Tourexpi
Azamara
Cruises, the small-ship cruise line celebrated for its Destination Immersion®
experiences and industry-leading number of late nights and overnights in port,
has announced the launch of Discover What the Locals Know. This enhanced
program redefines how travelers experience each port of call, offering
opportunities not only to visit but to live each destination like a local.
Dondra
Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, said:
“Travel
expectations are evolving, with a growing desire for genuine, immersive
experiences that go beyond the typical tourist view. Today’s travelers want to
connect more deeply by sharing meals where locals gather, celebrating regional
traditions, and exploring everyday life with a fresh perspective. That’s what Discover
What the Locals Know offers: a reimagined approach to cruise travel that brings
guests closer to the heart of each destination. Whether it’s walking the quiet
waterfront in Gythion, Greece, or visiting the hillside village of Şirince,
Turkey, these unscripted moments create lasting impressions, and Azamara is
proud to make them possible.”
Immersive
Cultural Highlights
Guests
sailing on Azamara’s 2026–2027 Mediterranean itineraries, running from fall
through spring, will enjoy privileged access to authentic cultural experiences,
including:
·
Florence, Italy – Join locals at the Festival
dei Popoli documentary film festival during the 7-Night Best of the
Mediterranean: Florence, Genoa & Marseille voyage.
·
Catania, Sicily – Celebrate composer
Vincenzo Bellini’s birthday on November 3rd with the Maratona Belliniana, a
citywide musical tribute, as part of the 7-Night Best of the Mediterranean:
Saranda, Catania & Amalfi Coast cruise.
·
Seville, Spain – Experience the
vibrant European Film Festival during a double overnight on the 9-Night Spain
Intensive: Valencia, Cartagena & Seville itinerary.
·
Santa Margherita, Italy – Harvest
olives alongside locals in autumn, then taste the season’s first pressings at a
family-run frantoio on the 8-Night Italy Intensive: Portofino, Florence &
Porto Santo Stefano voyage.
·
Florence, Italy – Discover the festive
Piazza del Duomo Market on the 7-Night Christmas Cruise: Florence, Mahon &
Palma, featuring handcrafted gifts, holiday sweets, nativity displays, and
choirs.
Travel
Without the Crowds
With
Azamara’s hallmark late nights and overnights in port, guests will have the
freedom to explore at their own pace, join seasonal traditions, and connect
with local communities in authentic ways. Sailing during the quieter winter
months allows travelers to experience iconic destinations without the
peak-season crowds, making for a deeper and more personal connection.
All
Discover What the Locals Know voyages are now open for booking at www.azamara.com. With this
program, Azamara strengthens its position as the cruise line of choice for
culturally curious travelers seeking meaningful, immersive journeys.
Image
Credit: © Azamara Cruises
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