate master bedroom
- Master bedroom with one queen size bed and a 40" flat-screen television
- 55" flat-screen television in living room
- Marble master bathroom with shower. Journey and Quest suites feature a tub.
- Dressing room with vanity and ample closet space
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in living room and master bedroom
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 560 sq- ft. (52 sq. m.) Veranda: 233 sq. ft- (21.7 sq. m.)
Included Suite Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine- service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet (240 minutes or 100% off the unlimited internet package)
- One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days
- Complementary specialty dining
- Complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck
Club Ocean Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
With a large living room and a separate bedroom —plus your own private veranda —your suite offers a restful retreat after your immersive experiences on land. Enjoy elegant, contemporary d6cor, and rich marble touches. You'll be spoiled by the attention to detail in these beautiful suites, and of course, all the pampering too.
Suite Features
- Spacious living room with a separate master bedroom
- Master bedroom with one queen size bed with a 55" flat-screen television
- 55" flat-screen television in living room
- Marble master bathroom with shower. Journey and Quest suites feature a tub.
- Dressing room with vanity and ample closet space
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in living room and master bedroom
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 440—501 sq. ft. (40.9-46.5 sq. m.) Veranda: 233 sq. ft. (21.7 sq. m.)
Included Suite Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24- hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet (240 minutes or 100% off the unlimited internet package)
- One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days
- Complimentary specialty dining
- Complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck
Club Spa Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Located next to the tranquil Sanctum Spa, our newest suites are the ultimate in contemporary design, comfort and pampering. With easy access to the Spa, open decks, swimming pool and our great restaurants, the Club Spa Suites surround you with organic, elegant décor, and the finest, most soothing amenities. Suites feature comfortable sitting area, daily delivery of healthy snacks, Frette plush robes and slippers, and in -room spa music. For the ultimate in serene surroundings, the spacious glass-enclosed spa soaking tub and separate rain shower bring the outside in, with views to the endless seas beyond. The perfect place to get away from it all, without being far from anything.
Suite Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one queen size bed
- Spacious glass-enclosed bathtub
- Separate rain shower
- Comfortable sitting area
- 55" flat-screen television in sitting area
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 414 sq. ft. (38.5 sq. m.) Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)
- Priority embarkation and debarkation
- Complimentary Internet (240 minutes or 100% off the unlimited internet package)
- One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days*
- Complimentary seating in the specialty restaurants dining
- Complimentary in-room spirits
- Complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24- hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Club Continent Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Spacious and comfortable, our Club Continent Suites feature fresh new décor inspired by natural elements. With two beds convertible to a queen, a cozy sitting area, breezy balcony and refreshed bathroom with a bathtub or shower, this is your wonderful, refined home away from home.
Suite Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one queen size bed
- Spacious and comfortable sitting area
- 55" flat-screen television in sitting area
- Roomy bathroom with shower. Some also feature a tub.
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 266 sq. ft. (247 sq- m.) Veranda: 60 sq. ft- (5.6 sq. m.)
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet (240 minutes or 50% off the unlimited internet package)
- One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days*
- Complimentary specialty dining
- Complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck
Suite Guarantee
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Spacious and comfortable, our Club Continent Suites feature fresh new décor inspired by natural elements. With two beds convertible to a queen, a cozy sitting area, breezy balcony and refreshed bathroom with a bathtub or shower, this is your wonderful, refined home away from home.
Suite Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one queen size bed
- Spacious and comfortable sitting area
- 55" flat-screen television in sitting area
- Roomy bathroom with shower. Some also feature a tub.
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 266 sq. ft. (247 sq- m.) Veranda: 60 sq. ft- (5.6 sq. m.)
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet (240 minutes or 50% off the unlimited internet package)
- One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days*
- Complimentary specialty dining
- Complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck
Club Veranda Plus Guarantee
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Introducing a new way to see the world with Azamara@. With our Club Veranda Plus Staterooms, enjoy spectacular ocean and destination views, plus a host of guest-favorite amenities—all at a great value. Everything you love about our Club Veranda Staterooms is included, plus extra perks and amenities to elevate your time on board.
Stateroom Features
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Sitting area with 40" flat-screen TV
- Mini -bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.) I Veranda: 46—64 sq. ft. (4.3-6 sq. m.)
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine- service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet (120 minutes or 25% off the unlimited internet package) per guest
- One free bag of laundry service per stateroom, every seven days
- One night of complimentary specialty dining for two, every seven days
- Priority embarkation and debarkation
- Complimentary in -room spirits
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Introducing a new way to see the world with Azamara@. With our Club Veranda Plus Staterooms, enjoy spectacular ocean and destination views, plus a host of guest-favorite amenities—all at a great value. Everything you love about our Club Veranda Staterooms is included, plus extra perks and amenities to elevate your time on board.
Stateroom Features
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Sitting area with 40" flat-screen TV
- Mini -bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.) I Veranda: 46—64 sq. ft. (4.3-6 sq. m.)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine- service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet (120 minutes or 25% off the unlimited internet package) per guest
- One free bag of laundry service per stateroom, every seven days
- One night of complimentary specialty dining for two, every seven days
- Priority embarkation and debarkation
- Complimentary in -room spirits
Veranda Guarantee
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Refreshing sea breezes and stunning destination views come standard in our staterooms that offer your own private veranda. Greet the day with room service on your balcony, or toast to another stunning sunset. Polished touches and professional service perfectly compliment the warm, friendly attention you'll receive from our staff and crew.
Stateroom Features
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Sitting area with 40" flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.) I Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Club Veranda Stateroom
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Refreshing sea breezes and stunning destination views come standard in our staterooms that offer your own private veranda. Greet the day with room service on your balcony, or toast to another stunning sunset. Polished touches and professional service perfectly compliment the warm, friendly attention you'll receive from our staff and crew.
Stateroom Features
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Sitting area with 40" flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.) I Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)
Included Stateroom Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Club Oceanview Stateroom
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Revel in the polished style and stellar service of your own private retreat, boasting a modern and contemporary décor. Enjoy picturesque ocean views outside your window, and all the finer touches included in every stateroom.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Some staterooms feature sofa bed
- 40" flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- • 143 sq. ft. (13.3 sq m)
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
Oceanview Guarantee
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Revel in the polished style and stellar service of your own private retreat, boasting a modern and contemporary décor. Enjoy picturesque ocean views outside your window, and all the finer touches included in every stateroom.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- Some staterooms feature sofa bed
- 40" flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- • 143 sq. ft. (13.3 sq m)
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh -cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
Club Interior Stateroom
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Explore the world in comfort and luxury in this stylish, elegant stateroom featuring all the amenities of a boutique hotel at sea. Relax with plush cotton robes and slippers, 24-hour room service, and more.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- 40" flat-screen television
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m.)
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Interior Guarantee
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Explore the world in comfort and luxury in this stylish, elegant stateroom featuring all the amenities of a boutique hotel at sea. Relax with plush cotton robes and slippers, 24-hour room service, and more.
Stateroom Features
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed
- 40" flat-screen television
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m.)
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
Azamara Pursuit
The launch of Azamara Pursuit® in 2018 opened the seas to maiden ports, new itineraries, and the opportunity to provide our guests with even more unforgettable, unique, and immersive experiences than ever before. Like our sister ships, Azamara Pursuit offers some of the most extraordinary adventures on Earth, to places you’ve always dreamed of. Or, perhaps, only just heard about.
New-to-Azamara destinations include Antofagasta (Chile), Lima (Peru), and the Beagle Channel—and those are just some of our South American maiden destinations. Not only do we now take you to 15 unique ports and a whole host of bucket-list locales, but we also stay longer in each one, so you have more time to experience the world’s many wonders in a truly AzAmazing way.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 18 | ||||||||||
| Width | 25 | ||||||||||
| Length | 180 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 690 | ||||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||||
| Language | en-US | ||||||||||
| Crew Count | 408 | ||||||||||
| Deck Count | 8 | ||||||||||
| Refit Year | 2018 | ||||||||||
| Cabin Count | 345 | ||||||||||
| Launch Year | 2001 | ||||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 30277 | ||||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 20 |
Deck 11
- Sun Deck
- Shuffle Board
Deck 10
- The Living Room
- Card Room
- In Touch
- Elevators
- Table Tennis
- Jogging Track
- Prime C Speciality Dining
- Aqualina Speciality Dining
Deck 9
- The Sanctum Terrace
- The Sanctum
- Fitness Center
- Salon
- Elevators
- Pool Bar
- Swirl & Top
- The Patio
- Windows Cafe
- Sunset Veranda
Deck 8
- Club World Owner's Suite
- Club Continent Suite
- Club Balcony Plus Stateroom
- Club Balcony Stateroom
- Club Interior Stateroom
- Elevators
Deck 7
- Club World Owner's Suite
- Club Ocean Suite
- Club Balcony Plus Stateroom
- Club Balcony Stateroom
- Club Oceanview Stateroom
- Club Interior Stateroom
- Elevators
- Self Service Laundry
Deck 6
- Club World Owner's Suite
- Club Ocean Suite
- Club Balcony Plus Stateroom
- Club Balcony Stateroom
- Club Oceanview Stateroom
- Club Interior Stateroom
- Elevators
Deck 5
- Discoveries Restaurant
- Discoveries Bar
- Mosaic Cafe
- Indulgences
- The Pursuit Shop
- Photo Shop
- Spirits
- The Den
- Cabaret Lounge
- Shore Excursions
- Cruise Again
Deck 4
- Guest Relations
- Medical Facility
- Concierge
- Club Oceanview Accessible
- Club Oceanview Stateroom
- Club Interior Stateroom
- Club Interior Accessible
At Azamara® we take you to remarkable destinations. We also give you more time to fall in love with them. It’s what we call Destination Immersion® experiences, and it's what happens when you can stay longer and experience more local life and culture in every port.
But Destination Immersion® experiences don't just happen on shore. They happen onboard, too. What does that mean for dining with Azamara®? We incorporate the flavors of a destination into our food and drink menus. What does that mean for you? An exclusive, local, and personalized culinary experience. It’s time to get a real taste for travel.
NEW VEGAN MENU
Plant-based diet? Now there’s a menu just for you – available at Discoveries, Prime C, and Aqualina.
JOIN US ON A CULINARY JOURNEY.
Feel on top of the world as you dine in luxury and elegance at our specialty restaurants. We invite you to the top floor to dine at Prime C and Aqualina with these fabulous reduced-price packages.
Featuring an exceptional range of choice from Chef’s Table meals to five-course menus paired with the sumptuous wines, these fine dining experiences are hosted by a senior officer or special guest. From lobster bisque to crème brûlée, savor a heavenly experience at a down-to-earth price.
Aqualina
Experience: cover
Food: italian
At Aqualina, you’ll find some of Italy’s most authentic dishes. Pastas made from scratch, traditional and authentic recipes, and scrumptious vegetarian dishes that make sure there’s something for everyone. Savor a traditional Spaghetti Bolognese, enjoy a classic Antipasti or a hearty Fisherman’s Soup or an Eggplant Parmesan to a Rigatoni Pomodoro with fresh veggies. You won’t be able to say no to our famous desserts: Sorrento lemon liqueur mousse, hazelnut chocolate soufflé and more. Our chefs love to be inspired, so after an on-shore visit to a local market, you can also expect a delectable dish so local, you’ll feel like you’re not onboard anymore.
Specialty dining is complimentary for suite guests. For others, there is a $30 per-person cover. Reservations are highly recommended.
Prime C
Experience: cover
Food: surf_turf
Your choice of steak, cooked to perfection. Herb-coated rack of lamb, duck confit and Chilean sea bass—all paired with savory sides. At Prime C, you’re in for more than delectable dining. Expect an great evening with stunning views and lush décor.
Discoveries Restaurant
Experience: complimentary
Food: varies
Discover the world through dishes and flavors from the places we visit. Whether it’s our Destination Immersion dinner buffet or the Destination Immersion cuisine on our dinner menu, give your dining a little local flavor and enjoy on shore tastes onboard! Of course, you will also enjoy a wide variety of nightly selections such as filet mignon with black truffle sauce. With its elegant yet lively dining and renewed décor, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is a hands-down favorite, the culinary heart of our ships. Gather at Discoveries Bar for drinks before or after dinner.
Reservations are not accepted. Choose being seated at a table for two or as part of a larger group of fellow guests (which we highly recommend! It’s a great way to meet new people).
The Patio and Swirl & Top
Experience: complimentary
Food: casual
Casual “pool grill” by day. Then, fine tablecloths and flickering candles will set the mood for a sit-down al fresco dining experience by night. Taste your way around the world with exclusive personalized dishes using local flavors of the places we visit on our Destination Immersion® cuisine dinner menu served by our professional wait staff. And for a little touch of whimsy, a self-serve frozen yogurt station—Swirl & Top. With a variety of flavors and your choice of toppings, it’s the perfect way to cool off during the day or end your evening meal.
Windows Cafe
Experience: complimentary
Food: buffet
Our daily themed dinner often takes its inspiration from the region we’re visiting—Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian. We also create an extra live station made from local ingredients purchased in port: Greek salad made with local feta (Greece), pasta prepared with local mushrooms (Italy), fresh Mussels served with garlic bread (Netherlands).
Mosaic Cafe
Experience: cover
Food: cafe
Comfortable and stylish, Mosaic is the place where you’ll find your favorite coffee drinks, just the way you like. Try our Nespresso specialty coffee (for a fee). Slip into a comfortable seat and sip for a while. The perfect place to start (or end) your day, no matter where you are in the world. This just might become your favorite area on the ship.
The Wine Cellar
Experience: cover
Food: wine
You’ll be hard-pressed to find such a collection of limited production, small label and rare vintage wines anywhere on the high seas! And with vintages from France to California, and Argentina to South Africa, you’re sure to find a wine to suit your palate. And your journey. Our knowledgeable sommeliers can help you pick the perfect wines for your evening meal—and your voyage!—and be sure to join our Wine Corner gatherings in the Mosaic Café, perfect for discovering and enjoying new wines and benefiting from the thoughtful guidance of our sommelier.
Room Service
Experience: cover
Food: room
The best time for room service? Whenever you say it is, 24-hours a day.
Order from the full breakfast menu between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM, and we’ll deliver at your appointed time. Lunch and dinner room service features a menu of hearty soups, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and desserts.
A cozy nook to sip coffee. An intimate space to raise a glass and celebrate. A lively setting to catch the latest shows and international entertainment. Watch the world go by, drink in hand from any of Azamara’s bars, lounges, and gathering spaces. From port to port, our onboard venues are the perfect place to unwind after a day of onshore discovery, to connect over drinks both before and after dinner, or take in a one of a kind show. And, with Azamara’s Beverage Packages you can indulge in a superb collection of fine wines, premium spirits, and more—without reaching for your wallet.
Discoveries Lounge
Located just outside Azamara’s main restaurant, this congenial bar is a favorite gathering place for pre- and post-dinner conversation and drinks. Bar service includes a full selection of fine wines, mixed drinks, and premium spirits…plus the entertaining banter of Azamara’s friendly bartenders.
The Drawing Room
This library is one of the quiet jewels of Azamara, a peaceful and beautifully appointed space for reading or relaxing after dinner. Browse the collection and feel free to borrow the library books. Or simply relax in the tranquil atmosphere. But our library goes beyond just paper, we have interactive digital tabletops so you can make your own postcards and post to social media to share your adventures with the folks back home. The library is also home to our impressive Inspiration Center—a digital way to explore the world with Azamara and gain inspiration for your next voyage.
The Drawing Room turns into a gorgeous dining room on the evening of the elegant Best of the Best dinner for Owner’s Suite guests.
Mosaic @ Night
Our onboard coffee corner may very well become your favorite nook on the ship. And with elegant and comfortable furniture, it's bound to be one of the the most stylish places, too. You'll find all your favorite coffee drinks and you can order them just the way you like. We recommend that you slip right into a comfortable seat and sip for a while—you never know who'll walk by.
Cabaret Lounge
Enjoy live performances of professional full-stage musical revues, classical soloists, bands and other entertainment in our Cabaret Lounge featuring a full bar. You could see as many as four distinctly different shows while onboard. And considering the cost of theater and entertainment tickets back home, isn't that nice?
The Living Room
The idea of the Living Room is just that. To “live in” and to enjoy time with friends and fellow guests! Much of the room is furnished as a living room, with clusters of large comfortable chairs and sofas....
Card Room & In Touch
On the starboard side of the Living Room, guests will find the Card Room for those who love a round of Bridge or other games. Four computers and interactive table tops are available for guest use during the voyage.
The Den
The Den features a flat-screen TV and full bar, making it the perfect place to unwind with friends, watch sports events or simply sit around the tall tables and exchange stories with fellow guests. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail while our cocktail pianist every evening tickles the ivories and entertain you with soothing background music. The energy usually picks up later in the evening, so stick around and enjoy a fun night with your travel companions.
Onboard Fun
A little friendly competition is healthy. Unwind with our stellar selection of onboard activities aimed at stoking your inner competitor. Go head-to-head with friends and other ship guests with a collection of tournaments that include darts, ping pong, soft archery, shuffle board and more. Test your pop culture knowledge at trivia, your luck at bingo, or hone your creativity with arts & crafts. From line dancing classes to Q&A sessions—and everything in between—the greatest fun happens to be at sea.
Guest Entertainment
Imagine an authentic slice of the Big Apple on board your boutique hotel at sea. The Cabaret Lounge features amazing entertainers in an intimate, engaging atmosphere. It all makes for one inspiring Broadway experience. But it doesn’t stop there. Add in a few magic tricks, a little bit of comedy and unique instrumentalists, and you have something to delight everyone.
Live Music
What better than live music before – or after – dinner. From our cocktail pianist in The Den (Spirits Bar on Azamara Journey), to our Quartet in the Living Room, there is music for every taste. Our five-piece band will entertain you prior to show time every night. Throughout the evening you can enjoy a myriad of music genres, even on request. Then, of course, late night in the Living Room is when the DJ features great dance music and the occasional karaoke night. ABBA night is our biggest party night where you can channel your inner dancing queen (or king). Not to be missed whether you are an ABBA fan, or not.
White Night
Join Azamara officers and crew for our signature dinner and entertainment event hosted al fresco on the pool deck (weather permitting). With an array of delicious food and engaging entertainment, your White Night experience will almost certainly be one of the most memorable times from your voyage. And don’t forget to bring something white to wear for the evening.
Local Entertainment
Most of us travel to experience local culture and entertainment. When possible, we bring a piece of the destination onboard with local dance troupes, musicians and singers. Through their performances you get a glimpse of the sights, sounds and moves of the destinations without leaving the ship.
AzAmazing Evenings
Local life really comes alive after dark, and we’ve crafted immersive experiences that help you discover the genuine spirit of your destination. Be dazzled by stunning performances under the twinkling lights of La Croisette in Cannes. Soak in the opulence of a symphony performance in St. Petersburg. Or, be mesmerized by an evening of traditional dance along the Saigon River in Vietnam.
The Pursuit Shop
It's one-stop shopping in The Pursuit Shop. Apparel, sundries, handbags, candies, souvenirs and lots more await. If you find that you forgot to pack something, chances are you'll find it in The Pursuit Shop.
Indulgences
Aptly named, Indulgences will satisfy your desires for the finer things in life. If you are looking for designer jewelry, it's the perfect place to window shop or to find that extra special purchase.
Photo Shop
Our photographers capture both fun and professional photos throughout the voyage, whether it is your portrait, or photos of the destinations you visit. You can also find an assortment of supplies for your own photographic endeavors.
Sunset Bar
Adjacent to Windows Café, the Sunset Bar is a welcoming outdoor patio with covered and open -air seating, and a bar. It's the perfect place for dining alfresco, enjoying a refreshing drink, taking in the sights of your favorite port, or simply watching the world sail by.
Pool Bar
Our Pool Bar serves refreshments while enjoying the Pool during the day, and cocktails of your choice in the evening.
The Pool
While spending daytime sun-drenched and relaxed by the pool, don’t think of missing Azamara’s famous White Night party held at least once on every cruise (weather permitting). Colorful décor and linen-draped tables, a fabulous buffet feast, and boutique wines on the house make this an event like no other. Not to forget the fun and fast-paced show our entertainment team puts on.
Sun Deck
This deck is available for guests enjoying the sun and views from high up. It is also a beautiful vantage point for sunsets (or sunrises), and a quiet stroll at night. For those who love shuffle board, this is the place to go.
Performances
Our playbill features a variety of amazing performances to keep you entertained while onboard. Sit back and enjoy your evenings on a high note with our onboard entertainment.
Club Crooner
Step into a swanky nightclub as the great songs of the most magnificent artists come alive on stage. From classic crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, to current songbirds such as Natalie Cole and Michael Bublé, there’s a song for every time and everyone. Enjoy a beverage, sit back, and be serenaded by the melodies of our lives with CLUB CROONER!
Wanderlust
Get ready to be transported to the world’s most beloved travel destinations in one exhilarating night. As we explore all four seasons in a new city, travel along with our dynamic Signature Singers & Dancers as they sing and dance their way through an eclectic mix of music from around the world. Come and experience WANDERLUST
IMAGINE – The Music That Defined a Generation
Join your Azamara Signature Singers and Dancers as they celebrate the music that inspired a generation in Imagine. From artists such as Janis Joplin and Credence Clearwater Revival to the Temptations and Tina Turner. This evening is all about the music! Sit back, relax and enjoy the nostalgia that is IMAGINE!
Oh, What a Night
Things are shaking up on Azamara, as the cabaret lounge transforms into an az-amazing dance hall. You’re invited to join the fun and take a stroll down memory lane as we celebrate the classic hits from artists such as Elvis Presley, The Drifters, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Sam Cook and more! This will sure be OH, WHAT A NIGHT!