Azamara Cruises is bringing back its extensive Azamara Ashore pre- and post-cruise land initiative, which was first unveiled in 2019.
“At Azamara, we aim for every trip to transcend mere visits; it’s about forming genuine connections with the locations we explore and the individuals who inhabit them,” stated Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. “The reintroduction of Azamara Ashore is a direct response to our guests’ desires for richer, more engaging experiences that enable them to linger longer in each locale and interact with it in a more relaxed, unhurried manner.”
Initially debuted in 2019 as one of the most comprehensive pre/post land initiatives available, the program saw significant scaling down when cruising resumed following the COVID pandemic. With this re-launch, Azamara is unveiling 17 new pre- and post-cruise land initiatives from 2026 to 2028 – six of which are brand new for 2026 – bringing the total to 84 core experiences across Africa, Oceania, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. All these plans are carefully crafted for Azamara, with 37 being entirely unique and exclusive to the brand.
Travelers can select from seamless “Hotel Stays” that streamline arrivals and departures with optional transfers and comprehensive logistics management; immersive “City Stays” that provide two-night cultural adventures in every turnaround port worldwide; and expanded “AzAmazing Journeys,” which offer three to six nights of deeper discovery in dream destinations.
Agents earn a 10% commission on all three programs.
Noteworthy highlights within the brand’s AzAmazing Journeys options include:
Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park w/Micato Safaris: Guests can discover South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, featuring a safari exploration through Chobe National Park.
Machu Picchu, Cusco & Hiram Bingham Train with Coltur Peru: Guests will delve into Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Peruvian Andes, connecting with master artisans and immersing themselves in the rich history of the ancient site. The experience concludes with a journey aboard the famed Hiram Bingham train.
Wondrous Cappadocia with Tura Turizm: Guests will benefit from small-group access and extended visits to the Hagia Sophia, alongside learning about traditional pottery and carpet craftsmanship in the area, all while enjoying premium cave-style lodging.
New for 2026, Azamara has teamed up with the luggage shipping company Ship&Play to facilitate smoother pre- and post-cruise travel. Clients have the option to transport their luggage door-to-door from their home or a reliable carrier location directly to their stateroom or hotel, ensuring delivery is timed perfectly before or after the cruise. As an extra benefit, individuals who book an AzAmazing Journey or City Stay package will receive a $50 per person luggage voucher when arranged in advance, making the travel experience lighter, more convenient, and entirely stress-free from beginning to end.
Fonte: Travel Market Report
