Azamara Cruises unveils 2028 sailings designed for deeper discoveries | News
Azamara Cruises, the small ship cruise line known for its Destination Immersion® experiences and Extended Destination Days, today announced its new cruises for spring, summer and fall 2028 – one of the most ambitious and destination-focused seasons in the brand’s history. The new line-up of cruise itineraries includes 87% of in-port deployments, with more than 360 late nights and overnight stays – representing 53% of total port days – further cementing Azamara Cruises’ position as the market leader in immersive destination experiences and reinforcing its commitment to giving guests more time on shore to explore each destination outside of peak traffic and in a more authentic way.
In a major step forward for the brand’s global presence, the 2028 cruises will highlight an expanded Asia program with the most immersive offering yet. The season will be completed with 12 premier ports in Europe and Asia, where the recently completed Azamara Quest and Azamara Onward onboard renovations will take place as part of the ongoing Azamara Forward initiative.
“We continually refine our itineraries to deliver carefully curated experiences for our guests,” said Michael Pawlus, head of travel planning at Azamara Cruises. “Our country-intensive sailings in regions such as Greece and Italy remain a core part of our offering, and with the addition of Asia-focused itineraries in 2028, we are expanding the reach and depth of destinations that guests can experience during our deployment.”
Highlights of the Spring/Summer/Fall 2028 cruises include:
Expanded Asia Offering: For the first time in its history, Azamara Cruises will operate a full, immersive season in Asia, representing a bold expansion and a defining moment for the cruise line. With 33 sailings aboard Azamara Pursuit, this program introduces nine combination cruises, allowing guests to seamlessly explore multiple countries, including Japan, South Korea and China, within a single extended voyage. Select routes are carefully timed to align with more than 10 regional festivals, providing rare access to seasonal traditions, cultural celebrations and authentic local moments that bring each destination vividly to life.
Strong European Program: Europe remains a cornerstone of Azamara’s 2028 season, with 85 European cruises, including 10 Grand Voyages and 48 country-intensive itineraries (including combination cruises), offering more immersive exploration of destinations such as Greece, Italy and Croatia. Combining iconic cities with smaller, less-visited ports, the season offers a richer and more nuanced insight into the culture, cuisine and history of each region.
12 New Ports: The 2028 season introduces 12 ports across Europe and Asia, expanding access to a dynamic mix of culturally rich destinations and emerging cruise markets. Highlights include Caen, France, with a rich history and access to Normandy’s famous sights, in addition to Sokcho in South Korea, the gateway to Seoraksan National Park; Tokushima and Miyazaki (Aburatsu) in Japan, known for their coastal beauty and deep-rooted cultural traditions; and Delphi (Itea), Greece, which provide access to one of the country’s most celebrated archaeological sites. Additional Maiden Calls such as Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Dublin (Dún Laoghaire) and Liepāja, Latvia, take guests further from the well-traveled path, unlocking destinations Azamara has never visited before and deepening the spirit of discovery throughout the season.
Extensive Scenic and River Cruises: Select itineraries showcase extensive scenic cruises through some of the world’s most remarkable waterways, offering guests a rare perspective upon arrival at a destination. Routes include the Guadalquivir River to Seville, the Garonne to Bordeaux, the Seine to Rouen, the Yangtze River to Shanghai and the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City, making each journey a port experience in itself.
Specialty Cruises: The 2028 season features a curated collection of Specialty Cruises designed around iconic global events and cultural moments. Highlights include the Grand Prix routes, as well as British Open sailing around the 156th Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes, with Azamara Journey in Liverpool. These sailings offer guests rare access to world-famous sporting events and the most dynamic destinations.
Guests who plan ahead can take advantage of Azamara Cruises’ Early Booking Bonus, which offers up to 30% off if they book early. For more information and to reserve a cabin for any of the spring, summer and fall 2028 sailings, visit https://www.azamara.com/.
