Azamara Cruises will make its Australian debut this December, when Azamara Quest docks in Darwin on Monday, 28 December.

The boutique cruise ship carrying 686 passengers will be in Darwin for a day, as part of 16-night itinerary sailing from Bali to Cairns over Christmas and New Year. Azamara Quest has guests onboard from nearly 20 countries, who are looking forward to Azamara’s renowned destination immersion experiences. The AzAmazing event in Darwin will treat guests at Crocosaurus Cove, where they meet the world’s largest reptile collection of nearly 200 saltwater crocodiles.

The cruise liner is optimistic about their growth in Australia – their third largest market, and also announced deployment for two seasons, with Azamara Journey coming for the first time in 2017 and Azamara Quest returning in 2018.

“Since its inception in 2009 our destination-focussed cruise line has proved very popular with Australian cruisers in Asia and Europe – so we are delighted to finally welcome Azamara Club Cruises to Australian waters for the very first time.’

“Azamara offers a cruise experience unlike any other brand sailing in the region. Guests sailing onboard Azamara Quest will have longer or more overnight stays in some of the most unique and interesting destinations around Australia and New Zealand. We also treat guest to a signature, complimentary AzAmazing Evening event during each cruise that showcases the destination. While onboard, guests receive exceptional and personal service and more included extras such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, coffees, gratuities and self-service laundry,” said Adam Armstrong, regional commercial director.

Departing Darwin at 10pm, Azamara Quest will continue her voyage with calls at Thursday Island, Cooktown and Port Douglas. The ship will also sail three local itineraries as part of her maiden season from Cairns, Sydney and Auckland until February 2016.