By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critic’s, Azamara joined the industry ranks in 2007 as Azamara Cruises. Don't really know if any new money will come from commercial loans or loans from Sycamore which may need to be repaid. The company announced Tuesday that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara luxury cruise line to well-known private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Years indicate year of entry into service with Azamara Cruises. Azamara Journey is one of eight R-class ships now owned by three luxury cruise lines, and which to this day are very popular. Dance late … She was built in 2000 for Renaissance Cruises as R Six.After the bankruptcy of Renaissance Cruises, she sailed for Pullmantur Cruises who renamed her Blue Star in 2003 and Blue Dream in 2005. Azamara joined the industry ranks in 2007 as Azamara Cruises. Since July 2005, the ship was called the Blue Dream. In 2009, luxury cruise industry veteran Larry Pimentel -- an executive with 25 years of experience working with lines such as Cunard, SeaDream and Seabourn -- took the helm. From the beginning, Azamara differentiated itself from other upmarket cruises through longer stays in ports and more overnights. Azamara is one of those rare examples of a cruise line that is indeed unlike most others in the industry. Every travel entity says they are different from their competitors but, sadly, few actually are. Celebrity took on Journey and Quest -- both former Renaissance Cruises ships known among cruise fans as "R ships" -- with plans to fold them into its Celebrity Xpeditions sub-brand, but then changed its mind. With only two ships in their fleet, it is easy to overlook Azamara but, as I learned, there is strength in keeping things small. With itineraries touching each of the seven continents, this deluxe cruise line makes sure you can see the world when you choose Azamara Club Cruises. In 2017, the line introduced its Cruise Global, Connect Local shore excursion program, which divides land experiences into Taste Local (culinary tours and restaurant visits), Bike Local (cycling tours), Meet Local (cultural exchanges with local families and residents) and Nights Local (evening outings). Check itineraries, photos and ratings from 119 travelers. They have three ships all holding around about 700 passengers. An Azamara ship. Plus, with the newest addition to our fleet—the Azamara Pursuit SM —you’ll have even more choice in immersive voyages that … And Jim Beam White Label, which is what is referred to on the Azamara list, is abysmal. Royal Caribbean Group RCL recently reached a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara brand to a private equity firm focused on consumer, retail and distribution investments. Price Per Night: $297.42 (USD) ... Next, leave the urban energy of Rio behind for the white sand beaches and chic shopping of Buzios-known as the Brazilian Saint-Tropez.After a night at sea, it’s on to Salvador de Bahia, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Azamara was founded in 2007 as a sister-line to Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. All of their ships are what is known as R-class ships and they were originally built for Renaissance cruise lines. Azamara Journey is an R-class cruise ship owned and operated by Azamara Club Cruises. Countries include New Zealand, Mexico, Norway, Japan and Spain. Royal Caribbean Group Sells Popular Cruise Line, Mandatory Vaccines and More (Video), MSC Cruises to Restart Cruising in the Mediterranean From Sunday; Costa Delays Until March, More Ship Sightings: Updates on Cruise Ships Worldwide. Mostly this information is confidential and will only be known by Azamara … Don’t think of missing Azamara’s famous poolside buffet and party, held at least once on every cruise (weather permitting). Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey and Azamara Persuit were among Royal Caribbean Group's smallest ships, carrying around 700 passengers, … In 2013, it went even further with its AzAmazing Evenings, which provide special experiences that travelers wouldn't ordinarily get to do, like attend a classical music concert at Ephesus. And they’re not too small (you won’t run out of new things to do and new people to meet). As a luxury cruise line, Azamara is known for small ship cruising and with a maximum of 700 guests in 351 staterooms on its new ship, the experience feels exclusive and intimate. Due to illiquidity turned Renaissance Cruises end of September 2001 the operation and the R Six was launched mid-2003. Azamara operates in the upmarket mid to small ship cruise category, so they compete with lines like Oceania, Viking cruise line and lines like Windstar. From 2006, the ship was used by Pullmantur. When Are Cruise Lines Around the World Expected To Resume Service? Royal Caribbean Group is selling one of its four cruise lines — Azamara — to a New York-based private equity firm. Photo: Azamara. Learn about Māori culture. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the parent company of Pullmantur, transferred the Blue Dream on 15 December 2008 its new subsidiary Azamara Cruises, where it was renamed Azamara Journey; and since then with her sister ship Azamara Quest, the former R Seven, and since 2018 with her sister ship Azamara Pursuit, the former R Eight, is used worldwide for cruises. Royal Caribbean is selling its Azamara cruise line for $201 million while cruises in the US remain docked during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company announced Tuesday. Plus, with the newest addition to our fleet—the Azamara Pursuit SM —you’ll have even more choice in immersive voyages that … Azamara is a premium line that offers some generous inclusions, however, is not all inclusive. Azamara is perfect for the sophisticated traveler looking for genuine cultural experiences. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The vessel looks spanking new following its 2016 refurbishment. Azamara Pursuit will become the third luxury cruise ship to be welcomed into the beautiful fleet of Azamara Club Cruises in 2018 after a complete refurbishment. She was built in 2000 for Renaissance Cruises as R Six. Sycamore Partners, the private equity firm purchasing Azamara in cash, will own the cruising brand and its fleet of three ships after the purchase is completed by the end of the quarter. When Azamara first entered the market in 2007, it struggled to make its mark in the deluxe cruising niche. Azamara Journey is an R-class cruise ship owned and operated by Azamara Club Cruises. Azamara ships are not too big (you never feel lost). It competes with other upmarket cruise lines such as Oceania Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises. Azamara. Azamara Review (Updated 2019) Azamara operates a fleet of small, intimate ships that perfectly match its country club designs. A Guide to Cruise Line Parent Companies, Azamara's AzAmazing Evenings: An Exclusive Glimpse Into Local Culture. Continue Reading Below The sun has set on the Royal Caribbean Group’s ownership of the luxury Azamara cruise line, as the … Gross register tonnage is 30,277, with a capacity of 694 passengers (double occupancy), plus 390 crew members. The price, which is … Azamara was founded in 2007 and has quickly earned a glowing reputation in the cruise industry. In 2015, the Azamara Journey and the Azamara Quest were the ships used by television presenter and biologist Nigel Marven for his UKTV documentary/travel program "Cruise Ship Adventures with Nigel Marven", during which Nigel showed areas with outstanding wildlife that can be visited in popular cruise destinations.[5]. The Azamara deal is the latest shakeup in a list of cruise industry disruptions amid the COVID-19 … Bon voyage, Azamara. Pimentel introduced a raft of changes with an emphasis on creating more immersive itineraries and, in a nod to the true luxury players, making the overall product more inclusive. Their collection of worldwide itineraries will showcase 41 maiden ports in 2020, from lesser known parts of Italy to cosmopolitan cities along the African coast and the ruggedly beautiful.. Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://www.wsj.com/articles/royal-caribbean-to-sell-azamara-luxury-cruise-line-for-201-million-11611063900, "MJM Putting Final Touches on Azamara Pursuit Conversion", "Reasons To Cruise Blog - Cruising Tips For First Timers", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Azamara_Journey&oldid=1001574707, Articles needing additional references from January 2021, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, two propeller shafts and two fixed pitch propellers, This page was last edited on 20 January 2021, at 08:38. Azamara is cruising into the new year with a resolution to discover more pockets of our incredible planet. In September 2017, the line announced plans to take another "R ship" -- Adonia from P & O -- and transform it into Azamara Pursuit, which launched in March 2018, allowing the company to expand its ports of call and add new itineraries. Azamara ships are not too big (you never feel lost). Royal Caribbean To Keep Quantum of the Seas in Asia, Cancels Ship's 2021 Alaska Season. It is a known fact that more and more cruise lines are working to bring bigger and better ships in the coming years. Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World”, Miami cruise port is the largest and busiest in the world and is part of PortMiami’s 518-acre site. Go deeper, explore new depths, and gain new perspectives with an immersive, intimate voyage that takes you beyond the initial layers of a city. Voyager of the Seas and-Explorer of the Seas - Often known as the South Pacific Sisters, both of these family-friendly fair-weather cruisers will be based in Australia for the season. "They are so distinct they deserve a line of their own.". Ship: Azamara Journey. Formerly known as Azamara Club Cruises, the “Club” moniker is meant to suggest “country club,” and that really is the kind of feeling you get on board. Adalberto Roque/AFP via Getty Images. Azamara is a cruise line brand famous for its vessel, Oasis of the Seas. The Azamara Pursuit is an enrichment to the Azamara fleet and fits seamlessly into the cruise line's luxurious concept. Its two ships (Quest and Journey) started out as part of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, after parent company RCCL acquired the Spain-based cruise line Pullmantur and transferred the two ships from Pullmantur to Celebrity. There is a very obvious focus put on the ships themselves in the industry. Azamara Pursuit (previously R Eight, Minerva II, Royal Princess and Adonia) is a cruise ship operating for Azamara Club Cruises. You’ll enjoy complimentary dining in the main dining room along with a couple of options for casual dining and snacks, standard alcoholic beverages throughout your voyage, and one exclusive AzAmazing Evening event shoreside on most journeys. The well-known quality and professionalism quickly gave this brand a loyal regular audience. Māori culture is a vital part of New Zealand’s identity and no trip to the … Coming to Azamara Club Cruises, it not only has magnificent ships in its fleet, but also focuses a lot on the destinations it covers. (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Pullmantur and Azamara.). After the bankruptcy of Renaissance Cruises, she sailed for Pullmantur Cruises who renamed her Blue Star in 2003 and Blue Dream in 2005. Gross register tonnage is 30,277, with a capacity of 694 passengers (double occupancy), plus 390 crew members. The ship was built in 2000 by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, the sixth ship of the comprehensive eight ships "R-Class" for Renaissance Cruises shipping company and was named R Six. The ship is able to access ports not visited by larger vessels. A Guide to Cruise Ship Spa Accommodations, Small Cruise Ship Charters That Won't Break Your Bank, Who Owns My Cruise Line? Colourful décor and linen-draped tables, a fabulous buffet feast, and boutique wines on the house make this an event like no other. She was then chartered to the cruise line Pullmantur Cruises and use of this under the marketing name for Blue Star Cruises (but not yet officially renamed). The Chief Operating Officer of Azamara, Carol Cabezas, has explained the sale of Azamara to a private equity firm, Sycamore Partners, with increasing the value of the cruise line’s product and driving the brand forward. After the purchase closes, Azamara may or may not need cash depending on their current situation. There is great value in smaller cruise ships and the more I thought about it, th And they’re not too small (you won’t run out of new things to do and new people to meet). Our Azamara British Isle Cruise By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert www.dreamdestinations.com It has been quite some time since I wrote a blog about ocean cruising. The ship was sold in early 2001 to the Cruise Company Invest. Both Journey and Quest underwent major refurbishments in 2016. If you walk into a bar here and the well bourbon is Jim Beam White, you should just walk away. Also in 2017, Azamara introduced Country Intensive Voyages, itineraries focused around ports in just one country, so cruise travelers can get an in-depth look at one destination. Jim Beam Black Label, on the other hand (likely not available across the pond), is a magnificent bargain. This ultra-modern and ultimately luxurious cruise line believes cruising is “the only way to see the world” and prides itself on providing you with an intimate travelling experience , both on land through its unique Destination Immersion® policy , and also on board its 3 opulent vessels. 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